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Posts Tagged ‘Lenses’

Sigma releases slew of minor firmware updates for its lenses, mount adapters

25 Jan

Sigma has unveiled a number of firmware updates for its lenses and adapters to improve features and address various issues.

Specifically, Sigma has published firmware updates for its 45mm F2.8 DG DN for Sony E-mount, 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon EF-mount, some of its Sigma SA-mount lenses and its MC-11 SA-E/EF-E mount converter.

The Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN for Sony E-mount has received firmware version ’02,’ that Sigma says corrects an issue wherein blur can occur when using the lens with Sony’s in-body image stabilization. You can download firmware version ’02’ for macOS and Windows computers on Sigma’s support page.

The Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM for Canon EF-mount has received firmware version ‘2.06,’ which ‘[optimizes] the operation of Mode 2 in Optical Stabilizer when used in combination with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 EF-L.’ It’s not a major update, particularly if you don’t use the MC-21 adapter, but even if you aren’t experiencing the issue, it’s still a good practice to keep your firmware fresh. The updated firmware is available within Sigma’s Optimization Pro program, which works alongside its USB Dock to upgrade the in-lens firmware.

Our initial hands-on with Sigma’s 100-400mm F5-6.3 lens back in 2017.

Sigma has also released firmware updates for a number of its SA-mount lenses. The Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM now has ‘reduced the aperture drive noise’ when used with the MC-21 SA-L adatper, while the Sigma 14–24mm F2.8 DG HSM has improved autofocus when used with the MC-21 SA-L adapter.

Both the Sigma 100–400mm F5–6.3 DG OS HSM and 500mm F4 DG OS HSM lenses for Sigma SA-mount have also received an update that optimizes ‘the operation of Mode 2 in Optical Stabilizer’ when used with the MC-21 SA-L adapter. All of these updates can be downloaded through Sigma’s Optimization Pro program, which is available for macOS and Windows computers.

Lastly, Sigma has released a firmware update for its MC-11 SA-E and EF-E converters. The updates, which can be installed via Sigma’s Optimization Pro program, adds support for the aforementioned lenses in their respective mounts.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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News: Inexpensive Canon RF Lenses are in the Works, Including a 50mm f/1.8

24 Jan

The post News: Inexpensive Canon RF Lenses are in the Works, Including a 50mm f/1.8 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

 

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Earlier this month, Canon announced its intention to produce RF lenses over EF lenses. A Canon Europe spokesperson indicated that the imaging giant would continue to support the EF mount, but that we can expect to see only new RF lenses for the foreseeable future.

For longtime Canon users who haven’t jumped on the mirrorless bandwagon, this is a blow. But for Canon’s mirrorless users, this is excellent news. One of the main reasons to switch to a company like Sony over Canon is the mirrorless lens lineup; Sony’s mirrorless lens development has had a big head start over Canon’s, and Sony now offers dozens of full-frame and APS-C mirrorless lenses.

But with Canon focusing on its RF lenses, we might get to see it close the mirrorless gap.

In fact, it looks as if Canon is already making good on its commitment to the RF mount, especially in the budget lens category. Up until now, Canon has offered very few cheap RF lens options.

Over the twelve months, we might see that change.

According to Canon Rumors, we can expect to see several new low-priced RF lenses announced in the near future, including “at least one…this year.”

This should include some type of pancake lens with an f/2.8 maximum aperture, as well as the possibility of an RF 50mm f/1.8.

While it’s unlikely that Canon’s 50mm f/1.8 could rival the price of the current EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, its good to know that we might have some strong options for consumers.

Thus far, anyone looking for a 50mm lens option (which is great for shooting portraits, street images, and more) would have to settle for the Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L, which currently costs over $ 2000 USD.

But with a cheaper 50mm option, the Canon RF lens lineup should feel much more accessible, even for beginners.

And with some luck, we should see both these new RF lenses before the year is out.

The post News: Inexpensive Canon RF Lenses are in the Works, Including a 50mm f/1.8 appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Tokina issues compatibility notice for Nikon Z owners using its F-mount lenses via adapter

23 Jan

Tokina has published a compatibility noticed for Nikon Z-series owners, regarding a few issues the company came across while ‘thoroughly’ testing the functionality of its F-mount lenses when used on Z-series cameras with Nikon’s FTZ adapter.

