Nikon have announced a full-frame version of their AF-P 70-300mm ED VR lens. The new Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR is a third of a stop faster than the existing AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR, and projects an image circle that's large enough to cover the full frame on an FX-format DSLR. As an AF-P lens it boasts Nikon’s proprietary stepping motor, which brings subjects into focus quickly and quietly, enabling video footage to be recorded with practically no drive noise. The "E" designation means the AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR has an electromagnetic diaphragm delivering consistent automatic exposure control even during high-speed bursts. The lens features a minimum focus distance of 1.2m (3.94 feet) throughout the entire zoom range, and comes with Nikon's Advanced Vibration Reduction technology on board, offering up to 4.5 stops of image stabilisation and a dedicated Sport VR mode. The dust- and moisture-resistant Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens will have a suggested retail priceof $699.95 / £749.99 / € 899.00, and availability will be announced at a later date.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a brand new professional zoom lens for full-frame cameras. The new Dual MPU (Micro Processing Units) provide rapid autofocusing with improved accuracy and the highest vibration compensation performance of any lens in its class (a full 5 stops of image stabilisation according to CIPA standards). The use of specialised, high-quality glass materials assures accurate color reproduction and superior sharpness, perfect for today’s high-pixel-density cameras. The optical formula comprises 17 elements in 12 groups including 2 XR (Extra Refractive Index) elements, 3 LD (Low Dispersion) elements, 3 GM (Glass-Molded aspherical) and one hybrid aspherical lens element. Tamron’s exclusive eBAND Coating substantially curbs ghosting and flare, while a protective Fluorine Coating on the front element provides added convenience. The new lens also benefits from a moisture resistant construction a locking lens hood. In the UK, the Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 will be available in July, pricing to be announced. In the USA, the Tamron SP 24-70mm G2 in Nikon mount will be available in August and the Canon mount in September priced at $1199.

Lensbaby's new Velvet 85 lens is now available for preorder. Manufactured in Canon EF, Fuji X, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon F, Pentax K, Samsung NX, Sony A and Sony E mounts; the Lensbaby Velvet 85 delivers a velvety, glowing, ethereal look at brighter apertures, and beautifully sharp but subtly unique, film-like images as you stop down. Building on the strengths of the existing Velvet 56 lens, the Velvet 85 is said to combine "lustrous skin tones with the added compression and sublime bokeh of high-quality 85mm portrait lenses." This manual-focus lens has a minimum focus distance of 9.5 inches, enabling close-up photography. The optical formula comprises 4 elements in 3 groups and a 12-bladed diaphragm. The maximum aperture is f/1.8 and the lens takes 67mm filters. The Lensbaby Velvet 85 is priced at $499.95 and will begin shipping on 11th July.

Sigma have unveiled pricing and availability for the new Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art lens. Featuring a brand new optical stabiliser and highly efficient and fast AF system, the revamped 24-70mm F2.8 Art covers a wide range of shooting scenarios, the lens includes three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and four aspherical elements to reduce chromatic aberration. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM OS Art supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon version additionally features a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens will have a suggested retail price of £1,399.99/$1,299.00. Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts will be available to purchase in early July.

Sigma have announced pricing and availability for their 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens. Boasting outstanding image quality from centre to edge, the 14mm F1.8 Art features the largest glass mold (80mm) in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide prime with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Three lens elements are made with FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass, which is equivalent to calcium fluorite in performance, and four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, which reduce chromatic aberration. The all new Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens supports Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts and works with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon version features a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm. The Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens will have a suggested retail price of £1,679.99/$1,599.00. Sigma and Canon mounts will be available to purchase in early July with Nikon mount following towards the end of July

The Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD is the World's first 22.2x all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras. Weighing in at 705 grams, the 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD is remarkably compact and lightweight for a lens covering such an extremely wide zoom range. The focal length of 400mm at the telephoto end enables photographers to bring distant subjects closer as well as the perspective-flattening effects that only extreme telephoto settings can achieve. The optical construction of the lens comprises 16 lens elements in 11 groups. The use of specialised glass elements such as LD (Low Dispersion) and aspherical lens elements effectively minimises chromatic aberrations and geometric distortion. The AF drive system uses Tamron’s exclusive HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) motor. The power-saving HLD motor produces outstanding driving torque, and adjusts motor rotation from low to high speed to enable accurate and quiet focusing. The lens is equipped with Tamron’s original VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which effectively curbs camera shake under low-light conditions. The electromagnetic diaphragm system, which enables superior aperture control, will be incorporated into both the Canon and Nikon vrsions of the lens. The Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD will be available from July, at a suggested retail price of £649.99/$649.00.

Zeiss have launched a new lens for full-frame DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon - the Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35. With aspherical lens elements, special glass materials and advanced correction, Zeiss have given the lens a completely new optical design. “This means the photos are practically free from chromatic aberrations," says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at Zeiss. Thanks to their excellent edge-to-edge imagery the Zeiss Milvus lenses are designed for high-performance digital cameras. "The resolutions of camera sensors are constantly becoming higher, and this also increases the demands made on the lenses. For Zeiss Milvus lenses this is no problem. They are a solid investment in the future." The new Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the Zeiss Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is €1,999.

