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Ricoh has published a video setting out its development plans for three new lenses, including a constant F2.8 standard zoom for APS-C, a 21mm lens in its much-loved ‘Limited’ prime lens series and gave more details of the FA*85mm F1.4.
The company says its announcements were originally planned for the cancelled CP+ trade show, that was supposed to take place in February 2020 in Yokohama, Japan.
The company gave more details of the HD Pentax-D FA* 85mm F1.4ED SDM AW first announced in March 2020. This is the first 85mm Pentax lens designed specifically for digital cameras. The lens will include three super ED lenses, which behave similarly to fluorite elements, to minimize chromatic aberration. They say this should avoid the purple or green edges that can be distracting in wide aperture portraits.
The design also utilizes a concave front element, which the company says reduces some aberrations. The spherical aberration has been optimized to provide attractive bokeh, rather than solely prioritizing sharpness. They claim this will result in ‘the finest lens in its class.’
The lens will be launched later in 2020, with a more definitive announcement soon.
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Alongside the 85mm, the company showed the forthcoming D FA 21mm Limited lens as an addition its range of prime lenses. Like the other ‘Limited’ lenses, it will feature metal construction and will be available in black or silver. The focal length was chosen as one that’s not currently available in the lineup. The maximum aperture was not disclosed.
Unlike the current Limited series lenses, the D FA 21mm will have a built-in DC focus motor, rather than being driven by the camera body. It will also be weather sealed. The lens will be available in 2021.
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For APS-C users, there will be a lens current called the HD Pentax DA* 16-50mm F2.8ED PLM AW, a completely new constant F2.8 standard zoom for APS-C. This, like the 85mm, will be part of the ‘new-generation’ star range.
It will be powered by a PLM ‘Pulse’ motor, which has meant a complete optical redesign with a light focus element to suit the fast, quiet motor. The company is aiming to have the lens ready in the first half of 2021, to more closely coincide with a promised APS-C flagship camera.
The company’s manager of product planning, Tetsuya Iwasaki also promised that the company will also develop some smaller and reasonably priced lenses in future.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
