The HD Pentax-DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR is designed to deliver the 35mm equivalent of a 24.5-130mm lens.

The ‘weather-resistant’ 16-elements-in-12-groups optic features an ED element and three aspherical elements, to help minimise distortion.

A Quick-Shift Focus system is included to allow the user to instantly switch to manual focus.

The new Pentax lens is due out at the end of November, priced £599.99.

Ricoh says the HD Pentax-DA lens is treated with a ‘high-grade, multi-layer HD coating’ which, when compared with conventional multi-layer coatings ‘ensures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even in low light situations’.

The lens contains eight seals to help prevent intrusion of water into the lens interior.

Ricoh claims: ‘By pairing it with a weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, it delivers a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting situations such as rain, mist, or in locations prone to water splashes or spray.’