Thursday, December 31, 2009

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Minolta and Sony SLR Cameras

Reviews : Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Minolta and Sony SLR Cameras

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Minolta and Sony SLR Cameras
Product By Sigma Corporation
(30 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $299.00
Available From 2 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • Macro lens designed for Konica Minolta digital SLR cameras
  • 50mm focal length
  • f2.8 maximum aperture
  • Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting common to digital SLR cameras
  • Screw-in lens hood included

 

Product Description

Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras. Optimized optical design for digital SLR cameras. The advent of digital SLR's requires optimum lens performance and therefore the very latest optical technology has been incorporated in the production of the New Macro 50mm F2.8 EX DG. This ideal standard lens sets the benchmark for digital SLR cameras.

Amazon.com Product Description

Sigma launched its first standard 50mm macro lens in 1990, and followed it up with an improved model in 1998. The advent of digital SLR cameras, however, required updated optical technology and a better imaging performance. Enter the latest incarnation of the 50mm macro lens, with an improved design that corrects for various aberrations. Designed exclusively for Minolta and Sony SLR cameras, this macro lens is specially coated to get the best possible color balance while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens also includes a floating focusing system, which allows you to precisely photograph objects throughout the entire focusing range. Most importantly, this standard macro lens makes it possible to enjoy better communication with your subject. When viewing through the camera's finder, you'll be able to move the subject and make precise adjustments. For example, the lens offers a close working distance of 7.4 inches, making it extremely convenient to take close-up pictures of a fossil or other inanimate objects.

Other details include a minimum aperture of f/45 that provides a greater depth of field than most lenses, a screw-in lens hood that makes it easy to attach circular polarizing filters, and a 46.8-degree angle of view. All Sigma lenses carry a one-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Focal length: 50mm
  • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
  • Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
  • Angle of view: 46.8 degrees
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 7
  • Minimum aperture: f/45
  • Minimum focusing distance: 7.4 inches
  • Maximum magnification: 1:1
  • Filter size: 55mm
  • Corresponding mount: Sony and Minolta
  • Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
  • Weight: 11.3 ounces
  • Warranty: 1 year

 

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Customer Reviews

 "Good service" 2009-11-25
By shopaholic (NY, NY)
Good service. Didnt hear from vendor regarding order initially however they provided me with tracking details and it made it to me just in time.



Thanks!

 "Superb lens for a superb camera" 2009-08-17
By James L. Frimmer
Not only am I completely satisfied with this lens, but the price was excellent and the shipping the same. I saw the "buy within the next 14 minutes and receive next day" tag and I would have paid just about anything to get it the next day. As it was I think the shipping fee was $21.95 for next day service, and since I know when the UPS guy comes by my street, I made sure I was home at that time. He showed up six minutes early that day.



My next goal is something like a 600 mm or 1200 mm macro lens.

 "Surprise" 2009-06-30
By Shutterbug (San Anselmo, Calif. USA)
As a Canon user I search for Prime Lenses, Canon or others. As I use both Camera bodies S and full frame, I find the field quite large. My research has found few really fine lenses; this Sigma 50mm is a keeper.

 "Great Detail .. Affordable Price" 2009-06-29
By Donald F. West (Fort Lauderdale)
Bought this lens to assist in Small Product Photography. Since depth of field is normally limited in Macro Photography, the ability of this lens to stop down to F45 was crucial. The result was fine detail and color reproduction to the point where I could see my finger prints on the bezels of the watches. Got to wear cotton gloves!



Don West Photography

 "Better than Canon:)" 2009-05-18
By Courtney A. Craver (Florida)
My wife and I are wedding photographers. We are committed to L serious Canon lens. After hearing from several friends that the Sigma lens allowed you to get closer than the Canon lens, I had to order both. Needless to say...I returned the Canon macro lens.


All Reviews

 

Posted by Josh clinton at 12:27 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Lensbaby 3G Minolta Maxxum/Sony Alpha Mount SLR Camera Lens (LB3GM)

Reviews : Lensbaby 3G Minolta Maxxum/Sony Alpha Mount SLR Camera Lens (LB3GM)

Lensbaby 3G Minolta Maxxum/Sony Alpha Mount SLR Camera Lens (LB3GM)
Product By Lensbabies LLC
(3 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : Visit store to see price
Available From 0 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • Flexible, selective focus lens that, unlike the Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0, has locking and fine focusing capabilities
  • This 50mm lens with a coated optical glass doublet captures images with one area in sharp focus, with that "sweet spot" surrounded by gradually increasing blur. You can move the sweet spot to any part of your photo by bending the flexible lens tubing.
  • Magnetically suspended disc aperture system allows f/2.0, f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8.0, f/11, f/16, f/22 aperture settings. All aperture settings included.
  • 39 mm threads allow you to attach Lensbaby Macro Kit lenses, wide angle and telephoto conversion lenses, and other filters and accessories
  • Note: Lensbaby does not communicate electronically with your camera body

 

Product Description

Lensbabies selective focus SLR camera lenses bring one area of your photo into sharp focus, with that sweet spot surrounded by graduated blur. You can move the sweet spot to any part of your photo by bending the flexible lens tubing.

