The AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is Nikon's first full-frame professional standard zoom with vibration reduction and electromagnetic aperture control. Offering up to four stops of image stabilisation, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is constructed of 20 elements arranged in 16 groups - including a number of aspherical and ED glass elements as well as a new ASP/ED element - and features an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded aperture blades. Nikon's exclusive nano crystal coating is also employed to reduce flare and ghosting. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 38cm and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.6, and is equipped with a Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet auto focus. Just like its predecessor, the new lens is gasketed and sealed to provide a degree of protection against the elements. The AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens will become available later this month, at an MSRP of £1,849.99 / €2,499.00 /$2,399.95.

The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a new super telephoto zoom lens for Nikon's FX-format digital SLR cameras. The optical construction featurs 19 elements in 12 groups (including three ED glass elements) and a 9-bladed iris diaphragm with electromagnetic aperture control for maintaining consistent exposures during high-speed continuous shooting. The lens has a close-focus point of 2.2m (measured from the sensor plane), and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:4.5. The Vibration Reduction (VR) feature offers up to 4.5 stops of image stabilisation, and features the latest Sport VR mode for shooting subjects that move quickly and unpredictably. Weighing in at approximately 2300g including the supplied tripod collar, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR will become available next month, at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of £1,179.99 / €1,599 / $1,399.95.

The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED is a new ultra-wide-angle lens for Nikon's 35mm film and digital SLR cameras. Featuring 12 elements in 9 groups (including two ED glass and two aspherical elements, and lens elements with Nano Crystal Coat) plus an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded blades, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED has a minimum focus distance of 23cm and a maximum  reproduction ratio of 1:5. Compatible with standard 72mm screw-on filters, the lens measures 83.0x77.5mm and weighs in at 355 grams. Supplied with an HB-75 bayonet hood and a CL-1015 lens case, the AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED will go on sale next month, priced at £629.99 / €849 / $749.95.

Sigma has revealed the suggested retail price and launch date of the full-frame Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens. Featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2, the Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens has 18 elements in 13 groups and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The lens incorporates large-diameter aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to manufacture; one FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass and seven SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, of which two are aspherical lenses. With a minimum focusing distance of 28cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, this lens is suitable for close-up shooting, environmental portraits with an attractive bokeh and deep-focus landscape photography. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens will become available in late July for £949.99 / $999.00. (In the UK, this launch date is valid for Sigma- and Canon-mount versions of the lens only. The availability of the Nikon variant has yet to be communicated.)

Panasonic is developing the LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 telephoto zoom lens. Offering an effective focal range of 200-800mm in 35mm terms, this is the first LEICA DG zoom lens in the lineup. The LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 will have a splash/dust-proof design, POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), and excels in size and weight. Details of the product specifications, the date of release and the price of the LEICA DG 100-400mm / F4.0-6.3 are yet to be advised.

Panasonic is developing a LUMIX G 25mm F1.7 single focal length lens. This lens is a 50mm (35 mm camera equivalent) single focal length lens with large diameter. Details of the product specifications, the date of release and the price of the Panasonic LUMIX G 25mm F1.7 are yet to be advised.

Schneider Kreuznach have released two new leaf shutter lenses for medium-format cameras. The Schneider Kreuznach 35mm LS f3.5 ultra-wide lens has an angle of view of 89° when mounted to a 645 format camera body, making it equivalent to a 22mm lens in a 35mm system. The optical formula comprises 11 elements in 8 groups. The Schneider Kreuznach 120mm LS Macro offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1, allowing users to capture a subject as small as 56x42mm on a standard 645 format camera. This lens is constructed of 9 elements in 8 groups, and offers a minimum focus distance of 37cm / 1.3ft. Both lenses allow photographers to use flash sync speeds up to 1/1600s.

Canon today announced the achievement of a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production of the company’s 110-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens. Over the past 28 years, since the launch of the company’s proprietary EF lenses and EOS SLR cameras in March 1987, Canon has developed a wide range of innovative technologies and world’s firsts, such as the lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabiliser (IS) technology, and a multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) element. Recent innovations have seen the EF range extend into new fields, with the launch of the company’s EF Cinema lenses for digital cinematography in January 2012, and EF-M lenses for its compact system camera, the EOS M, in September 2012. More recently, Canon’s EF 11-24mm f/4L USM (pictured) became the world’s widest rectilinear zoom lens for 35mm full-frame cameras.

