Pentax Unveils DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] Zoom Lens

Pentax has introduced a new 14x zoom lens for its digital SLRs. The smc Pentax DA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3ED AL [IF] offers the same 76- to 6.5-degree angle of view as a 27.5mm-383mm lens on a 35mm camera. The lens incorporates two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two aspherical elements to minimize optical flaws, and offers a close-focus distance of 1.48 feet at any focal length. Its maximum magnification is 0.28x, and it can stop down to f/45 at the long end or f/22 at wide angle. Relatively compact despite its range, the 16-ounce optic takes a 62mm filter.

The lens will be available in October 2007 for $499.95.