Sigma, Sony and Panasonic hands-on pictures from the NEC show

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ePhotozine and Photographyblog are present at the NEC show in Birmingham (UK). And they shared some hands-on pictures with newly announced lenses and cameras:

Sigma SD Quattro H Vs Sigma SD1 Merrill (Source: ePhotozine)
ePhotozine posted some hands on pics of the new Sigma SD Quattro mirrorless system cameras
Laowa STF 105mm f/2 (T3.2) Lens Hands-On Preview (ePhotozine).
Panasonic 12-60mm Hands-on Photos (Photographyblog).
Sigma MC-11 Mount Converter Hands-on Photos (Photographyblog)
Sony Wireless Flash System Hands-on Photos (Photographyblog)

Some additional info on the Irix 15mm lens

Soundimagesplus shared some more info about the Irix 15mm lens:

  • There are two versions of the lens – one ‘normal’ finish and another weather sealed
  • It is hoped that this lens will be available in May 2016
  • Again, while this isn’t settled yet, the lighter ‘Firefly’ version will be sold around the £400 mark and the heavy duty ‘Blackstone’ version for £500.
  • Both versions will have the same optical quality

And we heard from our sources that they are considering to make Sony E-mount version of their lenses in future. But for now you can use the lens with adapter on any mirrorless system camera.

Thanks David!

Press release: Meet the Irix 15mm f/2.4

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Here is the official press text we got from Irix about their new lens. The full lens website can be seen here: http://irixlens.com/. The company told us more mounts (like Sony E) will be supported in the near future.

Meet the Irix 15mm f/2.4. The photographers dream. Built by engineers and perfected by designers.

The new ultra wide-angle, rectilinear manual lens designed for DSLR cameras guarantees exceptional optical performance.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is designed to deliver the best optical performance and match full frame DSLR cameras demands. Providing a focal length of 15mm, this new lens model is ideal for outdoor and indoor photography whether it is photojournalism, landscapes or architecture.

From 19 to 22 March, during The Photography Show in Birmingham, TH Swiss will be premiering new family of lenses. Visit Irix at Stand No F121.

Innovative technology

Combining capabilities specific to analogue photography with ingenious technology and solutions, the Irix
15mm f/2.4 is the perfect tool for both professionals and hobbyists. The new special features such as
focus lock, infinity click and hyperfocal scale set a new level of manual lens functionality. Focus lock enables to lock the focus ring at any time enssuring the chosen settings. Hyperfocal distance scale gives information about the accessible range for depth of field for a given aperture simply and intuitively. When the focusing ring is set in the “infinity” position, there is a noticeable “click” (infinity click), making it easier to find the value without looking.

Extraordinary optical performance
The Irix 15mm f/2.4 meets the most demanding requirements of modern cameras. Thanks to sophisticated optical construction and special neutrino coating, colour aberration, ghosting and flare effects have been reduced to the absolute minimum, so the lens is ready to meet the requirements of the 50+ megapixel sensors of the newest cameras.

The complex optical system consist of 15 elements in 11 groups. Three of the lens elements have a high refractive index and two others have been made from extra-low dispersion glass. The construction also contains two glass aspherical lenses that are responsible for extremely high image quality and improving image brightness at edges, while minimizing distortions and aberrations at the same time.

With a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 metre and 9 rounded shaped aperture blades, the lens stands for supremely smooth out-of-focus areas. Working with a narrow depth of field it allows the user to fully enjoy the bokeh effect.

Resistant to extreme conditions

Irix 15mm f/2.4 lenses are made with extreme precision, allowing them to be used in even the harshest weather conditions. Each lens is equipped with a weather sealed construction that protects the interior against dust and moisture. Thanks to inner seals they are also protected from accidental water splashes.

Prepare for more and create
Despite its short focal length and large aperture, the Irix 15mm f/2.4 is equipped with not only a front filter mount, but also has a rear gelatin filter slot. The design of the lens allows the use of 95 mm screw-in filters at the front in the petal-shape lens hood and gelatin filters at the back of the lens. This ensures unlimited possibilities for image creation.

Personalize your view

For the comfort of our customers Irix has created two versions of the Irix 15mm f/2.4 to meet their personality and individual taste.

Irix Blackstone: classic design meets maximum functionality, achieving the perfect match of innovative technology. The durable aluminium and magnesium body ensures foolproof protection of your lens, even in extreme conditions. Engraved fluorescent markings that reflect the light enable easy operation in all lighting conditions.

Irix Firefly: high quality mechanism in a handy design. Ergonomic focusing ring offers the freedom to capture the most ideal moment, whether it is big city architecture or wildlife scenery. The most lightweight lens in its class. Challenge accepted.

Irix Swiss Design

Irix Swiss Design stands for minimalism in style while maintaining maximum functionality. It is a perfect mixture of European design combined with Korean precision. The same look and feel of all products in the Irix family. The same consistency, product packaging and complementary elements, all perfectly shaped and fitting one another.

Ultimate precision
Each Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens leaving the factory has been properly calibrated. However, the focus calibration function provides the unique opportunity to adjust the focusing scale for a particular model of camera.

Technical data

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Pricing and availability:

Spring 2016

****

About Irix

Irix. Designed with both the effort and experience, of not only engineers, but also photographers. Swiss precision and Korean innovation create patented solutions with the finest optical performance and usability.
Prepare for more at: www.irixlens.com

For more information, please contact:

Beatrice Bem

Marketing

TH Swiss AG

b.bem@irixlens.com

Phone: +41 41 500 79 59

Two new Micro Four Thirds cameras to be announced the next few weeks…

We already got the new PEN-F and GF8 this year. And now the MFT fellow will get two more new cameras within the next few weeks:

  1. Olympus E-PL8 with 16MP sensor
  2. Panasonic entry level camera (20MP sensor?)

The High End stuff is expected to be announced at Photokina in September. Probably a new GH5 and E-M1II will be shown at the show!

This is the new Olympus E-PL8!

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Olympus has one more PEN coming soon! Those are the first images of the entry-level E-PL8 camera. It will be announced soon along the first Olympus Action Camera. Specs are yet unknown but I guess it will use the same 16MP sensor used by the E-M10II.

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Images via Digicameinfo.

The next camera announcements: Fuji X-T2, Sony A5300, Panasonic entry level MFT and Olympus E-PL8 and Action camera.

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To recap what you can expect to be announced as next here is the list:

  1. Early April: New Panasonic entry level MFt camera (no G nor GH)
  2. Early-Mid April: New Olympus Action Camera compatible with all Go PRO accessories. New E-PL8.
  3. May-June: New Sony A5300 entry level E-mount camera
  4. June: Fuj X-T2

Both Canon and Nikon are expected to announce some more “advanced” mirrorless system camera during the second half of the year.