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Posts Tagged ‘f/2.8’

Sigma’s 70mm F2.8 DG Macro Art lens costs $570, ships this month

12 May

Back in February, Sigma introduced the first Macro lens to join the company’s high-end line of “Art” series lenses: the Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art. And today, after keeping us in the dark for a few months, the company has finally revealed the lens’ pricing and availability.

According to Sigma, you’ll be able to pick up the new lens in Canon EF mount starting at the end of this month for a suggested retail price of $ 570. Additionally, the Sigma mount is expected to ship in June, and the Sony E-Mount version “will be announced later.”

As we mentioned above, this 70mm F2.8 is the first macro lens to join Sigma’s “Global Vision Art Line,” a lineup of lenses touted for its exceptional optical quality (usually at a very reasonable price). The new MACRO Art is said to deliver “stunning resolution and incredible clarity, while at the same time offering extremely smooth autofocus performance for a weightier, high-performance lens.”

In order to achieve this “extremely smooth” AF performance, Sigma has equipped the lens with an extending, floating, two-group focusing mechanism that the company says “minimizes aberration at all focal lengths,” whether you’re shooting at 1:10, 1:5, or the maximum magnification ratio of 1:1. Additionally, a new focus-by-wire system paired with a newly-developed “coreless DC motor” promises precise focusing—a must for macro shooters.

To learn more about this lens, head over to the Sigma website.

Press Release

Sigma Announces Pricing & Availability for Its 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art Lens

Ronkonkoma, NY – May 11, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced that its 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art, the first prime macro lens to be adorned with the Art badge, will be available in Canon mount in the end of May for $ 569.00 USD through authorized US retailers. The Sigma mount model is expected to ship in June. The release of the Sony E-Mount version will be announced later.

The First Macro Lens in the Sigma Global Vision Art Line

Elevating the legendary Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG to the Art line, the brand new Sigma 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art prioritizes optical performance that defines the Sigma Art line, delivering stunning resolution and incredible clarity, while at the same time offering extremely smooth autofocus performance for a weightier, high-performance lens.

To achieve optimal results at every shooting distance, the lens features an extending, floating, two-group focus mechanism, which minimizes aberration at all focal lengths. In addition, the lens’ optical elements design increases resolution at close shooting distances, allowing for a razor-sharp in-focus area contrasted with a bokeh area free of color streaking.

Other feature highlights include focus-by-wire system featuring newly developed coreless DC motor for comfortable and precise focusing typically required for macro photography; compatibility of the Canon mount lens with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function; and compatibility with Sigma Electronic Flash Macro EM-140 DG and Sigma Teleconverters.

Full technical specifications can be found on the Sigma website at: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/70mm-f2-8-dg-macro-a.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 EF sample gallery

04 May

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Rokinon/Samyang’s first autofocus lens for Canon EF-mount is the 14mm F2.8, a variation on the company’s existing 14mm F2.8 FE for Sony with a different optical formula. At $ 800 it’s priced well under Canon’s $ 2100 14mm F2.8L II, giving full frame Canon shooters an affordable alternative to the on-brand option. Having recently taken its FE counterpart for a spin, we were eager to try out the Canon variant (and let’s be honest – pretty happy to get out into the sunshine for a while).

See our Rokinon/Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 EF sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics unveils Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D lens for mirrorless APS-C cameras

23 Mar

Venus Optics has officially announced the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D lens: the “world’s widest F2.8 lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras.” Featuring a 113° angle of view, fast F2.8 aperture, and a Zero-D design that promises “close to zero” distortion, the 9mm (13mm equivalent) lens promises to deliver ‘extreme’ specs in a portable package that weighs just 215g.

The Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is the third lens in Laowa’s Zero-D lineup, and like the others it promises “close to zero” distortion despite its ultra-wide angle focal length. This is achieved using an optical design of 15 lens elements in 10 groups, including 2 aspherical elements and 3 extra-low dispersion elements.

From the press release:

The extreme 113° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture allows photographers to create impressive astro-photography shots with ease. It also gives photographers a fast and wide-angle option for landscape photography and low-light shooting.

The Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras, and will ship in Fuji X, Sony E, and Canon EOS-M mounts starting in “early April,” at a suggested retail price of $ 500 USD. Scroll through the gallery below to see a few official sample photos from Venus Optics, then head over to the Venus Optics website to learn more or pre-order one for yourself.

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Press Release

Venus Optics announces the Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D, the World’s Widest f/2.8 Lens for APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Featuring a 113° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture, close-to-zero distortion, 49mm filter thread & less than 0.5 pounds in weight, this is a perfect ultra-wide option for still & videographers.

Anhui China, Mar 21, 2018 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, is proud to announce the world’s widest rectilinear f/2.8 lens for mirrorless APS-C cameras, Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero- D.

Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is the third member of the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ line-up and they all feature an excellent control of the optical distortion which is commonly appeared in ultra- wide angle lenses. This new lens is an ultra-wide & ultra-fast prime lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of around 13mm. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to less than 0.5 pounds (215g) and 2-inch (53mm) long. This compact and light lens comprises of 15 elements in 10 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. This optical design successfully minimizes the distortion and chromatic aberrations to its lowest but at the same time, delivers a superb optical performance from corners to corners.

The extreme 113° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture allows photographers to create impressive astro-photography shots with ease. It also gives photographers a fast and wide-angle option for landscape photography and low-light shooting. For videographers, the compact size of this lens is friendly to the use of gimbals or even handheld shooting without much of shaking. The lens is designed with a 49mm filter thread which gives additional portability for screw-in filters. It comes with both Sony E, Fuji X & EOS-M mounts.

Availability

The Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D is currently available to pre-order in the official website of Venus Optics (http://www.venuslens.net/) and their authorized resellers. Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 499/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries. The first 100 orders will get a set of Laowa 49mm filters for FREE (CPL + UV + ND1000). Shipping is expected to start from early April.

Specifications

Focal Length: 9mm

Max Aperture: F2.8

Angle of View: 113°

Format Compatibility: APS-C

Lens Structure: 15 elements in 10 groups

Aperture Blades: 7

Min. Focusing Distance: 12cm

Max Magnification: 1:7.5

Filter Thread: 49mm

Dimensions: 60 x 53mm

Weight: ~215g

Mounts: Fuij X, Sony E, Canon EF-M

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE sample gallery and impressions

18 Mar

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The Rokinon / Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 FE is an absolutely tiny full-frame lens built for Sony’s E-Mount. Similar in size and specification to Sony’s own Zeiss 35mm F2.8, the Rokinon is listed at an MSRP of $ 349 whereas the Sony is listed at $ 699 at the time of this writing.

So, by virtue of costing half as much as the Sony, does the Rokinon offer merely half the performance? Not exactly. The AF 35mm F2.8 FE may not knock your socks off, but it’s still a solid performer and a great option for budget-oriented E-mount users.

The Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE mounted on a Sony a7R III.

Hold the Rokinon 35mm F2.8 in your hand, and you have to wonder if there’s any glass in it at all. It weighs over an ounce less than the Sony 35mm F2.8, which wasn’t exactly a heavyweight to begin with. It’s also very slightly shorter than its Sony equivalent, though both lenses take 49mm filters and can focus down to 0.35m. Unfortunately, the Rokinon omits the Sony’s claimed weather-sealing, and the lens mount lacks any sort of gasket.

Subjectively, the Rokinon’s plasticky build doesn’t have the premium feel of the Sony (nor would we expect it to at the price), but the construction feels solid. The mount is metal, and the included bayonet mount hood offers a bit of extra protection for the front element. The focus ring is damped enough to prevent accidental turning, but it too suffers an overly plasticky feel.

The Rokinon comes with a compact, bayonet-style hood.

Optical performance is pretty good, even on a 42MP a7R III. It isn’t eye-searingly sharp wide-open, but it’s more than adequate. Bokeh is neither buttery nor overly busy, but out-of-focus highlights take on a cats-eye shape near the edges of the frame, which may or may not be to your taste. Sunstars are possible if you close your aperture far enough, but they’re of average quality.

Autofocus performance is solid. It isn’t as instantaneous as lenses with floating focus elements, but is about on par with Sony’s own 85mm F1.8 and 50mm F1.4 Zeiss – certainly, swift enough for general use.

Though the Rokinon generally exhibits good out-of-focus renderings, there is some green and purple fringing noticeable in the upper-middle of this frame.

Longitudinal chromatic aberration hasn’t been too much of an issue for me, but you can see some green and purple fringing on the high-contrast edges in the upper-middle of the above image. Keep in mind that for our sample gallery, Adobe Camera Raw has a built-in profile for distortion and vignetting corrections. Lateral CA corrections were left off, and the lens seems to control for them fairly well.

It must be said, the Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE is just a fun lens to use. On any a7-series camera, the Rokinon is so small, light and unobtrusive that it basically disappears on the camera body.

Though its F2.8 maximum aperture won’t isolate subjects as well as Rokinon’s or Sony’s F1.4 options, it strikes a great compromise between size, performance, and perhaps most crucially, price. If you’ve been eyeing the Sony Zeiss 35mm F2.8, we think this Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8 FE is also worth a look.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics officially launches the Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

10 Mar

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About a week ago, Venus Optics’ Japanese distributor Sightron announced two new lenses: the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D and 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro. And while the 9mm F2.8 Zero-D still hasn’t made its way onto the English language Venus Optics site yet, today did see the official announcement of the strange Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro.

Nothing has changed about the lens’ design since last week’s debut: the 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro is still made from 8 elements in 6 groups—including an ultra low dispersion lens and multilayer coating on each element—which allow for a max working distance of 40 mm (5x) to 45 mm (2.5x). Ultimately, this lens was designed to be as portable as possible, as this comparison between it and the Canon MP-E 65mm F2.8 1-5x Macro demonstrates:

Size comparison: Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro vs Canon MP-E 65mm F2.8 1-5x

The Venus Optics Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro will be available starting in March for the price of $ 400 USD. You can also purchase an optional tripod collar ($ 30), Micro Four Thirds adapter ($ 30), or Fuji X mount adapter ($ 30).

For more information, if you’d like to pre-order your own, or if you want to scroll through a series of official sample images, head over to the Venus Optics website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art sample gallery

05 Mar

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We’ve been shooting with Sigma’s new 14-24mm F2.8 Art, both close to home and in Yokohama, Japan. Its dust- and splash-proof design, ‘Art’ series pedigree and attractive $ 1300 price tag have made it one of the most hotly anticipated lenses debuting this spring, and we wasted no time getting out and shooting with it.

See our Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 Art sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

02 Mar

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD is the first third-party standard zoom to be created natively for the Sony FE mount. We’re at the CP+ show in Yokohama, where we got our hands on a prototype.

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

The 28-75mm F2.8 is a completely new design, despite offering the same focal length range and continuous maximum aperture as the older 28-75mm for DSLRs. It was designed from the ground-up to be paired with full-frame mirrorless cameras.

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

As we’d expect from Tamron, it’s a compact, relatively lightweight lens, weighing in at a mere 550g (19.4oz). We’re told that a 24-75mm focal length range was discussed, but the company’s engineers preferred to keep the lens as small and lightweight as possible. To that end, the body of the lens is polycarbonate, rather than metal (which you’ll find in Tamron’s ‘SP’ range of optics).

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

Despite lacking the ‘SP’ designation, Tamron claims that the 28-75mm will offer superb optical performance. It’s also sealed against dust and moisture incursion. In an interview with Tamron’s senior executives, we were told that this lens will form the basis for a new range of lenses in the future, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras not only from Sony, but also hypothetical future Canon and Nikon models.

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

One significant development in the 28-75mm is a new ‘RXD’ stepper motor for autofocus, which is designed to be near-silent. According to Tamron, this is important for a lens designed from the ground up to be used with mirrorless cameras since compared to DSLRs, they’re better suited to switching between stills and high-quality video capture modes.

CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8

This shot shows the thin rubber gasket around the lensmount, which should help protect both camera and lens from moisture and dust.

With the new 28-75mm F2.8, Tamron is clearly looking ahead to a future where full-frame mirrorless cameras become the norm. We’re excited to see what it can do, when the lens becomes available later this year. What do you think?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CP+ 2018: First Look – Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master

02 Mar

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

It exists! Well, under glass, anyway. Sony’s previously announced 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS is here at CP+ 2018 in Yokohama, Japan, and boy, is it big. Really big. But as you can see from the lack of labeling on all those switches, this is still a prototype.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Now that’s a front element. You won’t be able to screw any filters into the front of this lens, and curiously, unlike other super telephoto primes, it seems that while the Sony 400mm F2.8 will accommodate small drop-in filters in a tray near the lens mount, they’re ‘dropped-in’ sideways (see the first image in this slideshow).

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Although you’re not likely to see many people using this without a monopod, the inclusion of optical image stabilization will still make it easier to frame up your shot from the sidelines.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Want to know how much the Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master costs, weighs, and how it performs? So do we, but we’re not about to laser-cut our way through that glass case. It looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on a production model, but we’ll be sure to see if Sony can give us any additional details when during a scheduled interview later on in the show. Stay tuned!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma introduces 70mm F2.8, first Art series macro

27 Feb

Gearing up for CP+ 2018, Sigma has announced two all-new lenses including the 70mm F2.8 DG Macro. It’s the first macro lens in the Art-series line, offering true 1:1 reproduction and a dust- and splash-proof design. Full-time manual focus is available even in autofocus shooting, and focus ring’s angle of rotation is tuned to the needs of macro shooting. Sigma gives no pricing or availability information for the 70mm F2.8 Macro.

SIGMA 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO

Stunning resolution and clarity for a breathtaking visual experience—a razor-sharp macro lens joins the Art line

1. Design prioritizing optical performance

2. Focus-by-wire system for comfortable and precise focusing

3. Compatible with Sony E-mount cameras with full-size sensors

4. Compatible with Canon Lens Aberration Correction

5. Compatible with SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG (adapter required)

6. Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTERS (Not available for Sony E-mount lens) Launch: TBD Accessory: Case, Hood (LH708-01) Available AF mounts: SIGMA, Canon, Sony E-mount Note: Appearance and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The long-awaited first macro lens in the Art line In recent years, macro lenses in the standard range have tended to employ inner focusing with the goal of maximizing autofocus speed. In contrast, the new SIGMA 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO | Art lens is designed to prioritize optical performance, fulfilling the demanding image quality requirements that define the Art line. In the standard to mid-telephoto range, it delivers stunning resolution and incredible clarity that greatly exceed expectations for a macro lens. The coreless DC motor further enhances image quality, while an optimized algorithm helps offer extremely smooth autofocus performance for a weightier, high-performance lens. Photography enthusiasts will recall a certain legendary, razor-sharp macro lens—the SIGMA MACRO 70mm F2.8 EX DG—and be glad to learn it is available in a new form, updated with outstanding Art line quality.

Key features
1. Design prioritizing optical performance In order to realize top-level performance at every shooting distance, the lens features an extending, floating, two-group focus mechanism. This configuration minimizes aberration to produce optimal results at any focus distance. To minimize axial chromatic aberration, the optical system incorporates two FLD glass elements, two SLD glass elements, and one element with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and a high index of refraction. In addition, two aspherical lens elements help increase resolution at close shooting distances. This optical system makes possible a razor-sharp in-focus area contrasted with a bokeh area free of color streaking.

2. Focus-by-wire system for comfortable and precise focusing The focus-by-wire system eliminates the direct mechanical connection between the focus ring and the focus drive system. Controlled by SIGMA’s latest algorithm, a newly developed coreless DC motor adjusts focus with optimal speed and low noise. Full-time manual focus is available even during autofocus, allowing the photographer to make minute focus adjustments simply by turning the focus ring. In addition, the focus ring’s large angle of rotation helps the photographer achieve the extremely precise focusing required for effective macro photography.

