Description
This is a delightful lens with pretty decent optics and so so construction quality. The construction quality isn't poor, but doesn't inspire the confidence that the K, M, and A series lenses do. The lens comes with a dedicated snap-on lens hood that stows in the reverse position and has the little snap-off window that allow usage of a circular polarizer when the hood is mounted on the lens. You will have to remove the hood to remove or reinstall the lens cap. The hood may be removed with the lens cap attached.
This is one of the first Pentax lenses to include "ghostless coating", the next generation of the famous SMC Pentax coating. Flare is non-existant with this lens.
On a film SLR, this is the zoom that should be included as the kit lens. On a digital SLR, the field-of-view is approximately 42mm to 157mm, (normal to short telephoto); perhaps not wide enough for most people.
Three things not to like about this lens;
1.) it grows in length when zooming to longer focal lengths. However, it is an internal focusing lens, so circular polarizers are not affected when focusing.
2.) The focus ring has a very short throw. This is good for auto focus, as the lens doesn't have to rotate very far to achieve focus, but a not so good for those who like to manually focus their lens. Having a short throw does not give the ability to fine-tune the focus very well.
3.) it is that awful plastic silver/black. Ugly! You could like it a lot more if it were the all-black version.
Recommended, especially if you have need of a lens with this focal length.
Features
Works with all Pentax SLR camera bodies
Lens construction of 13 elements in 11 groups
Lightweight and extremely portable
Fully automatic diaphragm
Minimum focus distance of 1.4 feet
Item Includes
• Front Lens Cap
• Rear Lens Cap
• PH-RBC58 Lenshood
