Ricoh Intros Versatile Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR Lens

Ricoh recently unveiled a new 24-70mm high-performance K-mount lens for Pentax DSLR cameras. The HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR lens offers a versatile focal length range and weather-resistant design that makes it ideal for a wide variety of applications—from wedding, portraiture and sports, to nature, landscape and travel.

The Pentax lens' large f/2.8 constant maximum aperture reduces the need for a tripod in low-light conditions (sunsets and indoor scenes) while producing a soft defocus effect on the background throughout the entire focal-length range.

The new lens is compatible with full-frame, 35mm image sensors, making it usable with current (and future) model Pentax DSLRs. It provides a 24-70mm focal-length range with full-frame 35mm image sensors (a Pentax full-frame DSLR body is currently in development), and a 37-107mm range with current Pentax K-series APS-C bodies.

By incorporating three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) optical elements and four aspherical optical elements, the lens assures sufficient light levels even at the edges of the image field, and compensates for various aberrations to deliver fine-detailed images, rich in contrast and resolution. All elements are treated with a high-grade, multi-layer High-Definition (HD) coating that enables higher light transmittance and less reflection than conventional multi-layer coatings, providing high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight.

Weather-resistant construction with customized seals prevents water intrusion into the lens interior. Paired with a weather-resistant PENTAX DSLR camera body, it assures high performance in demanding conditions: rain, mist, snow, or in locations prone to water splashing/spray.

Other features include a built-in Supersonic Direct-drive Motor (SDM) that provides quiet, high-speed autofocus (AF) operation; the PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus system, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system for fine tuning; and a zoom lock lever to prevent the accidental extension of the lens barrel when pointed downward.

The HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR has a suggested retail price of $1,299.99.

More info on the HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR lens here.

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