Paris, November 9, 2022 ?RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the
launch of the high-performance eyepieces "smc PENTAX XW16.5" and "smc PENTAX XW23" for astronomical telescopes.
This expands the XW series to ten eyepieces and rounds out the range of functional, practical
focal lengths for a wide range of applications, from low magnification stargazing to high magnifi-
cation planetary observation.

RICOH IMAGING has a long time experience in manufacturing gear for astro observation. Beside
of a product range of Spotting scopes, we are offering a wide range of Eyepieces for the use with telescopes to enjoy astro watching.
Due to the increase of telescope users, demand for eyepieces is also being diversified. Out of
various demand, we decided to develop new eyepieces to meet the demand of users who want to enjoy star observing with very wide FOV, which makes possible to observe astronomical objects more impressively.
With the new XW series eyepieces, we increase the line-up of PENTAX eyepiece, and will en-
hance PENTAX brand image as "high quality", "high performance" for Astro fans having mid to
upper class telescope such as telescopes over 30cm diameter

Main features of the Eyepieces smc PENTAX XW16.5 and smc PENTAX XW23

Particularly large field of view
The two new eyepieces of the XW series have the largest field of view in the series at 85°. In
combination with an eye relief of 20 mm, they provide a particularly wide field of view for exciting observation of nebulae and star clusters.
High-quality optics for exceptional image quality
The new eyepieces feature an optical system with 7 elements in 5 groups that surpasses the
conventional XW series to deliver sharp star images right to the edge of the field of view. The
high-performance optics consist of lanthanum glass elements with high refractive power and particularly low dispersion, which produce a balanced image with minimal aberrations. It is specially designed to reduce the annoying blackout effect by effectively compensating for the spherical aberration of the pupil.
PENTAX original multi-coating for outstanding light transmission
All lens surfaces that come into contact with the air are treated with the original multi-coating,
while all laminated surfaces are treated with the innovative partial coating to achieve light trans-
mission of more than 90 per cent (an astonishing 96 per cent at 550nm) across the visible light
spectrum.
Advanced light-shielding technology for improved image contrast
Thanks to PENTAX's advanced computer simulation technology, the XW series features a light-
shielding diaphragm in the most effective position to dramatically reduce internal reflections and
provide a brighter, higher contrast image.
Weatherproof construction for all-weather viewing
The XW Series features a JIS Class 4* weatherproof construction that allows use even in drizzle
or nighttime dew.

Scope of Delivery:

• 23mm Eyepiece