Category: Lenses

Lomography's new Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art lens is now available for regular purchase. The lens has been designed by Lomography’s technicians based on an 1839 design – and condensed into a bold brass lens for modern analogue and digital cameras – available in Canon EF OR Nikon F mounts. "Photographers and videographers can delve into an extensive variation of moods and special effect: silky soft focus at f/2.9, crisp sharp shots from f/5.6 onwards, and a focal length of 64mm," the society says. The Daguerreotype Achromat Lens works with a Waterhouse Aperture Plate system, which allows full creativity with depth of field and bokeh effects. Priced at €/$499, the Daguerreotype Achromat is available now from the Lomography Online Shop and Gallery Stores worldwide.
Lomography's new Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art lens is now available for regular purchase. The lens has been designed by Lomography’s technicians based on an 1839 design – and condensed into a bold brass lens for modern analogue and digital cameras – available in Canon EF OR Nikon F mounts. "Photographers…

Leica have announced the first-ever special-edition Leica lens in a red anodised finish. Renowned for being the World's sharpest standard lens, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is recognised for its exceptional imaging performance, outstanding reproduction of fine details, and high contrast rendition from corner to corner of the image frame at maximum aperture. The use of a floating element in its design ensures that this is also maintained at close shooting distances. Three of the eight lens elements emplozed are made from glass with high anomalous partial dispersion for apochromatic correction, and two have a particularly high refractive index. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f.2 ASPH. in red anodised finish is scheduled to be available from 9 December 2016, at a suggested retail price of £7,575 including VAT.
Leica have announced the first-ever special-edition Leica lens in a red anodised finish. Renowned for being the World's sharpest standard lens, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is recognised for its exceptional imaging performance, outstanding reproduction of fine details, and high contrast rendition from corner to corner of the image…

Nikon UK has launched its Winter Cashback promotion offering up to £510/€600 on selected Nikkor lenses and DSLR cameras. The promotion runs from 27 October 2016 – 15 January 2017 and all claims must be received by 13 February. Simon Iddon, Head of Product Management at Nikon UK says: “Our Winter Cashback promotion is designed with Christmas shoppers in mind, as it’s the ideal promotion for those looking for that special gift for a loved one this year.” Click through / scroll down for the details.
Nikon UK has launched its Winter Cashback promotion offering up to £510/€600 on selected Nikkor lenses and DSLR cameras. The promotion runs from 27 October 2016 – 15 January 2017 and all claims must be received by 13 February. Simon Iddon, Head of Product Management at Nikon UK says: “Our…

Schneider Kreuznach have announced that their Xenon 18mm T2.4 Full-Frame Prime lens is now available to preorder. Adding to the current Full-Frame Prime line-up, the 18mm is available in feet and metre scales, and in Canon EF/Nikon/PL/Sony E Mount fittings. Weighing 1530g, the 18mm lens is the fastest in the market at T2.4 with a close-focus point of 0.4m. It is identical in size to the rest of the Full-Frame Prime lens range, which allows for quick swapping of the lenses with no adjustment to the rig. The 18mm Schneider Xenon Full-Frame Prime lens carries a recommended retail price of £5499.95.
Schneider Kreuznach have announced that their Xenon 18mm T2.4 Full-Frame Prime lens is now available to preorder. Adding to the current Full-Frame Prime line-up, the 18mm is available in feet and metre scales, and in Canon EF/Nikon/PL/Sony E Mount fittings. Weighing 1530g, the 18mm lens is the fastest in the…

YI Technology has announced that its YI M1 compact system camera is now available to purchase. Featuring a 20.2-megapixel FourThirds sensor, a Micro FourThirds lens mount, a 3" touchscreen, an 81-point CDAF system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity and 4K video recording capabilities, the YI M1 offers a mostly touchscreen-based user interface and comes in two single-lens kit (either with a 12-40mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom or a 42.5mm f/1.8 portrait lens) and a double-lens bundle. Pricing starts at $499.
YI Technology has announced that its YI M1 compact system camera is now available to purchase. Featuring a 20.2-megapixel FourThirds sensor, a Micro FourThirds lens mount, a 3" touchscreen, an 81-point CDAF system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE connectivity and 4K video recording capabilities, the YI M1 offers a mostly touchscreen-based…

