PRESS RELEASE: PENTAX Introduces a Third Digital Lens: PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 Perfect Fit For New Digital SLR
GOLDEN, CO (September 13, 2004)… PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX-DA Zoom 18mm-55mm F3.5-F5.6 AL lens. Exclusively designed for PENTAX digital SLR cameras including the newly announced *ist DS SLR, the PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 lens is portable and affordable to ensure comfortable, well-balanced operations. This compact, lightweight standard zoom lens features an image circle to match the camera's large 23.5mm x 15.7mm image sensor.
PENTAX will unveil the lens and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.
The PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55mm lens will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, binoculars, spotting scopes, eyepieces, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX Corporation of Japan.
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Major features of the PENTAX –DA Zoom 18-55 lens include:
Ideal zoom range for a standard lens
Mounted on the PENTAX *ist DS, this zoom lens provides an angle-of-view equivalent to a 27.5mm-84mm lens in the 35mm format that covers the most frequently used ranges from wide angle to moderate telephoto.
Compact dimensions with minimal aberrations
The aspherical optical elements in this new lens contribute to a reduction in size and weight of the lens and to more effective compensation of unwanted aberrations.
Functional and fashionable design
The aperture ring has been eliminated from this lens to simplify camera operations and improve appearance while aperture-setting operation is performed from the camera body.
Quick-Shift Focus System
Once subjects are captured by the camera's autofocus system, this PENTAX-original system allows photographers to shift the focusing mode instantly to manual without any switching operations.
Specifications
| Lens mount | PENTAX K AF mount |
| Lens construction | 12 elements in 9 groups |
| Angle of view | 76° - 29° |
| Aperture control | Automatic |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 6 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 at 18mm; F38 at 55mm |
| Metering system | TTL open-aperture metering |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.25m (0.82 ft.) |
| Filter size | 52mm |
| Maximum magnification | 0.34X |
| Dimensions (diameter x length) | 2.7? x 2.7? (68mm x 67.5mm) |
| Weight | 7.9 oz. (225 grams) |
• PENTAX, and smc PENTAX are trademarks of PENTAX Corporation.
• Design and Specifications is subject to change without notice.
(First posted on Monday, September 13, 2004 at 18:01 EDT)
