Pentax HD DA* 11-18mm f/2.8 ED DC AW Zoom Lens

Pentax HD Pentax DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW lens.

This lens is a super wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C-format DSLRs and is designed as a new generation Star-series lens. The priority is high quality images for all future DSLRs. Even from the open aperture, the image quality is sharp and crisp from the center to the edge. This lens not only features a dustproof, weather resistant construction, but also is fully designed considering long exposure photography which encompasses many aspects of photography from overwhelming landscapes to nightscapes.

High-performance, next-generation Star-Series lens
To achieve the new generation Star-series lens quality standard, this large aperture F2.8 lens is constructed as 16 elements in 11 groups using two aspherical lenses, two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lenses with one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass aspherical lens. The compactness with high performance was achieved especially with the ED glass aspherical lens as this lens can reduce two types of aberration, spherical and chromatic, with one element.

High Quality HD Coating
The quality HD Coating is the well-known Aero Bright II. This HD coating technology became possible by using PENTAX's special manufacturing process to control the thickness of the coating layer as designed with high precision. It effectively minimizes flare and ghost images even in demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.

Dustproof, weather-resistant construction
Developed as an All Weather (AW) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weatherresistant structure with ten special seals to prevent the intrusion of water and dust in the lens interior. When paired with a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR Camera body, it forms a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding outdoor shooting settings.

Outstanding image power by New Generation Star-Series standard
Our new performance evaluation standards have led to this updated lens. You will get the best image quality with uniform sharpness throughout the center to the edge. A large aperture lens expands the photographic expression. The high diameter widens the photographic expression with high robustness and operability followed by high quality lens barrel structure. To achieve this high standard, the focus was quality in MTF and aberration and chromatic aberration. With the new generation standard, image resolving power has been improved drastically.

Increased usability for Nightscape photography
Many new features beneficial during nightscape photography have been adopted for this new lens. Focus Clamp Mechanism prevents the accidental change of AF point position. Clutch Mechanism improves the operation of manual focus. The easy heating device helps to reduce condensation. The operating ring is flat for easy taping to fix the position.

Quick-Shift Focus System
Allows for instant switching from auto-focus to manual-focus operation.

SP Coating
SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease.

Rounded Diaphragm
Nine blades for a rounded diaphragm. The border of the subject becomes much smoother which gives you a smooth beautiful bokeh expression