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Posts Tagged ‘Lens’

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS boasts new 40x zoom lens with a compact form factor

20 Feb

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Canon has released a new long-zoom compact dubbed the PowerShot SX720 HS. New for this model is a lens with a wider zoom range compared to its predecessor, offering a 35mm-equivalent of 24-960mm at F3.3-6.9. The sensor remains a 20.3MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS unit with a DIGIC 6 image processor.

In addition to the new lens, the SX720 HS has a redesigned grip, and battery life has increased to a CIPA-rated 250 shots (355 in ECO mode). Photos can be composed on a 3″ LCD display with 922k dots. The camera carries over Canon’s Zoom Framing Assist system to automatically zoom in or out to follow subject movement and more accurately keep focus, and also comes with the Story Highlight feature to automatically compile images and videos from a day or event into a highlight reel with music and effects. Speaking of video, the SX720 can capture 1080/60p clips with stereo sound.

The SX720 HS will be available in March 2016 with an MSRP of $ 379.99.

Press release:

TAKE THAT CAMERA TO GO!  CANON U.S.A LAUNCHES COMPACT POWERSHOT G7 X MARK II AND POWERSHOT SX720 HS DIGITAL CAMERAS

Newest Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras Offer Outstanding Quality in Convenient Compact Size 

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 17, 2016 – Ideal for both advanced amateur and pro photographers looking for a convenient, high performance compact camera with the ability to connect to compatible digital devices, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, proudly introduces the compact PowerShot G7 X Mark II1 and lightweight PowerShot SX720 HS digital cameras.

Canon’s new PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera pairs a 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel* CMOS sensor with Canon’s new DIGIC 7 Image Processor to help reduce noise and deliver outstanding image quality, even in low light shooting situations. The PowerShot SX720HS digital camera boasts a new 40x Optical Zoom lens (equivalent to 24-960mm), providing outstanding performance, reach and resolution for everyday use and when shooting memorable family events, while easily slipping into a pocket or purse.

“In today’s world, compact cameras must work well with other devices and still offer superb quality. The PowerShot G7 X Mark II and PowerShot SX720 HS cameras both provide outstanding image quality with amazing optical zoom lenses and they easily connect with compatible phones, tablets and other smart devices so great images can be shared and enjoyed” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.  

Sleek and Sophisticated 
The first Canon camera to feature Canon’s new high-speed DIGIC 7 Image Processor, the 

PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera is a model of compact sophistication and speed with a high-quality sleek body and optimum comfort grip. Building on the success of Canon’s PowerShot G7 X digital camera, the PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera features a fast startup and improved RAW continuous shooting speed of up to eight frames per second (fps) with short intervals between shots. Additional features include: 

  • Bright f/1.8 (W) – f/2.8 (T), 4.2x (24–100mm equivalent) optical zoom lens with Canon’s Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS) and a 9-blade iris diaphragm;
  • Multi-angle 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD with a screen resolution of 1.04 million dots and tilt options of 180° up and 45° down;
  • Ability to capture 1080p Full HD video in MP4 format with stereo sound;
  • Built-in Wi-Fi®** and Near Field Communications (NFC™)*** capability with a dedicated Wi-Fi button for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos;
  • Picture Style function that offers superb command of in-camera color, contrast, and sharpness;
  • In-camera RAW conversion, making it possible to preview customized image processing modifications on the camera, without the use of a computer;
  • Convenient control ring lever that enables users to quickly switch between stepped and continuous ring movement; 
  • Time-Lapse Movie feature to help capture images at preset intervals and combine them to create a short movie clip;
  • Panning feature that allows the camera to lock onto the main subject using Canon’s Intelligent IS technology to automatically adjust the shutter speed for beautiful background blur.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II digital camera is currently scheduled to be available in May 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 699.992.

Powerful Zoom Delivers Virtually Shake-Free Images
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS digital camera is equipped with a new powerful zoom lens and is the ideal choice for amateur photographers looking to take a step up from a smartphone or entry-level digital camera to a lightweight, compact camera. The PowerShot SX720 HS digital camera’s new 40x Optical Zoom lens (24-960mm equivalent focal length range) uses one Hi-UD, three UD and three aspheric lens elements to help achieve high image quality and high magnification, while also utilizing Canon’s Intelligent Imaging Stabilizing (IS) technology for greater optical performance. 