Amazon.com Product Description

The Lensbaby 3G SLR lens for Minolta and Sony SLR Cameras combines an old-fashioned bellows camera with an up-tight tilt-shift lens, and the 3G allows photographers to lock the Lensbaby in a desired bent position simply by pressing a button. Then, using a traditional barrel focus mechanism, you can do fine focusing and precisely place the sweet spot of sharp focus before pressing the shutter release. Lensbaby selective focus SLR camera lenses take photos with one area in sharp focus, with that sweet spot surrounded by graduated blur. You can move the sweet spot of sharp focus anywhere in the photo by bending the flexible lens tubing.

The Lensbaby 3G features the same low dispersion, high refractive index, multi-coated optical glass doublet and the same flexible tubing as Lensbaby 2.0, but adds three focusing rails that emerge from the camera mount and pass through the focusing collar. A trigger button on the focusing collar releases three pins that engage the focusing rails and lock Lensbaby 3G in a bent position. Once Lensbaby 3G is locked into place, additional fine focus can be achieved by turning the barrel focusing ring, which moves the optic in and out like a normal manual focus lens. Also, in the locked position, you can make small adjustments to the placement of the sweet spot of focus by turning any combination of the three focusing rails.

While the Lensbaby 2.0 is a good choice for fluid, photojournalistic shots, the Lensbaby 3G plays well with pros who require precise focusing, complete control, and repeatability. Other features include:

  • Focal length: About 50mm
  • Minimum focus: 12 inches
  • Apertures: f2, f2.8, f4, f5.6, f8, f11, f16, f22
  • Aperture type: Interchangeable levitating aperture disks
  • Automatic light metering is possible by shooting in aperture priority mode for almost all digital and film SLR camera bodies

What's in the Box
Lensbaby 3G Selective Focus SLR Lens, metal lens cap, aperture discs, disc removal tool

 

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Customer Reviews

 "Great for portraits, macro shots, still lifes." 2008-08-18
By bubba202 (Chicago, IL United States)
Just by putting the lens on your camera you find new ways of looking at everything. I like to do extreme closeups of everyday objects and with this lens you have so many alternatives. It's really fun to work with. And incredibly easy. I thought at first it would take some time but after about 10 minutes of doing some simple table top shots, I got the hang of it.



The mount provided on this lens fit perfectly on the Sony Alpha A100. You do need to adjust it for exposure, which again is very easy. Great lens to add to your arsenal.

 "Very cool..." 2008-05-09
By E. Mulder (Pittsburgh, PA)
This lens totally rocks and is very easy to use. Just read the instructions on how to line up the shot and then cock the shutter and you have one really cool picture. Highly recommend purchasing this baby!

 "Les Baby" 2008-02-08
By Y. Emerson (Oklahoma, USA)
Very nice lens. Going to take practice but I can tell onceI get the hang of it going to be some awesome portraits.


All Reviews

 

Posted by Josh clinton at 6:29 PM 0 comments

Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Aspherical Fisheye Lens for Nikon...

Reviews : Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Aspherical Fisheye Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Aspherical Fisheye Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Product By Opteka
No customer reviews yet. Be the first
Lowest Price : $289.00
Available From 1 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • Conforms to APS-C (1:1.5x) size digital imaging format
  • Actualizes a 6.5mm focal length and a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees for APS-C size
  • Corrects aberrations using a complex aspherical lens. When fully opened, it produces both high resolution and high contrast at the of the lens, as well as around the periphery of the lens
  • Petal type hood and super multi-layer coating help control flaring and ghosting
  • Offers robust durability by incorporating a rigid aluminum base frame

 

Product Description

The Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye Lens is an excellent addition to any photographer's collection, giving users the ability to expand their creativity and capture incredible scenes from a truly unique perspective. The special fisheye design allows maximum creative expression.



This lens, when used with cameras with an APS-C image sensor, creates images with an expanded perspective, including images with a creatively deformed outlook and a sharp pan focus that extends throughout the entire frame. By offering a 180-degree angle of view, this fisheye lens can be used to create amazing image expressions that cannot be seen by the human eye, such as exaggerated perspective and distortion. The minimum shooting distance (just 12 inches) and large depth of field also provide amazing close-up shots.



Opteka's super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance.



f/Stop Range: 3.5-22

Angle of View: 180° diagonal

Groups/Elements: 7/10

Length: 4" (10cm)

Weight: 417g


 

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Posted by Josh clinton at 6:19 AM 0 comments

Monday, December 28, 2009

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Zoom Lens + Canon SLR Camera Ca...

Reviews : Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Zoom Lens + Canon SLR Camera Case + Accessory Kit for Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, XS, T1i, EOS 30D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Zoom Lens + Canon SLR Camera Case + Accessory Kit for Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XSi, XS, T1i, EOS 30D, 40D & 50D Digital SLR Cameras
Product By Canon
No customer reviews yet. Be the first
Lowest Price : Visit store to see price
Available From 0 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS -- All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
  • <#1> Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Zoom Lens PLUS +
  • <#2> Canon Deluxe SLR Camera Case +
  • <#3> Precision Design ET-60 Lens Hood +
  • <#4> Precision Design 6-Piece DSLR Cleaning Kit

 

Product Description

Kit Includes:
♦ 1) Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM Zoom Lens
♦ 2) Canon Deluxe SLR Camera Case
♦ 3) Precision Desian ET-60 Lens Hood
♦ 4) Precision Design Deluxe 6-Piece Lens & Digital SLR Camera Cleaning Kit

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM is a compact and lightweight 4x telephoto autofocus zoom lens ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The newly developed Micro USM makes autofocusing quicker and quieter. The improved zoom mechanism also makes zooming smoother. The front part of the zoom ring now sports a silver ring for a luxury touch. With the addition of a Micro USM for faster and even quieter autofocus, this version of the EF 75-300mm is well-suited for sports and other applications requiring fast AF.



