The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4.5~6.3 ED PLM WR RE is the first to use the KAF4 mount with electromagnetic iris control and a new focusing mechanism based on a pulse motor. This achieves significantly faster and quieter aperture control as well as focusing. The video function with the new hybrid AF of the PENTAX K-70 is also supported by this to a special degree. The small and weatherproof design are other key features.
Telephoto zoom lens with a wide focal length range
The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4.5~6.3 ED PLM WR RE offers a 5.5x focal length range of 84.5 - 450 mm (equivalent to APS-C format). This makes the new telephoto zoom lens a universal solution for long-distance shooting. However, the shortest focusing distance of 95 centimeters also opens up many possibilities for interesting subjects at close range. High imaging performance at high resolution, as well as sharp images rich in contrast right up to the edges, are achieved by 14 lenses (including 1 ED element) in 11 assemblies.
HD coating for optimum light transmission and minimum reflection
The lens elements of this Lens are coated with the multi-layer HD (High Definition) coating developed by PENTAX, which offers significantly higher light transmission with low reflection compared to conventional coatings. This enables maximum contrast and sharpness without flare and ghosting even in difficult conditions such as backlighting.
New technology for faster and quieter autofocus
For the first time, the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4.5~6.3 ED PLM WR RE is equipped with a new, rear-mounted, focus mechanism. This reduces the weight of this unit by more than 90%, enabling quieter and, above all, faster autofocus. In the future, it will be driven by a new pulse motor (PLM). Compared to the previous DA 55-300 mm Lens, the new design makes focusing up to 8.3 times faster, depending on the focal length. And manual focusing also becomes more direct and accurate.
New electromagnetic iris control
The new telephoto zoom lens is the first to use the new KAF4 lens mount*. This eliminates the aperture control pin and controls the aperture electronically. Especially in the video function, this brings advantages in exposure control. Changes in subject brightness can be compensated directly and smoothly. This makes for particularly good videos, especially in sunlight or on stage.
The new focusing technology in conjunction with the new electromagnetic aperture control enables video recording that was previously not possible with the PENTAX system. In combination with the new Hybrid AF of the PENTAX K-70, this opens up completely new possibilities for filming.
* The new KAF4 bayonet is directly supported by the PENTAX K-70.
A firmware update will be available for the PENTAX K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1.
Compact design
Following the HD PENTAX-DA 18-50 mm F4-5.6 DC WR RE, which is already available, this telephoto zoom is now also designed as a "Retrectable Lens". This results in a small size of just 89 mm when retracted. With a weight of 442 grams, the lens can easily be carried anywhere and is quickly at hand.
Weatherproof construction
The most interesting shots are always taken where the camera and Lens are better left wrapped up. Eleven special seals effectively prevent the penetration of dust and moisture, so that the Lens, in combination with the likewise weatherproof PENTAX SLR cameras, is ideally equipped for use in rain, snow, on stormy days at the sea or sunny days at the beach.
SP coating to prevent front lens contamination
In addition to HD coating, the front lens of the Lens is equipped with SP (Super Protect) coating that protects against grease or water and simplifies cleaning.
Quick Shift for fast switching between autofocus and manual focus
Focusing is fast and reliable using autofocus. Effortless focus correction is possible via the Quick Shift focus system. With this system, manual corrections can be made directly after automatic focusing, without switching, as long as the shutter release button is held down halfway.
