Last Updated on 07/01/2018 by Mark Beckenbach
Pentax is launching their next generation ‘Star Series’ lenses, and the first one is a 50mm f1.4
Canon has their L Series, Sony has their G Master Series, and Pentax has their Star Series. That is, at least, what Pentax is going for with their latest lens lineup for their full frame K-1 and K-1 Mark II cameras. The new Star Series lenses, which are meant to be their highest quality premium optics, is being launched today with the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm f1.4 SDM AW. Mouthful of a lens name aside, this actually looks like an excellent addition to the Pentax lineup for those of you rocking a K-1 body.
Pentax is touting their newly developed Ring-Type auto focus motor for use in this lens. The new ring-type supersonic direct-drive motor provides 7.5 times more torque than the SDM motors that Pentax employed in their previous generation lenses. This means that the lens can focus quickly, quietly, and more accurately than previous generation Pentax lenses. The Pentax-D 50mm f1.4 SDM AW also features Pentax’s Aero Bright Coating II, which helps to reduce surface reflections, and in combination with the multi-layer HD coating can reduce reflectance by up to 50% more than previous Pentax lenses that don’t feature these coatings.
HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW Features
- 4 Aperture
- Aero Bright Coating II
- Weather Resistant
- Dustproof
- New Ring-Type SDM Motor
- 9 Bladed Aperture
- .4 meter minimum focusing distance
- Electromagnetic diaphragm control
According to Ricoh, which operates the Pentax brand, the new HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm f1.4 SDM AW should be available late next month (July 2018) and should be found on US store shelves for $1,199.95. Additional information and details regarding this new launch from Ricoh/Pentax can be found over on their website.
The lens is not available for pre-order as of yet, but we will be sure to update you once the lens becomes available.