Denver, CO—To complement the Pentax K-70 DSLR, Ricoh Imaging announced the HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE zoom. The weather-resistant telephoto lens can be used with Pentax K-mount digital SLR cameras.
The lens offers 5.5x optical zoom and enhanced autofocus (AF) in a compact, lightweight body. It provides equivalent focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm when mounted on Pentax APS-C-format DSLRs.
Ricoh announced, “Its design enables quiet, high-speed AF operation in still-image shooting, as well as smooth and quiet AF tracking operation during video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.” This is due to its electromagnetic diaphragm control system—a K-mount lens first.
According to Ricoh, the “system shifts the aperture setting automatically and smoothly to result in more natural, true-to-life videos, even when the brightness level of the subject changes drastically, such as a live theater performance or a sunlight-streaked forest scene, or with active subjects such as athletes and animals.”
HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE Features
In addition, Pentax HD (high-definition) coated optics help deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. And the lens is constructed of 14 elements in 11 groups. It employs an ED (extra-low dispersion) optical element to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations.
The lens measures 3.5 inches long when fully retracted and weighs less than a pound. The lens’s rear-focus system makes it almost 10% lighter than Pentax’s previous 55–300mm lens.
The new lens also features a quick-shift focus system so users can switch to manual focus; SP (super protect) coating on the front lens surface to repel water and grease; a 9-bladed, rounded diaphragm to produce creative bokeh; and a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches. Fully weather-sealed, it can be used in rain, snow or other wet conditions.
The HD Pentax-DA 55–300mm f/4.5–6.3ED PLM WR RE lens has a suggested retail price of $399.95. ricohimaging.com
