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…
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…
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 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…
High Magnification Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens, with a 10x zoom ratio from 50mm to 500mm, optimized for digital SLR cameras.
This high zoom ratio lens is optimized for digital SLR cameras and capable of covering a wide range of focal lengths from 50mm standard to 500mm ultra telephoto.
- - - - -
This ultra-zoom lens employs a seven-group zoom system, which provides a high zoom magnification of 10x. Triple-cam Rear focusing System ensures high precision throughout the whole focus range. The new lens Coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem of digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour balance.
It is possible to reach 1000mm Focal length by using the Sigma 2X APO Tele Converter
By attaching the 2X APO EX Tele-Converter, this lens can be used as a 200-1000mm/F10.4-12.6 manual focus zoom lens, while maintaining a very compact size for 1000mm focal length. It is also possible to use AE (Automatic Exposure) function, when EX Tele-converters are attached.
The APO lens corrects chromatic aberrations
An apochromatic lens, which keeps color Aberration to a minimum, using Special Low Dispersion (SLD) or Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass is called an APO series lens at Sigma.
This lens uses four pieces of SLD (the special low dispersion) glass for excellent correction of Chromatic aberration. High optic performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range.
HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor)
The HSM models (the HSM is only available for AF Canon, Nikon and Sigma Mounts) provide quiet high-speed AF function, as well as full time manual focus capability.
Easy Operation and Handling
This lens also features a Zoom Lock device to eliminate "Zoom Creep" when the lens is tilted down. When the lens is set to the 50mm focal length, it is remarkably compact and provides easy handling. The tripod mount is composed of magnesium, to minimize total weight and also it is easy to grip and carry the lens due to ergonomic design of the tripod mount.
Non-rotating front lens elements, due to rear focus mechanism make possible the use of a custom bayonet "Petal-type Hood", which prevents extraneous light from degrading the image quality. This mechanism also allows the use of circular polarizing filters, since the front barrel does not rotate during focusing or zooming.
Optically this is a very good lens, with astonishing range. It's size and weight do limit its everyday practicality, though. This lens has a very large range and there for is never going to be a stuning lens at any length, but it what it does well it give you the ability to put one lens on knowing this will cover all you needs if you were out taking wildlife or sport shots. This is not a light lens a 2kg so make sure you have a sterdy lens strap or a mono/tripod handy.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I have borrowed a friends Where did you buy this item?: N/A Price paid: 0 When did you buy this item?: N/A
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Sharp for zoom length. Cons: size and weight.
User Lens Reviews
Average user rating from: 11 user(s)
Overall rating (weighted)
3.9
Sharpness
3.6
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.9
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Love the Bigma, Friday, 01 August 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.3
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
This lens is about as versatile as they come with 50mm up close and 500mm to get you out there. It is not for the faint at heart. It is a full load to carry, but it takes great pictures. T-pod mounted this lens is tack sharp on detail.The HSM is fast and with no rotation on the front you can get those split second shots. While not prime glass it is all the bang for the buck.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
it is great, but it is heavy, Wednesday, 02 July 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
this lens is great for bringing in the long distant stuff. i wouldn't suggest that you go on a 2 mile hike with this lens because it is very heavy. to use it correctly you should have a beafy tripod, although i used it with my cheap aluminum tripod. it is also slow, which means you have to have decent light to get great pictures. don't expect to take this lens into deep forests and get good photos. but if you give it a good light, like at a football game, you will get great results. the only reason i am selling mine is that i want to hike with my camera and lens. i now have a canon 70-300mm lens it is not any better in the light department, but is considerably less heavy.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
I like it., Sunday, 15 June 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I don't see how people can take off points for its speed, I mean its not like its something exclusive to this lens. The speed isn't great but you should already know that just by looking the title. The only thing I can complain about is that the lock mechanism could have mean more useful if it worked at different lengths or something but just making it usable at 50mm when the front is so heavy that it will pull itself to 500mm otherwise seems a little pointless. This is currently my always on lens because of its extremely wide range and also at 50mm f/4 its a pretty normal and useful lens even without perfect lighting. I use it with my canon eos 30d since the It handles higher isos better than most to make up for the lighting issues but regardless if you want the zoom this is a sunny day lens. The good thing though is with its nice long build finding something to lean on when you don't have a monopod is much easier and since the weight is more on the lens than camera it meaning no Camera shake when leaning. My favorite aplication for it so far is photographing boats at sea on nicer days.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: Discount Photo Price paid: 800
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Huge range, Not to heeavy for its kind, Photoshop can take care of all its shortcomings. Cons: Lock mechanism is almost useless.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Why to get a BIGMA, Monday, 21 April 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
If you are looking at a BIGMA, you are most likely price-conscience. Nothing wrong with that because this lens gives a lot for a little price. In good light, it provides a great pictures. Great ability to change to varying degrees of distance from the subject, making it very versatile. But without IS and good light, it lacks a Bit. I love to shoot youth football, and day games are great, but night games are impossible. So if you want to shoot at night, get a Canon IS lens. If you are going to shoot different distances, especially outdoor sports, this is a great lens.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
A good starter long lens., Thursday, 14 February 2008
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
I bought this lens in March 2006. Straight out of the box the lens was faulty, with a sticking HSM. Sigma repaired it and I started to learn how to hopefully get the best out of it. Many users say it's heavy. I don't, name me another high speed autofocus 500mm F6.3 lens that's much lighter? It's perfectly manageable, I carry it all day without any problems,and I'm a decrepit old so and so! I've managed many decent hand held shots with surprisingly low shutter speeds, but I'd always try and use my monopod if possible, where speeds as low as 1/80 sec @ 500mm can produce good sharp results.
