Pentax SMC-FA 1:4 28-70 AL

General

A constant aperture zoom, a 7 group 9 element design.  It is small but
not compact, with a diameter of 65.5mm and maximum length of 66mm.  It
takes 52mm filters.  The only accessories provided are caps.

Build

Plastic body with a metal mount.  The zoom ring is ridged rubber, the
focussing ring is a smooth narrow rubber band.  The front element
rotates when focusing.

Optical

Good performance for a zoom, somewhat soft wide open, pretty sharp by
f8, vignettes noticibly at 28mm.  Close focuses to 40cm.  Flare well
controlled.

Handling

This is not a power-zoom lens.  Focuses extremely fast, even in low
light.  The front element has some play (common in auto-focus lenses).
Focus ring very loose in manual.  Zooms smoothly and holds its position
when pointed down.  I would not recommend it for manual focus use.

Compatibility

No compatibility problems with my MZ-5n.  The 28mm wide angle matches
the coverage of the built in flash and does not cause shadows like some
of the bigger lenses.  To avoid red-eye at the longer end of the zoom I
would recommend an accessory flash.

Price

Costs about twice as much as the SMC-FA 1:4-5.6 35-80 provided by
default with most kits.  I paid (need to look this up) $CAN in October
1997 when I bought mine.

Conclusion

An excellent starting lens and a good complement to the MZ series.
Great for indoor photography.  A good partner to any of the MZ series of
cameras.