Ricoh unveils Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens for Q-mount cameras

Ricoh has introduced the smallest and lightest ultra wide-angle zoom optic in the world in the body of the Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens, providing a 35mm equivalent of 17.5-27mm.

It has been leaked alongside the HD Pentax DA 20-40mm f/2.8-4 WR Limited lens and now it is official along with the aforementioned product. We are talking, of course, about the Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens, a product aimed at Q-mount cameras, such as the Q7.

Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens is officially the tiniest ultra wide-angle zoom optic in the world and it is coming this December for Q-mount cameras.

Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens becomes the lightest and smallest ultra wide-angle zoom lens in the world

Ricoh has decided to expand its optics line-up of Pentax Q-mount interchangeable lens cameras with the help of an ultra wide-angle zoom, which is also the tiniest and lightest in its category. It is Pentax-branded therefore a lot of photographers will not find it odd that these particular superlatives are found in this company’s series.

It measures 38mm / 1.5-inches in length and 54mm / 2.13-inches in diameter. Furthermore, it weighs merely 75 grams / 0.17lbs, which is less than the 110 grams of the lightest smartphone in the world, the OPPO R819.

Q-mount camera owners to enjoy minimum optical flaws thanks to aspherical and ED elements

The Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens is compatible only with Q cameras, including the Q7. When attached to this shooter, it should provide a focal range between 17.5 and 27mm for the 35mm format equivalent. Mounting it on the original Pentax Q would provide a 35mm equivalent of 21.5-33.5mm due to its smaller image sensor.

It is worth noting that its designated focal range stands between 3.8mm and 5.9mm. It does not come packed with image stabilization, although this should not trouble photographers since it is a wide-angle optic.

Its maximum aperture ranges from f/3.7 to f/4, depending on the focal length. It is made out of 10 elements in eight groups. The Dual Super Aspherical and pair of extra-low dispersion elements are there to cut down distortions, chromatic aberrations, and other optical flaws that could lead to low-quality photos.

Things keep getting better with built-in ND filter

Ricoh says that the Pentax 08 Wide Zoom Lens comes with an integrated neutral density filter, which is embedded right into the lens shutter. This is a nice filter for landscape photographers, who will be able to buy the product for a price of $499.95 as of this December.

The optic will become available only in silver and the company has not mentioned the possibility of releasing it in other colors. Pre-orders will begin soon at the aforementioned MSRP and shipping begins next month, as previously established.