Sigma has announced the availability of the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM in Pentax and Sony mounts. This superzoom lens has been on offer for some time in Canon, Nikon and Sigma fit, but now Pentax and Sony owners can buy it too (though Sony A900 users should take note that the imaging circle of this lens is not big enough to cover the full 24x36mm frame). The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates a Hybrid Optical Stabilisation system which allows photographers to use the lens’ OS function even if the camera has a built in anti-shake system. If the photographer chooses to use the lens’ OS function, they must ensure that the camera’s built in stabiliser is switched off. The lens also boasts an inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation.

The new Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM lens now has a suggested retail price in the UK. This new lens will run alongside the current Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM and is expected to be available in the UK in July for Sigma, Canon and Nikon fit, with Sony and Pentax fit arriving in August. This super wide-angle lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 throughout the entire zoon range and incorporates two exta low dispersion and four aspherical elements as well as a ‘hyper sonic’ motor that enables quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The suggested retail price will be £649.99 in the UK.

Tamron has unveiled the release date of the SP AF60mm F/2 Di II macro lens, which we wrote about a few weeks ago. The Canon version of the lens will be released on 25 June in Japan, with the Nikon and Sony variants coming soon. The main features of the lens include 1:1 magnification, maximum aperture of f2, diagonal angle of view of 26 degreens and 11 minutes and a minimum focusing distance of 23cm. The lens is constructed of 14 elements in 10 groups, has 7 diaphragm blades and a filter diameter of 55mm. Other highlights include an internal focusing system, full-time manual control and a body mass of onnly 390 grams. Note that this lens is not meant to be used on full-frame DSLRs and 35mm film SLRs, because its imaging circle is smaller than that required to cover these formats.

Lensbaby has announced the PL mount version of the Lensbaby Muse selective-focus lens. The new Muse PL features the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and is specially designed for use with PL mount motion image capture cameras. The Muse PL allows for highly creative focusing effects on any 16mm or 35mm PL mount movie camera, as well as several PL to video camera adapters such as the P+S Technik, Redrockmicro M2, Brevis35, Letus35, and SGpro.  The Muse PL creates a sweet spot of focus by using optics that feature a curved field of focus, giving cinematographers a unique way to control depth of field that is different from what is possible with existing tilt-shift lenses. The Lensbaby Muse PL is available for $300 from lensbaby.com.

Website: Lensbaby Muse PL Sample Clips

Tamron have announced that they are about to launch their 10-24mm lens in Pentax and Sony mounts. The full product name is Tamron SP AF10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Model B001), and the launch date is 12 June 2009 in Japan. A900 owners should take note that the lens is not meant to be used on cameras whose sensor is bigger than 24x16mm. The announcement was made by Mr. Morio Ono of Tamron Co., Ltd.

Website: Tamron News

Panasonic has released a firmware upgrade to the Lumix G Vario 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S. lens. Version 1.1 improves AF performance when taking still photographs in continuous AF mode, and also enhances the performance of the AF and Mega O.I.S. (optical Image Stabiliser) systems while reducing noise of aperture control for taking movies. The latter improvements apply to those cases when the lens is mounted to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.

Website: Lens Update Service

Along with the Pentax K-7 DSLR camera, Pentax have also announced two weather-resistant zoom lenses. Intended to be used on Pentax’s environmentally sealed digital SLR bodies, the smc PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR and the smc PENTAX-DA 50-200mm F4-5.6ED WR lenses feature a newly designed, simplified weather-resistant construction and Pentax-original SP coating on the front lens element. Other features include a Quick-Shift focus system for instant AF/MF switching, a metallic lens mount and a lens hood included as a standard accessory. The DA 18-55mm will cost $199.95 and the DA 50-200mm $249.95, shipping in July 2009. Click through / read on for the main specifications of both lenses.

Cosina is planning to release a Voigtländer branded 50mm f/1.1 lens for the Leica M mount. The Voigtländer Nokton commemorates the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Bessa series of M mount 35mm rangefinder cameras, which are also being marketed under the Voigtländer brand. The new Nokton is constructed of 7 elements in 6 groups, has a 58mm filter diameter and weighs 428 grams without a lens hood. The glass used for the manufacturing of this lens is claimed to have an ultra-high refractive index. The projected retail price is ¥ 125,000 without taxes. There is no word on pricing / availability outside Japan.

Via The OnlinePhotographer

Website: Voigtlaender Nokton 50mm f/1.1 Product Page (in Japanese)

The German Voigrländer site is now showing the Nokton 50mm f/1.1 on its home page, saying it is going to be available in Europe from early summer, at a price of €999.

