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Posts Tagged ‘mount’

Venus Optics releases Canon RF, Nikon Z mount version of its Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X APO Macro lens

22 Apr

Venus Optics has announced its Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO Lens is now available for Canon RF and Nikon Z camera systems, joining versions for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts.

It’s been exactly two years since the lens was originally announced and in that time the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO has earned numerous accolades and positive reviews for being an impressive-yet-affordable macro lens that punches well above its price point.

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Aside from the additional mount options, the new models remain unchanged from their previously-announced counterparts. They’re constructed of twelve elements in ten groups, feature an F2.8 through F22 aperture range, offer 2x magnification and have 13-blade aperture diaphragms (same as the Sony FE version).

A size comparison from Venus Optics showing the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO lens (far-right) compared to similar macro lenses from Nikon, Canon and Sony.

The new models come in at the same size as the Sony FE model, weighing 650g (23oz) and measuring in at 72mm (2.8in) in diameter and 155mm (6.1in) long. Below is a gallery of sample images we captured with the original Canon EF version of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 2X APO Macro lens adapted to an EOS R:

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The Canon RF and Nikon Z mount models are also priced the same, retailing for $ 449 on Laowa’s website and authorized retailers. An optional tripod collar is available as an accessory for $ 30.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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C-4 Precision Optics releases $39,000 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens for Sony E mount

13 Mar

For $ 39,000 USD, you can now purchase a 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens for Sony’s full-frame E mount. This wild lens offers a 270-degree field of view, meaning that it can photograph the area behind the focal plane. For the curious photographers and videographers without nearly $ 40,000 burning a hole in their pocket, the lens can be rented from Lensrentals for around $ 1,250 a week.

The 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens has unique origins. Back in 2015, Roger Cicala and the Lensrentals team announced the launch of C-4 Precision Optics as an April Fools’ Day prank of sorts. There were various lenses discussed in the article, including a 66.6mm F0.666 Micro Four Thirds lens, a 150mm F1.0 full-frame prime lens and a full-frame 4.9mm F3.5 270-degree fisheye lens.

The lattermost lens was nicknamed ‘The Light Bender’ by Cicala and the C-4 Precision Optics team. Unlike most April Fools’ Day pranks, however, this one is no longer a laughing matter. Of the lens, Cicala wrote on the Lensrentals blog, “That means this lens not only shows everything from one side to the other (for the mathematically challenged among you, that would be 180 degrees), it actually shows stuff that’s behind you.”

In February 2019, Cicala and the Lensrentals team including Aaron Closz, Brian Caldwell and Wilfried Bittner, assembled a prototype version of the fisheye lens. You can see a video of this process below.

The lens is now out of prototype stage and available for preorder and rental. This specialty manual lens for Sony E mount delivers a 270-degree field of view and weighs a hefty 12.97 kilograms (28.6 pounds). Optically, it includes five extra-low dispersion lens elements. To help put into perspective what a 270-degree field of view looks like, you can see a sample image via Lensrentals below.

Sample image captured using the C-4 Precision Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens. Image credit: Lensrentals.

Comparing the 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens to other fisheye lenses, Cicala says it most closely resembles Nikon’s legendary Nikkor 6mm F2.8 fisheye, which is very rare and can sell for upwards of six figures (USD). The Nikon lens captures images with a 220-degree field of view.

Physically, the lens is very different from most other lenses. It includes built-in extendable tripod legs and you mount the camera to the lens inside the tripod array. The lens has been designed with immersive video applications and specialty applications in mind. Accordingly, it cannot be set up and used as simply as other more traditional fisheye lenses.

The C-4 Precision Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens shown with an attached Sony mirrorless camera. As you can see, the camera mount to the lens inside of the built-in extendable tripod legs. Image credit: LensAuthority.

For those interested in learning more about the lens, we recommend heading to Lensrentals to read a full recap of the prototype assembly process, which includes dozens of detailed images. It’s very neat to see a hand-built lens come to life.

