Panasonic has announced a new standard zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II has an optical formula comprising nine elements in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses plus Panasonic’s “Mega” Optical Image Stabiliser. Other highlights include an internal focus mechanism, a minimum focus distance of 20cm in the 14-20mm rangeand an iris diaphragm with seven rounded blades.

Nikon has introduced a redesigned, AF-S version of its 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 lens. This ultrawide-to-wide zoom lens can be used on the company’s FX-format dSLRs as well as its more recent film SLRs. With up to a 100º angle of view, the AF-S Nikkor 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED offers advanced and amateur photographers an affordable way to experiment with the unique perspectives that wide-angle zoom lenses can achieve, the company says. The newly designed optical formula comprises a dozen elements in eight groups, including two ED glass and three aspherical elements and Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating. The minimum focus distance is 28cm (measured from the film/sensor plane rather than the front lens element). The AF-S Nikkor 18–35mm f/3.5–4.5G ED lens weighs in at 385 grams, and takes standard 77mm filters. On a DX body - or an FX camera operating in DX crop mode -, the lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-53mm. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will be available in March 2013 for the SRP of £669.99/$749.95.

Nikon has launched its AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens, whose development was announced in the summer of 2012. Already tested by professional sports photographers at the London Olympics, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR is a super-telephoto lens featuring twenty elements in thirteen groups - including two ED and two fluorite elements -, an iris diaphragm with nine rounded blades and electromagnetic diaphragm control (hence the new “E” designation), and Nikon’s critically acclaimed Vibration Reduction system. Every Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens is supplied with the also-new TC-800-1.25E ED teleconverter - the first teleconverter to employ an ED glass element to correct chromatic aberration. The suggested retail price of the new 800mm Nikon lens is £15,599.99/$17,899.95.

This year, Nikon is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Nikkor brand. The brand’s history began in 1933 with the first shipment of Nippon Kogaku’s Aero-Nikkor aerial photographic lenses. Twenty-six years later, the company released its first SLR camera, the Nikon F as well as its first lens for Nikon SLR cameras, the Nikkor-S Auto 5cm f/2. Since then, Nikon has been at the forefront of lens development. The OP Fisheye-Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 fisheye lens for SLR cameras, released in 1968, was the world’s first lens to incorporate aspherical lens elements. The Ultra Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8, released in 1962, served as the template for projection lenses employed in Nikon IC steppers and scanners. Total production of Nikkor lenses for cameras with interchangeable lenses reached 75 million in November 2012.  Nikon’s lineup of lenses for cameras with interchangeable lenses currently consists of more than 80 types of lenses, including fisheye lenses, ultra wide-angle lenses, super-telephoto lenses, zoom lenses, micro lenses, PC-E lenses, and 1 NIKKOR lenses.

Sony has expanded its E-mount lens range with a pancake lens, the 30mm equivalent Sony E 20mm f/2.8. Featuring an optical formula comprising six elements in six groups and a seven-bladed iris diaphragm that stops down to f/16, the lens weighs in at a mere 69 grams.  Claimed to produce “excellent contrast, resolution and clarity across the frame for both still image and full HD video shooting,” the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 SEL20F28 wide-angle prime lens will be available this April for about $350.

Furthermore, Sony has announced that the 18-200mm OSS power zoom, originally offered only as a kit lens for the NEX-VG30 camcorder, will now be available for purchase as a stand-alone product, starting this March for about $1200.

Pentax has updated its roadmaps for Q-mount, K-mount and 645 format lenses. Published on Pentax’s Facebook fan page, the updated roadmaps indicate three new Q-mount lenses, four new K-mount optics (plus a teleconverter) and three new zooms for the Pentax 645 system. The Q-mount lens range shall be expanded with a wide-angle optic, a telephoto macro and a body cap lens. The four new K-mount lenses planned for 2013 and later include a DA wide zoom, a DA telezoom, a DA Limited zoom and a DA* standard zoom (possibly a 16-80mm). For its medium-format system, Pentax is planning to release new wide, telephoto and standard zoom lenses that will more or less complement each other.

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.