Parsippany, NJ—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation unveiled the HD Pentax-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens. For Pentax K-mount digital SLR cameras, it is the second fixed focal–length lens in the new-generation Pentax Star (★) series.
For high-speed autofocus, the lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct–drive motor) to drive the focusing mechanism. Since the mechanism consists of a larger number of optical elements than ordinarily, the SDM is required to shift heavy rear optical–element groups in unison. In fact, it generates a torque approximately 1.3x times that of the unit in the HD PENTAX–D FA★50mm F1.4 SDM AW.
In addition, a new exterior design facilitates focus-ring operation. It also assures a firm grip for manual focus.
Pentax-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW Features
The new lens incorporates three super ED (extra–low dispersion) glass optical elements to minimize chromatic aberration. Furthermore, a glass–molded aspherical optical element compensates for spherical and chromatic aberrations as well as field curvature.
As a result, Ricoh says the lens delivers “extra-clear, high–contrast images with edge-to–edge sharpness, even at open aperture. This design also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well–defined, distortion–free images.”
The lens is also treated with multilayer High-Definition (HD) coating. This reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multilayer coatings.
In addition, an F1.4 maximum aperture is useful with different subjects and applications. These include portraiture with an effectively defocused background; handheld shooting of indoor scenes; and scenic photography. The extra-large aperture also produces a bright, clear viewfinder image.
What’s more, the AW (All Weather) lens has dustproof, weather-resistant construction; eight special seals prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel. In addition, when paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant Pentax DSLR, photographers can work in demanding settings like rain or locations prone to water splashes.
More Features
The new Star lens provides a 9–blade, rounded diaphragm; it produces a natural, bokeh (defocus) effect up to F2.8. Moreover, it minimizes the streaking effect of point light sources.
What’s more, an electromagnetic diaphragm–control mechanism enables precise exposure control during video recording. Also beneficial is an SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and spots.
The HD Pentax-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens will reach retail mid-June. It will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $1,899.95.
