Introduction

Pentax will ship the latest compact, lightweight 4x zoom DA lens for use with digital SLR cameras in June. Announced at the PMA trade show in February, the smc Pentax-DA 50-200mm F4-F5.6 ED is developed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras for both mid-range telephoto pplications and serious long-range applications. The lens will be available at $300...
Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX KAF-mount digital SLR cameras, the new lens offers 4X zoom coverage in the telephoto range. Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format).
As with all DA-Series lenses, this DA 50mm-200mm features a responsive ?Quick-Shift Focus System? that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring. Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves operability.
The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction. The image circle in DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance.
The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.