Ricoh has unveiled two new lenses in its premium Star-series lineup: the Ricoh HD Pentax-DA 11-18mm f/2.8 and the HD Pentax-D FA 50mm f/1.4 SDM AW. Both lenses are optimized for “super high-resolution photography and high megapixel digital SLR cameras.”



Available in Pentax-K mounts, the lenses are the first of a new generation for the Star-series.

“Premium-quality Star-series lenses deliver the highest performance among the PENTAX K-mount interchangeable lens series, and have been highly regarded by PENTAX K-Mount users since the days of film,” Ricoh says.

The Star-series has a clear focus on quality, with an additional aim of providing “exceptional toughness” and “outstanding operability” so that the lenses stand up to a number of situations that could be thrown at them. This means the lenses boast a dustproof and weather-resistant build.

The 11-18mm f/2.8 lens will cover the image circle of an APS-C format crop sensor and will be available in summer 2018.

The 50mm f/1.4 lens is built for full-frame sensors and has a minimum shooting distance of 0.4 meters (15.7 inches). There’s also a newly developed ring-shaped SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) which enables faster and quieter autofocus. It’s scheduled for launch in the spring of 2018.

Further details, including final names and pricing, will be made available by Ricoh at some point in 2018.