Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The Olympus 70-300mm f/4-5.6 (a new Four Thirds lens) has a focal length equivalent to 140-600mm on a 35mm camera. That’s a range that you couldn’t possibly find on another DSLR system for $400. It is available for pre-order at Adorama.
[tags]olympus, 4/3, four thirds, price, availability, release, 70-300[/tags]
Thought I’d let you know that the ever-popular Nikon 18-200 VR zoom lens has dropped in price now that supply has caught up with demand. You can find it for $708.95 at Amazon now. If you want to save even more, Adorama’s got a grey market version for $679.95.
[tags]nikon, 18-200, price, deal[/tags]
This has been hard to find at a reasonable price over the past several months. Currently, it’s in stock at Amazon for $749.
New Lenses Feature Remarkable Optics, Vibration Reduction (VR II) and Rugged Construction
MELVILLE, N.Y. (AUGUST 23, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikonusa.com) today introduced three new super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses that offer professional photographers the latest innovations in lens technology and optical design. The new AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR, and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR all offer unprecedented image quality, responsiveness and versatility along with new features such as Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction technology and Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. These new lenses are designed for use with Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras and together with Nikon’s current AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR lens, they complete Nikon’s range of super-telephoto lenses. [Read more…]
Developed in response to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS standard zoom lens adds a phenomenally flexible lens to the EOS 40D SLR shooter’s imaging arsenal. While it features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor, this new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens offers the significant advantage of a true lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.
The higher performance provided by Canon’s lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low-light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What’s more, the shooter can see the image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady, more accurate framing and composition is possible, the AF point can be placed more precisely, and the photographer can concentrate on the optimal shot more comfortably.
Compact and lightweight, the optional EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS 40D SLR and any other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including the EOS 30D, EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, EOS Digital Rebel XTi, EOS Digital Rebel XT and the original EOS Digital Rebel camera. An ideal complement to the EOS 40D SLR, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores in October at an estimated selling price of $199.99.i
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.
4-stop Image Stabilizer
Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.
Appealing background blur
Both lenses also incorporate a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.
Super Spectra coatings
Both models employ Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.
E-TTL II flash integration
The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.
[tags]Canon, EF-S, 18-55, 55-250, mm, is, lens, f/3.5-5.6, price, review[/tags]
Tied to the Canon 40D rumors is the purported release of a EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens. That would be rather enticing… Check it out here.
[tags]canon, eos, ef-s, 18-55, kit, lens, is, image stabilization, rumor, news[/tags]
New HSM lenses for Nikon (17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM and 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro HSM)
HSM has now been added to the Nikon mount 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO HSM, allowing autofocus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (inculding the D40 and D40x).
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM for Nikon and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO HSM for Nikon.
Large aperture standard zoom lens designed specially for digital SLR cameras.
17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM for Nikon
The HSM system has been incorporated into this large aperture standard zoom lens for digital SLR cameras. This lens is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x) and has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”) and maximum magnification of 1:2.3 enabling close-up photography. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and Aspherical lens allows a compact construction and high optical performance.
Large aperture zoom lens designed specially for use with digital SLR cameras with a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”).
_______________________________________
18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO HSM for Nikon
The HSM systme has been incorporated into this large aperture standard zoom 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO. This lens is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras ( inculding the D40 and D40x). Aspherical lens, SLD lens and ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) provide high picture quality throughout the entire zoom range. Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.
Layer Coating and lens power layout provide high picture quality throughout the entire zoom range.
[tags]nikon, dslr, sigma, hsm, lens, 17-70, 18-50, af, autofocus, f/2.8, news[/tags]
PRESS RELEASE:
Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of new HSM lenses for Nikon. The Incorporation of the HSM enables these lenses to autofocus with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x)
18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM for Nikon
The HSM is incorporated into the compact standard zoom lens 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC giving this lens the capability to auto focus with all Nikon DSLR cameras(including the D40 and D40x). An aspherical lens and Super Multi Layer Coatings are used to achieve excellent lens performance and High image quality throughout the entire zoom range.
*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.
