Denver, CO—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation added the 08 wide-zoom lens to its Pentax Q line of compact system cameras. It also announced the first zoom lens in its Limited lens series—the HD Pentax DA 20-40mm.
Touting the smallest, lightest compact system camera body available, the Pentax Q offers consumers a highly portable interchangeable-lens system. And, the new 08 wide-zoom lens is the most compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens available. When mounted on a Pentax Q7 body, the 08 lens offers an equivalent focal length of 17.5–27.5mm.
Measuring 38mm in length, the 08 lens is a pocketable companion for on-the-go snapshots, landscapes, architecture and street photography where zooming flexibility is desired. Its optical design includes a molded-glass DSA (dual super aspherical) element to minimize distortion, while two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements and one super-low dispersion glass element are said to deliver “clear, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness,” while compensating for chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.
Other features include: an inner-focus mechanism for high-speed, low-noise AF; a quick-shift focus system for instant switching to manual focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system; SP (super protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains; and a built-in lens shutter equipped with an ND (neutral density) filter and an iris diaphragm.
“Ricoh Imaging’s commitment to the Q system remains steadfast,” said Jim Malcolm, executive vice president, Ricoh Imaging. “We continue to increase the number of lens and accessory options available making this system the complete compact camera system with interchangeable lenses.”
The 08 wide-angle zoom lens will be available in December for $499.95.
HD Pentax DA 20–40mm f/2.8–4ED Limited DC WR Lens. An APS-C optimized lens, this is the first zoom lens in Ricoh Imaging’s Limited series, featuring the Pentax high-grade, multilayer high-definition (HD) coating and weather-sealed construction.
With a handy zoom range (30.5–61.5mm equivalent), the HD lens is geared for everyday photography, offering the most frequently used focal lengths required for popular applications, such as scenic photography, snapshots and portraiture. It features a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture (at 20mm) and rounded diaphragm blades to produce pleasing bokeh. At higher apertures, its optical design incorporates ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements and the proprietary HD coating to deliver high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. It also has a lens-based direct current (DC) focusing motor designed for quiet, smooth autofocus functionality.
Its lens barrel, hood and cap are made of a high-grade aluminum material and are hand-machined. Positioned in the mid-section of the barrel, the zoom ring features a series of knurled grooves to facilitate zooming operation. The lens also employs a lens-installed AF driving motor, a quick-shift focus system and SP coatings.
“Since its introduction, the Limited lens series has been widely respected for its optical design and physical appearance,” added Jim Malcolm. “The addition of the new Pentax DA 20–40mm Limited lens enhances the series with a useful zoom range, weather-sealed construction and outstanding sharpness and image quality.”
Marking the 29th APS-C optimized lens available in Ricoh Imaging’s Pentax lens lineup, this weather-resistant HD lens was engineered to produce optimal results when paired with the APS-C-size sensors employed in Pentax K-mount DSLRs. It will be available in a choice of black or silver in December for $999.95. us.ricoh-imaging.com