3. Compatible with full-frame Sony E-mount cameras The version of this lens compatible with Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras contains the same optical system as for SLRs. SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 is not required, as the lens performs the same functions as the converter, including in-camera image stabilization and in-camera lens aberration correction. In addition, the lens is compatible with Sony’s Continuous AF, which is not addressed by MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11. SIGMA plans to offer over time Sony E-mount versions of every full-frame prime lens currently available in the Art line, from 14mm to 135mm.

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.

4. Compatible with Canon Lens Aberration Correction The Canon mount lens is compatible with the Canon Lens Aberration Correction function.* Matching the optical characteristics of the lens, this function performs in-camera corrections of peripheral illumination, chromatic aberrations, distortion, and more, further enhancing image quality. *Function not available on all Canon cameras. Further, available corrections may vary by Canon camera model.

5. Compatible with ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG (adapter required) Exclusively for SIGMA 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO | Art, the 65mm MACRO FLASH ADAPTER makes the lens compatible with ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG (both accessories sold separately). Thanks to the 72mm filter thread, a 72mm MACRO FLASH ADAPTER can also be added so as to accommodate 72mm macro flash products and accessories, including macro flashes other than EM-140 DG as well as ring lights.

6. Compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTERS The lens is compatible with SIGMA TELE CONVERTERS (sold separately) designed for the company’s new lens lines. SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 allows the lens to be used as a 98mm F4 mid-telephoto macro with autofocus functionality,* while SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001 allows the lens to be used as a 140mm F5.6 mid-telephoto macro with manual focus.
*Autofocus available at 0.5m to infinity.
*Not available for Sony E-mount lens

Other features

  • Mount with dust- and splash-proof design*
    *SIGMA mount lens does not include sealing, since sealing is present on compatible SIGMA cameras.
  • Rounded diaphragm
  • Fast AF with full-time manual override*
    * The operation of full-time MF may vary based on mount type.
  • Compatible with SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11*
    *SIGMA and Canon mount lenses
  • Available SIGMA USB DOCK makes customization and flexible adjustment possible*
    *Not available for Sony E-mount lens
  • Available Mount Conversion Service
  • Brass bayonet mount
  • Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system: A1
  • “Made in Japan” with outstanding craftsmanship

For more information about the SIGMA GLOBAL VISION lineup of fine products, please visit the official SIGMA global website: SIGMA GLOBAL VISION: http://www.sigma-global.com

Specifications
All figures calculated for SIGMA

Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups | Angle of view (35mm): 34.3° | Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) | Minimum aperture: F22 | Minimum focusing distance: 25.8cm/10.2in. | Maximum magnification ratio: 1:1 | Filter size: ø 49mm| Dimensions (diameter x length): ø70.8mm x 105.8mm/2.8in. x 4.2in. | Weight: 515g/18.2oz.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics unveils Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D and 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro lenses

26 Feb

Venus Optics, the company behind the Laowa line of lenses, has announced two new lenses through Japanese parent company Sightron. The first is the Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D, a ‘zero distortion’ wide-angle prime for mirrorless APS-C cameras. The second is another strange full-frame macro lens: the Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro.

Neither of these lenses have appeared on Venus Optics’ English language website just yet, but we expect them to pop up soon. In the meantime, here’s what we know about the new glass.

Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

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The long-rumored Venus Optics Laowa 9mm F2.8 Zero-D is an wide-angle prime designed for mirrorless APS-C cameras—specifically, the Sony E, Fuji X, and Canon EF-M mounts. With its 113° angle of view, Venus Optics claims this lens is the widest angle F2.8 lens currently available for APS-C cameras.

Inside, you’ll find 15 lens elements in 10 groups—including three low dispersion elements and two aspherical elements—that attempt to reduce distortion to ‘zero’ (or as close to it as Venus Optics could manage). You’ve also got a 7-blade aperture and a metal construction that promises “excellent robustness and luxury.”

The lens is scheduled to arrive in April, but price for this one is still TBD.

Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

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Slightly more defined—and lots more weird—is the Laowa 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro lens for full-frame cameras. Specifically, you’ll find this one in the Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE mounts when it, too, ships in April.

At its closest, the lens offers 5x magnification, using an optical design of 8 elements in 6 groups—including an ultra low dispersion lens and multilayer coating on each element—to deliver a working distance of just 40mm at 5x.

Here’s a full review of the newly announce lens by YouTuber Photos by Richard (sample photos available on his website).

Like the 9mm F2.8 Zero-D, the 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x Ultra Macro also ‘adopts a metal enclosure,’ and is scheduled to ship in April. Venus Optics hasn’t announced pricing yet, but according to Photo Rumors, the lens will cost $ 400 in the US.

To learn more about either of these lenses, check out both Google Translated press releases below.

Press Release

LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D

SiteLong Japan Co., Ltd. announces the new product “LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D” of LAOWA (Venus Optics).

Product Overview

  • Product name LAOWA 9mm F2.8 Zero-D
  • Suggested retail price Open price
  • Expected market price TBD
  • Scheduled release date around early April 2018

Main Product Features

  • This product is the best lens for photographing landscape photographs, architectural photographs, interior photographs, star photographs and so on.
  • Use 3 special low dispersion lens (ED lens) and 2 glass aspheric lenses luxuriously. By adopting an optical design with extremely reduced distortion to zero, it is possible to capture landscape photographs and architectural photographs without the influence of distortion.
  • It is the widest angle lens (113 °) lens among the wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras of the open F 2.8 which are on sale now.*
  • It adopts metal enclosure with excellent robustness and luxury. Effective flower type hood is attached.
  • This product is the brightest, the most compact and lightweight lens among the same class products. Because it is very convenient to carry, it is also ideal for daily snapshot.
*As of February 1, 2018 VenusOptics examined

Main Specifications

  • Focal length: 9mm
  • Maximum F value: F2.8
  • Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)
  • Lens construction: 10 groups of 15
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 7
  • Shortest shooting distance: 12 cm
  • Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
  • Filter diameter: ? 49 mm
  • Weight: ~ 215g* Variable depending on mount
  • Corresponding mount: FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, Sony E

*Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements etc.

LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5X ULTRA MACRO

SiteLong Japan Co., Ltd. announces the new product “LAOWA 25 mm F 2.8 2.5-5 X ULTRA MACRO” of LAOWA (Venus Optics). LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x ULTRA MACRO is a macro exclusive lens with a magnification of 2.5x to 5x.

Product Overview

  • Product name LAOWA 25mm F2.8 2.5-5x ULTRA MACRO
  • Suggested retail price Open price
  • Expected market price TBD
  • Scheduled release date around early April 2018

Main Product Features

  • It is a macro lens for full size of manual focus.
  • The shortest shooting distance is 173 to 223.5mm and shooting magnification 2.5 to 5 times is available.
  • It is possible to secure a working distance of 40mm (5 times) to 45mm (2.5 times) by optical design with a special configuration. It can correspond to various lighting to obtain better shooting result.
  • By adopting ultra low dispersion lens (UD lens), by appropriately suppressing chromatic aberration and color fringe, it is possible to capture images with high sharpness and high color reproducibility.
  • Each lens is coated with multilayer coating, minimizing ghost and flare. Therefore, under a strong light source, it is possible to take pictures with a very high contrast and neutral color.
  • Adopting a metal enclosure with excellent robustness.
  • It is compact, lightweight and excellent in portability.

Main specifications

  • Focal length: 25mm
  • Open F value: F2.8
  • Field of View: 10.3 degrees
  • Lens construction: 6 groups 8 pieces
  • Minimum aperture: F16
  • Maximum aperture: F2.8
  • Minimum photographing distance: 173 mm to 223.5mm
  • Working Distance: 40mm – 45mm
  • Shooting magnification: 2.5 times to 5 times
  • Number of diaphragm blade: 8
  • Weight: 400g
  • Corresponding mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K, Sony FE

*Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements etc.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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