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Olympus Introduces New Micro Four Thirds Lens

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:42:01 +0000

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras. The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control. In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on [...]

Tamron Announces the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC for Sony NEX

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:47:43 +0000

December 8, 2011, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the introduction of an exciting new lens, the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III** VC (Model B011). The new high-power zoom lens is designed for the Sony E-mount system of its NEX series interchangeable-lens, lightweight and compact digital cameras. Sales in Japan will commence from December 15, 2011. Product Features High-power 18-200mm(*1) lightweight and compact zoom lens weighing 460g with a 62mm filter is designed for the E-mount system of Sony’s NEX series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Equipped with Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto. Striking appearance worthy of the NEX series design. The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver. Stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates Contrast-detection AF and shooting video. * “Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras” are also known as “Compact System Cameras.” **Di III (Digitally integrated design): A designation Tamron gives to lenses engineered specifically for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with no internal mirror box or pentaprism, adopting an optical design that matches the characteristics of [...]

Hasselblad gets festive with half-price lens deal

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:59:34 +0000

Hasselblad is offering customers who buy a new H4D-40 camera with an 80mm lens the chance to buy a second HC/HCD lens of their choice at a massive 50% discount. The exclusive Christmas/New Year deal means that a photographer opting for an HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm zoom lens could save up to GBP 2,397 / USD 3,747 overall on the purchase. Explained Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad Global Sales and Marketing Director: “There has never been a better time to invest in the cutting edge Hasselblad H4D-40. We have just announced excellent free firmware upgrades on all new H4D-40 and H4D-50 cameras including: one-click instant digital focus check, two directional electronic spirit level, an improved high resolution display and a brand new rear display with grip info on the back And from now until the end of January photographers buying an H4D-40 with an 80mm lens can get half price discounts on any H line lens from the HCD 4/28mm wide angle upwards.” Any photographer keen to take advantage of this promotion should visit the Hasselblad website at www.hasselblad.com/h4d-40-lenscampaign or contact their local dealer for more information.

Sigma Corporation Announces Availability and Pricing for Updated Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:10:33 +0000

New, stabilized, multipurpose, high-zoom lens offers higher performing glass for landscape, portrait shooters

Phase One and Schneider Kreuznach Announce Innovative New Lens Designs

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:14:27 +0000

Phase One, medium format market leader and precision lens maker Schneider Kreuznach today announced a series of new lenses. Building on two years of intense collaboration including delivering four new lenses to market, the companies have now designed another four superior quality lenses for professional photographers.

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012”

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:52:56 +0000

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012” by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Photo Awards. In April of this year, Sigma’s 70-200mm also won the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) “Best Expert Lens” award for its Optic Stabilization (OS) system, and its HSM function that provides smooth and silent auto focusing. KEY LENS FEATURES EISA honored Sigma’s large aperture, telephoto zoom lens for its outstanding image quality, light weight and ease of operation. Two FLD glass elements, super multi-layer lens coating, and it is extremely compact, measuring only 7.8 inches in length. Sold by authorized Sigma dealers for a MSRP of $2,470.00. SUPPORTING QUOTES According to EISA, “Sigma has produced a telephoto zoom lens that offers professional features and exceptionally good image quality at a very reasonable price … this lens is a perfect choice for both demanding amateurs and professional photographers.” Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America: “The 70-200MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is very versatile, and is popular among photographers of all skill levels. The 70-200mm focal range is often the second most important lens to own after a strong standard lens or mid-range [...]

New CP.2 Lenses from Carl Zeiss – Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:10:56 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 09.09.2010. - Carl Zeiss has expanded its popular Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two new focal lengths: the 50 mm with macro and 100 mm with close focus function. These lenses have been specially developed for filming with HDSLR cameras and will be presented for the first time at the IBC in Amsterdam (September 10-14). Product delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2010. Retail price starts at EUR 3.700 excl. VAT. The CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF is based on the Planar design and is the longest focal length in the Compact Prime CP.2 lens series so far. It extends the series by adding a very fast telephoto lens with a close-up focusing range of 0.7 meters. The CP.2 50mm/T2.1 Makro is based on the Makro-Planar design and allows close-up shots to be taken with the object at a distance of just 24 centimeters. This responds to the wishes of many filmmakers. All Compact Prime CP.2 lenses come with interchangeable mounts, guaranteeing maximum flexibility now and in the future, in every situation, and for various camera platforms. Thanks to the lenses’ aperture of T2.1, they are perfectly suited to filming in low-light situations. The macro lens allows [...]

