Independent lens maker Tokina is set to release an ?ultra wideangle? 12-24mm lens specifically designed for Canon and Nikon digital SLRs with an APS-C sized imaging sensor.

The AT-X 124 AF Pro DX is designed to deliver the 35mm viewing angle of an 18-36mm lens. The optic ? which weighs 570g – has a minimum aperture of f/22.

Featuring a 35mm conversion factor of 1.5-1.6x the newcomer is expected out in September and is designed to be used digital SLRs such as the Canon EOS 350D digital SLR and recently launched Nikon D50.

Priced a penny under £400 the lens boasts two aspherical elements.

For details see next week?s issue of AP, in shops on Tuesday 23 August.