Pentax SMCP-DA 17-70mm f/4 AL (IF) SDM Super Wide Angle Auto Focus Zoom Lens

2017-05-02T06:19:33

Great quality optic, but the SDM motor in my copy failed after a little more than a year. If you need a mid-range zoom, the 16-85mm is a much better choice.

MATTHEW S.

2016-03-27T07:58:30

This lens is fairly tough and has withstood 2 years of brutal abuse. I dropped my copy so it was cheap enough to just buy a second. The first copy had the infinity focus problem that the second copy doesn't seem to have. So if you have having problems locking on infinity at both ends, I would suggest trying another copy. This lens is great for event shooting due to its range and constant f4. The sigma contemporary 17-70 is slightly sharper perhaps, but comparing between the two they don't seem all the different. Especially stopped down. Both aren't great in the corners at the wide end though stopping down improves this considerably. I prefer the rendering of SMC and I like having all my lenses having similar color rendition so I went this direction. The fact that it was on sale and about $250 cheaper than the sigma version really cemented the deal. For a long time this was Pentax's best wide to telephoto zoom and its really only bested by the 16-85, which is also somewhat slower, larger and more expensive. Its real weaknesses are a fair amount of CA at wider settings in the corners and a healthy drop in resolution at 70mm wide open, especially at minimum focus distance. It tends to glow a bit wide open at the long end too. Frankly for a range this long and constant aperture, pentax did a decent job at designing this lens. It does excellently on the K-5 IIs and still holds up ok on the K-3. It makes a great walkabout lens in good light. Its tstop is definitely slower than f4 (more like f5), so don't expect great results in the dark. Focus also gets a bit iffy in low light. I find its best to lock, take a picture and do it again really quickly just in case. I wouldn't say this is a fault of the lens because it is somewhat slow, just something to be mindful of.

MARK B.

2015-11-10T05:42:04

I have only had my 17-70 for a short time, but for now I am quite impressed. The focus is quick and silent. I have shot in some low light situations and the lens has not had any hunting issues. Sharpness is very good. So far this lens has produced gorgeous landscapes and beautiful portraits. I bought this to replace my Tamron 28-75 f/2.8, which produced beautiful images, but failed, and with no warranty i decided to not pay $200 to fix. The Pentax 17-70 puts out images every bit as good as the Tamron. With the ISO capabilities of my K3, f4 has not been an issue.

RANDY B.

2015-08-26T21:00:00

This lens has a very good build quality. The colors and contrast that this lens gives to a photo are very nice. Yes there is some false color that shows in high contrast area's, but there is a setting in the K3 for controlling it. It is not 100% perfect, but it does work nice. Overall, my copy of the 17-70mm f/4, is very good. It is good enough that if anything happens to my DA* 16-50mm, I know I can get the job done with the 17-70mm f/4.

DONALD R.

2012-01-22T19:00:00

A good all around lense, not real fast for indoors but out side it just shines and it is well built.

Rick

2011-09-07T21:00:00

For the landscape (near to infinity) with lots of DOF and a slight rotation of the lens will find you in portrait place...VOILA!!

16 R.

2011-03-05T19:00:00

I use this lens for most of my photo work. If I could only have one lens this would be it and I'd still be happy. It focuses close, great color and very sharp. I wish it was weather proof and yes I have used it the rain.

JOHN B.

2010-04-15T21:00:00

I just started to use this lens on a new camera but feel it will be in my standard setup from now on. From the start this lens is impressive for its smooth quiet operation and extra fast focus. The lens hood is a little fussy to attach but stays put and doesn't interfere with the view.

DWIGHT J.

2010-02-17T19:00:00

This is my do everything lens, my work horse. Don't let people tell you that you need f2.8 you don't f4 is fast enough, and range makes it more useable. This lens makes beautiful flower pictures and portraits. It's great for weddings indoor and outdoor. The landscape pictures will just take your breath away.JB

JOHN B.