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Posts Tagged ‘primes’

DPReview TV: F1.4 or F2.0? Which are the best Fujifilm primes?

26 Jun

The guys at DPReview TV always go above and beyond to produce their videos. This video comparison of Fujifilm’s F1.4 and F2 primes show just how dedicated they are, with Chris powering through the pain after suffering a nasty injury.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

  • Introduction
  • 18mm
  • The injury
  • 23mm
  • 35mm
  • The wrap

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics brings its Laowa 9mm T2.9, 12mm T2.9 and 15mm T2.1 cine primes to Canon RF mount

28 Sep

Venus Optics has announced it’s now adding a Canon RF lens mount option for three of its ultra-wide cinema primes: the 9mm T2.9 ‘Zero-D’ lens, 12mm T2.9 ‘Zero-D’ lens and 15mm T2.1 ‘Zero-D.’

The 12mm T2.9 ‘Zero-D’ lens was released back in January of this year, while the 9mm T2.9 and 15mm T2.1 ‘Zero-D’ lenses were announced back in June of this year. At the time, the lenses were only available for Sony E, Canon EF and PL mount, but owners of Canon’s EOS R series mirrorless cameras can now get native versions of the lenses, negating the need to use the EF version with the EF-RF adapter.

Photo Credit: Photo by Phil Holland, provided by Venus Optics

As part of the Loawa Zero-D’ line, all three lenses offer ‘close-to-zero’ distortion. All three lenses also feature industry standard 0.8 mod pitch gears for controlling both the aperture and focus.

As a quick refresher, below are specification summaries for each of the lenses:

9mm T2.9 ‘Zero-D’ lens

The 9mm T2.9 is constructed of 15 elements in 10 groups, has a minimum focusing distance of 12cm (4.72”), uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and weighs 247g (8.71oz).

12mm T2.9 ‘Zero-D’ lens

The 12mm T2.9 is constructed of 16 elements in 10 groups, has a minimum focusing distance of 18cm (7.09”), uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and weighs 675g (1.5lbs).

15mm T2.1 ‘Zero-D’ lens

The 15mm T2.1 is constructed of 12 elements in 9 groups, has a minimum focusing distance of 15cm (5.91”), uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and weighs 540g (1.19lbs).

All three lenses are available to purchase with the Canon RF mount starting today on Laowa’s online shop. The 9mm T2.9, 12mm T2.9 and 15mm T2.1 retail for $ 600, $ 1,500 and $ 1,200, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic unveils new 24, 35, 50 and 85mm F1.8 L-mount primes

05 Sep

The S5 is at the center of the Panasonic’s announcements today, but the company has also revealed plans to release a handful of F1.8 prime lenses. Details are thin at the moment, but we know that S-series 24mm, 35mm, 50mm and 85mm F1.8 lenses are on the way, and that the 85mm will be available in November.

Panasonic showed renderings of its forthcoming lenses in a presentation surrounding the S5 launch.

A YouTube presentation by Panasonic shows all four primes as being the same size, each of them smaller (and presumably less expensive) than the existing F1.4 L-mount options at these focal lengths, which will bring some added variety to the growing lens system.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma shows EF-M mount primes for Canon cameras at WPPI

29 Feb

Hands-on with Sigma’s APS-C primes for Canon at WPPI

Sigma’s DC DN EF-M primes have been the talk of the town for EF-M mount users for months now, but they’ve been in relatively short supply (we’ve only got the 56mm F1.4 in the DPReview offices so far). But during our time at WPPI, we got a chance to see all three in-person and find out how they balance on Canon’s latest APS-C mirrorless flagship, the EOS M6 Mark II.

Pictured above is the most compact of the three, and the most recently released – the 56mm F1.4 DC DN. Offering an equivalent focal length of around 90mm (remember, Canon’s APS-C crop is 1.6x), it’s a fantastic option for portraits. Actually, in the EF-M system, it’s really the only native option for portraits, though you can of course make do with the kit zooms or adapt DSLR lenses.

As you can see, the 56mm is light on external controls, with only a large, rubberized manual focus ring on the exterior that is smooth and well-damped.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN

Around the front of the lens is a 55mm filter thread, and down the barrel are nine aperture blades. The lens weighs 280g and feels dense without being heavy, and balances exceptionally well on the EOS M6 Mark II. It will focus down to 0.5m (~20″) with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.14x.

