First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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Ricoh is showing off two upcoming lenses at the Photo Plus Expo show in New York this week. The HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW is designed for full-frame cameras, while the HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 is intended to be paired with the company’s APS-C DSLRs.
We weren’t able to get our hands on the new lenses, sadly – they’re still under glass – but we’re told that they’re cosmetically near-final. Click through for a closer look.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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We’ve known about the HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW for a while, but the last time we saw it (also under glass) it was little more than a lens-shaped lump of plastic. Things have advanced since then, and the copy on show here appears to be a working prototype.
The upcoming 50mm is one of a new generation of ‘star series’ lenses that Ricoh intends for high-resolution imaging with its flagship K-1 and (presumably) follow-up full-frame models.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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The 50mm F1.4 will come with a generously proportioned lens hood. The ‘AW’ in the designation stands for ‘All Weather’ and denotes environmental sealing, which should mean that like the K-1, it will stand up to use in harsh conditions.
A new ring-type SDM autofocus drive promises fast, quiet focusing. Pricing has yet to be announced, but the new 50mm should be available in spring of next year.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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Meanwhile, the HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 is intended to be paired with the company’s APS-C DSLRs, and covers an effective focal length range of ~17-28mm. The fast maximum aperture of F2.8 is fixed across the zoom range, and while it hasn’t been spelled out anywhere, the sample on show appears to feature a switch for optical image stabilization, covered in black tape.
This would be a bit odd, given that Pentax’s DSLRs are stabilized in-body but could point towards hybrid stabilization. The alternative explanation (and probably more likely) is that it’s either a zoom lock or simply a vestigial bump which will be removed in shipping lenses.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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Beyond the usual hyperbole (photographers should be able to ‘effortlessly capture breathtaking landscapes’ with this lens, apparently) details of the exact specification are sparse. Along with the mystery switch, the focus scale has also been obscured.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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No pricing information has been shared, but we’re told that the 11-18mm will be available next summer.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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Here’s the new K-1 ‘Silver Edition’, announced in August. This special edition of Ricoh’s flagship full-frame DSLR features a special silver coating, to match the silver versions of Pentax Limited lenses.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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This is the kind of thing that often looks great in manufacturer-supplied renderings, but a bit tacky in real life. We’re pleased to see that in person, the silver K-1 looks pretty classy.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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A special silver hotshoe cover is an especially nice touch. The K-1 silver edition is limited to 2000 copies worldwide.
First look at upcoming Pentax 50mm F1.4 and 11-18mm F2.8 lenses
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Alongside its conventional cameras and lenses, Ricoh is also showing off its new Theta V 360-degree camera, which improves on the original model with much better resolution and advanced video features. Learn more about the Ricoh Theta V
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)