February 10, 2015

HD PENTAX-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE
An interchangeable zoom lens, featuring a new retractable mechanism creating the world’s shortest length — 41 millimeters — in the stored position

RICOH IMAGING is pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA 18-50mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE, designed for use with PENTAX K-mount lens-interchangeable digital cameras. This standard zoom lens features a newly developed retractable mechanism for easy storage and outstanding portability, as well as a weather-resistant construction for dependable operation under all shooting conditions.

This standard zoom lens has been developed as a compact, easy-to-use everyday lens that meets user demand for a downsized, high-resolution digital SLR imaging system. Thanks to its retractable mechanism — employed for the first time in the PENTAX K-mount lens system — it provides the world’s shortest length in the stored position: just 41 millimeters. *  Despite its ultra-compact design that assures outstanding portability, it also features the PENTAX-original HD Coating, super-low dispersion glass elements and aspherical elements to effectively compensate various aberrations for sharp, high-contrast, well-balanced images. Its built-in DC motor assures smooth, quiet autofocus operation, while its weather-resistant body makes it extremely dependable and durable in demanding outdoor conditions.

* The world’s shortest standard zoom lens for use with digital SLR cameras (as of February 1, 2015, based on RICOH IMAGING research)

Main Features
1. The world’s shortest standard zoom lens
This standard zoom lens offers a zoom ratio of approximately 2.8 times to cover the wide-angle to standard ranges (for focal lengths equivalent to 27.5mm to 76.5mm in the 35mm format), which are the most frequently used ranges in general photographic applications. Thanks to its new retractable mechanism, it measures a mere 41millimeters in length in the stored position — the world’s shortest for a standard zoom lens — to assure outstanding portability in combination with today’s downsized digital SLR camera body.

2. Dependable weather-resistant construction
This lens features a dependable weather-resistant construction with nine special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of water into the interior. By pairing it with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings — even in the rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

3. Exceptional image rendition to accommodate latest digital SLR cameras
Incorporating super-low dispersion glass elements and aspherical elements in its 11-element/eight-group optics, this lens effectively compensates various aberrations for high-contrast, high-resolution, fine-detailed images with minimal color bleeding.

4. HD Coating to improve image description
This lens is treated with the high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating.* Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this PENTAX-original coating assures less reflection and higher light transmittance to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight.

* HD stands for High Definition

5. Quick-Shift Focus System
This lens is equipped with the PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation, even when the camera’s AF system is in operation.

6. Other features
·SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease
·Smooth, quiet autofocus operation, driven by the built-in DC motor
·Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful bokeh (defocused) effect, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
·Low-profile lens hood (included),designed for easy carrying without the need to remove it from the lens for storage

Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice