Specs

• 14 Elements in 10 Groups, 1 ASP, 1 Hybrid ASP, 1 ED, 3 HR
• Aperture Range F2.8 ~ 22
• UMC Coating
• Minimum Focusing Distance 0.28m (0.92ft)
• Magnification Ratio X 0.08
• Diaphragm Blades 9
• Filter Size (mm) None (due to built-in lenshood)
• Maximum Diameter(mm) Φ 87.0
• Mounts - CANON, NIKON, SONY E, FUJI X, CANON M, MFT
• Length (mm) 96.1 96.3 122.1 122.4 122 120.9
• Weight (g) 649g 641g 708g 694g 695g 692g
• Retail UK prices ranging from £359 to £439, depending on model and fitting
• US price $99
  • available at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1565709-REG/rokinon_se14_mft_14mm_f_2_8_series_ii.html

Zeiss marketing goal is to focus on big production teams and teams working for Netflix and similar clients.

Totally it'll be 13 new lenses with PL, LPL, and EF mounts options.

• 15mm  T/1.8
• 18mm T/1.5
• 21mm  T/1.5
• 25mm T/1.5
• 29mm T/1.5
• 35mm T/1.5
• 50mm T/1.5
• 65mm T/1.5
• 85mm T/1.5
• 100mm T/1.5
• 135mm T/1.5
• 150mm T/1.5
• 200mm. T/2.1

Each lens price will be 15000 EUR and they will set margin record in Zeiss history.

Development announcement will come May 24, 2018.

Specs

• 9 Elements in 7 Groups, 1 Hybrid ASP
• Aperture Range F1.4 ~ 22
• UMC Coating
• Minimum Focusing Distance 1.1m (3.6ft)
• Magnification Ratio X 0.09
• Diaphragm Blades 9
• Filter Size (mm) 72
• Maximum Diameter(mm) Φ 78.0
• Mounts - CANON, NIKON, SONY E, FUJI X, CANON M, MFT
• Length (mm) 74.7 72.2 100.7 101 100.6 99.5
• Weight (g) 547.5g 541g 599g 592g 593g 587g
• UK prices - £359 to £439, depending on model and fitting.
• US price - $399
  • at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1565715-REG/rokinon_se85_mft_85mm_f_1_4_series_ii.html

Specs

• 25 elements in 19 groups, including 1 ED element, 2 fluorite elements, and 1 SR element 
• Reflective Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings to cut down on chromatic aberrations and a flourine-coated front element to resist fingerprints and smudges
• 4 stops of VR image stabilization 
• Weather-sealed construction 
• 9 rounded aperture blades for beautiful bokeh 
• Weighs 7.2 lbs 
• Available in February for $9,500 at
  • https://www.adorama.com/nk120300.html
  • https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1515331-REG/nikon_af_s_120_300mm_f_2_8e_fl.html
  • https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083K51SGJ/

PR

Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the development of the Nikon D6 professional DSLR camera and the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens.

Nikon released the D1 digital SLR camera in 1999, making 2019 the 20th anniversary of the single-digit D series. Thanks to the imaging know-how cultivated over Nikon's long history in camera development, Nikon's professional DSLR cameras have continued to evolve by introducing some of the industry's most advanced technologies and responding to the strict demands of professional photographers with the ultimate in performance and reliability, even in the most severe conditions. With the D6, Nikon is currently developing its most advanced DSLR to date.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the Nikon F mount. The new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR F mount lens that Nikon is developing will provide professional photographers in fields such as sports photography with even greater support.

Nikon is striving to expand possibilities for imaging expression and leading the way in imaging culture with both DSLR and mirrorless camera systems, as well as a rich lineup of NIKKOR lenses.

Details including release dates, pricing and specifications for these products will be announced at a later date. For more information on the latest Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Tokina Cinema introduces the 25-75mm T2.9 cinema lens. The new lens is a small size ground-up true cinema design featuring a compact 174mm overall length, industry standard 0.8 MOD cinema gears, T2.9 iris, 86mm filter thread, and 95mm front diameter for common cinema accessories.

