Camera Lenses
Schneider-Kreuznach unveils three Xenon full frame cine primes
Schneider-Kreuznach has officially announced three new prime lenses aimed at cinematographers. The new Xenon 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm cine lenses are compatible with full frame cameras from both Nikon and Canon, though they are supported by professional camcorders as well, in order to gain 4K video recording capabilities.
China hacks Sigma DP cameras to support M-mount lenses
Sigma camera owners are one step closer to making their shooters more useful, thanks to an ingenious hack from a Chinese company. The third-party seller has come up with a way of modifying Sigma DP cameras, in order to become compatible with the M-mount interchangeable lens system for a very small price.
VTec launches a slew of iPhone 5 lenses
iPhoneography is already an art. Users of the iPhone can capture pretty good photos and they are getting a helping hand from dozens of developers, who release great image-editing applications. The quality of photos taken with Apple’s latest smartphone can be increased with the help of VTec’s lenses, which are available now.
Panasonic Lumix GH3 firmware update 1.1 now available for download
Panasonic has finally released firmware update 1.1 for its Lumix DMC-GH3 camera. The mirrorless shooter is now faster when autofocusing, though users will also have to upgrade their lenses. The Micro Four Thirds system can also be connected to WiFi by entering a Mac’s NetBIOS name, as of this software upgrade.
SLR Magic Monster Lens II 12-36×50 ED spotting scope announced
SLR Magic continues the tradition set by its powerful digiscoping lenses by launching the Monster Lens II 12-36×50 ED spotting scope. The second generation of the Monster Lens is aimed at Micro Four Thirds camera owners, as the system is compatible with all such shooters, thanks to a special MFT adapter objective.
Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm IS II lens coming this year
Canon will keep itself busy in 2013, as the company is preparing an event for late summer or early fall. The special occasion will consist of two new product announcements: one for a camera and the other one for a lens. An inside source has revealed that Canon will launch the 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm lens replacement this year.
Canon announces “Try and Buy” lens rental service in Singapore
Canon is looking to attract more customers in Singapore by launching a new program called “Try and Buy”. As of March 28, DSLR camera owners will be able to loan lenses manufactured by the Japanese company for a nominal fee. Users can test the lenses and, if they like the lenses, then they will be able to purchase them.
Canon 70D announcement delayed until April 2013
Canon has announced four new cameras in a few minutes on March 21. One of these shooters is the world’s lightest and smallest DSLR camera ever, while two others are powered by the DIGIC 6 image processor. However, neither of these is the EOS 70D, as Canon has decided to delay its release date until April 2013.
Canon to announce at least five new lenses by the end of 2013
Let there be lenses, said Canon’s god, as the company is rumored to prepair for a year full of new optics. A source familiar with the matter has revealed that the Japanese manufacturer will introduce at least five new lenses over the course of 2013. Moreover, two of them might even be announced within days.
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM is the best 35mm wide-angle lens, DxOMark says
DxOMark tested the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens on a Nikon D800. The results were simply amazing and the product was proclaimed as the best high-speed 35mm wide-angle lens for digital cameras. DxOMark added that the lens set a new benchmark for fixed-focal length optics, as it trumped Carl Zeiss and Nikkor lenses.
Camera shoppers can buy compatible lenses using Amazon Lens Finder
Amazon has launched a new service for its online shoppers. The new tool is called Lens Finder and it allows photographers to find compatible lenses for their Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony cameras. The feature can be easily used and it finds lenses for a specific type of camera in no time.
Nikon boiled a water-damaged lens to successfully repair it
A clumsy and unlucky photographer dropped a very expensive Nikkor lens in salt water. Even though he was no longer hoping to get it repaired, he took it to a Nikon Repair Center in Taiwan. The technicians had the ingenious idea of boiling the lens and, after replacing some parts, the Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 was functional again.
Canon TS-E 45mm and 90mm lenses to be replaced in 2013
Canon is rumored to release a bunch of digital imaging products by the end of 2013. Beside a bunch of cameras, it appears that the company is also working on several new lenses. The rumor mill is now suggesting that the tilt-shift 45mm and 90mm optics will get direct replacements sometime during the second quarter of 2013.
New Canon EF 200 f/2L and EF 800 f/5.6L lenses coming soon?
Canon is rumored to be actively working on replacements for the EF 200 f/2L and EF 800 f/5.6L IS USM lenses. The new optics are said to feature the company’s latest technologies for telephoto lenses and to be lighter than their predecessors, even though they will be made out of the same white material found in the current generation.
Nikkor 1200-1700mm telephoto lens to welcome new pope soon
The Vatican conclave is currently on the verge of electing a new pope. Photographer Dylan Martinez is waiting for the end of the conclave, in order to capture the newly-elected pope at the famous Saint Peter’s Square balcony with the help of a super-telephoto lens: the Nikkor 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8P IF-ED.
Nikon now listing unannounced 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 lens on its website
In recent times, multiple digital imaging product manufacturers have decided to skip past an official announcement in order to introduce a new creation. The latest company to perform such an act is Nikon, which has begun listing the 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 lens on its USA website, even if the optic is a no-show.
Carl Zeiss to announce three new prime lenses for X and E mounts soon?
Carl Zeiss is working on its next-generation prime lenses for Fujifilm’s X and Sony’s E mount digital cameras. The Germany-based imaging product manufacturer is expected to unveil three new prime lenses in the near future. The pricing range and some partial specs have been leaked before event which will take place sometime in April.
Nikon unveils new AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm telephoto lens
Nikon announced three new cameras, but took its time to reveal a new lens, too. Ten years have passed since its predecessors launch, therefore the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens decided to make an appearance to replace its sibling. It comes with a new optical design and autofocus system, ideal for wildlife photography.
Duclos Lenses unveils custom Rokinon Raw cine primes
Most photographers and film makers aim for perfection. But what happens to the people who want a little more character into their photos and movies? Well, Duclos Lenses has the answer for them in the bodies of the Rokinon Raw cine primes, a set of lenses which will add flare and other effects into the camera.
Zeiss 50mm, Sony 70-400mm and 18-55mm lenses revealed
Sony has announced three new lenses, refreshing two of its older optics, while releasing an entirely new prime lens. The Zeiss 50mm prime, Sony 70-400mm telephoto zoom and 18-55mm standard zoom lenses will become available soon for the company’s A-mount and APS-C cameras, along with a pair of new accessories.
Sony A58 and NEX-3N price and specs unofficially revealed
The Sony A58 and NEX-3N cameras are the worst-kept secrets in the industry. After the cameras’ press photos were leaked on the web, an inside source has managed to get hold of the specs and final retail prices. The announcement date is no longer a secret as well, with Sony launching the new gear on February 25th.