Compact Prime CP.2 lenses from Carl Zeiss now also with F-mount

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:42:07 +0000

OBERKOCHEN, 08.09.2010 – In 4th quarter of 2010, ZEISS Compact Prime CP.2 lenses will be available with F-mount. The Compact Prime CP.2 series, presented last April, were the first lenses developed especially for shooting with HDSLR cameras. Since then, the lenses have been highly sought after by cinematographers and film photographers alike. In addition to the PL-, EF- and F-mount, Carl Zeiss will soon also be offering the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses with Micro 4/3 and A-mount. The Compact Prime CP.2 lenses’ interchangeable mount means the lenses can be used for many purposes. The lenses have a compact and robust build so that they can handle any demand on the film set. “With the new enhancement of mounts we want to meet the needs of our customers”, says Michael Schiehlen, Head of Sales of Carl Zeiss AG Camera Lens Division. “The possibility of using our CP.2 lenses flexibly for three different camera systems is not only interesting for new customers. Stores that rent cameras and camera equipment also benefit from the lenses’ enhanced flexibility.” Just in time for the IBC in Amsterdam, Carl Zeiss has announced two new focus lengths that will also be available with F-mount: Compact Prime CP.2 [...]

Carl Zeiss Introduces the Distagon T* 1,4/35 Lens in Nikon (ZF.2) and Canon (ZE) Mounts

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:17:22 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 01.09.2010. A woman is sitting at the bar of a dimly-lit cafe. Lost in thoughts, she doesn’t notice the glass of wine the bartender places before her. From a distance, a photographer tries to capture her mood. He brings her face, which is leaning toward her phone, into focus. Everything around her becomes a blur, and the lights in the background coalesce into a wild “dance” of diffuse shapes. This shot will only work with a fast lens with short focal length and harmonious bokeh. Carl Zeiss introduces a new lens for just such images: the Distagon T* 1,4/35. By introducing the Distagon T* 1,4/35, Carl Zeiss is complementing the Planar T*1,4/50 and T*1,4/85 lenses with a wide-angle lens that shares the same high speed. Crisp, sharp images work every time, whether at dusk or in the weak lighting conditions of a café, and without the need for a tripod. With its 35-mm, the Distagon T* 1,4/35 matches the classic and versatile standard focal lengths when used on cameras with APS-C sensor formats. Due to the special bokeh effects in both the foreground and background areas, the Distagon T*1,4/35 opens up new creative possibilities, giving photographers more [...]

Two New Powerful Olympus Micro Four Thirds Zoom Lenses

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:14:31 +0000

World’s Smallest 600mm Telephoto Zoom Lens and 80-300mm Equivalent Lenses Deliver Both Extreme Portability and Optimal HD Movie Recording CENTER VALLEY, Pa., August 31, 2010 – Olympus today announces two new lenses to its Micro Four Thirds lens family: the M.ZUIKO® DIGITAL ED 75-300 MM F4.8-6.7 and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150MM F4.0-5.6. Both lenses feature a high-speed, silent autofocus during still shooting and high definition (HD) movie capture. They are the ultimate lenses for zooming in on sporting events, beautiful wildlife and faces from a distance, and because they make barely a whisper when focusing, they won’t call attention to photographer or add unwanted noise to movie recordings. Look what you can do. Strong Zooms The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 with a 35 mm equivalent of 150-600mm is the world’s smallest and lightest 600mm super telephoto lens. Weighing merely 15.17 ounces and measuring 2.76 by 4.57 inches, this lightweight lens delivers excellent portability and outstanding image quality when paired with the award-winning Olympus PEN® cameras. Previous lenses offering 600mm or more have been too large and heavy for most users to enjoy super telephoto shooting. This lens is smaller and lighter than the comparable ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm f4.8-6.7. [...]

