New High-Zoom Pentax Lens

September 21, 2010: Concurrent with the announcement of the K-5, Pentax has released details of its new high-zoom-ratio standard zoom lens, the smc Pentax-DA18-135mm f/F3.5-5.6 ED AL[IF] DC WR.
Designed exclusively for the company’s DSLR cameras, the new lens covers zoom ratio of approximately 7.5 times, with a range equivalent to 27.5mm wide angle to 207mm telephoto in 35mm format. Despite its high zoom ratio, it has been designed to be compact and lightweight, making it a versatile lens for everyday use. Weather-resistant construction enables it to withstand rain and mist and even a light spray of water.
A built-in DC autofocus motor ensures smooth focusing and the rotation-free mechanism keeps the focus ring stationary during autofocus operation. The new lens also includes an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element, a hybrid aspherical element and a glass-moulded aspherical element to minimise aberrations while enabling the lens to be as compact as possible. A circular diaphragm ensures attractive bokeh.
The new lens will focus to a minimum distance of 0.4 metres over the entire zoom range. A quick-shift mechanism is provided for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject has been focused with the AF system. SP (Super Protect) Coating is applied to the front surface to repel dust, water and grease.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Focal Length: 18-135mm (Equivalent to 27.5-207mm in 35mm format)
Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 – 5.6
Minimum Aperture: f/22 – 38
Lens Construction: 13 elements in 11 groups
Angle of View: 76 degrees to 11.9 degrees (with Pentax D-SLR camera body)
Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.4m across the zoom range
Maximum Magnification: 0.24x
Filter Diameter: 62 mm
Diaphragm control: Fully Automatic
Number of Diaphragm Blades: 7
Supplied accessories: Lens hood PH-RBC 62mm, Lens Cap O-LC62
Dimensions (diameter x length): 73.0mm x 76.0mm
Weight: 405 grams