Pentax DA★ 11-18mm and D FA★ 50mm Specifications

Reference exhibits at CP+ 2018

By PF Staff in Pentax Announcements on Feb 27, 2018

In preparation for the upcoming CP+ 2018 trade show, which kicks off on March 1st in Tokyo, Ricoh Imaging has revealed further details about the two K-mount lenses due for release later this year, including partial specifications.

We'll see the HD Pentax-D FA^★50mm F1.4 SDM AW premium normal lens for the full frame system this spring. It will feature the latest KAF4 lens mount*, which incorporates electromagnetic aperture control. In addition, this will be the first Pentax lens to use a newly-designed ring-type autofocus motor. We expect this lens to deliver "corner to corner" sharpness, as has been the trend with recent modern primes. It is possible that Ricoh will officially announce this lens in the coming days (as implied by the "one reference product" in the press release text).

The HD Pentax-DA^★11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW is expected in the summer. This will be a wide-angle premium zoom for crop cameras. We've learned that it will use the KAF3 lens mount, which means it will remain compatible with older cameras like the Pentax K-5. The lens will also feature a focus clamp to allow for very precise manual focus adjustments.

Other news includes the announcement of new lens roadmaps, which newly lists a D FA 70-200mm F4, and of course the announcement of the Pentax K-1 II.

*Cameras older than the Pentax K-3 will always shoot wide-open with this lens.

RICOH to Exhibit One Reference Product
at CP^＋2018 Camera and Imaging Show

TOKYO, February 27, 2018 －RICOH COMPANY, LTD and RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. are pleased to inform the exhibition of one reference product -- interchangeable lens currently under development -- at CP^＋2018 , one of the largest and most comprehensive camera and imaging show in Asia. This annual event will be held from March 1 to 4 at the PACIFICO YOKOHAMA convention center in Japan.

Overview of reference products

HD PENTAX-D FA★50mmF1.4 SDM AW (tentative name) 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
This lens was developed as a "new-generation star lens", which drastically reviewed internal standards in order to respond to future camera performance improvements
A new "SDM" system equipped with a newly developed ring-shaped Supersonic Direct-drive Motor for faster, quieter AF operation
AW (All-Weather), a structure to prevent intrusion of dust and rain for use in demanding shooting conditions
Minimum shooting distance of 0.4 meters
KAF4 lens mount corresponding to electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism
Market launch: Scheduled for the spring of 2018

* We plan to set up a trial section by prototype of this reference exhibition lens at CP ⁺ (Data take-away is not possible)

HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW (tentative name) HD PENTAX-DA^★11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW (tentative name)

Interchangeable lens for PENTAX K mount digital SLR cameras

Model name: HD PENTAX-DA^★11-18mm F2.8ED DC AW (tentative name)

PENTAX K-mount covering the image circle of an APS-C-format image sensor
This lens was developed as a "new-generation star lens", which drastically reviewed internal standards in order to respond to future camera performance improvements
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)
AW (All-Weather), a structure to prevent intrusion of dust and rain for use in demanding shooting conditions
Focus clamp function that can fix the focus position at an arbitrary place
High-speed, high-precision AF capable DC motor
Filter diameter is 82 mm
Adopted KAF3 lens mount with many compatible cameras available
Market launch: Scheduled for the summer of 2018

Notes: Model name, design, specification are all tentative and subject to change without notice. Price will be announced at later date.

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