Olympus Japan have released a couple of high-resolution sample photos captured with their brand new M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO lens. Taken with the lens mounted to an Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II compact system camera, these M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO samples were both taken at the lens' maximum aperture of f/1.2.

Website: Official Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm f/1.2 PRO Sample Images

Want to see exactly what the new Sony A7R III camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony A7R III camera, including a side-by-side comparison with the previous A7R II model and a look at the internal component parts.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS lens.

The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 PRO is a new, professional-grade portrait lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. The optical construction comprises 14 elements in 10 groups and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded aperture blades. The back focus and relay lens system allowed a reduction in the number of lens elements required, resulting in a very compact, light-weight lens. Olympus has used optimally placed lens elements to effectively compensate for aberrations such as out-of-focus colour bleeding – a common problem on large-aperture lenses – as well as peripheral colour bleeding. The lens also uses the same Z Coating Nano technology found on the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1.2 PRO for sharp, clear image quality that significantly reduces ghosts and flares that tend to occur in backlit shots. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.2 PRO lens will be available from late November 2017 for £1,199.99.

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO is a new professional-grade, 34mm equivalent prime lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The optical formula comprises 15 elements in 11 groups, including aspherical lens elements and includes newly developed ED-DSA (Extra-low Dispersion Dual Super Aspherical) lenses. Olympus claims to be the first manufacturer to successfully mass produce these lens elements which allow a reduction in the number of lenses used and make it possible to achieve a lighter-weight lens with a similar overall length to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 25mm F1.2 PRO (read review). Sporting a dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof construction, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.2 PRO lens has an angle of view of 65 degrees and a close-focus point of 20cm (measured from the sensor plane). The lens will be available from March 2018 at £1,299.99 including VAT.

The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is a new super-telephoto prime lens that offers a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and G Master image quality. Currently in development with a target launch date of Summer 2018, the FE 400mm F2.8 is aimed at professional sports, news and wildlife photographers.

The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is a new standard zoom lens that features the commonly used 24 to 105mm focal length range with outstanding G Lens imaging performance and the most lightweight design in its class.

The FE 24-105mm F4 will ship in Europe in November 2017, priced at approximately £1,200, and $1,300 in the US.

Sigma today officially announced the development of the World's first 24mm (eq.) f/1.4 lens for Sony E-mount cameras with APS-C size sensors. The Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary lens features a wide variety of high-tech optical elements that effectively minimise optical aberrations and offer superb resolution throughout the aperture range. The optical design and stepping motor deliver smooth autofocus during video shooting, while the mount features special environmental sealing for a dust- and splash-proof construction. The lens will ship with a petal type lens hood. Pricing and availability have yet to be communicated.

Cosina has announced a new M-mount version of its full-frame Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens. The optical formula comprises 8 elements in 6 groups, including two aspherical glass elements, and a 10-bladed iris diaphragm. The lens takes standard 52mm filters and offers a close-focus point of 50cm/20". The Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical VM lens carries an MSRP of ¥120,000 (£800/$1,050). Optional accessories include the LH-8 lens hood (¥12,000/£80/$105) and the brand new 40mm Viewfinder-M (¥24,500/£165/$215). The lens and finder will be available from ovember 2017.

Zeiss today officially announced their new Milvus 1.4/25 Distagon lens. Developed for full-frame Canon and Nikon cameras, this 25mm lens is suitable primarily for landscape and architecture photography and journalistic applications. “Even at full aperture, there are hardly any colour fringes,” says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at Zeiss. “The finest details can be reproduced in high definition and contrast all the way into the corners.” The large, 172-degree focus rotation angle enables precise manual focusing, whilst the metal housing offers protective seals against dust and dirt, making the Zeiss Milvus 1.4/25 a real all-weather lens. Thanks to the de-click function in the the Nikon-mount version, the aperture can be adjusted continuously, which is great news for videographers. The Zeiss Milvus 1.4/25 retails for £1,999 including VAT (RRP) and will be available from December 2017.

Canon today announced they have reached two major production milestones — a cumulative total of 90 million interchangeable-lens EOS cameras and 130 million EF-series interchangeable lenses. The EOS 5D Mark IV (pictured) was the 90 millionth EOS Series camera range to be produced, while an EF16-35mm f/2.8L III USM became the company’s 130 millionth interchangeable lens. Canon’s EOS system debuted alongside the EF series of interchangeable lenses in March 1987 as the world’s first fully-electronic mount system for film AF SLR cameras. Over the years, both product lines have continued to expand, gaining support among users ranging from first-time users to professionals. Production accelerated in the early 2000’s with the spread of digital SLR cameras. Canon’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras have maintained the No. 1 share of the global market for 14 consecutive years since 2003.

