Pentax launches two lightweight DA-L series zoom lenses

"Perfect for beginners" lenses for the K-m DSLR

22 September 2008 10:57 GMT / By Verity Burns

Pentax has launched two new interchangeable zoom lenses to its DA-L series.

The smc DA-L 18-55mm and smc DA-L 50-200mm have been designed to be ultra-lightweight, making them a great match for the new Pentax K-m DSLR.

The smc Pentax-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL lens has focal lengths from 27.5mm to 84.5mm in the 35mm format, and covers wide-angle to medium-telephoto ranges. It features both aspherical lens elements and super-low dispersion glass elements, and weighs in at just 700 grams. Handy for both beginners and photographers on the go.

Similarly lightweight, the Pentax-DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6ED lens is a telephoto zoom lens with focal lengths from 76.5mm to 307mm in the 35mm format. It features an ED (extra-low dispersion) glass optical element which compensates for chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.

A big factor in keeping these two new zoom lenses so lightweight is that they have been constructed differently to other Pentax lenses, featuring synthetic bayonets and shedding the Pentax Quick-Shift focal system.

To begin with, both new lenses will only be offered as a kit with the Pentax K-m, due out in November. The K-m will cost £399.99 with smc DA-L 18-55 or £499.99 with smc DA-L 18-55 + 50-200mm.