Parsippany, NJ—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation introduced the HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED AW lens. What’s more, it is the first Pentax macro lens to feature all weather (AW) dustproof, weather-resistant construction.
In addition, incorporating a new optical design developed using the latest optical design technologies, the lens optimizes image resolution and contrast, even at open aperture, to deliver high-quality images.
For use with Pentax digital SLR cameras, the macro lens will also come as a special-edition silver model in a limited quantity of 300 units worldwide.
When mounted on a dustproof, weather-resistant Pentax DSLR camera body, the new macro lens “creates a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions—such as snow, mist, rain or in locations prone to splashing or spraying water,” the company announced.
HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED AW Details
Despite the new optical design and AW construction, the macro lens is nearly as compact as its predecessor (the smc Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR). In addition, it sports a new exterior design, and its focus ring features the Pentax-original Quick-Shift Focus system. As a result, photographers can instantly shift the focus mode from auto to manual after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s autofocus system. The lens also provides life-size magnification.
The lens incorporates one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass optical element and two anomalous dispersion glass optical elements. They compensate for various aberrations and minimize the generation of the unwanted purple fringe effect.
This is coupled with a multi-layer HD (high definition) coating, which reduces reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% compared to conventional models. The lens also benefits from the FREE (fixed rear element extension) focusing system. Together, these technologies reduce flaring and ghost images over the entire focus range—from minimum focusing distance to infinity.
What’s more, the lens’s dustproof, weather-resistant AW construction prevents the intrusion of dust and moisture into the lens body. It uses six sealing parts to optimize airtight performance. In addition, SP（super protect）coating applied to the front optical element keeps the front surface free of dust or stains.
Another feature is a working distance of 5.1 inches at life-size magnification. This is to facilitate the shooting of typically uncooperative subjects, such as insects. The lens also uses a circular diaphragm to produce a natural bokeh (defocus) effect from open aperture to f/5.6, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.
Availability & Pricing
The HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8ED AW black lens ships in late November 2022. It will have a suggested retail price of $549.95.
The lens will also come as a special-edition silver model—limited to 300 units. The special-edition silver model will reach retail in early November 2022 with a suggested retail price of $549.95.
Ricoh will assign individual serial numbers to each lens. The black model starts at 0000001; the silver model starts at 1000001.
