As the saying goes; go big, or go home. And, with the release of the brand’s new HD FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED optic, Pentax K-mount shooters will now be able to capture very big fields of view indeed. The new lens builds on the success of Pentax’s original smc fish-eye, but there are some interesting changes with the upgraded version.
New fish-eye lens will allow Pentax users to shoot ultra wide.
Featuring a completely new exterior design, the HD version of the lens also features a removable lens hood, which enables photographers to achieve nearly circular fish-eye images and when used with crop-sensor cameras like the Pentax KP, or with full-frame DSLRs like the K-1 Mark II in its APS-C format, mode, the lens delivers an 180-degree field of view.
The lens is compatible with Pentax K-mount DSLRs.
This extreme field of view can open new creative doors to capture images that simply weren’t possible with standard wide angle lenses and the HD PENTAX-DA FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED also benefits from Pentax’s SP (Super Protect) coating to repel water, grease and dirt. The elements also feature the brand’s latest multi-layer coating and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass.
The lens delivers a fish-eye perspective of scenes. Image by Pentax.
When it comes to autofocus, the HD FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED uses a Quick-Shift Focus System. Pentax explains this provides ‘instant shift to manual-focus operation after locking the subject in focus during AF operation by pressing the shutter-release button halfway down’ and that this is usable at any time during AF operation.
Creative shots can be captured as the lens stretches the perspective view. Image by Pentax.
The new fish-eye lens also features a variable maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the widest end of the zoom, moving up to f/2.5 at the longest end. Plus, the HD FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED boasts a closest focusing distance of just 14cm.
The lightweight optics weighs just 323g and can focus close to subjects. Image by Pentax.
Weighing in at just 323g (with hood fitted), the new fish-eye lens is a lightweight option and features a 10 elements in 8 groups design. Available from the end of July, the HD FISH-EYE 10-17mm F3.5-4.5 ED is priced at £499/$499.