The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS is a new mid- telephoto prime lens with a unique STF (Smooth Trans Focus) design. Built to produce a truly unique and beautiful bokeh while maintaining the high standard of resolution that is showcased throughout Sony’s line-up of flagship G Master series lenses, the FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS features a newly designed 11-bladed aperture and a unique optical apodization lens element. Similar to a neutral density filter that increases in density towards the edges, the apodization element creates beautiful transitions of in-focus to out-of-focus areas within an image, making for exceptionally soft, smooth bokeh that adds depth and dimensionality. This allows the subjects to stand out against beautifully defocused elements in both the foreground and background, producing an image that is naturally pleasing to the eye, the company says. Additionally, the new 100mm lens supports both contrast AF and focal-plane phase detection AF, and has a high-precision, quiet direct drive SSM (Super Sonic Motor) system that ensures fast and accurate auto focus performance. Priced at approximately £1700, the lens also offers up to 0.25x magnification with a built-in macro switching ring, built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation, a customisable focus hold button, AF/MF switch and aperture ring.

The Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras. In 2008, Tamron launched the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] UWA zoom. Building on that lens’s popularity, this new lens has improved optical performance and new features. It offers Vibration Compensation, Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating, and the first implementation of Tamron’s new HLD (High/Low Torque Modulated Drive Motor). When shooting in AF mode, the Full-time Manual Focus override allows you to instantly make fine focusing adjustments manually, without having to switch between modes. The optical formula comprises 16 elements in 11 groups. Special lens elements include one LD (Low Dispersion) element, one XLD glass element, one molded glass aspherical element, and one hybrid aspherical lens. Availability is slated for late March, with pricing to be confirmed.

The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a new full-frame telephoto zoom lens with an all-new optical design and "dramatically faster" AF speed. New features include eBAND Coating, a moisture-proof and dust-resistant construction, fluorine coating and compatibility with teleconverters. The optical design of the new lens consists of 23 elements in 17 groups. The deployment of XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements thoroughly eliminate chromatic aberrations, while ensuring uniform image quality even on the periphery of the image frame. Bokeh has been enhanced to deliver outstanding background effects across the entire zoom range. The improved Vibration Correction system provides a 5-stop advantage over non-stabilised lenses. Availablity is slated for late February, with pricing to be confirmed.

Fantasea and AOI have just released the UWL-09F wide-angle conversion lens for compact, mirrorless and SLR underwater housings. According to the manufacturer, the UWL-09F offers unmatched quality with 5 multi-layered precision optic elements. The combination of a super wide field of view (130 degrees) and zero minimal focus distance provide unlimited opportunities for image framing and creative compositions, including close-focus wide-angle images. The lens barrel is made from durable aluminium alloy with black coating. The dome is covered with hard coating as well, protecting it from easily getting scratched or damaged. The lens features a 67mm thread mount, compatible with most housings available in the market today. The base of the mount is covered with a rubber ring, providing a firm grip of the lens during installation and removal. Non-corrosive front and rear lens caps are included in the box. A quality padded carrying case allows safe storage and transportation. Weighing in at 1033g/36.4oz, the Fantasea UWL-09F wide-angle conversion lens is depth rated to 60m / 200ft. Available now, the lens carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $799.95.

The Samyang XEEN 20mm T1.9 is a new full-frame wide-angle lens designed for professional video- and cinematographic applications. Like the existing 14mm, 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm XEEN lenses, the new Samyang 20mm T1.9 wil be available in five different mounts - PL, EF, F, E, and MFT -, and with two different focus scales (metric and imperial). Priced at £1799.99, the Samyang XEEN 20mm T1.9 lens is expected to hit the shelves in March 2017.

