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Pentax Compact 55-300mm Zoom Announced
8 June 2016
Ricoh has announced the compact Pentax 55-300mm PLM WR RE zoom lens, a weather-resistant 5.5X telephoto zoom lens with enhanced autofocus and outstanding optical performance in a compact and lightweight package, according to the company.
By design it provides quiet, high-speed AF operation for still images as well as smooth and quiet autofocus for video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.
Fully weather-sealed, the lens is designed for outdoor shooting even in rain, snow or other wet conditions when used with a weather-resistant Pentax dSLR.
Despite its long reach, the lens does not include any optical image stabilization.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the Pentax 55-300mm PLM zoom include:
- Improved high-speed autofocus using a pulse motor for smooth, quiet and immediate response
- Quiet autofocus operation and electromagnetic diaphragm control for movie recording
- Provides approximately 5.5x zoom coverage from medium- to super-telephoto ranges with a minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters and focal lengths from 84.5mm to 460mm (35mm equivalent)
- Compact form factor of only 3.5-inches long and weighing just 16 oz.
- Weather-resistant construction with 11 sealing parts to prevent the intrusion of water into the lens
- HD coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection
- ED elements compensate for chromatic aberration
- Quick Shift Focus
- Retractable barrel
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Pentax 55-300mm PLM zoom include:
PENTAX 55-300mm ZOOM SPECIFICATIONS Mount Pentax KAF3 Focal Length 55-300mm (84.5-460mm equivalent) Aperture f4.5-6.3
f22-32
9 bladesAngle of View 29.0 to 5.4 degrees Minimum Focus 3.1 feet Magnification 0.30x Optical Design 14 elements in 11 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 58mm Dimensions 3 x 3.5 inches Weight 15.6 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Ricoh promised to announce when the lens will be available in July. Meanwhile, the $399.95 optic can be pre-ordered from Adorama or B&H.
For more information see the news release below.
Ricoh Imaging announces compact, lightweight and weather-resistant HD Pentax-DA lens
Advanced-design telephoto zoom lens delivers high-speed, quiet autofocus and outstanding optical performance in an extremely portable package
DENVER -- Ricoh Imaging Americas Corp. sshas announced the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens. Designed for use with Pentax K-mount digital single-lens reflex cameras, this new, weather-resistant 5.5x telephoto zoom lens provides enhanced autofocus and outstanding optical performance in a compact and lightweight package.
The lens provides effective focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm when mounted on a Pentax APS-C format dSLR, including the new Pentax K-70 has announced (see separate news release). Its design enables quiet, high-speed AF operation in still-image shooting, as well as smooth and quiet AF tracking operation during video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.
Pentax HD (high-definition) coated optics deliver sharp, bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (0.95 meters) to further expand the range of photographic applications. With a fully retractable design, the lens measures only 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) long when retracted and weighs less than one pound (442 grams), making it easy to carry around, even for casual shooting.
Fully weather-sealed, this lens is a durable and dependable companion for outdoor shooting -- even in rain, snow or other wet conditions -- when used with any of the many weather-resistant Pentax dSLRs, such as the new K-70.
Pricing and Availability
Availability of the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens will be announced in early July. When available, it can be purchased at http://www.ricohimaging.com for $399.95, as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.