With the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, Leica is expanding the lens portfolio of its celebrated M rangefinder system with the modern reincarnation of a classic lens. First introduced as a screw-mount lens in 1955, the predecessor of this new lens is still one of the most compact wide-angle lenses in the Leica M-System and is famed for its characteristic visual signature. Its exceptionally short length of less than two centimetres makes it incredibly unobtrusive, and together with the inherent unassuming nature of a Leica M it is an ideal lens for street photography. The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups, arranged symmetrically around the iris of the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, is identical to that of its ancestor. The combination of a large depth of field, natural contrast rendition, excellent resolution of details and a slight visible vignetting create a unique visual signature, and lend pictures a special classic look reminiscent of earlier days of film photography. Customers wishing to purchase a Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 lens must place a pre-order with a Leica Store, Boutique or Dealer.
With the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, Leica is expanding the lens portfolio of its celebrated M rangefinder system with the modern reincarnation of a classic lens. First introduced as a screw-mount lens in 1955, the predecessor of this new lens is still one of the most compact wide-angle…

The new PC Nikkor 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon's first FX-format tilt-shift lens to employ two perspective control rotation mechanisms. This means that the lens now allows independent rotation of the tilt and shift axes, which wasn't the case with the previous generation of Nikon Perspective Control lenses (see our review of the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED lens, for example). With an angle of view of 97 degrees, the PC Nikkor 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon's widest PC lens to date; and offers up to +/-7.5° of tilt and +/-12mm of shift, plus up to 90° of rotation in either direction. Two aspherical lens elements greatly reduce coma, whilst three extra-low-dispersion glass elements minimise axial chromatic aberration. Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates ghosting and flare throughout the frame, even in backlit situations. Weighing in at 885 grams, the Nikon PC Nikkor 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens will be available from November, priced at £3,299.99/$3,399.95.
The new PC Nikkor 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon's first FX-format tilt-shift lens to employ two perspective control rotation mechanisms. This means that the lens now allows independent rotation of the tilt and shift axes, which wasn't the case with the previous generation of Nikon Perspective Control lenses (see our…

The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a new professional telephoto zoom lens from Nikon. Offering improved AF tracking, exposure control and edge-to-edge performance, a new VR SPORT mode and configurable buttons on the barrel; the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is lighter and more portable than its predecessor. The new optical design includes an electromagnetically controlled diaphragm, six ED glass elements, a fluorite lens element, and a High Refractive Index (HRI) element. Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare for greater image clarity, whilst colour fringing and distortion are controlled throughout the zoom range. The closest focus distance is now an impressive 1.1 m, and the maximum reproduction ratio has increased from 0.11x to 0.21x. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will become available next month, priced at £2,649.99/$2,799.95.
The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a new professional telephoto zoom lens from Nikon. Offering improved AF tracking, exposure control and edge-to-edge performance, a new VR SPORT mode and configurable buttons on the barrel; the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is lighter and more…

Designed specifically for compact system camera users, the new Lensbaby Trio 28 features three selective-focus optics in one compact lens design. The Twist optic gives photographers a large sharp central area of focus surrounded by twisty, swirling bokeh, the Velvet has a sharp yet dreamy central area of focus with delicate glow from edge to edge, whilst the Sweet optic creates a sharp central sweet spot of focus surrounded by gradually increasing blur. The Lensbaby Trio 28 has a focal length of 28mm and a fixed aperture of f/3.5. The lens will go on sale on 26 October 2015, priced at $280.
Designed specifically for compact system camera users, the new Lensbaby Trio 28 features three selective-focus optics in one compact lens design. The Twist optic gives photographers a large sharp central area of focus surrounded by twisty, swirling bokeh, the Velvet has a sharp yet dreamy central area of focus with…

