Sigma has recently announced the launch of its new telephoto zoom lens, the APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM. It comes equipped with optical image stabilizer and will be available in Sony and Pentax mounts.

The lens offers 150cm (59.1”) minimum focusing distance throughout its zoom range and 1:4.2 maximum magnification, so it can be used in close-up photography.

The lens combines 21 elements in 15 groups in its construction and features three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide to correct for chromatic aberration. There’s also super multi-layer lens coating which reduces flare and ghosting. Combined with the lens’s rear focusing system all these things ensure high image quality at all focal lengths.

Image quality is also maintained Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) system which extends handheld photography in low-light and makes it possible to use shutter speeds 4 stops slower than it would be possible without OS. You can check for its effect in the viewfinder.

Focusing is driven by the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which provides for quiet and high-speed AF operation. Furthermore, full-time manual focusing capability is possible with the HSM: you don’t have to switch to MF, you can simply override AF by moving the focusing ring.

The lens is compatible with the optional 1.4x EX DG APO teleconverter to turn it into the 168-560mm F6.3-8 MF lens, and with the 2x EX DG APO teleconverter to get the 240-800mm F9-11 MF ultra- lens. This option is available for Sony mount only.

Sigma APO 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM - Specifications:

• Focal Length: 120-400mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Lens Construction: 15 Groups / 21 Elements
• Special Low Dispersion Glass Elements
• OS (Optical Stabilizer) System
• Angle of View: 20.4°-6.2°
• Closest Focus Distance: 150cm / 59.1in
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:4.2
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 150cm
• 9 Aperture Blades
• Filter Attachment Size: 77 mm
• Inner Focusing System
• HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
• Manual Focus Override
• Dimensions: 92.5mm×203.5mm (3.6in × 8in)
• Weight: 1,750g (61.7oz)
• Supplied accessories: Case, Hood (LH830-01), Shoulder strap, Tripod socket (TS-31)

Leica has recently unveiled the Summilux-M 35mm F/1.4 ASPH lens that brings a new standard for Leica M photography. This is a universal wide-angle lens that delivers ultra-high speed, high contrast, and superb detail rendition in a compact package.

The lens’s 35 mm focal length is already standard for many Leica photographers. It can be used for medium-distance portrait photography as well as for landscape shots. It produces 63-, 54- and 38-degree angle of view in diagonal, horizontal, vertical mode respectively.

The 35mm F/1.4 ASPH lens’s optical designs combines 9 elements is 5 groups with an aspherical element to minimize various types of chromatic aberrations. Its f1.4 fast aperture provides nice bokeh as well as extends handheld shooting capabilities without using flash. The smallest aperture value is f/16.

The lens is promised to deliver excellent image quality across the field even at distances down to 0.7 meters (28 in). Its smallest object field is 420 mm x 630 mm while its highest reproduction ratio equals to 1:17.5.

The lens can be used with filters and features an internal thread for E-46 screw-in type filters. It also takes a separate clip-on type, lockable lens hood.

Leica Summilux-M 35mm F/1.4 ASPH Lens – Specifications:

• Angle of View: 63°, 54°, 38° (Diagonal, Horizontal, Vertical)
• Optical Design: 9 Elements / 5 Groups
• Focal Length: 35.6 mm
• Entrance Pupil: 16.8 mm
• Focusing Range: 0.7 m to Infinity
• Scale: Combined Meter/Feet-Increments
• Smallest Object Field: 420 mm x 630 mm
• Highest Reproduction Ratio: 1:17.5
• Diaphragm
  • Setting / Type: With Clickstops (Including Half Values),
  • Manual Diaphragm
  • Smallest Aperture: F/16
• Internal Thread for Screw-In Type Filters E 46
• Lens Hood: Separate, Clip-On Type, Lockable
• Length: 46.2 mm
• Largest diameter: 53 mm
• Leica M Quick-Change Bayonet

Nikon has just announced a new super telephoto zoom lens, the AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II, for both FX and DX-format DSLR camera bodies. It is rather expensive and will sell at estimated price of almost $7000 yet it is packed with powerful technologies and promises to deliver excellent optical performance and thus great image quality.

The lens is ideal for sports, nature and travel photography, and can deliver good low-light performance and extends the possibilities of handheld shooting thanks to its Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology that gives you the ability able to shoot up to four stops slower than otherwise possible and still get blur-free images.

Moreover, the VR II function is always switched when shooting in the D-Movie mode on a Nikon D-SLR body, which helps to stabilize HD video capture.

The lens’s construction includes four Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration and help deliver sharp and clear images with great true-to-life colors. Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat, in its turn, will reduce ghosting and flare.

The 200-400mm f/4 lens offers three focus modes to ensure convenient operation in every shooting situation and easy switching between AF and Manual focus. There are manual mode (M), autofocus mode with the ability to manually override AF (M/A) mode, and new A/M mode which prevents from accidental AF setting cancelling by moving the focus ring. In addition, there’s an AF Recall button that allows for quick return to a previous point of focus.

The lens also incorporates a Silent Wave Motor for high-speed and super-quiet AF performance.

Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II – Key Features:

• Focal Length: 200-400mm
• Focal Length Equivalent: 300-600mm
• Constant F/4 Maximum Aperture
• VR II Vibration Reduction System
• Four Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass Elements
• Nano Crystal Coating
• Silent Wave Motor technology
• AF Recall Button
• Focus Modes: Manual M, AF with Manual Override, AF Priority A/M Mode
• Magnesium Body
• Dust and Moisture Resistant Sealing
• Availability: May 2010
• Estimated Selling Price: $6,999.95