Ricoh announces HD PENTAX-D FA*85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens

GaryPageau ,
Ricoh announced the HD PENTAX-D FA*85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens, the second fixed-focal-length lens in the new-generation PENTAX Star (*) lens series. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, Star-series lenses boast the highest imaging performance of all PENTAX lens lineups.

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp., announced the HD PENTAX-D FA*85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens, the second fixed-focal-length lens in the new-generation PENTAX Star (*) lens series. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, Star-series lenses boast the highest imaging performance of all PENTAX lens lineups. The HD PENTAX-D FA*85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens will be available in mid-June at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets for an MSRP of $1.899.95.

The new lens incorporates three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a glass-molded aspherical optical element to effectively compensate for spherical and chromatic aberrations and field curvature to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at open aperture. This design also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well-defined, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.

The HD PENTAX-D FA*85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens boasts an F1.4 maximum aperture, producing a bright, clear viewfinder image that will surely inspire photographic creativity and imagination.

Developed as an all-weather model, the new lens features dustproof, weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel.

Other features

  • Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm produces a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to the F2.8 aperture setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
  • Exterior design that facilitates focus-ring operation in manual-focus shooting and provides a firm hold
  • Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism** for flawless, high-precision exposure control during video recording
  • SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and spots

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.