Sigma has announced a new promotion enabling anyone who purchases the Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM telephoto zoom lens to claim £50 cashback. This is a short-term offer running until 28th February and valid on lenses imported by Sigma Imaging UK only. You can download the application form from the Sigma website.

Canon has added two new full-frame, 4K-ready prime lenses to its EF Cinema Lens line-up. Designed to work with Canon’s EF mount, the new CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F and the CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F lenses incorporate anomalous dispersion glass and large diameter aspherical lenses to deliver high-resolution images, as well as Canon’s latest broadcast lens coatings to reduce ghosting and flare. Both the CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F and the CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F feature markings on angled surfaces on either side of the lens barrel, making focus and aperture settings easy to read from behind or either side of the camera. A focus rotation angle of approximately 300 degrees facilitates precise focusing adjustments during shooting, while the focus markings can be switched from metric to imperial labelling as required. Each lens has an 11-bladed iris diaphragm for pleasing bokeh. The CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F will be available from May 2013 with a SRP of £ 3,966.00 + VAT. The CN-E 135mm T2.2 L F will go on sale in June 2013 with an SRP of £ 3,793.00 + VAT.

Our fourth award is for Lens of the Year 2012, which goes to the Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH.

“The LUMIX G VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH standard zoom offers a versatile focal range and a fast maximum aperture in a relatively small package, backed-up by excellent image quality throughout the focal range, the best build quality of any Panasonic Micro Four Thirds lens yet released, a tactile manual focusing system and impressively fast and quiet autofocusing.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Panasonic and the LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH!

Sigma UK has announced the suggested retail price of the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens. Featuring a focus limiter, newly developed USB dock, dust- and splashproof construction and a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture; the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is part of the manufacturer’s “Sports” line of lenses. Incorporating 1 SLD and 2 FLD elements, the lens’ design also compensates for sagittal coma and minimises the blurring of a point light source in peripheral areas. This lens incorporates the OS system which, the company claims, offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The new Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens will ba available in Sigma and Canon fits from the end of February, with a Nikon version coming at the end of March. The SRP of the lens is £3,599.99.

Sigma UK has announced the SRP of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM lens. Mainly used for general-purpose photography, this everyday lens covers a range equivalent to 25.5-105mm on a 35mm camera. The Canon version will go on sale at the end of January and the Nikon variant will be available by the end of February. Sigma, Sony and Pentax fit will follow (the latter two without the Optical Stabiliser). The suggested retail price is £449.99.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 is a small and convenient superzoom lens for Nikon’s compact system cameras. Billed as the world’s smallest carry-anywhere 10x zoom lens, thee Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-270mm. Nikon’s integrated Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism helsp users cature crisp stills and stready video footage.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 is a new wide zoom for the Nikon 1 System. With a 35mm equivalent focal range of 18-35mm, the Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 is currently the widest lens available for Nikon compact system cameras. The lens comes equipped with the manufacturer’s proven Vibration Reduction (VR) technology that enables users to take hand-held shots at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible with a lens of this type.

Canon has launched a new 2/3” HD zoom lens called the KJ20x8.2B KRSD. The company first introduced its HDgc series of HD portable lenses five years ago to provide high optical performance at competitive prices for the then-emerging generation of lower-cost portable HD video cameras. Designed to offer high-quality performance in a compact and lightweight package, the KJ20x8.2B KRSD boasts a 1.0 second maximum speed over its entire 20x zoom range. Focal lengths range from an extra-wide angle 8.2mm (60.7 degrees angular field of view horizontal in 16:9 aspect ratio) to 164mm, combining with a f/1.9 maximum relative aperture – all in a package weighing just 1.25 kg. The KJ20x8.2B will go on sale at the end of February with a SRP of £4,090 + VAT.

Sigma UK has introduced a short-term special offer that enables anyone who purchases Sigma’s 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens to claim a free Sigma 62mm UV DG filter worth over £40. Benefiting from a special multi-layer lens coating, developed to counteract the highly reflective characteristic of image sensors, the Sigma 62mm UV DG filter protects your lens’ vulnerable front element from damage and eliminates the harmful effect of ultraviolet light. For more information on this offer, contact your local photographic retailer.

Sigma UK has announced availability and pricing for the Sony versions of the new Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM and APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX APO DG OS HSM lenses. The 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro HSM superzoom is now available in Sony mount with a suggested retail price of £499.99. The Sigma APO Macro 180mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM will also be available in Sony fit in two weeks time with a suggested retail price of £1499.99.

