The Register website has a short but interesting article about liquid lens technology from French start-up company Varioptic.

“The lens has a simple structure: two liquids, of equal density, sandwiched between two windows in a conical vessel. One liquid is water, which is conductive. The other, oil, acts as a lid, allowing the engineers to work with a fixed volume of water, and provides a measure of stability for the optical axis. The interface between the oil and water will change shape depending on the voltage applied across the conical structure. At zero volts, the surface is flat, but at 40 volts, the surface of the oil is highly convex, Paillard said.”

Website: The Register - Liquid lenses for camera phones

Photo.net have just published a review of the new Tamron SP AF200-500MM F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) Lens.

“The Tamron SP AF200-500MM F/5-6.3 Di LD (IF) is a pretty decent telephoto zoom for the price (around $875 discount). It’s well made, feels sturdy, the tripod mount is stable and focus is accurate. The hood is deep and effective and the supplied filter effect control adapter is a neat idea. The supplied soft case is useful and protects the lens well. The 6 year warranty is also a plus. Most lenses only come with a 12 month warranty.”

Website: Photo.net - Tamron 200-500mm Lens Review

Nikon UK Press Release 28/05/04Photographer Bjorn Rorslett has posted a review of the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED lens, the world’s first f/2 aperture SLR lens to feature Vibration Reduction.

“Nikon has managed to come up with a lens which surely is one of the finest ever to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun. My criticsm of the newcomer is just nitpicking and should not detract anyone willing to put down the money to get a 200 VR lens for themselves. They won’t regret it. This lens is a dream to work with and the results are a match made in heaven, too. This is simply the one lens I’m not willing to let go, a sure must-have.”

Website: Bjorn Rorslett - AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Lens Review

Popular Photography have just published a short review of the Sigma 24-60mm F2.8 EX DG lens (PDF format).

“This lens is about 22 percent lighter and more compact than Sigma’s slightly longer 24-70mm f/2.8; its SQF performance is significantly better, too. Overall, a fine optic choice.”

Website: Popular Photography - Sigma 24-60mm F2.8 EX DG Lens Review

The Hungarian website Index Digicam seem to have the scoop on a new wide-angle digital lens from the budget manufactuer Tokina. The Tokina AT-X 124Pro DX 12-24mm/F4, to give it it’s full name, has a fixed f/4 aperture and is APS-C sized for 1.6x digital SLRs. It will be available in a Nikon fit in November and Canon in December.

Website: Index Digicam - Tokina AT-X 124Pro DX 12-24mm/F4

Tamron Press Release 28/09/04

TAMRON ANNOUNCES AF18-200MM F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II ASPHERICAL (IF) MACRO

A NEW HIGH POWER STANDARD ZOOM LENS DESIGNED FOR EXCLUSIVE USE WITH DIGITAL (APS-C) SLR CAMERAS

Photokina, Cologne, Germany, September 28, 2004 - Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced the successful development of the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model A14), a new high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.

The new AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II Aspherical (IF) MACRO is a high power zoom lens for exclusive use with digital (APS-C size) SLR cameras that inherits the product concept of the existing AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR zoom lens. Even two years after its introduction, the current AF28-300mm is still a favorite and highly evaluated by photographers around the world as a representative model of high power zoom lenses. With the market influx of digital SLR cameras in recent years, the use of high power zoom lenses has become increasingly popular since high power zooms provide the convenience of handling many photographic scenes and the capability of shooting ultra telephoto shots without changing lenses. The popularity of this focal length led Tamron to initiate the development of new zoom lenses to further meet the needs of digital SLR photographers. The result is the successful development of a new zoom lens exclusively for use on digital SLR cameras. The wide to ultra tele focal range of this lens will allow digital SLR camera owners to enjoy digital photography with comfort and convenience.

*

Tamron Press Release 28/09/04

TAMRON INTRODUCES SP AF11-18MM F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD ASPHERICAL (IF)

A NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE ZOOM LENS DESIGNED FOR EXCLUSIVE USE WITH DIGITAL (APS-C) SLR CAMERAS COVERING THE ULTRA WIDEANGLE RANGE

Photokina, Cologne, Germany, September 28, 2004 - Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced the successful development of the SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) (Model A13), a new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors.

The new SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF), an ultra wideangle zoom lens, is Tamron’s first lens designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors. The lens provides reliable performance in a compact size to meet the needs of digital SLR camera users pursuing creativity in wideangle photography. The lens uses a new optical system specially designed for digital SLR cameras, in addition to the use of a glass-molded aspherical element having a large clear aperture, hybrid aspherical elements, and elements using such special glass materials as high index/high dispersion glass and low dispersion optical glass, for outstanding optical performance.

