b> Pentax has developed a new ultra-thin standard lens for its *istD and *istDS camera bodies, which combines high levels of manoeuvrability and portability with top-grade image reproduction.

 

December, 31 2004: Pentax has developed a new ultra-thin standard lens for its *istD and *istDS camera bodies, which combines high levels of manoeuvrability and portability with top-grade image reproduction.
The new pancake style smc Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens is designed for exclusive use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. Sporting an aluminium lens barrel, hood and cap and innovative optics, it offers a natural perspective close to the naked eye with its 40mm focal length (equivalent to 61mm in the 35mm format), a maximum aperture of f2.8 and a minimum focusing distance of 40 centimetres. The new lens, which measures 63 x 15 mm (diameter x length) and weighs only 90 grams (without lens hood), consists of 5 elements in 4 groups and has a nine-bladed diaphragm to assure true-to-life reproduction of out-of-focus areas. It also features the Pentax Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation and offers filter attachment versatility (a 49mm-size filter on the lens or a 30.5mm-size filter on the lens hood). Pentax claims it to be ‘an ideal everyday-use standard lens that performs superbly in a great range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography’.
The Pentax DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens is due to begin shipping in February 2005. For more information, contact local distributor, C. R. Kennedy & Company at www.crkennedy.com.au.