HD PENTAX-DA^★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW

An ultra-wide-angle, Star-series zoom lens, providing exceptional optical performance with a large F2.8 aperture over the entire zoom range

This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens delivers high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges, and assures excellent imaging performance in high-grade digital photography, even at open aperture.

It has been developed as model of the new-generation Star (★) series — a lens that provides exceptional image quality to be able to accommodate the super-high-performance digital cameras of the future.
With the introduction of this lens, the high-quality, high-performance Star series now provides a wide angle-of-view coverage —from ultra-wide angle on — with its compact models featuring a large F2.8 maximum aperture, which are exclusively designed for use with PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR cameras.

In addition to an outstanding dustproof, weather-resistant construction, and -10°C cold-resistant construction, the lens provides a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock focus at the desired focal point.
It also provides useful features to improve performance and dependability in harsh outdoor conditions: a space specifically designed for wrapping a heating device to prevent dew condensation, and a metallic frame structure to more effectively transmit the heat of the heating device to the lens. These devices greatly improve the lens’s operability when shooting landscapes and starry skies.

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.

Aperture: F7.1, Shutter speed: 1/250sec, Focal length: 11mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright  Photo by Kazutoshi Yoshimura

Features / Specifications

Large F2.8 maximum aperture

Despite its compact dimensions, this ultra-wide-angle zoom lens provides a focal length of 11 to 18 millimeters (equivalent to 17mm to 27.5mm in 35mm format) to produce magnificent, dynamic images.
Since its maximum aperture is fixed at F2.8 over the entire zoom range, it delivers sharp, bright images of scenes with starry skies.　

Thanks to a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, the lens also lets the photographer capture true-to-life close-up images by emphasizing the depth of field with an effectively defocused background.

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.	High Definition (HD) Coating to enhance imaging power　　 This lens is treated with the high-grade, multi-layer  HD-Coating. HD Coating is a new-generation, multi-layer lens-coating technology, developed to provide better-quality optical characteristics in a greater number of lens products. It was designed to satisfy the demand for higher lens performance that is required by advances in digital cameras.

Comparison of MTF 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.

Aperture: F5.6, Shutter speed: 1/800sec, Focal length: 18.0mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright  Photo by Yoshiaki Kobayashi

Comparison of captured images

	HD PENTAX-DA★11-18mmF2.8ED DC AW (at 11mm wide-angle end / F2.8 open aperture）	smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mmF4 ED AL[IF] (at 12mm wide-angle end / F4 open aperture）
	Magnified image of section A	Magnified image of section A’
	Magnified image of section B	Magnified image of section B’

Ideal design optimized for photography of landscapes and star-lit scenes

Aperture: F9.0, Shutter speed: 1/1000sec, Focal length: 11.0mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Reversal film  Photo by Kazutoshi Yoshimura

KAF3 mount to accommodate a number of K-series digital SLR cameras 

The new lens features a KAF3 mount, whose mechanical diaphragm-driving mechanism is compatible with a large number of K-mount APS-C-format digital SLR cameras, both old and new.

Internal lens motor for smooth autofocus operation

A DC motor for the autofocus (AF) incorporated within the lens enables smooth autofocus operation. A non-rotating mechanism is also used for locking the focus ring during autofocus so that the lens is held in the same position as manual focus.

*The compatible models are: K-1/K-1 Mark II/K-3 Mark III/ K-3II/K-3/KP/KF/K-S2/K-S1/K-70/K-50/K-30/K-5 II/K-5IIs/K-5/K-01/K-7/K-r/K-x/K-m/K20D/K200D/K10D/K100D Super.
(Depending on the modell, the actual firmware is required)

When mounted on other camera bodies, the focus mode is automatically switched to manual.

Dustproof, weather-resistant All Weather (AW) construction

The new lens features the dustproof, weather-resistant All Weather (AW) construction to prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. By pairing it with a PENTAX dustproof, weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, the user can create a highly durable and dependable digital imaging system, perfect for use under demanding conditions such as in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes.

Aperture: 8.0, Shutter speed: 1/1000sec, Focal length: 11.0mm, White balance: Auto, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Natural  Photo by Nicolas Claris 

Features assisting photography in the harsh environment

The new lens provides a range of features to help it respond to the tough demands made by professionals, including a focus ring designed for maximum operability even when the lens is wet or the photographer is wearing gloves; dependable operation at temperatures from -10°C to 40°C; and a highly rigid lens barrel structure.

It also provides user-friendly features to assist in photographing star-lit nightscapes, such as a Focus Clamp Mechanism to prevent the accidental shift of the focal point; and a groove specifically designed for installing a lens heater.

Focus Clamp Mechanism The unique Focus Clamp Mechanism allows the photographer to lock the lens’s focal point, even when the focus ring is rotated. This improves the lens’s operability in photographing such subjects as landscapes and star-lit scenes, which demand high-precision focusing during extended exposures.

Unique design accommodating a lens heater It also has special features for improved operability and versatility in outdoor shooting, such as a space for wrapping heating wires around the lens barrel to prevent dew condensation, without affecting focus-ring operation; and a metallic frame structure to more effectively transmit the heat of the heating device to the lens.

Aperture: F4.5, Shutter speed: 1/500sec, Focal length: 18.0mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Landscape  Photo by Yoshiaki Kobayashi

Internal lens motor for smooth autofocus operation

A DC motor for the autofocus (AF) incorporated within the lens enables smooth autofocus operation. A non-rotating mechanism is also used for locking the focus ring during autofocus so that the lens is held in the same position as manual focus.

*The compatible models are: K-1/K-1 Mark II/K-3 Mark III/ K-3II/K-3/KP/KF/K-S2/K-S1/K-70/K-50/K-30/K-5 II/K-5IIs/K-5/K-01/K-7/K-r/K-x/K-m/K20D/K200D/K10D/K100D Super.
(Depending on the modell, the actual firmware is required)

When mounted on other camera bodies, the focus mode is automatically switched to manual.

More Features 

• Nine-blade circular diaphragm for beautiful light beams and bokeh effect
  This lens incorporates a Round-shaped, nine-blade diaphragm to produce a natural, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources

• Quick-Shift Focus System
  After focusing using the autofocus, the focus ring can be turned to allow immediate focus adjustment using the manual focus.
  This feature enables smooth operability by eliminating the need for an AF/MF switching operation. This is useful during closeup photography, for instance, when you want to shoot while making fine adjustments to the focus
  
  
• SP (Super Protect) 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 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.

Please find more information about the Lens specification in our lens glossary ... (link)

Aperture: F11, Shutter speed: 1/60sec, Focal length: 18.0mm, White balance: CTE, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Landscape  Photo by Yoshiaki Kobayashi

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 Aperture: F8.0, Shutter speed: 1/400sec, Focal length: 11.0mm, White balance: CTE, ISO sensitivity: 800, Finishing touch/Custom image: Muted  Photo by Yoshiaki Kobayashi

 Aperture: F8.0, Shutter speed: 1/1250sec, Focal length: 11.0mm, White balance: Daylight, ISO sensitivity: 200, Finishing touch/Custom image: Bright  Photo by Yoshiaki Kobayashi