Ricoh Imaging: Launch of the PENTAX-08 WIDE ZOOM

RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX-08 WIDE ZOOM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, designed for exclusive use with super-compact Q-mount digital lens-interchangeable cameras.

Introduced as the newest model of the high-performance Q-mount lens series, this lens is the world’s smallest, lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens currently on the market.* When mounted on the PENTAX Q7 camera body, it provides focal-length coverage from 17.5mm to 27mm (in the 35mm format), making it useful for a wide variety of subjects including snapshots, architecture and sweeping landscapes.

* The world’s smallest, lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a focal length of 20mm (in the 35mm format) or shorter at its wide-angle end, as of November 1, 2013 (based on RICOH IMAGING research).

Major Features

1. Super-compact, ultra-lightweight design

Thanks to the incorporation of three molded-glass aspherical elements in its optics, this zoom lens has the shortest overall length (approximately 38 millimeters) among the Q-mount zoom lenses, and features a super-compact body weighing a mere 75 grams. With its pocket size and unique focal-length coverage from 17.5mm to 27mm in the 35mm format (with a Q7 camera body), it can be used for a wide range of subjects and applications — especially for the shooting at confined space where the subject stands close to the camera, and for scenic photography with exaggerated perspectives. Its machined-aluminum barrel cam assures smooth, comfortable zooming operation.

2. Exceptional visual description

Thanks to the incorporation of a molded-glass DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element in the first optical group, this lens reduces distortion to a minimum. Also, by incorporating two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one super-low-dispersion glass element in its optics, it delivers clear, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness, while effectively compensating for chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.

3. Other features

  • ・Inner-focus mechanism for high-speed, low-noise AF operation.
  • ・Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.
  • ・SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains.
  • ・Built-in lens shutter equipped with an ND (neutral density) filter and an iris diaphragm.

Optional Accessory

PH-RBF49

Plastic lens hood for exclusive use with the PENTAX-08 WIDE ZOOM lens.

Specifications

MountPENTAXQ(metal mount)
Focal Length3.8mm~5.9mm
(in 35mm format equivalent)Q/Q10(21mm~32.5mm)
Q7(17.5mm~27mm)
Maximum ApertureF3.7~F4
Angle of ViewQ/Q1092°~67°
Q7102°~77°
Lens Construction10 elements in 8 groups
Diaphragm ControlAutomatic aperture
Minimum Focusing Distance0.25m/0.82ft.(entire zoom range)
Maximum MagnificationApprox. 0.03x
Filter Diameter49mm
Maximum Diameter x LengthApprox. 54mm/2.1in.×38mm/1.5in.
WeightApprox. 75g/2.6oz.
OthersLens ShutterBuilt-in
ND FilterBuilt-in
SP (Super Protect) CoatingΟ
Lens HoodPH-RBF49(optional)

Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.