The SMC Pentax-F 35-80 f4-5.6

This is one of the 80mm zoom lenses made by Pentax in the early plastic years.  It is an autofocus lens with aperature ring settings that include A.  It has a nearly all gray plastic outside construction.  You should be able to buy this lens for less than $10.  If you pay more than that, you're being robbed.

PROS:


+It's Cheap:  Pentax must've made a few million of these, and it shouldn't be hard to find.
+It's light:  This lens weighs in at a little more than a single packet of oatmeal.  Also a CON - see below
+It'll fit your DSLR:  That's correct.  It will fit it.

CONS:

-It's Cheap:  While the price point seams nice, sometimes you get what you pay for.  I'm embarassed on behalf of Pentax for ever selling this lens.  With it's less than substantial construction, loose tolerences, and altogether flimsy construction, it's a wonder to me that there are still working examples of this lens.
-Image Quality:  Leave your kit lens on your DSLR.  It is a drastically better lens.  If you don't believe me then set up a tripod, stop down and take a picture of anything at any range.  Your new kit lens will win every time.
-Not heavy enough to be a paperweight:  Unfortunately this lens can't even weigh down a couple papers as it might get carried away in a stiff breeze. 

MISCONCEPTIONS:

So there might actually be a couple of misconceptions about this lens so here goes!

1. It fills a void in focal range that distiguishes it: Well it does and doesn't.  It only reaches out a little past the range of the stock 18-55, but there are other cheapies that fit this void, and perform much better.

2.  If you stop down it sharpens up nicely:   No it doesn't, so don't try.  However, this lens might be useful for some trick photography (ie. vasoline on the lens, etc.)

3.  This lens will work better on an old film camera than a DSLR.  The focal distance inside the two are equal.  Don't bother putting this on your mom's old K1000.  You'll be wasting the incredible range of film behind this glass.


My Take:

If someone gives you this lens, you might as well keep it, or sell it to an unlucky beginner if you have no heart.  I'm sorry, but this lens is sad on the inside from the neglect that went into it's existence.