Responding to customer demand to provide more lenses for mobile phones, Lensbaby have announced a new Creative Mobile Kit featuring the LM-20 and LM-30 lenses, a new magnetic kickstand, an iPhone Mount and an improved iOS app for iPhone 5 and up. The new LM-20 lens is designed for LM-10 shooters that desire a larger sweet spot of focus, surrounded by subtle, gradually increasing blur. Lensbaby's new LM-30 creates images with a sharp centre image surrounded by reflections. Shooters can use the lens to transform interesting details into intriguing, abstract patterns, create a surreal mood or make a unique visual frame within a photo. The included kickstand is great for options such as taking a timed selfie, hands free viewing of photos or videos and propping up the phone on a desktop or airplane. The improved iOS app makes it easy to move the sweet spot of focus in both still and video mode. Photographers can also lock exposure and white balance, adjust sharpness, and more. The Creative Mobile Kit is available for $89.95, while the original LM-10 costs $59.95

Accessories being the lifeblood of the photography business, not to mention essential tools for photographers themselves, UK distributor Intro2020 offers a many and varied selection – covering 26 brands and product lines in all. Here’s part 2 of our round up of their new products for summer 2015…

The AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is a new full-frame super telephoto lens for Nikon SLRs. With a weight of "merely" 8.3lb / 3810g (vs. the 11.5lb / 5060g of its predecessor), the lens features two fluorite lens elements and four ED elements, as well as an electromagnetic diaphragm, which helps with maintaining consistent exposure during high-speed burst shooting of fast action. The addition of fluorite lens elements to the optical formula helps reduce chromatic aberration, and plays a key role in the overall weight reduction. Additionally, the new design promises "significantly improved" AF tracking performance. The lens features the latest incarnation of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology, with automatic tripod detection to counteract vibrations when mounted on a tripod. For pros shooting fast and erratic moving sports or subjects, using the SPORT VR mode will yield a more stable viewfinder image whether handholding the lens. The AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR will be available in mid-July for the SRP $12,299.95 / £9,649.99 / €12,999.00.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a new super telephoto lens for Nikon SLR cameras with an FX sized sensor. The 'E' designation in the product name denotes an electromagnetic diaphragm which helps maintain consistent exposure during high-speed burst shooting of fast action. The lens weighs in at 6.8lb / 3090g, which may sound heavy - but is actually significantly lighter than the 8.5lb / 3880g of its predecessor. The optical formula of this lens combines two fluorite elements and three Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to further reduce chromatic aberration while providing superior sharpness and color accuracy. Additionally, the new design is claimed to "significantly improve" AF tracking performance. For enhanced durability, the lens is gasketed against the elements and has a fluorine coating on a front protective meniscus element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges. The supplied tripod collar boasts completely new bearings for smoother switching between horizontal and vertical orientation. To make the lens easier to carry, the tripod mount has been repositioned closer to the rear, a change that also enables the included one-piece hood to be easily reversed. The new AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR will be available in mid-July for a suggested retail price of $10,299.95 / £8,149.99 / €10,999.00.

The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is a stabilised 24-120mm equivalent standard zoom for Nikon cameras with DX sized sensors. The optical formula comprises 17 elements in 13 groups, and features a seven-bladed electro-magnetic diaphragm that creates a nearly circular aperture. The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR is the first Nikon DX-format lens to wear the gold “N” emblem to indicate the presence of Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. This advanced optical coating significantly reduces instances of ghosting and flare for the highest quality images, the company says. The front and rear elements also integrate a fluorine coating to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. For fast, accurate and quiet AF performance, the 16-80mm also features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology. The minimum focus distance lets you get as close as 0.35m. The new Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR will be available in July for a suggested retail price of $1,069.95 / £869.99 / €1179.00. The lens is supplied with a dedicated HB-75 bayonet hood.

