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Posted on 26th March 2010 by admin in Lens reviews
14-24mm, adaptors, filter, filter holder, graduated neutral density, kit, Lee, Lee Filters, lens, nikkor, nikon, wide angle
 LEE Filter Holder for Nikon 14-24mm Lens LEE Filters are developing a new Holder System specifically designed for use on super wide angle lenses.The SW150 Filter Holder has been designed to initially fit the Nikon 14-24mm lens, but will also be adapted to fit on other super wide lenses after its initial launch.
The SW150 has two filter slots that take either 150 x 150mm standard filters or 150 x 170mm graduated filters. The holder also rotates, allowing greater control on the positioning of any graduated filters. There are currently no plans for a polarizer for the SW150, due to the fact that the polarization effect is too difficult to control on lenses with such a wide field of view.
The SW150 attaches to the lens via a purpose built collar. Each lens will have a collar attachment specifically designed for that lens. Custom fittings based around standard LEE adaptors ring sizes will also be a future part of the System enabling the SW150 to be used with other lenses.
The SW150 is currently in production and should be available from LEE Filters dealers from June 2010. If you would like to be informed when the holder is available please email the following address mail@leefiltersusa.com This email address is only to register an interest, no responses will be given via this address until the product becomes available.
 Filert Holder for Nikon 14-24mm Lens from LEE
Posted on 9th February 2010 by admin in Lens reviews
24mm, f/1.4, lens, nikkor, nikon, ultimate, wide angle
Johannesburg, South Africa, February 9, 2010 – Nikon today announces a class leading ultra-fast aperture wide angle lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED. Designed for professional reportage and landscape photography, the new lens features a ground-breaking optical design for Nikon’s range of class leading FX-format DSLR cameras.
 The Ultimate Wide Angle Lens - The New 24mm f/1.4 from Nikon/Nikkor Ryan Harington, NPS Manager, Nikon South Africa says: “Despite the award winning success of NIKKOR zoom lens such as the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, many photographers enjoy working with the shallow depth of field and bright viewfinder image of fast aperture prime lenses, and we are sure this will be widely embraced by the photojournalism community.”
New NIKKOR optical design
The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED features a unique optical design which provides improved image quality, with minimal distortion and excellent edge to corner sharpness especially at wider aperture settings. The new optical system combines Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, ED glass and aspherical lens elements to deliver brilliant, high contrast image quality with minimised distortion and aberration. The f/1.4 aperture and nine blade rounded diaphragm contribute to render images with stunning NIKKOR trademark bokeh.
Discreet and Durable
The lens boasts a dedicated Silent Wave Motor for smooth and discrete autofocus operation, and is built to last with extensive use of magnesium in its construction, and weather and dust sealing, including around the mount. The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED comes complete with dedicated secure fitting hood HB-51, and soft pouch and will go on sale on March 16, 2010.
Specifications
| Focal length |
24mm |
| Max/min aperture |
f/1.4 / f/16 |
| Lens construction |
12 elements in 10 groups (with two ED glass and two aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat) |
| Picture angle |
84° (61° with Nikon DX format) |
| No. diaphragm blades |
9 pcs. (rounded) |
| Closest focusing distance |
0.25 m/0.82 ft |
| Filter/attachment size |
77mm |
| Diameter x length |
Approximately 83 x 88.5 mm |
| Weight |
Approximately 620 g/21.9 oz |
Posted on 9th February 2010 by admin in Lens reviews
16-35mm, f/4, nikkor, nikon, VR
The new AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR: Defines a new class of NIKKOR.
Johannesburg, South Africa, February 9, 2010 – Nikon today announces the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens with VR for FX-format cameras. The new lens offers an affordable and practical proposition for general photography with FX-format cameras such as the D700.
 The New Nikon/Nikkor 16-35mm f/4 Lens
Ryan Pearman, Product Manager, Nikon South Africa says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR covers all bases for wide angle shooting and addresses market feedback for a more affordable alternative to the professional AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED or more recent AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED ultra-wide-angle lens”.
Sharper handheld images at slow shutter speeds
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens to feature Vibration Reduction technology, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower. The application of VR complements the f/4 maximum aperture when shooting in low light.
