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Pentax SLR lenses

Dennis Hissink
Photokina report
Tuesday 23rd, September 2008
Posted by: Dennis Hissink

Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of two high-performance interchangeable lenses for the acclaimed smc Pentax-DA* (DA Star) series. These lenses are designed exclusively for use with Pentax digital SLR cameras to deliver top-quality digital images. The smc Pentax-DA* 60-250mm F4ED [IF] SDM is a versatile telephoto zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio, while the smc Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM is a compact medium-telephoto lens offering a large maximum aperture.

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Pentax SLR lenses

Sigma 24-70mm lens

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens. This large aperture standard zoom lens covers focal lengths from 24mm and is housed in compact construction. The latest optical design provides an overall length of 94.7cm /3.7inch. It is ideal for general photography such as snapshots, portraiture and landscapes. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass, two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range.

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Nikkor 18-105mm lens

Posted by: Mark Peters Wednesday 27th, August 2008

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR. The new Nikkor lens, with a focal length between 18 and 105 mm, is a high performance and cost efficient lens with a focal length equivalent to 27 to 157.5 mm in 35 mm format. It has been designed to partner with Nikon’s D90. The introduction of this new lens offers even greater freedom in lens selection and is the perfect choice for any photographer. The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR is useful in a broad range of shooting settings. The wide zoom range makes it suitable for buildings and scenery while the telephoto zoom range is ideal for portraits.

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Canon EF-S 18-200mm telephoto lens

Posted by: Mark Peters Tuesday 26th, August 2008

Canon strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of a versatile new model: the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. With an equivalent focal length of 29-320mm, the lens offers an 11x zoom range - making it a powerful, lightweight alternative to carrying multiple lenses. The EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is designed exclusively for use with EOS cameras featuring an EF-S lens mount - including the new EOS 50D, EOS 1000D, EOS 450D, and earlier models. The Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS features a 16 element, 12 group construction. This includes UD and aspherical lens elements, which minimise chromatic aberration and ensure crisp, corner-to-corner detail across the zoom range.

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Zeiss ZF lenses

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Monday 2nd, October 2006

At the Photokina Zeiss announced four new Zeiss ZF lenses for the Nikon F Mount. Showcased behind glass, and we almost missed them, two new wide-angle lenses with Nikon F Mount. The new Distagon T* 2/35 ZF and the Distagon T* 2,8/25 cover full 35mm frame and can be used on both analog and digital SLRs. The Zeiss 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. The Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/25 is a lens with pronounced wide-angle characteristics. It excels in dynamic architecture, landscape, and travel photography. Its sharpness goes far beyond any current color film. The minimum object distance of just two inches from the front element enables unique wide-angle close-ups. The new lenses will be shipping as of end of 2006 and will both have a street price of €699.

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Canon lenses

Posted by: Ilse Jurrien Friday 29th, September 2006

Since the launch of the EOS camera system Canon produced an impressive number of 30 million interchangeable EF lenses. Of course events like the Photokina are the perfect place to showcase the lens assortment. Since the digital SLR camera raise in popularity the market for lenses is booming again. The EF lens mount revolutionised SLR photography in 1987 by replacing mechanical links between camera and lens with electronic contacts and providing for an internal auto focus motor. Even with continued development and evolution of focus systems, Image Stabilizer technologies, lens element materials science, weather sealing and design, the EF mount remains consistent.

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Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 lens

Posted by: Ilse Jurrien Tuesday 26th, September 2006

Sigma launched today a new Four-Thirds system compatible, compact telephoto zoom lens; Sigma APO 135-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG. This telephoto zoom lens gives the equivalent field of view to our popular 800mm when used on Four-Thirds cameras. The very latest lens coating technology and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. This lens uses one aspherical lens and three Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements for excellent correction of various aberrations. The rear focusing system ensures fast focusing speed as well as preventing the front of the lens rotating, making it particularly suitable for use with circular polarizing filters.

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Sigma APO 300-800mm HSM lens

Posted by: Ilse Jurrien Tuesday 26th, September 2006

Sigma launched a new Four-Thirds system compatible, large aperture ultra-telephoto zoom lens; Sigma APO 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG HSM. This Sigma lens covers the equivalent field of view to 600mm to 1600mm when used on Four-Thirds cameras. By continuously varying the angle of view, the lens takes a lot of the footwork out of picture composition. The very latest lens coating technology and lens design reduce flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. Two ELD glass elements in the front lens group reduce chromatic aberration to a minimum and also ensure high optimum image quality. The overall length of the lens does not change during focusing and zooming, ensuring convenient handling.

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Today’s digital SLR market appeals to the high-end consumer market and is growing in popularity. Increasing prices for DSLR cameras are not discouraging consumers from purchasing high quality digital cameras. SLR lenses have therefore become more and more important, and with the digital SLR as the driver, both professional and amateur photographers are interested in SLR lenses. DSLR cameras have been a niche product in the past, but as the products continue to attract consumer interest, they are driving innovative digital technology. The average SLR Lens price has dropped and has become a complementary good to your digital SLR camera. The SLR lenses are a great accessory for your DSLR camera and with the offering of a large series of lenses from various manufacturers, the market is competitive and therefore attractive for both professional and amateur. Photokina 2008 will showcase the latest SLR lenses; look out for our daily report at the Photokina 2008 show report.