The Ricoh HD PENTAX-D FA Macro 100mm F2/8ED AW Len s incorporates a new optical design developed using the latest optical design technologies, this macro lens optimizes image resolution and contrast, even at open aperture, and delivers clear high-quality images. It also gives the user life-size magnification in close-range shooting, so you can capture dramatic, fine-detailed close-up images.

This is the first PENTAX macro lens to feature AW (All Weather) dustproof, weather-resistant construction. When mounted on a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it creates a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions

Exceptional imaging performance made possible by the latest optical design technologies

The lens incorporates one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element and two Anomalous Dispersion glass optical elements to compensate for various aberrations and minimize the generation of the unwanted purple fringe effect.

This is coupled with the high-grade, multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating, which significantly reduces average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum to less than 50 percent compared to conventional models, and the innovative FREE (Fixed Rear Element Extension) focusing system.

Altogether, these technologies effectively reduce the generation of flare and ghost images to a minimum over the entire focus range — from minimum focusing distance to infinity — and deliver clear, high-quality images.

Dustproof, weather-resistant AW construction for exceptional outdoor shooting reliability

Ready for adverse weather conditions, the lens features dustproof, weather-resistant AW (All Weather) construction for the first time in a PENTAX macro lens. This dependable construction prevents the intrusion of dust and moisture into the interior, using six sealing parts to optimize airtight performance. When mounted on a dustproof, weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, it creates a highly dependable, durable imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting conditions — such as snow, mist, rain, or in locations prone to splashing or spraying water.

Exclusive exterior design and outstanding operability

The lens has an attractive, stylish appearance with its metallic exterior parts meticulously machined from high-grade aluminum. Its focus ring features the PENTAX-original Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the photographer to instantly shift the focus mode from auto to manual after the subject has been captured in focus by the camera’s autofocus system. This single-action operation assures a smooth, comfortable focus-mode switching during manual-focus shooting, for dramatically improved operability.

Compact, lightweight design for superb maneuverability

Despite the greatly improved imaging power made possible by the new optical design and outstanding AW construction which provides improved dust-proof, weather-resistant performance, the lens is design is almost as compact and lightweight as the smc PENTAX-D FA MACRO 100mm F2.8 WR (launched in December 2009), assuring outstanding weight distribution, ergonomics, and maneuverability.