Nikon today announced that total production of Nikkor lenses for interchangeable lens cameras reached 75 million at the beginning of November 2012. As the 70 millionth Nikkor was manufactured in May, this means that Nikon produced no less than 5 million interchangeable lenses in a matter of only 6 months.

Two months after issuing a development notice, Olympus today officially announced the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 lens. Designed for street photographers, this new, fast moderate wide-angle lens for the Micro Four Thirds system features a maximum aperture of f/1.8 plus depth-of-field and distance indicators. These come into play when the lens is set to MF mode, enabling users to utilise the time-honoured technique of zone focusing, which is great news for street photographers. More than a full stop faster than the existing Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/2.8 (read review), the new M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.8 features the faster MSC (Movie & Stills Compatible) auto focus mechanism. The new M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 lens will be available in December, at a price of £449.99/$499.99.

Hands-on photos: Have a look at our gallery of 22 hands-on photos taken at the Photokina show in September.

Samyang Europe has announced the release date of the Samyang T1.5 85mm AS IF UMC lens. Featuring a fast maximum aperture, an internal focusing system and an optical formula that comprises nine elements in seven groups, the Samyang T1.5 85mm AS IF UMC is part of the manuafacturer’s VDSLR lens range. Like Samyang’s other VDSLR lenses, the aperture and focus rings have been designed in a way to ensure compatibility with professional follow focus devices. The Samyang T 1.5 85mm AS IF UMC will go on sale in late November / early December in Canon, Nikon and Sony versions. Those that wish to lay their hands on the new lens before the official launch can take part in a competition organised by Samysng Europe for a chance to win one of the first copies. For details visit the website below.

Sigma has announced the recommended retail price of the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens. Equipped with a HyperSonic Motor (HSM), brass bayonet mount and internal focusing system, the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM features Super Multi-Layer coating, FLD and SLD glass elements and a large maximum aperture. As promised, each Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM will be individually checked using the company’s newly developed proprietary A1 MTF measuring system. The lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma and Sony fit, for £799.99/$899.00 including a hood and carrying case.

Canon has added two new image stabilised offerings to its EF lens line-up. Combining a useful focal range with a premium quality L-series construction, the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM also features a new macro function which also optimises the placement of lens groups during macro photography, allowing shooting at a maximum magnification of 0.7x. A dust- and moist-resistant construction enables the lens to be used in less than ideal weather conditions, when coupled with a similarly sealed camera body. The EF 35mm f/2 IS USM (pictured above) is Canon’s first-ever 35mm prime to feature optical Image Stabilisation, with a claimed four-stop advantage when shooting hand-held. Intelligent detection of panning motion is also supported, with Panning IS mode automatically engaged to enable photographers to capture movement with greater accuracy. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM and the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM are expected to be available in December for approximate retail prices of $1,499.00 / £1499 and $849.99 / £799, respectively.

Panasonic has announced upcoming firmware updates for its Lumix G X Vario 12-35mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S. and 35-100mm f/2.8 Power O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds lenses. The firmware upgrade will enhance auto focus performance on the Panasonic GH3, with the camera set to 240fps recording. You will be able to download the updates in the middle of December, 2012.

Nikon UK is launching its biggest Christmas promotion to date, offering cashback on selected entry-level DSLR cameras, DX lenses, speedlights, as well as the Nikon 1 J1 and J2 compact system cameras. The offer runs until 21 January 2013. The cashback amounts range from £15/€20 to £70/€85. All claims must be received by 28th February 2013 in order to qualify.

Samsung Electronics America today announced pricing for the new Samsung NX 12-24mm f/4-5.6 ED and Samsung NX 45mm f/1.8 i-Function lenses. First shown at Photokina, the lenses are on display now at Photo Plus Expo. The Samsung NX 12-24mm f/4-5.6 ED ultra-wide angle zoom carries an MSRP of $599.99, whilst the Samsung NX 45mm f/1.8 short telephoto lens will cost $299.99.

Nikon today announced the development of three new 1 NIKKOR lenses. The new lenses being developed are a 32mm medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/1.2, a vibration-reduction (VR) equipped 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, and a compact and lightweight 10x zoom lens covering the 10-100mm range of focal lengths with maximum apertures of f/4-5.6. An on-sale date, suggested retail price and further specifications will be announced by Nikon Corporation at a later date.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is a new FX-format zoom lens with versatile 70-200mm focal range and constant f/4 aperture. The Nikon 70-200mm f/4 is the first NIKKOR to be equipped with Nikon’s next-generation Vibration Reduction system that allows for up to 5-stop compensation. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR costs £1,172.99 / €1,430.00 / $1399.95 and will be available from 29th November, 2012.