The notice highlights four lenses that can’t use autofocus with Nikon’s FTZ adapter and one lens that has slightly slower autofocus when used with the adapter.

The four lenses without autofocus functionality are the Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S, Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D, Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye and Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye. When put in manual focus mode, however, all of these lenses will work without issue, according to Tokina.

Tokina notes its opera 50mm F1.4 FF lens works when autofocus is on, but notes that when ‘Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower.’

Compatibility notice:

Tokina Compatibility Notice for Nikon Z-Series Mirrorless Camera Owners

Thank you for using Tokina products.

We have thoroughly tested all current Tokina interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount) with the Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera using the Nikon mount adapter FTZ.

The results confirm that current Tokina lens models showed no issues in general operations with the following exceptions:

Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 FF Issue: Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower. Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S Issue: AF communication error. However, the lens will operate normally in manual focus mode.

Please, note that due to mount adapter FTZ specifications, the following Tokina lenses do not AF but will operate in manual focus mode:

Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye

For any question about compatibility of Tokina interchangeable lenses with Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera contact us via contact form.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Confirmed: Venus Optics working on new line of ultra-fast ‘Argus’ F0.95 lenses

21 Jan

Update (11:30 EST, January 20): Venus Optics has confirmed to DPReview that it’s working on not just one, but multiple F0.95 lenses. A Venus Optics spokesperson says Venus Optics does ‘not have further information about these lenses’ at this time and concluded their statement saying ‘As usual, we are just trying to create something unique, good quality and affordable for photographers.’ The headline of this article has been changed to reflect this confirmation.

According to a report from FujiAddict, Venus Optics, manufacturer of the Laowa lens brand, is working on a new ultra-fast F0.95 lens for DSLR and mirrorless full-frame and APS-C camera systems.

FujiAddict’s report, which says the lens will be denoted by the ‘Argus’ moniker, is substantiated by an image posted to Chinese social media platform Weibo that claims to show a frame from a presentation that simply shows the words ‘Laowa F0.95.’ At this time, no information is given regarding the focal length or specific mounts this purported lens will be available for. However, FujiAddict claims ‘Many are speculating it will be wide and my contact says they expect it to be between 20–35mm.’

As noted in the report, Venus Optics isn’t the first third-party lens manufacturer to create an ultra-fast prime lens. In addition to the legendary Leica Noctilux F0.95 lens, SLR Magic has a slew of ‘HyperPrime’ lenses for both still and cinema photography.

We have contacted Venus Optics in an effort to confirm this report. This article will be updated accordingly if we hear back.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Xiaomi patent shows pop-up camera with up to seven lenses

18 Jan

Pop-up front cameras are an established design to avoid large bezels, ‘punch holes’ or notches on smartphone fronts. If Xiaomi’s latest patent filing is anything to go by the concept could soon be taken to another level, though.

The documentation which was recently authorized by CNIPA (China National Intellectual Property Administration) shows a pop-up camera that comes with a lot more camera/lens modules than anything we’ve seen up to now.

The patent includes three versions, with the most simple one featuring dual-cameras at front and back. The most advanced variant comes with a dual-cam at the front and five modules on the front.

To accommodate all this the pop-up mechanism is wider than on most other smartphones with pop-up cameras but still, image sensors would likely have to be smaller than on more conventional camera setups. As usual, there is no way of knowing if this patent will ever be turned into a final product but it’s good to see manufacturers looking at new ways of designing smartphone cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fotodiox’s new Vizelex Cine ND Throttle Fusion adapter connects EF lenses to GFX cameras

18 Jan

Fotodiox has launched its new Vizelex Cine ND Throttle Fusion Smart AF lens adapter for connecting Canon EF lenses to Fuji G Mount GFX mirrorless cameras. The adapter features integrated Fusion tech for using autofocus and other automated functions, as well as a built-in variable neutral density filter with 1 to 8 stops (ND2-256).

