| 24-70mm |
$1,247 average price |
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Buy the Pentax 24-70mm f/2.8 ED D FA HD SDM WR
(From Pentax lens literature) Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation has announced a 24-70mm high-performance K-mount lens for PENTAX digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. The HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR lens offers a versatile focal length range and weather-resistant design that makes it ideal for a wide variety of applications -- from wedding, portraiture and sports, to nature, landscape and travel. Its large f/2.8 constant maximum aperture reduces the need for a tripod in low-light conditions such as sunsets and indoor scenes while producing a desirable, soft defocus effect on the background throughout the entire focal-length range.
The new lens is compatible with full-frame, 35mm image sensors, making it usable with both current and future-model PENTAX DSLRs. It effectively provides a 24-70mm focal-length range with full-frame 35mm image sensors (a PENTAX full-frame DSLR body is currently in development), and a 37-107mm range with current PENTAX K-series APS-C bodies.
"We've built our new 24-70mm lens to meet the rigorous demands of pro photographers for speed, sharpness and performance," said Jim Malcolm, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. "With its versatile focal length and constant f/2.8 aperture, we expect this to be the 'go-to' lens for many Pentaxians."
By incorporating three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) optical elements and four aspherical optical elements, the lens assures sufficient light levels even at the edges of the image field, and compensates for various aberrations to deliver fine-detailed images, rich in contrast and resolution. All elements are treated with a high-grade, multi-layer High-Definition (HD) coating that enables higher light transmittance and less reflection than conventional multi-layer coatings, providing high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight.
Weather-resistant construction with customized seals effectively prevents water intrusion into the lens interior. When paired with a weather-resistant PENTAX DSLR camera body, it assures superb performance in demanding conditions, including rain, mist or snow, or in locations prone to water splashing or spray.
Other noteworthy features include a built-in Supersonic Direct-drive Motor (SDM) that provides quiet, high-speed autofocus (AF) operation; the PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus system, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera's AF system for fine tuning; and a zoom lock lever to prevent the accidental extension of the lens barrel when pointed downwards.
The HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8ED SDM WR lens will be available in October 2015 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1299.99.
Pentax 24-70mm f/2.8 ED D FA HD SDM WR
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Pentax K - Black
Pentax 24-70mm f/2.8 ED D FA HD SDM WR User Reviews
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Weather resistant. Good build. Useful focal range. Good all round IQ. Accurate auto focus. Good keeper rate. Not as heavy as I feared.Compared to limited lenses big and heavy (although not as big as some modern 24-70mm zooms). Corner sharpness wide open at 24 could be better.
I held off buying one of these until about 6 months ago. I like shooting with primes mainly and I have a DFA 28-105 for weather resistance. But sometimes I end up with lugging around several primes and reluctant to swap between them too often (so sometimes miss a better shot). So I was curious about this lens and got a refurbished lens for a decent price.
reviewed June 17th, 2025 (purchased for $630)
I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised by it. Compared to the DFA 28-105, you have a wider angle available (useful), a faster aperture and better bokeh potential. Even better it doesn't act like a dust pump like my DFA 28-105 seemed to (typically ended up with sensor dust after shooting some outings with it).
The corner sharpness at 24mm focal length is not very sharp wide open (stopped down a couple of stops they sharpen up and more than usable for landscapes) but otherwise IQ is very good.
But overall the best thing is about the 24-70 is the "keeper ratio" I'm getting with it - I seem to be getting a higher number of acceptable images from each outing. I don't think its due to just one thing but a combination of good all round IQ, fast enough aperture and accurate auto focus.
