Nikon Announces the Development of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Lenses

Nikon just officially announced the development of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, a fast mid-telephoto prime lens, and the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8, a slim wide-angle prime lens, for Z-mount full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras.

Nikon is being very tight-lipped about their new ultrafast telephoto prime, leaving us with just the focal length, maximum aperture and 82mm front filter thread revealed in the single product image released alongside the press release. Unfortunately, we don’t know anything about pricing or availability just yet, but if you’re attending CES 2023 in Las Vegas from January 5–8, you can get a sneak peek of the lens at Nikon’s booth.

Press release: Continue reading “Nikon Announces the Development of the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Lenses”

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Announced

Along with the new Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX, Panasonic also announced a new S-series lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro. The compact, lightweight full-frame lens joins two existing “budget” lenses in the LUMIX S system, the LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro lens will be available by the end of March for $799.99.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens: $797.99 at B&HAdorama.

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Features

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO Lens is well-suited for everything from landscapes and cityscapes to street scenes and architecture. An excellent choice for travel photography and everyday shooting, this full-frame lens delivers beautiful images across the entire zoom range and is a great choice for still photography, vlogs, and other video content.

  • Compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Minimum focusing distance of just 5.9″ throughout zoom range for working with close-up subjects.
  • Micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change and professional quality video.
  • Optimized for video, an advanced optical design minimizes focus breathing when changing focal lengths.
  • Lens design includes one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element.
  • Dust and splash-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, plus a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing.
  • Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces a New Compact and Lightweight Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with Macro Capability

Las Vegas, NV (January 4, 2023) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new cost-effective ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO based on the L-Mount system. The LUMIX S Series offers three budget-friendly lenses including the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO (S-R1428), LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) and LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300) to cover 14mm ultra wide-angle to 300mm telephoto. All of these lenses achieve high optical performance and stunning mobility fit to LUMIX S5 series cameras for both photo and video.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is comprised of 14 lens elements in 10 groups including one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, one aspherical lens, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of aspherical lenses realizes both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh. The three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. Despite its compact size and approximately 345g of light weight, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO boasts 0.25 (at 14mm) – 0.5x (at 28mm) macro capability. Taking advantage of the minimum focusing distance of 0.15m at entire zoom range, it can be used for close-up shots with beautiful bokeh. It is suitable for versatile situations including sweeping landscape shots in ultra-wide-angle of view.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision AF system with the sensor drive at max 240 fps.

For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. Focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees to enable intended focus operation¹. The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional quality video can be recorded.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO and LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens feature a common overall length and position of control parts to provide practical advantages in use. The weight and the center of the gravity of these lenses is similar, making it easy to exchange lenses quickly with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant² design withstands use under harsh conditions even at -10° Celsius for high mobility. A fluorine coating is applied to the front lens element to secure water/oil-repellency. An ND/PL filter with 77mm diameter can be attached.

Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers.
The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO will be available at valued channel partners for $799.99 at the end of March.

Notes

¹ The maximum sensitivity differs by camera model, up to 1080 degrees on S5II, S5IIX and BS1H (as of January 2023).
² Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

• L-Mount is a trademark or registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced

The new Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX mirrorless cameras are now officially announced. The new Panasonic cameras add phase detection autofocus to its 24MP CMOS sensor and uses the L mount shared with Leica and Sigma.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic Lumix S5 II body: $1,997.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 II with 20-60mm Lens: $2,297.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX body: $2,197.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama.

Panasonic Lumix S5 IIX with 20-60mm Lens: $2,497.99 at AmazonB&HAdorama. Continue reading “Panasonic Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX Officially Announced”

Canon EOS R8 Will Be Announced at CP+ 2023 in February

According to latest Canon rumors, the upcoming Canon EOS R8 mirrorless camera will be announced around CP+ 2023 in February in February 2023 (February 23-26).

Reportedly, this Canon EOS R8 camera will have a unique “flippy screen” and will be outfitted with the same 24.2MP image sensor found in its older brother, the EOS R10. All signs point to the EOS R8 fitting nicely in the lineup between the EOS R7 and EOS R10. As we eagerly await the official unveiling of the EOS R8, we’re left to wonder what other surprises Canon has for us at the CP+ show. Continue reading “Canon EOS R8 Will Be Announced at CP+ 2023 in February”

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens Announced, Priced $899.99

Panasonic updates a classic zoom with the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S Lens.  The company has officially announced the new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens.

This compact and versatile lens provides a convenient 24-70mm full-frame equivalent focal length range for covering wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives with a bright f/2.8 constant aperture allowing users to capture images in dim lighting conditions and with a shallow depth of field.

The US price of the lens is $899 and pre-orders are now open at Adorama and B&H.

Below are the detailed specifications of Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens: Continue reading “Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens Announced, Priced $899.99”

New Firmware Updates for Fujifilm X-T5, X-H2 and X-S10 Released

Fujifilm has just released the new firmware updates for the Fujifilm  X-T5X-H2 and X-S10 cameras. 

