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Posts Tagged ‘58mm’

Nikon’s three-year lens roadmap includes 58mm F0.95 Noct

23 Aug

Nikon has laid out its ambitious plans for the next three years of Z-mount lenses. The company plans on releasing six lenses next year, six more in 2020 and eight in 2021.

The most eye-catching is a 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens, which the company claims will have the ‘highest rendering performance’ and ‘flawless transitions’ between in- and out-of-focus areas, and will be manual focus only. It will use ultra-high refractive index aspherical elements, a new ARNEO anti-reflection coating and its physical design will feature a small display panel that will display aperture, focal length and depth-of-field.

The 58mm F0.95 S ‘Noct’

Nikon is planning on hitting most of the other standard focal lengths next year, including 85mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm Z lenses.

What are your thoughts about the upcoming Nikkor Z lenses? Let us know in the comments.

Press Release

NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S, AND THE MOUNT ADAPTER FTZ, AND DEVELOPS THE NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT

Designed Exclusively for the Nikon Z Mount System, Featuring a New, Larger-Diameter Mount

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of three new lenses designed for the next-generation Nikon Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras, for which a new larger-diameter mount has been adopted. The three new lenses are the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has also announced the Mount Adapter FTZ for Z System compatibility with existing NIKKOR F mount lenses and development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens1.

NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16mm. The lenses offer sharp resolution with both still-image and video recording, and are equipped with functions that include: compensation for focus breathing (the shifting of the angle of view when focus is adjusted), quiet operation, smooth exposure control, a control ring and performance that is well suited for video capture.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S are S-Line interchangeable lenses. The S-Line is a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, realizing rendering performance that surpasses that of conventional f/4 standard zoom lenses and f/1.8 wide-angle or standard prime lenses. From maximum aperture, clear and sharp resolution can be achieved as well as beautiful bokeh characteristics.

Additionally, the Mount Adapter FTZ has been designed to allow users of Nikon SLR cameras to utilize their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses with the Z mount system and enjoy taking advantage of an even wider variety of lens characteristics with their photography.

Development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

Nikon is currently developing the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, a standard prime manual focus lens and the fastest lens in Nikon’s history. The design of the Noct lens exemplifies Nikon’s mission to pursue the ultimate optical performance in the mirrorless category. As the result, the Noct is positioned at the top of the S-Line. In addition, Nikon is planning on releasing a variety of new lenses that will continue to expand its line of attractive, high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses that further extend photographers’ creative expressions.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Primary Features

  • Standard focal-length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm can effectively cover a wide variety of scenes and subjects with rendering performance that will change the perception of what is possible with zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4
  • Optical design that suppresses variations in aberrations from shooting distances of close-up to infinity, demonstrating sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, as well as fine point-image reproduction
  • Achieved a minimum focus distance of just 0.3 m across the zoom range
  • Adoption of an ED glass element, an aspherical ED lens element, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Has the size needed to deliver an extremely high standard of optical performance, yet provides outstanding portability; employs a retracting mechanism that can be set on/off without pressing a button and reduces total length for a compact lens that can easily be taken anywhere
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
  • Fluorine coat applied to front lens surface

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Rendering performance that redefines perceptions of what a 35 mm f/1.8 lens can do
  • Sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, effective suppression of sagittal coma flare that enables superb point-image reproduction when capturing point light sources in night landscapes, and the soft and natural bokeh characteristics expected of a fast (bright) lens
  • Adoption of a new multi-focusing system featuring two AF drive units providing driving power at high speed and with high accuracy that achieves quiet, fast, and accurate AF control, as well as high image-forming performance at any focus distance
  • Adoption of two ED glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

NIKKOR Z 50 mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Superior rendering ignites creativity, and redefines perceptions of what a 50mm 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, and two aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control during both still-image capture and video recording
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

Mount Adapter FTZ Primary Features

  • Full compatibility with more than 90 lenses and functionality with approximately 360 existing NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards2
  • The unique characteristics of NIKKOR F mount lenses can be applied to Z mount system image quality
  • In-camera VR (Vibration Reduction) with three-axis VR is available when attaching a NIKKOR F lens without built-in VR; in-camera VR also performs well with stills and video recording
  • When attaching a NIKKOR F lens with built-in VR, lens VR and in-camera VR effectively work together to compensate for camera shake by enabling three-axis VR.
  • Various sections of the adapter are effectively sealed to ensure dust- and drip-resistant performance equivalent to that of NIKKOR F lenses
  • Designed to be lightweight yet tough with consideration for superior operability as a part of a complete system

Development of the New NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens that Pursues Ultimate Optical Performance

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct that Nikon is currently developing will be a large aperture, standard 58mm prime focal-length, the fastest lens in Nikon’s history3, manual-focus lens positioned at the very top of the S-Line. It will stand to symbolize the Nikon Z mount system’s new dimension in optical performance.