Nikon's range of commemorative models and goods celebrating the company's 100th anniversary are now available to purchase. The Anniversary range, which features the 100th Anniversary logo and special finishes and details, includes Nikon’s two flagship digital SLR cameras - the D5 100th Anniversary Edition (£7,699.99 / €9,399.00) and the D500 100th Anniversary Edition (£2,599.99 / €3,199.00) -, a telephoto zoom lens - the Nikkor70-200E 100th Anniversary Edition (£3,599.99 / €4,399.00) -, a special set of three Nikkor lenses (£7,699.99 / €9,399.00), and finally, commemorative editions of three binoculars. A special collection of commemorative goods are also available, including the Nikon 100th Anniversary Crystal Creation Nikon Model I - a beautiful crystal reproduction of the first Nikon 35mm camera from 1948, £1,299.99 / €1,500.00 -, the Nikon 100th Anniversary Pin Collection, the Nikon 100th Anniversary Miniature Nikon F Camera - a 1/2-scale model of Nikon's first flagship model, £129.99 / €149.00 - and the Nikon 100th Anniversary Premium Camera Strap (£99.99 / €109.00).

German lens maker Meyer-Optik-Goerlitz has launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring the historic Lydith 30mm f/3.5 art lens back to life. Designed in the late 1950s and introduced to the market in 1964, the modern version of the Lydith will be updated with high-performance lens coatings and a short minimum focusing distance of 16cm. It will use high-quality Schott and O’Hara glass and its 12 aperture blades will produce a soft, dreamy background and foreground bokeh with a very sharp centre of focus. Meyer-Optik has dubbed it “the embracing bokeh,” which inspired the theme of the current Kickstarter campaign as a lens that can capture the magic moment. The Lydith is expected to ship in March 2018 and will be available in Canon, Fujifilm, Leica M, Leica SL, M42, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon and Sony fit.

The Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE is a new full-frame auto focus lens for Sony's E-mount compact system cameras. The optical formula comprises 7 elements in 6 groups, including one HRI and two aspherical lens elements, plus an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded aperture blades. Weighing in at around 85 grams, the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE lens takes 49mm screw-mount filters and offers a close-focus point of 35cm (as measured from the sensor plane). Available from July, the lens carries a suggested retail price of £279.99/$299.95.

Firmware version 3.0 for the Leica SL-System is now available for download. The update significantly reduces the time required for saving DNG raw image files to SD memory cards and enhances the speed, accuracy and handling of the autofocus system. Video and photo exposure settings are now independent of each other, no longer needing to be adapted when switching from one mode to the other. By making these settings separate of each other, the new firmware makes shooting photo and video faster and more convenient, speeding up a mixed-media workflow.  Photographers also now have the options to capture photos exclusively with the electronic shutter. This enables completely silent exposures in a shutter speed range from 1s to 1/16,000s. Version 3.0 also includes built-in automated firmware updates for the Leica Vario-Elmarit–SL 24–90 mm f/2.8–4 ASPH. and Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90–280 mm f/2.8-4 lenses, for further performance optimisation. In total, the new firmware update brings 31 improvements to the photo and video functions.

Lomography today announced the addition of a new additional focal length to the Neptune Convertible Art Lens system, called the Naiad 3.8/15 Art Lens. Presently raising funds on Kickstarter, the Neptune Convertible Art Lens System is a prime lens kit for every photographer who has ever lamented the size and weight of high quality prime lenses. It comprises a base element which mounts to a wide range of film and digital cameras, and four front lens elements of fixed focal lengths: the Thalassa 3.5/35, the Despina 2.8/50, the Proteus 4.0/80 and now the Naiad 15mm. Available as an add-on, from now until the end of the campaign, on 7th June, backers will be able to purchase the lens for just $249 – saving 45% on the estimated retail price.

Fujifilm will release the E-mount version of the Fujinon MK50-135mm T2.9 telephoto zoom cinema lens in July 2017. Offering a fast maximum aperture of T2.9 across the entire zoom range plus a 9-bladed iris diaphragm, the lens is compatible with E-mount cameras with a Super 35mm / APS-C sensor, and an X-mount version is also in the works. The lens design is optimised for shooting movies, minimising focal and optical axis shift while zooming and focus breathing – negative traits that are typically observed in still lenses for digital cameras. The lens also features three rings to enable manual and independent adjustment of focus, zoom and aperture. The expected user price is £3,300+VAT.

