It offers an up to 180 degree view, and allows quick shift focus (Pentax's term for giving the photographer the ability to manually focus the lens even when the camera is in autofocus mode without damaging the lens or camera).

[1] Pentax announced the lens on November 30, 2005, with availability to commence in January 2006.

It was designed in conjunction with Tokina,[2] who would later market a self-branded version in Nikon AF-D and Canon EF mounts starting in October 2006.

[3] The 10–17mm lens was seen as a re-release of the earlier Pentax F 17–28mm lens introduced in the mid-1990s, providing similar functionality with the focal lengths and coverage updated for APS-C format digital SLRs.

[5] Glass technologies used in this lens include ED glass for low dispersion and reducing chromatic aberration, as well as the SP super-protect coating for repelling dust, grease and water.