Carl Zeiss at Photokina 2010

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 14:13:08 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 24.08.2010. This year’s visitors to the Carl Zeiss booth at photokina will be able to touch, test and even walk through high-quality lenses. The optical experts want to make an encounter with the world ofCarl Zeiss something to remember. “We will present new lenses and, for the first time, accessories at photokina. You’ll have to be a bit more patient to find out exactly what we have in store,” announces Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division atCarl Zeiss AG. Twice as large as its predecessor in 2008, the “application island” at the booth in Hall 2.1 will allow visitors to test the entire line ofCarl Zeiss lenses. Using a number of real subjects, photographers and anyone else interested will have the opportunity to try our various focal lengths and settings. In addition to the entirely new ZEISS lenses, guests will also be able to use Sony lenses featuring Carl Zeiss technology and the coveted Compact Prime CP.2 lenses on HDSLR cameras for video recording. The walk-through lens introduced in 2008, invites this year’s visitors to experience the 120-year history of lenses at Carl Zeiss. It shows howCarl Zeiss has accompanied photography from one era to the next and how [...]

Cosina Voigtlander Updates 75mm Heliar Lens to M Mount

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:57:28 +0000

Cosina today announced a new lens in their family of M-mount lenses: the Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm f/1.8. An update to their excellent Color Heliar 75mm f/2.5, this version of the lens adds an M-mount (the original was Leica Thread Mount and had to use an adaptor on M-mount cameras) and is just about 1-stop faster than the original. The lens is expected to ship in September and will have an MSRP of $875 USD. The US distributor for Cosina Voigtlander, Cameraquest, has not made any announcements yet, but historically they will be accepting pre-orders with a small deposit. Specs Focal length 75mm Aperture ratio 1:1.8 Minimum aperture F16 Lens Construction 3 groups of 6 elements Angle of view 33.2 ° Number of diaphragm blades 10 Minimum focusing distance 0.9m Integration range rangefinder ∞ ~ 0.9m Diameter × length 57.9 × 73.8mm Filter size 52mm Weight 427g Mount VM mount I currently own the Color Heliar 75mm f/2.5 and use it on my M8 with an adaptor. I am curious to see how well the new lens performs. The Color Heliar’s claim to fame has always been it’s bokeh. CV has made some pretty strong claims to that heritage [...]

Traveling with the Leica Wide Angle Tri-Elmar

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 05:53:13 +0000

Leica is world renowned for the quality of their lenses. Unmatched optical design coupled with exotic glass, produces lenses that are head and shoulders above anything else in the 35 mm market today. Leica’s M-system rangefinders are no exception. However, due to the mechanical nature of the M-rangefinder, zoom lenses are not possible. This did not deter Leica’s engineers from creating multi-focal length lenses for this platform. The first such lens, the Tri-Elmar, was introduced in 1998 and sported three distinct focal lengths in one lens: 28, 35, and 50 mm, all at f/4. The lens was a mechanical marvel. In September 2006, Leica announced the Wide Angle Tri-Elmar (also known as the WATE) which covered focal lengths of 16, 18 & 21 mm. It was intended for the Leica M8, the first digital M camera which sported a 1.33x cropped sensor, making the effective focal lengths of the lens approximately 21, 24, and 28 mm. I recently took a trip to London and Paris and Leica USA was kind enough to loan me this $6000 lens and its attendant Universal Finder. I also packed my Nikon D700 kit as well and will now report on my experiences with carrying [...]

Carl Zeiss Presents the Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 Lens for Nikon F Mount

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:42:44 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 08.06.2010. Wide-angle lenses capture a large depth of field: A dragonfly that lands on a water lily while you can clearly make out the numerous blossoms behind its shimmering body; rocks, moss and cracks which create designs and formations extending to the horizon. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 lens from Carl Zeiss can create such unusual perspectives—in more than just nature photography. Now this popular and time-tested wide-angle lens is also available in a ZF.2 version for single-lens digital reflex cameras with F bayonet. With its very small focal distance, this newcomer to the ZF.2 lens series offers all the creative possibilities of manual focusing in photography. The ZF.2 has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever). The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is therefore ideal for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images alongside the comfort of automatic exposure control. You no longer have to manually set the data for focal length and speed in the cameras menu because the lens passes on these parameters to the camera. In addition to standard data such as lens [...]

