Ultra-wide-angle prime lens in the HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mm F2 Star lineup.8 ED DC AW

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. pleased to announce the new PENTAX-DA11-18mm f/2 HD Lens.8 ED DC AW. This super-wide-angle lens from the stellar and legendary DA* series with a maximum aperture of F2.8 guarantees exceptional image quality and aberration-free images throughout the entire zoom range.

In designing the lens, Ricoh Imaging engineers not only ensured superb image quality in combination with current Pentax DSLR cameras, but also considered the future use of the lens in future models with a higher sensor performance. New HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mm F2 lens.8ED DC AW mount has superb image quality and exceptional resolution from the center of the frame to the edges, even at fully open aperture. The first wide-angle and surprisingly compact lens in the Pentax HD “star” series, the PENTAX-DA★ 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW with maximum aperture of 2.8 is designed for APS-C sized PENTAX SLR cameras: The Pentax Lens Lineup now covers the full range of focal lengths from ultra-wide to telephoto that photographers are looking for.

In conjunction with a weatherproof body, to improve performance when shooting in harsh conditions, the lens also features a heated accessory mount to prevent condensation, and a metal lens body that better conducts heat to quickly equalize ambient and internal temperatures. The optional equipment greatly increases the lens’ performance in landscape and astronomy photography in harsh weather conditions low temperatures .

Pentax HD PENTAX-DA★ 11-18mm f/2 Lens.8 ED DC AW will find use among professionals and enthusiasts in landscape and astronomy photography, and will work effectively in harsh weather conditions. Retail sales of the lens in America are expected in April 2019.

Highlights of the HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW

1. The fast lens with maximum aperture of F2.8

Despite its compact body, this ultra-wide-angle lens with a focal length of 11 – 18 mm 17 mm – 27.5mm in 35mm format equivalent delivers exceptional image quality with true-to-life color reproduction and rich tonal gradations. With its f/2 orthogonal aperture unchanged throughout its focal length range.8, it ensures sharp, vivid and saturated images of the starry sky and landscapes in twilight conditions. With a minimum focus distance of 30cm, the lens will also produce artistic close-ups of your subjects. In addition, high aperture ratio enables effective control over depth of field, highlighting the main subject and artistically blurring the background.

2. HD illumination for exceptional image quality

The lens features a proprietary multi-coated HD antireflection coating that reduces reflection by 50% more effectively than conventional coatings across the entire visible light spectrum. By minimizing stray reflections, the technology delivers sharp, clear images without ghost or flare, and with the most accurate color reproduction even in low-light or backlit conditions.

3. Ideal design for landscape and astronomy photography

The original Focus Clamp mechanism allows the photographer to fix the set focus distance with a special switch so that it cannot be knocked off by accidental rotation of the focus ring. This is especially important for subjects like landscapes and night starry sky, which require high-precision focusing and long shutter speeds.

For shooting in harsh weather conditions at low temperatures, the lens also features a space to attach heated accessories that prevent condensation and frost on the optics. Metal lens barrel conducts heat effectively, thus quickly equalizing the temperature between the environment and the internal elements and enabling efficient operation of the heaters. The lens is ergonomically designed for easy access to the focus ring.

4. Dust and waterproof body design

The AW All Weather labeled lens has a rugged weatherproof housing that prevents moisture, dust and dirt from getting inside. When fitted to a Pentax dust and waterproof camera, you get a reliable photographic system that performs superbly in wet conditions: rain, snow, fog, shooting near water.

5. Other features:

・ Quiet and smooth autofocus with built-in DC motor.

・Nine-blade maximally rounded aperture diaphragm ensures beautifully blurred backgrounds while also reducing the chance of starbursts around point light sources.

・Pentax Quick-Shift system that enables the user to instantly switch to manual focus by simply turning the focus ring while in autofocus mode.

・Special hydrophobic SP Super Protect coating on the front lens protects the lens from dirt and makes cleaning the optics easier.

HD PENTAX-DA11-18mmF2 main specifications.8ED DC AW: