Sigma announces 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM for the Four Thirds System.

Press release:

This large aperture lens becomes a medium telephoto lens offering 100mm equivalent angle of view on Four Thirds cameras. The optimum optical design and molded glass aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction of coma aberration. It ensures superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp, high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the focusing range. The rounded 9 blades diaphragm creates an attractive blur. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full time manual focusing capability.

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Tags: 4/3, 50mm, DG, EX, f/1.4, Four Thirds, HSM, Sigma

Nikon announces AF-S version of the 50mm f1.4 lens with Silent Wave Motor. The Optical system is with 8 elements in 7 groups.

Press release:

NIKON CELEBRATES THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF NIKKOR OPTICAL EXCELLENCE WITH AN ALL-NEW 50mm f/1.4 PRIME LENS

75 Years Later and 45 Million Lenses Produced, the NIKKOR Pedigree Continues to Thrive with the Introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Sept. 22, 2008) – Nikon Inc. celebrates 75 years of defining optical excellence with the release of the newly engineered AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4 prime lens that is considered by many photographers to be an essential tool with a focal length that closely replicates the visual perspective of the human eye when used with an FX-format D-SLR. Nikon’s optical expertise and modern technological advances, such as the Silent Wave Motor, help to deliver outstanding operation that is critical for Nikon FX and DX-format photographers who demand the pinnacle of photographic performance.

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Tags: 50mm, AF-S, f/1.4, Nikkor, Nikon

Canon announces 24mm f/1.4 L II USM - fixed length L-series lens.

Press release:

The new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is the successor to Canon’s EF 24mm f/1.4L USM professional wide-angle lens released in 1997. Targeting professional photographers, the new EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens has been introduced to address the advancements high-resolution digital SLR cameras with re-designed optics and use of a new anti-reflection lens coating called SWC (Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating) to minimize ghosting and flare. Features such as dustproof and waterproof construction that have been adopted make this a high-performance lens with specifications that respond to the demands of professional users. A welcome complement to the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM lens is scheduled to be in stores this December at an estimated retail price of $1,699v.

Features:

• Wide 24mm focal length
• Fast f/1.4 aperture
• Aspherical and UD lens elements
• Subwavelength structure coating
• USM focus motor with full-time manual focus
• Floating internal focus mechanism
• Weather and dust seals
• Robust build quality

MTF Chart:

Tags: 24, Canon, f/1.4, USM