Sigma Press Release 16/03/04

Compact-Lightweight zoom lens for the “Four Thirds System (4/3 System)” Digital SLR Camera System standard.(2004.3.16)

18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC for the Four Thirds Digital SLR Camera System. This zoom lens was exclusively designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras. The image circle was designed to match the size of the image sensors of digital SLR cameras, and this produced a compact and lightweight lens. The use of aspherical lenses provides correction for various aberrations throughout the entire zoom range and produce high level of optical performance. 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8in.) at all focal lengths and is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5.

* If Olympus E-1 digital cameras is used, the angle of view will be equal to 36-100mm focal length.

Sigma Press Release 16/03/04

Exclusively Designed for use with digital SLR cameras and has 6.9 times high magnification zoom ratio(2004.3.16)

18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC

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

This zoom lens was exclusively designed for use with digital Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras and has 6.9 times high magnification zoom ratio. Image circle is designed to match the size of the image sensor of digital SLR cameras.

A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and two pieces of aspherical glass elements produce high level of optical performance through the entire zoom range and also this has resulted in a compact, lightweight lens.

Sigma Press Release 03/03/04

As demand for digital SLR cameras increase, this decision is mainly aimed at developing products for the Four Thirds System, and is intended to meet the requirements of users who wish to enjoy the benefits of a wider range of product selection.

Sigma are going to enhance their advanced interchangeable lens development technology, and maximize our efforts to develop attractive products, which will be utilized by the Four Thirds System.

Production will start with the 18-50mm f3.5-5.6 and 55-200mm f/4-5.6. Pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.

In addition to this new effort, Sigma will continue the development of their SA camera mount lens system and interchangeable lens technology overall.

Olympus UK Press Release 12/02/04

The Olympus E-System telephoto lens - extending creative capabilities

Olympus extends its range of E-System lenses one step further with the introduction of a bright telephoto lens, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED150mm F2.0 (35mm camera equivalent: 300mm). The lens? telephoto performance is coupled with high light-gathering power and full compatibility with the TIPA award-winning FourThirds standard means it is both compact and portable. An invaluable component of any professional?s kit, the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED150mm F2.0 will also be popular amongst those who demand the visual impact of the best nature and sports shots. The new ZUIKO DIGITAL ED150mm F2.0 is scheduled to go on sale in Summer 2004.

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the professional series EF28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM ultra high magnification zoom lens. With an approx. 11x zoom range covering everything from wide-angle to telephoto, Canon’s latest dust and moisture proof ‘white lens’ is designed to appeal to professional EOS photographers looking to reduce lens changes and the number of lenses they need to carry.

Canon Press Release 29/01/04

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 29 January 2004. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM telephoto zoom lens. A new triple-layered diffractive optical element (DO) has enabled Canon to produce a 70-300mm lens less than 10cm long. The lens also includes Canon’s Image Stabilisation technology to dramatically reduce camera shake, compensating for approximately three stops in shutter speed without any perceptible increase in image blur. A virtually silent ultra-sonic motor (USM) gives the lens extremely fast autofocus.

“This lens is symbolic of Canon’s leadership in precision optics”, said Mr. Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe, at the lens’ launch. “Canon stands alone as the only company to have successfully commercialised Diffractive Optical elements in camera lenses, and the results speak for themselves.”

Full time manual focusing, a circular aperture diaphragm, and a zoom ring lock mechanism to fix the lens at the shortest focal length are all built in. The lens boasts image quality approximating that of Canon’s L series professional lenses. It is likely to appeal to professional photojournalists and serious advanced amateurs with a need to contain the size and weight of equipment carried.

Nikon UK Press Release 28/01/04

The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is the newest addition to a growing range of lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras.

With a practical wide-angle to telephoto zoom range of 18mm to 70mm, it offers the analogue 135 format equivalent to 27-105mm for general photography with Nikon D series digital SLRs.  It also enables anyone to start shooting digital SLR photography, irrespective of the current camera system they might own.

This is the first lens of its class to be offered in DX format, enabling a wide focal length range ratio. It effectively upgrades two existing AF Nikkors - it is smaller, lighter and more versatile than the existing AF 28-105 while offering a greater zoom range than the similarly sized AF 18-35.

The DX 18-70mm incorporates three ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration and colour fringing, and aspherical elements to spread the light intensity evenly across the image circle with minimal distortion. The new lens continues the trend of G-type lens without aperture ring to offer precise 1/3 step aperture control via the camera body.

The AF-S DX 18-70mm lens incorporates Nikon’s exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast and quiet auto focus performance, whilst internal focus technology maintains lens size and balance.       

The lens is available either in kit form with the D70, or separately, for users of all Nikon D series cameras that share the DX Format sensor standard. 

The estimated RRP for the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G IF-ED is ?299.99

Photo.net have published a comparitive test of the $100 Canon EFS 18-55mm, which ships with the Canon EOS 300D digital SLR, and the 12 times more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm L series lens.

“Despite the fact that the “L” lens won in every comparison, I’m being pretty picky and I’m looking hard for faults. The EFS 18-55/3.5-5.6 actually looks like a pretty decent lens for casual use, and at $100 it’s probably a bargin. It seems to suffer from the same defects that I’ve seen in similar low end, plastic mount, canon lenses (22-55/4-5.6 and 28-90/4-5.6, both of which sell for around $100 also). Contrast tends to be low, especially wide open, and edges tend to be soft. If you’re intending to shoot landscapes and make full frame 13x19 prints, you’re probably going to be disappointed. On the other hand if you’re printing 4x6 prints you’ll probably be delighted. At 8x12 it probably depends on how picky you are.”

Website: Canon EFS 18-55mm vs Canon EF 24-70mm L Lens Comparison

Professional photographer Clint Thayer has just reviewed the AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 12-24mm f/4G IF DX lens, which promises to give Nikon DSLR owners a true wide-angle lens, albeit at a cost of $1,000 or so.

“Performance on a wide angle zoom usually boils down to three things: sharpness, light falloff, and distortion. So without making you wait for it, I’ll just say this is one heck of a sharp lens with modest falloff and distortion.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikkor 12-24mm f4 AF-S DX Lens Review

The Slovenian website e-Fotografija have posted a review of the Nikkor AF-S VR 70 - 200mm f/2,8G IF-ED lens, with lots of pictures of the lens and samples showing how it performs at slow shutter speeds.

Website: e-Fotografija - Nikkor AF-S VR 70 - 200mm f/2,8G IF-ED Review

Website: Slovenian Translator

Olympus UK Press Release 15/01/04

A bright, high performance wide zoom lens for the Olympus E-System

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5

With its very wide-angle capabilities, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5 lens (35mm camera equivalent: 22-44mm) opens up yet more creative possibilities for Olympus E-1 digital SLR users. With remarkable light gathering power (F2.8 at the wide setting), it also permits shooting within a wider range of shutter speeds in low light conditions. Through full compatibility with the TIPA Award-winning FourThirds standard, this latest addition to the Olympus E-System delivers the excellent quality that professionals demand.

Superior optical performance is further aided by two aspherical lens elements, which minimise distortion as well as spherical and coma aberration. The latter is caused by light rays entering the periphery of a lens at an angle and converging in the form of a comet instead of a point. Furthermore, to help avoid ghosting or image flare, both problems which are particularly associated with wide-angle lenses, a new multi-coating has been applied to the first two lenses. The focusing system?s floating mechanism delivers sharp, high contrast images up to a shortest range of 28cm at any zoom setting.

Finnish photographer Olli Salonen has reviewed the inexpensive Sigma 18-50/3.5-5.6 DC lens. This is designed for digital SLR cameras and has a smaller image area than normal lenses, so it can’t be used with full-frame SLRs. It offers a usable focal length of around 28-80mm (depending on the crop factor of your particular DSLR) and costs a mere ?100 in the UK (found via digicamera.net).