The C-4 Precision Optics 4.9mm F3.5 Hyper Fisheye lens is available for Sony E mount and can be ordered via LensAuthority for $ 39,000 USD. You can also rent the lens from Lensrentals. This will cost $ 1,246 USD for a week.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma shows EF-M mount primes for Canon cameras at WPPI

29 Feb

Hands-on with Sigma’s APS-C primes for Canon at WPPI

Sigma’s DC DN EF-M primes have been the talk of the town for EF-M mount users for months now, but they’ve been in relatively short supply (we’ve only got the 56mm F1.4 in the DPReview offices so far). But during our time at WPPI, we got a chance to see all three in-person and find out how they balance on Canon’s latest APS-C mirrorless flagship, the EOS M6 Mark II.

Pictured above is the most compact of the three, and the most recently released – the 56mm F1.4 DC DN. Offering an equivalent focal length of around 90mm (remember, Canon’s APS-C crop is 1.6x), it’s a fantastic option for portraits. Actually, in the EF-M system, it’s really the only native option for portraits, though you can of course make do with the kit zooms or adapt DSLR lenses.

As you can see, the 56mm is light on external controls, with only a large, rubberized manual focus ring on the exterior that is smooth and well-damped.

Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN

Around the front of the lens is a 55mm filter thread, and down the barrel are nine aperture blades. The lens weighs 280g and feels dense without being heavy, and balances exceptionally well on the EOS M6 Mark II. It will focus down to 0.5m (~20″) with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.14x.

The optical formula is composed of 10 elements in six groups, including one ‘super-low dispersion’ element. Unfortunately, there’s not much to see around the back of this lens. There’s no rear gasket for keeping out moisture or dust on any of this trio of lenses.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN

Up next is Sigma’s 30mm F1.4 DC DN. This lens is basically going head-to-head with Canon’s EF-M 32mm F1.4, but we don’t mind a bit of competition. The Sigma gives you a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 48mm, while the Canon gives you 51.2mm. That type of difference is unlikely to really influence your purchasing decision, though the Canon’s much greater magnification ratio (0.25x to 0.14x) and higher price point ($ 479 to $ 339) might.

In any case, the Sigma 30mm F1.4 balances quite well on the EOS M6 Mark II, being a bit lighter than the 56mm F1.4 but a bit longer as well. A well-damped rubberized focus ring is likewise the only external control.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN

The Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN has an optical formula of nine elements in seven groups, with one of those elements being aspherical and another being double-sided aspherical. There are nine aperture blades and the front filter diameter is 52mm.

We actually reviewed this lens back nearer to its release, and on a Sony APS-C camera, we found it to be excellent.

Read our review of the Sigma 30mm F1.4 for Sony E-Mount

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN

Last and largest is the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN. It’s actually one-and-a-half times longer than the 56mm F1.4, and the heaviest of the three by 125g, or more than a quarter of a pound.

This lens is likely to be of interest to EF-M users, who up until now had only one native wide-angle lens at their disposal: the excellent (but slower-aperture) 11-22mm F4-5.6 zoom. This 16mm F1.4 should be a great option for lower light shooting, events, astrophotography and more.

It balances fairly well on the EOS M6 Mark II, but is a bit front-heavy. It’s not a very comfortable combination in the hand on Canon’s grip-less EOS M200.

Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN

Down the barrel, past the 67mm filter threads, we see a nine-bladed aperture, just like the other two. This should be great for creating 18-point sunstars in landscape scenes. In addition to being the biggest, it’s also the most optically complex of the group, with 16 elements in 13 groups, including a total of seven specialty elements, and it can focus down to as close as 0.25m (9.84″) for a maximum magnification of 0.1x.

Hands-on with Sigma’s APS-C primes for Canon at WPPI

And that’s it for Canon’s trio of DC DN F1.4 prime lenses, now becoming readily available for EF-M mount. We find that these lenses make an enormous difference in the appeal of Canon’s mirrorless APS-C system, but what do you think? Are you planning to pick any of these up for yourself? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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NONS SL42 is the world’s first instant SLR with a M42 mount

21 Feb

A new Kickstarter campaign is seeking funds for NONS SL42, the first instant camera to feature an interchangeable M42 lens mount and support for Instax Mini instant film. The camera can be used with ‘hundreds of classic M42 lenses,’ according to the team behind the project, which explains that pairing an M42 lens with Instax film results in a round image frame.

NONS SL42 is an SLR camera that took more than a year to develop, according to the campaign. In addition to Instax instant film support, the SL42 features an adjustable aperture, manual focus, a hot shoe, shutter speed control and support for multiple exposures. The device is powered by two AA batteries.