Made from rugged, water-repellant Nylon, and outfitted with a non-slip reinforced handle, this compartment case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories. A mesh pocket inside the top flap provides for easy access to film, memory cards or batteries. A large zipper pocket inside the front flap protects filters, pens, cleaning supplies, and lens caps.



The Precision Design ET-60 Lens Hood is primarily designed to prevent unwanted stray light from entering the lens by extending and shading the end of the lens. In addition, since the end of the lens is extended, you also get the added benefit of extra impact protection.



This 6-piece cleaning kit contains a hurricane air blower, Lens Cleaning Tissue, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.


 

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Posted by Josh clinton at 6:08 PM 0 comments

Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon Digi...

Reviews : Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Tamron AF 60mm f/2.0 SP DI II LD IF 1:1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Product By Tamron
(4 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : Visit store to see price
Available From 9 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • World's first F2.0 Macro for APS-C DSLRs; ideal for portrait and macro shooting
  • Longest working distance in its class (100mm); Two LD Glass elements
  • 93mm equivalent on APS-C DSLRs
  • Full-time manual control mechanism; Internal Focusing
  • For Canon digital SLRs

 

Product Description

The Tamron SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II LD (IF) 1:1 Macro (model G005) is the first medium telephoto macro lens designed for APS-C size DSLR cameras that features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.0—one stop faster than the F/2.8 maximum aperture found on conventional macro lenses in the same class. The SP AF60mm F/2.0 covers an equivalent angle of view of 93mm when converted to the 35mm format. With is fast F/2.0 maximum aperture, the new macro delivers dramatically attractive blurred background effects. The addition of Internal Focusing (IF) and Full Time Manual Focus Control Mechanism to its list of highlight features makes this lightweight and compact 1:1 macro lens incredibly easy to use. SPECIFICATIONS: Focal Length 60mm.; Format size APS-C; Maximum Aperture F/2 (F/4 at MFD); Minimum Aperture F/22; Diagonal Angle of View 26°35′; Lens Construction 10 groups/14 elements; Minimum Focus Distance 9.1-Inch (0.23m); Maximum Mag. Ratio 1:1; Minimum Working Distance 3.94-Inch (100mm); Filter Diameter Ø55mm; Overall Length 3.15-Inch (80mm); Maximum Diameter 2.9-Inch (73mm); Weight 13.8 oz. (388g); Diaphragm Blades 7; Standard Accessory Lens Hood.


 

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Customer Reviews

 "Quality Lens" 2009-11-02
By Gordon Tempest
This is my first true macro lens. I have had it for about a month now and am using it with a Canon Rebel XSi. I am very pleased with its performance and the great shots it has produced. The pictures I've gotten are extremely crisp. The ability to use manual focus while in the Auto focus mode is a very nice feature. You don't have to take the camera from your eye to switch off the auto focus. That is a time and picture saver especially when you have a situation such as a bee or other insect flying around and you only have seconds to get that great shot. I love the feel of the focus ring and overall feel of this lens. It feels smooth and has the feel of a quality product. I find the speed (f2) great for those close-ups of insects such as bees or flowers on an overcast day where you don't want to use a flash. Image stabilization would be nice, but that would add to the cost. This is my second Tamron lens and again I am very pleased with this product and the results I have gotten. I would not hesitate to recommend this lens.





 "The Best 60mm Macro on The Market" 2009-11-02
By Della M. Robinson
My friend just bought this lens and let me check it out. In one word Fantastic! It is among the sharpest lens I have seen in a lens of this class even wide open. I have a 50D and that camera is pure torture on lesser lenses, but the Tamron has no problem keeping up with its hunger for resolution. The other two reviewers commented on the price, but I don't see that as a con as you are paying only a little more over Nikon and Canons (other brands to) for an extra stop. This is worth it to me. Most would argue you don't need the extra stop on most macro as you usually want more depth of field and this is true, but this lens also is intended for portraiture and for that the extra light does come in really handy, even when doing flowers and what not a shallow DoF can help add interest to a subject.



This lens does not have the build of say an "L" lens but does seem sturdy and have no doubts it would hold up well even if it got some rough treatment. The focus ring is smooth and responsive combined with its light weight makes this lens a joy to use. I will defiantly be ordering my own copy of this lens as soon as I get paid and can't wait. I highly recommend this lens to anyone looking for a macro in the 60mm range.



 "Light and comfortable macro/portrait lens for a not so modest price" 2009-11-01
By Andrew S. Koenig (Philly PA)
I have had the lens for a few days and find there are some pros and cons .

On the positive side, it is light, feels sturdy but not pro like glass (does not feel like a tank which allow it to be light). It is able to take crisp and well balanced images. It is nice and crisp from about f/4. Gives you a great portrait and macro lens with 1:1. It goes to f/2 which is great in the case of low light and allows for faster focusing vs. a darker lens. Great bokeh and internal focusing so filters don't move. It allows manual focus in AF mode which is very nice and does not require a switch to be moved.



On the con side, it is not cheep. For the Canon 60mm you pay a lot less.I liked the idea of the MF in AF mode and the f/2. It also is a bit sluggish in general on focusing (more so then my other lenses - Sigma). It does not have image stabilization, which considering the cost vs. other 60 mm macro lenses one would think they could have added it on to help justify the extra spend (but it did not stop me from buying).



