Ricoh today announced two new lenses for Pentax K-mount DSLR cameras: the Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW and Pentax HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2.
Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW
The new Pentax 11-18mm f/2.8 lens is a Star series (*) APS-C lens that is designed to stay relevant into the era of “super-high-performance digital cameras of the future.”
“It delivers high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges, and assures excellent imaging performance, even at open aperture,” Ricoh says.
The 11-18mm focal range is equivalent to a 17-27.5mm lens in 35mm terms, and it’s geared toward landscape and outdoor photographers.
Features of the lens include a high-grade HD coating that minimizes flaring and ghosting, a dust-proof and weather-resistant build, a Focus Clamp Mechanism that locks the focal point even when the focus ring is rotated, a dew heating strip that prevents condensation without affecting focus-ring operation, a rounded 9-blade aperture, 16 elements in 11 groups, an 82mm filter thread, and a weight of 1.55lb (704 g).
Pentax HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2
The new Pentax HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 is a full-frame wide-angle lens that’s designed for everyday use. On an APS-C camera, it offers the 35mm equivalent focal length of 53.5mm.
Features of the lens include 6 elements in 5 groups, a multi-layer coating that reduces flaring and ghosting, a stain-repellent coating, a 6-blade aperture, a 49mm filter thread, and a weight of 6.81oz (193g).
Pricing and Availability
Both lenses are available for pre-order starting today. The Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW has a price tag of $1,400 and the Pentax HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 costs $400.