The new 25-75mm T2.9 is designed to cover super35+ type sensors up to 36mm image circle size. The larger 36mm image circle enables native coverage of RED Helium 8K, RED Dragon 6K, RED Monstro 6K, Alexa LF in 4K UHD, as well as popular cinema and mirrorless cameras from Canon, Blackmagic Design, and Panasonic in 4K DCI or 4K UHD.

When paired with the Tokina Cinema 1.6x Expander for PL or EF mount versions, the lens becomes a compact size 40-120mm T4.2 that covers Full Frame and Vista Vision 6K and 8K size sensors.

The 25-75mm is designed to match the mechanical and optical properties of the popular Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T2.9 MKII and 11- 20mm T2.9 zoom lenses. The 25-75mm retains optical design features similar to the 11-20mm T2.9 and 50-135mm T2.9 MKII including parfocal design to retain focus while zooming, limited focus breathing, and low distortion. The addition of the 25-75mm completes a 3-lens set of cinema zooms covering 11mm super wide angle to 135mm telephoto at a price of less than $12,000 USD for all three lenses. Suggested retail price for the 25-75mm T2.9 is $5799 USD and will ship in Spring 2021. All lenses in the series feature an interchangeable mount between PL, EF, Sony E, MFT, and Nikon F mounts.

Kenko Tokina, Japan’s leading manufacturer of premium camera accessories, is releasing the Tokina atx-i 100mm f2.8 Macro FF lens for full-frame DSLR cameras from Nikon and Canon. Distributed in the US exclusively by Kenko Tokina USA, this new lens provides unparalleled versatility with the award-winning optics.

The Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro is a versatile mid-range auto-focus telephoto lens with excellent close focusing capabilities reaching life-sized (1:1) reproduction at 11.8 inches (30cm) from the sensor plane. Engineered for Canon EF and Nikon F mount full-frame DSLR cameras.

At (1:1) reproduction, the lens provides a very comfortable 4.5 inches of working distance between the front of the lens and your subject. The fast f/2.8 aperture makes it easy to focus in low light and renders soft beautiful bokeh. Making it an excellent choice for portraits, landscapes, video, and small world photography.

The Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 Macro is a “flat-field” optical design that suppresses the field-of-view curvature to zero. This means the lens yields excellent edge-to-edge sharpness at all focus distances and apertures. The lens’ multi-coatings render natural color with extremely low light falloff, perfectly controlled chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting.

The One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism makes switching from auto-focus to manual focus simple. While in AF mode the user only needs to snap the focus ring back toward the camera to engage “real” manual focus control. This gives photographers an authentic tactile MF feel with hard stops on either side of the focus range like traditional manual lenses. Additionally, the directional rotation of the focus ring matches the direction of proprietary Nikon and Canon lenses.

“This is the second lens offering in the new atx-i series.” says Yuji Matsumoto, President at Kenko Tokina USA. “It combines the award-winning optics of the original ATX model with a sleek new look that matches the cosmetics of today’s advanced DSLR cameras.”

Worldwide sales of the Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro super wide angle zoom lens will begin on December 6, 2019 with authorized Tokina USA retailers taking pre-orders November 15, 2019.

Estimated USA Street Price of $429.00

Specs

• 9 lenses in 8 groups
• Focal length: 50
• Aperture ratio (max.): 0,95
• Aperture ratio (min.): 16
• Frame size: 36 х 24 мм
• Minimum focusing distance: 0.7m
• Lens filter diameter: 72mm
• Focusing: manual
• Dimensions: 85,5 х 117,5 mm
• Weight: 1.2kg

Hong Kong, China (April 9th, 2018) – SLR Magic will present a new family of CINE lenses, MicroPrime series, to the public in the upcoming NAB Show 2018 in Las Vegas at the SLR Magic booth (Upper Central Hall, C-2663). The SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5, 35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.2, and 75mm T1.5 are the first lenses of the family.

The SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE lenses are designed to be compact and robust for use in a professional setting. The MicroPrime CINE lenses have a large image circle that covers up to full frame. Witness markings on the lenses are all calibrated for the accuracy professionals need in the field. Each lens is balanced, with a similar weight distribution so that recalibration is not required upon switching lenses when using a 3-axis gimbal. Lens gears are built-in with a throw slightly longer than photographic lenses but still manageable when a motorized follow focus is not used. Each lens features an internal focusing mechanism, and comes with a standard 85mm diameter suitable for matte box use. In the situation where a smaller setup is required, each lenses also comes with a 82mm filter thread for use with 82mm Fixed ND filters.

We place the highest priority on the development of our lenses, to fulfill the demands of professional cinematographers.

SLR Magic is exhibiting the first lenses of the MicroPrime cinema series at the 2018 NAB Show. The SLR Magic stand will be in upper central hall (C-2663) during the show, which is to be held in Las Vegas from the 9th to the 12th of April 2018.

The SLR Magic MicroPrime CINE 25mm T1.5, 35mm T1.3, 50mm T1.2, and 75mm T1.5 (MSRP: $800 US) will be available from authorized SLR Magic dealers starting in May 2018. The SLR Magic 18mm T2.9 will be ready by Q3 2018.

Specs

• 16 elements in 12 groups, 1 ED, 1 super ED, 3 aspherical elements
• 0.65m min focus distance
• F32 min aperture
• 5 stop(s) image stabilization
• Internal Focus
• Weather sealed
• 82mm filters
• Comes with hood
• 93 mm x 145 mm
• 1005 g
• $2,299.95 USD

Specs

• 8 multi-coated glass elements, in 7 groups
• Aperture Range: f/2.5 -- 22 with bonus ⅓ stop of light (indicated by + on aperture dial) beyond 2.5
• 12 aperture blades
• Minimum Focus Distance: 2 inches
• Maximum Focus Distance: Infinity
• 67mm filter threads
• Focus type: Manual
• DSLR version Size/ Weight: 1.04 lb (471.74g)
• MIL version Size/Weight: 1.31 lb (594.2g)

PR

Lensbaby – makers of award-winning DSLR & mirrorless lenses, optics and accessories announces today the availability of its newest lens, the Velvet 28, a 28mm, f/2.5 all-metal, hand-crafted art lens that, at its brightest apertures, captures tack-sharp detail beneath a layer of radiant glow. Velvet 28 also features exceptional 1:2 macro capabilities.

Built with landscape, adventure, travel, street photographers & videographers in mind, the Velvet 28 offers Lensbaby’s popular variable glow effect at a wide 28mm focal length, with a design that makes flat light interesting and harsh light more pleasing.

“With this solid, beautifully crafted lens, every hour is magic hour. There’s no need to take the day off from shooting between dawn and dusk,” says Craig Strong, Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder. “The amount of effect in your image is up to you. Add as much or as little variable glow as you like by changing your aperture. The Velvet 28 offers more effect at brighter apertures – then stop down for corner-to-corner sharpness.”

Lensbaby’s Velvet effect lenses add an ethereal mood to scenes. This unique, in-camera creative effect elevates imagery with depth, dimension and soulful expression. The Velvet 28’s close-focus capabilities, combined with effects varying from impressionistic to just a touch of velvety smoothness, provides a set of visual tools that will help creative shooters expand their vision of the world.

Velvet 28’s 1:2 macro capability makes it an ideal in-camera effects lens for photographers & videographers who like to shoot wide, while also offering the versatility to capture closer details. The lens allows image makers to move seamlessly from shooting street scenes or capturing landscape, adventure & travel images to capturing details such as a subject’s clothing or wildflower blooms and butterflies in an alpine meadow.

The Velvet 28 comes in standard lens mounts, including Canon EF, Nikon F, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Sony E, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds. It will be available for order on April 21, 2020 for $549.95.

Specifications

• 8 elements in 7 groups (3 aspherical lenses, 1ED lens)
• MEGA O.I.S.)
• 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
• Minimum Aperture - F22
• Closest Focusing Distance - 0.2m
• Filter Size - φ37mm
• Overall Length - 24mm
• Weight - 70 g

Useful links:

http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/lens/g_vario_12_32.html

CES 2016 announcement.

Specs

• 17 lenses in 10 groups
• 6-steps of compensation synchronized in-lens and in-body Image Stabilization
• 140 cm minimum focusing distance
• 77mm filter thread
• 93x227mm
• 1475g
• OIS stabilization
• Weather sealed
• $2499 / 2600 Euro at
• US - http://www.amazon.com/Olympus-M-Zuiko-Digital-300mm-Black/dp/B01950SVHY/
• DE - http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B019MYY38O/
• UK - http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-olympus-m-zuiko-digital-ed-300mm-f4-is-pro-lens/p1588759

More info - http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/pen-omd/m-zuiko-ed-300mm-f4-0-is-pro.html?ref=CJ

Super Telephoto Power in a Rugged, Compact, Lightweight Package

Super telephoto lenses are right at home in harsh environments. The M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens keeps dust and moisture at bay with an astonishing 11 separate hermetic seals so you don't have to worry about the weather when you're tracking an elusive osprey or photographing a rainy soccer match. It's nimble, maneuverable and easy to carry.

The Highest Resolution in Olympus History

The M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO's cutting edge internal lens architecture virtually eliminates peripheral chromatic abberation and color bleed while ghosts and flares are minimized by nano-technology lens coating, delivering the highest resolution in Olympus' storied history of innovation in optical glass.

Sync IS

The in-lens stabilization works in perfect harmony with the 5-Axis Image stabilization of OM-D cameras to deliver 6 shutter steps of performance, ensuring crisp, clear telephoto images, even off tripod. Explore unique angles like low to the ground macros and overhead nature shots

Fast, High-Precision Autofocus

Smooth coordination between a camera's autofocus and image stabilization is especially important when shooting with long focal lengths. The powerful 5-Axis Sync IS ensures harmonious operation between the in-body and in-lens stabilization units for focusing times of under 400 milliseconds.

Impressive Construction

Three difficult-to-fabricate Super ED lenses, 1 Extra-High Refractive Index lens and 3 High Refractive Index lenses are lavishly combined to produce excellent resolution and a compact size. Advanced design techniques and manufacturing technologies result in these high-precision, large diameter fine-polished lens elements that offer excellent image quality.

Close Up Performance

With a minimum focusing distance of 1.4m (4.5ft) and a maximum magnification of 0.48x (35mm equivalent), this super telephoto lens is equally adept in close quarters, delivering stunning, high magnification macros.

Focus Limiter

A focus limiter button is adorned on the side of the lens allowing you to chose from three preset focus positions: 1.4-4m, 4m - infinity, or the total range of 1.4m - infinity.

Lens Coating

Bright light sources like the sun can reflect and bounce off the many lens elements found in a complex lens. Olympus developed ZERO coating and Z coating Nano to suppress the ghosts and flares caused by reflected light, ensuring bright, artifact-free images withs superb color contrast.

Extreme Portability

Weighing in at a mere 27lbs (1,270g), the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO is a fraction of the size of comparable 600mm DSLR lenses. It's so small and light that it can easily fit in your carry on luggage or hiking backpack.

Lens Function Button

A dedicated Lens Function button on the lens barrel can be programmed to any of 27 different functions such as Focus Lock, Test Picture and Preview, allowing for quick changes on the fly without diving into the camera menus.

Silent Telephoto Shooting

In combination with the completely silent OM-D electronic shutter, super telephoto images can be taken in areas that can not tolerate camera noises like a concert performance.

1.4x Teleconverter MC-14

Enhance the versatility of the M.Zuiko 300mm f4.0 IS PRO lens with the addition of the 1.4x teleconverter for an impressive maximum focal length of 840mm (35mm equivalent). Weather sealing is maintained with the teleconverter.

Yesterday I had the opportunity of using for 30mn the Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95. I went to shot some video in the funfair of Bordeaux. I did not have ND variable filter (Leica is 60mm filter thread), so I had to use fast shutter speed, so sorry for the jitter effect... I try to do my best in this short time with this 8000€ lens. Today I went to the same place at the same hour with my SLR Hyperprime 50mm T0.95 lens, and I did the same shot, in the same condition (short time and no ND filter). This movie is a quick test where you can see in a alternate editing the difference between these two lens, wide opened at 0.95. This was not shot the same day so the light is a little different, but the weather was quite the same (cloudy with sun sometime).

All is shot at full aperture, 0.95

My opinion ? mmmm the Noctilux is an extraordinary lens, good rendering at f/0.95, smooth aperture ring. This lens is a little smaller and lighter than the SLR Magic lens. It's in M mount (Leica). The problem : the Noctilux is too expensive for me, 8000€ (10600$) !!! Please note that the SLR Magic I've used here is a prototype lens. It's be available in september in M mount, it's price is not fixed yet, but it will be around 2300€ (3000$), 3.5X less cheaper than the Leica.

