Nikon releases Nikkor AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED

Note: due to connection problems, this has been posted a day late. We apologise for the inconvience.

Nikon has released its Nikkor AF-S 24mm F/1.4G ED wide aperture prime lens for full-frame DSLRs.

The 24mm lens features an anti-reflective Nano Crystal coating and ED and aspherical lens elements to help reduce distortion and chromatic aberration. The lens is weather-resistant and includes a Silent Wave Motor for quieter autofocus operation.

The lens will come with a recommended selling price of $2199.95/€2149.00/£1949.99.

Nikon releases its Nikkor AF-S 16-35mm f/4 VR

Note: due to connection problems, this has been posted a day late. We apologise for the inconvience.

Nikon has released its Nikkor AF-S 16-35mm f/4 VR, which is the first ultra-wide angle lens for full frame ever to have image stabilisation.

The AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens includes a Silent Wave Motor and VR II technology, which Nikon claims provides up to four stops benefit against camera shake when hand-holding. The lens also includes Nano Crystal coating to combat flare, a magnesium alloy barrel and weather sealing.

The lens will come with a recommended selling price (RRP) of $1259.95/€1199.00/£1049.99.

Expectations and Speculations of PMA 2010

PMA 2010 approaches; one of the major photography-related shows in the USA – and with branches worldwide – it annually brings lots of speculation. The event is being held at Anaheim, California from February 21-23.

Canon: 1Ds Mark IV, 60D and maybe three new lenses as a possibility; though there is a chance of a Rebel. Canon will be having announcements on February 9th, so we assume that’s when Canon will bring out its best.

Nikon: because we have not had an in-depth summary for Nikon, unlike the Feb 9 announcements in Canon, this may be somewhat longer. To see other brands, please look below these paragraphs.

- On the 20th, Mr. Tetsuro Goto, the Director of Laboratory Research and Development at Nikon Japan, did an interview with a French magazine. Here at some points:

• No medium format from Nikon: “We have no experience in the niche market of medium-format. It may simply be impossible for Nikon to go on the market.”

• On Micro 4/3 & Nikon: “If we follow this type of equipment, we change our frame (mount). The new frame will provide new opportunities or provide access to new technologies and to use targets smaller and lighter”.

• Large sensor compact camera: “We study this way. You’ll know soon enough.”

• On EVF: “In the near future, it is possible that we will also use electronic viewfinders, but for now the quality is not there yet.”

• On SWM (Silent Wave Motor): “We are currently investigating a new system for the future.”

A picture of a D700x (shown below, image NR):

A translation reads:

Nikon D700X
Price  350000 yen  (around?)
Special Feature: Fitted with the 24MP CMOS sensor that is the same (level?) as the D3X
The super high quality 24 million pixel CMOS sensor fitted in D3X

Another DSLR possibility is the D900. Previously, models listed as ‘compatible’ under different products have mentioned a D900 (Nikon Rumors has reported these, but Camera Tech has not mentioned these due to improbability). However, yet another one, from the back of a Phottix Titan battery case, it has mentioned the D900. Potentially, it could be real, although on their website there is no mention of this compatibility.

For a list of  previously reported products for Nikon D900 click here, here, and here (will link to Nikon Rumors).

Another translation from the same foreign source that linked the D700x:

AFS Nikkor 18-50 mm f3.5-4.5G
Reasonably-priced, high-quality FX standard zoom

as well as some discussion on a potential AF-S 85mm F1.8G and AF-S VR 80-400mm f3.5-5.6G.

In addition to the D700x, lies talk of D95 as well.

Every rumor is taken from just one of these predictions by three distinguished professional photographers you see on the lower left side of the page in the link Mr. Fool provided. On the upper right side, it reads “New Full frame camera will be the axis of Nikon’s new model in 2010″. They predict that D700X will be using the same cropped sensor as D3X and the price will be about 350k yen ($4000 US). They also predict that 14.2 mega pixel APS-C sensor ( the same one currently used on Sony A550) will be the new standard for Nikon’s APS-C camera, and the replacement of D90 (which they call D95) will adapt that sensor. According to them, it will have Full HD video. The least credible of all is listed lenses on the right page.  The source simply states “we want attractive lenses to fully experience new high-megapixel full frame camera”. So lens part is more like a hope than a prediction.

The above was a quote from a Japanese camera magazine, CAPA.

Panasonic: two compact (ie, point-and-shoot) cameras and a Lumix G replacement.

Olympus: several compact cameras.

Pentax: three new compact cameras, which should bring some variety in design.

Sony: a series of compact cameras and an a700 replacement.

Ricoh: new CX2 camera and a new 28-300mm GXR lens.

Samsung: a new k-mount for the Samsung NX-10 is expected, don’t have any other information at that point.

Tamron: two lenses; however, these could be released after PMA 2010.

Hasselblad: Hasselblad might feature whatever they’re releasing for the countdown (update in the link just mentioned contains news that it will be providing a service potentially similar to Canon’s World Of EOS.

Fuji: a new Micro Four-Thirds EVIL model; potentially some digital and film cameras.

Leica: Leica is not attending PMA 2010, but they should be releasing a 35mm Summilux M lens in March. Compact cameras then also are expected.

Sigma UK reduces professional lenses prices

Sigma UK has announced a reduction in the recommended retail prices of several of its professional lenses. It says that it is the result of securing lower cost prices from its parent company in Japan.

