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Posts Tagged ‘f/2.8’

Fujifilm releases firmware updates for its X-T3, X-H1 cameras and 80mm F2.8 macro lens

18 Dec

As it promised it would back in November, Fujifilm has published the firmware updates for its X-T3 and X-H1 cameras, as well as a little firmware update for the Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro lynx.

Fujifilm X-T3

Firmware version 2.0 for the X-T3 addresses a number of issues and features present in firmware version 1.02. Most notably, it’s now possible to record 4K HDR video in Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) when shooting in 10-bit H.265 (HEVC) mode and simultaneously output Film Simulation while capturing F-Log footage under certain conditions. It can also now shoot video files larger than 4GB without splitting the file up, so long as the SD card being used is 64GB or bigger. Other small additions include the ability to display the color temperature on the EVF and LCD displays in Kelvin and compatibility with ALL-Intra and maximum bitrate 400Mbps in 8-bit, H.264 mode.

The update is available on Fujifilm’s X-T3 firmware download page.

Fujifilm X-H1

Firmware version 2.0 for the X-H1 also addresses the file size limitation issue as well as the color temperature display, but focuses on one feature in particular — image stabilization. With firmware version 2.0, the X-H1 will now work better when used with optically stabilized lenses. Fujifilm says in the update notes that ‘[Firmware version 2.00] has a new image stabilization algorithm to allow the in-body image stabilization to work in all 5 axis and to achieve more than five-stops (up to the equivalent of 5.5 stops) image stabilization by cooperative control according to the types of frequency and blur amount.’

The update is available on Fujifilm’s X-H1 firmware download page.

Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro

In addition to the two major firmware releases, Fujifilm also threw in a small update for its 80mm F2.8 macro lens. Firmware version 1.11 adds improved compatibility between the in-body stabilization of the X-H1 and the optical stabilization inside the Fujinon XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro lens when used in conjunction with firmware version 2.00 for the X-H1.

The update is available on Fujifilm’s XF 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro firmware download page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces pricing and availability of its 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sport lens

11 Dec

More than two months after first showing it off at Photokina 2018, Sigma has announced its 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sport lens will be available by the end of December 2018.

The lens, which rounds out the signature F2.8 trio alongside Sigma’s 14-24mm F2.8 and 24-70mm F2.8, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F and Sigma SA mounts. It’s constructed of 22 elements including one Special Low Dispersion (SLD) element and nine F Low Dispersion (FLD) elements alongside an 11-blade aperture diaphragm and 1.2m (1.31yds) minimum focusing distance.

Following suit with most of Sigma’s other lenses in its Global Vision lineup, the 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sport lens comes in at a discount compared to its Canon and Nikon counterparts. Sigma has set the retail price at $ 1,499 USD, a full $ 600 cheaper than Canon’s 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM lens and exactly a thousand dollars cheaper than Nikon’s 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens.

The 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sport lens is available for pre-order on B&H (Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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1959 Canon 45-200mm F2.8 (C35) ‘rarest’ prototype lens appears in eBay auction

22 Nov

An eBay listing is offering what the seller calls the ‘rarest prototype lens on Earth,’ a Canon 45-200mm F2.8 (C35) prototype lens. According to the listing, the lens was produced in Japan in 1959 and only “four or five” units were given to professionals for testing. Canon ultimately decided not to launch the lens commercially, possibly due to its heavy weight (approx. 3kg / 6.6lbs) and expensive price.

The seller goes on to claim that there are only two or ‘maybe three’ people in possession of these lenses globally. This particular unit, which is offered via auction with a starting price of $ 29,999 USD, is described as being in ‘Excellent+++’ condition for its age.

‘The lens was recently serviced, optics are cleaned,’ the campaign reads, ‘and [the] rear optic has minor sign on the coating in the corner, as it was properly cleaned from fungus and is missing [a] little coating.’ The product is said to be mechanically ‘perfect.’

The campaign references a 1959 Canon press release for the lens, but doesn’t provide a copy of it. Canon’s Lens Museum website doesn’t include any listing for this prototype, leaving only the seller’s claims. The seller has a 100% rating on more than 380 sales, but that doesn’t necessarily mean this listing is accurate.

