Pentax 11-18mm f/2.8* HD DA

This large-aperture, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens provides high resolving power and sharp contrast, and delivers exceptional imaging performance across the image field — features available only with new-generation Star-series lenses to accommodate the further advancement of digital cameras. With its dependable structure for use in demanding outdoor c... moreonditions and many innovative features, it can be used in a wide variety of applications, from landscapes and snapshots to star-lit nightscapes.The newly designed lens badge signifies that this lens is the first new-generation Star-series model exclusively developed for use with APS-C-format digital SLR cameras. Its high-grade exterior design is identical with those of the latest lens lineup.With its angle-of-view coverage from 17mm to 27.5mm (in the 35mm format), this lens delivers dynamic, breathtaking images. Despite its wide-angle optical design, a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters allows you to capture dramatic images with a beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect.The flagship of the zoom lens lineup, for use with APS-C-format digital SLR cameras:- Along with the smc PENTAX-DA* 16-50mm F2.8ED AL[IF] SDM and the smc PENTAX DA* 50-135mm F2.8ED[IF] SDM, this lens completes the large-aperture zoom lens lineup, designed for exclusive use with APS-C-format digital SLR cameras. Combining outstanding imaging power with remarkable dependability for shooting in adverse conditions, this Star-series lineup provides a broad angle-of-view coverage, from ultra-wide angle to telephoto.Technologies supporting exceptional imaging performance:- For a lens to be designated as a new-generation Star-series model, it must clear a number of strict in-house standards. Here are some examples of outstanding optical designs and the advanced technologies which have realized them.In order to effectively reduce various aberrations, the new lens incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass-molded aspherical optical element, in addition to two ED optical elements and two aspherical optical elements.ED glass-molded aspherical optical element:- This optical element combines an aspherical element's ability to suppress spherical aberration with an ED glass's ability to reduce chromatic aberrations. It contributes to the downsizing and weight reduction of the lens by minimizing the number of optical elements required in the optics, while satisfying demands for exceptional imaging performance required for the new-generation Star series.HD Coating:- After a thorough review of lens coating processes, PENTAX has developed a process which forms a high-precision coating layer very close to the theoretical values calculated during the design stage. This new-generation multi-layer coating is highly rigid and durable, and reduces reflectance to less than 50% that of conventional multi-layer coatings to effectively minimize flare and ghost images.KAF3 mount to accommodate a number of K-series digital SLR cameras:- The new lens features a