Ricoh launches newly designed HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED All Weather lens
Oct 24, 2022
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Share:
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.
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
Related Posts
Sigma is announcing a newly designed 85mm f/1.4 Art FE for Sony next week, report says
The new Laowa 50mm f/2.8 lens is the world’s first 2X macro lens designed for MFT
Leaked photos and newly-rumored specs of Pentax’s upcoming full-frame DSLR, the K-1
Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro now in Pentax K-mount and with manual aperture for Canon EF
Join the Discussion
DIYP Comment Policy
Be nice, be on-topic, no personal information or flames.
2 responses to “Ricoh launches newly designed HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED All Weather lens”
Thanks for posting this.
Thanks for posting this.