The Kickstarter campaign is offering the NONS SL42 instant camera for pledges of at least $ 1,550 HK / $ 200 USD. Backers also have other pledge options, such as the camera bundled with film for around $ 219, bundled with a lens for around $ 232 and bundled with film and a lens for around $ 258. Shipping to backers is expected to start in August 2020, assuming the campaign is successful.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Moment introduces 67mm filter mount that works with any phone

20 Feb

Moment, known for creating camera gear and accessories for creative professionals, today released a 67mm filter set and mount. The company states that users can now mount a filter to any phone, even without a case. The 67mm mount was designed so a filter could be placed over a triple-lens camera system like, for example, the iPhone 11 Pro offers.

Designers at Moment also took additional measures by machining a speaker grill into the mount. It will allow creators to use the audio from their phone’s rear-facing microphone during filming, something the company says isn’t available on competing mobile filter solutions. The mount also works on laptop cameras.

The 67mm Variable Neutral Density (ND) Filter is a 2–5 stop or 6–9 stop. They are made with Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass and are designed to control exposure while eliminating color fringing and cross polarization.

67mm Variable ND Filters are $ 149.99 each. Purchasing both in a bundle costs $ 279.99, which saves the buyer $ 20. The 67mm Filter Mount is currently marked down to $ 23.99 from $ 29.99. The filters are available today while the mount is expected to ship between April 21st – 28th.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Vazen announces new 28mm T2.2 1.8x anamorphic lens for Micro Four Thirds mount

17 Feb

Chinese cinema lens manufacturer Vazen has announced its latest anamorphic lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras and teased another one that’s due out ‘in a few months.’

Vazen’s new 28mm T2.2 1.8x anamorphic lens for MFT camera systems is the second lens in its MFT anamorphic lineup, following up on its 40mm T2, an impressive anamorphic lens we had a little fun with on DPRTV. The new 28mm T2.2 features a lightweight design that Vazen claims makes it the ‘World’s Lightest 1.8x Anamorphic Lens for Panasonic GH5, Z-Cam E2 & Blackmagic Pocket 4k.’

It weighs just 720g (1.59lbs) and measures 80mm (3.15in) diameter and 107mm (4.2in) long. Its T-stop range is T2.2 through T16, it features a 72-degree angle of view and it has a minimum focusing distance of 82cm (2.7ft). Below is a sample video of footage captured with the lens on a ZcamE2(Vazen also shared this slightly NSFW music video captured with the lens):

In addition to the new 28mm T2.2 lens, Vazen also confirmed it’s adding a third lens to this lineup, a 65mm anamorphic lens. No details are given on the specs, but Vazen does not the 65mm lens ‘is expected to have the strongest anamorphic “character.”’

The Vazen 28mm T2.2 1.8x anamorphic lens for MFT camera systems is currently available to purchase through Vazen’s website for $ 3,250. If you purchase both the 28mm T2.2 and the 40mm T2 as a kit, Vazen drops the price for the pair by $ 400.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nomad launches iPhone 11, Google Pixel 4 cases with Moment lens mount

07 Feb

Accessory maker Nomad has announced new smartphone cases in its Rugged line. The new models are available for all Apple iPhone 11 models as well as the Google Pixel 4 and feature an integrated mount for Moment lenses.

In a press release, Nomad said:

Our newest cases are Moment compatible. Meaning, they are the same style and quality you’ve come to expect from Nomad but now with an integrated Moment mounting plate. These will be available for all iPhone 11 models as well as Google Pixel 4 phones.

According to Nomad the cases are designed to withstand drops from up to six feet height and available in two colors, black or brown Horween Leather. They also come with a lanyard attachment point.

The lens mount allows you to attach any lens from premium accessory lens makers Moment, which includes an 18mm wide-angle, a 15mm fisheye, an anamorphic lens, a macro lens, and a 58mm tele lens, making the Nomad lenses an interesting alternative to Moment’s own cases.

The cases are available now form the Nomad website for $ 50.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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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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Venus Optics adds Canon M, Fuji X and Sony E mount options to its 4mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens

21 Jan

In addition to DPReview receiving confirmation that Venus Optics is working on a new ultra-fast F0.95 ‘Argus’ lens lineup, Venus Optics has also announced it’s adding new mount options for its 4mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens.