As the successor to Canon’s PowerShot SX710 HS digital compact camera, the PowerShot SX720 HS digital camera features increases its zoom range while maintaining compact size for maximum convenience. Additional features include:

  • A dedicated Wi-Fi® button for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos utilizing the camera’s built-in WiFi and NFCtechnology;
  • 20.3 Megapixel* CMOS sensor with Canon’s DIGIC 6 Image Processor to help deliver outstanding image quality, even in low light;
  • 1080p/60 Full HD video capture with stereo sound;
  • 3.0-inch LCD (approx. 922,000 dots) to allow for easy viewing, even from a wide angle;
  • Zoom Framing Assist that allows the lens to automatically zoom in or out while the camera follows subject movement  and helps keep it in focus;
  • Story Highlight feature that enables the camera to automatically compile images and videos3 from a certain day or event into a mini-highlight reel with music and effects;
  • Creative Shot mode that uses composition, color and lighting from an original image to create artistic images.
  • Canon’s PowerShot SX720 HS digital camera is currently scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 379.992.  

1 This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. This device is not, and may not be offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.

2 Availability, pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice.  Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

3 Videos must be shot in Hybrid Auto or Short Clip.

* Image processing may cause a decrease in the number of pixels.

** Compatible with iOS® versions 7.1/8.4/9.0, AndroidTM smartphone and tablet versions  4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1.  Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

*** Compatible with Android smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1.

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS specifications

Price
MSRP $ 379
Body type
Body type Compact
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor DIGIC 6
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-3200
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
JPEG quality levels Superfine, fine
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 24–960 mm
Optical zoom 40×
Maximum aperture F3.3 – F6.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4X)
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 5 cm (1.97)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39)
Number of focus points 9
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3
Screen dots 922,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 15 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/3200 sec
Exposure modes
  • Hybrid Auto
  • Auto
  • Program
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Sports
  • Portrait
  • Smile
  • Wink Self-Timer
  • Face Self-Timer
  • Handheld Night Scene
  • Low Light
  • Fireworks
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 4.00 m
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, on, off, slow synchro
Continuous drive 5.9 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description NB-13L lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 250
Weight (inc. batteries) 270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)
Dimensions 110 x 64 x 36 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.42)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rumors hint at super-fast Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 Art lens for APS-C DSLRs

20 Feb

Rumors suggest Sigma is getting ready to launch a 50-100mm F1.8 lens for APS-C cameras. Full specifications and convincing images of the lens have been leaked, suggesting the lens will be part of the company’s impressive ‘Art’ range. Such a lens would offer a fast partner to the company’s 18-35mm F1.8 Art lens, giving the same angle-of-view, depth-of-field and total light gathering capability as a ~75-150mm F2.8 lens on full-frame.

Specifications reported on Digicame-info.com seem plausible, so we’re looking forward to next week’s CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan, to see if the rumors are true. We’ll be reporting from the show, so stay tuned for all the details.

Lens construction (elements/groups) 21/15
Filter size 82
Minimum focus distance 95cm
Aperture blades 9
Length 170.7mm (mount not specified)
Diameter 93.5mm
Weight 1490g

 The site suggests a price of ¥167,400 (~$ 1500) and a launch date of April 22nd.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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FlatCam prototype eliminates lens using pinhole-like sensor mask

17 Feb
 

A team of researchers at Rice University are developing a thin, lensless camera called FlatCam, which replaces the traditional lens with a grid-like coded mask essentially made of multiple pinholes positioned directly over the sensor. From there, raw data from the camera – which looks nothing like an actual image – is sent to a computer where an algorithm demultiplexes the raw sensor measurements to reconstruct a photo.

FlatCam was developed by Richard Baraniuk and Ashok Veeraraghavan, and while it isn’t likely to replace traditional cameras, FlatCam could find use in a variety of applications where present imaging technology isn’t suitable. Due to its lensless design, FlatCam is thinner than a dime and can be ‘fabricated like microchips,’ decreasing costs.

Offering an example of possible future applications, Baraniuk explained, ‘We can make curved cameras, or wallpaper that’s actually a camera. You can have a camera on your credit card or a camera in an ultrathin tablet computer.’ The team’s paper details more potential applications, including surveillance, foldable cameras and wearable devices. They’ve even created a couple of video clips using the prototype camera.

