The HD Pentax-D FA★ 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW is a new full-frame telephoto lens for Pentax KAF mount cameras. This telephoto zoom lens has been developed as the latest model in the Pentax Star series, which boasts the highest image quality of all Pentax interchangeable lenses. The optical construction features 19 lens elements in 16 groups plus an aperture diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The minimum focus distance is 1.2m, and the lens takes 77mm filters. Additionally, this zoom lens is equipped with the Pentax-developed Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows users to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system. In order to improve its operability, a three-position switch has been installed on this lens, allowing instant switching among QFS/A, QFS/M and MF modes. QFS/A is an autofocus-priority mode, which allows the user to switch to manual-focusing operation when autofocus operation is complete. QFS/M is a manual-focus-priority mode, which enables the user to switch to manual focusing at any time — even when the AF system is in operation. MF mode allows the user to instantly switch to manual focusing with a simple twist of the focus ring on the lens. Available in March, the new HD Pentax-D FA★ 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW will retail for $2,299.95.

Ricoh Press Release

HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW

A high-performance, Star-series telephoto zoom lens for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, providing F2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range to deliver outstanding image rendition

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, this large-aperture telephoto zoom lens is a new addition to the high-performance Star (★) series developed for the highest level of image rendition.

This telephoto zoom lens has been developed as the latest model in the PENTAX Star (★) series, which boasts the highest image quality of all PENTAX interchangeable lenses. Thanks to its large-aperture design, it provides a large maximum aperture of F2.8 at all focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm. This lens boasts PENTAX-original lens-coating technologies — such as the newly developed Aero Bright Coating II (which ensures exceptionally low reflectance), and the high-grade HD Coating (which produces extra-sharp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images). In addition to four super-low dispersion glass elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, its optics includes a pair of new Super ED glass elements to effectively compensate chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range and deliver crisp, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness. Its dustproof, weather-resistant body also makes it extremely dependable and durable in outdoor conditions.

Main Features

1. High-performance Star (★)-series lens with large F2.8 maximum aperture: This telephoto zoom lens is a new addition to the high-performance Star (★) series, which ensures exceptional image rendition with edge-to-edge sharpness. When mounted on a PENTAX K-mount SLR camera body, it provides a zoom ratio of approximately 2.9 times to cover a telephoto range from 107mm to 307mm in the 35mm format. Since it provides a large maximum aperture of F2.8 over the entire zoom range, it is ideal for portraiture with beautifully defocused fore/backgrounds, and sports photography which demands high shutter speeds. Its image circle is optimised to cover even the image size of 35mm film-format SLR cameras. As a result, it ensures brilliant, high-resolution images without compromising edge sharpness (even when mounted on an existing PENTAX digital SLR camera body), and is also accepting of future models with larger image sensors (without modifications).

2. State-of-the-art optical technology: This zoom lens is treated with the newly developed Aero Bright Coating II — a lens-coating nanotechnology that employs a super-low refractive film fabrication process, to ensure lower light reflectance  than that of the conventional Aero Bright Coating.* By coupling this advanced lens coating with the high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating** which reduces an average reflectance in a visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multi-layer coatings, this lens effectively reduces flare and ghost images to a minimum even under demanding lighting conditions. In its optics, it also features four super-low dispersion glass elements, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, and two Super ED glass elements, which have optical properties similar to fluorite and assure lower light dispersion and more effective compensation of chromatic aberration. As a result, this lens produces brilliant, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, while effectively compensating chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.

* A state-of-the-art, PENTAX-original lens coating technology developed from nanotechnology. It applies a silica aerogel coating layer with uniform porous structure over a regular multi-coating layer to reduce surface reflections across a wide wavelength range and produce crisp, high-quality images.
** HD stands for High Definition.

3. Dustproof, weather-resistant construction: Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, this zoom lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 13 special seals to prevent the intrusion of water and dust particles into the lens interior. By pairing it with a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, it provides a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs - even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

4. Newly installed three-position switch for Quick-Shift Focus System: This lens is equipped with the PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows users to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system. In order to improve its operability, a three-position switch has been installed on this lens, allowing instant switching among QFS/A, QFS/M and MF modes. QFS/A is an autofocus-priority mode, which allows the user to switch to manual-focusing operation when autofocus operation is complete. QFS/M is a manual-focus-priority mode, which enables the user to switch to manual focusing at any time — even when the AF system is in operation. MF mode allows the user to instantly switch to manual focusing with a simple twist of the focus ring on the lens. With a choice of three distinctive modes, the user is guaranteed speedier, more accurate focusing operation for a given subject or application.

5. Other features

·         Smooth, quiet AF operation using a lens-installed AF driving motor

·         Round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh effect, while minimising the streaking effect of point light sources

·         Focus range limiter to minimize AF operation time by fixing the focus range to one of three sub-ranges

·         SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains

·         Detachable tripod mounting with a newly designed anti-falling mechanism

Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice

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