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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
The compact and affordable EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers powerful telephoto performance. Its 4-stop Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection effectively suppresses Blur in low light.
4-stop Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
UD element
Super Spectra coatings
Circular diaphram
The all-purpose telephoto zoom for EF-S mount EOS cameras.
Affordable, powerful telephoto zoom
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6
IS is a telephoto zoom lens combining powerful performance with high
image quality. With a focal length equivalent of 88-400mm in 35mm
format, it is ideal for photographers seeking an affordable, versatile
lens for general-purpose telephoto photography.
Image Stabilizer with automatic panning detection
To
combat the effects of Camera shake, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
incorporates Canon’s latest 4-stop compensation Image Stabilizer
technology. This allows the use of shutter speeds up to 4 times slower
with no perceptible increase in image blur. Automatic panning detection
automatically turns off the Image Stabilizer in either the horizontal
or vertical direction when following moving subjects.
UD lens element
The
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS employs a Canon UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens
element to suppress the effects of secondary chromatic aberrations -
for crisp, sharp, high-Contrast images without fringing throughout the
zoom range.
Super Spectra Coatings
Canon’s Super
Spectra coatings combat ghosting and flare by absorbing light that may
be reflected off digital camera sensors or internal lens elements.
Super Spectra coatings also help ensure accurate colour balance and
sharp, high-contrast results.
Circular aperture diaphragm
For
shots taken at large aperture, a circular aperture diaphragm creates
smooth, even bokeh (background blur) - ideal for emphasising subjects
shot against distracting backgrounds.
Lead-free glass
Only environmentally-friendly, lead-free glass is used in the construction of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS.
Accessories
The
EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is supplied with a lens cap and dust cap. A
lens hood (ET-60) and lens case (LP1019) are available as optional
accessories.
Development objectives
The EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS (Photo 3) is an EF-S series telephoto zoom
lens developed specifically for EOS Digital series cameras using the
APS-C size sensor.
The design incorporates image stabilization. The image stabilizer unit
features the same construction as the unit in the EF-S 18-55mm
f/3.5-5.6 IS. It is light, very compact and gives superb cost
performance. With just these two lenses, photographers have a focal
length range of 29-400mm (35mm-film format equivalent), covering
everything from wide angle to ultra telephoto.
The primary aims in the development of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS are highlighted below.
Feature 1 : Image stabilization in a lightweight, compact lens
We took a number of steps - the compact zoom optics, the
specially developed smaller image stabilizer unit, and the optimized
mechanical layout - to include an image stabilizer in this lens while
keeping it equivalent in size to the non-IS EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II
USM.
Feature 2 : Outstanding optical performance
A new optical design was used to fit image stabilization within the lens' compact optics.
The design takes full advantage of the small Image circle that is
characteristic of EF-S lenses in order to cut weight and bulk from the
optics and achieve a 4.5x zoom ratio while keeping the size nearly the
same as the EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM.
Sharp image quality at all focal lengths is attained by using a UD
lens element, which provides excellent Aberration correction (figures 5
and 6). The focal length range is equivalent to 88-400mm in 35mm-film
format.
Figure 5: Optical schematic of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Figure 6: MTF characteristics of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Feature 3 : Newly developed high-performance image stabilizer unit
Equipped with a tiny image stabilizer unit (Photo 4) with the same
construction as the unit on the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, this lens
boosts handheld camera steadiness by about four f-stops.*
The lens is also able to automatically distinguish between panning and
camera shake in normal shooting, and adjusts the IS mode accordingly.
This feature permits for optimal image-stabilization in both situations
and frees the user from concerns about mode selection. * Generally, the effective
limit for stable unaided handheld shooting is a shutter speed of about
1/[focal length x 1.6] seconds for APS-C sensor cameras.
Photo 4: Image stabilizer unit of the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS
Feature 4 : Optimal optics for digital SLRs
The lens configuration and coatings have been designed to minimize the
flare and ghosting due to surface reflections from the imaging sensor
that is found in digital SLRs. The configuration and coatings also
provide excellent Color balance.
Other features
• Fast autofocusing
A high-speed CPU and an optimized AF algorithm control the compact drive motor for fast autofocusing.
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.1 m
The minimum focusing distance is 1.1m at all focal lengths. The maximum magnification is 0.31 (at 250mm).
• Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh
The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that produces attractive bokeh (blurring effects).
• Redesigned switch shape prevents accidental mode changes
The focus mode switch has been reshaped to prevent the switch from being moved accidentally while shooting or transporting.
• Improved operability and high-grade exterior finish
This lens has been furnished with the same zoom-ring pattern and
Coating as our high-end models, giving a firmer grip and creating a
high-grade exterior finish.
• Environmentally friendly design
The lens optics use only environmentally friendly lead-free glass.
Furthermore, the lens design meets the environmental requirements of the European Union's RoHS Directive.
