As we hear more and more reports of Canon, Nikon, Tamron, and others, pensioning off its DSLR lenses, Pentax is bucking the trend by launching a brand new lens for its digital SLRs. The HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED AW becomes the first all-weather macro lens in its K-mount range. The new full-frame prime will effectively replace the Pentax 100mm f2.8 SMC D-FA WR Macro which dates back to 2009.
The 100mm macro lens has a new optical design with 10 elements in 8 groups; these incorporate one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass optical element and two Anomalous Dispersion glass optical elements to compensate for aberrations and minimize unwanted purple fringing.
Pentax' All Weather (AW) construction makes its first appearance on a Pentax macro lens - making it suitable for use in adverse weather conditions when used with one of Pentax' range of weatherproofed DSLRs. Although designed for full-frame use, the lens can be used on APS-C models too, giving an effective 150mm focal length that is particularly useful for shooting wildlife subjects such as butterflies.
The macro lens gives up to 1:1 lifesize magnification, with a minimum working distance 13cm (5.1 inches). It has an 8-blade circular diaphragm that boasts 'natural, beautiful bokeh'.
Specifications
Mount: Pentax KA
Full frame: Yes
Autofocus: Yes
Stabilization: No
Lens construction: 10 elements in 8 groups
Angle of view: 24.5° (16° on APS-C camera)
Diaphragm blades: 8
Minimum aperture: f/32
Minimum focusing distance: 0.303m (1.0 ft)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1x
Filter size: 49mm
Dimensions: 65 x 80.5 mm
Weight: 348g (12.3oz)
Pricing & availability
The HD Pentax-D FA Macro 100mm F2.8ED AW lens will be in available in black from late November for $549.95 – which pleasingly is the same price as its predecessor; it is supplied with both a lens hood and case.
A special edition silver version of the lens will go on sale in early November, also for $549.95 – but will limited to just 300 units worldwide.
Do also look at our guides to the best macro lenses (opens in new tab), and to the best Pentax lenses (opens in new tab).