“Sigma introduced this digital-only lens in the late 2003 and it resembles closely the Canon’s 18-55 EF-S kit lens, that is sold with the 300D. Sigma 18-50 however is not an EF-S lens, but it will fit all Canon EF (of course there also Sigma, Nikon and Pentax mount versions) compatible bodies. Image circle of this lens is smaller than normal, as it is intended for cameras that have a crop factor of 1.5x or higher. Therefore you cannot use this lens on a full frame camera without significant vignetting.”

Website: Olli Salonen - Sigma 18-50mm Lens Review

Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive review of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by Petteri Sulonen.

“The Sigma EX 12-24/4.5-5.6, hereby christened “Popeye,” because of its bulgy front element, occupies a unique niche among lenses. It’s the first rectilinear 12 mm lens designed for 35 mm SLR’s (yes, it’s full frame). In fact, I believe it’s only the second 12 mm rectilinear lens for the 35 mm format. The first was the Voigtl?nder Heliar ultra-wide 12/5.6—considered remarkable enough to rejuvenate an entire lens mount (Leica M39). This is something to keep in mind for the folks who gripe that Popeye isn’t too bright. In other words, it breaks very significant new ground by the simple fact of existing.”

Website: Practically A Prime: Sigma EX 12-24mm Lens Review

Some interesting news today about Tamron, the independent lens manufacturer. Apparently they are set to add a fourth company to the three digital camera makers that they already supply (I’m not sure which companies they are…).

PMA Newsline International 22/12/03

Tamron Co. Ltd. is going to boost production of lenses for digicams and projectors, according to the JPEA’s Photo Electro News. The company will beef up digital camera lens output in 2004 by 25 percent over this year and, as for lenses for projectors, it will install new production lines at its domestic manufacturing unit. Tamron will expand production facility in its factory in Guangdong, South China, by investing some ?1.5 billion (US$13.88 million). The company currently supplies three digital camera makers with lens assemblies and will add another firm next year, the report said. In 2004, Tamron aims at taking a 25 percent share of the mechanism in the world digital camera market, projected to come to 42 to 45 million units, said Nihon Keizai Shimbun.

Bright, high performance wide zoom lens for the Olympus E-System

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5

Hamburg, 11 December 2003 ? With its very wide-angle capabilities, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5 lens (35mm camera equivalent: 22-44mm) opens up yet more creative possibilities to Olympus E-1 digital SLR users. Thanks to its great light gathering power (F2.8 at the wide setting), it also permits shooting with a wider range of shutter speeds in low light conditions, such as at dusk. Through full compatibility with the TIPA Award-winning FourThirds standard, the latest addition to the Olympus E-System delivers the excellent quality professionals need and expect. Superior optical performance is further aided by two aspherical lens elements, which minimise distortion as well as spherical and coma aberration. The latter is caused by light rays entering the periphery of a lens at an angle and converging in the form of a comet instead of a point. Also, to help avoid ghosting or image flare, problems particularly associated with wide-angle lenses, a new multi-coating has been applied to the first two lenses. The focusing system?s floating mechanism delivers sharp, high contrast images up to a shortest range of 28cm at any zoom setting.

Optics designed exclusively for digital photography
All ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed to maximise the performance of digital SLRs based on the FourThirds Standard. This enables full cross-manufacturer lens interchangeability among camera systems applying the standard, as well as the use of lenses that are small and light but also have a large aperture. Nearly telecentric optics ensure images have perfect colour, clarity and brightness from the centre to the periphery of the frame. The lenses? high resolving power makes sure the image sensor obtains the detail it needs to achieve its full potential. Furthermore, thanks to their splash-proof construction, the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are also protected from the elements. The new ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5 is scheduled to go on sale in February 2004.

Further information
The Olympus E-System is the world?s first digital SLR system to be based on the FourThirds Standard jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak. The professional system has been designed exclusively for digital photography. It currently comprises the Olympus E-1 SLR body plus a range of interchangeable lenses and other accessories. For more details, please visit www.olympus-pro.com.

