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Posts Tagged ‘Optics’

Lensbaby unveils Creative Bokeh and Sweet 80 optics

21 Sep

Lensbaby just released two new “optics” for portrait photographer and other shooters who want to add a bit of creative flare to their photography. The first is the Sweet 80: an 80mm optic that gives portrait shooters that trademark Lensbaby ‘sweet spot’ of focus; the second is the Creative Bokeh optic: a 50mm single-element lens that comes with 11 drop in apertures in a variety of shapes.

You can see both optics in the gallery below:

Product Photos

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Both the Sweet 80 and Creative Bokeh optics join the so-called ‘Lensbaby Optic Swap System’ that allows you to pop different creative lenses onto your Composer Pro I or II Composer, Muse, Scout, and Control Freak.

Lensbaby Sweet 80 Optic

At its core, the Sweet 80 is an 80mm F2.8 selective focus optic with a 12-blade aperture that closes down to F22. As with Lensbaby’s other ‘Sweet’ optics, you select the size and location of your ‘sweet spot of focus’ by tilting the lens and adjusting the aperture.

Here are a few sample photos captured with the Sweet 80:

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Lensbaby Creative Bokeh Optic

As mentioned above, the Creative Bokeh optic is a 50mm, single-element lens that you attach to a Composer Pro II. Inside you’ll find a 12-blade aperture that ranges from F2.5 to F22, but the built-in aperture isn’t the main draw of this optic.

Instead, Lensbaby is including 11 magnetic drop-in aperture plates that will turn the out-of-focus points of light in your background into a variety of shapes, including: diamonds, dripsplat, slots, swirly, whirlpool, birds, sunburst, heart, star. There are also two blank disks so you can create your own.

Here are some sample images captured with the Creative Bokeh optic:

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Both of the new optics are available now from the Lensbaby store. The Sweet 80 is available by itself for $ 200 or in a kit with the Composer Pro II for $ 380, and the Creative Bokeh optic sells for $ 100.

To learn more, head over to the Lensbaby website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D gallery and user impressions

04 Sep

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Venus Optics, a Chinese lens manufacturer established in 2013, has released several interesting manual focus lenses, but perhaps none as intriguing as the Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D. This lens, for Sony Full Frame E-mount cameras, strikes a unique balance with its small size, wide field of view (110 degrees) and fast aperture. Even more impressive is its promise of almost zero distortion. Venus Optics claims that it is ‘the world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame.’

See our Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D gallery

At $ 850 MSRP, it’s also priced competitively. So how does it hold up in the field? Read on.

Handling

The build quality of this lens is very good. At 500 g (17.6 oz) it’s not too heavy but has some heft to balance out the weight of the camera (I shot mostly with a Sony a7R II). The body and lens mount are all made of metal, as is the accessory lens hood. In hand, it has a reassuringly dense and sturdy feel to it.

‘It has a reassuringly dense and sturdy feel to it.’

The focus ring is slightly stiffer than I’d expected, but still rotates smoothly. Perhaps with a little use, it will loosen up. A focus scale is helpful for hyperfocal focusing, but for absolute accuracy you’ll want to use the camera’s focus magnifier. I programed a button on our a7R II to this function. The focus rings turns slightly past infinity but on our copy, infinity lined up pretty closely with the center of the infinity symbol on the lens.

The Venus 15mm F2 is a nice complimentary size and weight to the a7r II.

The Venus 15mm F2 has a 72mm filter thread, which is a nice feature, especially for videographers who might want to attach a neutral density filter. Speaking of video, the lens has a toggle switch to turn on/off the click stops on the aperture ring.

Only full stop apertures are marked on the ring and there are no click stops for third stops. However, you can still set the aperture in between the full stops. One major drawback of this lens is the lack of electronic contacts, meaning no EXIF data is communicated to the camera. Whereas some manual focus lenses will automatically bring up focus assist when the ring is turned, this 15mm will not.