Class leading image quality
The new lens’ complex optical design features Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, two ED glass elements and no less than three aspherical glass elements to minimize distortion and aberration, even at maximum aperture. The VR II system and Silent Wave Motor deliver extremely quiet, discrete operation and the nine bladed rounded diaphragm renders delightful bokeh.
Built for everyday use
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR balances well with more compact FX format cameras such as the D700 and is consequently built to withstand the demands of everyday shooting. The robust magnesium construction and weather sealing will make it an ideal choice for the adventurous enthusiast and professional photographer. It comes complete with durable hood HB-23, and soft pouch. It is scheduled to go on sale on end February, 2010.
Specifications
| Focal length |
16-35mm |
| Max/min aperture |
f4 / f22 |
| Lens construction |
17 elements in 12 groups (with two ED glassand three aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat) |
| Picture angle |
107° – 60° (83° – 44° for Nikon DX format) |
| No. diaphragm blades |
9 pcs. (rounded) |
| Closest focusing distance |
0.29m at a focal length of 16mm or 35mm, 0.28m at a focal length between 20mm and 28mm |
| Filter/attachment size |
77mm |
| Diameter x length |
Approximately 82.5 x 125 mm |
| Weight |
Approximately 680 g/24.0 oz |
Posted on 10th December 2009 by admin in Lens reviews
300mm, af-s, f/2.8, nikkor, nikon, VR2, VRII
Johannesburg, South Africa, December 10, 2009 – Nikon today announces a new super telephoto lens to replace the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for sports, action and wildlife photographers. This lens is designed for those who are serious about photography.
Ryan Pearman, Product Manager, Nikon South Africa says: ”The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II’s comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconvertor. The new VRII system offers four or more stops of compensation, and makes this a really practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer”. The evolution of the NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and it strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.
Sharper action images
The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II features the second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.
Built for any environment
This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won’t disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features,, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.
Specifications
| Focal length |
300mm |
| Max/min aperture |
Min f/22 Max f/2.8 |
| Lens construction |
11 elements in 8 groups |
| Picture angle |
8◦10’ |
| No. diaphragm blades |
9 (rounded) |
| Closest focusing distance |
2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF) |
| Filter/attachment size |
52mm |
| Diameter x length |
Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in. |
| Weight |
2,900g |
Posted on 10th December 2009 by admin in Lens reviews
af-2, aspherical, nikon, tc20e, tele-converter, teleconvertor
Johannesburg, South Africa, December 10, 2009 – Nikon is launching the new AF-S TC20E III, the world’s first teleconverter with an Aspherical lens element. With a completely new optical design it is designed to offer class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography in a compact form factor.
Ryan Pearman, Product Manager for Nikon South Africa says: “For many photographers using a 2x teleconverter has meant sacrificing image quality for practicality.” He adds, “The ground breaking optics in the new AF-S TC20E III are designed to offer photographers great images when they need to extend the reach of their NIKKOR telephoto lenses.”
World’s first teleconverter with Aspherical lens element
The AF-S TC20E III is the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element, which delivers brilliant image quality in an easy to handle package. Completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, the AF-S TC20E III is a ‘must have’ addition to any sports or wildlife photographer’s kit.
Built for professional demands
The new AF-S TC20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use.
About teleconvertors
Teleconvertors are attached between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length without affecting closest focusing distance. This magnification factor comes at the cost of reduced light transmission which reduces the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S TC20E III reduces aperture by two stops. So when attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.
Specifications
| Max/min aperture |
Reduces by 2 stops |
| Lens construction |
7 elements in 5 groups (one Aspherical lens) |
| Closest focusing distance |
Same as that of a prime lens |
| Maximum reproduction ratio |
Double that of a prime lens |
| Supplied accessories |
Teleconverter Cap BF-3A, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0715 |
| Diameter x length |
Approx. 66 x 46mm/2.6 x 1.8 in. |
| Weight |
Approx. 330g/11.6 0z |
Posted on 11th November 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
100mm, canon, ef, is, Macro, review, usm
 Just posted! Our lens review of the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM. A few months ago Canon announced a new optical image stabilisation technology, dubbed 'Hybrid IS', that promises greater effectiveness at close distances for which conventional IS systems tend to be ineffective. The first lens to feature this has duly arrived in the shape of Canon's latest 100mm Macro, which alongside image stabilisation has also gained the added attraction of the premium 'L' designation. We take a close look to see if it's worth the premium over the older EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro, which remains in Canon's range.
