The LAOWA 12mm f:2.8 Zero D is a new ultra wide angle lens for full frame cameras. The Laowa 12mm F/2.8 ZERO-D lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon AI, Sony A, Pentax K and Sony E mounts from  the end of November 2016 and will cost £899.99 in the UK. 

The Blackstone and the Firefly versions of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens are now available to buy. The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens for full frame DSLR cameras. Blackstone is the premium version, with a durable body made with aluminium-magnesium alloy that ensures foolproof protection of the lens, even in extreme situations. Both versions are available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras now. By the end of September there will be also a Pentax K mount available.

Recommended retail prices are:

695 EUR for Irix Blackstone

475 EUR for Irix Firefly

Leica has re-announced the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. lens, which offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. Like the existing Summilux-TL 35mm f/1.4 ASPH., the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm f/2.8 ASPH. is fully compatible with the bayonet mount of the Leica T, as well as the L-mount of the Leica SL-System. The Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is scheduled to be available from mid-September at a suggested retail price of £1,800 including VAT ,in a choice of black or silver anodised finish. An optional lens hood will be available for £80.00.

Tamron have announced the upcoming launch of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 telephoto zoom lens. This second-generation lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD, which was announced in December 2013, but promises to deliver superior optical performance with today’s high resolution DSLRs and to add improvements to several features including the speed and accuracy of the Vibration Compensation and auto focus systems. The design incorporates an upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups, including 3 low-dispersion lens elements) and a metal lens barrel. The minimum object distance has been reduced to 2.2m from 2.7m in the previous model. A new FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position, while the Vibration Compensation system has been upgraded to offer three distinct image stabilisation modes; Standard, Panning and VC Mode 3, which prioritises the stabilisation of the captured images and forgoes the stabilisation of the viewfinder image. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in the Nikon version too. Two exclusive, separately sold teleconverters, which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to extend the lens' reach to 1,200mm. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched in the second half of September, with a Sony version being released at a later date. In teh US, the lens will be available for $1,399.

Hasselblad has launched the Hasselblad ‘4116 Collection’ - a range of products and collaborations to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary. The company has teamed up with Motorola for the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ – a
10x optical zoom Moto Mod compatible with Moto Z smartphones. Offering a physical shutter, Xenon flash and zoom, the ‘Hasselblad True Zoom’ instantly snaps on to the Moto Z smartphone using magnets. The mod allows users to shoot raw images which can be edited using Hasselblad’s Phocus software. Furthermore, Hasselblad and Alpa have formed a collaboration allowing optimised integration of all ALPA technical cameras with both Hasselblad digital backs from H System and CFV as well as Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses in existing and future products. Last but not least, Hasselblad has fostered a relationship with Swedish accessories brand, Sandqvist, creating functional, stylish camera bags to accent the Hasselblad range of offerings. The Sandqvist x Hasselblad collection consists of three high quality bags, created by Hasselblad and Sandqvist, and will be launched at Photokina in September.

Venus Optics have launched a teaser campaign for a new E-mount lens. So far the company hasn't disclosed any details, but the silhouette of the new product hints at another wide-angle lens joining the existing Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro and 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D offerings. However, this lens was apparently designed specifically for Sony cameras, whereas the 12mm and 15mm Macro lenses are also available in Canon, Nikon and Pentax fit.

Sony today introduced a new full-frame lens for their E-mount camera system. Boasting a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1, the Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus, allowing it to create consistently sharp photos. Weighing just 236g, the lens offers a 0.16m minimum focusing distance and a near-circular aperture that produces beautiful bokeh effects. The dust- and moisture-resistant Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens will be available in Europe in October priced at approximately £500 and €660.

Fujifilm have announced the upcoming release of the Fujinon XF23mmF2 R WR lens. Dustproof and weather-resistant, the new XF23mmF2 R WR has a highly versatile focal length equivalent to 35mm (in the 35mm film format), suitable to a range of genres and subjects from street photography to landscapes and environmental portraits. The inner-focus AF system uses a stepping motor to drive the focusing group of lens elements for silent and fast auto-focus. When combined with the phase detection AF system of the Fujifilm. X-Pro2 or X-T2, the lens can lock focus in 0.05 seconds. The optical formula comprises 10 elements in 6 groups, including 2 aspherical elements, plus an iris diaphragm with nine rounded aperture blades. This lens can be used with the vented metal hood LH-XF35-2, which is also compatible with the XF35mmF2 R WR. Coinciding with the launch of the XF23mmF2 R WR, a silver version of the lens hood LH-XF35-2 will also be released, allowing users to choose an optional hood that matches the colour of the lens. The Fujifilm XF23mmF2 R WR lens will be on sale in the UK from September 2016, at a suggested retail price of £419.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lens.

The new Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is the most versatile EOS DSLR camera yet. Featuring a 30.4 megapixel CMOS sensor with wide exposure latitude, 7 frames per second (fps) high speed shooting, internal 4K movie recording and built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, the 5D Mark IV fuses speed and resolution with excellent low light capability and movie functionality. The EOS 5D Mark IV is also the first EOS camera to premiere the innovative Dual Pixel RAW file format, allowing photographers to fine-tune images in post-production by adjusting or correcting the point of sharpness, shifting the foreground bokeh or reducing image ghosting.

Canon have also added the new EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM and the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM to their extensive lineup of lenses.

Finally, Canon have announced a new firmware update for the EOS-1D X Mark II. Adding IPTC support and LCD colour tone as featured in the EOS 5D Mark IV, the update also improves the network and GPS functionality. The firmware will be available in September.