In its present form, FlatCam produces 512 x 512 pixel images; however, the team expects better algorithms and improved manufacturing will one day result in higher resolutions. One of the salient issues mentioned in the paper surrounds noise: a linear demultiplexing system invariably adds noise from all the mathematical operations, with higher spatial frequencies experiencing even more ‘noise amplification’ that ultimately limits resolving ability. These are issues the researchers are actively working on.

The researchers recently talked about FlatCam on NPR’s All Things Considered; the episode can be streamed here.

Via: Rice University

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ZY Optics launches improved Speedmaster F0.95 35mm lens, claiming 30% better resolution

17 Feb
The new model (right) is smaller and lighter than the original version of the lens (left)

The Shenyang Zhongyi Optical & Electronic Company Limited has introduced an updated version of its super-fast 35mm lens for APS-C-sensor cameras that it claims has better resolution and reduced chromatic aberrations. The manual focus Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm F0.95 II is also smaller and lighter than the original model, with a length of 60mm instead of 82mm, a filter thread of 55mm instead of 58mm and a weight of 460g/1.06lb compared to 680g/1.5lb.

The latest version uses a new optical design that features 11 elements in 8 groups, and includes a single extra-low dispersion element, two extra-high refractive index elements, and three elements made in high-refractive glass. The company says the new design produces 30% more resolution via better overall sharpness and reduced chromatic aberrations. Performance wide open is also greatly improved, ZY Optics says.

A click-less aperture ring makes the lens suitable for video recording, so it is a shame the Micro Four Thirds system isn’t supported in the initial offering. Fuji X, Sony E and EOS-M camera system owners will be provided for though.

The lens costs $ 599, and you can learn more on the ZY Optics website.

Press release:

ZY Optics releases the improved Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II for Sony E / Fuji X / EOS-M cameras

Shenyang China, Feb 14, 2016 – Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released an improved version of their first f/0.95 lens, Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II. The mark II verison features a drastic improvement of sharpness, better control of chromatic abberations and much compact size. The new version comes with a Fuji X / Sony E / EOS-M mount and is able to cover the image circle of APS-C sized sensors.

Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II is a ultra-fast prime lens which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of around 53mm in APS-C cameras. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it extremely convenient to shoot at a low light conditions without flash. The new optical design incorporates a 11 elements in 8 groups structure, including 1pc of Extralow disperson elements, 2 pcs of Extra-high Refractive Index elements and 3pcs of High Refractive Index elements. This structure effectively improved the image resolution by 30% compared to the previous version from corners to corners. This also controls the chromatic abberations very well and deliver excellent image sharpness even at f/0.95.

The new Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 is light and compact. The total weight is reduced from 680g to 460g, making it an ideal companion for the compact mirrorless cameras. Manual focus design and a click-less, silent aperture ring promote smooth handling and are especially well-suited to video applications. The lens is built in metallic enclosure with additional protective process and finest finishing, which gives extra durability and aesthetic.

Pricing & Availability
Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 is now available to purchase at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at our official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). The Recommended Retail price is USD 599.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lens Technique: Wide-angle portraiture with the Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art

15 Feb

Photographers tend to shy away from wide-angle lenses when shooting portraits, but DPReview Technical Editor Rishi Sanyal thinks that’s all wrong. In this video, he uses the Sigma 24-35mm F2 Art to illustrate his case for wide-angle portraits, capturing a couple of models with a setting sun in Seattle’s lovely Discovery Park. Step away from your 85mm comfort zone and learn some of Rishi’s tips for environmental portraits.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cambo introduces Canon EOS lens plate with aperture control for Actus view camera system

12 Feb

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Cambo has devised a new Canon EF/EF-S lens plate for its Actus view camera system that allows users to control aperture settings on Canon EOS lenses. The Cambo Actus system is designed to deliver a view camera style of shooting to some mirrorless camera bodies, consisting of a lens plate and a body plate with bellows and a monorail in between.

As EOS lenses have no manual aperture control, a plain mounting plate will only allow the lenses to be used at their widest aperture setting. The new ACB-CA plate however has electronic contacts that allow it to communicate with the lens, and a finger wheel so the photographer can dial in required aperture settings. An OLED display shows aperture values as well as the focal length in use, even when a zoom is mounted. 

The ACB-CA adapter will provide tilt, shift, swing, rise and fall movements between the front and rear standards with an EOS lens and a mirrorless camera mounted, though other lens systems allow movements with Nikon and Canon DSLR bodies. The Actus-DB system allows digital backs to be used.

