Ricoh Releases New Pentax 16-50mm Lens

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Published on July 22, 2021
Stephanie Vermillion
Adorama ALC

Ricoh is taking the Pentax photography experience to new heights with the launch of its new HD Pentax 16-50mm f/2.8 lens. This zoom lens promises focusing precision and great image quality with a range of 16 to 50mm. It’s perfect for everything from portraits and food photography to landscapes and astrophotography.

The Pentax 16-50mm lens guarantees images have higher resolution and contrast than ever with a new pulse motor for seamless autofocusing—a first for large-aperture lenses. It pairs perfectly with the K-3 Mark III camera for optimal results.

Here’s everything we know about the Pentax 16-50mm F/2.8 lens, which is available for preorder today.

Key Features of the Pentax 16-50mm Lens

With an f/2.8 aperture and a zoom range of 16 to 50mm, Ricoh’s new Pentax 16-50mm is a game-changer for Pentax creators. This lens packs countless coveted features into its 1.5-pound frame: from speedy autofocus to a pulse motor for ultra-precise focusing. Not to mention, it has a quick-shift system to alternate between manual and autofocus. Add the lens’ high-resolution images to the mix, and it’ll be hard to beat this powerful new lens. This is ideal for landscapes, street scenes, portraits, astrophotography, architecture, and about every category between.

  • Large f/2.8 aperture
  • Works with Pentax APS-C-format digital SLR cameras, like Pentax K-3 Mark III
  • Incorporates pulse motor (PLM) for focusing
  • Features electromagnetic diaphragm control mechanism for exposure control and focus tracking
  • Minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters/ 0.98 feet
  • Maximum magnification of 0.24x
  • Extra-low dispersion glass with high-grade, multi-layer HD coating
  • Dustproof and weather-resistant
  • Nine-blade circular diaphragm
  • Quick-shift focus system between manual and AF
  • Super protect (SP) coating to protect lens from dust and stains

Impressive image quality

Ricoh did not skip on image quality with its new Pentax 16-50mm lens, part of its next generation of Star-series lenses. This standard zoom lens adapts to guarantee crystal-clear images from edge to edge. Plus, with the high-quality extra low dispersion glass, this lens reduces chromatic aberration to guarantee sharp shots. The f/2.8 aperture gives photographers more wiggle room when it comes to low-lit situations. To add, it guarantees soft, silky blurred backgrounds and bokeh that help the subject shine.

Quick and precise focusing in MF or AF

High-resolution images are a great first step for creators but that’s only part of the equation. Photographers need sharp, in-focus subjects as well. That’s where the Pentax 16-50mm’s focusing features come into play. This lens uses a newly designed system that, with the power of the PLM (pulse motor), guarantees high-speed autofocus with a minimum focusing distance of .3 meters. A quick-shift feature allows photographers to transition between auto and manual focusing, too.

A durable, portable lens

The new Pentax 16-50mm lens isn’t just powerful — it’s portable and great for travel. This lightweight, 1.5-pound lens packs perfectly into carry-on camera bags. Plus, with its dustproof and weather-resistant construction, including a super protect (SP) coating to prevent dust and stains, this lens is as ready for off-the-grid adventures as it is high-end fashion shoots or commercial work—making it the ultimate all-around lens for any Pentax creator.

The Pentax 16-50mm F/2.8 lens is available here for $1,396.95.

Stephanie Vermillion
Stephanie Vermillion is a wedding, documentary and small business filmmaker covering the New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania area, as well as a travel and lifestyle journalist reporting on a variety of topics across the globe. Combining Stephanie’s interests in storytelling, love, wildlife, travel and media, Stephanie Vermillion Studio was built from the ground up in her one-bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stephanie’s writing and photography have been published in outlets like Mental Floss and Elite Daily, and her filmmaking includes everything from East Coast weddings to awareness-building wildlife conservation films around the world.