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HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mmF2.8ED DC AW
ENGINEERS INTERVIEW

HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mmF2.8ED DC AW, known by the title "★ (Star)" and equipped with a large aperture telephoto zoom lens, achieves both superior imaging performance and mobility. Interviewing the developers about the appeals of this model highly compatible with taking outdoor pictures.

“Handling any subjects and circumstances, and delivering high imaging performance specific to the star series”

MAKOTO IIKAWA Manager of The 31th Developmen Group
MASAKAZU SAORI Optical Design Group, Development Department

The title of "★ (Star)" that is given only to the series of products with better imaging performance. Developers Iikawa and Saori talks about the appeals of the product as well as attentions that they paid in order to achieve unparalleled high performance.

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High imaging performance
for any subjects under all circumstances

In the world of cameras, 70 to 200mm lens are the most prominent models. We have advanced the development of the product, concentrating on its compatibility with various subjects that range from close-up photography for portraits to the capturing of a moving subject in the distance. It can also be used under any circumstance, including backlight and indoor/outdoor conditions. In other words, it is required to be able to capture any subject under any photo-taking circumstance and carry the high imaging performance of the "★ (Star)" series. I think this lens provides these three properties and is a well-balanced product.

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New nanotechnology which enhances low-reflectance properties

This product features a bright maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the zoom range. In photo-taking situations such as portrait photography that makes full use of the background rather than a subject taking up the whole frame, priority is given to being effective in causing a photo to appear blurred or three-dimensional. The appeals of this lens include taking a sharp photo of a subject as well as giving a smoothly defocus description of an image. As a result of the review of our conventional manufacturing method in the field of optical technology, the newly developed "Aero Bright Coating II" that ensures lower reflectivity is used in combination with the high-grade, multi-layer "HD Coating" that reduces reflectance in the visible light spectrum to less than 50 percent of that of conventional multi-layer coatings. Those coatings allow the user to capture crisp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight.

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They say that they used 3-D printing to make several different types of samples of the knob used to fix the lens to a tripod, and, actually touching the samples, selected the one of the size that was the easiest to handle. They focus on the pursuit of user-friendliness even in terms of the size and usability of small parts of the product alone.

Newly-installed selector switch
which further enhance mobility

"Quick-Shift Focus System (mechanism)" was also reviewed. New "QFS/M mode" is added to the existing mode that persists as "QFS/A mode." This new mode is intended to instantly switch to MF at any time, even when AF is in operation. "QFS/A mode" is used to stop MF in a situation where priority is placed on AF. "QFS/M mode" is intended to quickly start and use MF. "MF mode" allows instant switching to manual focusing with a simple twist of the focus ring on the lens. By making full use of those three switches, the user can be flexible in response to circumstances and photographic requirements. To meet the demands of a number of users who wanted the mode to be switch-selectable depending on the distance between the camera and a subject or each photo taking location, the configuration of Focus Range Limiter is changed from two- to three-sub ranges.

Usability added from the perspective
of both the design and development team

Consideration is given to every detail of the exterior of the product, so as to achieve a balance between toughness and the devices that prevent the user from missing a photo opportunity. For example, the zoom and focus rings have a texture that gives a better grip in wet conditions and so can be intuitively used. We hope that additional attention will be paid to the looks of the product that could be realized only because the design and development teams worked together in harmony to manufacture it.

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Profile

MAKOTO IIKAWA
In charge of lens tube mechanical design. Engaged in the design of smcPENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL(IF) WR and also the development of Q-mount systems.Now fully engaged in the development and design of 645-mount / K-mount / Q-mount systems in general.
MASAKAZU SAORI
In charge of an optical design. Involved in an optical design of an interchangeable lens ever since he joined the company. In charge of smc PENTAX-DA★50-135mmF2.8ED[IF] SDM, etc. Now fully engaged in development and design of optical systems in general.

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