Olympus has released firmware updates for four of its Zuiko Digital ED lenses. These include the Zuiko Digital ED 90-250mm f:2.8, Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f:3.5 Fisheye, Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm f:3.5-6.3 and Zuiko Digital ED 70-300mm f:4.0-5.6. The latest firmware versions allegedly improve unstable sequential shooting when using C-AF on the E-3 and E-30.

Website: Olympus Firmware Updates

Sony have today unveiled 4 new DSLR lenses, a super-slim external flash and colour-coordinated lifestyle accessories. The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a light, bright portrait lens offering superb optical performance and inbuilt Smooth Autofocus Motor. The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM telephoto zoom is an ideal choice for everyday shooting. The DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM telephoto zoom features a maximum focal length equivalent to 300mm. Under development for Autumn 2009, the DT 30mm F2.8 SAM makes 1:1 life-size imaging more accessible. The HVL-F20AM flashgun can be used as an inexpensive trigger for wireless remote flash heads and wireless flash controller for the full-frame A900 camera. In the UK, the 18-55mm will cost £160, the 55-200mm £220, the 50mm F1.8 £160, and the HVL-F20AM is £150. Pricing is still to be confirmed for the DT 30mm F2.8 SAM.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED is a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. Compatible with Nikon DX-format DSLR cameras, the 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 lens boasts a focal range starting at 15mm equivalent in FX/35mm format. Available from May 1st, the NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED lens will cost £799.99 / €972.00 / $899.95.

Sigma has announced a firmware update for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM for FourThirds. This update improves the communication between the lens and FourThirds bodies featuring sensor-shift image stabilisation, enabling the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM to transmit all the information necessary for the camera’s processor to calculate the right amount of sensor movement. Sigma warns that updating your lens’ firmware is done at your own responsibility.

Website: Firmware update program for SIGMA’s FourThirds mount lenses

Tamron has just announced the development of a 60mm f2 macro lens for APS-C DSLRs. The Tamron SP AF 60mm f/2 Di II MACRO 1:1 offers 1:1 magnification at a working distance of 100mm (which translates into a focusing distance of 230mm from the sensor plane) and is a full stop faster than most other macro lenses manufactured today. With a diagonal angle of view of just over 26.5 degrees, it also doubles as a fast portrait lens. Other standout features include the employment of two low-dispersion elements to compensate for various aberrations, Broad-Band Anti-Reflection multi-layer coatings to enhance the light transmission factors in both the short and long wavelength ranges, internal focusing and full-time manual focus override. The Tamron SP AF 60mm f/2 Di II MACRO 1:1 lens is designed exclusively for APS-C sensors and is not meant to be used on full-frame DSLRs.

Price and availability date to be confirmed.

The Tokina AT-X 16.5-135 DX is a new ultra wide-range zoom lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors. Offering an equivalent angle of view to 25-200mm, the Tokina 16.5-135mm lens is well suited to scenic and travel photography. Three aspherical elements, one all glass precision-molded element and 2 compound elements yield high contrast. Additionally two Super-low Dispersion (SD) glass elements correct chromatic aberration. The Tokina AT-X 16.5-135 DX will be available in the US for Nikon cameras in June and Canon in July.

Olympus have released a firmware update for the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens. Version 1.1 improves the auto-focus operation under certain conditions.

Website: Olympus 9-18mm Lens Firmware Update

Nikon’s F-mount lens-mounting system is 50 years old. The longest standing lens mount for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable lenses and cameras, the Nikon F-mount was first employed on Nikon’s earliest SLR camera, the Nikon F, released in June 1959. No other camera manufacturer has been able to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period of time.

Sony have revealed that they will be releasing 6 new DSLR lenses this year. The full line-up is: Super telephoto lens, 28-75mm f/2.8 (both for full-frame), 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT, 50mm f/1.8 DT and 30mm f/2.8 DT (DT lenses are for smaller sensor cameras). No pricing or launch dates are available yet.

It’s only just been announced, but we’ve already got an exclusive hands-on report of the new Panasonic 7-14mm lens. Click the continue link below to see what the new Panasonic 7-14mm lens looks like.

The Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH is a new Micro Four Thirds lens. Providing a focal range of 14-28mm and 114-degree angle of view, the new lens is compact and lightweight. It combines 16 lens elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses and features F4.0 brightness over the entire zoom range. The LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH lens allows use of the contrast AF system on the new DMC-GH1 camera.

The Panasonic 14-140mm F4.0-5.8 is a new Micro Four Thirds lens. Featuring a focal range of 28-280mm and silent design for HD movie recording, the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens is the perfect partner for the new DMC-GH1 camera. It incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing, which enables smooth, silent operation of its fast and accurate contrast AF system. When mounted on the GH1, the new lens allows use of the advanced contrast AF system.