The optical formula is composed of 10 elements in six groups, including one ‘super-low dispersion’ element. Unfortunately, there’s not much to see around the back of this lens. There’s no rear gasket for keeping out moisture or dust on any of this trio of lenses.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN

Up next is Sigma’s 30mm F1.4 DC DN. This lens is basically going head-to-head with Canon’s EF-M 32mm F1.4, but we don’t mind a bit of competition. The Sigma gives you a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 48mm, while the Canon gives you 51.2mm. That type of difference is unlikely to really influence your purchasing decision, though the Canon’s much greater magnification ratio (0.25x to 0.14x) and higher price point ($ 479 to $ 339) might.

In any case, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 balances quite well on the EOS M6 Mark II, being a bit lighter than the 56mm F1.4 but a bit longer as well. A well-damped rubberized focus ring is likewise the only external control.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN has an optical formula of nine elements in seven groups, with one of those elements being aspherical and another being double-sided aspherical. There are nine aperture blades and the front filter diameter is 52mm.

We actually reviewed this lens back nearer to its release, and on a Sony APS-C camera, we found it to be excellent.

Read our review of the Sigma 30mm F1.4 for Sony E-Mount

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN

Last and largest is the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN. It’s actually one-and-a-half times longer than the 56mm F1.4, and the heaviest of the three by 125g, or more than a quarter of a pound.

This lens is likely to be of interest to EF-M users, who up until now had only one native wide-angle lens at their disposal: the excellent (but slower-aperture) 11-22mm F4-5.6 zoom. This 16mm F1.4 should be a great option for lower light shooting, events, astrophotography and more.

It balances fairly well on the EOS M6 Mark II, but is a bit front-heavy. It’s not a very comfortable combination in the hand on Canon’s grip-less EOS M200.

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN

Down the barrel, past the 67mm filter threads, we see a nine-bladed aperture, just like the other two. This should be great for creating 18-point sunstars in landscape scenes. In addition to being the biggest, it’s also the most optically complex of the group, with 16 elements in 13 groups, including a total of seven specialty elements, and it can focus down to as close as 0.25m (9.84″) for a maximum magnification of 0.1x.

Hands-on with Sigma’s APS-C primes for Canon at WPPI

And that’s it for Canon’s trio of DC DN F1.4 prime lenses, now becoming readily available for EF-M mount. We find that these lenses make an enormous difference in the appeal of Canon’s mirrorless APS-C system, but what do you think? Are you planning to pick any of these up for yourself? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic updates its L-mount lens roadmap with two new primes, drops the 100mm F2.8 Macro

28 Feb

Panasonic has published (translated) an updated roadmap for its Lumix S L-mount lenses. The updated roadmap adds two new prime lenses and is notably missing the 100mm F2.8 Macro lens compared to the previous lens roadmap, released back in August 2019.

Based on the information shown in the above roadmap graphic, Panasonic will be releasing three prime lenses and three zoom lenses in 2020:

  • 24mm F1.8
  • 50mm F1.8
  • 85mm F1.8
  • Wide-angle zoom lens
  • Standard zoom lens
  • Telephoto zoom lens

No details are given for the focal lengths of the zoom lenses, but based on the infographic, it seems nearly every focal length from around 24mm through 280mm will be covered.

Although no specifics were mentioned in our recent interview with Yosuke Yamane, Director of Panasonic’s Imaging Business Division, he did talk about the importance of working alongside Sigma and Leica to expand and improve the lens options for the L-mount alliance, going so far as to saying the trio is ‘discussing changes to the communication protocol between the cameras and lenses.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces nine full-frame E-mount Art primes

28 Feb

Sigma has announced plans to bring seven of its existing full-frame Art-series primes, plus two newly-announced lenses, to E-mount. Sigma says that the E-mount versions will offer “a newly developed control algorithm that optimizes the autofocus drive and maximizes the data transmission speed.” The lenses will work with Sony’s AF-C mode, and as with existing lenses adapted via MC-11, will work with in-camera stabilization and in-camera lens corrections.

Below are the lenses Sigma plans to offer in E-mount:

  • 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art
  • 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • 70mm F2.8 DG Macro | Art
  • Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • Sigma 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
  • Sigma 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art

Sigma says that launch dates for all models are yet to be determined.