It's very versatile, usable as a decent portrait to a good wildlife lens. I find the sweet spot for it is at F8.0, at least at the 500mm end. In fact if you knock it back a bit to around 450mm and @ F8.0, it's pretty much a match for most other alternatives, at least within £500 of it!
I've knocked a couple of points off the lens for build quality, as I had a second failure with it shortly after the 12 month warranty ran out. The zoom locked and the lock button fell off. Sigma were very good and repaired it FOC for me without me even asking for it, as I contacted them initially for an estimate only. I rate their service and customer support very highly.
Overall I rate this lens highly. I'm considering getting something better, but it's going to cost me a huge difference for a relatively small visible improvement.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: I own it Where did you buy this item?: Digital Rev Price paid: 560 When did you buy this item?: March 2006
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Yes Pros: Versatile Good Value Cons: Slow, build quality.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Great intermediate lens, Saturday, 15 December 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
3.8
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
This is the lens that is on my camera (Cannon Rebel XTI) the most. It is very versatile. I am still a beginner, but a serious one, and the range it has is very useful. I shoot a lot of wildlife and it is great. It is very heavy so you need a sturdy tripod, although, you can hand-hold this camera, even at the 500 range, in good light and get great shots. One big problem with the lens is it gets a lot of dust on the inside on the internal lens. I have to go get it cleaned every now and then. I am too nervous to take it apart myself. I have had this lens one year and love it very much. It has even taken a couple of spills and still works great.
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1 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Not bad ,For the price great!!!!!, Friday, 14 December 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
3.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
2.0
Value for Money
2.0
This lens needs a lot of light and I have not had an oppurtunity to shoot it with the ideal light. I want to give it a 4, but I need more time.. I dont think it will be a five... This is a big lens and I have not had much luck hand holding it.. You need a tripod or monopod for sure.. I found the images very soft, but I have seen more experiencef shooters get great photos with some help from photoshop... For the price you can't do much better... I found it useful at f8-f1l at an ISO of 400.. So there is some noise, which can be fixed in photoshop.. I will update this review once I get some light.. so take this with a grain of salt..
The bag it came with could have been a little longer so I dont have to take off the hood..
Keep in mind I am amateur... I am sure with time.. this will be my 3rd favorite lens in my bag...
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1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Not bad for the money., Thursday, 24 May 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
Actually, I'm pretty impressed with this lens, considering the price. It's REALLY heavy for me though, had to upgrade my tripod!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Good lens, just not 5 star, Thursday, 15 February 2007
Overall rating (weighted)
3.3
Sharpness
3.0
Build Quality
3.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
3.0
I have used this lens about three years now. I have a Canon 20D and a Canon 1D Mark II. I use a Bogen 3120 tripod with a Wimberly II head. I have handheld this monster lens quite often. Without image stability, you have to be in the shutter speed range 1/1000" (no slower). Combine this with high ISO and you are always on the verge of bad noise in your image. That is why I prefer a tripod and remote shutter release. Then you will have few problems. The autofocus is slow on both cameras. Though with the Wimberly II head, panning and following birds while continuously shooting usually results in a few good images. This lens cannot compare to the Canon 500/4 which to me is the 5-star winner, though at 5 times the price. But it is the old adage, good optics cost good money. No such thing as a good optical system that is inexpensive. But this Sigma lens is a good stop-gap until you can afford the best.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Worth it's weight in gold!, Wednesday, 08 November 2006
Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
This has been my primary lens for all of my aviation photography and has never let me down! I have photographs that I've taken as slow as 1/40 at the 500mm end without the use of any tripod/monopod with fantastic results! The lens obviously comes in at 8 pounds and in my opinion really helps with panning. The real reason for purshasing this lens is its incredible zoom range. At airshows I keep it in the 300-500mm end of the lens most of the time but there have been many times I had to quickly zoom to the 50mm end to frame that "perfect" shot to include an aircraft taxiing right in front of me along with the other aircraft still in the air. I also shoot at a local airport for my clients and not having to quickly change lenses/bodies continually makes this lens well worth its weight in gold!
the only issue I've had with this lens is when I'm shooting in windy conditions. That long lens acts like a sail and can really be a problem when shooting a slow/stationary object. Nearly every photograph on my website, fight2flyphoto.com, was taken with this incredible lens.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Great lens for a great price, Sunday, 30 April 2006
Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
The auto focus is super quiet and reasonably fast in most situations, although mounted on my D30 it does get confused in complex lighting. This is a BIG and HEAVY lens. I use the neck strap provided with the lens, as well as the strap on the camera at the same time. Although I'm probably overcautious, I don't trust the weight of the lens hanging from the camera without extra support. Mounted on a monopod, it is well balanced although following birds in flight presents a challenge. Optically, it's truly beautiful through all f stops. It looks like it will take any abuse I can reasonably give it, being solidly constructed and manufactured to very precise tolerances. I wanted a quality super telephoto and I got one at a great price.
