Pentax releases weather-resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro

Pentax has launched a weather resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro lens. The lens, which is designed to work with both digital and film SLRs, features weather-resistant construction to match the company's environmentally-sealed K-7 mid-level DSLR. It also features an aluminium body in the style of the company's 'Limited' prime lenses and offers full-time manual focus override.



HOYA CORPORATION PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8 WR, an interchangeable macro lens designed for use with PENTAX digital and film-format SLR cameras. Combining a high-quality exterior finish with a PENTAX-original simplified weather-resistant construction, this new macro lens is especially useful for demanding outdoor applications.

Major Features

1. High-quality exterior finish with high-grade aluminum barrel
This macro lens features a high-grade chipped-aluminum barrel, and its exterior design has been greatly refined from that of the existing D FA-series lenses to deliver a more sophisticated, exclusive appearance. The entire mechanism of the focus ring has been reviewed and upgraded to assure flawless manual-focus operation.

2. Simplified weather-resistant construction for greater reliability outdoors
This macro lens features a simplified weather-resistant construction, which minimizes the intrusion of water and moisture into the lens barrel. By mounting the lens on a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, the user is assured of greater durability and reliability when shooting in rain or mist, as well as at locations subject to a spray or splash. The lens also features the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) coating on its front surface to repel dust, water and grease and to minimize fingerprints and cosmetic spots. These features make the lens ideal for all types of outdoor applications.

3. Rounded diaphragm blade to produce a beautiful bokeh
The PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8 WR is the first PENTAX interchangeable macro lens featuring a completely rounded diaphragm blade. This creates a natural, beautiful bokeh, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.

4. High-quality image description
When mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens offers a focal length equivalent to 153mm in the 35mm format. Inheriting the high-performance optics of the renowned smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mmF2.8 lens, it delivers high-quality, true-to-life images, while minimizing annoying flare and ghost images — problems common in digital SLR photography. Its maximum magnification of life size allows the photographer to capture dramatic close-up images with great ease.

5. Other features
A working distance of 13cm (in life-size applications) to facilitate the shooting of unapproachable subjects, such as insects
The PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system
An image circle accommodating the image size of 35mm film-format cameras
Compatibility with the macro adapter included in the PENTAX AF160FC Dedicated Auto Macro Flash
Pentax smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR specifications

thanks for the sharing, max!!!