Carl Zeiss Press Release

Oberkochen, 25.09.2006. - Tailor-made for the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera and other cameras with Leica M-bayonet, Carl Zeiss will launch two new, particularly compact super wide angle lenses at Photokina 2006: Distagon T* 4/18 ZM and C Biogon T* 4.5/21 ZM. Both lenses are based on highly sophisticated optical designs from Carl Zeiss and provide high image definition in high purity colors – without flare and ghosting. They both cover the full 24x36mm format and are suitable for both analog and digital photography. Even with digital sensors in the small APS-C format, they still cover very wide field angles. Both lenses are remarkably compact and light and are therefore ideal for mobile photography.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

Oberkochen/Germany, 25.09.2006. - Carl Zeiss introduces two completely new wide-angle lenses with Nikon F mount. They cover full 35mm frame and can be used on both analog and digital SLRs. They focus manually and can produce sharpness well beyond the capabilities of the best color films available today. Both lenses feature a long-life all-metal barrel of very high precision. The Distagon T* 2/35 ZF is a versatile all-round lens with moderate wide-angle coverage and high speed, a classical standard for photojournalistic work. Due to its high performance this lens can capture very detailed scenes with high accuracy and information content.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

Oberkochen/Germany, 25.09.2006. - At f/2, the new ZEISS Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZF and Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF are the fastest macro lenses for 35mm full-frame photography today - whether for film or digital capture. The two new lenses focus manually from infinity to ½-life size, capturing an object field of approximately 50x70mm at the close-focus limit. All of the ZEISS ZF lenses feature precision metal mechanics, providing the photographer with a durable, reliable tool of lasting value. A ‘floating element’ optical system enables the Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZF to deliver very high image quality over the entire focusing range. The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF goes several steps further by employing an optical design originally developed for the ARRI/ZEISS Master Prime T* 1.2/100 – an ultra-high performance lens for big budget feature films. Thus, the Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZF lens offers an optical performance never before available for still photography, especially at wide-open apertures and in macro applications. This lens allows photographers to use selective focus on important details with unprecedented clarity, effectively isolating the subject from distracting surroundings. This is a common technique used by Directors of Photography in the Cine industry to direct the viewer’s attention and create what admirers call the ‘film look’.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

Oberkochen/Germany, 25.09.2006. - Never before has the world of photography seen such a lens. The ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 4/1700 was developed by Carl Zeiss for a customer with very high demands and a special interest in long distance wildlife photography. To achieve the highest possible image quality, the customer decided on the Hasselblad 203FE 6x6cm medium format camera and ZEISS lenses as the best combination for his special needs. At a focal length of 1700mm and a speed of f/4, this project even challenged the manufacture of the optical glass. The delicate, special glass types required for this unique design had never been cast before in such huge dimensions. Some of the resulting lens blanks weighed more than 25 kg (55 lbs.) and were valued more than a luxury sedan! Turning these blanks into the finished lens elements added even more to their value.

Tamron Press Release

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro

September 2006 Photokina in Cologne, Germany: Tamron announces the new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro (Model A18), a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized imager sensors. This new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is the ultimate high power zoom lens boasting the world’s greatest zoom ratio(*1) of 13.9X, a milestone that Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, has achieved by commanding its technologies to further expand the capabilities of high power zoom lenses.

Photokina Update: We now have some product photos of a prototype lens (nearly the final version) live from Photokina 2006, mounted on a Canon EOS DSLR - just click the link below to view them.

Sigma Press Release

EX series large aperture zoom lens designed specially for use with digital SLR cameras with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm.

2006.9.26 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO lens. This lens has a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”) and a maximum magnification of 1:3, making it ideal for close-up photography. Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras this lens provides a high level of optical performance.Its design incorporates both glass-mold and hybrid aspherical lens technology which offers superior peripheral brightness, extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.

Sigma Press Release

2006.9.26 - The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens. This high zoom ratio lens is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and is capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto. It is equipped with Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) function. This function uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subject such as motor sports. Two SLD?Special Low Dispersion?glass elements and two aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. UK price is £439.99 and it will be available in April / May 2007.

Sigma Press Release

2006.9.26 - The new Sigma lens line-up for the Four-Thirds system comprises the large aperture wide-angle 24mm F1.8 EX DG ASPHERICAL MACRO, the compact telephoto zoom lens APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG, the large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM and the large aperture zoom lens 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO. The introduction of these new lenses increases our lens line-up for Four Thirds mount to a total of eleven models.

Luminous Landscape have reviewed the Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM lens, nicknamed the Sigmonster!

“If you are still paying attention, you must like what you see. Image quality is superb. What about focus speed? The Sigma HSM focusing motor is the match of Canon’s Ultrasonic USM motor at f5.6. The Canon system is faster at f4, but that’s always the case. A larger maximum aperture will allow for faster focusing speeds. Focusing accuracy is also, at least in my sample very, very good. I almost never override and use manual focus, and I’m a stickler for focus accuracy.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Sigma 300-800mm Lens Review

Olympus, Panasonic and Sigma Joint Press Release

Cross-manufacturer compatibility providing more choices and flexibility for D-SLR photographers - Olympus, Panasonic & Sigma publish joint Four Thirds Standard lens catalogue

London, 14 September 2006 – Olympus Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) and Sigma Corporation announce the publication of a joint product catalogue that features the full range of interchangeable lenses suitable for use by all Four Thirds Standard-based digital SLR cameras. Coinciding with the launch of the latest Olympus Four Thirds Standard camera, the E-400, plus two new, ultra-compact ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, the catalogue showcases how cross-manufacturer compatibility of the standard enhances versatility for photographers.

Pentax UK Press Release

An Interchangeable Medium-Telephoto Lens for PENTAX Digital SLR Cameras, Featuring Ultra-Thin Pancake Design and High-Quality Visual Description

Pentax is pleased to announce the launch of the smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited lens, designed for exclusive use with its digital SLR cameras and featuring an ultra-thin pancake design and uni-focal, medium-telephoto optics. With its medium-telephoto perspective, this new lens is ideal for many different situations, including portraiture and landscape photography. Its high-performance optics not only assures outstanding image quality, but also allows distinctive visual expression. The materials used for this lens have been carefully selected for optimum holding comfort and utmost operability. Thanks to Pentax’s advanced manufacturing technology, this new lens is designed to be extremely thin and lightweight, assuring go-anywhere portability for casual, day-to-day snapshot photography.

Camera Labs have reviewed 3 potential lens upgrades for the new Canon EOS 400D DSLR, including the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM.

“While the EF-S 18-55mm performs surprisingly well for its price though, you’ll really need to upgrade to something better to make the most of your 400D / XTi. Upgrading also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a longer focal range along with features which could include Image Stabilisation to combat camera-shake, improved focusing, or greater capabilities in low light.”

Website: Camera Labs - Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi lens upgrade group test

The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens.

“The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC Lens’ AF sound is relatively quiet but not silent like an HSM or USM lens. AF speed is on the slow side of average. AF accuracy was also on the low side of average. When shooting the very well-lit ideal focus point on ISO 12233 chart tests using AF, every other image was completely out of focus at 18mm f/2.8 and AF was inconsistent at 24mm. In real world use, I missed a noticeably higher number of shots than I should have. AF performance was especially poor in low light (where focus hunting is frequent). Results were also poor in AI Servo mode.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC Lens Review

The-Digital-Picture.com have taken a look at the new Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di lens.

“Build quality is not rugged, but it is solid - very adequate I’d say. The included hood is similarly built. The rubber on the zoom ring is grippy, soft and deeply ribbed. The zoom and focus rings turn smoothly. Tamron’s rear lens cap only attaches at one position - a bit of a pain since I’m used to Canon’s 3 attachment positions. Tamron’s excellent center-pinch 67mm front cap more than makes up for this pain - I’ve considered putting these on my Canon lenses - And many of Sigma’s lenses desperately need them.”

Website: The-Digital-Picture.com - Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di Lens Review

Canon introduces the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM prime lens, the company’s widest aperture optic. The Canon EF 50mm lens will be priced around £1149.99 RRP VAT INC (€1669.99) and available late September.

UPDATE: I’ve now added some images from this morning’s UK press conference to the end of this article.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is please to announce the release of its new L-series standard prime lens: the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM. Sharing the widest aperture of any lens in Canon’s current EF range, the Canon 50mm f/1.2L offers extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low available light performance. It is expected to be popular amongst wedding and portrait photographers, as well as professional photojournalists. Endowed with Canon’s latest AF technologies, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM embodies the brand’s reputation for superior response high-speed auto focus, while a circular aperture produces beautifully even background blur.

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens offers up to 4 stops of image stabilisation with 2 modes and a compact, lightweight body. The Canon EF 70-200mm lens will be priced around £989.99 RRP VAT INC (€1429.99) and available late September.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today announces the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, Canon’s first interchangeable lens with 4 stop Image Stabilizer. This allows hand held photography with no perceptible image blur at shutter speeds up to 4 steps slower than otherwise possible – ideal for low light shooting without tripod or flash. Dust and moisture resistant, compact, manoeuvrable, and incorporating Canon’s finest standards of precision optics, Canon’s latest professional L-series lens is expected to be popular for travel, expedition and wildlife assignments where there is a requirement to travel light without compromising image quality.

CameraLabs have just reviewed the Tamron AF18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD IF lens.

“Unsurprisingly a lens with this kind of focal range is rarely going to perform as well as one with a shorter range, but we were impressed overall by the results possible. Certainly unless you’re into extreme wide or telephoto work, or demand the ultimate quality, you could really be very happy with one of these lenses. Indeed many photographers could fit one and never take it off again – and that’s not only highly convenient but also greatly reduces the potential for dust to enter the camera body.”

Website: CameraLabs - Tamron 18-200mm Lens Review

Tamron Press Release

Honor Marks Tamron’s 8th Time to Receive This Most Prestigious and Internationally Recognized Award

August 17, 2006, Omiya, Japan — The SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) (Model A16), a lightweight, compact and fast zoom lens designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors, which was launched by Tamron on May 15, 2006, has been selected as the winner of the EISA Photo Award – European Consumer Lens of the Year 2006-2007. The lens was highly evaluated by the editors-in-chief and technical editors of leading photographic magazines in Europe as an easy-to-use, high performance and fast standard zoom lens featuring the latest optical design technologies.

Sigma Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM lens. Specially designed for digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, this large aperture F2.8 lens has a compact and lightweight construction of 76.3mm (3.0”) in diameter, 132.6mm (5.2”) in length and weighing just 780g (27.5oz) (Nikon Mount). The incorporation of the very latest optical technology gives optimum lens performance providing excellent correction for flare, ghosting and all types of aberrations. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. Four SLD(Special Low Dispersion)glass elements are used for utmost correction of chromatic aberrations. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing with full time manual focus override. The addition of the 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters (optional extras) produces a 70-210mm F4 AF tele-zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 AF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively.

The Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is announced, which will cost £399.99 and be available in October 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced features. The lens features Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII) to ensure the best images. Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is suitable for various telephoto shooting opportunities, particularly in sports, nature and wildlife photography. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.