So over all I am very happy and would suggest this for other interesting in a macro lens. Because of the cost and sluggish focusing I give it a 4/5 but would really say it is a 4.5 if given that as an option.

 "Beautiful high speed macro for Canon digital (EF-S)" 2009-10-06
By Michael A. Duvernois (Minneapolis, MN United States)
This lens feels solid, looks good, and works well. It's for Canon digital (APS-C sized sensors) only, there's also a version for Nikon and Sony setups. The focal length is the equivalent of 93mm in the 35mm world. This is very close to the traditional 100mm Macro lens length. But it's a full stop faster than either the Canon EF-S 60mm macro (f/2.0 vs. f/2.8) or the Canon EF 100mm macro (full frame usable, f/2.0 vs. f/2.8 again). And it's more expensive than the Canon. Usually the third party lenses appeal to us on cost, but not here. The appeal and what you get for your extra money is a full stop of additional light gathering ability.



Price aside, this is a very nice lens and no Canon system owner would be unhappy with it. Until there's a Canon L-series Macro in the 100mm focal length range (in 35mm terms), either the Canon or this Tamron are as good as it gets. But the cost? I'm using this lens and reviewing it, but I'd probably purchase the cheaper Canon lens myself. In my own macro photography I typically want as much depth of field as I can get. Typically outdoors I'd shoot at f/5.6 or higher. Indoors, with lights, f/11 or 16 is more typical. For how I do it, that extra stop isn't too useful. Your mileage, obviously, would vary on that issue.


All Reviews

 

Posted by Josh clinton at 1:26 AM 0 comments

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Tamron Autofocus 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Aspherical (IF) Lens for N...

Reviews : Tamron Autofocus 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Aspherical (IF) Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras (Black)

Tamron Autofocus 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Aspherical (IF) Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras (Black)
Product By Tamron
(1 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : Visit store to see price
Available From 0 Sellers
 

Technical Details

  • Capture all of your holiday and everyday snapshots.
  • High image quality
  • 26 percent more compact than previous model
  • Extremely lightweight only 12.5 ounces
  • Very compact just 3 inches long

 

Product Description

Tamron offers the world's smallest, most lightweight 28-200mm high-magnification zoom lens. With a minimum focal distance over the entire zoom area of 49cm, and a maximum magnification of 1: 4 (at 200mm), this remarkable lens achieves high-magnification zoom performance with the compact size of a standard zoom lens. Through XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass and efficient use of aspherical lenses, Tamron has achieved a 25% reduction in size and a 27% reduction in weight over the previous model (model 371D), along with a decrease in filter diameter by two-steps ?72mm- ?62mm without compromising the superior image quality characteristic of Tamron 28-200 lenses.


 

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Customer Reviews

 "Great versatile lens" 2002-03-17
By
You cannot go wrong with this new lens by Tamron! I bought this lens about a month ago for use with my Nikon N65 and am very pleased. The quality of pictures this lens takes is better than my Nikor 28-80 lens plus I don't have to switch between that lens and my 80-200 lens! Picture quality and contrast is superior throughout the range of this lens (no distortion) and the zoom ring operates very smoothly. I've also noticed better depth of field in this lens over my two other lenses.

I've used the lens mainly for sporting/outdoor events (bright sun and overcast conditions) but have also taken pictures indoors in various lighting situations with the same great results. So far, I've taken about 12 rolls of film (mostly 800 speed) and have been very satisfied with my pictures. No color correction by my lab has been necessary and my developer always brags about my pictures! Between the Nikon camera and this Tamron lens, you can't go wrong!

The lens is lightweight (12 oz) but don't think you are exchanging quality for a lighter lens. This newest generation lens by Tamron combines the best of both worlds. Having to buy 62 mm filters for this lens vs. the 72 mm filters that most 28-200 zoom lenses require is another bonus.

If you are thinking about getting a 28-200 zoom lens, I definitely recommend this lens!


All Reviews

 

Posted by Josh clinton at 9:02 PM 0 comments

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Opteka 650-2600mm High Definition Telephoto Lens for Nikon D700, ...

Reviews : Opteka 650-2600mm High Definition Telephoto Lens for Nikon D700, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70, D60, D50, D40, D40X, D2HS, D2XS, & D3 Digital SLR Camera's

Opteka 650-2600mm High Definition Telephoto Lens for Nikon D700, D300, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70, D60, D50, D40, D40X, D2HS, D2XS, & D3 Digital SLR Camera's
Product By Opteka
(3 customers reviews)
Lowest Price : $239.95
Available From 1 Sellers
 

Technical Details


     

    Product Description



     

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    Customer Reviews

     "It's what i expected" 2009-09-05
    By Arve Ãystein Hellesãžy (Norway)
    The lens is absolutely what i expexted it to be, it need good light, a desent tripod, and a remote control for your camera isn't a bad idea. I have not tried it with the 2x converter it was shipped with, instead i tried it out with an 3x converter, and i am really amazed what you get for the money, have in mind what this lens costs, compared with branded lenses from other fabricants, of course the result is not even close to be compared, but still it's absolutely a bargain for us normal deadly ones to try out extreme lenses without robbing a bank....

     "Opteka Telephoto Lens" 2009-08-31
    By F. Parker (Cape Town, south Africa)
    Cheap for the range it provides. You will def need a monopod or tripod to use this rather long lens. Major drawback is the mechanism to increase zoom. It does not utilise a rotary dial but rather you unlock the lens, draw out the lens to increase focal length and then relock it. Otherwise clear images obtained thus far after 2 weeks of use.