The music mix is an homage to a movie director and one of his movie. The first who will find the name of the director and the title of the movie will win the two lenses... (I'm joking ;) ).

GH2 24P no hack Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95 SLR Magic Hyperprime 50mm T0.95 Nostalgic mode No ND filter so fast shutter speed to compensate (from 1/1000 to 1/4000 160 iso Full aperture 0.95 No color correction

I'm really interested in a rectilinear Ultra Wide Angle lens for my GH2 but can't decide between these two. I intend to do video and long exposures with it in all conditions (including bright daylight), that's why I'm interested in the ability to fit filters. On the other hand, the idea of going for a wide angle lens is to get that massive perspective, I'm really fond of it for architectural shots.

These two lens seem to be those that offer the widest rectilinear perspectives for the M4/3. I'm not interested in a fish-eye because I would like to shoot 1080p/i without loosing quality after de-fishing. If you aren't already familiar with these two lenses, I would sum up the plus and cons that really matter to me like so:

Panasonic 7-14mm (+ widest reach) (- can't fit filters)

Olympus 9-18mm (+ can fit filters) (- doesn't go as wide)

Price, constant aperture, small quality differences don't really matter to me.

In summary, as far as it goes in terms of what matters to me, what one has the other doesn't. That's why it's so hard to choose for me. Yes, I already researched this comparison thoroughly but never saw it applied particularly to video. Perhaps someone here faced the same dillema and managed to make a decision or could provide a recommendation based on something I'm unable to see here.

Care to comment?

40 years of knowhow built right in. Introducing Samyang’s most premium Canon mount, the XP 35mm F1.2, the first 35mm lens with a F1.2 aperture. With 50 megapixels and 8K video recording, all encased in a high quality metal body, this lens brings everything to the table. Experience it today with Samyang.

Specs

• 12 Elements in 10 Groups (including ASP 2, HR 3, ED 1)
• Aperture range - F1.2 ~ F16
• UMC Coating
• Minium focusing distance 0.34m (1.115ft)
• Maximum maginification ratio x 0.17
• Filter size -86.0mm
• 9 blades
• Canon EF Mount, FF lens
• 93.0mm diameter
• 117.4mm length
• 1,106g

Samples

• Superior rendering for exquisite image expression that redefines perceptions of what a 50 mm f/1.8 lens can do
• Thorough suppression of axial chromatic aberration ensures superior resolution with faithful reproduction of the fine textures in subjects, even from maximum aperture
• Sharp and clear rendering of details from the center of the frame to the peripheral edges, regardless of the shooting distance
• The soft and beautiful bokeh characteristics at any shooting distance possible only with a fast (bright) lens
• Adoption of two ED glass elements, and two aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghost and flare
• Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control with both still-image and movie recording
• In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
• $596 at
  • https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1431710-REG/nikon_20083_nikkor_z_50mm_f_1_8.html

Specs

• 10 elements in 9 groups
• 7 diaphragm blades
• Include low-dispersion and aspherical elements
• Tamron BBAR and fluorine coatings
• 0.11m min focusing distance
• AF using cheap AF Micromotor
• Internal focusing
• Weather sealed
• 67mm filters
• Comes with hood
• 73mm x 64mm
• 220 g
• $349

MTF and construction

Page - http://www.tamron.com.hk/f050.html

• 18 elements in 13 groups
• AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) coating
• Rear filter holder, for Canon only
• Min focusing distance: 0.28 m
• Maximum magnification: 1: 5
• 9 aperture blades
• 4.5 stops image stabilization
• 98.4 mm × 145 mm (for Canon) · 142.5 mm (for Nikon)
• TAP in Console compatible
• Mounts - Canon/Nikon
• 1110 g (for Canon) · 1100 g (for Nikon)
• Included - integrated sun visor (tulip-shaped), lens cap, bayonet cover, soft bag
• Preorder start - August 31
• Shipping start at September 21 (for Nikon) · October 12 (for Canon)
• Japan price 148,500 yen (tax included)
• EU price €1,750-€1,770
• US - $1299
  • Nikon - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1432500-REG/tamron_afa041n_700_sp_15_30mm_f_2_8_di.html
  • Canon - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1432499-REG/tamron_afa041c_700_sp_15_30mm_f_2_8_di.html

