PENTAX adds five digital-SLR-exclusive interchangeable lenses
to solidify its digital SLR camera system
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PENTAX adds five digital-SLR-exclusive interchangeable lenses to solidify its digital SLR camera system
Press Release
January 24, 2008
PENTAX adds five digital-SLR-exclusive interchangeable lenses
- the two smc PENTAX-DA
-series lenses
- the smc PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
- the two smc PENTAX-DA-series lenses
PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the marketing of five digital-SLR-exclusive interchangeable lenses.
They consist of two smc PENTAX-DA-series uni-focal telephoto lenses designed to optimize the image quality and optical performance of PENTAX digital SLR cameras, one smc PENTAX-DA Limited-series macro lens designed to deliver distinctive visual expressions in digital photography, and two smc PENTAX-DA- series zoom lenses combining a compact, maneuverable design with outstanding cost performance.
PENTAX expects that, with the addition of these new lenses, it will not only solidify its interchangeable lens lineup for digital SLR cameras, but it can also accommodate a broader range of creative demands from digital SLR users.
Major features of the two smc PENTAX-DA-series lenses
Developed from PENTAX's pursuit of the ultimate visual expression, these two high-performance lenses offer the highest optical quality of all PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Featuring advanced technologies, such as special optical glass elements and PENTAX-original lens coatings, they are designed to assure exceptional optical performance and deliver clear, high-contrast images, even at image-field edges.
Designed to produce powerful telephoto images, the smc PENTAX-DA 300mm F4ED[IF] SDM is a uni-focal super-telephoto lens with a focal length equivalent to 460mm in the 35mm format. It minimizes chromatic aberrations — a common problem in telephoto lenses — by incorporating ED ( Extra-low Dispersion ) optical elements in its second and fifth lens. It also offers a minimum focusing distance of 1.4 m ( 4.6ft ), which is the shortest in its product category.
The smc PENTAX-DA 200mm F2.8ED[IF] SDM is a uni-focal telephoto lens with a focal length equivalent to 307mm in the 35mm format. With a maximum aperture of F2.8, it is ideal for indoor sports events and stage performances requiring fast shutter speeds to freeze action, and for portraits against a smooth, beautiful out-of-focus background. It also features ED ( extra-low dispersion ) optical elements in its second and fifth lens.
- These two lenses also share the following features
- An extra-short minimum focusing distance of 0.45 meters over the entire zoom range
- SDM mechanism, assuring extra-smooth, super-quiet autofocus operation using a supersonic motor installed in the lens ( Conventional autofocus operation using a camera-installed motor is also possible. )
- Dust-resistant, weather-resistant construction with a set of seals to prevent intrusion of dust and water into the lens
- Inner Focus mechanism for effective compensation of various aberrations at all focusing distances
- SP ( Super Protect ) coating applied to the front surface of the optics to block dust and dirt
- Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 300mm F4ED[IF] SDM [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 200mm F2.8ED[IF] SDM [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
300mm F4ED[IF] SDM [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]♦ smc PENTAX-DA
200mm F2.8ED[IF] SDM [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]Main Specifications of the two smc PENTAX-DA-series lenses
| smc PENTAX-DA 300mmF4ED[IF] SDM |
smc PENTAX-DA 200mmF2.8ED [IF]SDM |
|
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | PENTAX KAF2 mount | PENTAX KAF2 mount |
| Lens Construction | 8 elements in 6 groups | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Angle of View | 5.4º | 8.1º |
| ( when used wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body ) | ||
| Aperture control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Minimum Aperture | F32 | F22 |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades |
9 | 9 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance |
1.4m ( 4.6ft. ) | 1.2m ( 3.9ft. ) |
| Filter size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.24x | 0.20x |
| Dimensions ( Maximum Diameter x Minimum Length ) |
83mm x 184mm ( 3.3 inch x 7.2 inch ) |
83mm x 134mm ( 3.3 inch x 5.3inch ) |
| Weight | approx. 1070g ( 37.7oz ) without hood approx. 1160g ( 40.9oz ) with hood approx. 1240g ( 43.7oz ) with hood and tripod mount |
approx. 825g ( 29.1oz ) without hood approx. 915g ( 32.3oz ) with hood |
| Lens Hood | PH-RBK 77 ( Attachment ) | PH-RBK 77 ( Attachment ) |
| Tripod adapter | Detouchable | - |
Major features of the smc PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
This lens is designed to produce ″distinctive visual expressions″ by paying considerable attention to practical optical performance, in addition to the results of numerical evaluations. It features a high-quality finish using high-grade aluminum material in the lens barrel, hood and cap.
