Pentax debuts medium-format all-weather, wide-angle zoom lens
A new lens for its 654 system includes all of Pentax's latest tech.
Though its newer $8,500 (£6,800, AU$10,000) medium-format camera, the 645Z , is still slowly trickling into stock around the world, Pentax plans to release a wide-angle 645-system zoom lens for that and the older and less expensive 645D. The $5,000 (UK and Australian pricing wasn't available as of this writing, but a direct conversion would be £3,000 or AU$5,400 ) HD Pentax-DA645 28-45mm f4.5 ED AW SR contains all of Pentax's latest medium-format lens technologies, including weather-resistant construction, optical image stabilization, and Quick-Shift Focus system to rapidly shift between manual and autofocus.
Other notable characteristics of the lens include a direct-drive internal motor, nine circular aperture blades for optimal bokeh, and use of Aero Bright, HD and Super Protect coatings to minimize internal reflections, lens flare and to protect the front element.
It's scheduled to ship at the end of August.
Specifications
| Mount | 645 mount |
| Focal range | 24-85mm (22-33.5mm 35mm-equivalent) |
| Aperture range | f4.5 - f32 |
| Minimum focus distance | 1.3ft/40cm |
| Angle of view | 89 - 63 degrees |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Elements | 17 |
| Filter diameter | 82mm |
| Minimum length | n/a |
| Maximum length | 6.0 in/151.5mm |
| Weight | 54 oz/1470 g |
| MSRP | $5,000 |
| Availability | August 2014 |