Great outdoors. Good resolution and contrast. No distortion noted. Good value as an outdoor lens.

As noted above above for built-in flash photos at extension.

SMC P-FA 28-80mm F3,5-5.6 AL Zoom, Pentax catalog # 27687, UPC # 027075053687 chrome satin finish comes with the *ist and other models. Much to my surprise there is a a problem with this lens for flash photos when the lens is zoomed at the maximum range. My test roll showed no problem outdoors. However, indoors in dark or dimly lighted rooms, the upper quarter of the photos were washed out with over exposure. My dealer graciously loaned me an *ist with the same kind of lens so I could make additional tests. I used the 28-80 and my older black finish 35-80. Test shots were made with both lenses in residential rooms ranging from very dark garage with no windows to average windowed rooms lit with daylight, shots at minimum zoom and maximum zoom. Shots were taken both horizontally and vertically. The problem recurred with the 28-90, and there were no such problems with the black 35-80 lens. I did not try intermediate zoom ranges, but it might be reasonable to assume somewhat similar results on a sliding scale. I'm not sure of the cause, but the structure of the 28-90 at extension exposes up to an inch or so of satin chrome barrel with a flat surface at the end that faces the strobe and another flat surface at the end of the zoom grip. It may be that those bright surfaces reflect brilliantly and flood light upwards to reflect down and overexpose the upper quarter of a photo. I gave my test negatives and prints to my dealer, and they will be sent to Pentax in Denver with an inquiry. My dealer (of many years) took back the lens with full refund, and I'm using my older 35-80 with no problems. As for the *ist, it is a terrific value and companion to my other Pentax bodies and lenses. If anyone else has had this problem, more feedback would be appreciated.

Customer Service

My dealer and I are waiting for a reply from Pentax. This is problem is a surprise because Pentax makes fine equipment at reasonable prices for customers in all price ranges.

Similar Products Used:

Various Pentax bodies and lenses and other brands of lenses with no such problems.