I bought this with a new XSi camera and it is a real asset to have the added capabilities of this lens and the one that came with the camera. The image stabilization is amazing.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
A must have, Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
The Canon Digital Rebel Canon EOS Silver Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 MP SLR Digital Camera with Canon 18-55mm EF-S Lens + 1GB Pro Accessory Kit I bought a couple of years ago came with a basic 18-55 mm lens that works OK but doesn't begin to do justice to the capabilities of this great camera. So if you get the camera, don't walk, run to your computer and order the EFS 55-250 mm lens. The lens has come down in price a lot since I bought the camera. The image stabilization technology is phenomenal. I've taken some spectacular twilight and indoor shots with the camera in no-flash mode without a tripod. The lens adds a lot of weight to the camera--about 7 oz. as compared to the standard lens (with telephoto camera weighs 2 lbs. 3 oz.) but it's well worth it. Highly recommended.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Awesome lens, Sunday, 17 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
This lens has not let me down one Bit. There are better lenses in terms of zoom obviously, but the fact that it is image stabilized makes it great. I have taken some great pics at sporting events without knowing much more than the basics.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Very nice complement to my SXi 18-55 kit lens, Tuesday, 12 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I love this lens, it has added some much needed flexibility to my 18-55mm kit lens that came with my camera. I IS on this camera is great I'm not use to hearing it work when I push the button, but it does work. For the price I paid the lens construction is very good, the lens is pretty heavy. Pictures are sharp and for the most part color accurate.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Who needs f2.8?, Saturday, 09 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
Great lens. Nice, small, light, and very sharp.
With IS and fantastic ISO 800/1600 performance from Canon dSLR cameras, I personally see no need to spend $1000 on a f2.8 lens. If I were a pro selling images or routinely making huge enlargements, sure. But for the price, the lens is excellent.
Many will complain that the lens housing is plastic. Get over it. Plastic is a fine material ;-)
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Nice lens, Saturday, 02 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
5.0
Nice lens. A little slow to focus in AF mode when you run the lens out to the focal length limit. Other than that, the performance is great.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Great value overall value, Thursday, 31 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is a lens designed by Canon out of necessity to fill a void in the moderately priced image stabilized zoom lens market. Covering the 55 - 250 mm range takes it to ~ 400 mm, about as long a lens as one can use effectively hand-held. Nikon covers a similar range but at materially greater pricing. The image quality is excellent. The lens is NOT bulky/heavy and travels easily.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
A Great Value Lens, Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
Really happy with this lens. It is small and light, inexpensive, and has given me some great photos. The image stabilizer has let me get some great shots in relatively low light for the f-stop capabilities of this lens. No complaints whatsoever - for the price and size/weight it cannot be beat!
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Excellent lens for the price, Monday, 28 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I never thought this lens would take great pictures especially for the price. Great lens with great sharpness. This lens would easily beat canon 70-300 lens. Good for wildlife, zoo and bird pictures. I would strongly recommend this lens if you dont want to spend over 1000 dollars.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Decent Price to Value Ratio, Sunday, 27 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
This is a decent lens for the money. Not nearly as fast or as smooth as the IS USM lenses, but it is significantly less expensive while producing nice, sharp images with adequate image stabilization under many different conditions. I'm using it on the D40.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Great Zoom Lens, Saturday, 26 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I've been very pleased with the images produced by this lens. Image stabilizer works well. A bit heavy.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Worth the money, Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I was originally debating between the 18-135mm and this lens. I chose this one because of the extra focal length, weight and price. I have the lens kit that comes with the XTI (18-55mm) and a 50mm lens and find that I use this lens most often, especially outdoors. The IS is definetly helpful in the 200-250 range, but I dont always notice a difference in the lower ranges. The price is great for someone like myself just starting out.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Worth the Money!, Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I was very happy with the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS. I have the Canon 75-300mm that came with the kit. But my pictures weren't crystal clear. I wanted an affordable lens that wasn't going to break the bank. This is definitely the lens for you if you are looking for a reasonable price IS lens. I will definitely recommend this to others.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
very nice long-range affordable telephoto, Sunday, 20 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I mainly use prime lenses but my longest lens maxes out at 85mm. So when I saw this lens 250mm (similar to 400mm on full-frame) with a reasonable price, I grabbed it.
The colors are rendered well, the IS works like a charm.
Note - this is an EF-S lens so you won't be able to use it on a full-sensor camera body later - only on the cropped-sensor cameras like the Rebel XTi.
My reason for not giving it 5 stars is that it occasionally gets confused while focusing. (I use spot-focus mostly - perhaps that has something to do with it.) If it happens, I zoom back to 55mm, focus, and then re-zoom, focus and it's all set.
While I haven't had it for long yet, I was able to get some very nice photos with this lens - one close-up shot all the way down a church aisle of someone performing at the other end in front of the church at night, close-up shots of bees in flight, dragonflies, etc.
The front element rotates but I would never think of using a polarizer on a zoom lens like this since you've already lost a lot of light.
Am I happy I bought it? Absolutely.
Was this review helpful to you?
Report this review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Canon EF-s 55-250 Zoom, Sunday, 13 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Outstanding Lens. This is my third lens for my Canon Digital Rebel XTi. Would highly recommend over the 70-300 non image stabilized canon lens. The Image stabilizer makes all the difference in photo quality when zoomed in on far away objects. I cannot say enough about this lens. I used it at the zoo, and never switched it out with any other lens. You can use it for pretty close up, but also very far away objects. Never felt like I couldn't get close enough to the what I was taking a picture of. Very reliable and fast focusing as well. Great at sporting events.