RICOH develops new-generation, high-performance
Star-series lenses for digital SLR cameras,
to be exhibited at Photo Plus Expo 2017 and Salon de la PHOTO 2017
RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. are pleased to announce the development of new-generation, high-performance Star-series lenses designed for the tomorrow's super-high-megapixel, super-high-resolution digital photography. These products will be exhibited as reference products at two upcoming camera events: Photo Plus Expo 2017 to be held from October 26 to 28 in New York; SALON de la PHOTO 2017 to be held from November 9 to 13 in Paris.
Star-series lenses have enjoyed enthusiastic support from many PENTAX SLR camera users since the days of film-format SLR photography, because this series represents the top performance and premium quality of all PENTAX SLR interchangeable lens series. In addition to the initial design concepts of "best image quality" and "large aperture," the series has also adopted the new concepts of "exceptional toughness" and "outstanding operability," achieved through the development of a dustproof, weather-resistant camera body. The result is superior dependability in all shooting conditions, and the emergence of a perfect partner for PENTAX SLR camera bodies.
To be exhibited as reference products, these lenses will become the first two models of the new-generation Star series. While retaining existing design concepts, the series underwent a drastic review of in-house standards, especially on resolving power. Because of this, these new lenses have been designed to provide excellent imaging performance when used in combination with a PENTAX digital SLR camera, making them ideal for the coming age of super-high-performance, super-high-resolution digital photography. Product data will be officially released at a later date.
Overview of reference products
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW (tentative name)
Interchangeable lens for PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras
Model name: HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW (tentative name)*
- ・PENTAX K-mount covering the image circle of a 35mm-format full-frame image sensor
- ・Newly developed ring-shaped SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) for faster, quieter AF operation
- ・AW (All-Weather) structure to prevent intrusion of dust and rain for use in demanding shooting conditions
- ・Minimum shooting distance of 0.4 meters
- ・Market launch: Scheduled for the spring of 2018
* An updated version of the reference product exhibited at CP+ 2017 (held from February 23 to 26, 2017, in Japan).
HD PENTAX-DA★ 11-18mm F2.8 (tentative name)
Interchangeable lens for PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras
Model name: HD PENTAX-DA★ 11-18mm F2.8 (tentative name)
- ・PENTAX K-mount covering the image circle of an APS-C-format image sensor
- ・High-performance Star-series model providing excellent resolution even at open aperture
- ・Large-aperture, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8 (fixed) and an angle of view between 17mm and 27.5mm (in the 35mm format)
- ・Market launch: Scheduled for the summer of 2018
Note: Model names, designs and specifications of the above-mentioned products are all tentative and subject to change without notice. Prices will be announced at a later date.