First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens

I am excited to share a first look at the brand new RICOH PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR Lens with you.

HD PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F4.5 ED AW SR Lens Review

I only had the chance to spend a little time with the lens so far, but I can tell you that it is

• massive!


• super sharp


• fast (as in focusing speed)


• has nice bokeh (for a wide angle lens that is)


• optically stabilized (SR)


• has nano coating (reduces glare)


• has less distortion than the 25mm f/4


• accepts standard filters (82mm)


• well built


• weather sealed


• works really well with the 645Z


• has a great workable zoom-range for a wide-angle lens


• I actually prefer this over the 25mm f/4, because it is a much more versatile lens at a similar price point


• has virtually silent autofocus (in case you want to shoot video with it, this would matter)


• has a nice feel to it, and balances well

In case you wonder: this is not a walkaround lens by any means. While it handles really well, it requires some serious commitment when you shoot with it. If you shoot on a tripod, this won’t matter, but handheld is quite intense (as is with any heavy lens). As I said, I was only able to use the lens for a short period of time, and right before its official announcement, but I already took it out and shot some active lifestyle images with it.

I will have more images with detailed BTS from my next shoot, and a full review soon, but this is a strong contender for becoming my favorite lenses for the RICOH PENTAX 645 system.

Stay tuned

First look at the PENTAX DA 645 28-45mm F/4.5 ED AW SR Lens