A new-generation Star-series lens, assuring high-contrast, high-resolution imaging even at image edges, and delivering clear, crisp images with minimal aberrations
This large-aperture standard zoom lens is the latest model of the new-generation Star (★) series, which is designed to provide the best possible image quality and accommodate the super-high-performance cameras of the future. Its newly designed optics assures greatly improved contrast and sharpness compared to previous models, while compensating various aberrations to a minimum and delivering sharp, clear images not only in the middle of the image field but at the edges. By incorporating one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element, one anomalous dispersion glass optical element and two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) aspherical glass optical elements, it effectively minimizes chromatic aberration over the entire zoom range.
The newly designed zoom optics features a lighter, more compact focus-lens group. This focus-lens group is driven by an advanced PLM (Pulse Motor), which assures smooth, high-speed autofocus operation with minimized noise. A redesigned focus mechanism provides a minimum focusing distance of just 0.3 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.24 times, making this a handy lens for capturing all types of subjects — from everyday snapshots to close-ups and landscapes.
Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism for flawless, high-precision exposure control during video recording
When mounted on a compatible KAF4-mount camera body,* this zoom lens assures flawless, high-precision exposure control, not only in still-image shooting, but also in video recording. Even when there are considerable differences in brightness during video shooting, its electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism allows the user to capture video clips using automatic exposure control. In combination with some compatible cameras,** the PLM (Pulse Motor) assures smooth focus tracking operation and flawless exposure control, while considerably reducing annoying noise generated by focus and diaphragm control operations during video recording. This means smooth, worry-free video shooting in locations prone to considerable brightness changes — such as a stage with rapidly changing lighting conditions, or a forest with filtering sunrays — or with active, fast-moving subjects such as athletes or animals.
* Compatible KAF4-mount models are: PENTAX K-3 Mark III, PENTAX K-3 II, PENTAX K-3, PENTAX KP, PENTAX K-70, PENTAX K-50, PENETAX K-S2, PENTAX K-S1, PENTAX K-1 Mark II, and PENTAX K-1. We advise that users upgrade the camera’s firmware to the latest version to properly use electromagnetic diaphragm control. When mounted on the PENTAX K-1 Mark II or PENTAX K-1 camera body, images can only be captured in Crop mode, because the lens image circle is exclusively designed for the APS-C format.
** Models compatible with video recording in AF.C mode are: PENTAX K-3 Mark III, PENTAX K-70 and PENTAX KP. We advise that users upgrade the camera’s firmware to the latest version for optimum video recording performance.
Dustproof, weather-resistant construction
This lens features the “All Weather (AW)” construction to prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. Pair it with a PENTAX dustproof, weather-resistant digital SLR camera body for creative shooting in rain or mist, or other locations prone to water splashes.