     "Happier then expected" 2009-07-29
    By Mike (USA)
    I've been reading mixed reviews on the Opteks lens for a while, for the price I thought I take a chance. It performs as expected. The zoom mechanism is a tube near the camera that slides, it's not smooth and a little clunky to do, but it works. I don't use the double much, don't really need it, and it does not fit in the bag with it attached to the lens (I think this is a flaw and the bag should have been larger) and there is no separate bag for the doubler - rather then take the chance of dust getting in the lens from screwing and unscrewing the adapter from the lens then attaching the doubler and screwing back on the adapter to the doubler, I just don't use it much. You have to take your time on focusing as it is very sensitive. You are able to handhold it at 650mm (just bearly) but at any other zoom level you must have a good tripod to hold it. This lens is HUGE. I would recommend this lens for nature or senic photography, but it's not fast enough (f8-f16) to use if for any movement and it would be hard to focus on anything moving rapidly.


    All Reviews

     

    Posted by Josh clinton at 4:36 PM 0 comments

    Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for ...

    Reviews : Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Nikon AF with Built-in Motor Digital SLR Cameras

    Tamron AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Nikon AF with Built-in Motor Digital SLR Cameras
    Product By Tamron
    (6 customers reviews)
    Lowest Price : Visit store to see price
    Available From 7 Sellers
     

    Technical Details

    • The world's first 2.4X zoom with an equivalent 16-37mm (when converted to full frame)
    • The best magnification ratio in this class of 1:51
    • Extremely compact and light
    • Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included
    • 77mm Filter size

     

    Product Description

    The new lightweight and compact SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever 2.4X ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLR cameras, features an unprecedented focal length range equivalent to 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm semi-wide-angle. With this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, photographers can capture magnificent vistas and extraordinary close-ups, bold compositions and unique perspectives, creating imagery impossible with standard wide-angle lenses. This lens comes with Tamrons 6 year limited warranty. Maximum Aperture F/3.5-4.5; Diagonal Angle of View 108 degrees 44 — 60 degrees 20 (APS-C equiv); Lens Construction 12 elements in 13 groups; Minimum Focus Distance 9.4 inches (over the entire range); Maximum Mag. Ratio 1:5.1 (at f=24mm); Filter Diameter 77mm; Overall Length 3.4 inches; Maximum Diameter 83.2mm; Weight 14.3oz; 7 Diaphragm Blades; Standard Accessory Flower-shaped Lens Hood and Case Included.


     

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    Customer Reviews

     "Great for the price" 2009-11-29
    By M. McLaughlin
    Compared this to the Nikon 10 - 24 lens and the Tamron held up very well. One lens was slightly better in one category and the other was better in some but I can't justify the price you have to pay for the Nikon. Popular Photography just gave this lens an excellent review (Feb. 2009) and called it a sure bet. Tamrons quality control is much better than Sigma otherwise I might have tried the Sigma version of this lens.

     "decent handling, poor optics" 2009-09-27
    By Dana Gannon
    I owned the Tamron 17-50, and 28-75 when I shot Canon. Both were fine lenses. This Tamron isn't. Having faith in Tamron, I purchased this lens without thinking twice. I wish I had read the reviews before seeing my own images. The optics are unacceptably poor. Based on my images, and other reviews, I don't think it was a sample problem. No front/back focusing problems, no deing problems, and no side to side problems - just poor optics across the board. The lens is nice and light, and the zoom control is great - very smooth and nicely spaced, but the optics are just unacceptable.



    The good news is that you don't need to spend $800 plus on the Nikon 12-24. I replaced this Tamron with the Sigma 10-20, and it's a fine lens. In addition to much better optics, it also focuses much faster, much quieter, and hunts much less than the Tamron. If you shoot Canon, get their EF-S ultra wide. It's great, and not that much more money.



    This is the only review I've ever written. It's the first thing I've ever had to return due to poor quality. Thank goodness for Amazon.

     "Good lens, reasonable price" 2009-07-25
    By Dennis Mabrey (Whitehouse Station, NJ USA)
    Not much bad I can write about this lens.



    At 10mm it is sharp (which is expected) with only a little chromatic aberration on the edges to deal with (Photoshop Raw deals with this fine). Vignetting was much less than I expected it to be.



    At 24mm it is not the sharpest lens but if you are like me you seldom adjust it to that point plus it still is quite adequate.



    Overall it does the job and nice price.

     "Great lens for the price" 2009-04-30
    By Michael C. Jackson (Louisville, KY United States)
    I'd imagine that many people are shying away from this lens due to some of the reviews. Rockwell's ultra-wide comparison is where I first heard about this lens, and it did not do too favorably there...



    I was looking for an ultra-wide lens for Nikon DX format, with easy to correct distortion. I was originally looking for the Tokina 11-16, which has gone up in price considerably several times, and NEVER seems to be available. I was also thinking about the sigma, but the inability to correct the distortion easily wide open didn't make me too happy, and I couldn't find one locally to test. The nikon 10-24 isn't available yet, and the 12-24 is too expensive and not wide enough.



    So, I decided to check this lens out at a local photo shop, and I'm glad I did. After a few test shots, I ended up purchasing it. It was sharp enough for my needs - A bit soft wide open, but I never shoot wide angle lenses wide open. F/8 looks near perfect to me on all edges and corners, with some slight color fringing that I REALLY had to look to see. The edges are occasionally soft, but I have only noticed this when I am pixel peeping.



