RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the new HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens. Despite its compact size, this premium wide-angle, full-frame fixed focal length lens for PENTAX DSLR cameras delivers outstanding images for a wide range of subjects, from landscape photography to group portraits.
The new HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens is an upgraded version of the much-loved classic wide-angle smc PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 AL lens for full-frame Pentax cameras, complete with premium proprietary optical coatings developed by Ricoh Imaging engineers.
HD coating for Pentax premium optics delivers sharp, crisp images with no ghost images or flare, while a special hydrophobic SP Super Protect coating on the front lens protects the lens from dirt and makes cleaning easy. The redesigned lens body is designed to meet the requirements of optics for PENTAX digital SLR cameras and combines comfortable ergonomics, compactness and light weight, making it ideal for both to have on hand in any situation.
Key features of the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 lens:
1. HD-Coating for better contrast
New HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens adds HD antireflective coating. Compared to conventional multi-coated lenses, the PENTAX HD-Coating* offers higher light transmission and a significantly lower reflection coefficient. By keeping stray reflections to a minimum, this technology produces contrasty, sharp images without glare or ghost images, even when shooting in backlight.
*HD – High Definition.
2. Protective SP coating against dirt
The SP Super Protect water and dirt-repellent coating on the front lens reduces dirt on the front lens and makes cleaning the lens easier, so when you are shooting, you can concentrate on your creative goals and fully enjoy the creative process.
3. An all-new, modern lens design
Retaining the dimensions of its predecessor, the updated version of the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 has a modern and functional design that meets the requirements of the DA and D FA line of optics. Advanced look perfectly matches the latest Pentax digital SLR K-mount cameras.
On the other hand, the mechanical aperture ring on the lens body is sure to please fans of past generations of PENTAX cameras, because the design HD PENTAX-FA35mm f/2 ensures its compatibility with absolutely any previously released cameras with bayonet K.
4. A versatile lens with superior ergonomics
The lens offers a focal length of 35 mm when mounted on a full-frame PENTAX SLR, and a focal length of 53 mm when mounted on an APS-C size reflex camera.5 mm, its angle of view in both cases is close to the angle of view of the human eye. So the lens can be used for the most popular photographers’ range of subjects: landscape photography, portrait photography or street photography. The minimum focus distance is 30 cm, which allows you to photograph subjects at close range.
5. Compact and lightweight body
The HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens is compact and lightweight, only 44.5 mm long and weighing 193 g. Ideal for everyday shooting, the lens does not take up much space in a camera bag or even in a photographer’s pocket.
6. Hybrid aspherical elements in the optical design
The HD PENTAX-FA35mm f/2 comes with aspherical optics to counteract aberrations. The presence of this element provides a clear high-contrast image at any focusing distance and at a fully open aperture.
Highlights of the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2:
| Focal length | 35mm 53.5mm when used with an APC-S format camera |
| Maximum aperture value | F2 |
| Minimum aperture value | F22 |
| Design | 6 elements in 5 groups |
| Viewing Angle | 63° 44° when used with an APC-S format camera |
| Mount | KAF |
| Minimum focus distance | 30mm |
| Magnification | 0.17x |
| Filter size | 49mm |
| Aperture control | Fully automatic |
| Number of aperture blades | 6 |
| Accessories | S80-80 carrying case, O-LC49 lens cap, PH-RBG49 lens hood |
| Dimensions diameter x length | Approx. 64mm x 44.5mm |
| Weight | Approx. 193g with lens hood approx. 213g |
| Features | Operating temperature -10°C～40°C, relative humidity 85% or lower |
Is the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 worth the upgrade from the previous version?
Is the upgrade to the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens noticeable in terms of image quality and performance?
Is the upgrade in the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 prime lens significant enough to justify its high-end price tag?
Is the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens worth the upgrade from its previous version? What new features or improvements does it offer compared to the high-end wide-angle prime lens it replaces?
Is the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm f/2 lens worth the upgrade? How does it differ from the previous version? Is the image quality significantly improved or are there just minor enhancements?