The wait is over – The Pentax 11-18mm f/2.8 is here and so is a new 35mm f/2

The two new lenses from Pentax, the HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 and HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW leaked yesterday, are now official. People have been waiting a long time for that 11-18mm f/2.8, although the 35mm f/2 has been something of a surprise for Pentax shooters. Here are the full specs and prices, and now both lenses are available to pre-order.

Pentax DA* 11-19mm f/2.8 ED DC AW – $1,399

 

Designed for Pentax K-Mount APS-C cameras and first announced 15 whole months ago, this autofocus lens offers a field of view equivalent to that of a 17-27.5mm focal length range on a full frame sensor. It has a constant f/2.8 aperture, with Aero Bright II coatings to minimise ghosting and flare. It also features a Super Protect (SP) coating on the front element to help guard against moisture and grease, with full weather sealing incorporating 10 separate seals.

• Focal length: 11-18mm
• Max aperture: f/2.8
• Min aperture: f/22
• Mount: Pentax K
• Format: APS-C
• Angle of view: 104° to 76°
• Minimum focus distance: 30cm (11.81″)
• Filter thread diameter: 82mm
• Optics: 16 elements in 11 groups
• Diaphragm blades: 9, rounded
• Dimensions: 90 x 100mm (3.54 x 3.94″)
• Weight: 704g (1.55lb)

The HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lens is available to pre-order now for $1,399.95. No word yet on when the lens will actually ship. It’s been a long wait, but given that pre-orders are now open, I would expect that it won’t be too much longer.

HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 – $399.95

Unlike the lens above, this one happens to be for full frame. It’s a 35mm prime lens with a maximum aperture of f/2. HD coatings have been applied to each individual element in order to minimise ghosting and flare, and for greater contrast and colour neutrality when working in iffy lighting conditions. As with the 11-18mm f/2.8 above, the 35mm f/2 also uses the SP coting to protect the front element against moisture and grease.

• Focal length: 35mm
• Max aperture: f/2
• Min aperture: f/22
• Mount: Pentax K
• Format: 35mm full frame
• Angle of view: 63°
• Minimum focus distance: 30cm (11.81″)
• Filter thread diameter: 49mm
• Optics: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diaphragm blades: 6
• Dimensions: 64 x 44.5mm (2.52 x 1.75″)
• Weight: 193g (6.81oz)

The HD Pentax-FA 35mm f/2 lens is available to pre-order now for $399.95. Again, no word on exactly when it will begin to ship.