Pentax Announces First Pentax DA Fish-Eye Lens

Golden, CO. (November 30, 2005)...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced the smc PENTAX DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED [IF] lens. Designed exclusively for use with the PENTAX line of digital SLRs, this interchangeable lens offers fish-eye (180° diagonal angle of view at a focal length of 10mm) to super wide-angle performance in a single unit.

Mounted on the PENTAX *ist D series of digital SLRs, the new PENTAX lens will capture fish-eye imagery with a 180 degree angle of view and a focal length of 10mm as well as super wide-angle performance that allows photographer to make use of dramatic angles-of-view resulting from slight changes in focal length. This super wide-angle capability also will capture images with an expanded perspective including creative deformation of subjects and sharp pan focus that extends throughout the entire frame.

The image circle of this new lens will match the image recording area (23.5mm x 15.7mm) of the *ist D series to ensure precise optical performance ideally suited to the camera's digital imaging characteristics. The smc PENTAX DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED [IF] lens design also features lightweight, compact dimensions compared with 35mm format, SLR interchangeable lenses with equivalent specifications.

The new lens will ship in January 2006 with an anticipated price of $579.95 US.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of cameras, sport optics, lenses, mobility products, and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan. PENTAX is a trademark of PENTAX Corporation.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE PENTAX DA FISH-EYE LENS

High Optical Performance
Employing ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, this lens compensates for chromatic aberration throughout the image. And with new optical architecture and a ghost-free lens coating, ghosting and flare are suppressed to produce clear, high-quality images more of the time.

Super Macro Shooting
The advanced internal focus system allows photographers to focus from as close as approximately one inch (2.5cm) with the power to fill the whole frame with surprisingly small subjects.

Newly Developed SP Coating
A newly developed SP (Super Protective) coating made of a special fluoride compound has been applied to the front surface of the lens with a unique evaporation process. As a result, the lens offers excellent water and oil-repellant performance and makes for easier cleaning.

Other Features

* Exclusive PENTAX Quick-Shift Focus System for instant shift to manual focus once the subject is captured by AF.
* Durable metallic lens mount.
* Exclusive lens cap constructed from high-quality aluminum.

Main Specifications

Lens mount: PENTAX KAF mount
Lens construction: 10 elements in 8 groups
Angle of view: 180°- 100° (with an *ist D series camera body)
Diaphragm control: Automatic
Number of aperture blades: 6
Minimum aperture: F22 (at 10mm) -32(at 17mm)
Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering
Minimum focusing distance: 0.46 feet. (0.14m) over entire zoom range
Maximum magnification: 0.23X (10mm) - 0.39X (17mm)
Dimensions (maximum diameter x length): 2.7 inch x 2.8 inch (68mm x 71.5mm)
Weight: 11.3 ounces (320g) with lens body and built in lens hood
Lens hood: Built-in

* Optical system for this product was jointly developed and designed with Tokina Co, Ltd.
* PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
* Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.