Fantasea and AOI have released a selection of new, high-quality macro conversion lenses for underwater photography. The lenses mount on the underwater housing's lens port and can be installed and removed during the course of the dive. The range includes the UCL-05LF +6 Macro Lens - a +6 dioptre close-up lens with 4 elements arranged in 3 groups -, the UCL-06LF +12 Macro Lens - a +12 dioptre close-up lens with 6 elements in 4 groups, pictured -, and the UCL-09F +12.5 Super Macro Lens, a +12.5 dioptre close-up lens with 5 elements in 2 groups. All of these conversion lenses are depth rated to 60 metres. The UCL-05LF +6 Macro Lens is available for $199.95, the UCL-06LF +12 retails for $249.95, and the UCL-09F +12.5 Super Macro Lens sells for $359.99.

The new Xenon FF-Prime Cine-Tilt lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach combine a similar form factor and capabilities as the company’s popular full-frame primes with an added tilt function up to ±4°. By sustaining the field of view during focus and tilt actions, the new cine-tilt design means that previously unimaginable images can be taken by moving and tilting the focus plane. Designed and built in Germany, the new design incorporates sophisticated mechanics for smooth and accurate tilt action. The tilt of the lens is controlled via a high-precision ring with 120° rotation that is as intuitive to operate as pulling focus. Thanks to the common 0.8 module gear, the Cine-Tilt can be used with standard follow-focus systems. The Xenon FF-Prime Cine-Tilt line-up comprises focal lengths of 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm – all with a maximum aperure of T2.1. The lenses will be available in a Sony E-mount this spring, either individually or as a set. Pricing to be confirmed.

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm XF 50mm F2 R WR lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Fujifilm XF 50mm F2 R WR lens.

Fujifilm announces its third compact, light and stylish lens for X Series - the FUJINON XF 50mmF2 R WR. The lens features a focal length equivalent to 76mm (in the 35mm film format) and a maximum aperture of F2.0 for beautiful bokeh. The compact and stylish optic also offers high speed AF and weighs just 200g. The Fujifilm FUJINON XF 50mm F2 R WR will be available in black and silver from 23rd February 2017 with an RRP of £449.00.

Canon is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the launch of its Electro Optical System (EOS), which includes EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras and a diverse range of system accessories. The system debuted in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 SLR camera (pictured) and EF lenses, making EOS cameras the World’s first to incorporate an electronic mount system, representing a new generation of auto focus SLR cameras. Currently, the EOS system, including the Cinema EOS system, comprises 24 models with a selection of 97 EF lenses.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic 12-60mm, 45-200mm and 100-300mm lenses look like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic 12-60mm, 45-200mm and 100-300mm lenses.

Panasonic has announced the new LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm / F2.8-4.0 lens, the renewal of four LUMIX G lenses and a firmware update for its LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 lens.

Meike have launched a new fisheye lens for Sony E-mount compact system cameras with APS-C sized sensors. Featuring 6 elements in 5 groups and a 9-bladed aperture diaphragm, the Meike 6.5mm f/2 lens has a diagonal angle of view of 190° and offers a minimum focus distance of 2" (5cm). Boasting "supeiror multi-layer nano coating" to minimuse flare, this manual-focus lens weighs in at 300 grams and sells for £125.99 including a lens pouch.

Zhongyi Optics has released a new compact super macro lens for full-frame cameras. Boasting a maximum reproduction ratio of 4.5:1, the Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro lens comprises 6 elements in 4 groups, and weighs in at 230 grams. The all-manual lens features a minimum working distance of 0.2m, and comes in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X mounts. The Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro lens is now available to purchase, priced at $199.