The seller told DPReview the lens was acquired from ‘a very old studio’ that was torn down and sold off ‘a lot of stuff in auction.’ According to the seller, ‘some old movies were shot with the lens.’ DPReview is waiting to hear back with confirmation of what movies they were.

The auction includes the original metal lens storage box, front cap, filter, hood, focus knob and lens sliding attachment.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR sample gallery

22 Nov

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The Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR promises to appeal to everyone from landscape to architectural photographers. It has 11 points of weather sealing, fast and quiet autofocus, and a field curvature correction element that adjusts according to focal length to reduce the curvature that often occurs in wide angle lenses. Does it live up to expectations? We’ve been shooting everywhere from the city streets to the Canadian Rockies to test it out.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 sample gallery

13 Nov

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We got our hands on Tamron’s second-generation SP 15-30mm F2.8 a couple of months ago at Photokina, and we’ve just started shooting with a copy for Nikon mount. The lens sports a number of internal enhancements, such as the addition of a second processor so that autofocus and stabilization are each handled by their own chip. See how we’ve gotten along with the lens so far.

See our Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 G2 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Irix 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 lens preorders arrive ahead of December release

07 Nov

IRIX has launched its 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 full-frame DSLR lens for preorder. The model measures 8.7 x 13.5cm / 3.4 x 5.3in, weighs 840g / 29.6oz, and features 12 elements in 9 groups, a 0.345m minimum focusing distance, 77mm filter size, focus lock, a detachable Arca Swiss lens collar, and a detachable lens hood.

The 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 lens includes a Neutrino coating to minimize ghosting and light flares resulting in improved color fidelity and contrast. IRIX used its Dragonfly finish for weather sealing against moisture and dust. As stated in late September when the lens was announced, IRIX claims its new lens has nearly zero distortion at 0.1-percent.

The new 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 lens is offered in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Pentax K mount options, each priced at $ 595 USD. The model can now be preordered from B&H Photo, where the shipment start date is listed as December 26, 2018.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photokina 2018: Hands-on with Tamron’s 2nd-gen 15-30mm F2.8 lens

27 Sep

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Tamron has updated their SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD full-frame lens and we got a chance to check out version 2 as this year’s Photokina. It handles essentially the same as its predecessor but there are some cosmetic changes. The design now matches that of the SP 24-70mm F2.8 and SP 70-200 F2.8 – specifically the grey bit by the base is new and the switches on the side have been redesigned.

Aside from cosmetic changes, a list of improvements under the hood make the 15-30mm F2.8 version 2 all the more appealing, including: dual processors for faster AF and better stabilization, fresh coatings to reduce flare and a new aspherical element.

It is available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts – the Nikon mount just began shipping, Canon mount ships October 12th. The list price is $ 1299.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Like version 1, the front element is large and bulbous and the front of the glass moves forward in the housing as you zoom in – it is shown here zoomed to 30mm. There’s no way to put a threaded filter on it but the Canon version has a rear filter holder that can accept gels. The Nikon does not due to the F mount’s flange distance.

Version 2 also features a new Anti-reflection eXpand coating that Tamron developed in house to ensure flaring is as well-controlled toward the edges as it is in the center. The lens has two additional coatings to combat flare and ghosting. It also features an updated fluorine coating on the front element that is ‘abrasion resistant.’ This should make it easy to wipe away dust, water or grime and provide some level of scratch resistance. Speaking of water, the whole thing is weather resistant.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Vibration control has been improved thanks to the inclusion of a second processor – now one processor is dedicated to AF and one to VC. Tamron says the new VC-dedicated processor should result in up to 4.5 stops of stabilization.

In addition to a dedicated AF processor, the lens has an updated AF algorithm. All of this should result in faster AF speeds. And because focus is driven by an ultrasonic silent drive motor, AF noise shouldn’t be an issue for video shooters. Then again, if you are old-fashioned, a manual override switch has you covered.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

A rubber gasket along the mount ensures no water gets inside your DSLR. And as mentioned, the lens design is moisture-resistant with internal seals located in critical areas where water or dust might get in.

Also the 15-30mm can make use Tamron’s TAP-in console for AF fine-tuning, VC control adjustments and firmware updates. The console will set you back about $ 60.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

In terms of handling, version 2 is nearly identical in size and weight to version 1. At 1100 g, it is not light-weight. Nor is it small, but that’s the price of ice when it comes to a stabilized constant-aperture wide-angle full-frame zoom.

