The Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens is announced today. Designed for digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors, the Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens offer a focal length equivalent to approximately 16-32mm (assuming a 1.6x focal factor). The Sigma 10-20mm lens will fit Sigma, Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Super wide-angle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras

- Compact and lightweight ultra wide-angle zoom lens
- Covering an extensive angle of view of 102.4° to 63.8°
- Three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and three aspherical lenses produce top quality optical performance by controlling aberrations
- Inner focusing system ensures the length of the lens remains unchanged whilst focusing
- HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system complete with full time manual focus override
- Minimum focusing distance of 24cm (9.4”) at all focal lengths

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens.

The super wide-angle capability of the 10-20mm zoom makes it a very powerful tool for both indoor and landscape photography. It is specifically designed to optimise results with digital SLR cameras encorporating APS-C size image sensors.

Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens is announced. Designed for use with digital SLR cameras, the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens covers wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths and features an inner focusing system so that the front of the lens does not rotate. The Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC lens is available for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, and Pentax digital SLRs. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Compact, Lightweight Superzoom lens with high zoom ratio 1:11

- Exclusively designed for use with digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras.
- High zoom ratio 1:11
- Compact and Lightweight construction with diameter of 70mm (2.8”), length of 78.1mm (3.1”) and weight of 405g./14.3oz.
- Minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) at all focal lengths

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC lens.

This high zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and two hybrid aspherical lenses offer the utmost correction for all types of aberrations, and enable this extended range super zoom lens to be housed in a compact and lightweight construction of 70mm (2.8”) diameter, and 78.1mm (3.1”) in length, and weighing just 405g/14.3oz. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour balance. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7”) at all focal lengths and has maximum magnification of 1:4.4.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is a fast large aperture lens designed for digital SLR cameras. When used on a DSLR with an APS-C sized sensor, the 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM is equivalent to approx. 52mm. The Sigma 30mm lens is available for Sigma, Canon and Nikon cameras. Price and availability to be confirmed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM

- Large Maximum Aperture of F1.4
- New special lens coating reduces flare and ghosting in digital SLR cameras
- Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and a hybrid aspherical lens provide the utmost correction for all types of aberrations
- Equipped with HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens.

This large aperture 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of digital SLR cameras. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration.

Sigma are launching DG EX versions of 10 telephoto lenses. The Sigma DG EX lenses are optimised for use with digital SLR cameras. The 10 new Sigma EX DG telephoto lenses join the 13 other EX DG models in the same digital lens range. Prices and availability to be confimed.

Sigma UK Press Release

Sigma Launches DG Version of Ten Telephoto Lenses

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of ten DG EX telephoto lenses.
The recent rapid growth of the digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera market has greatly increased the demand for digitally optimised lenses.

The Sigma Corporation began production of the DG wide-angle lens series in 2000. This range has grown to include 13 models by February 14th 2005. Sigma is now launching ten new EX DG telephoto lenses including three fixed focal length telephoto lenses. The EX DG telephoto lens series is designed to deliver ultra high performance with digital SLR cameras.

The following lenses are all fully dedicated and matched to work with our 1.4x and 2x tele converters giving the utmost in image quality. All these lenses come complete with matched lens hoods and fitted padded cases. HSM focusing is used extensively throughout the range.

Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC Lens announced, designed specifically for digital SLR cameras. Supports Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Pentax lens mounts.

Sigma Press Release

Compact and lightweight, high-performance telephoto Zoom Lens
This compact telephoto zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras that also allows compact body and lightweight. Characteristics of digital cameras were taken into consideration when designing the lens power layout, making high-quality images reality through the entire zoom range.

Sigma 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC Lens announced, designed specifically for digital SLR cameras. Supports Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Pentax lens mounts.

Sigma Press Release

Zoom lens that designed to suit the characteristics of digital cameras.
Exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of most digital SLR cameras and this has resulted in a compact lightweight lens. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations and makes high quality images a reality throughout the entire zoom range. Corresponding AF Mounts: SIGMA SA mount, NIKON mount, CANON mount, PENTAX mount.

Following my enthusiastic review of the Lensbaby a few months ago, Photofocus Magazine have posted their review of this unique product.

“The lens works like a bellows camera. You don’t twist a focusing knob; you simply move the focusing collar out by compressing the lens tubing until you get the image you want. You can bend the lens in any direction. Yes that’s right, you can BEND the lens. You can bend it up, down, left and right or any twisted combination that you can contort your fingers to make.”