SIGMA launches seven interchangeable Art prime lenses for Sony E-mount cameras with full-frame sensors

SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of interchangeable lenses for the Sony E-mount digital camera series with full-frame image sensors. SIGMA will gradually introduce the lenses as members of the Art line, which offers photographers the highest level of optical performance.

While offering the same high-performance optical design as other lenses in the Art line, the new Sony E-mount models will feature a newly developed control algorithm that optimizes the autofocus drive and maximizes the data transmission speed. In addition, these lenses will be compatible with Sony’s Continuous AF (AF-C) and high-speed autofocus, which are not addressed by SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11. Like the converter MC-11, the lenses will be compatible with in-camera image stabilization and in-camera lens aberration correction, which includes corrections for peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, and distortion.

The lineup will include the Art line set of seven prime lenses covering 14mm to 135mm. It will also include two models that SIGMA will be exhibiting at CP+ 2018: 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO | Art and 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art (launch date TBD). Further, SIGMA plans to introduce additional Sony E-mount models in the Art line going forward.

Note: This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

Key features

1. Autofocus tuned for each lens
Thanks to an autofocus drive control program tuned for each lens and high-speed data transmission, the lenses will offer high-speed autofocus at the same performance level as that of a lens designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras. In particular, in E-mount cameras offering Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF, AF-C mode will deliver exceptional subject following performance. Moreover, autofocus will remain extremely precise even in those E-mount cameras offering only contrast AF.

2. Compatible with in-camera image stabilization
The lenses will be compatible with in-camera image stabilization. The Sony E-mount camera senses the focal length of the lens and automatically optimizes image stabilization performance.

3. Data loaded for compatibility with in-camera aberration correction The lenses will be fully compatible with in-camera aberration correction, which includes corrections for peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, and distortion. By matching corrections to the optical characteristics of the lens, this function takes image quality to an even higher level.

4. Native mount for a more rigid and stable feel Making the mount native to the lens makes possible a more rigid and stable feel to the lens. Featuring a special surface treatment to enhance strength, the brass bayonet mount offers a high-precision fit and exceptional durability. The mount connection area incorporates rubber sealing for dust- and splash-proof construction.

5. Available Mount Conversion Service This service converts the mount of SIGMA lenses to that of a different camera body, allowing photographers to continue using their favorite lenses over the long term regardless of camera system.

Note 1: The Mount Conversion Service is different from a normal repair. In order to apply for the service, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary or distributor. http://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/

Note 2: This service is performed exclusively by SIGMA.

Product lineup

SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case

SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case

SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

SIGMA 70mm F2.8DG MACRO | Art (CP+ 2018 exhibit)
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art (CP+ 2018 exhibit)
Launch date: TBD. Include case, hood, and tripod socket

SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art
Launch date: TBD. Includes case and hood

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

27 Oct

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

Two months ago Canon announced four new L-series prime lenses: the TS-E 50mm, 90mm and 135mm F2.8L Macro and the 85mm F1.4L. We’re at the Photo Plus Expo in New York, and we just got our hands on them. Click-through for some images and first impressions.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

All of the new TS-E lenses are (like all tilt-shift designs) manual focus, and all feature broad, well-damped focus rings. The TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro (shown above) covers a classic portraiture focal length and should be useful for both portraiture and product photography.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

While people tend to associate tilt-shift lenses with landscape photography, short and medium-telephoto designs are very handy for portraits, where it can be difficult to maintain sharp focus on a subject’s eyes (both of them) at wide apertures.

Similarly, close-up product images and macro photography where it isn’t always practical or desirable to stop down too much for increased depth of field. Using a tilt-shift lens, sharpness can be maintained across the depth of a subject, without sacrificing background blur.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

This is the 135mm F2.8L Macro – unsurprisingly, a larger and heavier lens than the 90mm pictured in the previous slide. All three of Canon’s new TS-E primes feature the same basic tilt-shift mechanism, offering a wider range of adjustments compared to Canon’s older lenses, and updated coatings. In the 135mm F4L, SubWaveLength Structure Coating (SWC) helps reduce flare and ghosting.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

Unlike Canon’s more conventional L-series lenses, the TS-E range is not (and has never been) weather-sealed. As such, they lack the rubber gasket around the lens mount that you’d expect to see on other L-series primes and zooms. According to Canon, the complexity of the tilt-shift mechanism makes weather-sealing impractical.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

All three of the new TS-E primes offer the same magnification ratio of 1:2. This isn’t quite ‘true’ macro but for many purposes it should prove adequate for close-focus work, even with relatively small subjects. As you can see in this view, the tilt and shift knobs on the new primes are large, and easily distinguishable from one-another.