ExoLens have announced the upcoming launch of their PRO and PRIME ranges of high-quality accessory lenses for the Apple iPhone 7. Leading the collection is the ExoLens PRO line, which feature Optics by Zeiss, to offer truly professional-grade mobile lenses to photographers, artists and journalists. First to market will be the ExoLens PRO Wide-Angle and Telephoto Kits for 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 from December 2016, the ExoLens PRO Wide-Angle Kit ($199.99) 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 from December, features a Zeiss Mutar 2.0x Asph T* Telephoto lens, and sells for $249.99. The ExoLens PRIME product line allows for artistic expression and non-technical social sharing to step up your iPhone photography and videography game. The lenses offered for PRIME Kits are the Wide Angle 0.6X, the Telephoto 2X and the Super Wide-Angle/Macro Combo. The PRIME product line will be available starting Q1 2017.
ExoLens have announced the upcoming launch of their PRO and PRIME ranges of high-quality accessory lenses for the Apple iPhone 7. Leading the collection is the ExoLens PRO line, which feature Optics by Zeiss, to offer truly professional-grade mobile lenses to photographers, artists and journalists. First to market will be…

Sony have announced that the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens has been delayed by 3 months for new orders. In an official statement on Sony Japan's website, Sony say that it will take 3 months for them to catch-up with the production. The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 lens was originally announced back in February 2016.
Sony have announced that the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS lens has been delayed by 3 months for new orders. In an official statement on Sony Japan's website, Sony say that it will take 3 months for them to catch-up with the production. The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 lens was…

Voigtländer are showing off prototypes of a Nikon F-mount Nokton f/1.4, a Sony E-mount Macro Apo-Lanthar 65mm f/2 and an M-mount Heliar 1:3.5 50mm lens at Photokina. All three lenses are expected to be available in Spring 2017.
Voigtländer are showing off prototypes of a Nikon F-mount Nokton f/1.4, a Sony E-mount Macro Apo-Lanthar 65mm f/2 and an M-mount Heliar 1:3.5 50mm lens at Photokina. All three lenses are expected to be available in Spring 2017.

We sat down with Ove Bengston, Hasselblad Product Manager, to discuss the Fujifilm GFX system, the X1D and lenses, the V1D concept camera, and the True Zoom smartphone device.
We sat down with Ove Bengston, Hasselblad Product Manager, to discuss the Fujifilm GFX system, the X1D and lenses, the V1D concept camera, and the True Zoom smartphone device.

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of Prototype Number 0003 - the third prototype ever made - of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan F2.8/100 manual-focus lens.
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of Prototype Number 0003 - the third prototype ever made - of the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Trioplan F2.8/100 manual-focus lens.

The Irix ILA-FE2EF is a new adapter for using Canon EF lenses on Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. The Irix Sony E-Mount Adapter is being shown as an early protoype at Photokina 2016. It features aperture control via the camera body, a detachable foot with tripod mount, weather-sealed construction and a durable metal housing with a premium finish.
The Irix ILA-FE2EF is a new adapter for using Canon EF lenses on Sony E-mount full-frame cameras. The Irix Sony E-Mount Adapter is being shown as an early protoype at Photokina 2016. It features aperture control via the camera body, a detachable foot with tripod mount, weather-sealed construction and a…

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the latest Zeiss Loxia, Milvus and Lightweight Zoom lenses, ExoLenses with Optics by Zeiss and Zeiss VR One Plus headset.
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the latest Zeiss Loxia, Milvus and Lightweight Zoom lenses, ExoLenses with Optics by Zeiss and Zeiss VR One Plus headset.

Want to see exactly what the new Handevision Iberit lenses look like in the flesh?
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Handevision Iberit 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm f/2.4 lenses, which are available for Sony E, Fuji X, Leica SL and Leica M mount systems.
Want to see exactly what the new Handevision Iberit lenses look like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Handevision Iberit 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm f/2.4 lenses, which are available for Sony E, Fuji X, Leica SL and Leica M mount systems.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM lens looks like in the flesh?
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM telephoto zoom lens.
Want to see exactly what the new Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM lens looks like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EF 70-300mm F4-5.6 IS II USM telephoto zoom lens.

Want to see exactly what the new AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED lens looks like in the flesh?
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED telephoto lens.
Want to see exactly what the new AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED lens looks like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED telephoto lens.

Want to see exactly what the new AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens looks like in the flesh?
Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR telephoto zoom lens.
Want to see exactly what the new AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens looks like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR telephoto zoom lens.