Tamron announces three Di Full-Size Format lenses
Tamron today have announced the availability dates of three new Di lens series in
Full-Size Format. The Tamron SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO for Nikon is a
high-performance macro lens but also as a medium telephoto lens
suitable for all photographic applications including landscape and
portraiture. (The lens is already available…
Canon announces EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
Canon today has also introduced
the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom lens. With an equivalent focal
length of 29-320mm, the lens offers 11x zoom range. It also features a
16 element, 12 group construction including UD and aspherical lens
elements and a 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer. This lens has answered…
Nikon release the AF-S DX 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a new lens designed to partner Nikons
D90 DSLR. The Nikkor 18-105mm lens offers a focal length equivalent to
27 to 157.5mm in 35mm format, built-in Vibration Reduction and Silent
Wave Motor, and…
Phase One introduces 3.5/45 mm Tilt / Shift lens
Phase One today have launched the 3.5/45 mm Tilt/Shift lens. Specially designed for the professional
photographer, this small, lightweight lens is ideal for location or
studio applications. It offers up to 12 mm shift and 8 degrees tilt for
maximum flexibility. When used with the Phase One 645 camera…
Tamron announces new Di lenses for Canon and Nikon
Tamron today have announced two new Di lenses designed for exclusive use on Canon and Nikon (with Built-in AF Motor) small sensor DSLR cameras The SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLRs, features a focal length range with the 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm…
Nikon Wins European Professional Lens with 2 lenses
Both the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm and Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED lenses have won the EISA Professional lens for 2008-2009.
Description
This
pair of Nikkor zooms represents the ideal optical partnership to equip
Nikon’s professional full frame cameras. Covering a broad focal range
at f/2.8, and delivering very high optical…
This is an essential standard lens for EOS family. This lens starts with the optical design concept of the FD 50mm f/1.4, which has always been highly regarded for its superior sharpness and Color balance. Two high-refraction glass lens elements minimize flare at maximum aperture and eliminate astigmatism. Improvements in the quality of the focused image and a beautiful, natural Blur of the background are realized. A Micro USM (Ultrasonic Motor) provides fast, silent AF and full-time manual focusing. Color balance is virtually identical to the ISO recommended reference values.
Depth-of-Field Data for EF50mm f/1.4 USM
[unit:m]
D
F1.4
1.8
2
2.8
3.5
4
5.6
8
11
16
22
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
ND
FD
Inf.
52.74
Inf.
42.92
Inf.
38.25
Inf.
27.06
Inf.
21.48
Inf.
19.15
Inf.
13.55
Inf.
9.59
Inf.
6.80
Inf.
4.82
Inf.
3.42
Inf.
3
2.85
3.17
2.82
3.21
2.79
3.24
2.72
3.35
2.65
3.45
2.62
3.52
2.48
3.79
2.32
4.26
2.12
5.16
1.89
7.40
1.65
19.18
1.5
1.46
1.54
1.46
1.55
1.45
1.55
1.43
1.58
1.41
1.60
1.40
1.61
1.37
1.66
1.32
1.74
1.26
1.87
1.18
2.08
1.08
2.48
1
0.98
1.02
0.98
1.02
0.98
1.02
0.97
1.03
0.96
1.04
0.96
1.04
0.94
1.06
0.92
1.09
0.89
1.14
0.85
1.21
0.81
1.32
0.8
0.79
0.81
0.79
0.81
0.79
0.81
0.78
0.82
0.78
0.82
0.78
0.83
0.77
0.84
0.75
0.86
0.73
0.88
0.71
0.92
0.68
0.98
0.6
0.60
0.60
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.59
0.61
0.58
0.62
0.57
0.63
0.57
0.64
0.55
0.66
0.53
0.69
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.44
0.46
0.44
0.46
0.44
0.46
0.44
0.46
0.43
0.47
0.43
0.48
0.42
0.49
* D = Focusing Distance ND = Near Distance FD = Far Distance Inf. = Infinity
This is a really great standard lens, its sharpness is beyond reproach. I found the AF a little hesitant at times, but not really a problem. I used to own the Ef 50mm f1.8, which was Ok, but very lights due to all plastic construction. I ended up breaking it! This feels much more robust. Its a Bit more expensive, but to me its good value for money. I wish I had bought it first time round.