Leica announced today the release of its Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens and Firmware Version 2.2 for the Leica SL compact system camera. Available from today, the Leica Summilux-SL 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. is the first prime lens for the Leica SL-System and sets a new standard on the market. Its large maximum aperture makes it the ideal partner in situations with challenging light, enabling the use of shallow depth of field as a creative tool. Fast, precise and reliable autofocus helps guarantee optium sharpness, leaving photographers free to concentrate on composition and creativity.  The combination of its resolving power and soft bokeh in out-of-focus areas clearly isolates subjects from their surroundings, particularly when shooting at maximum aperture. The suggested retail price is £3,850 including VAT. Firmware version 2.2, the latest update for the innovative Leica SL mirrorless camera system, provides improved support for the Mac versions of Leica Image Shuttle 3.5 and Leica Tethered Plug-in 1.1.0. It also supports the new Microsoft Windows version of Leica Image Shuttle 3.5, improving compatibility and workflow efficiency for tethered shooting with the Leica SL. Image Shuttle 3.5 also allows users to control the camera from a computer via a USB 3.0 cable connection and manipulate shutter speed, aperture, ISO value and autofocus, displaying images directly on a large monitor screen for assessment. Registered camera owners can log into the Leica Owners’ Area and download the new software and firmware updates.

ExoLens has announced the availability of the ExoLens PRO with Optics by Zeiss Wide-Angle and Telephoto Kits for the Apple iPhone 6 family and the iPhone 7. All PRO Kits come with the new machined aluminium ExoLens Edge mount, which features an integrated cold shoe accessory mount (compatible with accessories such as external video light) and key ring loop. Available now, the ExoLens PRO Wide-Angle Kit ($199.95) with Optics by Zeiss includes a Zeiss Mutar 0.6x Asph T* Wide-Angle lens, which provides virtually no distortion and exceptional edge-to-edge contrast, resulting in an image quality that is unmatched by any other iPhone accessory lens. The ExoLens PRO Telephoto Kit with Optics by Zeiss, also available now, features a Zeiss Mutar 2.0x Asph T* Telephoto lens, and sells for $249.95.

Meyer-Optik USA has announced the 50mm f0.95 II lens designed for use on full-frame compact system cameras with a Sony E-Mount. The optical formula comprises ten elements in seven groups and a near-circular iris diaphragm with fifteen steel aperture blades. The clickless aperture ring and smooth focus control operate in near silence, making this lens especially attractive for videographers. Weighing in at 680 grams, the manual-focus Meyer-Optik Nocturnus 50mm f/0.95 II has a minimum focusing distance of 0.5m (19.7") and takes 67mm screw-mount filters. The lens is expected to begin shipping in January at an estimated retail price of $2,999.

Handevision have announced the imminent launch of their full-frame Iberit lenses. The line-up includes a 24mm, a 35mm, a 50mm and a 75mm lens; each with a maximum aperture of f/2.4. Jointly developed by Kipon and IB/E Optics, the lenses are available in Sony E, Leica M, Leica SL and Fujifilm X-mount versions. The four primes will start shipping on 5 December 2016, and will be joined by a 90mm f/2.4 lens in January 2017.

Fuji UK have announced they are doubling the cashback on their winter promotion for the Black Friday weekend. This means they are offering up to £250 cashback on selected X Series cameras and lenses. These include the Fujifilm X-T1 compact system camera, the Fujinon XF56mm APD (pictured), XF16-55mm and XF50-140mm lenses, and more. For the full list of qualifying products, visit the website below.

Website: Fuji Promotions

Jessops will offer a number of deals this Black Friday on more than 200 products, including cashback offers and savings of up to £235 across cameras, drones, lenses, photographic courses, accessories and photo gifts. The Jessops Black Friday event will start online at 8pm on Thursday 24th November and will take place across 54 nationwide stores and online until midnight on Monday 28th November. Some of the deals include a free ‘create your own’ photobook with every camera, lens or camcorder purchased this weekend; a Canon EOS 1300D Twin lens kit for £299; DJI Phantom 3 Standard for £399; GoPro Hero Session Gift bundle for £149; a 30% discount on selected lenses; a free Nikon accessory kit worth £49.99 with selected Nikon DSLRs; and much more. Pete Duncombe, Commercial Director at Jessops says: “We are delighted to reveal some of our best Black Friday deals before they even launch to help our customers plan their purchases this weekend. We are pleased to be able to offer excellent savings coupled with our Price Match Promise, outstanding customer service, and expert impartial advice.”