The new Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro HSM lens (pictured on the left) is expected to be released in late January 2013 (probably during the CP+ show in Japan). The new lens will have an improved optical design and it will be 9mm shorter and 70g lighter then the current version (pictured on the right):
Samyang Russia published the price of the 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC tilt-shift lens on their website: 34,090 rubles (around $1,100). For reference: the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED costs $1,999, the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II sells for $1,949. The Samyang T-S 24mm f/3.5 lens is expected to be released in March, 2013.
Update: the lens is listed for €699.90 in Slovenia.
The black Fuji X100 limited edition is already listed as discontinued at B&H. Fujifilm will hold a press conference on January 7, 2013 right before the 2013 CES show (January 7 is considered as a “press day”):
DigitalRev have listed the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens as discontinued.
Fotodiox announced the Pro WonderBurst NEX radio flash trigger for Sony NEX cameras that look identical to the Allacax solution I covered few months ago.
The SLR Magic HyperPrime CINE 35mm T0.95 lens will be available in early 2013. The production version will only receive an additional modification for the aperture mechanics. With a geometric open aperture of F0.9, it will enable APS-C users to achieve a comparable low light performance and shallow DOF like a 50mm f/1.4 on a full frame camera. Here is a sample image taken with the lens (For more info, visit 3d-kraft.de):
Every year the Japanese magazine Impress published their predictions on what product they expect the major camera manufacturers to introduce in the upcoming year (you can see their 2012 predictions here). Here is a recap of their 2013 prognosis (PDF file):
Brandon Remler published several sample images taken with the new Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 lens ($899.95) that was initially delayed and is expected to start shipping in early January, 2013. In addition to the 14mm wide angle lens, Fujifilm is expected to introduce five more XF lenses next year. Here is some technical information on the new lens:
DxOMark published their test results for the Sony a99 full frame camera. The a99 scored below the Nikon D600 and D800 cameras. It seems that Nikon still has the “secret sauce” that made the same 24MP Sony sensor to perform better in the D600. For reference, here are the test scores of the Canon 6D and 5D MkIII:
The Japanese online magazine Impress interviewed the head of Pentax Ricoh Product Development who said that “a new set of 35mm full frame specifications is being formulated and that new moire removal algorithms are being developed as new in-camera function (which the K-5IIs doesn’t have). Besides, a Ricoh brand new camera will come.”
Few days ago PhotoRumors broke the story about the upcoming Android based mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Few days later, Polaroid’s CEO Scott Hardy confirmed to Imaging Resources that the company will indeed announce such camera during the 2013 CES show in early January:
