smc Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f2.8 WR

Pentax are to release the new FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 weather resistent interchangeable lens and is ideal for the outdoors. The lens will be available in late December/early January with an RRP of £679.99.

Press Release:

Pentax have announced the launch of the smc Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR, an interchangeable macro lens designed for use with Pentax digital and film-format SLR cameras. The new lens combines a high-quality exterior finish with Pentax-original weather-resistant construction for demanding outdoor photography.

Main features of the smc Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR:

1. Quality exterior finish with high-grade aluminium barrel - This macro lens features a high-grade aluminium barrel, and its exterior design has been greatly refined from that of the existing D FA-series lenses, offering a more sophisticated, quality appearance. The entire mechanism of the focus ring has been reviewed and upgraded to enable flawless manual-focus operation.
2. Simplified weather-resistant construction for greater reliability outdoors - The lens features a simplified weather-resistant construction, protecting the lens barrel from moisture.  By mounting the lens on a Pentax weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, it offers greater durability and reliability when shooting in conditions such as rain or mist. The lens also features the Pentax-original SP (Super Protect) coating on its front surface to repel dust, water and grease and to minimise fingerprints and cosmetic spots.
3. Rounded diaphragm blade to produce a beautiful bokeh - The Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR is the first Pentax interchangeable macro lens featuring a completely rounded diaphragm blade. This creates a natural, beautiful bokeh, while minimising the streaking effect of point light sources.
4. High-quality image description - The 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 100mm f/2.8 lens, it delivers high-quality, true-to-life images, while minimising flare and ghost images. Its maximum magnification of life size allows the photographer to capture dramatic close-up images with great ease.

Other features:

1. A working distance of 13cm (in life-size applications) to facilitate the shooting of difficult subjects, such as insects.
2. 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.
3. An image circle accommodating the image size of 35mm film-format cameras.
4. Compatibility with the macro adapter included in the Pentax AF160FC Dedicated Auto Macro Flash.

The smc Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm f/2.8 WR will be available from December/January with an RRP of £679.99. For more information please visit the Pentax UK website.