Image quality

Distortion is very well-controlled.

As the name would suggest, distortion on this lens is VERY well controlled, though not quite ‘zero’ as there is a tiny bit of barrel distortion. Still, this is an excellent choice for architectural or interior photography. It also focuses quite close: 15cm (6 in).

Even when shooting wide open, this lens is impressively sharp dead center. And by F4-5.6 it’s sharp throughout the whole field of view. In general, I found it to offer the best results between F4-8 ; as we’d expect, diffraction becomes an issue at F11 and beyond.

The 7-blade aperture results in sun stars like the one above.

Flare is well controlled and while lateral chromatic aberration is present in some of the sample photos, it’s easily correctable. The Venus 15mm uses a 7-blade aperture resulting in sun stars that look pretty good – see the example above.

If you’re planning to use this lens predominantly for landscape work, it’s worth noting there is moderate vignetting throughout the aperture range. You can see an example of this in our aperture progression at the end of the sample gallery.

As well as stills work, this is an excellent lens for videographers, thanks again to its almost non-existent barrel distortion and the versatility of its fast maximum aperture of F2.

Takeaway

The Venus Laowa 15mm F2 FE Zero-D is a great lens for a variety of applications, if you don’t mind manual focus and the lack of electronic communication with your camera. Sharp, fast, light and wide, it is capable of outstanding results, especially once stopped down a little.

What I like:

  • Distortion is very well controlled
  • Fast, wide and reasonably small
  • Good build quality
  • Sharp, even wide open
  • 15cm (6 in) minimum focus distance
  • 72mm filter thread

What I don’t:

  • No electronic communication so no EXIF info
  • Vignettes moderately throughout aperture range

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics’ long-awaited Laowa 15mm F2 for Sony FE is finally available

20 Aug

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Venus Optics has finally announced the price and delivery date of the second lens to join its Zero-D line up: the 15mm F2 for Sony’s E-mount that was first announced last September, and which the company has called “the world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame.” The lens is due to ship at the end of August or early September, and will cost $ 850. First orders will include UV, ND1000 and polarizing filters for free.

The Zero-D in the name denotes the company’s claim that even though these lenses are very wide-angled, they exhibit almost no curvilinear distortion – or barreling. And at its angle of view of 110°, Venus Optics claims the new 15mm is the widest available rectilinear F2 lens for the Sony E system.

Here are a few official sample shots captured with the new lens:

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The manual focus lens is constructed using 12 elements in nine groups, with three extra-low dispersion elements and two aspherical lenses.

Venus Optics says that it has tried to keep the design compact and lightweight, achieving dimensions of 66x88mm and a weight of just 500g/1.1lbs. Unusually for such a wide lens, a filter thread (72mm) is actually built-in, and the lens’ closest focus distance is just 15cm. The nine-bladed aperture runs to F22, and users have the choice to operate with or without clicked stops.

For more information or to pre-order the long-awaited lens check out our hands on with the Laowa 15mm F2 FE from its debut last September, or visit the Venus Optics website.

Press Release

Venus Optics announces the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D, the world’s widest f/2 native lens for Sony full frame E-mount cameras

Featuring a 110° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2 aperture, 72mm filter thread, Super light & compact & close-to-zero distortion

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 native lens for Sony Full Frame E-mount cameras, Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D.

Super Light & Compact
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear lens in the market which comes with a native E mount (i.e. Does not require additional adapters). It is an ultra-wide & ultra-fast prime lens which covers both 35mm full-frame & APS-C sensors. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to around 500g (~1.1 pounds) and 8cm long. This compact and light lens comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. The patented 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.

72mm Filter Thread
Ultra-wide & fast lenses in the market tend to be huge and have a dome-shaped front element. It is a headache for landscape photographers who need to use filters very often. Venus Optics understand their needs and manage to design a flat front surface and include a 72mm filter thread into the lens. 72mm screw-on filters can be used and no more investment on bulky filter holder is required.