Olympus E-System lenses:

ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) F2.8~3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED50-200mm (100-400mm) F2.8~3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED50mm (100mm) F2 Macro
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED300mm (600mm) F2.8
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) F2.8-3.5 (available February 2004)

Pentax USA Press Release 09/12/03

GOLDEN, Colorado (December 9, 2003)PENTAX U.S.A. has announced a perfect companion lens for the *ist D digital SLR camera.  The compact, high-performance, interchangeable smc PENTAX-DA 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL lens features a 3X zoom ratio with focal lengths covering ultra-wide to moderate-telephoto ranges for the angle of view equivalent to 24.5mm-69mm in the 35mm format. 

The DA-Series features a responsive ?Quick-Shift Focus System? that allows photographers to instantly switch the focus mode from auto to manual with a slight twist of the focus ring.  Coupled with a simple, functional design and the elimination of an aperture ring, this new mechanism considerably improves the camera?s operability.  The lens also incorporates an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens element and two aspherical lens elements for true-to-life image reproduction and overall size reduction.  The image circle in DA-series lenses, including the smc PENTAX-DA 16mm-45mm F4 ED AL, is designed to perfectly match the 23.5mm x 15.7mm size of the CCD used in PENTAX digital SLRs to optimize camera performance.  The new design also contributes to a drastic reduction in size, weight and production cost, compared to 35mm-format counterparts with similar specifications. 

PENTAX U.S.A. will preview the lens at the PEPCOM Digital Focus media event on January 7 in Las Vegas during the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show.

PENTAX U.S.A., Inc. is an innovative leader in the production of digital and film cameras, scopes, eyepieces, binoculars, lenses, mobile printers, scanners and internet cameras.  For more than 80 years, Pentax technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses.  With corporate headquarters located in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX U.S.A., INC. is a wholly owned subsidiary of PENTAX CORPORATION.

Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive test of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by p5freak over on the DPReview forums.

“This lens is big in diameter, now i understand why its not f3,5-4,5. The lens hood is made of two parts, as you can see below. Just like a size comparison with the 17-40L. Its only f4,5 at 12mm, if you go to 13 its f5 and stays there until 18, then its f5,6 up to 24mm. Look and feel, build quality is very good, i didnt see anything bad. I noticed soft corners wide open, which sharpen up when stopping down and almost disappear at f11. I’d say its useable from f5,6 and higher. Sweet spot appears to be f11.”

Website: Sigma 12-24mm Lens Test

Lecia Press Release 01/12/03

New: LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH.

The new LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH is a high-speed universal lens with extended variable range for the Leica reflex system. With a focal length range of more than three times, it can be used throughout the telephoto and wide angle ranges. The variable focal length setting means that the lens can be adapted for the most diverse of subjects and realise a wide variety of photographic ideas. The lens is also ready to use very quickly, as in many cases ? with rapidly changing subjects for example ? a change of lens can be avoided. The LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1: 2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH covers the four most common fixed focal lengths with no loss of quality. In conjunction with a Leica R reflex camera, it provides a compact Leica R system which, thanks to its high speed, is ideal for most subjects and situations.

Further information on the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH. are available at:
http://www.leica-camera.com/produkte/rsystem/objektive/zoom/index_e.html

ePhotoZine are exclusively reporting that Tamron has added a new product to its DI range of lenses. The 17-35mm lens has a fast aperture of f/2.8 at its widest angle. The lens gives an angle of view equivalent to 28-55mm on a digital SLR camera (as most digital SLRs have APS-C sized CCDs). Visit ePhotoZine for the full story and a picture of the lens.

Website: ePhotoZine - Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8 Di Lens

The Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a very interesting comparative review of 4 different 70-200mm telephoto lenses, with Sigma, Canon, Tokina and Nikon all represented. As usual with e-fotografija’s reviews, there are a large number of sample images from all 4 lenses.

Website: e-fotografija - 70 - 200mm f/2.8 Lens Review

Website: Slovenian Translator