Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR standard zoom. Covering an equivalent range of 24.5mm to 130mm, this lens uses Pentax’s HD coating to cut down on flare and ghosting and offers a weather-resistant construction. Its 16 optical elements in 12 groups include one ED element and three aspherical elements. The lens will be available in November for $749.95/£599.99.
Press release:
Ricoh Imaging Expands PENTAX K-mount Lens Line-up with a Versatile DA 16-85mm
The HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR offers 5.3x zoom from ultra-wide-angle to middle telephoto
Denver, Colorado October 29th, 2014 RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras, this interchangeable zoom lens is the newest addition to the K-mount series and will provide photographers with a new, high-quality solution across a wide variety of shooting conditions.
Developed in response to requests from photographers, this new versatile lens provides a high zoom ratio of approximately 5.3 times to cover focal lengths from 16mm ultra-wide-angle to 85mm mid-telephoto for lengths equivalent to 24.5mm to 130mm in the 35mm format. This makes it an ideal lens suitable for anything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait photography.
“With the introduction of the new PENTAX DA 16-85mm lens, we are bringing to market a very versatile lens”, said Jim Malcolm, President of Ricoh Imaging North America.” The16-85mm enhances our already extensive line of proven zoom and prime optics.”
This new lens features the PENTAX-exclusive HD coating which delivers sharp, clear images reducing the occurrence of flare and ghosting, even under challenging lighting conditions such as backlight. Its weather-resistant construction with 11 seals makes it remarkably dependable, preventing water from getting into the lens interior. This durable design allows photographers to remain confident in its abilities under demanding outdoor conditions including rain and snow. The lens consists of 16 optical elements in 12 groups and features an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical element to effectively compensate for chromatic aberrations, and aspherical optical elements to minimize color bleeding.
With smooth, quiet autofocus operation driven by a built-in DC motor, you’re sure to enjoy serene shooting.
Pricing and Availability
The HD PENTAX-DA 16-85mmF3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.ricohimaging.com in November 2014 for a suggested retail price of $749.95.
Started out doing photography at the age of 6 using an uncle's old 1940 kodak brownie box camera. At 15 years of age, I decided to buy my very own 1975 Praktica SLR camera. I now shoot with a Nikon D850. I do unpaid TFP and commercial paid work.