Ricoh has announced the new HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8ED AW (All Weather) lens. This is the first Pentax macro lens to feature all-weather dustproof and weather-resistant construction. Ricoh says that when mounted to a weather-resistant Pentax DSLR, the new lens creates “a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions”.
The lens features a new optical design, although Ricoh says it’s almost as compact as its Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR predecessor. And as well as new insides, it also has a new exterior. The new design includes Pentax’s Quick-Shift Focus System. This enables photographers to instantly switch from auto to manual focus after the camera’s AF system locks on.
The lens incorporates one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element and two Anomalous Dispersion elements. These minimise unwanted purple fringing and other aberrations. To reduce glare and ghosting, multi-layer HD coatings and Pentax’s Fixed Rear Element Extension focusing system are used to assist throughout the focal range.
| Focal length | 100mm |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Mount | Pentax K |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/32 |
| Optics | 10 elements in 8 groups |
| Minimum focus distance | 30cm |
| Angle of view | 24.5° |
| Max magnification | 1:1 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Stabilisation | No |
| Filter diameter | 49mm |
| Diaphragm blades | 8, rounded |
| Dimensions | 65 x 80.5mm |
| Weight | 387g |
It has a minimum focus distance of 30cm for 1:1 macro magnification. This gives a working distance of 13.1cm. That’s much greater than the short 50mm macro lens while still providing the same magnification. Having a 100mm focal length, though, means that it should also be great for things like portraits, too. Then, of course, there’s food and product photography.
There is something Pentax shooters need to note, though. This lens does not feature an aperture ring. As such, it cannot be used with Pentax K mount film SLRs. This means you’re limited to only using it with DSLRs. I expect that won’t be a problem for most, though.
The HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED is available in two colour options. There’s the standard black and a limited edition silver version. The silver one is limited to only 300 units. They’re both available to pre-order now for $549.95 through the Pentax website. It’s expected to ship in late November.
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