Pentax have today announced a new-generation Star series lens, the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4ED SDM AW.

This large-aperture, medium telephoto lens is the second prime lens in the new-generation PENTAX Star (★) series line up. Designed for use with K-mount DSLRs, these lenses boast the highest imaging performance out of all the Pentax lenses.

The HD PENTAX-D FA 85mm F1.4ED SDM AW will be available on 26^th June 2020 priced at £1,999.99.

Ricoh Press Release

HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW: A large-aperture, medium-telephoto lens for use with K-mount DSLR cameras; the second fixed focus model in the new- generation of high-performance Star lens series

TOKYO, May 28, 2020, －RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE, S.A.S. announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens. This large-aperture, medium- telephoto lens is the second fixed focus lens of the new-generation PENTAX Star (★) lens series. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount DSLRs, this series boasts the highest imaging performance out of all the PENTAX lenses.

The Star series is the top of the range for PENTAX lenses, so when developing the new generation, PENTAX conducted an extensive review of its in-house standards, demanding the highest performance, even for use with future PENTAX DSLRs, which are expected to deliver even higher image quality and better performance than current models. Developed in pursuit of ultimate image quality, this new lens delivers superb imaging power, without relying heavily on the image sensor or image processor. The photographer can enjoy the entire process of taking a picture by viewing the subject directly with sharp and clear detail through the camera’s optical viewfinder

In order to ensure the exceptional imaging power demanded for the new-generation Star series, this new lens incorporates high quality Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements and an aspherical optical element to compensate for various aberrations whilst keeping them to a minimum — in particular, to reduce axial chromatic aberration effectively and prevent the generation of purple fringing in backlit situations. It also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters

- a serious concern for portrait photographers. In addition, PENTAX has also developed a new SDM ring (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) exclusively for this new lens, resulting in flawless, high-speed autofocus operation, while incorporating an exterior design that provides a secure grip, facilitating manual-focus operation. This new lens is designed not only to assure the highest imaging power currently possible, but also to enhance the joy of photography.

1. A new-generation, high-performance Star-series lens that delivers exceptional image quality

Anticipating the future development of SLR cameras, PENTAX has designed this lens to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness whilst keeping various aberrations to a minimum and greatly enhancing resolving power — two factors that are absolutely essential for the new generation Star series. It provides exceptionally high imaging performance even at open aperture, a beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect and outstanding image rendition at close range — these are all reasons for the high-quality, well-defined images that are produced. It also boasts an extra-large F1.4 maximum aperture, useful for many different subjects within a range of applications, including portraiture with a beautifully defocused background, handheld shooting of indoor scenes and landscape photography. It produces a clear image in the camera’s viewfinder, one to inspire the photographer’s creativity and imagination.

2. State-of-the-art optical technology

This 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 when the aperture is wide open. It 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. This lens is also treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD* Coating, which reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multi-layer coatings, effectively reducing flare and ghost images to a minimum even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.

* HD is the abbreviation of High Definition.

3. Newly designed, large SDM ring.

In order to deliver the highest image quality possible over the entire focusing range — from the minimum focusing distance to infinity — this lens features an newly designed, large SDM ring to efficiently drive the focusing mechanism, which consists of a higher number of optical elements than ordinary lenses, and is required to shift heavy rear-optical-element groups in unison. Generating a torque approximately 1.3 times that of the unit installed in the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm f1.4 SDM AW, this new SDM assures flawless, high-speed autofocus operation.

4. Dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it assures a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

5. Other features

・ Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to the F2.8 aperture setting, while minimizing the streaking effect from points of light.

・ The exterior design facilitates ring focusing when shooting in manual-focus and whilst also enabling a secure grip.

・ Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism** for flawless, high-precision exposure control during video recording

・SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free from dust.

** This mechanism is available when the lens is mounted on a K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-50, K-S2 or K-S1 camera body.

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