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.

Fujifilm UK has announced availability and pricing for the Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS lens. The 27-84mm equivalent Fujinon XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS is a compact standard zoom with optical image stabilisation and a linear motor-driven focussing system that allows the camera to lock focus on the subject in a matter of 0.1 second. In the United Kingdom the lens will go on sale at the end of October / beginning of November, priced at £599.00. (The US MSRP is $699.95, as announced earlier.)

Sigma UK has announced a short-term special offer that enables anyone who purchases a Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens to claim a free Sigma 77mm UV DG filter. Worth over £60, the Sigma 77mm UV DG filter benefits from a special multi-layer lens coating, developed to counteract the highly reflective characteristic of image sensors. Starting today, the offer is open to UK residents only and runs until 31st December. To read the terms and conditions, download the claim form.

Olympus UK has announced an upcoming consumer promotion. Those purchasing an Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera between 15th October and 31st December can claim a 45mm (90mm eq.) f/1.8 short telephoto lens absolutely free by redemption. This offer will only be valid for the UK and the Republic of Ireland and only through authorised stockists. You will need a valid UK/ROI VAT receipt to claim your free lens, subject to the promotion’s Terms and Conditions, which will be posted at the website below, starting 15th October.

Website: Olympus United Kingdom | Sales Promotions
Reviews: Olympus O-MD E-M5 | M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 vs Nikon D7000

We have collected the most interesting lenses announced at (or just before) Photokina 2012. They are not necessarily the “best” lenses out there—making comparisons across multiple platforms would be quite pointless anyway—but they are all intriguing in one way or another.

Want to see exactly what the new Kenko 400mm f/8 and Tokina 300mm f/6.3 mirror lenses look like in the flesh? We have compiled a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

Want to see exactly what the new Voigtländer Ultron 21mm f/1.8 M-system lens looks like in the flesh? We have compiled a gallery of hands-on photos for your perusal.

Additionally, we took the opportunity to capture a couple of sample images with the Voigtländer Nokton 25mm f/0.95 Micro Four Thirds lens.

Fujifilm has shown us prototypes of the five new lenses they plan to release next year. We’ve compiled a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

The Bavarian Brenner Import- und Großhandels GmbH (B.I.G.) has introduced a new, compact shift lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Weighing in at 200 grams the B.I.G. 15mm f/4.5 shift lens comprises 8 lens elements in 6 groups and comes with a built-in hood. With a maximum shift of 5.3mm, the lens enables users to avoid keystoning in architectural shots. On display at Photokina 2012, Hall 2.1 - Stand D024, the B.I.G. 15mm f/4.5 shift lens is available for €999.

Via photoscala

The Voigtländer Ultron 21mm f/1.8 is a new, ultra-fast ultra-wide angle lens for M mount rangefinder cameras. With an optical formula comprising 13 elements in 11 groups, the Voigtländer Ultron 21mm f/1.8 features an all-metal barrel and a smooth manual focus ring. Other key specifications include a built-in (non-removable) hood, a ten-bladed diaphragm and a close-focus point of 0.5m. The recommended retail price of the lens is €1,149.

Want to see exactly what the SLR Magic Cine 35mm f/1.4, HyperPrime 23mm f/1.7, HyperPrime Cine 50mm f/0.95 and HyperPrime Cine 25mm f/0.95 lenses look like in the flesh? We have compiled a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

Want to see exactly what the new Pentax-DA 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 ED SDM lens looks like in the flesh? We have put together a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

Want to see exactly what the new, stabilised Tamron 90mm Macro and 70-200mm lenses VC look like in the flesh? We have compiled a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

Want to see exactly what the new Sigma lenses - and USB dock - look like in the flesh? We have compiled a hands-on gallery for your perusal.

At Photokina 2012, Schneider Kreuznach is showcasing its newest lenses under glass.