[StepOne]

PENTAX Introduces smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Medium-Telephoto Lens

Compact, lightweight autofocus lens designed exclusively for PENTAX K-Mount interchangeable-lens digital cameras

Denver, CO (May 21, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new smc PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 medium-telephoto autofocus lens, which is designed exclusively for use with the company’s K-mount interchangeable-lens (ILC) digital cameras. Thanks to state-of-the-art optical design technology from PENTAX, the lens’ image coverage is optimized for PENTAX K-mount ILC cameras to deliver sharp, clear images from edge to edge. With a sleek, modern look and a lightweight body, the new PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens was designed with versatility and flexibility in mind and is ideal for photographers of varying levels, from amateurs to professionals.

“The new PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens is ideal for photographers interested in portraiture and general photography,” explains John Carlson, Sr., Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION. “The lens measures just 1.5 inches long and weighs only 4.3 ounces, making it small enough and light enough to accompany photographers on all kinds of outings.”

When mounted on a PENTAX K-mount ILC camera body, the PENTAX-DA 50mm f/F1.8 lens delivers a focal length of 50mm or 76.5mm in the 35mm format. The lens’ f/1.8 maximum aperture and round diaphragm blades enable it to produce a natural “bokeh” (out-of-focus) effect, which gives the blurry elements in an image a softer, rounded and more pleasing appearance. Additionally, the f/1.8 aperture makes it possible to increase camera shutter speed when photographing in poorly lit conditions, which minimizes camera shake and helps eliminate blur.

For extra preventative measures, the front surface of the PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens is treated with the company’s original SP (Super Protect) coating, which repels dust, water, grease, and other substances that may adhere to the surface of the lens. The protective coating promotes trouble-free use in all kinds of shooting situations.

The PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens will be available July 2012 with a retail price of $249.95.

Source : PENTAX - PENTAX Introduces smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Medium-Telephoto Lens

[bdparker]

Maybe i'll wait to see more of the specs on this one before I decide on a 50mm

[DSims]

It certainly leaves itself open to working with a FF image circle, but I don't see any obvious clues either way here.

I expected a lower price. However, I won't be surprised if the overall image quality and bokeh is better than existing Pentax AF 50mm designs.

[creampuff]

Wait for the first impressions of this lens from Singapore Pentax users... coming real soon.

[Mareket]

It's pretty expensive considering it's made of plastic. Compared to Sony's OSS 50mm it's not fantastically well priced, but it IS much smaller and lighter...

Comparing it to Canon and Nikon doesn't seem overly fair as this is a brand new design. Competitors have been out for years, allowing their cost to be lowered somewhat. Is that right?

[claimed4all]

Hopefully the 250$ is just a MSRP. I would pick it up for 180$ (same price as the 35mm 2.4)

[ihasa]

I will be willing to bet it's the same optical design as the F50/1.7. The number of elements/groups is the same.

But they added a blade, which is good! Especially as it's now an odd number of blades, and they're curved. The price is high though... was hoping for something about the same as the DA35. My M50/1.7 can relax... for now.

[westmill]

I would have been a dam sight more excited if it had been a 60mm or 28-30mm.

[JFN]

Nice price point, now all we can do is wait for the first reviews in media. i was very close grabbing the FA 50mm f/1,4 some week ago, but decided to wait and see for the release of this one, nice timing!

[GabrielFFontes]

Waiting for the reviews...i thought i would buy it for 180$, well...maybe in a couple of months

[rawr]

If it performs as well as the DAL 35 on resolution etc (according to the DXO, photozone, lenstip tests), and AF speed too, it will be a welcome addition to the family.

I guess now Pentax will also need to be doing another firmware (and PDCU software) update for it's recent bodies, to put the lens data into there for CA and optical corrections and EXIF.

[cali92rs]

I would have been a dam sight more excited if it had been a 60mm or 28-30mm.

I agree...We already have a DA 40mm, FA 43 LTD the FA 50 1.4, and the DA* 55mm.
Including this new lens, that will be 5 primes in a 15mm range, lol.

[brofkand]

The Nikon equivalent is $220, has an equivalent of SDM, aspheric element, metal mount, sealed design (not WR, but better than nothing).

This new Pentax lens uses (presumably) the same optical formula as nearly every other 50mm lens on the market; 6 elements in 5 groups.

The days of Pentax lenses being cheaper and higher quality are over.

[Smeggypants]

Should have made a 30/1.2 - not interested in this

[cali92rs]

Should have made a 30/1.2 - not interested in this

I wouldve settled for a 1.4