Ricoh announces two high-performance, wide-angle lenses for K-mount digital SLR cameras
WEST CALDWELL, N.J., Jan. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of two new high-performance, wide-angle lenses for use with K-mount digital SLR cameras: the HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW and the HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2. Both lenses are ideal for outdoor photography, with special features to enhance shooting in rugged and demanding conditions.
New wide-angle zoom joins Star series lens line
The HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW adds a wide-angle model to the new-generation Star (★) series of lenses, which are optimized for use with today’s cameras as well as the 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. The focal length of 11mm to 18mm (equivalent to 17mm to 27.5mm in 35mm format) is ideal for photographing landscapes, and other outdoor scenes, and the large F2.8 maximum aperture assures sharp, bright images of scenes with starry skies. The lens features a high-grade HD Coating to enhance imaging power and minimize flare and ghost images.
Developed to be used in even the harshest conditions, this new Star series lens offers additional features that make it ideal for outdoor photography. These include dustproof, weather-resistant construction and a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock the focal point even when the focus ring is rotated, improving operability when photographing landscapes and star-lit scenes. A unique feature of the HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW is its ability to accommodate the addition of a dew heating strip to prevent condensation without affecting focus-ring operation, and a metal frame that enables the heating device to effectively transmit heat to the lens.
Compact, wide-angle lens for full-frame features new multi-layer coating
The HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2 is a high-performance, wide-angle lens designed to cover the large, full-frame sensor of PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras. Featuring the latest lens coatings and a newly re-designed exterior, this compact, portable, easy-to-use lens is well-suited for everyday use and a wide range of applications including snapshots, scenic photography and portraiture.
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens provides a moderately wide 35mm angle of view with a full-frame model, or a standard 53.5mm angle of view with an APS-C-format model.
The new high-performance, multi-layer coating reduces average reflectance and improves light transmittance to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting. It also integrates a highly stain-repellent coating on the front surface to improve the lens’ usability in outdoor locations.
Pricing and Availability
The HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW lens will be available for pre-sale on Jan. 31, 2019, at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,399.95.
The HD PENTAX-FA35mmF2 lens will be available for pre-sale on Jan. 31, 2019, at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.95.
About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation
Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Company Ltd. Is part of Ricoh Group, which operates in about 200 countries and regions.
The company operating now as Ricoh Company Ltd. was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, the company continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.