Olympus Press Release 27/09/04

Life through a lens

Three new ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses see the big, the small and the wide picture

Cologne, 27 September 2004. There is more to life than seeing the big picture. Sometimes it’s all in the detail. Capturing life’s memorable moments on film means having the right lens for every occasion. Enter the new range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses from Olympus.

Explicitly designed for digital photography and adhering to the TIPA Award winning FourThirds Standard, the latest additions to the Olympus E-System broaden the optical spectrum

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm f4.0 provides ultra-wide-angle performance for professional applications
 
The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 covers the wide-angle to mid-telephoto range, whilst the ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm f3.5-4.5 is ideal for mid- to telephoto requirements. Both are especially designed to provide more affordable lens options for the new Olympus E-300 body but are also compatible with the entire Olympus E-System

In addition to these three new lenses, Olympus has boosted the specifications of the soon-to-be-released ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150mm f2.0, by fitting a faster AF driving unit.

Thom Hogan has also taken a look at another DX lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G.

“Autofocus is very fast and hunt-free. The f/2.8 aperture helps make low-light focus even better. (This, by the way, is one of two areas in which the decision between the 17-55mm and the 18-70mm DX lens should be made. While the latter is a decent performer and holds its own against the more expensive lens being reviewed here in most respects, you will notice autofocus speed differences as you get into dimmer and dimmer light.”

Website: Thom Hogan - AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G Lens Review

Thom Hogan has just reviewed the Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, which is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras. This lens currently ships with the Nikon D70 in kit form.

“Sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with f/8 being the point of maximum sharpness on my sample pretty much across the entire focal length range. Even at f/3.5 (or 4.5 at the tele end) in the corners this lens remains an very good performer—much better than you’d expect for the price. I’d be more comfortable about using this lens wide open if it weren’t for the vignetting, but if you’re a Capture user and shoot NEF, you can safely ignore that comment, as Capture’s Vignette control handles this lens perfectly.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5G IF-ED Lens Review

Nikon UK Press Release 16/09/04

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, a new high speed super-telephoto professional lens for Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras. The AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED offers Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, focus preset functions, Meniscus front element and is the first Nikkor lens to feature Nikon’s Nano-Crystal anti-reflective coating, delivering the very best professional quality to sports and action photography.

With Silent Wave Motor Autofocus Performance, Internal Focusing, Nikon ED Glass for extra-low dispersion, and G design for use with Nikon SLR models that feature Command Dial and Sub-Command Dial control, the AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED proves extremely popular among professional photographers.

The lens features optimum performance among Nikon’s selection of compatible SLR models, including the newest selection of 35mm SLR models and the new Nikon F6 and all of Nikon?s D-Series Digital SLR cameras - D1, D1H, D1X, D2H, D100 and D70 as well as the newly announced D2X.

Konica Minolta have also announced 2 new lenses, a wide-angle and a standard zoom, which can be used with their new Dynax 7D (Maxxum 7 in the USA) DS:R, or any Dynax film SLR. No news yet on pricing.

Konica Minolta Press Release 15/09/08

Konica Minolta introduces two new Zoom lenses: Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 - 35 mm F2.8 - 4 (D) and Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 - 75 mm F2.8 (D)

Unterfohring, September 2004

Each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with the new Dynax 7D Digital SLR or a Dynax Film SLR.

Features:

1. A large aperture zoom lens and wide angle zoom lens with excellent performance. Both new zoom lenses offer superior handling characteristics making them ideal in a diverse range of shooting situations

2. Beautiful defocused image made possible by circular aperture blades. Using a round aperture enhances the defocused image with smooth gradations and depicts scenes like the mind’s eye - naturally!

3. A Distance encoder is incorporated for accurate, high-precision ADI* Flash Metering
When attached to the Dynax 7D, the new lenses can provide additional important information on in-lens focus distance calculations, which is used to further enhance the flash lighting performance and exposure accuracy when using either the built-in flash or external flash units such as the “Program Flash 5600HS(D),” “Program Flash 3600HS(D),” or the “2500(D).”