Developed as the first macro lens in PENTAX's Limited series, it offers a maximum magnification of life-size, despite its compact dimensions. Since it has a focal length equivalent to 53.5mm in the 35mm format, it can be used as a standard lens.
- These two lenses also share the following features
- FREE ( Fixed Rear-Element Extension ) focusing system to assure effective compensation of various aberrations and to minimize distortions from a close distance to infinity
- Minimum working distance of approximately three centimeters ( at a life-size macro photography ) from the front end of the optics
- Built-in extendible lens hood exclusively designed for this lens
- SP ( Super Protect ) coating applied to the front surface of the optics to block dust and dirt
- Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
Optical system for this product was jointly developed and designed with Tokina Co., Ltd.
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
Main Specifications of the smc PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
| smc PENTAX-DA 35mmF2.8 Macro Limited | |
|---|---|
| Lens mount | PENTAX KAF mount |
| Lens Construction | 9 elements in 8 groups |
| Angle of View | 44º |
| ( when used wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body ) | |
| Aperture control | Automatic |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades |
9 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance |
0.139m ( 0.456ft. ) |
| Filter size | 49mm |
| Maximum Magnification | 1.00x |
| Dimensions ( Maximum Diameter x Minimum Length ) |
63mm x 46.5mm ( 2.5inch x 1.8inch ) |
| Weight | approx.215g ( 7.6oz ) |
| Lens Hood | Built-in pullout type |
| Tripod adapter | - |
Major features of the two smc PENTAX-DA-series lenses
These compact zoom lenses are designed to bring out the optimum performance in PENTAX digital SLR cameras. When combined, they offer an extra-wide zoom coverage between wide-angle and super-telephoto ranges.
With focal lengths between 27.5mm and 84mm in the 35mm format,
the smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6ALII is a standard zoom lens covering wide-angle and medium-telephoto ranges. It features the latest optics incorporating aspherical and super-low-dispersion optical elements to effectively compensate for various aberrations and enhance brightness at image-field edges. Since this lens can bring out the optimum performance of digital SLR camera with more than 10 effective megapixels, it still delivers high-quality, high resolution images. This compact, lightweight zoom lens also assures outstanding cost performance.
The smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED is a high-magnification telephoto zoom lens offering an approximately 5.5-times zoom ratio and focal lengths between 84.5mm to 460mm in the 35mm format. With its wide coverage over medium- to super-telephoto ranges, it is perfect for a wide range of telephoto applications, including portraits, sports and landscapes. Incorporating two ED ( extra-low dispersion ) optical elements, it offers superb optical performance, with minimal chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range.
- These zoom lenses also share the following features
- SP ( Super Protect ) coating applied to the front surface of the optics to block dust and dirt
- Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
- Durable, reliable metallic lens mount
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL II [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4-5.8ED [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
♦ smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4-5.8ED [ ⇒ Product Image ( JPEG ) ]
Main Specifications of the two smc PENTAX-DA-series lenses
| smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mmF3.5-5.6AL II |
smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mmF4-5.8ED |
|
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | PENTAX KAF mount | PENTAX KAF mount |
| Lens Construction | 11elements in 8groupss | 12elements in 8groups |
| Angle of View | 76 - 29º | 44º |
| ( when used wiith PENTAX D-SLR camera body ) | ||
| Aperture control | Automatic | Automatic |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 - 38 | F22 - 32 |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades |
6 | 6 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance |
0.25m ( 0.82ft. ) | 1.4m ( 4.6 ft. ) |
| Filter size | 52mm | 58mm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.34x | 0.28x |
| Dimensions ( Maximum Diameter x Minimum Length ) |
68.0mm x 67.5mm ( 2.7 inch x 2.7 inch ) |
71mm x 111.5mm ( 2.8 inch x 4.4 inch ) |
| Weight | approx.220g ( 7.8oz ) without hood approx.245g ( 8.6oz ) with hood |
approx.440g ( 15.5oz ) without hood approx.470g ( 16.6oz ) with hood |
| Lens Hood | PH-RBA 52 ( Attachment ) | PH-RBG 58 ( Attachment ) |
| Tripod adapter | - | - |
• PENTAX and smc PENTAX and SDM are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
• Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice
REMARKS : This information is current as of the date of publication. Note that information displayed may have already been changed without prior notice.