All prices are inclusive of VAT (17.5%) in the table below:

Lens	New suggested RRP
4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye	£715.21
8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye	£766.29
10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Fisheye	£613.03
15mm f/2.8 EX DG Fisheye	£613.03
180mm f/3.5 EX DG HSM Macro	£613.03
800mm f/5.6 APO EX DG	£5108.69
Sigma 100-300mm f/4 EX IF DG HSM	£1021.73
120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM	£2247.82
300-800mm f/5.6 APO EX DG HSM	£7152.16

Cosina announces Voigtländer Heliar 12mm f/5.6 lens for Leica M-mount

Cosina has announced a Voigtländer Heliar 12mm f/5.6 Aspherical II ultra wide-angle lens, designed for the Leica M-mount.

Obtaining a 121° angle of view, the manual focus lens can be fitted on Micro Four Thirds bodies when paired with an adaptor. Cosina has also released a 12mm External Viewfinder alongside the lens, which are priced at 85,000 yen (approximately USD $932) and 34,500 yen (approximately USD $378) respectively.

The lens and viewfinder will start shipping from March 2010.

Samsung patents 28mm f1.4 and possible 3D camera

Samsung has patented a 28mm f/1.4, 75 degree FOV (44mm image diagonal lens; full frame).

It brings curiosity, as the Samsung GX DSLR line is now no longer proceeding.

In other news, there was a flier at Samsung’s booth at CES 2010, which featured a drawing of a 3D camera that looked very similar to Fujifilm’s 3D camera.

Tamron to release two new lenses?

According to Photo Rumors, Tamron will be releasing two new lenses in the first quarter of 2010: a 70-300mm VC and 18-200mm.

Details are unknown, although they are expected to be replacements of the AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.56 Di LD Macro and the AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, released in 2006 and 2005 respectively.

Canon announces 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM

Canon has announced its 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II USM lens, an update to the popular and professional later version.

Canon’s press release says,

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, introduces the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Arguably the most popular focal range in Canon’s telephoto arsenal and a staple lens for any professional photographer, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens provides the focal length, maximum aperture and zoom power for capturing everything from fast-action sports to studio portraits. Built for the professional, the body structure of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens has been enhanced to provide better durability and strength without a significant increase in weight. Canon has improved optical performance on the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens by redesigning the internal elements, incorporating a fluorite element and a fifth UD element. The use of the fluorite element and five UD elements helps to minimize secondary chromatic aberrations and produce better image quality with improved contrast and resolution through the entire zoom range; the end result is an optically precise lens worthy of becoming the leader of Canon’s L-series lenses. <!–Lake Success, N.Y., January 5, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, introduces the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Arguably the most popular focal range in Canon’s telephoto arsenal and a staple lens for any professional photographer, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens provides the focal length, maximum aperture and zoom power for capturing everything from fast-action sports to studio portraits. Built for the professional, the body structure of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens has been enhanced to provide better durability and strength without a significant increase in weight. Canon has improved optical performance on the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens by redesigning the internal elements, incorporating a fluorite element and a fifth UD element. The use of the fluorite element and five UD elements helps to minimize secondary chromatic aberrations and produce better image quality with improved contrast and resolution through the entire zoom range; the end result is an optically precise lens worthy of becoming the leader of Canon’s L-series lenses.

–> Along with its redesigned optical elements, the new lens design features improved AF speed due to a new focusing algorithm and has reduced the minimum focusing distance to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) through the entire zoom range, allowing photographers to capture tighter portraiture shots in a small studio space. The previous lens model’s minimum focusing distance was 4.6 feet (1.4 meters), whereas now photographers can stand nearly 8 inches closer to their subject and achieve sharp focus and tight crops. Canon has also enhanced the Image Stabilization allowing it to compensate for shutter speeds up to four steps slower than 1/focal length, a one step improvement over the previous lens model.

“Canon’s core has always been our optics, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to produce better and more advanced optical systems for our customers. The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens incorporates the best advancements in Canon lens technology from the past few years and packages it into what we believe will be the most popular lens for professionals and advanced photographers,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The enhanced magnesium alloy barrel design of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens features added strength with a minimal 20-gram increase in weight compared with the previous model (1490g vs. 1470g) and retains Canon’s protective seals and fittings providing dust and water resistance for those photographers working in adverse conditions. A new bayonet mount on the front of the lens includes a locking mechanism to ensure the supplied lens hood remains securely in place. Other noticeable improvements include a wider focusing ring, and sleeker design by reducing the thickness of any protruding elements such as the switch panel. The new lens is also compatible with Canon’s existing EF1.4X II and EF2X II Extenders as well as EF Extension Tubes and the 77mm Close-Up Lens 500D.

Pricing and availability – we quote from Canon USA:

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is supplied with a detachable tripod collar, a reversible bayonet mount lens hood and a lens pouch. The new lens is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers in April, price to be determined.

Predictions on Canon lenses + DSLRs in 2010

Canon Rumors has put up its annual list of predictions for Canon lenses and DSLRs in 2010.

While some may not be entirely accurate, Canon Rumors is reliable for the most part.

DSLR predictions

Lens predictions

Samyang announces 8mm f3.5 & 85mm f1.4 for Four Thirds

Samyang has announced its plans to make its 8mm f3.5 fish-eye and 85mm f1.4 lenses in the Four Thirds mount. The lenses are already available in Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax mounts.

The manual focus lenses will be available by the end of March, 2010. Polish importer Delta has started to distribute Samyang’s lens range across Europe, and the London Camera Exchange selling exclusively to the UK market.