* ADI (Advanced Distance Integration)

Pentax USA Press Release 13/09/08

PENTAX INTRODUCES THIRD DIGITAL LENS

PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 Perfect Fit For New Digital SLR

GOLDEN, CO (September 13, 2004)...PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX-DA Zoom 18mm-55mm F3.5-F5.6 AL lens. Exclusively designed for PENTAX digital SLR cameras including the newly announced PENTAX *ist DS SLR, the PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55 lens is portable and affordable to ensure comfortable, well-balanced operations.  This compact, lightweight standard zoom lens features an image circle to match the camera?s large 23.5mm x 15.7mm image sensor.

PENTAX will unveil the lens and other new and exciting digital products on September 20 at the PEPCOM Holiday Spectacular in New York City.  The PENTAX-DA Zoom 18-55mm lens will ship to major camera retailers in November 2004. 

Norwegian photographer Bjorn Rorslett has published his review of the new AFS Nikkor 200 mm f/2 VR Lens.

“You would expect a long, fast lens to render the background pleasantly unsharp. The manual precedessor, the 200/2, did this and the AFS version does it one better. In fact, it has about the nicest bokeh of any lens I?ve ever used. So soft, veiled and delicate as baby?s skin. Designating the out-of-focus rendition of this lens as “Creamy ” isn?t encompassing enough, there are much more to it than that.”

Thanks to Giallauk for sending me the link.

Website: Bjorn Rorslett - AFS Nikkor 200 mm f/2 VR Lens Review

Sigma Press Release 10/09/04

Large aperture standard zoom lens provides superior performance both for Digital SLR Cameras and 35mm Film SLR Cameras.(2004.9.10)

24-70mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO

- EX DG Lens Series; Designed to give a superior performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras.
- Excellent image quality is provided by two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glasses, plus one Glass Mold Aspherical and two Hybrid Aspherical lenses.
- It has a minimum focusing distance of 40cm (15.7 inches) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8.
- The Dual Focus (DF) system ensures ease of operation.

From 24mm super wide angle to 70mm medium telephoto, this lens provides a large F2.8 aperture at all focal lengths. It incorporates “Super Multi Layer Coating” to reduce the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor.

Sigma Press Release 10/09/04

World’s smallest, lightweight, yet Robust, Large Aperture Zoom Lens (2004.9.10)
28-70mm F2.8 EX DG

- EX DG Lens Series; Designed to give an excellent performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras.
- Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces ghost and flare.
- Two pieces of Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements and four aspherical lenses provide high quality images throughout the entire zoom range.
- Minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13 in.) at all focal lengths

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 28-70mm F2.8 EX DG lens.

This is the world’s smallest, large and constant aperture zoom lens and is ideal for digital SLR cameras. The power layout of the lens is specially optimized for digital SLR cameras, and Super Multi Coating gives superb color performance whilst cutting down flare and ghost.

Sigma Press Release 10/09/04

World’s first High Speed Tele-Macro Lens (2004.9.10)

APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM

- Designed to give a superior performance with Digital SLR Cameras as well as 35mm Film Cameras.
- Super compact and lightweight, large aperture telephoto lens with life-size macro capability.
- Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) with full time manual focus override.
- Floating Focusing System produces excellent optical performance.
- Detachable Tripod Socket.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce of the world’s first High Speed Tele Macro MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens.

This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its
large F2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras. The new lens power layout provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration to which digital cameras are prone.

Sigma Press Release 10/09/04

A new zoom lens for the “Four Thirds System (4/3 System)” Digital SLR Camera System.(2004.9.10)

18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC

An all-in-one lens providing coverage of a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto.

The Super Multi Layer coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras.

A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two aspherical glass elements produce a?@top quality optical performance.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC for Four Thirds mount.

This zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and has a 6.9 zoom ratio. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two aspherical glass elements produce a top quality optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.

I only bought this lens myself a couple of months ago, and it was only released by Canon last year, but rumours are cirulating that the popular 17-40mm f/4 L lens has been discontinued ahead of the Photokina show. Canon USA are apparently saying this via their 800 consumer information number, and the lens has been taken off the Canon USA website (although it is still on the German and Japanese sites.

“This is quite surprising if true. I can only guess it might be a prelude to a similar lens to be announce at Photokina at the end of the month. It was only introduced in May of 2003 and so it it really has been discontinued, it must set some sort of record as the shortest lived “L” series lens, just 16 months.”

Website: Bob Atkins - Canon EOS Rumours

The Slovenian website e-fotografija have posted a review of the Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm lens (equivalent to 100-400mm on a 35mm camera). There is a varied selection of sample photos that really show what this E-System lens is capable of in conjunction with the Olympus E-1 DSLR.

Website: e-fotografija - Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm Lens Review