    It seems surprisingly well built. Metal mount is always nice, and the focus and zoom both have very good feels to them. It just feels RIGHT in my hands. I haven't drop tested it, and I don't plan to. I could see the AF mechanism going out on a bad drop, but that's just pure speculation.



    Another plus - There is MORE than enough room to put whatever UV filter you would like on it with no vignetting. I don't know about filter stacking, but again, I never stack filters.



    It does have it's quirks. AF stopped on me once when I was switching back and forth from AF to MF. A remount of the lens solved this, and I haven't had this issue since.



    I'm also suspicious about the quality control. It looks like I got a good copy, but I can tell that a few out there have not. Just make sure you have a good return policy.



    I'm not sure where you could go wrong with this lens. If you pixel peep and need ultimate sharpness wide open, go with the Tokina - It's a pro lens, and it's price has definitely increased to reflect that. I'm sure that the Nikon 10-24 will be an amazing lens as well - of course, at twice the price. For the non-pixel peepers who just want to make great ultra wide photos, it's hard to go wrong here. It's not optical perfection, but it's a damn good lens.



    It all comes down to how you want to use it and what your budget is. Interior shooters, take note - Used in conjuction with a bounce flash, I get super-sharp and relatively distortion free images that look better than any interior shot I have ever taken.



    Five stars because I couldn't be happier with this lens for my needs.





    EDIT: After a couple of weeks, I've noticed something mentioned in an off-site review in which this lens was described as having a curved focus field - A ')' shape, if you will. After abusing this lens by shooting extremely (And I mean EXTREMELY) close up flat surfaces, I can agree with this. What this means in practice is that test charts and brick walls shot from a foot away may not be as sharp as they could, but real world usage is still great. What this also means is that if you shoot a lot of interiors or other scenes in which you have walls on both sides of you and a of focus at the rear, the curved field will be very beneficial to the overall sharpness of the image. Just something to be aware of - I'm still happily shooting, it's exactly what I needed.

     "Love the lens" 2009-01-31
    By Steven Vargas (Los Angeles, CA USA)
    I purchased this lens back in December 08, and I love it, when I go out to shoot landscapes this is the only lens I take. Its very sharp even at the extreme edges of the picture and the colors are very vibrant.



    [...]



    I am always taking more pictures with it, you can check them out on my photo stream here.

    [...]


    All Reviews

     

    Posted by Josh clinton at 2:11 AM 0 comments

    Friday, December 25, 2009

    Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Large Aperture Macro Zoom Lens...

    Reviews : Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Large Aperture Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

    Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO HSM Large Aperture Macro Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
    Product By Sigma Corporation
    (2 customers reviews)
    Lowest Price : $799.95
    Available From 1 Sellers
     

    Technical Details

    • Fully compatible with all Nikon Digital SLR cameras including the D40 and D40X
    • Minimum focusing distance of 39.4 in.(100cm), maximum magnification of 1:3.5.
    • The super multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost.
    • ELD and SLD lenses for correction of aberrations.
    • HSM ensures a quiet and high-speed AF.

     

    Product Description

    After nearly 40 years of pioneering new and better ways to capture and portray the ordinary - and extraordinary - Sigma is still creating new avenues of expression with innovative designs and enhancements.


     

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    Customer Reviews

     "Wonderful lens!" 2008-01-20
    By Duncan Hoge
    I'm a huge fan of my Sigma 70-200 2.8. I do a lot of indoor sports photography and can get some really crisp pictures with this lens. The only thing is that the lens that I was sent by amazon is different from the one pictured here. It did not have an automatic/manual switch on the lens, which I thought would be a problem with my D40, but DOES still work with my D40- both manual and automatic.



    I highly recommend this lens. It's cheaper than the alternatives and gets the job done.

     "Great Lens for the Price!!" 2007-05-13
    By Raymond C. Doan (Middletown, CT United States)
    I recently just picked up this lens for myself. I have to say this is one of the best lenses I have used. The auto-focus is fast and silent. It doens't hunt, even when you zoom straight to 200mm. I also love that the minimum focusing distance is 3 feet. My dad has an older version of this lens for the Minolta mount and he is envious of the focusing distance.



    I will say that at 200mm at f/2.8, there is a touch of softness, but it's not objectionable for my taste. I would recommend trying this lens if you can to make sure you would be willing to deal with the softness. Otherwise at all other focal lengths, it is tack sharp!



    This lens is also heavy at 3 pounds. It can get tiring to hold it all day long, so I would recommend a monopod for support. Overall, I really love this lens and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good telephoto lens.


    All Reviews

     

    Posted by Josh clinton at 8:18 PM 0 comments

    Olympus 25mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras

    Reviews : Olympus 25mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras

    Olympus 25mm f/2.8 Pancake Lens for Olympus Digital SLR Cameras
    Product By Olympus
    (15 customers reviews)
    Lowest Price : $239.00
    Available From 6 Sellers
     

    Technical Details

    • 25mm f/2.8 pancake lens
    • 0.9 inches thick
    • 50mm equivalent angle of view
    • Ultra-compact design
    • Compatible with the Olympus E420 digital SLR

     

    Product Description

    The world's smallest DSLR deserves a similarly compact lens, and Olympus has it: the ultra compact Zuiko 25mm f2.8 digital specific lens. This 0.9 inch-thick lens offers a fixed 50mm equivalent angle of view. Together with the E-420, the Zuiko 25mm f2.8 lens will offer the ultimate combination of ease of use and portability.