Pricing

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - RRP £3,629 / €4899.99, available September 2016

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L II USM - RRP £1,129 / €1,449.99, available Q4 2016

Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8L III USM - RRP £2,349 / €2,999.99, available October 2016

Tamron have announced the imminent launch of the Sony version of their SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD lens.The construction of the lens includes an all-metallic barrel, with large switches reconfigured for smoother function. Tamron have incorporated a new standard of Moisture-Proof & Dust-Resistant construction, plus Tamron’s Fluorine coating which is applied to the front element to help repel water and oil. Users can update firmware, customise autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the lens by simply attaching it to the optional TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a PC. Unlike the existing Canon and Nikon variants, the Sony version lacks Vibration Compensation (optical image stabilisation), as Sony's compatible camera bodies incorporate built-in image stabilization functionality. Availability is slated for 25th August. Pricing has yet to be confirmed.

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) have honoured Sony with 5 awards in their 2016 round-up. The full-frame Sony RX1R II (pictured) has been chosen as this year's "European Premium Compact Camera," the A7S II has won the "European Photo & Video Camera 2016-2017" category, the A6300 has received the "European Prosumer Compact System Camera 2016-2017" award, while the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM lens took the title of "European Professional Compact System Lens 2016-2017." (The fifth EISA award went to an in-car HD player.)

Canon has been honoured with four product awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association. The EOS 80D (pictured) has been named the ‘European DSLR Camera 2016-2017’, while the EOS-1D X Mark II took the title of ‘European Professional DSLR Camera 2016-2017’ and the EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM and the imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 received awards for ‘European Professional DSLR Lens 2016-2017’ and ‘European Photo Printer 2016-2017’ respectively. “At Canon, we understand photography doesn’t end with the press of a shutter, and are consistently striving to produce high-quality products that help novices and professionals alike to get the best from their photographs,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “Be it capture, print, store or share, every element matters, and we’re committed to ensuring Canon quality comes through at every step. Each of the awards we’ve received demonstrate our dedication and commitment to creating pioneering products and once again we’re extremely proud to have been recognised by the esteemed EISA panel.”

Fujifilm have announced that two of their products, the X-Pro2 mirrorless camera (pictured) and the Fujinon XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, have been crowned winners at the recent 2016 EISA awards. The X-Pro2 has been named "European Professional Compact System Camera 2016-2017," whilst the XF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR has won the "European Compact System Zoom Lens 2016-2017" category.

Nikon today announced the addition of two new telezoom lenses with stepper motors to their DX lens line-up. The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED (400 grams, £299.99/€369.00/$349.95) and AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR (415 grams, £349.99/€429.00/$399.95) offer a 35mm equivalent focal range of 105-450mm and ultra-fast, near-silent auto focus allowing users to capture fleeting moments with ease. Both models feature an optical formula comprising 14 elements in 10 groups (including an ED glass element) and a 7-bladed iris diaphragm. The VR version adds Vibration Reduction - Nikon's proprietary optical image stabilisation system - for sharp hand-held shots at critical shutter speeds. The lenses can focus down to 3.7 feet (1.1m) at all zoom positions, for a maximum magnification of 0.22x, and take 58mm screw-on filters. Availability is slated for next month.

The Nikon D3400 is a new entry-level digital SLR camera with an APS-C sized 24-megapixel sensor and SnapBridge support. Using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), SnapBridge creates a connection between a camera and a compatible smart device, making it possible to wirelessly and automatically transfer images from the camera to your smartphone or tablet. SnapBridge users can also access Nikon Image Space, a free online image sharing and storage service. The Nikon D3400's other main claim to fame is an improved battery life, which is rated to 1200 frames per charge; up from 700 in the existing D3300. The new model continues to offer an 11-point AF system, a 3" rear screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, a continuous shooting speed of 5fps, as well as Full HD video capture at 60fps and an EXPEED 4 image processor. The Nikon D3400 will become available next month, bundled with the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens for £489.99 / €599 / $649.99; as well as in a double-zoom kit (with the afore-mentioned AF-P 18-55mm lens plus the new AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED telezoom) priced at $999.95. In the UK and Ireland, the camera will also be available in a body-only configuration for £399.99 / €489; and in an 18-55mm non-VR kit for £469.99 / €579.

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lenses, which were first announced back in January, will become available in the US in September 2016. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR utilise stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet focusing, and boast a retractable-barrel design for enhanced portability. When shooting video footage, the stepping motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise. Each lens incorporates 2 aspherical glass elements to correct various types of aberration, and the VR version additionally offers up to four stops of vibration reduction. The VR function can be turned on or off using the menu on compatible camera models (Nikon D3300, D3400, D5300 and D5500). The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G standard zoom will be available for $199.95. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR will retail for $249.95.

Samyang has announced the upcoming release of the full-frame Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE auto-focus UWA lens for Sony E mount cameras. The optical formula comprises 14 elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical glass elements and an iris diaphragm with seven rounded aperture blades. On a full-frame camera body, the Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE lens offers an angle of view of 113.9 degrees, making it the widest rectilinear lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras. The lens is compatible with both phase-detect and contrast-detect AF systems. The Samyang AF 14/2.8 FE will be globally available from September, priced at €699.

The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD lens (read review) has won the EISA Award for 'European DSLR Lens 2016-2017.' Introduced in February, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is the World's first image-stabilised 85mm f/1.8 lens for SLR cameras. Using LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements, the award-winning lens is constructed with Tamron’s new SP design, incorporating a new look and feel which includes larger and more tactile switches, together with Tamron’s Moisture-Resistant Construction. VC (Vibration Compensation) is also included in the lens design to help reduce camera shake making it easy to take handheld photographs in low light. USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing is also a key part in delivering sharp and precise focus every time, with full-time manual override for extra creative control.