HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens unveiled

Ricoh has announced a new weathersealed zoom lens for Pentax K-mount DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors. The new HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE comes packed with a collapsible design to preserve size and weight.

Pentax K-S2 has just been revealed as the smallest weather-resistant DSLR in the world in anticipation of the CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2015.

Ricoh, Pentax’ parent company, is aiming to break another record with the HD DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens, which has become the shortest standard zoom lens in the world, thanks to its collapsible design.

The new HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens will offer a 35mm equivalent of 27.5-76.5mm.

Ricoh introduces world’s shortest standard zoom lens: HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens

The new HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens falls into the standard zoom category. It has been designed for K-mount DSLRs with APS-C sensors and will provide a 35mm focal length equivalent of 27.5-76.5mm.

The maximum aperture of the lens stands at f/4-5.6, depending on the focal lengths. Its minimum focusing distance stands at 30 centimeters / 11.81 inches.

It is based on a retractable design, which means that it measures only 41mm when it is set in the “stored position”. This trait turns this lens into the world’s shortest standard zoom lens.

Despite the fact that it is compact and lightweight, the optic is weathersealed. It is resistant to rain, mist, dust, and other external factors, so it will be the perfect match for a weather-resistant DSLR when going on an adventure.

This standard zoom lens weighs 158 grams / 0.35 lbs and comes with a 58mm filter size.

HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens said to deliver a high image quality

Being small and weathersealed would mean nothing without offering good image quality. Ricoh has confirmed that the HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens comprises 11 elements in 8 groups, which reduce optical aberrations and distortions.

The lens comes with multi-layered HD (High Definition) coating, which reduces reflections while offering improved light transmittance. This way, flare and ghosting are kept to a minimum even when capturing photos in strong backlit conditions.

An SP (Super Protect) coating has been added to the front lens element in order to repel dirt, water, grease, and fingerprints, while making it easy to clean.

The focus system is powered by a DC motor, that will provide smooth and silent autofocus. A Quick-Shift Focus system is available, too, which means that users can override the autofocus and switch to manual focus by rotating the focus ring.

HD Pentax DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE lens will become available this March for a price of $299.95. It is available for pre-order at B&H PhotoVideo.