Does the New DA 18-135 just Look Too Close to the Nikkor Counterpart? :-o

Well, here we go again, let's look at the following pictures of the three "18-135" lenses of Canon, Nikon and then Pentax..





The Canon is obviously of a different design, as it is a front element focusing lens. In fact, the outlook, dimensions and weight etc. of the Canon are much different from those of the other two, too. So, let's compare the technical specs of the remaining two, as follows:-

Lens:	Nikkor DX 18-135/3.5-5.6	Pentax DA 18-135/3.5-5.6
Optical Formula:	15 Elements in 13 Groups 2 ED, 2 Aspherical	13 Elements in 11 Groups 1 ED, 2 Aspherical
Minimum Focusing:	45cm	40cm
Thread Size:	67mm	62mm
Physical Size:	73.5 x 86.5mm	73 x 76mm
Weight:	385g	405g
Other Characteristics:	Rear Inner Focusing, Silent Wave Motor	Rear Inner Focusing, SDM Compatible DC Motor, Weather Resist

Although they are not exactly identical, are they just really close enough? A Coincidence? Anyway, the new DA(L)35/2.4 could be even closer to the old FA35/2, just look here.