Ultra Wide & Fast
The extreme 110° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2 aperture allow 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.

Close focusing distance
Photographers can take advantage of the super close focusing distance (i.e. 15cm) and the f/2 aperture to create some bokeh shots and wide angle close-up shots.

Close-to-Zero Distortion
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is the second member of the Close-to-Zero distortion line-up from Venus Optics, followed the launch of 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D last year. The lens is specially designed to remove the optical distortion commonly exist in wide angle lenses at infinity focus. Any straight lines will be retained.

Added feature for videographers
The new Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D is specially designed with an aperture switch which allows users to quickly switch between click-less and clicked aperture. This added feature will be extremely useful for videographers.

Availability
The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE 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 849/pc. Pricing may vary in different countries. Shipping will start from late Aug/early Sept.

Supplementary Information

Flickr gallery with full size sample images

Video Introduction of Laowa 15mm f/2

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nokia 8 flagship phone features 13MP dual-cam with Zeiss optics

17 Aug

HMD Global, the company behind the Nokia smartphone brand, has launched its long-anticipated Nokia 8 flagship. With a 5.3″ QHD IPS display covered in 2.5D Gorilla Glass 5, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, 4GB of RAM and 64 or 128GB storage options the Android device comes with high-end specification all-around and has a lot to offer in the camera department as well.

HMD says the rear cameras has been developed in collaboration with Zeiss but has not revealed any further detail. The unit features a 13MP RGB sensor with 1.12µm pixels, F2.0 aperture and optical image stabilization with a secondary 13MP monochrome sensor. As usual with this kind of system, image data from both sensor is combined for more detail, lower noise levels and better dynamic range. However, there is no word of a background-blurring portrait mode like it can be found on most dual-cam equipped devices.

There is also a dual-tone LED-flash and the in video mode the camera is capable of recording footage in 4K resolution. The front camera comes with a 13MP sensor and F2.0 aperture.

An interesting camera feature is the so-called “Bothie” mode which allows you to take pictures or record video with front and rear cameras at the same time. We’ve seen this function before on LG and Samsung phones but Nokia adds the ability to live-stream to Facebook or Youtube in this mode.

All the Nokia 8’s components are wrapped up in an IP54 rated aluminum uni-body which will be available in Gloss Blue, Tempered Blue, Steel, and Polished Copper. In Europe the Nokia 8 will cost you €599 (approximately $ 700). No information on availability in the US has been released yet.

Key specifications:

  • Dual-cam with 13MP RGB/Mono sensors, 1,12 um pixel size
  • OIS in the main module
  • F2.0 aperture
  • PDAF + laser AF
  • 13MP / F2.0 front camera with display-flash function
  • Dual-tone flash
  • 5,3” IPS LCD QHD 2.560 x 1.440 display, Corning Gorilla Glass 5
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
  • 4GB RAM, 64/128GB storage
  • microSD support up to 256GB
  • Android Nougat 7.1.1
  • 3090 mAh battery with Qualcomm quick charge
  • Splashproof body with IP54 rating

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics Laowa C-Dreamer 7.5mm F2 for Micro Four Thirds sample gallery

06 Aug

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Laowa is one of the brand names used by Chinese manufacturer Venus Optics. We previously encountered Laowa when we produced a sample gallery of the full-frame Zero-D 12mm F2.8 – a lens that claims zero distortion and has exceptionally well corrected barrelling for any focal length let alone one with such a dramatic angle of view. This 7.5mm F2 lens is designed for Micro Four Thirds cameras and makes no such distortion claims, but is one of the widest focal lengths for the system and certainly stands out for its combination of wide angle and wide maximum aperture.