Overall we’re excited to get the Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 version 2 on a body and start shooting. We were big fans of version 1 and it will be nice to see how all these improvements affect overall image quality and the shooting experience. Stay tuned for a sample gallery!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces 28mm F1.4 Art, 40mm F1.4 Art, 70-200mm F2.8 Sport and 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 Sport

26 Sep

Sigma has announced four lenses for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sigma SA mounts. The 28mm F1.4 DG and 40mm F1.4 DG are both part of the company’s premium ‘Art’ range that prioritize image quality over price and weight. These two lenses will also be available for the Sony E mount. The new lenses help round-out the series, which now includes a range of prime lenses extending from the 14mm F1.8 DG HSM up to the 135mm F1.8 DG.

The 28mm F1.4 DG adds a semi-wide option to Sigma’s impressive range of ‘Art’ prime lenses.
The 28mm F1.4 DG | Art has a 77mm filter thread, matching that of the 24mm F1.4.
The 40mm F1.4 DG | Art is a near perfect ‘normal’ lens: a close match for the diagonal length of a full frame sensor. It’s been a historically popular focal length, so we’re pleased to see its return.
The Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG | Art has an 82mm filter thread.

In addition, Sigma has introduced a redesigned, stabilized 70-200mm F2.8. The 70-200mm F2.8 DG OIS is, as you’d expect, part of the company’s Sport range of optics and is likely to offer a less-expensive alternative to OEM 70-200s. We will, of course, be testing its performance as soon as one becomes available.

Finally, Sigma has announced the 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OIS, a monster telephoto lens, also part of its Sport range. Despite the sport designation, we suspect the lens will be used more for birding and airshow shooting.

The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG | Sport is a substantial beast, even at its 60mm setting.
But that’s nothing compared to seeing it at full stretch. It certainly lives up to the ‘Bigma’ nickname of its predecessor.

As you’d expect, it features a focus limiter, OIS control switch. In addition, there’s a ‘Custom mode switch’ that can be used in conjunction with the Sigma USB Dock to access customized adjustments of the lens’s focus and stabilizer behavior.

Sigma Unveils Five New Global Vision Lenses

Sigma’s 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary, 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, and 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports will make their public debut at Photokina 2018

Cologne, Germany – September 25, 2018 – Sigma today announced five new Sigma Global Vision lenses shown for the first time at the 2018 Photokina expo in Cologne, Germany from September 26th-29th in Hall 4.2 on Stands B020, B028I and C029. From wide-angle to hyper-telephoto, the new Sigma Global Vision introductions arrive as some of the most anticipated lenses in the industry, further facilitating artistic expression for photographers.

Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The new Sigma wide-angle model stands out with its thoroughly corrected magnification chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare, as well as completely minimized distortion thanks to its optical design. It features water- and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element and its overall dust- and splash-proof structure ensures excellent performance even in the most challenging shooting conditions. The high-speed AF, thanks to the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) with an updated algorithm, captures the perfect moment instantly. Available in Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E camera mounts, this lens is a great contender for street photography, as well as shooting landscapes and night skies.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2DdAiVE. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art
The 40mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is Sigma’s first lens developed originally to live up to the sought-after angle of view and performance standard for a benchmark cine lens. This lens effectively arranges three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements to correct axial chromatic aberration and magnification chromatic aberration. Designed for exceptional sharpness at maximum aperture, this lens excels at available light photography. With less than 1% distortion and near non-existent sagittal coma flare, this lens demonstrates consistent optical results featuring both 8K-compatible resolution and a beautiful bokeh. It is available for Sigma, Nikon, Canon and Sony E mount camera systems.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2QHliC5. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary
This lens completes the Sigma large aperture series of portable wide-angle, standard, and telephoto prime lenses in Micro Four Thirds and Sony E mounts. Featuring compact design, light weight and outstanding image quality offered in Sigma’s Contemporary line, this lens stuns with a beautiful bokeh effect and the amount of brightness expected from F1.4 lenses even in the mid-telephoto range for cropped sensor cameras. In addition, this lens is characterized by smooth and quiet autofocus ideal for video shooting. Compatible with the Sony E mount Fast Hybrid AF, it also achieves precise AF tracking. By using the face recognition or eye AF functions of the camera, focus will continuously be on the face or the eye even if the subject moves during the shoot.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2PLuSTh. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports
One of the most anticipated lenses from the Sigma Global Vision line, the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports is the new flagship large-aperture telephoto zoom lens that meets the most stringent needs of professional photographers. Robust yet lightweight, the lens’ magnesium body ensures high mobility and its dust- and splash-proof structure together with the water- and oil-repellent coating on the front element ensure safe use even in the most challenging shooting conditions. It also incorporates Intelligent OS with an acceleration sensor and the latest algorithm capable of panning in all directions. The lens’ optical design, incorporating 10 exclusive low-dispersion glass elements, allows for extremely high resolution, from the center to the corners. By optimizing spherical aberration, a smooth and natural bokeh effect is achieved when using the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Sports for portrait photography. The versatility of this lens is demonstrated in various customization options via an AF Function button either through the camera body or Sigma USB Dock. The newest F2.8 large-aperture zoom lens from Sigma comes in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2DlyWbE. Pricing and availability will be announced later.

Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports
The Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports is the world’s first 10x optical zoom telephoto lens with a tele end of 600mm. Incorporating 25 elements in 19 groups, excellent and consistent image quality can be achieved throughout the entire zoom range. This lens’ intelligent OS featuring the latest algorithm delivers an image stabilization effect of 4 stops. Its optical design ensures maximum correction of magnification chromatic aberration encountered in hyper-telephoto shooting. This offers both high resolution and consistent edge-to-edge performance throughout the entire zoom range. In addition, when shooting at the focal length of 200mm, the Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports can also be used for telephoto macro photography, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.3, thanks to its high rendering performance. Its multi-material build, which incorporates magnesium among other components, ensures durability and enhances portability, allowing for comfortable handling of the 10x zoom lens. The zooming mechanism has been engineered to make both smooth rotation and straight zoom possible. Versatile and robust, the new Sigma hyper-telephoto zoom lens is available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts starting in late October 2018 for $ 1999 USD.

Full technical specifications are available here: https://bit.ly/2xmASv1.

Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | 40mm F1.4 DG HSM specifications

  Sigma 28mm F1.4 DG HSM | A Sigma 40mm F1.4 DG HSM | A
Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 28 mm 40 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 17 16
Groups 12
Special elements / coatings Three SLD + two FLD elements 3 FLD + 3 SLD elements
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02) 0.40 m (15.75)
Maximum magnification 0.19× 0.15×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 1200 g (2.65 lb)
Diameter 83 mm (3.27) 88 mm (3.46)
Length 108 mm (4.25) 131 mm (5.16)
Sealing Yes
Filter thread 77 mm 82 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No
Other
Notes Weight and dimensions for Sigma mount

Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM | 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM specifications

  Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM | S Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 70–200 mm 60–600 mm
Image stabilization Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating 4 stop(s)
Lens mount Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Sigma SA Bayonet
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8 F4.5–6.3
Minimum aperture F22 F22–32
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 11 9
Optics
Elements 24 25
Groups 22 19
Special elements / coatings one SLD + nine FLD elements 1 SLD + 3 FLD elements
Focus
Minimum focus 1.20 m (47.24) 0.60 m (23.62)
Maximum magnification 0.21× 0.3×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 1805 g (3.98 lb) 2700 g (5.95 lb)
Diameter 94 mm (3.7) 120 mm (4.72)
Length 203 mm (7.99) 269 mm (10.59)
Sealing Yes
Zoom method Rotary (internal) Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 82 mm 105 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes
Other
Notes Weight and dimensions for Sigma mount

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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IRIX announces 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1 lens with near-zero distortion

24 Sep

IRIX has announced a new full-frame telephoto macro lens, the 150mm F2.8 Macro 1:1.

The 1:1 reproduction lens will be available for Nikon F, Canon EF and Pentax K mounts and claims to have ‘close to zero distortion,’ according to IRIX — just 0.1 percent, thanks to the optical construction consisting of twelve elements in nine groups.

IRIX touts the telephoto focal length as a benefit noting ‘the possibility of being able to move away from the photographed object […] makes the operation more convenient than using lenses with a shorter focal length. No shadows are cast on the object and it is also possible to use lamps dedicated to this type of photography.’ Its internal focusing mechanism means the lens won’t shrink or expand when focusing.