     

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    Customer Reviews

     "Light and thin (with downsides)" 2009-11-08
    By Josel (San Diego, CA)
    Very soft at wide open, sharpens very slightly when stopped down.



    I'm not a fan of "electronic" manual focus. I discovered that the focus ring actually turns endlessly, of course not that much if you have achieved focus, but it does go on in circles without ever stopping. That makes manual focusing too artificial to feel.



    Great walk around though, light and small although not as "pancaky" as the Pentax DA 40mm f2.8.

     "Great First Prime!" 2009-09-01
    By B. Wilcox (Ohio)
    The only two lenses I owned before this were the 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 kit and the 40-150 f/3.5-4.5 (which is a real diamond in the rough), and I mainly stuck to sports shooting. I got a bonus from work and a couple friends had been pressuring me pretty hard to finally get a prime lens. For under $250, I had to wonder just how good this little guy really could be.



    Short answer: Very good.



    Long answer: Nobody is kidding when they talk about how small this is. Even with both caps on it's no bigger than a hockey puck. Attached to my E-410, it will fit in a jacket problem and even some pants pockets! I didn't pay a lot of attention to aperture since sports shooting s more on shutter speed, and wondered what the difference was between shooting f/3.5 and f/2.8 and it is a striking difference. Some have mentioned issues with chromatic aberration but I haven't noticed that problem. The AF is quick and doesn't make a ton of noise, although it can hunt a little in lower light, but not so much that I've really noticed. Keep in mind that Olympus bodies have a 2x crop factor so this is a 50mm equivalent.



    Yes the metal (nice touch!) lens cap screws on, but it's pretty easy to get used to and if you have to deal with that in order to get this small of a lens, I'm happy with that trade. The cap is VERY thin though (like a coin), so make sure you keep it in a pocket. Fits perfectly in that small pocket of your jeans!



    For the price, it's a phenomenal way to get into prime shooting. I'm thinking more about the composition of my shots before I fire the shutter, and that in and of itself is already helping me shoot better. This isn't the best prime lens on the planet, but you'd be very hard-pressed to find anything better for the price, and the size makes it a fantastic walk-around.

     "Absolutely Fantastic." 2009-08-26
    By Vichiousfishes
    You do need this lens. If you got an E-something-'er-ether and are thinking you want to try out a small, prime, faster lens and you are on the fence about it; let me knock you off.



    It is "that much faster". In a room at 9am with 2 big windows, F2.8 it shoots at 320. This is a feat the kit F4 would have to struggle with at 25. In the sun, 11am, f2.8 I found it to shoot at 3200-4000 until with good white brick reflections it was overexposed and I had to pull it down to f16 (at which point it still shot in the 200 range. The sharpness is suburb throughout.



    If you have had difficulties with the kit lens's manual focus you will be impressed with this. The focusing is smooth and firm and the subject can be pulled into frame in split seconds. The action feels comfortable and natural with the left thumb as you clamp the top with the remaining fingers.



    It has a metal gasket that makes a tight fit. I'm not planing on putting mine to the test on purpose soon, but I would imagine it could stand up to some good wind blown dust and sprinkler mist that plagues us so. It seams to be built of a metal shell with plastic or resin coverings and the feel of it in your hands is like a little stone to skim across the pond.



    The kit lenses have a small skip at times when powering down, that of which I have not experienced at all with this.



    But it's not all great. The cap has been demeaned with all sorts of profanities and I completely know why. I managed to drop it twice on the first run! You may imagine it's raised but it is actually recessed with the exception of a small serrated ring. You have to push down and spin, there is nothing to pinch or pull.



    I can guarantee you will be happy with it. You will also be sure to find me with this lens on 95% of the time from now on. The kit lenses are only coming out for wide or tight occasions. I have found myself frustrated with the fact there are so few options in the 4/3 mount but I am no longer. Zuiko has proven themselves to me with this low end standard, I can only dare imagine what the high end (and the 45 years I'll have to work to pay them off) will hold.

     "I like it" 2009-06-13
    By J. Keeling
    If I could only have one lens for my Olympus DSLR, it would be this 25mm (50mm equiv) lens. I like the versatility and perspective of a normal lens, a carryover from my many years shooting film. I use this lens most of the time and zoom lenses only when necessary. This lens is very small and almost weightless; a pleasure to use inside with flash or outside. Low light shooting situations where you are not allowed to or don't want to use a flash are a challenge for any DSLR system. This is where all that experience you have pays off. In the right hands, this little lens will perform well in very little light.

     "PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS! Itty-bitty living space!" 2009-05-21
    By Stujoe (Illinois, USA)
    I bought this lens a few weeks ago and it is a fun little lens. It makes sense if you want a really small lens for the smaller Oly bodies. I use it on my 620. The lens really is itty bitty.



    Is it a phenomenal cosmic performer? Look at the size. It's a pancake! So, no, it is not. I do find it quite sharp, though, and haven't seen a lot of CA nor flare. I may not take a lot of shots that would induce those, though. I have noticed some distortion.



    The point of a lens like this, though, is 'small as possible' and being a 'normal' lens, it has a lot of uses. And, it is fairly close focusing too. Decently fast and not very expensive. And small. And lite. And did I mention small?