Specs

• 9 lenses in 9 groups
• Min focus distance - 17cm
• 5 stops of image stabilization
• 0.5x maximum shooting magnification for Macro shooting
• Customizable Lens Control Ring
• 52mm filters
• 74.4mm×62.8mm
• 305g
• $499.99 at
  • https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433714-REG/canon_rf_35mm_f_1_8_is.html
• in EU - £519.99/ €599.99

• Completely new photo and video lens including Photoshop plugin
• In addition to a color image, it also records depth information
• Compatible with all common full-frame cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc.)
• Can be ordered from September 2020

Post-processing features of a K | Lens image or video:

• Apply and modify depth gradient masks
• Simplified segmentation
• Control of focus and blur
• Extended depth of field with strong bokeh at the same time
• Correction of the focus plane (also in the range of cm for large portraits)
• Tilt effects up to free shapes of the focus plane
• Multiple focus planes in the image
• 3D point clouds
• Stereo photography
• Generation of lenticular pictures
• Multiview blur
• Refocusable images
• 3D images (like for Facebook)

We are a high-tech start-up working on a revolutionary lens which will turn any full-frame camera into a light-field! This means that you will be able to record depth information with a single image of your camera. And this will give you unprecedented possibilities in post-production. Stay tuned and be part of our journey!"

https://www.k-lens.de/en/home

RICOH COMPANY, LTD. and RICOH IMAGING EUROPE S.A.S. are pleased to announce the launch of the HD PENTAX-DA* 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW. This high-performance, ultra-wide-angle, Star-series lens features a large F2.8 maximum aperture over the entire zoom range to deliver exceptional optical performance.

The HD PENTAX-DA11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is the latest model in the new-generation Star () series — a lens that provides exceptional image quality to be able to accommodate the super-high-performance digital cameras of the future. It delivers high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges, and guarantees excellent imaging performance in high-grade digital photography. With the introduction of this lens, the high quality, high-performance Star series now provides a wide angle-of-view coverage —from ultra-wide angle to telephoto compact models featuring a large F2.8 maximum aperture, exclusively designed for use with PENTAX APS-C-format digital SLR cameras.

In addition to an outstanding dustproof, weather-resistant construction, the lens provides a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock focus at the desired focal point. It also provides useful features to improve performance and dependability in challenging outdoor conditions. These include a space specifically designed for holding a heating device to prevent condensation, and a metallic frame structure, which more effectively transmits the heat of the device to the lens. These greatly improve the lens' operability when shooting in outdoor situations including star-lit skies.

HD PENTAX-DA*11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW - Price & Availability

RRP: £1,399.99

Available: February 2019

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced a new generation of high-performance Star-series lenses optimized for super high-resolution photography and high megapixel digital single-lens reflex (D-SLR) cameras. The first two lenses developed for the new-generation of Star-series quality—the HD PENTAX-D FA★ 50mm F1.4 SDM AW and the HD PENTAX-DA★ 11-18mm F2.8—will be on display as reference products at Photo Plus Expo 2017 at the Javits Convention Center in New York (October 26-28) and SALON de la PHOTO 2017 in Paris (November 9-13).

Premium-quality Star-series lenses deliver the highest performance among the PENTAX K-mount interchangeable lens series, and have been highly regarded by PENTAX K-Mount users since the days of film. In addition to the initial design concepts of optimum image quality and large apertures for maximum light transmission, the series has embraced the additional concepts of exceptional toughness and outstanding operability, achieved through the development of a dustproof, weather-resistant construction. The resulting lenses provide superior dependability in a wide range of shooting conditions, and are the perfect companion to PENTAX SLR camera bodies.

Although final names, specs and pricing will not be released until 2018, here are preliminary key features:

• PENTAX K-mount covering the image circle of an APS-C-format image sensor
• High-performance Star-series model providing excellent resolution even at open aperture
• Large-aperture, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8 (fixed) and an angle of view between 17mm and 27.5mm (in the 35mm * format)
• Availability: Scheduled for the summer of 2018