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December 5, 2005 –* Last week Pentax released an smc PENTAX DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED [IF] lens for use with their line of digital SLRs. When used with their *ist D series cameras at 10 mm, the new lens will offer a 180-degree field of view and ample wide-angle functionality.
Michelle Martin, a Public relations coordinator at Pentax America envisions that the lens’ super macro capabilities will enable 'photographers to focus from as close as approximately one inch (2.5cm) with the power to fill the whole frame with surprisingly small subjects.' The lens is treated with a unique evaporation method so that 'ghosting and flare are suppressed to produce clear, high-quality images more of the time.' This particular fluoride compound coating also promises easier cleaning by making the front lens surface more water and oil repellant.
Constructed of ED glass to self-correct for chromatic aberration, Pentax touts the new 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED [IF] lens as a more lightweight and compact alternative when compared to any of its 35mm counter parts.
This latest release appears to confirm Pentax's commitment to the higher end DSLR market, in an attempt to recover from their dim fiscal first half of the year.
The smc PENTAX DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED [IF] lens will be available in January 2006 for $579.95.