Ricoh has announced the development of the new-generation high-performance Star-series lens, the HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW.

This product is the second “new generation D FA*” single focus lens following the “HD PENTAX-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW” which they presented as the first lens with a fixed focal length of the “New Generation D FA*”. This series is known for the perfect image quality and the lenses are characterized by the following parameters:

• Best possible image quality with uniform sharpness from the center to the edges of the image.
• Large aperture with a particularly expressive image effect.
• High quality workmanship and materials with high robustness and easy handling

Overview of the product under development

Model name: HD PENTAX-D FA* 85mmF1.4 SDM AW
Launch date: Scheduled to be launched in late, 2020

• By incorporating three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements, it effectively compensates chromatic aberrations and produces brilliant, high-contrast images even from open aperture.
• Adopts one aspherical lens and achieves high delineation performance with good correction of spherical aberration, coma and field curvature.
• High speed and smooth operation with newly developed SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) equipped with high torque ring type ultrasonic motor
• Developing as an AW (All Weather model) this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant structure to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the lens interior.

Pentax has yet to release the pricing of this new lens, but to give you an idea, the 50mm F1.4 FA* lens costs $1100 compared to $350 for the standard SMC FA version.

More info on Pentax website.