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 167 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.5
Build Quality
4.5
AF Speed
4.5
Value for Money
4.4
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Excellent Portrait Lens, Tuesday, 02 September 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is an awesome lens that has elevated the level of my pictures. The pictures are just amazing. I am currently using this with my Canon Xsi. It is well worth the price.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
canon 50 mm f1.4 lense, Friday, 29 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
so far the lense is doing what it was purchased for. Have not used it as much as I had hoped at this point but the pictures taken so far are really wonderful.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Why did I wait so long?, Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I bought a camera with a kit lens, and I figured I'd learn the camera's ins and outs before I began investing in lenses. I still think there's wisdom in that decision, mainly because I've discovered what I like to shoot. Having said that, though, I have bought three new lenses, one of them the "middle" EF f/1.4 50mm, thinking that I'd probably beat up the less expensive one and break the bank with the L lens. I received the f/1.4 50mm today and shot with it all afternoon, and my opinion is that it's spectacular. I can do everything from very creative work with closely controlled Depth of field to beautiful action-stopping photos with the lens stopped down. It's tack, tack, tack sharp, fast, and the color and Contrast are so excellent and true that I've taken several like shots just to make sure the beauty of them wasn't some sort of freak accident. I can't speak for the outrageoulsy expensive f/1.2L or for the heapo cheapo f/1.8, but this middle-of-the-roader is absolutely wonderful, and it just might become my very favorite lens of all. I own two L's, but I like this one just as well. I like the focal range because what I see in the view finder is nearly identical in size to what I see with my naked eye, so composition becomes a different and fun challenge. Run don't walk to the "add to basket" button. You won't be sorry.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
A must have prime lens, Thursday, 21 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Set the lens at f/1.4 and you will be rewarded with precise isolation of the subject matter bathed in a buttery bokeh. You won't get that with the more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens which also makes the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM a great optic for low light situations.
From f/2.8, the images are sharp edge to edge. No present Canon mount zoom will match the 50mm's Resolution at this focal length.
Pity I had to search the internet for a 25USD Canon OEM lens hood.
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A must have prime lens, Thursday, 21 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Set the lens at f/1.4 and you will be rewarded with precise isolation of the subject matter bathed in a buttery bokeh. You won't get that with the more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.
The EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great choice in low light situations. From f/2.8, the images are sharp edge to edge. No present Canon mount zoom will match the 50mm's resolution at this focal length.
Non L lenses do not come with the lens hood. I purchased a Canon OEM hood online for $25 USD.
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A must have prime lens, Thursday, 21 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Set the lens at f/1.4 and you will be rewarded with precise isolation of the subject matter bathed in a buttery bokeh. You won't get that with the more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.
The EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great choice in low light situations. From f/2.8, the images are sharp edge to edge. No present Canon mount zoom will match the 50mm's resolution at this focal length.
Non L lenses do not come with the lens hood. I purchased a Canon OEM hood online for $25 USD.
So far, this lens is on my EOS 5D more than the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. That would speak volumes for the 50mm.
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A must have prime lens, Thursday, 21 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Set the lens at f/1.4 and you will be rewarded with precise isolation of the subject matter at portrait distances bathed in a buttery bokeh. You won't get that with the more expensive Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM.
The EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is a great choice in low light situations. From f/2.8, the images are sharp edge to edge. No present Canon mount zoom will match the 50mm's resolution at this focal length.
Non L lenses do not come with the lens hood. I purchased a Canon OEM hood online for $25 USD.
So far, this lens is on my EOS 5D more than the EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. That would speak volumes for the 50mm.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
My Favorite Portrait Lens, Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is without a doubt the lens I grab first when heading out to a portrait shoot.
This lens has been reviewed accurately a few thousand times online so I won't give the lengthy version. But the highlights:
This lens is extremely sharp for portraits but gives an incredible background blur for a fabulous professional look.
Many people compare it to the f/1.8 at under $100 and wonder why you would spend over 3 times as much for this one but the reason is simple. This lens is built like a tank. The f/1.8 takes very good pictures and if $350 isn't in your budget, it's a good alternative. But if you can afford the price difference, go for the f/1.4. It performs beautifully, even in very low light, and will last forever.
