New Macro Lens: Tokina AT-X M35 Pro Dx

Tokina has announced a new macro lens for Canon and Nikon crop sensors, the AT-X M35 PRO DX. Equivalent to a 52.5mm (35*1.5) focal length on Nikon DX and 56mm (35*1.6) on Canon APS-C, this lens is set to hit the market in late December, just around for Christmas. Its price will be around USD 600.

Some more specifics about the lens:

• Consists of 9 elements in 8 groups
• Maximum aperture of f/2.8; minimum aperture of f/22
• Closest focusing distance: 14 cm
• Maximum magnification is 1:1
• Weight: 340 grams

This is going to be one of the few macro lenses dedicated to the crop-sensor digital SLR camera. The small minimum focusing distance on this lens sounds advantageous in getting close to the subject, but the initial minimum price seems to be a bit higher than I would like it to be. Tokina's new lens will have to be impressive in image quality to steal away the sales from the dedicated Canon and Nikon macro lenses currently on the market.

World's First Fisheye Lens for Crop Sensor Cameras

Sigma has announced yesterday that they are releasing the world's first 180 degree circular fisheye lens designed specifically for APS-C size digital SLRs. The Sigma 4.5 mm lens will feature a maximum aperture of f/2.8 with an HSM (hypersonic motor) mechanism for quiet zooming.
Other features of this lens include:

• Minimum focusing distance of only 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters)
• Maximum magnification of 1:6
• Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass to minimize aberration
• Availability for Canon, Nikon, and Sigma SLR cameras

The lens consists of 9 groups in 13 elements, with a total of six blades. Its weight will be 470g (16.6 oz). Pending field tests, this lens looks like it might be a welcome addition to those photographers with APS-C (cropped) sensor cameras. Pricing and availability is yet to be announced.