Posted on 5th November 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
four thirds, lenses, micro, olympus
 Olympus has announced two Micro Four Thirds lenses and published an updated 'roadmap' of lenses it plans to introduce. The latest lenses are the M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 wideangle and the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 superzoom, both of which will be available in the first half of 2010. The roadmap mirrors aspects of the company's Four Thirds lineup, promising a fisheye, wideangle and telephoto macro primes and a super-telephoto zoom.
Posted on 2nd November 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
2/35, canon, carl, distagon, zeiss
 Carl Zeiss has launched the Distagon T* 2/35 ZE wide-angle lens in Canon EF mount, for both analog and digital EOS SLRs. This manual focus lens, with its large f2 aperture, is made up of 9 elements in 7 groups. Previously available in ZF (Nikon), ZK (Pentax) and ZS (M42 screw mount), the ZE mount version will start shipping from November 16 for a retail price of US $870.
Posted on 23rd October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
17-50mm, canon, f/2.8, tamron
 Tamron has announced the availability of its 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II VC midrange zoom for Canon mount. This image stabilized version of the company's popular APS-C format fast standard zoom, announced in September, will ship from the end of this month. It is already available for Nikon with a built-in motor.
Posted on 22nd October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
fisheye, lensbaby, optics, soft focus
 Lensbaby has announced the addition of Fisheye and Soft Focus lenses to its Optic Swap system, offering focal lengths of 12mm and 50mm respectively. Both are compatible with Lensbaby's Composer and Muse body units, and Soft Focus can also be used with the Control Freak. The lenses both use Lensbaby's familiar removable disk aperture system, although unlike earlier optics, they do not feature a 'sweet spot' of focus. The Fisheye optic is now available for $149.95, while the Soft Focus Optic is $89.95.
Posted on 20th October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
45mm, f/2.8, leica, Macro, panasonic
 Just posted! Our lens review of the Panasonic Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm F2.8 Macro ASPH Mega OIS (or, obviously, the H-ES045 for short). Rounding off our Micro Four Thirds mini-season, we take a look at this latest marvel of miniaturization, which shoehorns 1:1 macro focusing and optical image stabilization into a lens just 2.5" in each dimension. Click through to found out if it's a hat-trick of hits for Panasonic's September releases.
Posted on 20th October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
20mm, 40mm, canon, cosina, f/2, f/3.5
 Cosina has announced the availability of its first Voigtländer branded lenses for Canon EF mount, in the shape of Color Skopar 20mm F3.5 SL II Aspherical ultra-wide angle lens and Ultron 40mm F2 SL II Aspherical pancake lens. Measuring just 24.5mm lengthwise, the Ultron lens is probably the most compact lens available in an EF mount to date. These two manual focus lenses are now available at a retail price of 58,000 yen and 53,000 yen respectively.
Posted on 14th October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
85mm, f/3.5, micro, nikkor, nikon
 Nikon has also introduced an image-stabilised micro lens for DX format cameras, the AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm F3.5G VR. Featuring a whole host of goodies, including an AF-S motor for fast silent autofocus, Nikon's second-generation vibration reduction (VR II) system, and a circular diaphragm for attractive background blur, this lens gives 1:1 magnification at minimum focus distance of 28cm. The 85mm focal length (equivalent to 128mm on full frame) also gives a flattering perspective for portraits. The optical design uses 14 elements in 10 groups with one ED element, and the internal focus design means the front element does not rotate on focusing, enabling the use of lens-mounted macro lights.
Posted on 8th October 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews
14mm, delayed, f/2.8, samyang
 Samyang Optics has announced a delay in production of its new 14mm f/2.8 IF ED MC Aspherical lens. According to the company, the delay is due to partial redesigning of the lens construction and further improvements. The lens will now be available in the first quarter of 2010.
Posted on 28th September 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Lens reviews |Press |Syndicated Press
60mm, Macro, sony, tamron
 Tamron has announced the availability of the its 60mm F/2 Di macro lens in Sony mount, to join the Canon and Nikon versions which are already shipping. The lens features a built-in AF motor, and provides 1:1 magnification with an unusually fast maximum aperture for a macro lens. It's designed excusively for APS-C sensors, and will vignette when used on full-frame camera such as the Alpha 850 and 900. The lens will start shipping from October 2009.
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