Samsung expands NX lens line

Samsung gives the NX system a much-needed boost with a couple of key lens announcements: a nice-sounding yet reasonably priced 45mm f1.8 prime and what seems like a kit-quality 12-24mm f4-5.6 wide-angle zoom.

Both incorporate the system's i-Function intelligent operation, but they also both lack optical image stabilization; as more lenses arrive without OIS, I increasingly appreciate the cameras that use sensor-shift IS and are thus not dependent upon the manufacturers' decisions about the feature. It's true that as focal length decreases so do stability issues, but I've never met a focal length that couldn't benefit from it.

The 12-24mm lens (18.5-37mm equivalent) will cost $599.99, which subjectively seems a bit high for a slow lens with a seven-bladed aperture. The lens is probably slower at all focal lengths than its 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 sibling. It can focus as close as 9.4 inches.

The 45mm f1.8 (69.3mm equivalent) offers a nine-bladed aperture for nice, round out-of-focus highlights and a minimum focus distance of 17.7 inches. It will run $299.99.

Samsung expects to ship the zoom in November, but as of now does not know when the 45mm will be available.