Canon have filed a patent that suggests the company may be working on a 35mm full-frame compact system camera. The patent, which was filed on 13 December 2013 and published a few days ago, describes an adapter which would allow Canon EF and EF-S lenses to be mounted on an as-yet-nonexistent full-frame Canon mirrorless camera. Of course, patented solutions do not always end up being implemented in a commercially available product (far from it); but still - this could mean that Canon are considering to launch an FF-CSC to compete with the likes of the Sony A7R II.

Source: Egami via CR

Meyer Optik USA has launched a Kickstarter campaign to reintroduce the Trioplan f2.8/100 lens, known for its ‘soap bubble’ bokeh and sharp focus. The Trioplan lens was first manufactured in 1916 in Görlitz, as the brainchild of Hugo Meyer. The new lens will also be hand-made in the same city, at the site of the original Meyer Optik company. The updated Trioplan is manufactured using high-end coated glass made by Schott, features an iris diaphragm of 15 steel blades for a near-circular aperture, and comes in Canon, Nikon, Fuji X, Sony-E, MFT and M42 mounts. The optical construction follows a classic triplet design and the image circle has a diameter of 44mm, making the lens suitable for 35mm full-frame cameras. Backers of the campaign can purchase the lens at an early-bird discount price of $899. Delivery is expected for December.

Tamron USA have released a firmware update service for owners of select Tamron lenses who wish to use their lenses on the Canon EOS 5DS or 5DSR cameras. "We have learned that the AF functions of the following interchangeable lenses for Canon do not function in Live View mode when used on the EOS 5Ds and EOS 5DsR  which went on sale in June 2015," the company says. "Firmware update service is already available as this is the same case when EOS Rebel T6s and the EOS Rebel T6i were released." Those who require the firmware update service are advised to consult Tamron's service department.

Kenko Tokina USA have unveiled the suggested retail price and availability of the new Tokina AT-X 24-70mm F/2.8 PRO FX lens. Officially announced in February this year, this is a constant-aperture standard zoom for 35mm full-frame SLR cameras; featuring 15 lens elements in 11 groups and a nine-bladed iris diaphragm. The lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:4.73, a minimum focus distance of 0.38m and a 82mm filter thread. Tokina’s exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the lens mount for manual focusing. The AT-X 24-70mm F/2.8 PRO FX lens also incorporates a fast SDM (Silent Drive-Module) motor to greatly reduce AF noise making it one of Tokina’s quickest and quietest auto-focusing lenses to date. Availble in August, the lens will cost $999. High-resolution sample images, taken with the lens mounted to a Nikon D610, can be downloaded from the website below.

UK Optics Distribution have been nominated as the exclusive UK distributors of lenses manufactured by Venus Optics. These include Venus's new Laowa branded lenses such as the recently announced Laowa 60mm f/2.8 Macro 2:1 (pictured) and the brand new Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro lens.

Venus Optics have launched the Laowa 15mm f/4 full-frame UWA prime, which is billed as the World’s widest 1:1 macro lens. Offering an angle of view of 110°, the lens construction features 12 elements in 9 groups with 3 High Refractive elements and one Extra-Low-Dispersion element plus a nearly circular, 14-bladed aperture diaphragm. A shift mechanism is added to the rear end of the lens with a maximum adjustment of +/- 6mm, which is extremely useful for landscape/architecture photography (only when used on a camera with an APS-C sensor - see an example here). The manual-focus lens is available for £419/$479 in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha, Sony FE and Pentax K mounts.

Sigma have announced a new wide zoom for full frame cameras, featuring a constant maximum aperture of f/2. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens has 18 elements in 13 groups and an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The lens incorporates large-diameter aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to manufacture; one FLD (“F” Low Dispersion)* glass and seven SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements, of which two are aspherical lenses. With a minimum focusing distance of 28cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, this lens is suitable for close-up shooting, environmental portraits with an attractive bokeh and deep-focus landscape photography. The Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art lens features a hypersonic AF motor for quiet and fast focusing, and promises to deliver the same outstanding optical performance as the fixed-focal-length lenses in the manufacturer's Art line. The lens will be available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma fit. The exact launch date and pricing have yet to be communicated.