The lens is small but weighty, its solidity lending it a feel of a product well made. It is actually very nice to use, focuses smoothly and its 46mm thread means filters can be used – with care. It is manual focus, with the infinity setting at the left of the scale as you look down from the shooting position. The aperture ring doesn’t unclick and offers the smallest space between the penultimate F16 and ultimate F22 settings. It has a depth of field scale marked on the barrel along with distances, but I’m unconvinced that either is especially useful.

These sample images have been made using the lens on the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5.

See our Venus Laowa 7.5mm F2
sample gallery

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics shows off footage captured with forthcoming Laowa 15mm F2

09 Jul

Venus Optics has a new lens on the way – the 15mm F2, for Sony’s E mount. Billed as the world’s fastest 15mm lens, Laowa claims zero distortion. And stabilized footage shot with the new 15mm certainly looks nice.

We got our hands on a prototype version of the 15mm last year at Photokina, and we’re expecting a reviewable sample to arrive in our office very soon. Watch this space for sample images!

Read our hands-on with the Laowa 15mm F2 (Sept 2016)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics announces spec and price for 7.5mm F2 Micro Four Thirds lens

02 May

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Chinese optical manufacturer Anhui ChangGeng Optical Technology Company Limited, or Venus Optics, has released more details of a forth-coming lens it claims will be the widest rectilinear F2 for the Micro Four Thirds system. The Laowa 7.5mm F2 MFT was first seen at Photokina last year, and will offer the 110° angle of view we’d expect from a 15mm lens on a full-frame camera and will be available in two versions – a standard model that will weigh 200g / 7oz and a lightweight model that will tip the scales at 150g / 5.3oz.

Both versions of the lens will feature 13 elements in 9 groups and will use a pair of aspheric elements and three in extra-low dispersion glass. The company has stopped short of using the ‘Zero-D’ designation it applies to the Laowa 12mm F2.8 and its previously announced 15mm F2, but does claim to have minimized distortion, as well as chromatic aberrations.

The 7.5mm lens will have a 46mm filter thread, a closest focusing distance of 12cm / 4.7in, a 7-bladed iris and will be 55mm long. The lightweight version has been designed with drones in mind, will use lighter metals than the standard version and will cost $ 519 plus tax instead of $ 499. Black or silver options are available. The standard model will be shipping this month with the lightweight model following in July. For more full specification and pre-order information visit the Venus Optics website.

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Press release

Venus Optics announces the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT, the World’s Widest f/2 Lens for Micro Four Thirds Camera

Featuring a 110° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2 aperture, 46mm filter thread& less than 200g in weight

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 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras, Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT.

The Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear lens ever designed for Micro Four Thirds Cameras. It is an ultra-wide & ultra-fast prime lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 15mm. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to less than 200g (0.44 pounds) and 55mm long. This compact and light lens comprises of 13 elements in 9 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 110° angle of view and ultra-fast f/2 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 lens is designed with a 46mm filter thread which can gives additional portability for screw-in filters.

Venus Optics also introduce a lightweight version for this lens and controlled the weight to merely 150g. The feather-light weight opens up a new opportunity for photographers and pilots to shoot wider footage with gimbals and drones.

Availability
The Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT is currently available to pre-order in the official website of Venus Optics (http://www.venuslens.net/) and their authorized resellers. It comes with 2 colors, Black and Silver. Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 499/pc for standard version and USD 519/pc for Lightweight version. Pricing may vary in different countries.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MS Optics launches ultra-slim 17mm F4.5 pancake lens for Leica M

17 Jan

Japanese manufacturer of hand-made lenses, MS Optics, has launched a 17mm F4.5 lens for the Leica M system that is just 10.2mm thick. The Perar 17mm F4.5 Retro Focus Ultra Thin lens has an angle of view of 100° and weighs only 60g. The lens has been designed and made by Sadayasu Miyazaki who has made a reputation converting classic lenses for the Leica M system.

The lens uses four elements in four groups and focuses from 0.4m to infinity, while the minimum aperture is F16. A good deal of vignetting is said to be present when the lens is used wide open, but the designer says that when the focus is set to 1.40m everything from 0.8m to infinity will be sharp.

