The Pentax DA 560mm f/5.6 ED AW Lens is a super telephoto lens offering a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 859mm. This long reach lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 and features a 9 rounded diaphragm blade construction. The optical construction of the lens includes a high-grade multi-layer HD coating on lens elements for sharp, clear imagery with reduced flare and ghosting due to internal reflections. The optical design mimics that of a telescope, and also includes two extra-low dispersion (ED) lens elements to prevent chromatic aberration and maintain image clarity across the entire picture plane. A Super Protect (SP) coating is also applied for increased protection on the front element and for greater ease when cleaning.

A built-in DC driving motor promotes smooth auto focusing, which can also be deactivated using the Quick-Shift focus system to instantly switch between AF and MF modes. A built-in filter holder within the lens barrel permits the use of 40.5mm filters (a circular polarizer is included) for greater accessibility to a variety of filters. Additionally the white lens barrel helps to minimize heat haze within the barrel while a dust and weatherproof construction ensures proper functionality in poor shooting conditions.

Superior distant view catching performance

An astronomical-type optical system with few lenses is used for enabling sharp, crystal-clear images particularly for photography of distant subjects. The optical system uses two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass lenses for correcting chromatic aberration and providing sufficient lighting for the edges and high resolution performance.

New HD Coating (Note 1)

A new high-performance multicoating "HD Coating" (Note 1) is used. This coating has less reflection and higher transmissivity than conventional coatings for providing sharp, crystal-clear images with reduced ghosting and flare even under backlighting and other adverse lighting conditions.Note 1: "HD" is abbreviation for High Definition. Definition = Transparency, detail, resolution, imaging performance

Dust-resistant and drip-proof construction (AW)

The lens barrel has been sealed in 29 locations for enabling a dust-resistant and drip-proof "AW (All Weather)" construction that prevents the entry of water and dust into the lens.

New design expressing the spirit of the HD series

The lens outside is a white color for a sense of presence and preventing heat haze from occurring inside the lens barrel under hot, sunny conditions. The strap mounting fixture uses a machined stainless steel material for providing a sense of elegance. The red alumite ring in the center of the lens barrel is the distinctive symbol of the HD series.

Enables use of C-PL (circular polarized light) filter

The lens body includes a detachable "filter mounting frame". When the supplied C-PL filter (40.5mm size, specifically for this lens) is attached, an operation ring can be installed for enabling rotation from the outside for enabling easy adjustment of polarizing effects.

Internal lens motor for smooth AF

The autofocus uses an internal lens AF motor (DC motor) for smooth driving action. (Note 2)Note 2: The compatible models are the K-3, K-5 II, K-5 II s, K-30, K-01, K-5, K-r, K-7, K-x, K-m, K20D, K200D, K100D Super, and K10D (firmware version 1.30 or later). If attached to other cameras, focusing is performed using the manual focus.

Quick-Shift Focus System

After focusing by AF, manual focus operation is possible without any switching operation.

SP (super protect) coating

A SP (super protect) coating is used for protecting the lens front surface from water and dirt and allowing any adhering dirt and oils to be easily removed.

Round iris diaphragm (Open to F11)

This lens uses a round iris diaphragm for reducing the beam of light when shooting point light sources and for enabling representation of round out-of-focus (bokeh) effect.