I use this lens on a 20D and a 40D body to take professional portraits, and I love the results. You won't regret adding this lens to your collection.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Fast lens!, Thursday, 07 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Canon's 50mm f1.4 is a great lens for the price. I'd recommend stopping down to about f1.8 or 2.0 to gain sharpness, but that still allows for fast shutter speeds even in low light. It can be a little hard to focus at its widest apertures, but that is to be expected with any lens with such a shallow depth of field. There aren't many surprises with this lens. The simplicity of a prime lens is nice, and I tend to keep this on my camera for much of the photojournalistic work I do.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Celestial Lens, Wednesday, 06 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
The first time I used this lens was on a wedding shoot. I read some in-the-mouth advice somewhere that said every photographer needs a 50mm prime lens to be happy. So I thought to myself "I'm every photographer!" And plopped down the $300+ for this.
I was beginning to regret the decision until I used this puppy.
Pictures so crisp and clear and beautiful came out of my camera that day. Pictures that need no sharpening, no photoshopping, no curves adjustments or contrast adjustments. Just honest to goodness dead sexy clar pictures.
I was so happy with the pictures that I composed a poem about this lens on the spot! It goes:
Oh I think that I shall never see a lens so ripe with clarity Then the 50mm which sits abreast Upon my camera's lovely chest.
I now don't mind 'walking around' more, or ditching a zoom lens. This lens is Empyrean.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
The one prime you should have, Friday, 01 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Why get a prime (fixed-focus) lens? Because they usually beat variable-focus ('zoom') lenses in performance and image quality. And if there is one prime lens you should have, it should be a 50mm one. This is because the image you get is pretty much the same as the eye sees it, making taking pictures very intuitive. The images you can snap with these lenses are just great.
Yet, even with prime lenses there are huge differences even at the same focal length. Canon currently has three different lenses at this length: the f/1.8, f/1.4 (the one I'm reviewing here), and f/1.2L. They have vastly different prices, and the question is if the difference shows. The f1.8 lens is a very affordable (it costs less than a high-end circular pol filter), very good fixed-focus starter lens, and is already very sharp. So, is the f/1.4 at almost quadruple the price worth it?
This rather depends on what you intend to do with it. Generally, image quality of the f/1.4 is better than the f1.8, and the bokeh (background blur) is much, much better (although this seems a trivial point at first, try it at low light, and you'll easily see the difference). For me, however, the most important advantage it has over it's more affordable sibling is the much improved low-light capabilities, and the incredible sharpness this lens exhibits at f/1.6 (and even stunningly at f/1.8 and above). You'll wonder how you ever got by without it. For example, at f/2.8 it really puts to shame my (much more expensive) 17-55 f/2.8 lens (at 50 mm), which is renown for it's image quality.
As a lens, I enjoy its small size and light weight. It feels nice and much sturdier than the f/1.8. I don't know if the f/1.2 is worth the additional price, as I never felt it necessary to try it out -- there just may be a reason why this lens is one of the most favorite for professional photographers (which I am decidedly not - I am still an amateur). The capabilities of this lens lie past my current capabilities, and I happily await the time when I graduate to the L. Until then, this lens hits the sweep spot between starter and professional. There is no better prime lens, and if you have started with primes, make this your next one.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
light, sharp wonderful all around lens, Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I first bought the 50 f1.8 lens and it is a pretty decent one but then I tried a friend's 50 1.4 and sold my old one to buy this. It is a huge improvement over the 1.8 in that the AF is quick and accurate. I had problems with the AF on the other lens; it frequently hunted in low light. With the Canon 50 f1.4 you can take great photos in rooms with very little light; I have taken everything from pet photos to portraits of children and outdoor scenes with this wonderful lens. Because it is small, it's easy to have in the camera bag at all times. A real bargain in the Canon line-up. I also own the 3L, 135L, 24-105L, etc and use this one frequently. Buy it.
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Perfect Lens, Sunday, 27 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
The lens is a light vacuum, it has a sturdy metal build, more aperture blades, is incredibly fast, very quiet, and smooth. The bokeh is like butter.
I recommend it over the cheaper f1.8 if you are serious about the details in your pictures. Tiny depth of field - with f1.4 I can focus on someones nose and their cheeks are out of focus. Worth every penny.
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Excellent lens, Thursday, 24 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Excellent lens. In my Canon 5D I use it as a standard lens and in my 30D I use it as a short telephoto lens, perfect to take pictures of my baby. Don't forget to get the lens hood. Not only protects the lens but improves contrast and color saturation.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Buy the best tool for the job that you can, Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
After researching this lense, I quickly decided to acquire it.
I must say I have a regret..........
That I did not grab it a LONG time ago!!
I've had the 50 for a couple months now,and it has not parted ways from my cam body at all..and after a rather large event this past weekend, where I was shooting