The lens is available in limited numbers from Japan Camera Hunter in Japan or from the European distributor Taos Photographic, priced ¥80,000/€950 (between $ 700 and $ 1000)

Product description

MS Optics Perar Ultra-Wide 17mm f4.5 Retrofocus

Miyazaki San is ready to release the next lens in his new series of lenses. This time entering the ultra-wide category with a tiny 17mm lens. This tiny lens packs a huge punch.

Lens details:
PERAR 17mm F4.5 Full MC – retro focus super wide ultra-thin design only 10.2mm long
This is a slow lens, but it tosses the standard practice for retro focus lens designs in the trash, as it is as small as a body cap, weighs only 70 grams, and is just 10.2mm long, making it easy to use outdoors. Performance is very high from maximum aperture. Due to the four element four group optical design and full multi-coating, the characteristics of this lens are excellent color rendition and high contrast. When the distance scale is set to 1.4m, everything from 0.8m to infinity is in focus. To take good snaps, hold the camera upright against your chest without looking through the viewfinder, approach the subject, and press the shutter while looking at the subject directly, and you can capture dynamic expressions.

A weakness of the lens is the peripheral light fall off, especially at maximum aperture, but this lens is improved compared to the 21mm and 24mm Perars. Distortion is kept to +/-2%, which is about the average for a 28mm lens, but it may stand out in some circumstances. Compared to the Zeiss Distagon 18mm F4, this is neither superior nor inferior, but taking into consideration the fact that the Zeiss lens is a 10 element optical design, 70mm in diameter, 51.5mm long, and weighs 350g, I think the good points of my lens are pretty clear. For a filter, the glass removed from a 34mm filter can be attached inside the hood.

Specifications

  • ULTRA MINI retro focus 17mm f4.5 (ultra-wide 100 degree coverage)
  • 4 elements in 4 groups, all multi-coated
  • Leica mount with focus coupling from 0.85m to infinity
  • Focuses down to 0.3m on mirrorless cameras
  • Size: 50mm diameter x 10.2mm length
  • Weight: 60g for lens, 100g for set

@ f4.5 – there is some coma
@ f8 – lens is pretty much at peak performance
@ f11 – corners improve a bit more

Limited stocks are available of this lens and there is a waiting period as they come in trickles.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Redesigned Nikon 70-200 F2.8 arrives with improved optics, electromagnetic diaphragm

19 Oct

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Nikon has released the latest iteration of its workhorse 70-200mm F2.8 lens. The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED VR, as it is known, has a new optical design, improved Vibration Reduction as well as an electromagnetic diaphragm.

The lens has a total of 22 elements, with 6 ED, 1 fluorite and 1 high refractive index element. A Nano Crystal Coat reduces flare and ghosting while fluorine coatings on the front and rear class helps prevent smudging. Vibration Reduction has been improved, now reducing shake by 4 stops (vs 3.5). The electromagnetic diaphragm allows for responsive adjustment and the ability to adjust the aperture in live view and movie mode on all camera bodies.

You’ll be able to pick up this 1.4 kg (3 lb) beast next month for $ 2799.95.

Press Release:

MASTER YOUR PERSPECTIVE WITH OPTICAL EXCELLENCE: NIKON ADDS TWO PRO-GRADE FX-FORMAT LENSES TO CELEBRATED NIKKOR LENS LINEUP

Extraordinary Next-Generation AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Sets a New Standard for Pro Telephoto Workhorse Lenses, While New PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon’s Widest Ever Tilt-Shift NIKKOR Offering

MELVILLE, NY (October 19, 2016 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. has announced two exciting FX-format additions to the storied NIKKOR lens lineup, designed to achieve amazing optical performance for the most demanding professional and enthusiast photographers. An evolution of one of Nikon’s most versatile and popular pro-zoom lenses, the newly redesigned AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sports an updated optical formula capable of amazing image quality, while optimized for high-speed shooting. Also introduced today is Nikon’s widest perspective control lens to date, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens, which helps photographers effortlessly control perspective when capturing architecture, interiors, fine art, product photography and landscapes.

