TOKYO, May 28, 2020－RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. announced the launch of the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW lens. This large-aperture, medium-telephoto lens is the second single-focus lens of the new-generation PENTAX Star (★) lens series. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, this series boasts the highest imaging performance of all PENTAX lens lineups.
In developing the new generation of the top-of-the-line Star series, PENTAX conducted an extensive review of its in-house standards, demanding the most satisfying performance even for use with future PENTAX digital SLRs, which are expected to deliver higher image quality and better performance than current models. Developed in pursuit of ideal image quality, this new lens delivers superb imaging power, without relying heavily on the image sensor or image processer. It lets the photographer enjoy the entire picture-taking process by checking the subject in detail and in real time via a sharp, clear image produced by its high-grade optical viewfinder.
In order to assure the exceptional imaging power demanded in the new-generation, high-performance Star series, this new lens incorporates high-grade Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements and an aspherical optical element to compensate various aberrations to a minimum -- in particular, to effectively minimize axial chromatic aberration to prevent the generation of purple fringing in backlit situations. It also reduces distortion -- a serious concern in portrait photography -- to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters. In addition, PENTAX has developed a new ring-type SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) exclusively for this new lens to realize flawless, high-speed autofocus operation, while adopting an exterior design providing a firm grip to facilitate manual-focus operation. This new lens is designed not only to assure the highest imaging power currently possible, but also to optimize the joy of picture-taking.
Main Features of the new HD PENTAX-D FA★85mm F1.4ED SDM AW
1. New-generation, high-performance Star-series lens to deliver ideal image quality
Anticipating the further advancement of SLR camera bodies in the future, PENTAX has designed this lens to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness by compensating various aberrations to a minimum, while greatly enhancing resolving power -- two factors absolutely essential in the next-generation Star series. It provides exceptionally high imaging performance even at open aperture, a beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect and outstanding image rendition at close ranges -- all reasons why it produces high-quality, well-defined images. It also boasts an extra-large F1.4 maximum aperture, useful with many different subjects in a range of applications, including portraiture with an effectively defocused background, handheld shooting of indoor scenes and scenic photography. It helps the camera to produce a bright, clear viewfinder image that will inspire the photographer's creativity and imagination.
2. State-of-the-art optical technology
This lens incorporates three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements to effectively minimize chromatic aberration, and a glass-molded aspherical optical element to effectively compensate for spherical and comatic aberrations and field curvature to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, even at open aperture. It also reduces distortion to nearly zero at a focusing distance of four meters to deliver well-defined, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity. This lens is also treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD* Coating, which reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% of conventional multi-layer coatings, effectively reducing flare and ghost images to a minimum even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.
* HD is the abbreviation of High Definition.
3. Newly designed, large ring-type SDM
In order to deliver the highest image quality possible over the entire focusing range -- from the minimum focusing distance to infinity -- this lens features an newly designed, large ring-type SDM to efficiently drive the focusing mechanism, which consists of a larger number of optical elements than ordinary lenses, and is required to shift heavy rear-optical-element groups in unison. Generating a torque approximately 1.3 times that of the unit installed in the HD PENTAX-D FA★50mm f1.4 SDM AW, this new SDM assures flawless, high-speed autofocus operation.
4. Dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Developed as an AW (All Weather) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens barrel. When paired with a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it assures a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings -- even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.
5. Other features
- ・Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to the F2.8 aperture setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
- ・Exterior design that facilitates focus-ring operation in manual-focus shooting and provides a firm hold
- ・Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism** for flawless, high-precision exposure control during video recording
- ・SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and spots
** This mechanism is available when the lens is mounted on a K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-50, K-S2 or K-S1 camera body.
Major Specifications
| HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4ED SDM AW | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Equivalent to 130mm in 35mm format (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Maximum Aperture | F1.4 |
| Minimum Aperture | F16 |
| Lens Construction | 12 elements in 10 groups |
| Angle of View (Diagonal) | 28.5° |
| 19° (when attached to PENTAX APS-C size DSLR cameras) |
|
| Mount | KAF4 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.85m (2.8ft.) |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.12x |
| Filter Diameter | 82mm |
| Diaphragm Control | Electromagnetic diaphragm Fully automatic |
| Number of Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Rounded diaphragm （85mm:F1.4-F2.8） | |
| Aperture Ring | N/A |
| Tripod Mount | N/A |
| Lens Hood | PH-RBG82 (included) |
| Lens Cap | O-LC82 (included) |
| Lens Case | S130-160 (included) |
| Maximum Diameter x Length | approx. 95mm x 123.5mm (approx. 3.7in. x 4.9in.) |
| Weight | approx. 1255g / with hood approx. 1355g (approx. 44.3oz./ with hood approx.47.8oz.) |
| Temperature | -10°C～40°C (14°F～104°F) |
| Humidity | 85% or less (no condensation) |
| Included Accessories | Lens Hood PH-RBG82, Lens Cap O-LC82, Lens Mount Cap K,Lens Case S130-160 |
| About Ricoh |
Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2020, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,008 billion yen (approx. 18.5 billion USD).
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com/