Pentax Adds Five New Optics

25 January 2008 11:24 GMT / By Katie Scott

Pentax has followed on from the news of two new DSLRs and a host of compacts, with the unveiling of five lenses.

First up are two new fast telephotos - the smc Pentax-DA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM and smc Pentax-DA* 300mm F4.0 ED [IF] SDM.

Pentax claims they will deliver "excellent contrast characteristics, a consistent edge-to-edge sharpness and a particularly clear rendition of fine details" because of their ED glass elements, aspherical lens elements and lens coating.

The front lens elements of the lenses use the special Pentax SP - "Super Protect" - fluoride coating technology.

This nano-technology protects the front lens against dust, finger marks or smearing, to make the lenses easier to clean.

Both also boast built-in ultrasonic motors (Supersonic Motors) for quiet and fast autofocusing.

The Pentax "Quick Shift Focus System" allows the photographer to manually alter the focus point at will without having to take the camera out of the autofocus mode.

The new lenses are also weatherproofed and protected from penetrating dust by appropriate seals.

The 200mm lens is expected to be priced £799.99 while the 300mm optic is £899.99.

The third new optic is the £299.99 smc Pentax-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited Lens.

Due to its fast aperture and outstanding sharpness this lens is ideal as an everyday standard lens, says the manufacturer.

The launch also saw the announcement of two new zoom lenses - the smc Pentax-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II and the smc Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED.

Pentax SP - "Super Protect" - technology and the PENTAX "Quick Shift Focus System" are incorporated in both lenses.

The 55-300mm lens will be priced £259.99 while the 18-55m optic is the cheapest of all of the launches at £99.99.

Pentax hasn't confirmed when the new lenses will arrive on our shores