Every aspect of the new TS-E lenses feels extremely well-machined. Canon has long experience of designing tilt-shift primes and everything from build quality to the feel of the zoom rings oozes quality. With the lenses locked in a tilt/shift position, there is no give in the mechanisms at all (which is exactly what you want in a lens of this kind).

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

The shortest and lightest of the TS-E trio is the TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro. Like the 135mm F4, the 50mm also benefits from SWC coating, and a new Air Sphere Coating (ASC) which Canon claims ‘provides amazingly high, anti-reflective performance, particularly when alleviating incidental light that can enter a lens’.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

The new Canon TS-E 50mm F2.8L Macro, TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro and TS-E 135mm F4L Macro lenses are all scheduled to be available November 2017 for an estimated retail price of $ 2199.

Read more about Canon’s new TS-E lenses

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

Announced alongside the TS-E primes in August was the 85mm F1.4L. A classic portrait prime, the 85mm updates the venerable 85mm F1.2L II in many respects, while not offering quite the same brightness.

Apart from the minimum aperture, the most obvious update compared to the older 85mm designs is image stabilization, up to a claimed 4 stops. In theory, this means that you should be able to hand-hold the new lens at shutter speeds as low as 1/15 sec, but of course this assumes no subject movement.

Hands-on with new Canon L-series primes

A nine-bladed aperture is designed to deliver attractive bokeh for portraiture and as we’d expect from Canon’s L-series lenses (except the TS-E models) the new 85mm F1.4L is dust and weather-sealed. At 950g (roughly 2lb) the lens isn’t exactly lightweight, but doesn’t feel heavy and remains well-balanced on the EOS-1DX Mark II that we used at the show.

Optical construction of the EF 85mm comprises 14 elements in 10 groups, with one large diameter, high-precision molded glass aspherical element. Like the 135mm and 50mm TS-E primes, the 85mm F1.4L features an Air Sphere Coating. It will be available next month, for $ 1600.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Speedmaster 65mm and 85mm fast primes for Fujifilm GFX on the way

26 Apr

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Chinese manufacturer Zhong Yi Optics has shown of a pair of manual focus prime lenses for Fujifilm’s medium format GFX 50S at a tradeshow at Beijing. The lenses are currently the fastest yet announced for GF mount.

The new lens is a Speedmaster 65mm F1.4, which is exclusively designed for the GFX system. Details are scarce, other than what can be seen from photos of the lens. It has manual aperture and focus rings and supports 77mm filters. Mounted on the Fujifilm it will be equivalent to a 51mm F1.1 lens on a full frame body.

The second lens already exists and is being made available for the G-mount. The Speedmaster 85mm F1.2 is equivalent to 67mm F0.95 and features ED, HRI and low-dispersion elements. The lens has a minimum focus distance is 1 meter and 11 aperture blades. It too accepts 77mm filters.

This pair of lenses will ship sometime in 2017 at prices to be announced later.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Primes Versus Zoom Lenses: Which Lens to Use and Why?

06 Apr

Which type of lens is better, a prime lens or a zoom lens? This is one of the most debatable topics in photography. Some of you might choose a zoom lens and others may choose a prime lens, it all depends on what and where you are going to shoot.

It is really important to know what each of the two types of lenses are, and which type should be used during a given situation. This article will help you in this area.

Primes versus zoom lenses

What is a Prime Lens?

A lens that has a fixed focal length is known as a prime lens. So if you want to change your view of the frame, you will have to go closer to, or farther away from the spot where you are standing. As the focal length is fixed, there is no zoom ring on the lens.

There is a wide range of prime lenses available on the market, ranging from wide-angle prime lenses (such as 14mm and 24mm lenses) to medium and long range telephoto prime lenses (such as 135mm and 400mm lenses).

Primes versus zooms Sigma 20mm

A Sigma 20mm prime lens.

What is a Zoom Lens?

A lens which has a variable range of focal lengths is known as a zoom. Using such a lens, you do not need to move from your spot, and adjusting the zoom ring allows you to get a wider or narrower angle of view. So by using a zoom lens, you can change the focal length in order to adjust the angle of view.