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED is a new "Gold Ring" wide-angle prime for Nikon DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. With a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture and a nine-bladed blade rounded diaphragm, it offers a shallow depth of field with a pleasing bokeh and excellent low-light performance. The body of the lens is composed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and features dust and water drop resistant sealing to withstand the elements, combined with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and smudges. The optical construction of the lens consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical elements that virtually eliminate coma, aberration and distortion, with two ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration. The lens also uses Nikon’s Nano Crystal coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED will be available in late June for a suggested retail price (SRP) of £2,079.99/€2,479.00/$1999.95.

Nikon today introduced a new fisheye zoom for DSLR cameras with FX size sensors. The new lens design provides a creative circular 180-degree vertical / horizontal angle of view on full frame cameras, and zooms to a non-circular fisheye view (180-degree diagonal angle of view) on the long end of the focal range. The lens can also be used on DX-format cameras for a distinctive point-of-view and extreme wide-angle applications. The AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is also the latest in Nikon’s Gold Ring Series of premier lenses and features a next-generation design for high-resolution Nikon DSLR cameras. It is also Nikon’s latest lens to use an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high speed shooting, or smooth exposure control while capturing video. The optical formula of the Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm consists of three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration, while two aspherical lens elements minimize coma, even at the widest aperture, and enable a more compact lens size. Additionally, the front lens element is coated with Nikon's non-stick Fluorine coat to help resist dirt, fingerprints and smudges, while the company's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghost and flare. The Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is available now for a suggested retail price of £1,299.99/€1,549.00/$1249.95.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is a new, stabilised UWA zoom for DSLRs with DX size sensors. The lens features the equivalent of 3.5 stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) performance, to help capture sharp images while handheld or in challenging light. Additionally, it utilizes Nikon’s Pulse Motor technology for super-fast and quiet AF operation- which is especially useful when recording video. The optical formula contains three aspherical elements for excellent image quality with minimal distortion even at the widest focal length. The AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR zoom will be available in late June for a suggested retail price of £329.99/€389.00/$309.95.

Listening to requests and inquiries from their customers, TH Swiss today released updated correction profiles for their Irix 11mm and 15mm lenses to use with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. The update offers improved correction data for distortion and vignetting, and makes it easier to find the profiles within Lightroom.

Website: Irix Downloads

Sony today unveiled two new full-frame wide zoom lenses for their E-mount cameras. The new lenses include the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM large-aperture wide-angle zoom and the FE 12-24mm F4 G ultra-wide angle zoom lens. The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM joins the acclaimed FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS to round out Sony’s line-up of F2.8 large-aperture zoom lenses. Equipped with a variety of Sony’s most advanced lens technologies, it is the first wide-angle G Master model, making it ideal for landscapes, architecture, close up portraits, sports, action and much more. The front XA element on the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM lens is the largest XA element ever produced, ensuring optimum quality. There are also two ED (Extra low-Dispersion) glass elements that keep chromatic aberration to a minimum while maximising resolution, and Sony’s original Nano AR coating that suppresses internal reflections to ensure excellent image contrast and clarity.

The new FE 12-24mm F4 G lens produces outstanding image quality in a compact, lightweight design, weighing approximately 566g. Sony’s widest full-frame E-mount lens, the FE 12-24mm f/4 G offers a dynamic perspective for landscape, architecture and interior photography, and is well-suited for both stills and video shooting. The lens features an innovative optical design with four aspherical elements that ensure excellent corner to corner sharpness and resolution. Additionally, it has three ED glass elements and one Super ED glass element that minimises chromatic aberration throughout the entire image and benefits from Sony’s original Nano AR coating.

The FE 16-35mm lens will start shipping from August 2017 priced at approximately €2,700/$2,200. The FE 12-24mm will start shipping from July 2017 priced at approximately €2,000/$1,700.

The Lomographic Society has announced the Neptune Convertible Art Lens System. Presently raising funds on Kickstarter, the Neptune Convertible Art Lens System is a prime lens kit for every photographer who has ever lamented the size and weight of high quality prime lenses. It comprises a base element which mounts to a wide range of film and digital cameras, and three front lens elements of fixed focal lengths: the Thalassa 3.5/35, the Despina 2.8/50, and the Proteus 4.0/80. What’s more, you can switch through a range of apertures and use special drop-in aperture plates to achieve countless shooting styles. Not content with offering only three focal lengths, Lomography is already designing new lens components with a range of unique effects and possible focal lengths from an ultra-wide-angle 15mm to a 400m monocular. Interested readers are encouraged to pay a visit to the system's Kickstarter page.

Nikon UK have launched their 2017 Travel and Macro Cashback promotion offering up to £130/€150 on selected Nikkor lenses and D-SLR cameras. Running until 4 August 2017, the promotion is valid for the Nikon D5600 + AF-P 18-55 VR bundle, the Nikon D3400 + AF-P 18-55VR kit, the D3400 + AF-P 18-55 non-VR bundle, the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G, AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR, AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED, AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D, AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED, AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VR, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8E FL ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 80–400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lenses. All claims must be received by the 4th September 2017 (inclusive) in order to qualify.