Samsung boosts NX range with new 12-24mm wide-angle zoom and 45mm f/1.8 prime lenses

 

 

Samsung has added significant creative flexibility to its NX-series of compact interchangeable lens cameras by introducing at Photokina a new ultra-wide-angle zoom lens and a new mid-telephoto prime lens. With these two additions, the company now has 11 professional-caliber options within its NX Lens family. Here's the skinny on these lightweight lenses:

• The Samsung NX Lens 12-24mm F4-5.6 ED provides wide angles for shooting landscapes and making interior spaces seem larger. The zoom lens provides an equivalent range of 18.5-37mm in 35mm format, and starts out at an aperture of f/4 wide open and f/5.6 at full focal length. It features 10 elements in eight groups, including two aspherical lenses and one Extra-low dispersion lens to minimize chromic aberration. The lens is lightweight, at just more than 7.3 ounces (without the hood), and compact for easy portability.
• The Samsung NX Lens 45mm F1.8 delivers shallow depth of field, with excellent background blur (bokeh) for a mid-telephoto prime, according to the company. At an equivalent focal length of 69.3mm, the lens was designed for capturing portraits -- of either people or food. The bright f/1.8 aperture is perfect for low-light shooting, says Samsung, and the lens is paired with a fast, quiet stepping AF motor. The prime weighs just a little more than 4 ounces without the hood.

Both lenses are compatible with Samsung's i-Function system, which allows you to adjust shutter speed, aperture and ISO settings. Pricing and shipping dates were not yet available.