HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens officially “announced” (still under development, launch expected in late 2020)

As previously reported, the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 85mm f/1.4 SDM AW lens is now officially “announced” (still under development, launch expected in late 2020):

Development in progress of the lens HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4 SDM AW

Development of the new-generation D FA★ high-performance single focus lens for digital SLR cameras HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4 SDM AW

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE, SAS. are pleased to announce the development of the new-generation high-performance Star-series lens, the HD PENTAX-D FA^★85mmF1.4 SDM AW.

This product is the second “new generation D FA^★” single focus lens following the “HD PENTAX-D FA^★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW” which we presented as the first lens with a fixed focal length of the “New Generation D FA ★”. This series is known for the perfect image quality and the lenses are characterized by the following parameters:

• Best possible image quality with uniform sharpness from the center to the edges of the image.
• Large aperture with a particularly expressive image effect.
• High quality workmanship and materials with high robustness and easy handling

The D FA ★ 50mm quickly became one of the most popular lenses for the PENTAX 35mm system. Therefore many PENTAX photographers have demanded for an extension of this range of prime lenses. We are therefore pleased to announce the development of another lens in this series of high-performance lenses. With the HD PENTAX-D FA★85mmF1.4 SDM AW, we follow the conquest of particularly high image quality without compromise.

Overview of the product under development

Model name: HD PENTAX-D FA^★85mmF1.4 SDM AW

Launch date: Scheduled to be launched in late, 2020

• By incorporating three Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements, it effectively compensates chromatic aberrations and produces brilliant, high-contrast images even from open aperture.
• Adopts one aspherical lens and achieves high delineation performance with good correction of spherical aberration, coma and field curvature.
• High speed and smooth operation with newly developed SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) equipped with high torque ring type ultrasonic motor
• Developing as an AW (All Weather model) this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant structure to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the lens interior.

The designs and specifications are identical to those first announced publicly about the lense’s development, and are subject to change without notice.

Major Specifications:

Additional pictures: