Pentax have announced that they will be showing a brand new product, the PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 lens, at the PHOTO IMAGING EXPO 2006 show at Tokyo Big Site in Ariake, Tokyo from March 23 to 26. The Pentax 70mm F2.4 is an interchangeable uni-focal telephoto lens for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras.

Model name ( tentative ) : smc PENTAX-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited

Product information
  * Compact, lightweight telephoto lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras
  * Wide-perspective coverage with a 23-degree angle of view ( equivalent in focal length to 107mm in the 35mm format, when mounted on a PENTAX *istD-series digital SLR camera body )
  * PENTAX-original KAF lens mount
  * Market launch tentatively scheduled for October 2006

Thom Hogan has cast his critical eye over the new Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens.

“One of the surprises with the D200 announcement was that it could be purchased with a new DX wide angle to telephoto zoom lens. Having a kit lens for consumer camera isn’t new for Nikon, but this was a doozy: 18-200mm focal lengths plus vibration reduction and AF-S speed. This looked like the do-all, be-all lens for virtually everything except extreme wide angle, extreme telephoto, extreme macro, and extreme low light. In other words, a lens you would use most of the time.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikon 18-200mm VR Lens Review

A number of service advisory notices have been issued about the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens, by both Nikon and Fujifilm.

Nikon Europe Notice

We would like to inform customers of an issue that may occur when the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is used with the D100, D2H or D70 digital cameras. With the lens set to a wide-angle position, in some rare cases, the camera is unable to acquire accurate focus on near subjects when auto focusing starts from the infinity position. This issue is caused by incompatibilities in AF control at short distances between the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens and the following cameras, D100, D2H or D70 (only D70 firmware versions earlier than version 2.00, it does not occur with firmware version 2.00). This issue does not occur with Nikon digital cameras or lenses other than those indicated.

Sigma UK Press Release

CameraWorld launch Sigma EX Lens Hire and Try Before You Buy

CameraWorld have recently introduced a Sigma EX lens hire and try before you buy scheme in their flagship London store. Lens hire is available for daily, weekly or weekend rates. The try before you buy scheme offers a 50% rebate on hire charges if the lens is purchased at the time of hire. All lenses are offered at CameraWorld’s competitive low prices.

Tokina have quietly unveiled their 2006 roadmap for lenses, including the very interesting Tokina 10-17mm fisheye zoom. Here’s a list of all the new Tokina lenses for 2006:

- 10-17mm f3.5-4.5
- 16-50mm f2.8
- 17-135mm f3.5-5.6
- 50-135mm f.28

These are all in the AT-X Pro DX and AT-X DX for digital SLRs with APS-C sized sensors. Sounds like one of the more intriguing lens lineups!

Website: Tokina Lens Roadmap

PMA 2006: The LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is announced today at PMA. It incorporates Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilization) system and an aperture ring in addition to the focus ring and zoom ring.

Leica / Panasonic Press Release

World’s First Leica Interchangeable Lens with Optical Image Stabilization System Designed Exclusively for Digital SLR Cameras

Leica Camera AG and Panasonic are pleased to announce the development of a new interchangeable lens based on the Four Thirds standard. Featuring a focal length from 14mm to 50mm?(35mm equivalent: 28mm to 100mm), the new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 ASPH lens is the first interchangeable lens from Leica developed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. The “D” signifies that it is designed for the new digital system. The partnership between Leica and Panasonic has resulted in rigorous quality standards for the development and manufacturing of this interchangeable lens, so that the technology and expertise of Leica Camera and Panasonic will be integrated at their highest levels. Both Panasonic and Leica Camera AG are confident that the results of their cooperative efforts will be successful and highly evaluated by customers.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for Four Thirds lens is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro for the Four Thirds fitting. This medium telephoto macro lens produces an excellent optical performance due to its new lens power layout. The new lens coating cuts down ghosting, the influence of harmful light caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. Its outstanding optical performance provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration and distortion. This lens boasts compact dimensions of 74mm (maximum diameter) and 97.5mm (overall length). It has a filter size of 58mm and, at just 450gms, is also extremely lightweight. The minimum focusing distance of 31.2cm (12.2”) is capable of macro photography with a maximum magnification of 1:1. It is possible to enjoy photography from life-size close-up to infinity.

PMA 2006: The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 150mm 2.8 EX DG for the Four Thirds fitting. This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups. Its large F2.8 aperture makes it an ideal lens for digital SLR as well as film SLR cameras. The new lens power layout provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration to which digital cameras are prone. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high image quality.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

EX series, large aperture zoom lens designed specifically for use with digital SLR cameras is now available in the Four Thirds fitting.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 18-50mm 2.8 EX DC for the Four Thirds fitting. The characteristics of digital SLR cameras were taken into consideration when designing the lens power layout. The new advanced lens design corrects various aberrations. This lens provides the utmost correction against lateral chromatic aberration which is a serious problem for digital SLR cameras. This lens is specially coated to get the best colour balance whilst cutting down flare and ghosting, caused by reflections from the digital image sensor and lens. It has excellent correction for vignetting and superior peripheral brightness is ensured.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG/HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM for the Four Thirds fitting. This high zoom ratio lens is optimised for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto. When used on a Four Thirds camera, the effective focal length will be 100-1000mm. This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear Focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range. The new lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, is a common problem of digital cameras, and also creates an optimum colour balance. This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of color aberration.

PMA 2006: The Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens for Four Thirds is announced at PMA today.

Sigma UK Press Release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM for the Four Thirds fitting. Two SLD glass elements are especially effective in the compensation of magnification chromatic aberration. A molded glass aspherical lens at the rear lens group reduces colour aberration and provides high-quality image results. The lens creates exceptionally sharp images of high contrast from its minimum focusing distance of 40cm to infinity. The HSM design provides quiet high-speed auto-focus with full-time manual focus override. The large maximum aperture of F1.4 produces a versatile lens that performs superbly in a great range of applications including portraiture, indoor and studio work and landscape photography.

PMA 2006: The EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM portait lens is announced today. The EF 85mm f/1.2 II USM will be available from April 2006, priced at £1629.99 / €2359.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon introduces its EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM lens; ideal for portraits and low light

Canon is pleased to announce the launch of its latest professional L-series prime lens: the exceptionally fast EF 85 mm f/1.2 L II USM. With the widest aperture of any lens in the current EF range, the new model becomes Canon’s definitive portraiture lens, offering extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low light performance. With vastly improved auto focus speed, the lens replaces the popular EF 85mm f/1.2 L USM. As with all L-series lenses, the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM incorporates the very finest standards of precision optics.

PMA 2006: The Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM lens is announced today. The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM will be available from June 2006, priced at £869.99 / €1259.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon’s new constant aperture EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM zoom lens; a great low-light performer

Canon today strengthens its EF-S lens series with the launch of the Image Stabilised wide angle EF-S17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. With image quality and construction approaching that of Canon’s renowned professional lenses, the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM becomes the fastest standard focal length zoom for EF–S mount cameras such as the new EOS 30D. Combining constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range with Canon’s latest 3-stop Image Stabiliser, it delivers outstanding wide angle performance and framing flexibility in low light conditions. Specialist optics such as UD glass and aspherical elements help deliver exceptional clarity, sharpness, contrast and colour accuracy.

PMA 2006: The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens is announced today. Available end of March for £599.99 / €889.

Nikon Press Release

The world’s first macro lens equipped with SWM and VR systems.

Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, the world’s first macro lens equipped with Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) systems. It offers a host of Nikon’s advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) . The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras. This lens has been developed to meet user demand for a 105mm macro lens equipped with SWM, IF and VR system. The SWM ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and quick switching between autofocus and manual operation. The IF system also offers a non-rotating front lens element that facilitates the use of circular polarizing filters.

Fixation Press Release

With effect from the end of February 2006, FIXATION will become the first UK SIGMA Official EX Professional Repair Centre. The addition of SIGMA servicing facilities at the respected south London service centre has been a result of the rapidly increasing demand for SIGMA lenses by accredited professionals and the requirement for the servicing of them. FIXATION have been established over 18 years and are already authorised CANON & Nikon service agents providing repair facilities of the highest standards. Considerable investment in spares and special tools along with the appointment of a fully trained SIGMA service technician will enable FIXATION to provide speedy and effective repairs and servicing of SIGMA EX lenses to manufacturing standards.

Tamron Press Release

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Aspherical (IF) Lens introduced

A lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens, designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras (APS-C Size), featuring true wide angle.

Two years after Tamron launched the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di lens as a standard, compact, fast standard zoom lenses, it remains highly popular with advanced amateur and professional photographers alike. Now Tamron, moving with market trends, has unveiled a new design for fast standard zoom lenses used exclusively for digital SLR cameras that covers the easy to use angles of view: the focal length is equivalent to 26-78mm* when converted to a 35mm format. In particular, the wide-angle focal length is established at 17mm (26mm equivalent) to obtain a wider angle of view than ordinary standard zoom lenses, while maintaining the remarkably lightweight and compact size of the earlier full frame zoom lens model.
*Tamron’s conversion ratio is 1.55 x.

Tamron Press Release

AF 28-200mm – High Power Zoom & AF 70-300mm Telephoto Zoom now available in Di Series

TAMRON announces the introduction of two up-graded popular Tamron lenses, both feature a Di optical sysem for use with digital and film cameras. Di (Digitally Integrated) is a designation Tamron gives lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance chatacteristics of digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras. The 28-200mm was the first generation of high-powered zoom lenses originally introduced in 1992. The current 28-200mm model makes use of XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass to achieve a remarkably lightweight and compact product that has won wide acclaim and this new version incorporates improved multi-coating for digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras. The 70-300mm offers a lightweight and compact zoom lens with macro capability that can now be used with digital cameras. By flipping a macro switch in the focal length range of 180mm to 300mm, a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at a minimum focus distance as short as 95cm is obtained, enabling close-up shots of objects that normally require the use of a specially designed macro lens.

auspiciousdragon.net have just reviewed the Leica M 50mm f1 Noctilux lens.

“What this means in practice is that Noctilux photos can have soft dreamy sort of look without being short on detail. The combination of this macro-softness and an extremely narrow depth of field would be ruined by ugly out of focus areas. This is another big topic (google ‘bokeh’ or ‘boke’), but in this regard the Noctilux is incomparable. The creamy smoothness and gradual transitions outclass my other lenses by quite a distance.”

Website: auspiciousdragon.net - Leica M 50mm f1 Noctilux Review

Interested in the new range of Carl Zeiss ZF / ZS lenses for the Nikon F mount? Then head over to Rob Galbraith, where they asked 20 questions about the new lens line-up.

“How would you compare the optical quality of ZF/ZS lenses to the same or similar lenses from Nikon and Canon?

The same superiority applies in comparison with similar Nikon lenses. Contax users have been raving about the 3-dimensional look of their pictures taken with ZEISS lenses, when compared with Nikon or Canon photos. So ZF should make this difference even more apparent.”

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-7890-8183

Dan’s Data have reviewed the Lensbaby 2, a lens for SLR cameras that brings one area into sharp focus whilst creatively blurring the rest of the photograph.

“It doesn’t take long to figure the Lensbaby out. The instant feedback of peering through the viewfinder while wiggling your camera’s snout around helps a lot. The Lensbaby is also very solidly made. When you’re pulling on the concertina to get the closest possible focus (which is less than five inches; if you find yourself doing this a lot, the optional Macro Kit could be an idea…), it never feels as if the lens end is going to pop off, or the camera end’s going to wedge itself into the mounting ring, or do some similarly awful thing. The concertina part is easier to squish right up, though, because there’s no point to squishing it to the absolute max. You get to infinity focus before you get to maximum squish.”

Website: Dan’s Data - Lensbaby 2 Review

Website: Read my Review of the Original Lensbaby