PMA 2007: The PENTAX-DA Star 16-50mm and smc PENTAX-DA Star 50-135mm are the first models in Pentax’s new, high performance lens range. Both lenses feature a supersonic motor to deliver smoother, quieter auto focusing operation, plus tightly sealed, weather and dust-resistant construction. These lenses were first shown at the Photokina show in September 2006, and are only compatible with Pentax’s digital SLR cameras. They will be available in May 2007, price to be confirmed.

Pentax UK Press Release

Pentax Launches High Performance PENTAX DA Star Zoom Lens Range

Supersonic motor provides smoothest, quietest auto focusing operation yet

22nd February 2007: Pentax launches the new, high performance smc PENTAX-DA Star, interchangeable, zoom lens range. The PENTAX-DA Star 16-50mm and smc PENTAX-DA Star 50-135mm are the first models in the range and boast a supersonic motor to deliver smoother, quieter auto focusing operation.  These lenses are available from retailers as of May 2007.

Designed exclusively for use with Pentax’s digital SLR cameras, the lenses bring together Pentax’s advanced optical technologies, including aspherical elements and original lens coatings. The PENTAX-DA Star range also features a tightly sealed, weather and dust-resistant construction to enhance durability and when used with the Pentax K10D, create a completely weather resistant system that can be used in the most challenging of environments.

*Our engineers are rightly proud of their achievements with these new DA* lenses. Pentax has built an enviable reputation with its * (star) lenses, and these new additions to the range are eagerly anticipated by photo enthusiasts and professionals. Each one is a testament to Pentax’ continuous pursuit of the ultimate image quality in digital photography,* said Phil Williams, Divisional Head, Imaging Systems at Pentax.

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA Star 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF]SDM Lens
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this 3.1x zoom lens covers angles of view from 24.5mm to 76.5mm (in 35mm format). This versatile ultra-wide to medium-telephoto coverage, can be used as a handy standard zoom lens in a wide variety of applications, including landscape, snapshot and portrait.

Incorporating two ED (extra-low dispersion) elements and three aspherical elements, this versatile zoom lens effectively compensates for chromatic and spherical aberrations.

Major Features of the smc PENTAX-DA Star 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]SDM Lens
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this 2.7x zoom lens covers angles of view from 76.5mm to 207mm (in 35mm format). Coupled with a large maximum aperture of F2.8, it is a perfect telephoto zoom lens for applications such as portraiture, featuring beautifully constructed, out-of-focus backgrounds, and sports photography freezing split-second action at high shutter speeds.

Incorporating three ED (extra-low dispersion) elements, this telephoto zoom lens effectively minimises the chromatic aberrations which would be particularly detrimental to image-forming performance.

This telephoto zoom lens is treated with PENTAX-original ghostless coating to effectively minimise internal reflections in the optical elements and greatly improve contrast and clarity with backlit subjects.

Specifications

smc PENTAX-DA Star 16-50mm F2.8EDAL[IF]SDM
Lens mount                     PENTAX KAF2 mount
Lens construction               15 elements in 12 groups
Angle of view   83-31.5°( when used with PENTAX Digital SLR camera body)
Aperture control                 Automatic
Minimum aperture                 F22
Number of diaphragm blades         9
Metering system                 TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance           0.3 m
Filter size                   77mm
Maximum magnification             0.21x
Dimensions(diameter x length)        84mm x 98.5mm (3.3 inches x 3.9 inches)
Weight 565g ( 19.9 oz) without hood /600g ( 21.2 oz) with hood

smc PENTAX-DA Star 50-135mm F2.8ED [IF]SDM.
Lens mount                     PENTAX KAF2 mount
Lens construction               18 elements in 14 groups
Angle of view                   31.5-11.9°( when used with PENTAX Digital SLR camera body)
Aperture control                 Automatic
Minimum aperture                 F22
Number of diaphragm blades         9
Metering system                 TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance           1.0 m
Filter size                   67mm
Maximum magnification             0.17x
Dimensions(diameter x Length)        76.5mm x 136mm(3.0 inches x 5.4 inches)
Weight 685g ( 24.2 oz) without hood / 765g ( 27.0 oz) with hood

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