There is a broad range of zoom lenses available, be it a wide zoom lens (such as the 12-24mm or 16-35mm lenses), the telephoto zoom lens (such as a 70-200mm, 100-400mm, and 150-600mm lenses), or the multi-purpose zoom lens (such as the 18-300mm and 24-105mm lenses).

Primes versus zooms tamron 18 200mm

Tamron 18-200mm zoom lens.

Benefits of Using a Prime Lens

Wide Aperture at a Lower Cost

One of the biggest advantages of using a prime lens is that you get to use a wide aperture (small f-number) such as f/1.8 and f/1.4 at a reasonable cost. For example, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens (only $ 125) and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens ($ 1199 compared to the Nikon version at $ 1599 or the Canon one at $ 1899). Whereas, a zoom lens such as the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L does not allow you to shoot wider than f/2.8, and that will burn a hole in your pocket (close to $ 2000).

Prime lens 1

Shallow Depth of Field

A prime lens allows you to use an aperture value as low as f/1.2 or f/1.4, thus providing a really shallow depth of field. Using such wide aperture opening, you can get more of a bokeh effect which means that your subject would be in focus and the background/foreground is blurry. Comparatively a zoom lens may only allow you to go a wide as f/5.6, f/4 or f/2.8, resulting in a wider depth of field as compared to a prime lens.

Therefore, if you are planning to get shallow depth of field (more bokeh effect) then using a prime lens would fulfill your requirements.

Primes Versus Zoom Lenses

Shot at f/1.4 using the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens.

Better Low Light Photography

As mentioned above, a prime lens can let you use an aperture value as low as f/1.2-1.8 which lets more light into the camera. While shooting in low light conditions using a prime lens you can use a faster shutter speed as it lets in 3-4 more stops of light (f/1.4 > f/2 > f/2.8 > f/4 > f/5.6 – a 50mm f/1.4 lets in 4-stops more than a standard f/5.6 kit lens) compared to a zoom lens.

So if your zoom lens at f/4 is giving you a shutter speed of 1/20th, using a prime lens at f/1.4 would allow you to use a shutter speed of 1/160th. If you are in a situation where the lighting is low and you do not have a tripod, using a prime lens would have an added benefit as it allows more light into the camera.

Primes Versus Zoom Lenses

Better Sharpness and Image Quality

There are fewer lens elements inside prime lenses, each placed to perform a specific role. This is the reason why a prime lens produces less optical flaws such as chromatic aberration and lens distortion, thus resulting in better image quality.

The number of lens elements in a zoom lens is more because it has to provide variable focal lengths, resulting in decent sharpness. However, even zoom lenses are getting better day by day in terms of image quality and sharpness to closer match the results captured by prime lenses.

Primes Versus Zoom Lenses:

Benefits of Using a Zoom Lens

Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of using a zoom lens is that it allows you to change focal lengths without changing your lens. A zoom lens provides a range of variable focal lengths which can be adjusted using the zoom ring on the lens, the range depends on the lens model. To name a few zoom lenses, you can get 18-55mm, 16-35mm, 24-70mm, 70-200mm, 100-400mm, and 18-300mm lenses. While using a zoom lens you can even go from a wide angle view to a telephoto view without even changing the lens.

So if your shoot requires you to switch between various focal lengths then it is better to use a zoom lens to save time and to avoid missing any important moments. In wedding photography, sports, and while traveling you should be using a zoom lens the most, because if you switch between multiple prime lenses then you might end up missing the moment.

Primes versus zooms - lens Range

This image shows the range of focal lengths the Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens provides.

Portability

A zoom lens such as the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 is basically five prime lenses in one as it covers some of the most commonly used focal lengths such as; 85mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm, and 300mm. Imagine how easy and light it would be to carry a single lens in comparison to carrying five in your camera bag. Though the zoom lens would not allow you to use a wide aperture or give amazingly sharp images as a prime lens would, but it would surely help you pack light. Now it is all up to you, either choose the advantage of the portability of a zoom lens – or carry the extra weight if you are not willing to compromise on image quality.

If you are a frequent traveler who likes to pack light and can compromise a bit on the image quality and the ability to shoot a wide aperture, then a zoom lens is an ideal choice for you.

