High-speed AF operation

With the adoption of a rear-focus system, the focusing lens is 93.6 percent lighter* than the previous version. By driving this focusing lens using a pulse motor (PLM), which is directly linked to a lead screw, this zoom lens operates faster approximately 8.3 times** at its wide-angle end and approximately 1.7 times** at its telephoto end and quieter than the existing model.* When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body, it assures smoother, faster AF operation with dimly lit subjects, thanks to an improved AF algorithm that exchanges AF data between the camera body and the lens with greater precision. Operability of its power-assisted focus system during manual-focus operation has also been improved. Since its distance ring is designed to accurately detect the angle of rotation and swiftly react to a change of angle, this zoom lens can shift its focusing lens smoothly in response to distance ring operation.

* When compared with the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED WR.

** When taking a still image in viewfinder shooting, with the cameras AF mode set to AF-S and for subjects positioned at a distance between 1.5 meters to infinity.

1.Lead Screw 2. PLM (Pulse Motor 3.Fous Lens

Quiet AF operation and electromagnetic diaphragm control, perfect for movie recording

This is the first K-mount lens to feature an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.* When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body, it assures smooth, high-precision aperture control during movie recording. Thanks to this state-of-the-art system, it shifts the aperture setting automatically and smoothly, even when the brightness level of the subject changes drastically in movie shooting. Coupled with the PLM mechanism, it also assures smooth AF tracking operation and exposure control, while minimizing the intrusion of focus- and aperture-shift noises during movie-recording operation. As the result, it produces more natural, true-to-life movies in locations such as a theatre stage or a sunlight-streaked forest where the brightness level fluctuates considerably, and for such active subjects as athletes and animals