“Nikon continues to raise the bar of optical excellence, and our newest FX-format NIKKOR offerings provide experienced photographers with powerful tools to help ensure brilliantly sharp images, whether capturing a high-speed photo finish or creatively framing an architectural marvel,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “While the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR builds upon the success of its predecessors to offer a true all-around NIKKOR optic, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will provide fantastic perspective control for a variety of challenging wide-angle applications.”

The Ultimate Workhorse Lens for Seasoned Photographers

Long considered an essential lens in the bag of professional photographers, this updated AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sets a new benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, taking image quality and handling to the next level. An indispensable and powerful tool for nearly any photographic scenario, the NIKKOR 70-200mm remains the professional’s choice with a wide f/2.8 constant aperture that is ideal for capturing sports, weddings, stunning portraits and more, even in low-light.

The next generation design of the lens helps ensure the very best in image quality, speed and low-light performance, while offering balance and handling that is nothing short of superb. Nikon’s new 70-200mm provides up to four stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, an improvement from its predecessor that helps users to eliminate blur and camera shake even when shooting handheld or in challenging light. During burst shooting, the lens takes advantage of an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent auto-exposure control. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-fast and quiet AF operation with seamless manual focus override. Discerning photographers will also appreciate assignable function buttons on the lens barrel that offer customization, perfect for engaging pre-set autofocus or other focusing options.

A new optical formula consisting of six ED elements, one Fluorite element, a high refractive element and Nano Crystal Coat helps make for a lighter and more versatile lens, while reducing chromatic aberration and helping to all but eliminate distortion, ghosting and flare. Ready for even the most rugged of assignments, the magnesium alloy lens barrel features superior weather-sealing that achieves anti-dust and waterdrop-resistance, while Fluorine coating on both the front and rear glass facilitates easy cleaning. Whether shooting with a camera like the Nikon D5, D810, D750 or D500, capturing sports or weddings, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a fantastic lens choice for experienced photographers.

Seamlessly Control Perspective with the New Super-Wide PC NIKKOR Lens

Also new from Nikon is the latest perspective control lens (designated PC) in the NIKKOR lens lineup, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED, a tilt-shift offering that will help photographers master perspective and depth-of-field. For storytellers who yearn to capture optically-challenging subjects like cityscapes and architecture, interiors or unique landscapes, this lens offers 97° of coverage – the widest focal length of any PC lens in the NIKKOR family. Tilt the lens to sharpen focus throughout a scene or create a miniature effect, or shift2 to adjust perspective in-camera, create panoramas or eliminate converging lines. For the first time with a NIKKOR PC lens, the direction of tilt operation can be made parallel or perpendicular to shift, offering users nearly unprecedented ability to control perspective, focus and depth-of-field, without having to lock and unlock to make adjustments.

Sporting a super-wide 19mm focal length, the lens provides a unique perspective ideal for shooting horizontal or vertical panoramas, or even filmmaking. With this ultra-wide angle in mind, the latest FX-format NIKKOR offering was crafted with three ED and two aspherical elements that help combat distortion and glare, while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration and coma, even at the widest aperture settings. The lens also features core NIKKOR technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat to combat ghosting and flare, an electromagnetic diaphragm for fast auto-exposure control, as well as a Fluorine coat that helps resist dirt, water spots and smudges. Ready for a variety of challenging ultra-wide applications, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is a powerful tool for discerning photographers looking for full creative and perspective control. It joins three other Gold Ring Series PC lenses in Nikon’s line-up; the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED, PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D.