The new ACB-CA plate for Canon EOS lenses costs £950 / $ 1299, while the Actus body costs £1400 / $ 1900. For more information visit the Cambo website.


Press release: 

NEW Cambo Actus Canon Auto Lens Mount

Cambo has released the NEW ACB-CA adapter for Canon EF lenses for use on the ACTUS mini view camera. The adapter has built-in electronic controls for setting and operating the aperture of Canon EF lenses.

Normally when a Canon auto iris lens is removed from the camera body the lens aperture is wide open. The ACB-CA communicates with the lens and enables the user to adjust the aperture, giving you full control.

This adapter has an internal battery for continuous use and features an OLED display which shows the preset or set aperture together with the focal length of the lens. The communication is accurate, such that the display will also show the focal length of zoom lenses.

The adapter accepts lenses fitted with Canon EOS bayonet, in combination with the ACTUS view camera. The ACB-CA adapter is finished in black to match the ACTUS-B camera version.

This ACB-CA lens adapter is designed to work with mirrorless* camera bodies, such as the Sony A7 series, Fujifilm X series and Canon M series. When mounted on the Actus the adapter will tilt and swing within the lens image circle that is being used. The rear rise/fall and left/right shift will operate as normal, again within the lens’s image circle.

*Mirrorless camera bodies have the imaging sensor further forward enabling the lens to focus at infinity or closer.

Check via the Cambo Configurator the compatibility between cameras, lenses and adapter when using the Cambo Actus.

The ACB-CA adapter is available now from stock £790.00 excluding VAT and shipment. For further information contact CamboUK on 07863 116150 or cambouk@gmail.com .

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Find Love Through Your Lens: 3 Ideas for a Valentine Photo Shoot

09 Feb

Editor’s note: Valentine’s Day is a good opportunity for aspiring portrait photographers to practice love story and romantic / family photo shoots. Below you can find three practical tips and ideas for a Valentine photo shoot from our regular writer, a portrait photographer, Barbara Stitzer. *** Ahhh, Love. It can be giddy, maddening, complacent, jealous, warm and gooey, and downright Continue Reading

The post Find Love Through Your Lens: 3 Ideas for a Valentine Photo Shoot appeared first on Photodoto.


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Portrait time: Sample gallery from Sony’s new 85mm F1.4 GM lens

04 Feb

After Sony showed off its a6300 and trio of new lenses, our staffers were able to grab an a7R II and start shooting. Above we’ve put together a small selection of images taken with Sony’s new 85mm F1.4 GM portrait lens. 

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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How To Find Your Lens’ Sweet Spot: A Beginner’s Guide to Sharper Images

03 Feb

Are you tired of blurry images?

It’s time to learn how to capture sharper images by finding your lens’ sweet spot. This will give you more confidence, save time, and help you take better photos.

In this article you’ll learn:

  • How to find your lens’ sweet spot (for sharper images)
  • Why you should shoot in Aperture Priority mode (and how to use it)
  • How to perform a test to get your sharpest image every time
  • How important is your lens’ sweet spot? Notice the difference

Mid range aperture sharper than wide open

In the above images of the clock, the one on the right is sharper. Look closely at the words and at the leaves behind the clock. The f/9 image is sharper throughout because it was shot in my lens’ sweet spot. The f/3.5 one was not.

First, take a look at your lens

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll use an entry level zoom lens as our example. Most kit lenses (the basic lens that comes with a DSLR) generally shoot their sharpest at the mid-range aperture settings. To determine the mid-range of your lens, you’ll need to know its widest (or maximum) aperture setting. It is located on the side, or end, of the lens and will look something like this 1:3.5-5.6.

For example, here it is on my Canon 18-55mm zoom lens.

Lens aperture range

This means that when my lens is zoomed all the way out, its widest aperture is f/3.5. When zoomed all the way in, its widest aperture is f/5.6.

The rule to finding that mid-range sweet spot, is to count up two full f-stops (aperture settings are called f-stops) from the widest aperture. On my lens, the widest aperture is f/3.5. Two full stops from there would bring me to a sweet spot of around f/7.

Use this chart to count your f-stops

Robin Parmar

By Robin Parmar

There is some wiggle room in the mid-range, so anything from f/7 to f/10 will capture a sharp image. Once you know the mid-range of your lens, you can do an easy test to get your sharpest image. To perform the test you’ll need to shoot in Aperture Priority mode.