It has inherited the design concept behind the original AI Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2, a standard prime lens released in 1977, named for “Nocturne” (a musical composition inspired by or evocative of the night), and was popular for its ability to finely reproduce point light sources as point images. This new Noct lens that is currently in development will take advantage of the advanced design flexibility afforded by the Z mount, pursuing ultimate optical performance. Development continues with the goals of achieving an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/0.95, offering the ultimate in NIKKOR rendering performance with superior detail and sharpness. Additionally, the goal is to achieve beautiful blur characteristics, or bokeh, with good continuity, and ensure outstanding point-image reproduction capabilities for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging.

The NIKKOR Z Lens Roadmap

Information in the roadmap, including release dates, are subject to change. Product names after the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct are not yet finalized.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S will be available September 27 for the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 999.95* and $ 849.95*, respectively. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens will be available in late October for the SRP of $ 599.95*. The Mount Adapter FTZ will be available September 27 for $ 249.95* SRP (Additional $ 100 savings when purchased together with a Z 7 or Z 6, through 12/31/2018). For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent application teases full-frame 58mm F1.4 ‘soft-focus’ lens

28 Jun

An interesting new patent application from Canon details a series of potential lens designs with an adjustable soft-focus feature.

Japanese patent application number 2018-97240 lays out the groundwork and schematics for four different full-frame camera lens designs that feature a dual-focus system: a 58mm F1.4, a 35m F1.8, a 105mm F2 and a 70-200mm F4.

According to the patent application, the first focusing module would be used for the traditional purpose of focusing on the subject matter. The other module, however, isn’t for the sake of focusing, but to intentionally soften the image using spherical aberration.

The patent application details two specific challenges designing such a lens: trying to focus the lens, which is a challenge to do when spherical aberration is present in the image, and having variable soft-focus, so you can add as much or as little spherical aberration as you see fit for the scene—something not possible with past soft-focus lenses.

Below is the computer-translated text from the patent detailing how the soft-focus module would work:

A second arrangement state by which said 1st focus group and said 2nd focus group are arranged so that a second aberration amount which will be in a focusing state in the aforementioned predetermined object distance, and is different from said first aberration amount may be generated.

Regardless of whether or not one of these lens designs ever makes it to market, this isn’t the first time a soft-focus lens has been made. In 1935, Leitz created the Thambar 90mm F2.2, a classic Leica lens renowned for its dream-like aesthetic. In fact, Leica released a modernized M-mount version of the Thambar 90mm F2.2 late last year as well.

As with all patents and patent applications, this design may never leave the metaphorical paper. But it’s interesting nonetheless.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Oprema Jena revives Biotar 58mm F2 lens with record-setting 17 aperture blades

21 Sep

After successfully funding the ‘legendary’ Biotar 78mm F1.5 lens through Kickstarter, newly-minted company Oprema Jena is trying to pull off yet another resurrection. This time the crowdfunding platform is Indiegogo, and the lens they’re bringing back is the Biotar 58mm F2: the world’s only lens with a ‘historic’ 17-blade aperture.

Oprema isn’t holding back when it comes to describing this lens in the most epic of terms:

Reengineered to its true historic 17 aperture blade version it will change how you feel about photography. With its unique design the Biotar 58 balances the need for sharpness and bokeh in one lens like no other. It is truly an enchanting miracle bokeh wonder lens for all your photographic situations.

“Miracle bokeh wonder lens” …. there’s a tagline for you. And if that’s not enough, here’s an overly-dramatic introduction to this lens complete with inspiring music and over-zealous presenter voice:

Joking aside, people seem very excited about this old lens coming back. The original design dates back to 1927, and it was introduced to the public around 1937. Unfortunately, due to the war, the original Biotar 58 was only produced in small numbers, and later versions never quite recaptured the original’s flare for dramatic bokeh.

