Pentax announces new 35mm lens

[i speak in math]

PENTAX also announced the smc PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL, standard lens designed exclusively for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This new lens is versatile enough to be used with a wide range of subjects and applications for high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness.
It is a perfect choice for digital SLR beginners to familiarize themselves with the basics of using interchangeable lenses.

The PENTAX DA 35mm F2.4 AL lens also will ship in October for $219.95 USD.
More information is available here: www.pentaximaging.com and product images are available
here: Press Image Vault An information video is available here:
www.pentaximaging.com/pentaxian1



smc PENTAX DA35 mm F2.4 AL FACT SHEET

Versatile, easy-to-use standard lens
Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this standard lens offers an angle of view equivalent to a 53.5mm lens in the 35mm format for a natural, comfortable perspective similar to the naked eye for a variety of subjects and applications, including snapshots, landscape and portrait.

High-quality image description
Incorporating a hybrid aspherical optical element in its optics, this lens delivers high-quality images with enhanced sharpness and contrast, from minimum focusing distance to infinity, and assures exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges (even at an open aperture) while effectively compensating various aberrations to a minimum. It is treated with the PENTAX-original Ghostless Coating to minimize the adverse effects of flare and ghost images, assuring true-to-life images even under demanding conditions such as harsh backlighting.

Large maximum aperture
With a maximum aperture of F2.4, this lens offers a bright, clear viewfinder image and allows the photographer to use faster shutter speeds under poor lighting conditions to minimize the risk of camera shake and subject shake.

Compact, lightweight design
The compact, lightweight design makes it highly maneuverable in various shooting conditions and easy to carry anywhere

Additional features:

High-performance optics designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras and optimized for the characteristics of digital images

Minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters

PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface to repel dust, water and grease

[MattG]

It's nice to see a cheap, beginners prime lens added to the line up. Not sure it's one for the purists, but it's a nice cheap addition to the kit lens for those joining pentax and not wanting secondhand lenses IMHO.

[mad editor]

My! A new lens I'll be able to afford. I usually buy used lenses.

[i speak in math]

msrp is $220 but street prices should be even lower. I expect $190 or so. And there is a lot of talk about this being based off the FA 35mm f/2 design which was a great lens. My problems with it would be the liberal use of plastic, plastic mount and lack of quickshift focus. I'll probably be skipping this one, personally.