Take control with Aperture Priority Mode

Shooting in Aperture Priority allows you to choose the aperture setting you want, which gives you more creative control than Automatic mode. By controlling the aperture setting, it’s much easier to get a sharp image, and because your camera still chooses the ISO (if you are set to Auto ISO) and shutter speed automatically, it’s very easy to use.

You’ve probably heard that apertures like f/16 and f/22 are best for keeping everything in focus. While that can be true, focus does not always equal overall sharpness. Choosing a mid-range aperture will give you sharper images throughout. You can improve them even further by reducing camera shake with a tripod and a remote shutter release (or your camera’s self-timer).

Here’s an example of how shooting in your lens’ sweet spot will give you sharper images.

Sharp images shot in lens sweet spot

Mid range f stop sharper than small f stop

In the above split-image, the f/9 image is sharper than the f/22 one. The needles and shadows are not as soft or blurry as in the f/22 shot (look at the crispness and sparkles in the snow too).

Switching from Automatic to Aperture Priority Mode

To take your camera out of Automatic and put it in Aperture Priority, just turn the large Mode Dial to Aperture Priority. This is what that looks like on my Canon (on Nikon and other brans look for the A).

Aperture priority on canon mode dial

Automatic mode is the green rectangle; Aperture Priority mode is the Av (or A on a Nikon). Once your camera is in Aperture Priority mode, turn the smaller Main Dial (shown here on the top of my Canon) to choose your f-stop.

Main dial canon

As you turn that dial, you’ll see the f-number changing on your screen. In the next picture, it’s set to f/9.5.

Aperture setting on canon LCD screen

Perform a Lens Sweet Spot Test

Once you have your camera set up on a tripod, performing a sweet spot test only takes a couple of minutes. To begin, put your camera in Aperture Priority mode, then compose your shot and take a photo at varying apertures. Start out with the widest, then click that main dial a couple of times (to the right) and take another. Keep doing that until you’ve taken seven or eight photos.

Upload your photos to your computer and zoom in on them. You’ll quickly see which aperture settings gave you the sharpest overall image.

This next photo of my daughter was shot using natural light. Shooting in my lens’ sweet spot gave me a pretty sharp image, even in this low light setting.

Mid range aperture sharp image low light

Find your lens sweet spot for sharper images

The close up of the mugs shows the advantage of shooting in the lens’ sweet spot. Whenever you want to make sure you get the sharpest capture possible, take a shot at each mid-range setting f/7, f/8, f/9, and f/10.

Getting Your Sharpest Images

Now that you know your lens’ sweet spot, it’s time to practice. I hope you’re as pleased with the results as I’ve been!

Mid range aperture for sharper images

I love shooting in natural light, and learning how to capture sharper images in low light has made me so much happier with my photos.

Tips for capturing your sharpest images:

  • Shoot in Aperture Priority mode
  • Choose a mid-range aperture (usually f/7 to f/10)
  • Use a tripod and a remote shutter release (or your camera’s self-timer) to reduce camera shake
  • Take a series of shots at f/7 through f/10 when a sharp capture is especially important

But don’t stop here. Keep playing with settings in Aperture priority mode. It’s awesome to get images that are sharp throughout, but there’s a lot more to aperture than that.

Learn more about aperture and depth of field here.

Do you have any lens sweet spot tips to share? Please do so by commenting below.

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The post How To Find Your Lens’ Sweet Spot: A Beginner’s Guide to Sharper Images by Dena Haines appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Sigma 20mm F1.4 ‘Art’ lens real-world sample gallery

29 Jan

The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | A is the newest member of Sigma’s family of ‘Art’ lenses. It’s also the widest member of the Art lens family, and with a maximum aperture of F1.4 Sigma claims that it’s the fastest 20mm lens in the world. We shot this lens on both 5DS R and 7D Mark II bodies, and since we had an EOS mount smart adaptor we even tried it on the Sony A7R II as well.

From what we’ve seen so far, this lens carries on the Art lineup’s tradition of stunning performance for the price, although this lens does have some characteristics that might not be ideal for all. For instance, it shows quite a bit of field curvature towards the brighter apertures when focused at nearer distances, and our rooftop shots show this particular copy performs better on the left side than the right side. As soon as an F-mount version of the Sigma is available, we plan on doing a shootout between this and the Nikon 20mm F1.8. In the meantime, enjoy a collection of images from the world’s widest F1.4 lens.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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