Click Here to Download Ver 1.01 for  Fujifilm X-T5 

Revised specification from Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.01

  1. The firmware bug has been fixed, which caused that the color reproduction looks bad in the under-exposure area of the image when taking the photo under the following conditions.
    [ Conditions ] ・FILM SIMULATION:“NOSTALGIC Neg.” or “ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS”
    ・LENS MODULATION OPTIMIZER:ON
    ・SMOOTHS SKIN EFFECT:“STRONG” or “WEAK”
    ・LENS APERTURE:F10 to F18
  2. Other minor bugs have been fixed.

Click Here to Download Ver 1.11 for Fujifilm X-H2 

Revised specification from Ver.1.10 to Ver.1.11

  1. The firmware bug has been fixed, which caused that the color reproduction looks bad in the under-exposure area of the image when taking the photo under the following conditions.
    [ Conditions ] ・FILM SIMULATION:“NOSTALGIC Neg.” or “ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS”
    ・LENS MODULATION OPTIMIZER:ON
    ・SMOOTHS SKIN EFFECT:“STRONG” or “WEAK”
    ・LENS APERTURE:F10 to F18

Click Here to download Ver 2.61 for Fujifilm X-S10 

Revised specification from Ver.2.60 to Ver.2.61

  1. The firmware bug has been fixed, which caused that the white frame of the AF point is not displayed correctly when setting the “AF MODE” to “ZONE” and “AF POINT DISPLAY” to “ON” with the camera body firmware Ver. 2.60.
Fujifilm X-T5 check price Amazon
Fujifilm X-H2 check price Amazon
Fujifilm X-S10 check price Amazon

 

Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount (DPRTV)

DPRTV posted a list of the best lenses for Fujifilm X mount. Below you can find the list of these Fuji lenses and the video in review. 

This is an excellent guide to the best lenses for Fujifilm cameras to buy in 2023. If you’re looking for the absolute best lenses for professional use with the Fujifilm X-series system, then look no further than here. Continue reading “Best Lenses for Fujifilm X-Mount (DPRTV)”

New Irix Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1:1 Lens Released

Irix released a new version of their 150mm T3.0 macro 1:1 cine lens for EF/RF/E/Z/MFT/MFT/PL mount. Check availability and pricing at AdoramaAmazon, and B&H.

Irix 150mm cine lens features

  • Ultra HD 8K ready optics with superb image resolution
  • Full Frame 43.3mm coverage
  • Weather-sealed construction
  • Same height aperture and focus rings
  • Similar size and weight
  • Color matched
  • Standard 0.8m pitch mod gears
  • Standard front diameter of 95mm
  • Multiple mounts: Canon EF, Arri PL, Canon RF, Sony E, MFT, Leica L, Nikon Z

Continue reading “New Irix Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1:1 Lens Released”

Announced: Venus Optics Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D GFX Medium Format Lens

Venus Optics has announced the release of a new Laowa 19mm F2.8 Zero-D lens for Fujifilm GFX camera systems. The Laowa 19mm F2.8 Zero-D lens is available to purchase today for $999 through Venus Optics’ online shop.

Main Features

    • Light & Compact
    • 110° Ultra-Wide Angle of View
    • Fast Aperture of f/2.8
    • Zero Distortion
    • 18cm Minimum Focusing Distance
    • 77mm Filter Thread
    • 10-Point Sunstars
    • Focusing Scale Adjustment System

Lens Specifications

Laowa 19mm f/2.8 Zero-D GFX
Focal Length 19mm
Angle of View 110°
Aperture Range f/2.8-22
Format Medium Format
Lens Structure 12 elements in 10 groups

(2 Aspherical Lens, 3 ED glass, 1 UHR glass)

Aperture Blades 5
Min. Focusing Distance 18cm (7”)
Max. Magnification 0.185X
Filter Thread Ø 77mm
Dimensions Ø 82.6 x 80mm (3.27” x 3.15”)
Weight 546g (~19.2 oz)
Mounts Fujifilm G

Here are the leaked Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports specs

According to the latest rumors, Sigma will announce a new 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS lens for Sony E-mount and their first lens for Nikon Z-mount in early 2023. Here are the leaked specifications of the upcoming Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports lens.

The previously rumored Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports lens will be the replacement for the current 60-600mm model.

Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG DN OS | Sports Specs

  • Lens construction: 27 elements in 19 groups
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 45-260cm
  • Maximum magnification: 1:2.4
  • Number of aperture blades: 9 (circular aperture)
  • Filter diameter: 105mm
  • Size: φ119.4mm x 279.2mm (281.2mm for E-mount version)
  • Weight: 2495g (2485g for E-mount version)
  • Hood: LH1144-02
  • Lens cap: LC-740E
  • Tripod socket: TS-121

If you’re not happy with the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3‘s telephoto reach, then Sigma’s new high-magnification telephoto zoom 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 could be just what you’re looking for – a perfect alternative to satisfy your photography needs!

Via Asobinet