Until (at least according to Oprema Jena) now.

Oprema identified the models that were “most outstanding” from the Biotar’s history, and recreated those while adding in some modern conveniences like rangefinder coupling for Leica users, and modern-day lens mounts for everyone else. Here are some web resolution sample photos so you can judge for yourself if they succeeded in creating a lens worth dropping a grand on:

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Already over 150% funded, it looks like the Biotar 58mm F2 will come to be whether or not anybody else decides to pledge their money and pick one up. But if you want to learn more about this lens and/or drop the $ 950 it’ll take to buy one in either Silver or Black (Super Early Bird level, still 180 available), head over to the Indiegogo campaign by clicking here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Oprema Jena is also resurrecting the Biotar 58mm F2.0 lens, will cost $2,000

24 Aug

In addition to bringing back the legendary Biotar 75mm F1.5 lens via its new Kickstarter campaign, company Oprema has also announced plans to resurrect the Biotar 58mm F2.0 lens originally made by Carl Zeiss. Though the company doesn’t anticipate launching the Biotar 58 lens until late 2018, the company is offering pre-production models of the 58 in bundles with the Biotar 75mm lens via the latter’s Kickstarter campaign.

Originally reported by PhotoRumors, and later confirmed in an official announcement, the special pre-production Biotar 58 lenses will feature serial numbers ranging from 1 to 58. The two-lens bundle will require a pledge of $ 2,000 USD, which is a whopping $ 2,500 USD lower than the planned retail cost of the two lenses combined. Not bad for a Kickstarter discount.

Assuming everything goes according to plan, Oprema plans to launch the Biotar 75 lens next summer at a retail cost of $ 2,500 USD, whereas the Biotar 58 will arrive a few months later at a lower $ 2,000 USD.

The Biotar 58mm lens will be offered in Nikon, Canon, Leica M, Fuji X, Sony E, and M42 mounts, and represents Oprema’s second foray into the market of remaking classic lenses.

To find out more or put down a pledge, head over to the Biotar Kickstarter campaign. There are still 49 Biotar bundles left as of this writing.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Petzval 58mm real-world samples

18 Sep

Lomography’s second riff on a historic lens design, the Petzval 58 offers the same swirly bokeh effect as the original 85mm variation at a shorter focal length. It’s been given the same brass treatment as the first lens and also uses the Waterhouse aperture system with interchangeable plates, but introduces a Bokeh Control Ring to adjust the strength of the swirly bokeh effect. Funded via a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign, the Petzval 58 made its way to our office. Take a look and see what the latest Petzval can do.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Premium prime? Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G in-depth review

31 Dec

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The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G was one of the more unexpected lens releases of 2013. It’s a fast normal prime for full frame shooters, but its $ 1699.95 / £1599.99 price tag represents a huge premium compared to the existing (and very good) AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G. What’s more, lab tests failed to show any clear sharpness advantage either. So why, exactly, is Nikon asking so much for this lens, and just how well does it perform in real-world use? Find out. Read our detailed review

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lens reviews update: test data for the Nikon 58mm f/1.4G

13 Nov

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DxOMark has recently reviewed Nikon’s AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G, a high-end (and very expensive) standard prime for full frame SLRs. As a taster for our upcoming review we’ve added the test data to our lens widget; as usual you can compare it to similar lenses, including the Nikon and Sigma 50mm F1.4s. Click through for more details and analysis, and a link to DxOMark’s own review of the Nikon 58mm F1.4.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon invokes spirit of Noctilux with 58mm f/1.4G premium lens

17 Oct

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Nikon has announced the AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G, a premium standard prime for full frame SLRs that’s designed to deliver the best possible images, even at maximum aperture. It’s highly corrected for coma, meaning that point light sources are rendered correctly right across the frame, and is specifically designed to give an attractive rendition of out-of-focus regions of the image. It can also be used on Nikon’s DX format SLRs, on which it will behave like a classic 85mm ‘portrait’ lens. This all comes with a hefty price tag, though; $ 1699.95 / £1599.99. It’ll be on sale in selected retailers at the end of this month.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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In pictures – Nikon’s large and pricey AF-S 58mm F1.4G

17 Oct

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Want to know more about Nikon’s new premium AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G? Click through to see our pictures taken of the lens at Nikon’s UK press event, with the latest D610 acting as the model, along with our first thoughts of this sizeable and distinctly pricey optic.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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