Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 ★ ED PLM AW

Lens Pentax 16-50mm f2.8

The expected PENTAX 16-50mm f2.8 DA Star HD ED PLM AW, of which we already had a first advance last February, is finally a reality. RICOH Imaging has unveiled the full features of this standard zoom of the Star range designed for APS-C SLR cameras, which is postulated as the ideal dance partner for the new K-3 Mark III PENTAX .

Compared to the PENTAX 16-50mm f2.8 DA Star smc ED AL [IF] SDM, launched in 2007, the new zoom offers vastly improved performance and features a PLM pulse-drive motor that provides fast and quiet autofocus. It is the second lens of the brand that sees the light with PLM engine after the 55-300mm f4.5-6.3 DA HD ED PLM WR RE.

With a focal length equivalent to 24.5-76.5 millimeters in universal pitch and a constant luminosity of f2.8, it offers exceptionally high resolution and high contrast even shooting at the maximum aperture.

New Star Generation

A member of the new generation of the Star series of PENTAX, this 16-50mm provides a much improved resolution, capable of responding to the requirements of digital cameras -present and future- of high performance.

The new zoom compensates for several aberrations to a minimum and delivers sharp, clear images not only in the center of the image, but also at the edges. Its structure consists of 16 elements distributed in 10 groups, counting among them an optical element of ED glass, an anomalous glass element and two others of ED aspherical glass that effectively reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum throughout the focal range.

High-grade multilayer HD (high definition) coating reduces the average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50% compared to conventional multilayer coatings. Thanks to all this, the new lens effectively minimizes flashes and ghosting even in demanding lighting conditions, such as backlights.

In addition, the circular diaphragm of 9 blades allows you to capture beautiful images with a smooth transition bokeh effect and a very realistic depth of field.

High-speed AF system

The new zoom incorporates a newly designed optical system that features a lighter and more compact focusing lens group. In combination with the advanced integrated PLM motor, the set ensures smooth, quiet and high-speed operation of autofocus.

The redesigned focusing mechanism provides a minimum focusing distance of just 30 centimeters and a maximum magnification of 0.24x, making it a practical, everyday lens for capturing all types of subjects, from everyday shots to close-ups and landscapes.

The manual focus is also conveniently and precisely operated thanks to the optimal ring torque and the limited extension of the optical barrel between minimum and infinite distance.

The Quick-Shift focusing system, on the other hand, provides an instant shift during AF operation to manual focus operation after locking the focus on the subject by pressing the camera's shutter release in half.

Electromagnetic diaphragm

Equipped with a KAF4 mount, this zoom features an electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism that ensures high-precision exposure control when used in combination with compatible DSLR cameras. It also allows you to capture video sequences using automatic exposure control, even when there are sudden changes in lighting during recording.

When mounted on a K-3 Mark III, KP or K-70, the PLM motor ensures smooth tracking focus and impeccable exposure control, while significantly reducing the annoying noise generated by focus and aperture control operations during video recording.

It therefore provides smooth and worry-free video recording in places prone to sudden changes in lighting, such as on a stage during a concert, in a forest with sun rays filtering through trees or with subjects moving very fast.

Dustproof and weatherproof construction

Distinguished with the designation AW (All Weather, or resistant to adverse weather conditions), this lens has a weather-resistant construction to prevent the entry of water and dust particles inside.

In addition, the front lens features the classic PENTAX SP (Super Protect) coating, which keeps the surface free of dust and stains.

Pentax 16-50mm f2.8 DA Star HD ED PLM AW

In combination with a PENTAX dust-sealed DSLR camera, it forms a highly durable and reliable assembly that works superbly even in the most demanding shooting conditions, in rain or fog, or in places prone to water splashes.

With dimensions of 84 by 117 millimeters, its weight is approximately 712 grams, and reaches 750 grams when the new PH-RBN77 parasol supplied as standard is mounted on it.