Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The second-gen Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras is now in stock and shipping. The first-gen lens was an excellent lens and highly sought after among Micro Four Thirds users. I expect this version to achieve similar status. Check it out in black or silver here at B&H Photo.
Sigma is launching a new mount conversion service for its line of Sport, Contemporary and Art lenses. The service will allow customers to have lens mounts converted to/from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts. Current eligible lenses include the 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS Sport (shown above), the 35mm f/1.4 DG Art and the 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC OS Macro Contemporary, among others. Additionally, Sigma lenses for mirrorless cameras can be converted between Micro Four Thirds and Sony E-mount options.
The mount conversion service will launch on September 2, and will range in cost from $80 to $250, plus shipping. Mount conversion requests will be taken at your local Sigma subsidiary. US customers should visit Sigma’s US website for conversion requests.
In addition to the new mount conversion service, Sigma is also extending the warranty of all cameras, lenses and flashes purchased after July 1, 2013 – to 4 years.
Samyang has announced a new cine lens based on its 16mm f/2 lens, which will feature geared focus and aperture rings for smooth control using follow focus systems. The Samyang V-DSLR 16mm T2.2 ED AS UMC CS lens should arrive in early September for most DSLR and mirrorless mounts with APS-C or smaller sensors.
Retail price will be EUR 419. No word on US pricing yet; however, based on the price of other Samyang cine lenses, I would guess it will be in the $500-$550 range.
DxO Labs recently put the new Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 lens to the DxO Mark test. The results? [Read more…]
B&H has the new Rokinon 16mm f/2 lens in stock for Canon, Nikon and several other mounts priced at $449 with free shipping. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
The new Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM lens is now shipping in Nikon mount. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
We previously saw the Canon version shipping beginning back in May.
The older Nikon version is still available for $1100 less than the new version.
Last week, Panasonic quietly introduced an updated 20mm f/1.7 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The original version of this lens was well-regarded throughout its lifespan and served as a solid walkaround lens with its 40mm equivalent field of view.
The new 20mm f/1.7 II APSH. lens should be available in black or silver finishes next month for $399. It is currently available for pre-order here at B&H Photo.
The Canon 24-70mm f/4L IS USM appears to have received another $100 price drop. It was originally selling for $1,499 until it received a $100 price drop earlier this month. Now, it is showing up for $1,299 here at B&H Photo.
I suspect that Canon has had a hard time moving these at $1,500 a pop when the long-time favorite EF 24-105mm f/4L IS zoom is available for $1,149 retail and they’re always available refurbished for under $1000. In fact, right now, the Canon Store has a sale on refurb 24-105mm units at under $800. [Read more…]
The new Tokina 12-28mm f/4.0 AT-X Pro DX lens is now shipping for Nikon DX DSLRs (like the D7100). Check it out here at B&H Photo.
It’s expected to start shipping in Canon mount next month.
DxO Labs has rated the best lenses for the Nikon D600 according to their overall scores based on tests in DxOMark. 72 different lenses were tested with the highest score going to the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G and the AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lenses both getting a DxOMark score of 40.
It’s interesting to see the dropoff in scores from prime to zoom lenses. The highest rated zoom lens was the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED with a DxOMark score of 28.
Below are the top 10 primes, followed by the top 10 zoom lenses. [Read more…]