Photography news, before it happens

Together with the new HD lenses, Pentax (Ricoh Imaging to be exact) also announced two new weather-resistant flash units with LED lights: AF540FGZ II ($629.95) and AF360FGZ II ($429.95).

Outside the US Ricoh also announced a new HX15 compact camera with the following specifications.

• Optical 15-times zoom lens with 24mm wide-angle coverage
• State-of-the-art shake reduction mechanism
• Stylish, easy-to-hold body design
• Large 3.0-inch LCD monitor
• 20 Scene modes for easy capture of specific subjects and scenes
• High-resolution, HD-quality movie recording with push-button start
• In-body recharging system, for simple, mobile-phone-style battery recharging
• Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards

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New Lenses feature enhanced performance with high-grade HD coating and rounded diaphragms for stunning bokeh effects

DENVER, CO, August 27, 2013 –Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to announce the introduction of five new HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses. The acclaimed HD PENTAX DA Limited series of prime lenses, specifically designed for the PENTAX  K-mount DSLR cameras includes the HD PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited, HD PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited, HD PENTAX DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited, HD PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited and HD PENTAX DA 70mm F2.4 Limited, elevating optical design and performance.

Touting highly-enhanced optical performance the HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses feature treatments of both SP (Super Protect) coating and the PENTAX-original high-grade multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating, which assures much higher light transmittance than conventional multi-layer coatings delivering sharp, clear images with significantly reduced flare and ghosting, even under demanding, backlit conditions. All five lens models have also been upgraded with completely rounded aperture diaphragms at wide aperture settings for optimal optics performance and gorgeous bokeh effects.

“Ricoh Imaging continues to innovate and improve all aspects of photography,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. “With an industry-leading 24 APS-C optimized lenses our family of K-mount DSLRs and lenses provides consumers with a system that has been fine-tuned and meticulously architected for optimal image output. And, with enhancements like HD coating, we are continuously helping consumers achieve more technically sound images.”

Inheriting the distinctive visual description and premium appearance of the lauded PENTAX Limited Lens series, the refreshed line of HD PENTAX DA Limited lenses features a meticulous finish in every detail, from the outstanding image rendition to the high-quality, hand-machined aluminum body, the refreshed lineup provides the utmost durability and elegant design.

Pricing and Availability

The HD PENTAX DA Limited Lens series will be available for purchase in a choice of black or silver at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide in September 2013 with the following suggested retail prices:

• HD PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited- $549.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
    
• HD PENTAX DA 15mm F4 ED AL Limited- $699.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
    
• HD PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited- $699.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited- $749.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK
• HD PENTAX DA 70mm F2.4 Limited- $749.95
  • pre order options: SILVER | BLACK

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Update: more information is available here.

Pentax will refresh the following DSLR lenses:

• HD PENTAX-DA 15mm F4 Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 21mm F3.2 Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited
• HD PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited

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