Big news today from Pentax. The previously teased and leaked Pentax 70-200mm f/2.8 and Pentax 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 lenses were officially unveiled today. That’s some pretty sweet big glass on its own. Perhaps the bigger news is the camera that is coming for these full frame lenses.
When the lenses leaked yesterday, I lamented the fact that many Pentax users have endured for years – there is no full frame Pentax DSLRs. Even as APS-C and smaller sensors are producing stellar imagery, there is a strong desire for a full frame imager on the Pentax K-mount system. The waiting is almost over.
Keyword: almost.
Pentax Full Frame DSLR Reference Model
The good news is that there will be Pentax K-mount DSLR on display at CP+ in Japan next week from Feb. 12-15. The bad news is that there is no additional info on the camera and likely none that we can learn from looking at a mockup under glass.
Pentax Prototypes at CES 2015
It will be a 35mm format sensor that is compatible with DA-series lenses using a crop mode. Of course, there are plenty other Pentax full frame lenses still being made that are compatible with older Pentax film cameras – in addition to these two new telephoto zoom lens. The full frame Pentax DSLR is currently under development and is said to launch by the end of 2015.
The HD Pentax D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8ED DC AW lens retails for $2299.95 and should be available in March. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The HD Pentax D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 DC AW lens retails for $2499.99 and should also be available in March. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
See the full press release below.
Ricoh Imaging Broadens Lens Line-up-Providing Photographers with Two New Options to Capture Outstanding Sports, Action and Landscape Photography.
With the Introduction of the HD PENTAX D FA ? 70-200mm F2.8 and the HD PENTAX D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6, photographers have exceptional lens options to use with current and future imaging sensor technology.
DENVER, Colorado, February 4, 2015– RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of two new HD PENTAX D FA Lenses. Designed for use with current PENTAX K-mount DSLR cameras and future PENTAX sensor technology, these lenses offer ranges not found in previous PENTAX lens models, including a star-series telephoto zoom and super-telephoto zoom ideal for capturing clear images of distant subjects and weather resistant for shooting in all conditions.
The HD PENTAX D FA lenses feature a high-grade HD Coating which helps to produce extra-sharp, high-contrast images, minimizing flare and ghosting, even under demanding lighting conditions such as in backlight situations.
The HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW has a brand new optical design in the PENTAX Star (?) series, which boasts the highest image quality of all PENTAX interchangeable lenses. In addition to the HD coating, this lens features Aero Bright Coating II, assuring exceptionally low reflectance. Thanks to its large- constant aperture design, the lens provides an accelerated maximum aperture of F2.8 at all focal lengths from 70mm to 200mm. In addition to four super-low dispersion glass elements and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, its optics includes a pair of new Super ED glass elements to effectively compensate chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range and deliver crisp, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness. Its dustproof, weather-resistant body also makes it extremely dependable and durable in demanding outdoor conditions. This new lens boasts fast yet quiet internal focusing, zoom versatility, and an AF limiter switch which improves autofocus response time.
The HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW covers focal lengths from 150mm to 450mm — a focal-length range demanded by higher end PENTAX-camera users. Also incorporated are three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and a super-low dispersion glass element to effectively compensate chromatic aberration. The highly desirable weather-resistance body protects the inside of the body from both dust and moisture, making it an extremely dependable and durable DSLR accessory in demanding outdoor conditions.
“Ricoh Imaging continues to provide quality and performance in lens construction,” said Jim Malcolm, President, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “With the addition of two new zoom lenses, we demonstrate our commitment to helping photographers reach their full potential.”
Pricing and Availability
Both the HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW and HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW will be available in March 2015 at both www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide with the following suggested retail prices:
HD PENTAX-D FA? 70-200mm F2.8ED DC AW- $2299.95
HD PENTAX-D FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6ED DC AW- $2499.95
