Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM for Four Thirds
Sigma has launched the new Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM for Four Thirds lens, a large aperture lens optimized specially for digital SLR cameras. The lens featuring STwo SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and a hybrid aspherical lens provide the utmost correction for all types of aberrations, and HSM system ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing
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Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC for Four Thirds
Sigma has launched the new Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC lens for Four Thirds , a large aperture zoom lens optimized specially for digital SLR cameras. The lens featuring one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element and two aspherical lenses for excellent correction, and Super Multi Layer (SML) coating reduces flare and ghosting from which digital cameras tend to suffer
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Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS - Review @ Photozone
Photozone has recently posted their review on Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS and this is their verdict;
“Regarding its equivalent zoom range (39-168mm) on an APS-C DSLR the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 USM L IS may not be the most sexy lens here but its performance figures are very impressive nonetheless. In fact the resolution results beat those from the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L and match the EF 28-70mm f/2.8 USM L with its much more conservative zoom range (but higher speed). There’s a slight decrease in performance at 105mm but even here the quality remains on a very high level. As to be expected from a modern Canon L lens the construction quality is up to pro standards matching its fasters cousins. The lower price tag plus the extra IS should compensate the slightly more moderate max. aperture for most users. Is it a perfect lens then ? Well, there’re also downsides like pronounced barrel distortions and higher than expected CAs at the wide-end of the zoom range. However, the package remains extremely attractive if you can live with the rather unattractive zoom range on an APS-C DSLR - similar to other 28-xx or 24-xx zooms this lens is really more meant for 1.3x or FF (D)SLRs.”
>> Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Review Roundup & Samples
>> Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Latest Price
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Nikon has announced the release of AF-S VR Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, world’s first macro lens with Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction (VR) on board. The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens features advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing.
>> REVIEWS (Last Update: 08.03.06)
Digital Wide Zoom Lens Comparison
Ken Rockwell has done some tests comparing five wide zoom lenses designed only for digital camera with APC-size sensor. Here’s what he says about each lens
“Nikon 12-24mm
Tamron 28-200mm & Tamron 70-300 Upgrades
Tamron has recently upgraded 2 of their zoom lenses. Both Tamrom AF28-200mm f/3.8 - 5.6 XR Aspherical (IF) Macro and Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD 1:2 macro are now available in Di series.
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Pentax SMC 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DA ED - Review @ Ephotozine
Ephotozine has recently published their review on Pentax SMC 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DA ED, a telephoto zoom lens with an angle of view 31.5-8.1ยบ, a min aperture of f/22 - 32.
” Despite its small size and low weight, this lens performs more than adequately. The focal range is ideal as a second lens on the cropped sensors of the cameras that it is designed for. (*istDxx range) Autofocus is perhaps a little dated and often has a last tiny jerk to acquire its final lock but is accurate once it is there. Pentax have done well to achieve such pleasing performance in such a small package for what is a very reasonable price.
In summary, the positive points of the Pentax SMC 50-200mm f/4-5.6 DA ED lens are:
Lightweight and compact, Consistent optical quality throughout range, Good value for money
The negative points are: Chromatic aberrations under some conditions, Autofocus a little frustrating at times, Manual focus ring small and rotates during AF”
Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX DG HSM
Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 EX DG HSM lens covers the telephoto range from 300mm to the ultra-telephoto range up to 800mm. The lens is providing a constant fast aperture and is weighing in at over 13 pounds.
This lens has two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements in the front lens group for excellent correction of chromatic aberration. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) for fast and silent auto focus with full-time manual focus capability. By adding 1.4x EX teleconverter you can use this lens as 420-1120mm f/8 MF, or if that’s not long enough, you can stack your 2x EX teleconverter for 600-1600mm f/11 MF. Now that’s HUGE!
REVIEWS & SAMPLES (last update 06.02.06)
Vignetting Test on Full Frame DSLR Camera
TheDigitalPicture.com has added a new section on their website where you can see and compare vignetting from Canon lenses on a full frame body.
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There’s also been a rumor that Canon is considering introducing yet another line of lenses that are aimed to be placed above the L series lens. The new series will meet the resolving demand of the upcoming generation of sensors which will have even higher resolution.
Sigma 10-20mm Vs Tamron 11-18mm Vs Tokina 12-24mm
Peter K Burian has done some tests comparing the the Sigma AF 10-20mm, Tamron SP AF11-18mm, and Tokina AF 12-24mm.
“Sigma AF 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM: The images also exhibit great clarity and impressive definition of intricate detail. This Sigma lens seems to be optimized for the very finest results at focal lengths from about 10-14mm at most apertures. By 15mm, edge sharpness is a bit softer, although central sharpness remains very high.
