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Posts Tagged ‘sharpest’

‘World’s sharpest’ 250mm lens now on Kickstarter with swappable lens mount

20 Feb

Taiwanese lens manufacturer William Optics is proposing to make a flatfield Petzval lens aimed at star gazers and photographers that it claims is the world’s sharpest 250mm.

Originally conceived as a compact and lightweight telescope for astrophotographers, the Redcat 250mm F4.9 uses a pair of synthetic fluorite elements to correct the usual field curvature of the Pretzval design to produce a sharp image right across the frame, according to the company. It is also claimed the lens is corrected to apochromatic standards.

A manual focus lens with a single aperture setting, the Redcat 250mm F4.9 is being promoted for normal subjects as well as for astrophotography on its Kickstarter campaign page. Those using it at night might not get to appreciate its startling red finish, but daylight photographers shooting wildlife could feel a little conspicuous.

Designed with a 44mm covering circle the lens is good for full frame cameras, and comes with an interchangeable T-mount system that allows options for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony E cameras, with Micro Four Thirds and Pentax K to follow shortly. The lens weighs 1.47kg / 3.24lbs, measures 225mm x 80mm, and features a field rotation function for turning the camera on the mount, with markings for every degree. A reversible mount on the tripod foot has fittings for Arca-Swiss and Vixen style heads, and the lens comes with what is described as a ‘patented’ Bahtinov Mask for astro-focusing.

Sample shot with the Redcat 250mm f/4.9

At the time of writing the funding campaign had raised over $ 47,000 – well beyond the goal of $ 30,000. With most of the discounted deals gone, the lens can be had for $ 648, which the company says represents 93% of the full retail price. Visit the Redcat 250mm f/4.9 campaign page for more information, or the William Optics website.

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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Leica introduces red version of its ‘world’s sharpest’ 50mm APO-Summicron

16 Nov

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A limited edition version of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 ASPH will be introduced next month that has a festive red anodized finish. The lens will be optically identical to the existing APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 but will be produced in a run of only 100 units for the global market. Leica claims this lens is the sharpest standard lens in the world and that it can render high resolution detail from corner to corner even at the widest aperture setting, and that a floating element design allows that sharpness to be maintained at all focus distances.

The red version of the lens will available from 9th December and will cost $ 8950/£7575 – the current price of the standard black model is around $ 7800/£5600 while the silver version is closer to $ 8000/£6000. This is, according to Leica, the first time the company has produced a red lens.

For more information see the Leica Camera website.

Press release

Red is the new black.

Leica APO-SUMMICRON-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. special limited edition in red anodised finish

Leica Camera has introduced the first ever special edition Leica lens in a red anodised finish. With just 100 units available globally, this exclusive Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. will be available from December 2016.

The world’s sharpest standard lens, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is considered to be the reference model amongst standard focal lengths, and is recognised for its exceptional imaging performance, incredibly sharp reproduction of fine details, and high contrast rendition from corner to corner of the image frame at maximum aperture. The use of a floating element in its design ensures that this is also maintained at close shooting distances.

A total of eight elements is employed to achieve the extraordinary optical performance of this lens. Three of the elements are made from glass with high anomalous partial dispersion for apochromatic correction, and two have a particularly high refractive index. Based on original developments from the former Leitz glass laboratory, the use of these specially formulated glass types requires exceptional effort and many years of experience. Thanks to the continuous advancements in optical technology, processes have been refined and perfected over time, resulting in consistently outstanding imaging quality.

As with all Leica lenses, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. was designed and developed by Leica optical specialists in Wetzlar and represents the perfect combination of optical and technical expertise. Offering unrivalled reliability and enduring value, the lens is engineered from the finest, high quality materials and meticulously assembled by hand. Coupled with the Leica ‘Made in Germany’ stamp of excellence, this blend of cutting-edge technology and precision manufacturing guarantees consistently outstanding quality.

Pricing and availability

The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f.2 ASPH. in red anodised finish is scheduled to be available from 9 December 2016, at a suggested retail price of £7,575 including VAT.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Breakthrough Photography claims X3 CPL is world’s sharpest circular polarizer

11 Nov

Breakthrough Photography, a San Francisco-based startup, is seeking funding for what it claims is the ‘world’s sharpest and most color neutral circular polarizer,’ the X3 CPL. This polarizer is constructed with Schott B270 optical glass from Germany, MRC16 and nanotec coatings, a weather-sealed brass Traction Frame, and new American-made CrystalVision CPL film. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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