smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED lens has been announced by PENTAX Imaging Company, designed for use with the *ist D and the *ist DS digital SLR cameras. The smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED lens features a responsive “Quick-Shift Focus System” and is equivalent to 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format.

Pentax Press Release

Golden, CO. (February 17, 2005)…PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a compact, lightweight, interchangeable telephoto zoom lens for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras.  The smc PENTAX DA 50mm-200mm F4-5.6 ED is the fifth DA-Series lens offered by the photo manufacturer.

Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX KAF-mount digital SLR cameras including the *ist D and the *ist DS digital SLRs, the new lens offers 4X zoom coverage in the telephoto range.  Further, the lens features an angle of view from 31.5 degrees to 8.1 degrees (equivalent in focal length from 76.5mm to 306mm in the 35mm format).

As with all DA-Series lenses, this DA 50mm-200mm features a responsive “Quick-Shift Focus System” that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring.  Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves operability.  The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction.  The image circle in DA-series lenses is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance.  The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications.

Additional features* of the lens include:

11-element/10-group optical construction,
incorporating ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical elements
52mm filter size
Dimensions (diameter x length):  2.6½ x 3.1½  (66.5mm x 78.5mm)
Weight:  9.2 oz (260g)

*Design, specifications and product name are subject to change without notice.  Shipping dates and price will be announced in the future.

PENTAX Imaging Company will unveil the lens this month at the 2005 Photo Manufacturers Association trade show from February 20 to 23 in Orlando, Florida.