HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR

A high-performance super-wide-angle zoom lens for the 35 mm full-frame image circle of Pentax DSLR cameras

In addition to the particularly dynamic and impressive angle of view, this super wide-angle zoom lens offers excellent imaging performance, perfectly displaying the finest structures and details. At the same time, image errors such as aberrations, coma or distortions arereduced to a minimum. The SDM motor ensures quiet, fast and reliable focusing.

Exceptional imaging performance

The new D FA 15-30 mm super wide-angle zoom lens offers an impressive angle of view and, especially in combination with the 35 mm full-frame camera PENTAX K-1, allows for particularly spectacular images, e.g. in landscape photography. With the extreme perspective of the 15 mm focal length, compositions with a particularly deep image effect can be created.
At 30 mm, the lens is very well suited for reportage photography or spontaneous snapshots. When the lens is used on a PENTAX camera with an APS-C sensor, the focal length range is 23-46 mm.

Lens construction at the highest level of technology

Lens construction at the highest level of technology The optical construction of the D FA 15-30 mm lens consists of 18 elements in 13 groups. Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and aspherical elements ensure high-contrast and high-resolution images right up to the edge area with minimal chromatic aberrations, coma and distortion.

Features / Specifications

HD Coating to enhance imaging performance

The lens incorporates the PENTAX-developed, multi-layer HD (High Definition) Coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, it improves light transmittance while reducing average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum. This means that it can deliver clear, well-defined images with minimal flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlighting.

Dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Special seals applied throughout the lens body provide this zoom lens with dependable weather-resistant construction, effectively preventing the intrusion of water into the lens interior. By pairing it with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the photographer has a durable, dependable digital imaging system that performs superbly under demanding shooting conditions — even in the rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

SP Coating

SP coating is a PENTAX-original special coating that provides superior performance in repelling water and oils. It is used on the front surface of the first high-performance lens for effective protection of the lens surface. This coating not only prevents adhesion of dust, water drops, oils, and other substances, but it also makes it easy to wipe off objects that adhere to the lens.

Comparison of dirt adhesion (oil-based ink)

A lens surface treated with SP Coating has a very smooth surface without the adhesion of the oil-based ink.

Comparison of wipe-off (oil-based ink)

A lens surface treated with SP Coating can be wiped clean more easily and completely, even after the ink has dried.

Exclusively designed, large ring-type SDM

In order to deliver the highest image quality possible over the entire focusing range — from the minimum focusing distance to infinity — this lens features an exclusively designed, large ring-type SDM to efficiently drive the focusing mechanism, which consists of a larger number of optical elements than ordinary lenses, and is required to shift heavy rear-optical-element groups in unison.

Lens Hood integrated

In addition to a variety of features, such as our unique multi-coating and the prevention of reflections in the lens barrel, the lens hood is part of the constructiona to minimise ghosting and flare that occurs in backlit and other adverse conditions.

PENTAX K Mount

The lens mounts for PENTAX interchangeable lenses are based on the bayonet K mount, which has remained unchanged since its inception in 1975. It is a mount unique to PENTAX that features a large aperture combined with superior ease of replacement, accuracy, and toughness. These features are utilized to comfortably incorporate an iris control mechanism, autofocus mechanism, and other functions for enabling nearly complete compatibility with conventional lenses. The PENTAX K Mount keeps its advanced versatility despite differences in camera and lens functions.

Others

1. Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect up to F4 (F5.6 at 30 mm)aperture: setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources

2. A minimum focusing distance of 28 centimeters, effective in capturing images with a defocus effect

3. Quick-Shift Focus System which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.

【MTF Chart】

Geometric optics MTF (MTF calculated without referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

Wave optical MTF (MTF calculated referencing the effects of light diffraction phenomenon)

MTF chart information

MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) is a kind of index used to evaluate lens performance, which represents the extent of subject contrast reproduction as spatial frequency.
The MTF chart here shows the contrast on the vertical axis, and distance from the center of the image on the horizontal axis. For the spatial frequency, 10 lines/mm shows a low frequency, and 30 lines/mm shows a high frequency, resulting in the MTF graph. On the graph, the solid line represents the S direction (sagittal direction and radiation direction) MTF, and the broken line represents the M direction (meridional direction and concentric circular direction) MTF.
In general, a low-frequency MTF is proof of a clear, high-contrast lens, and a high-frequency MTF is proof of a sharp lens with high resolving power.

Sample Images

Aperture F8.0, Shutter speed 1/250sec, Focal length 15.0mm Photo by HIDEYUKI MOTEGI

Aperture F10, Shutter speed 1/100sec, Focal length 18.0mm, White balance Auto, ISO sensitivity 100, Finishing touch Vibrant

Aperture F11, Shutter speed 0.4sec, Focal length 21.0mm, White balance CTE, ISO sensitivity 100, Finishing touch Landscape

Aperture F5.6, Shutter speed 1/640sec, Focal length 24.0mm, White balance Auto, ISO sensitivity 100, Finishing touch Vibrant

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Find out more pictures, made by the HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mmF2.8ED SDM WR.

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Test QA

645 LENS MOUNT CAP test qa

645 BODY MOUNT CAP test qa

HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR