Lens News

Panasonic has just announced it’s coming out with an intriguing new technological function called “Post Focus” that lets you focus on a specific area in a photo after you’ve shot the image. The company also said that it’s developing two new lenses: a Leica DG 200-800mm and LUMIX G 25 mm/F1.7.

Nikon just announced the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, a versatile DX-format lens designed for advanced and enthusiast photographers. The Nikkor 16-80mm features a combination of Nikon lens technologies typically found on the company’s pro glass including Nano Crystal Coat, which is appearing for the first time on a Nikon DX-format lens.

Every photographer knows that it can often be difficult to quickly change lenses safely when you’re on location or capturing images in a city or in the wilderness. The Lens Flipper in a unique device that takes the stress out of the process. It is an easy to use double-sided locking lens cap with its own strap.

The Sigma Corporation of America this morning announced the Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens, which the company is calling “the world’s first” full-frame zoom lens with a constant aperture of F/2 throughout the zoom range. The company has not yet announced pricing or availability for this somewhat unusual piece of premium glass.

Zeiss has just introduced the Batis 25mm F/2 and 85mm F/1.8 lenses for Sony's A7 series mirroless cameras. The lenses, which are formally known as the Zeiss Batis 2/25 and Batis 1.8/85, are equipped with OLED displays and autofocus.

Phase One just unveiled a major overhaul of its medium format camera system. Called the Phase One XF Camera System, the new medium format platform features several key upgrades, revamps, and additions including “robust, aerial-grade mechanics, advanced electronics, a new autofocus platform, new modularity options, new software and customizable touch controls,” according to Phase One.

It’s been my experience that there are a handful of special objects in the world that have developed cachet or “mojo” and are emotionally appealing to people in various fields. Some of these unique items engage our interest because they’re otherwise unassuming objects which have become associated with unusual people or events. I think of the track shoes Roger Bannister wore on May 6, 1954 when he ran the world’s first sub-4 minute mile. I think of “Brownie” and “Blackie,” two of Eric Clapton’s Fender Stratocasters. The console Sam Phillips used in Sun Studios to record Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison must drip with “mojo,” as does Pete Seeger’s banjo, no doubt.