Website: Photofocus Magazine - Lensbaby Review

Website: Read my review of the Lensbaby

Sigma Corporation Press Release

Four New DC lenses for “Konica Minolta” digital SLR camera. 2005.1.20

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the availability of four compact-lightweight DC lenses (18-50mm F2.8 EX DC, 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC, 55-200mmF4-5.6 DC) in Konica Minolta digital SLR fitting. These lenses are exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. The image circle that DC lenses create is large enough to cover these smaller APS-C image sensors adequately. These lenses especially designed and optimized to complement the characteristics of digital cameras. These compact dimensions and lightweight of these lenses offer superb handling and mobility.

* It cannot be used with 35mm film Single Lens Reflex cameras and APS film Single Lens Reflex cameras. In case of such use, vignetting occurs on the screen and in the resulting images.

Jessops Press Release

Jessops introduce more Raynox digital lenses - 19 Jan 2005  

Jessops have added three new accessories to their range of Raynox brand lens converters and adaptors.

The Raynox DCR-2020 PRO is a high definition telephoto lens converter that will magnify the subject up to 2.2 times. It is suitable for either digital still cameras or digital camcorders when used with an appropriate adapter and/or holder.

Using high index, low dispersion optical coated glass elements, light reduction is minimal and a maximum resolution of 260 lines/mm can be achieved. The converter has a 62mm mounting thread, and comes with 52mm and 58mm adapter rings.

Olympus Press Release

Olympus Announces Release Date & Specifications of Zuiko Digital ED7-14mm F4.0 Lens

* The information contained in this news release applies only to the Japanese market.

Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Hiroshi Komiya) is pleased to announce the release date and specifications of the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED7-14mm (14-28mm) F4.0 Olympus E-System interchangeable lens that was announced on September 28, 2004. Details are shown below. 

Note: Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate equivalent focal length for a 35mm camera lens.

Release Date
The beginning of March 2005

About.com have just published a review of the Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di Aspherical lens, a high power zoom lens featuring “Di” (Digitally Integrated) design.

“In answer to the original question “Does the Tamron 28-300 deserve respect”, I’d have to answer that it does. While I think you could probably do better with two zooms, one covering something like 28-100mm and one covering 100-300mm, not everyone wants to do that. For those who don’t, the Tamron 28-300 may be a good choice.”

Website: About.com - Tamron 28-300mm Di Lens Review

Luminous Landscape have followed up their review of the Epson RD-1 digital rangefinder camera with a look at the lenses that are available for it.

“All of the lenses in this test look and feel much better built than typical consumer SLR lenses. Many of them are also extremely compact, as the dimensions information below will demonstrate. They have a wonderful mechanical feel to them that is very refreshing to me after several years of working with well-performing but lightly-built plastic Canon primes such as the 24/2.8, 35/2.0 and 50/1.8 Mk1. (In all fairness, most of the Canon L lenses are very well built but they are generally much larger and heavier than the rangefinder lenses in this test.) The Leica lenses have the best overall build quality and feel of this bunch but the Voigtlanders aren’t far behind. In fact, the aperture rings on some of the Voigtlanders feel more solid and precise than those on the Leicas. The Leicas’ focus damping is buttery smooth; the best of any lens I’ve tested or used.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - 35mm and Wider Lenses for the Epson R-D1

Following my enthusiastic review of the Lensbaby a few months ago, PCMagazine have posted their review of this unique product just in time for Christmas.

“Looking for the perfect gift for the digital-SLR camera owner who’s tired of incredibly sharp photos? No, no, we’re serious. Today’s digital SLRs can produce tack-sharp images, but that’s not always what you want or need. For years, photographers have turned for creative inspiration to toy cameras like the Diana, Holga, and Lomo that produce slightly blurry, ethereal photos with their cheap plastic lenses. (You can see some great examples at the Toy Camera Ring.) Now you can produce similar images with much greater control, with the Lensbaby lens for popular digital and film SLRs.”

Website: PCMagazine - Lensbaby Review

Website: Read my review of the Lensbaby

Olympus have released a new firmware version for their ZUIKO DIGITAL 40mm-150mm F3.5-4.5 E-System lens, Tele Converter EC-14 1.1 and Extension Tube EX-25.

