Conspiracy Theory

Some of the contributors to dpreview.com are posting evidence that the optics and internals to the new pentax 12-24 f4 are identical to those of Tokina's 12-24 F4, which is mysteriously not available in Pentax mount.

They claim that the new Pentax lens is in fact a re badged and coated Tokina, with a price premium of a few hundred pound.

Discuss.........

It wouldn't be the first time. The Pentax 28-200 was a re-badged Tamron, but with Pentax coatings, which fully justified the premium.

G

Some say that, but not all:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=12704651

Personally, it's not going to make any difference at all. It'll be the only super wide zoom for Pentax that can take filters.

I'm just waiting to get my hands on one...
Matt

There are a few 12-24mm f4 lenses, including Nikon, and it looks like it could be a popular offering. Maybe one lens manufacturrt has designed it and sold the rights to several companies to produce, maybe one manufactrur makes and sells the basic component.

And maybe not, but how would we ever know?