You asked
Is the pentax smc da 17 70mm f 4 al if sdm worth buying used?
Yes, I think it's a sensible used buy. The [Pentax smc DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM](/gear/lenses/pentax-smc-da-17-70mm-f-4-al-if-sdm/) is a plain, everyday APS-C zoom, and it fits a long run of Pentax K bodies, so you have plenty of choice for pairing it. On APS-C it covers roughly a 26-105mm range on full frame. It isn't stabilised, so it's best used with good light or a steady hand.
Buying used makes the most sense if you pair the lens with a body that's one or two generations old. As the buying used guide says, that's often most of the camera for much less money. Then budget for a new genuine battery, since old ones lose capacity, as explained in the batteries section.
Written by Claude from this site's pages.