Primes versus zooms 2

All in all, a less expensive deal

As stated in an example above, the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is basically five in one (or even more). So now if you do the math, a $ 449 zoom lens can allow you to use any focal length ranging between 70mm and 300mm. Whereas, if you buy five or more prime lenses then you might end up spending over $ 4000.

A zoom lens would be ideal for you if you have just started in photography and want to explore different genres of photography. First invest in a decent zoom lens such as the 18-55mm, 18-300mm, 55-250mm lens or the 70-300mm lens. Then once you are sure about what genre of photography you want to go ahead with then you can buy your next lens accordingly.

Primes versus zoom lenses

Conclusion: A Prime Lens or a Zoom Lens?

There is no doubt that prime lenses are superior when it comes to sharpness and image quality. However, zoom lenses are improving constantly, but still not close enough perhaps. Though some premium zoom lenses such as the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM produce images with brilliant sharpness and less optical aberration.

If you are looking for that beautiful bokeh effect which can only be achieved at wide aperture then you will have to go for a prime lens. It will allow you to choose aperture values such as f/1.2, f/1.4, or f/1.8. Similarly, to shooting in low light conditions a prime lens will give you the added advantage of using a faster shutter speed, thus resulting in sharp pictures.

Primes versus zooms 3

But if you are a frequent traveler or are not familiar with the location, then using a zoom lens will be a safer option as it is a versatile as well as a portable option. Even at weddings or while covering events you cannot rely on a prime lens as there are limitations of moving around the area, therefore using a zoom lens is a wiser choice.

Please share your thoughts on the prime versus zoom lens discussion below. Which lenses have you opted to use?

The post Primes Versus Zoom Lenses: Which Lens to Use and Why? by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

24 Feb

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Voigtländer announced three new lenses at this year’s CP+ show in Yokohama, for the Sony E Mount. We’re at the show, and we made our way to the Voigtländer booth earlier to take a closer look at the Nokton classic 35mm F1.4, Nokton 40mm F1.2, and Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2 (pictured above). 

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

This is the Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2, which like all Voigtländer primes, is finished to a very high standard. A physical aperture ring with well-placed 1/3EV detents is positioned – rangefinder style – at the far end of the lens, and a broad, knurled focusing ring further back, towards the camera. The red, green and blue flashes are a nod to the older and much sought-after 125/2.5 APO-Lanthar.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Electrical contacts communicate EXIF to the camera body, which is a big advantage in manual lenses.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

At its minimum focusing distance, the 62mm can achieve a maximum magnification of 1:2. Not quite ‘true’ macro, but not bad. As you can see though, despite its modest focal length, the lens extends considerable when in its near-macro focus range. 

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

At infinity on the other hand, it’s a pleasantly compact short telephoto prime.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

The Macro APO-Lanthar 65mm F2 Aspherical was announced at Photokina 2016 as a concept, but is now moving towards production. Pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Here is the Nokton 40mm F1.2 Aspherical – a fast, ‘normal’ prime lens for the Sony E mount. Cosmetically similar to the 65mm macro, the 40mm is more compact, obviously much brighter lens. 

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

The fastest 40mm ever made for full frame (in case you’ve been waiting for one) the 40mm Nokton is based on an older VM (Leica M) mount lens, but has been ‘optimized’ for Sony E mount.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Again, electrical contacts ensure that EXIF information is recorded to the camera. According to Voigtländer’s (slightly imprecisely translated) press release, the 40mm Nokton features a ‘weak aperture stop click release mechanism’ for smooth, clickless aperture progression in video shooting. Full disclosure – we couldn’t figure out how to engage it, but it’s been a very long day. 

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

A close focusing distance of 40cm isn’t amazing, but that’s one of the tradeoffs of such a fast maximum aperture. Again, pricing and availability of the 40mm Nokton has yet to be confirmed, but we’ll update this story if and when the information becomes available. 

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Another design adapted from an older lens, the Nokton classic 35mm F1.4 is an E-mount version of the M-mount Nokton that Voigtländer has been selling for some time. This lens was only on show under glass, so we didn’t get to handle it. We’d expect it to be built to the same high standard as the older M-mount version though.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Another view of the Nokton 35mm, showing off its minimalist design.

CP+ 2017: Hands-on with new Voigtländer E-mount primes

Again, in the rangefinder style, the Nokton classic features a slim aperture ring positioned at the front of the lens. A broad focusing ring makes up most of the lens’s length. 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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