Ricoh Unveils a New 100mm f/2.8ED AW Macro Lens
Ricoh has announced a new HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm f/2.8ED AW lens for its Pentax DSLR cameras, the first PENTAX macro lens to feature All Weather (AW) dustproof, weather-resistant construction. Incorporating a new optical design developed using the latest optical design technologies, the lens optimizes image resolution and contrast, even at open aperture, and delivers clear high-quality images.
When mounted on a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the new HD PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm f/2.8ED AW lens creates a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions — such as snow, mist, rain, or in locations prone to splashing or spraying water. Despite the new optical design and AW construction, the new lens is near as compact as its predecessor (the SMC PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm f/2.8 WR). It features a new exterior design and incorporates the PENTAX-original Quick-Shift Focus System, enabling the photographer to instantly shift the focus mode from auto to manual after the subject has been captured in focus by the camera’s autofocus system.
The lens has one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical element and two AD glass optical elements to correct aberrations and reduce purple fringe. This is combined with the high-grade, multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating, which reduces average visible ray reflectance by 50% compared to conventional models, and the innovative FREE (Fixed Rear Element Extension) focusing system. These technologies reduce flare and ghost images from minimum focusing distance to infinity, delivering clear, high-quality images. The lens provides life-size magnification for dramatic, detailed close-ups.
The lens features dustproof, weather-resistant AW (All Weather) construction for the first time in a PENTAX macro lens. Using six sealing parts, this construction prevents dust and moisture from entering the lens body. When mounted on a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it creates a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions, such as snow, mist, rain, or splashing spraying water.
The lens has an attractive, stylish appearance, with metallic exterior parts meticulously machined from high-grade aluminum. Its focus ring features the PENTAX-original Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the photographer to instantly shift the focus mode from auto to manual after the subject has been captured in focus by the camera’s autofocus system. This single-action operation assures a smooth, comfortable focus-mode switching maneuver during manual-focus shooting for dramatically improved operability.
Other features:
- A working distance of 5.1 inches (13 centimeters), at life-size magnification, to facilitate the shooting of typically uncooperative subjects, such as insects
- Individual serial number assigned to each lens: black model starts at 0000001, the silver model starts at 1000001
- Circular diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect from open aperture to F5.6, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
- SP (Super Protect)Coating applied to the front optical element to keep the front surface free of dust or stains
Here are some sample pictures:
The lens will be available starting in late November on Ricoh’s online shop and through authorized Ricoh retailers for $549.95. In addition to the standard black model, a limited-edition silver model – limited to just 300 units – will also be available in early November for $549.95.
More info on Ricoh’s website.
