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Jan. 23, 2008 – In the wake of its DSLR announcements, Pentax introduced five more lenses designed specifically for its SLR digital cameras. The offerings include 300mm f/4, 18-55mm f/3.5, 35mm f/2.8, 200mm f/2.8, and 55-300mm f/4 lenses ranging in price from $199 to $1,299.
Each lens comes with a new protective coating to prevent grease and dust from sticking to the glass. There is also a quick-shift focus system that allows photographers to instantly change from auto to manual.
The smc Pentax DA** 300mm f/4 ED(IF) SDM lens has a weather and dust-resistant body like the Pentax K20D and K200D DSLRs announced today. It weighs more than a DSLR, though, at 37.7 ounces. It has a 77mm filter diameter and is 7.2 inches long. This fixed lens uses Panasonic's new SDM ultrasonic motors, which, they claim, produce quicker and quieter focussing. The Pentax DA** 300mm f/4 lens is equivalent to 450mm in the 35mm format, the longest that Pentax offers, and will ship in May for $1,299.
Adding to Pentax’s fleet of super-telephoto lenses is the smc Pentax DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED(IF) SDM lens. It has the same quiet and smooth autofocus system as the 300mm f/4 lens and a similar weather and dust-resistant body. The 200mm lens is smaller and quieer than the 300mm: it measures 5.3 inches long and has a 3.3-inch diameter and weighs 29.1 ounces. It is equivalent to 300mm in the 35mm format, and will go on sale in March for $1,099.
The smc Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited is the manufacturer’s widest macro lens. Its other macro lenses include 50mm and 100mm that also have a 1:1 ratio. The 35mm has the same f/2.8 aperture as its macro lens companions. The lens is small and weighs only 7.6 ounces, and will cost $599 when it is available in April.
Pentax’s longest zoom lens is now the smc Pentax DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED. Its zoom is equivalent to 82.5-450mm in the 35mm format. Previously mentioned lenses have nine aperture blades, but the 55-300mm lens has only six aperture blades. It measures 4.4 inches long and 2.8 inches in diameter and weighs 15.5 ounces. It will sell for $399 in May.
The final lens in today’s announcement is an update to the standard kit lens. The smc Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II lens has "improved resolution to match high resolution sensors," according to today’s press release. This lens, priced at $199, will ship with the Pentax K200D in March.