    If you want to turn your small Oly into something even smaller and with a useful, albeit fixed, focal length, this is a good lens. But don't expect Super High Grade lens performance when you are not paying Super High Grade lens price or feeling Super High Grade lens size and weight.


    All Reviews

     

    Posted by Josh clinton at 12:38 AM 0 comments

    Thursday, December 24, 2009

    Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens for...

    Reviews : Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens for Canon EOS / EF

    Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens for Canon EOS / EF
    Product By Opteka
    (35 customers reviews)
    Lowest Price : $29.95
    Available From 1 Sellers
     

    Technical Details

    • Opteka .35x HD² Super Wide Angle Macro Fisheye Lens
    • High Definition² - 2 times the resolution of standard high definition lenses
    • Professional High Speed Auto Focus, Full Panoramic Capability, High Quality Crystal Optics, & AF Infrared Compatible
    • Lens front Thread 67mm, 8 Element Lens, 180° Degree Capability
    • Made in Japan & Includes 10 Year Worldwide Warranty

     

    Product Description

    The new Opteka High Definition² .35x Ultra Wide Angle Fisheye Converter Lens increases the versatility of your existing lens to provide breathtaking ultra wide angle views. And it's so easy to use! Additionally the built-in detachable macro lens allows you to take extreme high resolution close-up shots! Nothing changes the way you see the world like High Definition² and no company does High Definition² like Opteka. Opteka's glass optics define High Definition. Change the way you view the world. Enjoy outstanding detail, enjoy enhanced clarity, enjoy Opteka!


     

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    Customer Reviews

     "Good quality for the price" 2009-12-20
    By M. Bittersmith
    The product is what you would expect for the price. The lens is made of two parts and the macro lens can be used independently from the fisheye filter. The macro lens can be used within 1-2 mm of the object being photographed. Quality is average- the fisheye filter produces a slightly blurry image. The fisheye effect is comparable to that of real fisheye lenses.

     "Nice , cheap, and much fun" 2009-12-17
    By Kasia
    I used this converter lens with my panasonic Lumix FZ28, yes it fit it too, the image is surprised sharp as for the spended money, not recommended for night shots especially on the street where is to much lights, the glass create a flares from each light in the shot, it looks like much fun for the Christmas time but not really great, the horizontal view is not exactly 180 degrees , however I had much fun testing this product out and it is worth the money for sure , the lens is made of metal and optical glass so not plastic as in the other cases around, I would recommend this product for the amateurs and beginners or just regular hobbyist. if you don't have what you like, you have to like what you have.... it is always better as nothing and if you have $800 at last to spend for a better stuff just skip this page..

     "good wide angle lens for the price" 2009-12-03
    By Jin Chong (New York City)
    i rated it 5 stars because of the quality that i get from the price.



    i uploaded couple photos here on amazon so you can have more idea about it.

    i put this lens on my 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. pictures quality came out good with the external flash. ( don't use the built in fash because the lens is too long and it will have a shadow)



    over all this product is good.

     "Nice 'filter'" 2009-10-22
    By Mark
    Good quality fisheye filter, also comes with a macro attachment if you'd like to practice that, metal build/thread, good glass

     "Excelente!" 2009-08-30
    By A. Wells
    Soooo much fun! :D

    The only thing I don't like is the shadow it leaves on a photo if I use my flash, because the lens is too long for my built-in flash. I just need to get an external flash and I'll be set. :]


    All Reviews

     

    Posted by Josh clinton at 6:11 PM 0 comments

    Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Multi-Coated Mirror Lens with 2x Tel...

    Reviews : Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Multi-Coated Mirror Lens with 2x Teleconverter (=1000mm) for Nikon D40, D60, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3s, D3x, D700, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR Cameras

    Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Multi-Coated Mirror Lens with 2x Teleconverter (=1000mm) for Nikon D40, D60, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D3, D3s, D3x, D700, D3000 & D5000 Digital SLR Cameras
    Product By Vivitar
    No customer reviews yet. Be the first
    Lowest Price : $149.95
    Available From 1 Sellers
     

    Technical Details

    • KIT INCLUDES 4 PRODUCTS -- All Brand New Items with all Manufacturer-supplied Accessories + Full USA Warranties:
    • <#1> Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Multi-Coated Mirror Lens PLUS +
    • <#2> 2x Teleconverter +
    • <#3> Nikon AF T-mount Adapter +
    • <#4> Rear Lens Cap for Nikon AF Lenses

     

    Product Description


    Kit includes:

    ♦ 1) Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Multi-Coated Mirror Lens

    ♦ 2) 2x Teleconverter

    ♦ 3) Nikon AF T-mount Adapter

    ♦ 4) Rear Lens Cap for Nikon AF Lenses



    The Vivitar 500mm f/8.0 Series 1 Mirror Lens is a high-quality, computer designed product that incorporates the merits of both reflex optics and refraction optics. This combination provides the user with an extremely sharp picture with minimum color abberation.



    While this lens is designed for high definition telephoto photography, it is also one of the most affordable precision optics available, which allows anyone on any budget to enjoy shooting crisp, clear telephoto pictures. Includes set of 30.5mm filters (Skylight, ND-2X, ND-4X).



    This lens can be easily combined with the included 2x Teleconverter, which extends the focal length of the lens to an amazing 1000mm.



    This lens includes a T-mount adapter specifically designed for Nikon AF mount SLR and Digital SLR Cameras, as well as a rear lens cap.



     

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    Posted by Josh clinton at 4:36 AM 0 comments
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