Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE ZOOM LENSES WITH BUILT-IN MOTOR FOR NIKON MOUNT
PMA, January 31, 2008, Las Vegas, NV— Mr. Morio Ono, president and CEO of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced that the company has developed two zoom lenses for APS-C size format —AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II (model A14NII) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (model A16NII) — and one zoom for full-size format — 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di (model A17NII) — with a Built-In Motor for Nikon.
[tags]nikon, tamron, lens[/tags]
New wide-angle NIKKOR lens with Perspective Control
Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the high-performance PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED, PC (Perspective Control) lens. This new lens is equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that gives photographers the flexibility to manipulate image perspective, distortion and focus.
The lens employs a special mount that enables up to ±11.5 mm shift and ±8.5° tilt for perspective control. Shift and tilt can be adjusted via convenient side-mounted controls while referring to the scales provided with gradations at 1mm or 1° intervals. The lens optics can be rotated up to 90° right or left for perspective control adjustment, and click-stops are provided every 30°. [Read more…]
Compact 5.3x zoom DX-NIKKOR lens with SWM and VR II
Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX-NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens featuring Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction II. The new wide ratio zoom DX-NIKKOR lens boasts a focal length range of 16 to 85mm, which makes it ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, including indoor-outdoor events, streetscapes, portraits and scenery. When mounted on any DX-format Nikon digital SLR camera, the picture angle is equivalent to that produced by a 24 to 127.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm film camera.
An ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet and accurate autofocus operation and complements the compact, lightweight design for superb handling. With dimensions of only Ø72 x 85 mm/Ø2.8 x 3.4 in., this new lens is ideal for general photography and perfectly suited for many who specialize in travel and nature photography. [Read more…]
Today, in the company of the Nikon D60, Nikon announced the new Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens.
Press Release
New Micro NIKKOR lens for close-up and general photography
Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens featuring a built-in Silent Wave Motor.
This new Micro lens allows photographers to shoot 1:1 life-size close-ups without the need for additional accessories. To ensure superior picture quality at all subject distances from macro to infinity, a host of state-of-the-art, Nikon original optical features and technologies are incorporated. Internal Focusing (IF) design allows faster, smoother autofocusing. Two aspherical lenses are employed to correct spherical aberration and coma. The incorporation of a Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat dramatically reduces ghosting and flare caused by internal reflections. An additional ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration to deliver higher resolution, high-contrast images. All of these factors contribute to the extremely accurate image reproduction capability of the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED. [Read more…]
Below are several purported press releases that were “leaked” on the DPReview.com forums this morning. If true, Nikon has got a great consumer DSLR/lens lineup for PMA. Here’s the short list:
See more details in the rumored leaks below. [Read more…]
The Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens is an ultra-wide zoom lens with portrait-length telephoto capability. By having multiple lens groups move during zooming, the lens was made compact and lightweight. The Ashperical element suppresses distortion. High contrast is maintained at all focal lengths and sharp images are obtained. (Canon) [Read more…]
Canon’s EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens does what many pros thought couldn’t be done – replace the previous L-series 28-70 f/2.8 lens with something even better. Extended coverage to an ultra-wide-angle 24mm makes it ideal for digital as well as film shooters, and the optics are even better than before with two Aspherical elements and a totally new UD glass element. It’s now sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture, and a new processing unit makes the AF faster than ever. (Canon) [Read more…]
The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens is a highly portable lens with high optical performance and a light weight of 12 oz. (340g). A very practical ultra-wide-angle zoom. The large front lens group minimizes peripheral darkening, and the flare-blocking diaphragm minimizes flare. Also, with lens group 2 being the zoom group, distortion is corrected. (Canon)
The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is equivalent to a 32-56mm field of view on a APS-C sensor DSLR like the Canon 40D or Rebel XTi. [Read more…]
The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is an affordable L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that’s ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses. (Canon) [Read more…]
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide-angle Canon L-series lens. It has been specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that will meet the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers. It features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo for even better image quality than the original EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing. (Canon)
Sample Images
Reviews
I’m very pleased with the image quality I’m getting from this lens. Wide open results are very sharp in the center and improve only slightly stopped down. Wide angle full frame corners, though not perfect, are very good for a lens this wide – the best full-frame Canon wide angle lens yet.
Fred Miranda Forum User Reviews
I was hesitant about spending over twice the cost of the 17-40, but in the end I opted for this nice piece of glass. I am impressed with the wide view it has (even on a 40D) and I am really looking forward to using it on a full frame body. I have noticed that when I have the center focus point active (only) wide landscape shots turn out magnificently sharp. Once you get used to manipulating this precision instrument into doing what you want it too, it does not let you down. The 2.8 aperture is quite fun and, even though it is a wide angle, can create beautiful background blur and really emphasize what you want to stand out most in the frame.
Photography Review User Reviews
What can’t be shown by MTF graphs and pictures of lens test charts is the amazing quality of the images from this lens. They have that certain something you can’t quite put your finger on. A beautiful rich colour and contrast coupled with a sharpness that just oozes the ‘L’ factor. I found myself Oooing and Ahhing over the test prints which is not something I make a habit of I can assure you.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your gear through these links helps support this site.
[tags]Canon, EF, 16-35mm, f/2.8L, USM, lens, review[/tags]