Fotodiox says users may notice vignetting when the adapter is used with certain Canon EF lenses; for these instances, the product features a switch for changing from medium format to 35mm mode. As well, the adapter has a switch for directly toggling from aperture priority to program mode. Firmware updates are delivered over micro USB.

Other features include an all-metal design, the promise of high-precision construction, chrome-plated brass mounts and a geared rotating ring for adjusting the ND filter. The adapter is available now from Amazon, B&H Photo and Adorama for $ 550.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony releases minor firmware updates for a9 II and 24mm F1.4 GM, 135mm F1.8 GM lenses

17 Jan

Sony has released minor firmware updates for its a9 II camera system, as well as its 24mm F1.4 GM and 135 F1.8 GM lenses.

For the a9 II, firmware version 1.01 improves the FTP transfer functionality to speed up how soon after shooting photos the images can be transferred. Additionally, the firmware update corrects a condition where the camera can sometimes turn off at random times when looking back through Raw images and improves JPEG image quality when shooting under certain, unspecified conditions.

Both the 24mm F1.4 GM and 135mm F1.8 GM receive, via firmware ’02,’ improved aperture response when the lenses are attached to Sony’s a9, a9 II and a7R IV camera systems, as well as the ability to select ‘Focus Priority’ from the ‘Aperture Drive in AF” menu when attached to Sony’s a9 camera system.

You can download firmware version 1.01 for Sony a9 II camera systems, as well as firmware version ’02’ for Sony’s 24mm F1.4 GM and 135mm F1.8 GM lenses for mac OS and Windows computers on Sony’s website. Details and instructions on how to install the firmware can be found on the respective download pages.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon issues firmware update to fix front-focusing issues for RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses

09 Jan

A month after the first reports came out that a number of RF 70–200mm F2.8 lenses were having issues with front-focusing, Canon has released a firmware update to address the issue.

As promised two weeks ago, firmware version 1.0.6 fixes the issue wherein certain units would focus in front of the active AF point, especially at longer focal lengths. The firmware changelog reads:

‘Fixed a phenomenon when performing AF shooting to capture a subject at close-range with the focus distance approximately set to the Tele-end (200mm), the image may become slightly front-focused.’

Firmware version 1.0.6 is available to download for both macOS and Windows computers. If your lens already has firmware version 1.0.6 installed, there’s no need to update. You can check your lens’ firmware in your camera’s menu system.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon Europe confirms its focus is on RF, not EF lenses unless the ‘market demand[s] it’

09 Jan

Although Canon’s flagship 1DX Mark III DSLR is still on the horizon, it seems as though Canon has stopped research and development efforts for new EF lenses.

In an interview with Digital Camera World, Canon Europe pro product marketing senior manager, Richard Shepherd, said that while Canon will continue to support EF lenses, the plan is to focus on RF lenses, unless the ‘market demand[s] it.’ Below is the full quote, shared by Digital Camera World:

‘As you know, last year we launched the RF mount and EOS R system […] To date we’ve launched ten critically acclaimed lenses, and as it’s a new system we plan to continue this, launching more RF lenses while still fully supporting the EF lens system. And of course, should the market demand it, we are ready to create new EF lenses. But for now, our focus is on RF.’

While this is the first time we’ve seen detailed confirmation about Canon ceasing development of new EF lenses, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Canon’s EF mount was released 33 years ago when it replaced the FD mount in 1987. Since then, we’ve seen the rise of digital cameras, the fall of point-and-shoot cameras and now the rise of mirrorless cameras. Canon’s RF system is clearly the future for the company and as such it makes sense Canon would be more interested in investing its capital looking forward rather than behind.

As of October 12, 2017, Canon said it had surpassed production of more than 130 million EF-series interchangeable lenses—just shy of four million per year since the mount’s inception. The number has inevitably gone up by millions since and you can count on it continuing to rise for many years to come, even long after production has stopped.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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These are the next lenses you should buy for your new Micro Four Thirds camera

28 Dec

From pocket-sized prime lenses to fast zooms designed to weather the elements, there are lenses of all shapes and sizes for Micro Four Thirds shooters. If you’ve recently acquired one of these cameras then we’ve got some ideas for your next lens.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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