DA 17-70 weather sealing?

I know it's not rated WR, but I do find it odd that the 17-70 has the rear o-ring seal. Why would Pentax include the rear seal if the lens wasn't somewhat WR?

I also have the 18-55 WR but I am wondering if anybody has taken their 17-70 into harsher environments without issue.

Anyone?

I will say this... again... I WISH Pentax made a DA 17-70 without SDM. On the K-5, I would say my screw-drive lenses AF MUCH faster and the wider manual focus range is a big plus on the screw-drive lenses.

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