Lens News

Nikon has unveiled two new zoom lenses: the AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR super telephoto lens for its F mount DSLRs, and the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens for its Z series mirrorless cameras. The AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm f/2.8E VR is designed for sports and wildlife photographers, and the & NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is designed as a "workhorse lens for capturing action and portraits," according to Nikon.

Nikon just unveiled the new Nikon D6 professional DSLR camera and the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR telephoto zoom lens. But hold your horses. This is just a "development" announcement for the D6 and Nikkor 120-300mm lens from Nikon, so details about this new flagship DSLR and telephoto zoom are scant.

In one of the biggest digital imaging announcements in the history of the company, Nikon just unveiled the 45.7MP Z7 and 24.5MP Z6 full frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless cameras along with three new Nikkor Z lenses, which feature a new, larger-diameter mounting system. Nikon also introduced the Mount Adapter FTZ, which allows photographers to use the new Z 7 and Z 6 cameras with 360 existing Nikkor F lenses.

Back in January I reviewed Nikon's tiny Z50 mirrorless camera, an APS-C sensor format model targeted at budget-conscious photographers or those buying their first interchangeable lens digital camera. And it performed so well I was actually sad to return it. But Nikon has been busy, and within a week the new full-frame 24.3MP Nikon Z5 arrived on my doorstep to test out.

When you talk about lenses these days you always have to bring in the multiplication factor, especially when you have a lens that fits comfortably on both so-called full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. To know what angles of view you will have available you have to know: (a) that the lens is made for full-sized sensors (or not) so will work with the multiplication factor on smaller sized sensors...

I got a lot of feedback – mostly positive but with a few spirited rejoiners – to last month’s editorial “Smartphones (Still) Can’t Compete with Great Camera Gear,” that I feel I should “double down.” Again, this isn’t a knock against using smartphones for shooting images. As I mentioned last month, I do it all the time with some pretty decent results. And many serious photographers are constantly turning to that little phone in their pockets and have produced many spectacular photos.

Olympus just announced the M.Zuiko Digital ED 90mm f/3.5 Macro IS Pro for Micro Four Thirds systems. Shutterbug has obtained an early sample and is currently preparing a full review. In the meantime, here’s a rundown on this exciting new lens.