Now, in addition to Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras, the 4mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens will be available for Canon M-, Fuji X- and Sony E-mount camera systems. The updated models will feature the same optical design constructed of seven elements in six groups. The lens features a 210-degree angle of view, 8cm (3.14in) minimum focusing distance, seven-blade aperture diaphragm and weighs just 135g (4.7oz).

Below is a gallery of sample images, provided by Venus Optics:

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The new Canon M-, Fuji X- and Sony E-mount versions of the 4mm F2.8 circular fisheye lens are currently available on Venus Optics’ website for $ 200.

Venus Optics adds Fuji X, Sony E & Canon M options to the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye Lens

Anhui China, Aug 7, 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer specializes in making unique camera lenses, add new Fuji X, Sony E and Canon M variants to the Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Circular Fisheye Lens.

Laowa 4mm f/2.8 Fisheye lens is an 8mm equivalent fisheye prime specially designed for mirrorless cameras with APS-C and MFT sensors. On the contrary to the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ wide angle lenses, the new 4mm fisheye lens is designed to create an extremely distorted circular fisheye perspective.

210° angle of view The lens features an ultra-wide 210° angle of view. Photographers can take advantage of the dramatic field of view to capture more than what your eyes can see. A full 360-degree panorama can also be done using just 2 images as opposed to shooting 6 or more images with conventional fisheye lenses. This lens is also particularly good for VR photography, shooting virtual tour, skateboard shooting and spherical panorama.

Fast f/2.8 aperture The ultra-fast f/2.8 aperture makes it an ideal option for astro-photography and shooting in lowlight condition.

Focus as close as 3.14” (8cm) from sensor Photographers can take advantage of the super close focusing distance to capture some heavily distorted & impactful shots.

Drones friendly The MFT version of the lens can be mounted on DJI Inspire X5 drones to create some epic ‘God’s vision’ shots.

Outstanding sharpness Houses with 7 elements in 6 groups, the new 4mm has an outstanding sharpness throughout the frame. Along with the 210o ultra-wide angle, photographers can either ‘de-fish’ the image in post-processing or crop to transform the image into a rectilinear image.

Super Tiny & Lightweight The lens is extremely tiny and lightweight. Measuring only 1.77” (45mm) long and weighing 4.7 oz (135g), the lens is so small that can be put into pocket for shooting anywhere, anytime.

Huge Depth of Field The depth of field of this lens is so deep that no focusing operation is required. Simply park the focus ring at infinity focus and stop down the lens to around f/5.6, everything will be in focus.

Pricing & Availability The lens is currently available to order from authorized resellers and in Venus Optics official website (http://www.venuslens.net/). It is ready to ship now. The ex-VAT retail price in US is USD 199/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics releases Laowa 12mm F2.8 Zero-D Cine lens for PL, EF and E mount cameras

14 Jan

Venus Optics has announced pricing and availability of its Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens.

The lens, which Venus Optics claims is ‘the world’s widest T2.9 cinema lens covering Vista Vision/Full frame sensors,’ is a re-engineered version of its 12mm F2.8 Zero-D photo lens. It’s constructed of 16 elements in 10 groups, features two aspherical elements and has a minimum focusing distance of just 18cm (7in) from the sensor.

As the ‘Zero-D’ nomenclature in its name suggests, the Laowa 12mm T2.9 lens features ‘close-to-zero’ distortion. It offers up a 47mm image circle, which is large enough to support both full-frame sensors and the larger Vista Vision sensors found on RED Monstro and Arri Alexa LF cameras. It also works as a 17mm equivalent lens on Super35 sensors.

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Both the aperture and focus rings use standard 0.8 mod gears for easy operability with follow focus systems. The focus ring has a 270-degree throw for smooth and precise adjustments. The lens, which is constructed of an aluminum alloy, measures in at 87mm (3.4in) long and weighs just 675g (1.5lbs).

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The Laowa 12mm T2.9 Zero-D Cine lens is currently available to order in PL, EF and E mount on Venus Optics’ online shop for $ 1,500. In addition to a custom Pelican case, the lens comes with a 114mm step-up ring for attaching matte boxes and other accessories, as well as shims for flange calibration. Pricing will vary in different regions around the world, according to Venus Optics.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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