Website: Olympus E-System Firmware

Pentax USA Press Release

PENTAX Introduces a Lightweight, Ultra Thin 40mm Limited Lens For Digital SLRs

Golden, CO. (December 12, 2004)…PENTAX Imaging Company continues to expand its digital SLR lens family with the announcement of a fourth member − the smc PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens.  Designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras, the unique pancake style standard lens measures a mere .59 inches in length and weighs just 3.17 ounces. Combined with the popular PENTAX *ist DS digital SLR, the PENTAX DA 40mm F2.8 Limited lens will offer the smallest and lightest digital SLR combination available from any manufacturer. 

As part of the PENTAX Limited Series, the lens will offer exceptional image quality and construction, high contrast, high resolution, and minimal aberrations. Also compatible with the *ist D digital SLR, this ultra thin lens will offer overall maneuverability during shooting as well as portability and storage convenience.  This everyday standard lens will provide outstanding performance in a range of applications including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting and landscape photography.

Slo-Foto.net have published an interesting comparison of six telezoom lenses; the Sigma 28-200mm, Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM EX, Canon 70-200 F4 L USM, Canon 70-200 F2.8 L USM, Canon 75-300 IS III and Olympus 50-200 ED.

“At this focal length (70mm) all models lack sharpness to a certain degree, which is quite understandable. Sigma’s model is a slight dissapointment, as at the biggest apetrure F2,8 it shows significantly less sharpness in comparison to competitors. This difference decreases with smaller apertures, and even reverses at the smallest one. All lenses gave best sharpness between F8 and F16. Especially Canon’s model with F2,8 gave good results over all the tested apertures.”

Website: Slo-Foto.net - Telezoom Lens Review

Bob Atkins has published a review of the new Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di AF lens With equivalent own-brand lenses from the likes of Nikon, Canon and Minolta costing several times more, the £300 Tamron lens could find its way into quite a few photographer’s bags (and is currently in mine).

“Compared with the Canon 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS ($400) at the same f-stop, the Tamron is generally sharper and more resistant to flare, though of course the zoom range is less and it doesn’t have IS. Overall I have no hesitation in recommending the Tamron SP AF28-75/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro to anyone looking for a fast lens with this zoom range. The fact that it comes with a standard 6 year warranty is an added bonus.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di AF Lens Review

If you have recently bought one of Canon’s DSLRs, like the Digital Rebel (also called the EOS 300D) or the new, flying off the shelves like hotcakes EOS 20D, then you will be very interested in Bob Atkin’s great overview of Canon lenses.

“This review is for the new users. The assumption is that they don’t want to spend $7000 on an EF 600/4L IS USM, and indeed they probably don’t even want to spend $1150 on an EF 300/4L IS USM. I’ve chosen a series of lenses which the new user might be most interested in. These are mostly zooms and mostly priced in the $200-$400 range. I’ve avoided recommending most of the low end, plastic mount, inexpensive lenses normally sold with Rebel series bodies because, quite frankly, they aren’t all that good.”

Website: Bob Atkins - A review of lenses for the Canon EOS 300D, EOS 10D and EOS 20D Digital SLRs

Luminous Landscape have cast their critical eye over the new Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens, suitable for the Canon EOS 300D and 20D cameras.

“This lens is small. light and solidly built. Sometimes Canon’s non-L series lenses can feel a bit cheap, but not this one. Focus is as fast as ever due to the USM motor, and manually focusing, if you’re so inclined, is similarly smooth. The lens is in the current Canon idiom, and there is little to fault about it with regard to either fit or finish.

The lens features a Super UD glass element as well as three aspherical elements The filter size is 77mm, though care will need to be taken with filters at the widest focal length settings.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon EF-S 10-22mm Lens Review

ePhotoZine have posted a review of the cost-effective (i.e. extremely cheap) Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens. Is a £130 macro lens really any good?

“This lens is good and sharp stopped down and still quite respectable wide open, on the coin shot above it has picked out every last detail in my grubby fingerprint. A problem I foresee with this lens is that many people also use their macro lenses for portraits. If your subject isn’t moving then this lens is fine, producing decent results at normal distances. If however you wish to capture a more informal shot, the autofocus is just too slow. As a rule of thumb, macro lenses are always slow to autofocus, just not this slow.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Cosina 100mm f/3.5 Macro Lens Review