Sigma’s 19mm F2.8 DN, 30mm F2.8 DN and 60mm F2.8 DN Art lenses were launched at the CP+ show in Yokohama way back in January 2013. We’ve been using these inexpensive primes on both Sony E-mount and Micxro Four Thirds cameras for a while now, and our man in London, Damien Demolder has written up his impressions. We pooled our sample images for this field test. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Zeiss has revealed two new full-frame lenses for Sony’s E-mount system, the Batis 2/25 and 1.8/85. They offer autofocus, and are the first Zeiss-produced FE-style lenses to do so. Each lens barrel contains an OLED displaying focus distance and depth of field. A linear motor AF drive keeps operation quiet, and both lenses are sealed against dust and moisture. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
As promised last November, Sony has announced two new full-frame A-mount lenses. Compared to their 2008-vintage predecessors the Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II feature improved image quality, less ghosting and flare, and a four-fold improvement in subject tracking speed, according to Sony. Another addition are seals that should make these lenses dust and water resistant. More details
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Chinese lens adapter manufacturer Kipon has announced plans to introduce the first adapter that allows AF operation when a Canon EF or EF-S lens is attached to a Micro Four Thirds camera body. Previous adapters have either been entirely manual or, more lately, offered aperture control, but the Shanghai-based company has said that its next model will allow full frame and APS-C EOS system lenses to focus automatically too. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Ricoh has released new firmware for three of its DSLR cameras in preparation for the arrival of new HD lenses to the K-series. The Pentax K-3, K-S2 and K-S1 will receive updates that allow them to get the most out of the forthcoming HD Pentax-D FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6ED DC AW and HD Pentax-D FA*70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW lenses, while the K-3 and K-S1 also gain compatibility with the HD Pentax-DA 18-50mm f/4-5.6 DC WR RE standard zoom. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Canon USA has dropped the price of 31 of its high-end L-series prime and zoom lenses, by between $ 30 and $ 800. Several popular zooms like the EF 24-70mm F2.8 II USM and EF 70-200mm F2.8 IS II USM have been discounted by $ 100 and very high-end primes like the 400mm + F2.8 sports lenses have dropped in price by $ 500. Meanwhile the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III have been reduced by $ 20. Click through for a full list
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Fujifilm has rolled out firmware updates aimed at fixing quirks in the X100T and X-T1, improving image quality in the FinePix S1 superzoom, and improving OIS functionality in several X-mount zoom lenses. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
A new version of the Lee Filters SW150 system holder has been introduced that allows compatibility with a broader range of extreme wide angle lenses, and which has been designed to reduce the impact of reflections from the rear surface of fitted filters. The Lee Filter SW150 Mark ll now allows the existing 150mm-wide filters that were developed for the original SW150 to be fitted to four lenses using model-specific adapter rings – with more on the way. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Tenba has unveiled a new customizable camera bag designed for mirrorless cameras and their accessories. The product is called Switch, a name derived from its interchangeable front flap. A total of three sizes are offered, all of which are now available through Tenba’s website. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
A team at Harvard School of Engineering has developed a method for making flat lenses that could dramatically reduce the size and weight of camera lenses in the future. The method employs tiny silicon antennas positioned on flat glass components to redirect light when it reaches the surface of the lens instead of relying on refraction and the thickness of glass to bend light in a particular direction. Learn more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)