Pentax Q 3.8-5.9mm f/3.7-4 08 Wide Zoom

(From Pentax lens literature) Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) has announced the addition of the 08 wide zoom lens to its popular line of compact system cameras, the PENTAX Q. Touting the smallest, lightest compact system camera body available, the PENTAX Q line of cameras and assortment of lenses offers consumers a light and highly-portable interchangeable lens system.

Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX Q-mount cameras, the 08 wide zoom lens is the most compact ultra-wide angle zoom lens available today. When mounted on a PENTAX Q7 body, the 08 wide zoom lens offers a flexible focal length of 17.5mm to 27.5 (in 35mm format). At only 38 millimeters in length, the 08 wide zoom lens is the perfect pocketable companion for on-the-go snapshots, landscapes, architecture and street photography where zooming flexibility is desired. Additionally, its optical design boasts a molded-glass DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element minimizing distortion, while two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and one super-low-dispersion glass element deliver clear, high-resolution images with edge-to-edge sharpness, while effectively compensating for chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.

“Ricoh Imaging’s commitment to the Q system remains steadfast,” said Jim Malcolm, Ricoh Imaging. “We continue to increase the number of lens and accessory options available making this system the complete compact camera system with interchangeable lenses.”

The Q-mount lens series offers consumers a variety of focal lengths and apertures suitable for a wide range settings and subjects. Included in Ricoh Imaging’s lineup of PENTAX Q-mount lenses are a telephoto zoom, standard zoom, standard prime, fish eye, toy wide-angle, toy telephoto and mount shield.

Pricing and Availability
The new 08 Wide-Angle zoom lens will be available for purchase online at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and at retailers nationwide in December 2013 for a suggested retail price of $499.95.

KEY FEATURES

• This ultra-light, super compact zoom lens has the shortest overall length (approximately 38 millimeters) among the Q-mount zoom lenses, and features a body weighing a mere 75 grams. This pocketable lens is perfect for a variety of applications, and even fun, creative exaggerated perspectives.
• Flexibility of focal lengths from 17.5mm to 27mm (in the 35mm format) when mounted on a Q7, perfect for on-the-go snapshots, landscapes, architecture and street photography where zooming flexibility is desired.
• Featuring an inner-focus mechanism, with an STM (stepper motor) drive for high-speed, low-noise auto focus operation for smooth and discreet shooting.
• With its DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) and its ED (extra low dispersion) glass elements, enjoy reduced chromatic aberration for clear, high resolution images with edge to edge sharpness.
• SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains.