This is the lens that has created quite a buzz among Pentax users recently, and umm... I bought it. I can quite confidently say that I can put off my LBA (lens buying addiction) for quite a while now that I've got it. At 17-70mm focal range, it perfectly complements my existing 70-300mm Sigma (this post).

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For those of you who are buying your first DSLR and are interested in the Pentax system, this lens would be a perfect match with either K100D Super, K200D, K10D or K20D bodies. If you can afford it, ditch the kit lens and get this one instead. You won't regret it.

The first thing I noticed when trying the lens was the fast and very quiet focus mechanism. That's due to the SDM i.e. what Pentax calls as supersonic hedgehog autofocus motor. And second was the constant F4 maximum aperture throughout the entire focal range, which makes a lot of difference when shooting in badly lighted (in photographic sense) places such as shopping complexes as the first photo below clearly shows. There are many more specifics about this lens but there are enough websites out there have that covered - go ask Mr. Google

Below are a few photos that I managed to take today on my way home. Click on them for larger images.

This is definitely going to be my primary lens accompanied by the longer Sigma for sniping, and the smc Pentax-M f1.4 50mm manual lens for the special portrait shots. All I need now is a K20D body...