Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
GOLDEN, CO. (June 3, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This standard lens with extra zoom offers outstanding, well-balanced handling, and covers the most frequently used focal lengths between wide-angle and telephoto making it ideal for a variety of shots including scenery, snapshot and portraiture. [Read more…]
GOLDEN, CO (May 22, 2008) PENTAX Imaging Company announced the PENTAX Gear Up Rebate today designed for new and existing Pentaxians to save big on a complete DSLR system. From now through July 26, 2008, the rebate offers savings on individual products or on a complete PENTAX K20D or K200D system including a body, lenses, flash and battery grip. For example, Pentaxians may save $375.00* on a system including a PENTAX K20D body, a smc PENTAX DA*16-50mm lens, a smc PENTAX DA*50-135mm lens, a BG 2 Grip and an AF-540 FGZ Flash.
*Accessories included in this rebate must be purchased at the same time as a K20D or K200D body on the same receipt to receive full rebate.
The product models in the rebate savings include:
$100 K20D Camera Body
$100 K200D Camera Body
$100 smc PENTAX DA 16-45mm F4.0 ED/AL Lens
$100 smc PENTAX DA*50-135mm F2.8 ED (IF) SDM Lens
$100 smc PENTAX DA*16-50mm F2.8 ED AL(IF) SDM
$50 AF-360FGZ Flash
$50 AF-540FGZ Flash
For complete details, visit: http://www.pentaxslr.com/buy/rebates
Sigma has announced a new large aperture 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM standard lens for Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax* and Sony* mount cameras.
________________
B&H Photo has a used copy of this puppy laying around the warehouse for a super deal of $99,000 with case (plus shipping). Looks like they’ve only got one though. Darn, I was hoping for a pair.
From Canon:
This remarkable lens is the longest in the world with full autofocus capability. Two fluorite elements for superb image quality, make it ideal for many professional applications where it’s impossible to get close to the subject. Fully compatible with any EOS SLR, including digital bodies, autofocus performance is silent and instantaneous thanks to the Ultrasonic Motor. It’s also compatible with the Canon Extender EF 1.4x II (making it a 1700mm f/8) and EF 2x II (2400mm f/11). Available upon special order.
Popular Photography has a review of the new Nikon mount Carl Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 ZF Planar T*. Warning, this is lens fetish at its finest. Enter at your own risk.
The Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens is standard zoom lens with the same optical system, construction, and exterior as the EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM. The difference is that it uses a DC motor instead of a USM to drive the AF. It was included as a kit lens with older entry level Canon SLRs back in their heyday and is generally regarded as having rather poor optical quality.
Reviews
The Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens is very soft wide open – especially at 80mm. Stopping down at least 1 f-stop is required to get reasonable sharpness. Corners are soft at 28mm.
Fred Miranda Forums User Reviews
The Canon 28-80 may be a kit lens but it comfortably outperformed the Sigma zoom in my tripod-mounted test shots at all apertures within its limits at 28mm, 50mm and 70mm.
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.
[tags]Canon, EF, 28-80mm, f/3.5-5.6, II, lens, review[/tags]
This is a must have lens for Canon DSLR owners.
It must be expensive, right? Does it have IS and USM? Is it an “L” lens?
The answer to all three of these question is a resounding “NO”!
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II can be had at a pittance of about $70 or so, street. So now, the “why”?
First off, as you can see, it’s cheap. Not only is it cheap by it’s great glass for the pennies you pay. This is probably the best “bang for the buck” lens that Canon offers and the first lens you should buy for your new DSLR.
Furthermore, this lens is a great portrait lens for APS-C sensor cameras like the Digital Rebel XT, 20D, and 30D. It is the equivalent to what an 80mm lens would be on a full-frame camera.
I won’t rehash what others more knowledgeable than me have said about this lens. Below are some links for your reading pleasure which reinforce the points I’ve made.
Individual User Reviews from FredMiranda.com
The Digital Picture’s Review
Individual User Reviews at PhotographyReview.com
