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Nikon 50mm lens

Dennis Hissink
Photokina report
Monday 22nd, September 2008
Posted by: Dennis Hissink

Nikon Europe announces a new wide aperture fixed-focal length Nikkor lens, the 50-mm AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G. This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 respectively for a bright viewfinder experience, beautiful background blur with shallow depth of field. It also incorporates Nikon’s ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ring-type for silent, fast and accurate focusing and enables autofocus in cameras without a built-in motor such as the Nikon D40 and Nikon D60. "This new fast prime lens redefines the standard lens concept," said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: "The fast apertures and silent AF deliver brilliant image quality with new creative options for Nikon digital photographers."

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Nikon 50mm lens

Pentax 15mm lens

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce that it will exhibit an interchangeable lens and an accessory at Photokina 2008. Both items are currently under development for use with Pentax digital SLR cameras. Photokina is one of the world’s largest photo and imaging merchandise fairs, and will be held this year from September 23 to 28 in Cologne, Germany.

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Pentax SLR lenses

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

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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Sigma fisheye lenses

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

Sigma is pleased to announce the launch of the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC Circular Fisheye HSM the first Circular Fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras and 10mm F2.8 EX DC Fisheye HSM diagonal fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras for Sony and Pentax fitting cameras. This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensor, it produces circular image within the frame.

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Sigma Tele Converters

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

Sigma announces the new APO Tele Converter 1.4x EX DG and APO Tele Converter 2x EX DG for Sony mount. The new tele converters are capable of maintaining the HSM function of such telephoto lenses as Sigma’s APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM and APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM whilst increasing the focal length by a factor of 1.4x or 2x. Of course, the HSM AF compatibility depends on the capability of the Sony SLR camera to support this function and on the maximum F number of the attached lens. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the exclusive design maintains the master lens’ high level performance while extending its focal length. Compact and lightweight, these tele converters are a convenient way of increasing the focal length of HSM telephoto lenses.

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Sigma 50mm lens

Posted by: Dennis Hissink Tuesday 23rd, September 2008

This large aperture lens becomes a medium telephoto lens offering 100mm equivalent angle of view on Four Thirds cameras. The optimum optical design and molded glass aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction of coma aberration. It ensures superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp, high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the focusing range. The rounded 9 blades diaphragm creates an attractive blur. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full time manual focusing capability.

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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.

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