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Filtering Protruding Front Element Lenses

November 1st, 2009 | 29 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

Eureka!
I am told that there is a high end filter company working on a solution to the issue of filtering protruding front elements on select lenses. The 2 lenses in most need of filters are Nikon’s 14-24 and Canon’s 17mm TS-E. The solution should be available sometime in 2010.

It sounds easy enough to do, but the issue is flare, cost and most importantly; ease of use.

The source couldn’t say which company at the moment, but it’s coming soon.

cr

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/28 for EF

October 12th, 2009 | 22 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2/28 ZE

Car Zeiss Distagon T* 2/28 ZE

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 12.10.2009. : The breaking dawn is a special time for photo- graphers. When the early-morning sun reluctantly chases away the still-glistening dew on the trees, this delicate transition between night and day creates moments of calm and anticipation. But without a tripod at hand, these shots will only succeed with a lens that can handle intense light.

Carl Zeiss today introduces the wide-angle lens Distagon T* 2/28 ZE with EF bayonet, suitable for all analog and digital EOS camera models. With an initial aperture opening of 1:2, it is among the most light-intense of its kind in its focal length. From landscape photography at dawn to interior shots with weak lighting and close-up portraits, the Distagon T* 2/28 ZE offers photographers plenty of room for creativity when a tripod is not used. Following the recent introduction of its two ultra-wide-angle lenses, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE and the T* 2,8/21, the new Distagon T* 2/28 ZE is Carl Zeiss’ first moderate wide-angle lens with EF bayonet.

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Samyang Delays 14mm f/2.8

October 8th, 2009 | 11 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

From DPReview
Samyang Optics has announced a delay in production of its new 14mm f/2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical lens. According to the company, the delay is due to partial redesigning of the lens construction and further improvements. The lens will now be available in the first quarter of 2010.

cr

News & Notes

September 22nd, 2009 | 93 Comments | Posted in Canon 7D, Third Party Lenses

7D Next Week around the globe
According to Rob Galbraith, sources and countless emails. The 7D should be shipping to dealers next week in the US and Canada.

7D Features & EOS
Just an interesting note. The Dutch EOSZine (Canon’s own monthly journal, www.eoszine.nl) states in its 7D preview (page 12/13) that if the 7D is too expensive “you’ll find that all mentioned innovations will be applied in all EOS models in a year time” (rough translation).

thanks Dutch

Samyang 35 f/1.2 for EF
We should be seeing a new fast prime from Samyang early next year. Canon will receive a 35 f/1.2 while other manufacturers receive an f/1.4. Apparently one of the advantages of the EF mount (larger bayonet).

Read More: http://photorumors.com/2009/….

cr

Zeiss Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE

September 14th, 2009 | 44 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 3,5/18 wide-angle lens with EF bayonet mount
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 14.09.2009.
Whether shooting the elegant lines of the Eiffel Tower or the vast expanses of the Grand Canyon, both situations require a lens field wide enough to reveal the unique and full dimensions of each image. With the new Distagon T* 3,5/18 from Carl Zeiss, EOS camera users now have an ultra-wide-angle lens at their disposal while benefiting from all the other optical qualities that ZEISS lenses are well-known for. The lens’s extremely wide 99°-angle view is suitable especially for full-frame sensor cameras, delivering an array of new creative possibilities. From landscape and architecture photography to advertising images, cameras equipped with the new Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens meticulously capture once-only moments and spectacular perspectives.

Despite its short focal length, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE has an extremely compact design compared to other zoom lenses in its category. Internal focusing also helps to reduce its size while delivering extremely precise and smooth focus control.

To prevent image aberrations during close-ups, internal lens groups are repositioned individually during focusing in what is called a floating elements design. This allows the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE to deliver exceptionally high quality—from extreme close-ups to infinity. Thanks to the ZEISS T*s anti-reflective coating and meticulously crafted lenses, the ZEISS T* is not affected by reflections or stray light. The result: razor-sharp images even under the toughest lighting conditions or with wide aperture settings.

Following the Planar T* 1,4/50 ZE and 1,4/85 ZE, already long cherished by photographers around the world, the Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE is the first wide-range lens with EF bayonet mount on the market.

The Distagon T* 3,5/18 ZE will be available in autumn 2009 at a suggested retail price of EUR 1,049.00 (excluding VAT)*.

Technical specifications
Focal length: 18 mm
Aperture range: f/3.5 – f/22 (half steps)
Number of elements/groups: 13/11
Focusing range: 0.3 m – infinity
Angular field* (diag./horiz./vert.): 99/90/67°
Coverage at close range: 44 x 29 cm
Image ratio at close range: 1:12
Filter thread: M 82 x 0.75
Mounts: ZF (F bayonet), ZK (K bayonet), ZE (EF bayonet)
Accessories: Lens shade included

cr

Sigma releases 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS

September 4th, 2009 | 31 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

Woo
Sigma has announced an image-stabilized telephoto zoom in the shape of the 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS. Suitable for use on both APS-C and full frame cameras, this lens incorporates Sigma’s Optical Stabilization technology allowing hand-held shooting at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than usual, along with a circular diaphragm for attractive rendition of out-of-focus backgrounds. The minimum focus distance is 1.5m giving a maximum magnification of 0.26x; unlike Sigma’s non-stabilized 70-300mm zooms there’s no extended macro focusing option. The lens will available for users of Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony SLRs.

Read More: http://www.dpreview.com/news/….

cr

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC [CR3]

August 31st, 2009 | 72 Comments | Posted in Third Party Lenses

Confirmed
A few people have confirmed the new Tamron lens.

It will first be available for Nikon Mount.

I’m super busy with work today, but keep sending the emails.

cr

7D Crop & Tamron 17-50 VC [CR1]

August 30th, 2009 | 267 Comments | Posted in Canon 7D, Third Party Lenses

1.45x Crop for the 7D?
I was sent an email saying that the new 7D will be APS-C, but with a 1.45x crop factor. Apparently this is the limit so that EF-S lenses still work without vignetting.

First appeared on a DPR forum posting, I couldn’t find the link.

I have no confirmed source for this one.

Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC
Received word that someone bumped into a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 VC (Vibration Correction) on Adorama’s web site. It was retailing for $749. The link has been removed from Adorama’s site.

Adorama give it up early?

cr