Illustration showing the location of the weather-sealing gaskets.

The lens features select weather-sealing at various areas on the lens and has a rubberized focus grip with 270-degrees of rotation. There’s also Focus Lock and a removable Arca Swiss lens collar for easy shooting on a tripod.

The construction of the lens features IRIX’s new ‘Dragonfly finish.’ In Irix’s own words, ‘the aluminium frame has been enclosed in an external structure made of aluminium-magnesium alloys and composite elements. The combination of Firefly and Blackstone features gave the lens lightness and solidity while maintaining high mechanical strength and resistance in difficult weather conditions.’

Sample image captured on the 150mm F2.9 Macro 1:1, provided by IRIX.

Pricing and availability is yet to be determined.

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Hands-on with new Fujifilm XF 200mm F2 and XF 8-16mm F2.8

12 Sep

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

Fujifilm is having a busy summer (we’re not ready to start calling early September ‘autumn’ yet), announcing two lenses and the brand new X-T3. The XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR and XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR are aimed at enthusiasts and professionals, and add considerable versatility to Fujifilm’s growing XF lens lineup.

With the 200mm F2, the company is making its first serious play for the sports and action crowd, and we don’t use the word ‘serious’ lightly…

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

The new XF 200mm F2 R LM OIS WR looks like it will be a seriously impressive lens (the sample we’ve had our hands on is a pre-production model, which was not cleared for testing). Cosmetically, this weather-sealed prime appears to be built as well as anything from the ‘big’ DSLR manufacturers, and despite weighing 2.2 kilos (roughly 5 pounds) it balances well on an X-T3 with accessory grip.

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

As we’d expect from a professional-grade telephoto prime lens, the 200mm F2 offers a focus limiter, to prevent hunting within two ranges: full (1.8m – infinity) and 5m – infinity. It also offers a focus preset function allowing focus to be set instantly to a preset position. In common with other XF ‘R’ lenses, the 200mm features a large, clicked dial for electro-manual aperture control, if desired (or ‘A’ if you prefer to set aperture from the camera).

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

The 200mm F2 is sealed at 17 points, including around the lens throat, to prevent dirt and moisture from making its way into either the lens or a attached camera. As well as being weather and dust-resistant, the new lens is rated at operational temperatures as low as -10°C (14 degrees Fahrenheit)

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

This shot shows the lens with its dedicated hood attached. Optical construction consists of 19 elements in 14 groups, including one large-diameter super ED lens element and two large-diameter ED lens elements. Fujifilm claims that high-precision polishing technology developed for its broadcast lenses was employed in the manufacturer of these large elements.

The XF 200mmF2 R LM OIS WR will be bundled with a XF 1.4X TC F2 WR teleconverter, which turns the 200mm into an equivalent 420mm F4.2 optic on Fujifilm’s APS-C format X-series bodies.

The Fujinon XF 200mmF2 R LM OIS WR Lens and XF 1.4X TC F2 WR Teleconverter Kit will be available in late October 2018 for $ 5,999.95.

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

At the other end of Fujifilm’s focal length coverage range is the new XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR – another fast, weather-sealed lens aimed at enthusiast and professional users of Fujifilm’s X-series ILCs.

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

Offering an equivalent focal length range of 12-24mm, the 8-16mm is a fairly heavy lens for its size, weighing in at 805g (1.8 lb), packing in 20 elements in 13 groups, including four aspherical elements, three ED (extra low dispersion) and three super ED elements. We haven’t been able to test it yet (the sample we handled, like the 200mm, was pre-production) but we’re excited to see what all that glass can do.

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

Ergonomically, the 8-16mm has a lot in common with other high-end XF-series lenses, including broad, well-damped focus and (electro-mechanical) focus rings plus a lockable aperture ring.

Hands-on with new Fujifilm 200mm F2 and 8-16mm F2.8

The ‘WR’ in its model name denotes weather-resistance, and Fujifilm claims that this new wide-angle zoom is sealed at 11 points against dust and moisture incursion. The Fujinon XF 8-16mmF2.8 R LM WR Lens will be available in late November for $ 1,999.95.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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