The Leica Thambar-M 1:2.2/90 is a specialised soft-focus telephoto lens for Leica M-mount cameras. Its focal length of 90 mm is suitable for photography in a multitude of scenarios and is as good as predestined for capturing portraits with a uniquely aesthetic atmosphere that cannot be reproduced in digital postprocessing. The optical formula comprises 4 elements in 3 groups and 20-bladed iris diaphragm diaphragm that allows the lens to deliver a unique bokeh with perfectly round rendition of point light sources. The soft look of the Thambar is the result of intentionally accepted under-correction of spherical aberration. This under-correction increases towards the edges of the optical system with the consequence that not only the depth of focus, but also the degree of softening can be precisely controlled by means of the stepless aperture setting. The Leica Thambar-M 1:2.2/90 will be on sale from mid-November 2017 for £5,095.

Hireacamera and Fujinon have joined forces to offer photographers the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 and the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 Cine Zoom lenses in Sony E and Micro Four Thirds mounts. This free, ticket-only event, on Monday the 30th of October at Hireacamera’s London base Cherryduck Studios (12-18 Sampson Street, London E1W 1NA), will allow you to get a feel for the MK lenses and experience the quality of image they produce. There will be five 60-minute sessions at 09.30am / 11.00am / 12.30pm / 2.30pm / 4.00pm. Reservations are essential.

TH Swiss today announced that the Irix Team from the USA will be attending the PhotoPlus Expo 2017 in New York City to present a brand new Irix product. The company remains tight-lipped about exactly what they are planning to launch at the event, but they have already stated that it isn't going to be a new lens. The PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2017 show will be taking place this month from 26th October until 28th October at the Javits Convention Center.

Samyang have just announced their fourth autofocus lens for Sony's full-frame E-mount cameras, the Samyang AF 35mm F1.4 FE. The optical formula comprises 11 elements in 9 groups and features 2 aspherical lenses and 2 high-refractive lenses, plus Ultra Multi Coating. The lens will be available globally from November and will carry a suggested retail price of £599.

Sigma will showcase its full range of Sigma Global Vision lenses, including a brand-new addition to the line, at the upcoming PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2017 Expo held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City from 26-28 October 2017. The company will also have on hand its Sigma Cine high-speed Primes and Zooms as well as the Foveon sensor-based sd Quattro and Quattro H cameras. Last but not least, a distinguished line-up of Sigma Pro speakers will take to the Sigma stage and offer attendees a behind-the-lens look at the techniques and technology that captured some of the year’s most outstanding photographs in the areas of aviation, editorial, glamour, landscapes, travel and weddings (click through / scroll down for the schedule). PPE 2017 attendees who visit Sigma at booth 837 will have a chance to enter and win a Sigma grand giveaway – a 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens – an MSRP value of $1299.

Oprema Jena today announced that it will add the Biotar 75-C to its line-up, promising to bring "the look and feel of the historic Biotar Cine lenses to 21st Century filmmaking." According to the company, the Biotar 75-C will offer film and video makers beautiful and natural focus transitions, authentic colour rendition, swirly bokeh and remarkable centre sharpness that is typical for the Biotar lenses, which were originally produced by Carl Zeiss Jena. While the new Biotar 75-C pays homage to the historic Biotar lenses, it has been redesigned and reengineered with modern sensors in mind. The Biotar 75-C will join the Biotar 75/f1.5 and the Biotar 58/f2.0 in the current campaign on Indiegogo. Backers will get the chance to pre-order the Biotar 75-C for $2,799 USD, about 44% off its expected retail price.

Canon U.S.A.today announced that its parent company will be recognised at the 69th Annual Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards for its complete lineup of 4K field production zoom lenses, which includes all of Canon’s CN-E, CINE-SERVO and COMPACT-SERVO lines. 

"We are grateful to receive this esteemed recognition for our comprehensive collection of 4K zoom lenses for large-format single-sensor cameras," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. "As resolutions leap from HD to 4K and beyond, it is important to recognize the lens’ role in resolving those pristine images and the importance placed on manufacturers and optical engineers to keep pace and match the sensor technologies of the more advanced cameras and sensors in the market today. The images we admire on screen all start with the lens.”

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR lens.

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Fujifilm XF 80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro lens.