Long-Awaited Pentax-DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Has Arrived

Pentax has announced the pricing and availability for the HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lens, which was delayed. The ultra-wide angle lens is designed for Pentax APS-C DSLRs, and gives a 17mm to 27.5mm equivalent (in 35mm terms). Like many Pentax DSLRs, the lens is weather-sealed.

Set to be available 22nd February 2019 for £1399.99, the lens was originally announced in October 2017, and showcased at The Photography Show 2018, originally to be available last summer. 

Pentax has shared a number of full-size images from the new lens, taken by Yoshiaki Kobayashi, with the Pentax KP:

Pentax HD Pentax-DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 Other sample images

From Ricoh:

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. are pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW. This high-performance, ultra-wide-angle, Star-series lens features a large F2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range to deliver exceptional optical performance.
The HD PENTAX-DA*11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is the latest model in the new-generation Star (*) series - a lens that provides exceptional image quality to be able to accommodate the super-high-performance digital cameras of the future. 

It delivers high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges, and guarantees excellent imaging performance in high-grade digital photography.

With the introduction of this lens, the high quality, high-performance Star series now provides a wide angle-of-view coverage - from ultra-wide angle to telephoto compact models featuring a large f/2.8 maximum aperture, exclusively designed for use with PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR cameras.

In addition to an outstanding dustproof, weather-resistant construction, the lens provides a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock focus at the desired focal point. It also provides useful features to improve performance and dependability in challenging outdoor conditions.  These include a space specifically designed for holding a heating device to prevent condensation, and a metallic frame structure, which more effectively transmits the heat of the device to the lens. These greatly improve the lens' operability when shooting in outdoor situations including star-lit skies.

Also announced today is the HD Pentax FA 35mm f/2.