[Adam]

The new HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED WR RE PLM telephoto zoom debuts a new Pentax lens mount type (KAF4) and a new AF motor (PLM, or Pulse Motor). It's also the second Pentax lens to feature the retractable (RE) barrel design for a smaller form factor when stowed.

With an electromagnetic aperture diaphragm controlled by the camera and actuated in-lens, smoother and quieter aperture adjustments are possible. In addition, the PLM motor permits AF-C operation during video recording with the new Pentax K-70. This lens is compatible with the K-70 as well as the K-S2, K-S1, K-3 II, and K-1 via firmware update (coming soon). On other cameras, it will always shoot wide-open.

Press release:

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE Announced - Pentax Announcements | PentaxForums.com

Pre-order ($399) yours and get a PF account upgrade:

Pentax 55-300mm at Adorama
Pentax 55-300mm at B&H

Adam
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[assa1]

This lens is compatible with the K-70 as well as the K-S2, K-S1, K-3 II, and K-1 via firmware update (coming soon). On other cameras, it will always shoot wide-open.

Does this mean that it will always be f6.3 on cameras other then listed above? K-3 for example? Quite wierd IMO.

[Adam]

Does this mean that it will always be f6.3 on cameras other then listed above? K-3 for example? Quite wierd IMO.

Unless they also release a firmware update for the K-3, it will be F4.5 at the wide end and F6.3 at the tele end, yes.

[GodsPetMonkey]

Curious little lens - was this even on the planned roadmap? I thought the only 'officially' planned DA zoom was meant to be wide...

Anyway, I suspect this Ricoh is using this as a testbed for the new tech - new focus motor and electronic aperture coupled with the new AF capabilities of the K-70. Given that the 55-300mm (in its various forms) must have been one of the more popular lenses thanks to good value and an already very portable size/weight, this is probably a safe one for them to play with, knowing that it'll spark interest and pick up some sales. If it goes well I would expect KAF4 to become the new standard - and in an interesting contrast to Nikon they are debuting it at the entry level, not the top-end gear.

I guess with this and the K-70 Ricoh also have at least 2 small format teams working at once (one on the K-1, another on the K-70), very good to see that they are not relying on the flagships to carry all the innovation - features will surely trickle up and down given what the K-70 is trying to do with video.