PENTAX Intros New Weather-Resistant Macro Lens for DSLRs

PENTAX just announced a new lens geared toward the outdoor photographer. The weather-resistant smc PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR lens was designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. When used with a PENTAX K-7, K20D, K200D or K10D digital SLR camera body, the lens works well in outdoor conditions such as rain, mist, water spray and splashes. For even more protection, the lens has the PENTAX-original SP (Super Protect) surface coating which repels dust, water and grease.

This PENTAX macro lens features an aluminum barrel, and the focus ring has been upgraded for manual-focus operation. It is also the first PENTAX interchangeable macro lens with a completely rounded diaphragm blade for natural bokeh at wide apertures, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.

Other features include:

• Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, this lens offers a focal length equivalent to 153mm in the 35mm format for true-to-life images, while minimizing flare and ghost images.
• A working distance of just over five inches (13 cm) facilitates close-up photography of subjects
• The PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System allows for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera's AF system.
• An image circle to accommodate 35mm film-format camera image size.
• Compatibility with the macro adapter included in the PENTAX AF160FC dedicated Auto Macro Ring Flash.

The PENTAX D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR lens will be available in January 2010 for $849.95.