Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

New Pentax 70-210mm f/4 brings compact zoom power ahead of anticipated DSLR

By Hillary K. Grigonis January 23, 2020

After a quiet 2019, Pentax is starting 2020 out with the launch of a new lens. On January 22, parent brand Ricoh announced the HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR lens for K-Mount cameras. The lens, Ricoh says, offers a compact, lightweight option for outdoor photography including sports, wildlife, and scenic shots.

Weighing 28.9 ounces and measuring 6.9 inches long, the compact size and focal length is designed for getting in close while still being able to shoot handheld. The lens is significantly lighter than the Pentax 70-200mm f/2.8 option, which weighs nearly four pounds. The K-mount lens is designed to be used with full-frame cameras, but can also be used with APS-C K-mount bodies with a crop factor, giving the zoom even more reach.

The lens is designed from 20 elements in 14 groups. An HD coating reduces reflections and flare, while improving light transmission, the company says. The nine-blade aperture gives bokeh a rounded appearance from f/4 to f/9.5, but the lens heads all the way up to a minimum aperture of f/32. On some bodies, an electromagnetic diaphragm control is supported for video. The lens is not stabilized, but Pentax is one of few companies to use in-body stabilization in DSLRs.

HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR — Ricoh

Ricoh says that the 3.1-foot minimum focusing distance gives the lens added versatility and a wider range than earlier similar lenses. The length of the lens also doesn’t change as the lens focuses. The Supersonic Direct-drive Motor allows for quiet and quick focus, the company added. A switch allows for quick adjustments from auto to manual focus.

Like many of the K-mount cameras, the lens is weather-resistant, capable of shooting in rain, mist or splashes.

Pentax fans have had to wait some time since the last DSLR launch — the K-1 Mark II in 2018. Last year, the company teased a new flagship crop sensor camera under development, originally said to debut sometime in 2020. The flagship doesn’t yet have a name, price or a more specific launch date. The company’s 2019 launches focused on Theta 360 cameras and compact cameras like the Ricoh GR III.

The HD Pentax-D FA 70-210mm f/4 ED SDM WR lens retails for about $1,100. Ricoh did not yet share a ship date, but retailers like B&H have already opened pre-orders.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Hillary K. Grigonis

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…

Photography

Best Camera Deals: Save on Canon, Panasonic, Nikon, and GoPro

fujifilm x t4 review set 2 dm 1

Whether you're looking for the best digital cameras or the best travel cameras, there are a ton of options out there, sometimes too many options, especially for those who aren't familiar with the photography world. Luckily, we've done a lot of legwork for you and collected a range of great camera deals across the spectrum, so even if you want something more sports-oriented, like a GoPro, there are a couple of deals for those too. So, let's jump right into it.
Today's Best Camera Deals
One of our favorite deals is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 going for $400, as it's one of the better DSLR cameras on the market, and it has a reasonably budget-friendly price on it, making it a great starter camera. Of course, if you've been in the game for a while and are looking for a powerful upgrade, the Sony Alpha 7R IV is one of the best full-frame cameras on the market, and while it still costs a hefty $3,200, that's still $300 off the usual $3,500 price tag. That said, if you're looking for something more portable and action-oriented, you can't go wrong with the GoPro HERO11 Black Mini, although if you're a professional content creator, the GoPro HERO9 Black 5K is probably the one to go for instead.

Do I Need a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera?
Like most things, this really depends on what you're trying to do. Mirrorless cameras have fewer internal moving parts, which generally means they can capture images quicker, so if you're taking pictures of action-packed stuff like sports or animals in the wilderness, a mirrorless camera is a great option. On the other hand, DSLR cameras are great for low-light conditions and are great for anything from portraits to landscapes. DSLRs are also cheaper and have much better battery life, as well as having a decade or two worth of lenses to choose from.

Computing

How to blur a background in photos

A person photographed with iPhone 11's portrait mode.

Introducing a background blur to your photos can draw attention to a specific subject, such as an individual in a portrait or an item in a still life, while also adding a professional flair to your image. This beautiful background blur, also known as bokeh, can be achieved even after shooting your photo, thanks to advances in editing software. This guide will walk you through the process on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Mobile

How to download Instagram photos (5 easy ways)

Instagram app running on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Instagram is amazing, and many of us use it as a record of our lives — uploading the best bits of our trips, adventures, and notable moments. But sometimes you can lose the original files of those moments, leaving the Instagram copy as the only available one . While you may be happy to leave it up there, it's a lot more convenient to have another version of it downloaded onto your phone or computer. While downloading directly from Instagram can be tricky, there are ways around it. Here are a few easy ways to download Instagram photos.