Price and Availability

Both the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will be available starting in November 2016 for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 2,799.95* and $ 3,399.95*, respectively. For more information on these new Nikon products and pricing for optional accessories, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1 Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.

2 Depending on combination of shift and rotation, operation may be restricted by mechanical interference between the lens and camera when used with certain Nikon cameras.

  • Models that can be used without any limitation: D5, D4 series, D3 series, D810 Series, D500
  • Models that can be used with some limitations: Df, D800 series, D750, D610, D600, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100
  • Models that are not compatible with PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED: D2 series, D1 series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70 series, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras, Nikon 1 series with FT-1

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 F2.8E FL ED VR specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 70–200 mm
Image stabilization Yes (4 stops)
Lens mount Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 22
Groups 18
Special elements / coatings 6 ED, 1 Fluorite, 1 HRI element + Nano Crystal & Fluorine coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 1.10 m (43.31)
Maximum magnification 0.21×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 1430 g (3.15 lb)
Diameter 89 mm (3.48)
Length 203 mm (7.97)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 77.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics unveils Laowa 7.5mm F2 for MFT and 15mm F2 FE Zero-D

14 Sep

Venus Optics has announced a pair of manual focus lenses – a 7.5mm F2 for Micro Four Thirds and a 15mm F2 FE Zero-D designed with full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras in mind. Both of these 15mm equivalent lenses are rectilinear. 

Venus calls the Laowa 15mm F2 the ‘world’s fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for full-frame’ and includes it in its ‘Close-to-Zero Distortion’ series along with the 12mm F2.8 Zero-D. It offers a 72mm filter thread. Claiming another ‘world’s first’ achievement, Venus calls the Laowa 7.5mm F2 the widest F2 rectilinear lens for Micro Four Thirds.  

The Laowa 15mm F2 FE and 7.5mm F2 will be available in early 2017 – no pricing is given yet.

Anhui China, Sept 14, 2016 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of quality lenses with ‘World’s First’ specifications, is proud to unveil two premium lenses with extreme specifications and impressive performance, the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D & the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT.

Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D

Featuring a 110° Angle of View, Ultra-fast f/2 aperture and 72mm filter thread, LAOWA 15mm f/2 becomes another member in their ‘Close-to-Zero Distortion’ lineup.

Laowa 15mm f/2 FE is currently the World’s Fastest 15mm rectilinear lens for Full Frame cameras. It features a close-to-zero optical distortion, allowing photographers to take landscape or architecture shots with straight lines retained.

Dedicated to fulfill the need of photographers, Venus Optics have managed to add a 72mm filter thread onto the 15mm f/2 lens. Photographers can easily install standard screw-in filters without paying for an expensive yet bulky filter holder system.

Designed specially for the Sony Full Frame Mirrorless cameras, Venus Optics has successfully controlled the size and weight of the lens to the minimal. Weighing less than 1.1 pounds (500g) and 82mm in length, the portability and compactness of the Sony E-mount Mirrorless cameras can be maintained when used with the Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Lens.

Featuring the fastest f/2 aperture ever built with a 15mm lens, the new Full Frame E-mount lens is engineered for professionals to shoot impressive landscape, architecture and primary astro photos with great details. This is an every-day and must-buy lens that every Sony Full Frame Mirrorless camera user should have one in his bag.

Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT

The Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT is the Widest f/2 rectilinear lens ever designed for Micro Four Thirds Cameras. Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics has successfully minimized the weight of the lens to a merely 0.37 pounds (170g) and 55mm long. The extreme 110 angle of view, ultra-fast f/2 aperture and featherweight make this lens an ideal option to pair up with drones for aerial photography. It also gives photographers a fast and wide-angle option for low-light shooting as well as landscape photography.

Availability

The Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D and the Laowa 7.5mm f/2 MFT will be available to the market in early 2017. Engineering prototype will be available to test in Venus Optics’ Photokina debut. Venus Optics’ booth is in Hall 2.1, Booth A-045.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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