Cosina Voigtlander announces APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL-II Close Focus Lens

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:38:29 +0000

Cosina Voigtlander introduced today the fourth lens in its SL-II DSLR lens lineup. The CV APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL-II Close Focus lens brings a short-telephoto/macro lens to their ever growing stable of fine DSLR lenses. Specifications Focal length / 90mm Maximum Aperture / 1:3.5 Minimum Aperture / F22 Lens / 5 groups of 6 elements Field of View / 27 ° Number of diaphragm blades / 9 Minimum focusing distance / 0.5m (with close-up adapter / 0.5 ~ 0.32m) Maximum magnification / 1:3.5 (with close-up adaptor / 1:1.8) Maximum diameter (Ai-S mount) / 63mm Filter Size / 52mm Overall length (Ai-S mount) / 48.2mm Weight (Ai-S mount) / 320g Type mount / Ai-S (CPU chip), KA / EF Other / special close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood Retail price (without tax) Nikon mount (Ai-S) ￥ 55,000 (~$600 USD) Pentax mount (KA) ￥ 55,000 (~$600 USD) Canon mount (EF) ￥ 58,000 (~$640 USD) Only close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood. Expected delivery date: march 2010

CV intros new 28/2 Ultron lens in M-mount

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 05:57:00 +0000

In a press release dated July 17, 2008, Cosina Voigtlander introduced (or should I say, reintroduced) a new lens for the Leica M-mount: the CV Ultron 28 mm F2. Based off of the now discontinued Ultron 28/1.9 LTM (Leica Thread Mount), the Ultron 28/2 is available only in black, adds a focusing tab that its predecessor lacked, and uses a 46 mm filter size. Available Specs Focal Length: 28 mm Lens Assembly: 10 Elements in 8 groups Aperture Range: f2 – f22 Min. Focusing Distance: .7 meters Weight: 244g (8.6 oz) Filter Size: 46 mm Estimated Availability: Mid August 2008 Pricing is not available at this time, however, Stephen Gandy over at Cameraquest is accepting pre-orders with a deposit of $100USD. It is unknown at this time whether the lens will maintain the aspherical lens element of its predecessor or whether the M-mount will bring up the correct framelines on a Leica M8. One would assume that since the Leica M8 is the only digital M-mount rangefinder currently in production that CV would set the mount up correctly for it. Regardless of any potential mount issues, this introduction bodes well for the continued life of the Leica M8 and its [...]

Cosina Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f2 SL II Review

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Cosina Voigtlander (CV) is a japanese camera maker that specializes in 35mm film rangefinder cameras. They also make their own lenses and are quite good at it since Cosina is the manufacturing partner of Carl Zeiss, AG. While the lion’s share of lenses they make are for Leica Thread Mount (LTM) and Leica M-mount, they do make a few SLR lenses in Nikon F and Pentax KA mounts. Today I present to you the CV Ultron 40mm f2 SL II. Specs Two surface Aspherical Element lens for maximum correction CPUs for metering compatibility with Nikon or Pentax digital SLRs Compact Pancake lens extends only 24.5mm from lens mount (Nikon AIS) Six elements in five optical groups 9 Aperture blades Size 200 grams, 63mm diameter, 24.5 length from lens mount (AIS) Filter size 52mm Close Up to .45 meter (1:7) without close up, close up range of .38 to .25 meter (1:4) with close up lens Angle of view with film 57 degrees Smallest aperture f/22 Included with the lens is the dome shape lens hood and the close up lens. Features The CV Ultron 40mm is a pancake lens, very short and compact by design. Made completely out of metal [...]

Zeiss announces a new SLR lens – Zeiss Distagon T* 18mm f3.5

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:58:00 +0000

Zeiss 18mm Distagon f3.5 – Side Originally uploaded by Carlos Echenique On June25, 2008 without too much fanfare, Carl Zeiss Company announced yet another lens for the Nikon (ZF) and Pentax (ZK) DSLR mounts. The Distagon T* 3,5/18 is a super-wide lens with 99 degree field of view (on film and FX sensor Nikons like the D3 and recently announced D700 – on DX cameras this lens is equivalent to 27mm). This lens is of rectilinear design and provides dramatic perspectives for architecture, landscape and close-up photographers. The all-metal body houses eco-friendly lens elements all sporting the Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating to minimize flaring and other stray light artifacts. The lens also includes Zeiss Color Matching Technology which provides homogenous color renditions. The lens takes 82mm filters on the front. A non-CPU, manual focus lens, the 18mm Distagon can be programmed into newer model Nikons (D300, D700, & D3). The lens will be available in early July 2008 (ZF mount) and Q3 2008 in ZK mount. Suggested list price is 960 Euro ( about $1500 USD ). Technical Specifications Focal length: 18 mm Aperture range: f/3.5 – f/22 (1/2 stop intervals) Number of elements/groups: 13/11 Focusing range: 0.3 m (0.98 [...]