The Pentax Limited series of prime lenses, originally introduced in the film era, has been relaunched today, optimized for digital photography with several new features. The HD Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8, HD Penatx DA 15mm f/4 ED AL, HD Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 AL, HD Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro, and HD Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited lenses have been enhanced with high-grade HD coatings, rounded diaphragms, and a choice of white or black colors. Pentax also unveiled two all-new wireless, weatherproofed shoe-mount flash units, the Pentax AF540FGZ II and Pentax AF360FGZ II, as a complement to its lineup of weather-sealed DSLRs.
The latest Pentax Limited lenses and flashes can be pre-ordered now from Adorama. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis. Credit cards will not be charged until orders are shipped.
Pentax HD Limited Lenses
The “HD” designation is new, and indicates that each lens has been treated with both SP (Super Protect) and Pentax’s exclusive high-grade multi-layer HD (High Defition) coatings. Pentax says these two layers assure higher light transmittance than conventional multi-layer coatings and the resulting images are unusually sharp and clear with significantly reduced flare and ghosting even under backlit conditions.
All five new lenses have also been upgraded with rounded aperture diaphragms, which is expected to produce very pleasing Bokeh (out of focus quality). Overall, Pentax has optimized each lens for use with high-resolution APS-sensor cameras
The refreshed lineup, dubbed HD Pentax DA Limited, continues the tradition of meticulously detailed construction using high quality, hand-machined aluminum bodies that will be available in both black and silver finish. Detailing has changed as well, with a red adonized ring to signify that this is the newer model.
HD Pentax DA Lenses Key Specs:
HD Pentax DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited
Black or Silver
35mm equivalent: 23mm
Aperture range: f/4-22
8 Elements in 6 groups
86-degree angle of view
Closest focus: 7.1 inches
Acepts 49mm filters
7 rounded aperture blades
Adorama price: $699.95
HD Pentax DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited
Black or Silver
35mm equivalent: 32mm
Aperture range: f/3.2-22
8 elements in 5 groups
68-degree angle of view
Closest focus: 7.9 inches
Accepts 49mm filters
7 rounded aperture blades
Adorama price: $699.95
HD Pentax DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited
Black or Silver
1:1 Magnification
35mm equivalent: 53.5mm
Aperture range: f/2.8-22
9 elements in 8 groups
44-degree angle of view
Closest focus: 0.5 feet
Accepts 49mm filters
9 rounded aperture blades
Adorama price: $749.95
HD Pentax DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited
Black or Silver
Thin pancake design
35mm equivalent: 61mm
Aperture range: f/2.8-22
5 elements in 4 groups
39-degree angle of view
Closest focus: 15.7 inches
Accepts 49mm filters
9 rounded aperture blades
Adorama price: $549.95
HD Pentax DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited
Black or Silver
Unique compact “pancake” design
35mm equivalent: 107mm
APerture range: f/2.4-22
6 elements in 5 groups
23-degree angle of view
Closest focus: 27.5 inches
Accepts 49mm filters
9 rounded aperture blades
Adorama price: $749.95
Two New Flashes With Continuous Light
Pentax today also announced its first weather-resistant shoe-mount flashes, offering both flash and LED-based continuous light for still and video image capture. Both the Pentax AF540FGZ II (guide number 178 at ISO 100/ft) and Pentax AF360FGZ II (guide number 118 at ISO 100/ft) are high-performance flash units that Ricoh, Pentax’s parent company, calls the “final component” in the company’s remade, water-resistant line of cameras and lenses.
Both flashes feature a LED light as a constant light source for video, long-exposure photography and as a modeling light, P-TT auto flash, high-speed flash synch, and wireless TTL operation. Pentax claims a zippy 5-second recycle time for the 540 and twice as fast for the 360. The Pentax AF540FGZ II and Pentax AF360FGZ II will be available from Adorama in September for $629.95 and $429.95, respectively.