SPECIFICATIONS
*Lens Construction:8 Elements 8 Groups *Angle of View:76.5-31.7 degrees *Number of Diagram Blades:7 Blades *Minimum Aperture (W):F22 *Minimum Focusing Distance:25cm (9.8″) *Maximum Magnification:1:3.5 *Filter Size:58mm *Lens Hood:Bayonet Type *Dimensions:69.6mm(2.7″) x 60mm(2.4″) *Weight:250g (8.8 oz) *Barcode No.0085126-551551
55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM for Nikon
This compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC incorporates the HSM system, making it capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras(including the D40 and D40x). This compact telephoto zoom lens is suitable for field work. Super Multi Layer Coating and lens power layout provide high picture quality throughout the entire zoom range.
*Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
*Lens Construction:12 Elements 9 Groups *Angle of View:28.9-8.1 degrees *Number of Diagram Blades:8 Blades *Minimum Aperture (W):F22 *Minimum Focusing Distance:110cm (43.3″) *Maximum Magnification:1:4.5 *Filter Size:55mm *Lens Hood:Bayonet Type *Dimensions:71mm(2.8″) x 84.6mm(3.3″) *Weight:310g (10.9 oz) *Barcode No.0085126-685553
[tags]nikon, dslr, d40, d40x, sigma, hsm, af, autofocus[/tags]
Interestingly enough, this info on specs appeared on a japanese forum:
EOS-40D
10,100,000 pixel 5 scene/second 40 shot buffer
iso100-3200 (Hi6400 expansion)
Digic3 dust reduction
Live view photographing
3 inch liquid crystal
Highlight brightness priority setting loading
Drip-proof dustproofActual sale 168000 Yen 10% restoration
7 end of the month salesEF-S 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM
Simultaneous sale.
168,000 yen = $1364 USD.
Everyone expects a 40D sometime soon; however, I think the EF-S 18-200 IS USM would be a welcomed surprise. I imagine that this lens would sell like hotcakes given the success of Nikon’s 18-200 “never-in-stock” bad boy.
[tags]canon, 40d, 18-200, ef-s, usm, is, eos, news, rumors, price, announcement[/tags]
___________
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm super telephoto lens: Zooming power with the Four Thirds advantage
Hamburg, 26 June 2007 – This autumn, Olympus introduces the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6. Designed for the specific demands of digital photography, this extreme telephoto lens delivers 4.28x zoom power – up to a phenomenal focal length of 300mm (600mm on a 35mm camera system). Despite such high-performance attributes, this ultra-compact model only weighs in at around half as much as its competition. This makes it the ideal travel lens to accompany any Four Thirds Standard digital SLR.
With magnification muscle extending to 300mm (600mm in 35mm equivalent terms), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 is remarkably powerful yet remains astoundingly portable: The lens measures a mere 127mm and weighs just 620g. Naturally, being based on the Four Thirds Standard, image quality is never compromised.
Three ED lens elements are integrated to ensure razor-sharp results across the entire zoom range by minimising chromatic aberration that can otherwise occur at long focal lengths. Furthermore, multicoated lenses have also been incorporated to reduce ghosting and flaring against backlight, while a circular iris helps to achieve smooth, soft background defocusing.
Telephoto macro shots from a minimum distance of 96cm in manual mode and 1.2m in autofocus are possible across the entire breadth of the focal range, giving the photographer plenty of working space for close-ups of difficult subjects. Moreover, full-on macro shooting with maximum magnification of 0.5x (equivalent to 1x on a conventional 35mm camera system) is possible, while the zoom range gives the photographer control over framing and composition without the need to change position.
The ultra-compact, lightweight super telephoto lens is a perfect complement for the recently-launched Olympus E-510. Thanks to an image stabiliser built directly into the camera itself, it protects shots against the effects of camera shake – even at the extreme zoom levels this remarkable lens enables.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 will be available from late October 2007.
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 – main features:
• Extreme telephoto capabilities from 70-300mm (140-600mm*)
• Ultra-compact dimensions (127mm) and low weight (620g)
• Based on the Four Thirds Standard
• 3 ED lens elements
• Excellent telephoto macro performance
• Compatible with all Four Thirds Standard cameras including Olympus’ recently introduced E-510 and E-410
* 35mm camera equivalent
