Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2.0 4.5X Super Macro Lens for FF DSLRs released

Mitakon 20mm

Chinese manufacturer ZY Optics announced the general availability of the Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2.0 4.5X Super Macro Lens. The new Mitakon 20mm will come for Canon mounts (and other types too). Retail price is $199. Sample images can be viewed at ZY Optics’ site.

You can buy ZY Optics Mitakon lenses in the US: B&H Photo | Adorama

Press release:

Shenyang China, Dec 19, 2016 – Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released a new compact Super Macro Lens for full frame cameras, the Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lens and it features a high reproduction ratio up to 4.5:1.

Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro Lens is very compact in its class which allows photographers to capture extremely fine details or patterns with ease. The lens is capable of creating unbelievable macro images ranging from 4x to 4.5x magnification. Users no longer need to DIY or use any extension tubes to reach high magnification shooting. It incorporates a 6pcs of elements in 4 groups structure which delivers impressive resolution from corners to corners. Weighing merely 0.5 lbs (230g) and 6cm long, it is a perfect companion for wildlife and outdoor shooting. The wide angle of view and close focusing distance allows you to compose creative images with more information included into the frame. Greater magnification (up to 13:1) can also be achieved by stacking extension tubes or bellows. The high magnification is also extremely useful for scientific purposes.

The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability. Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony FE, Sony Alpha, Pentax K, Sony E, Micro Four Thirds, Fuji X mounts are available.

Pricing & Availability

Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2 4.5X Super Macro Lens is now available to ship and purchase at ZY Optics authorized resellers and at our official website (http://www.zyoptics.net/). The Recommended Retail price is USD 199.

[via TDP]

Today only: Save Big on Datacolor Spyder5EXPRESS display calibration tool – $79.99 (reg. 129.99, B&H)

Spyder5
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Datacolor Spyder5EXPRESS at a glance:

  • Calibrate Laptops, Desktop Monitors
  • Includes Color Probe
  • Fixed Calibration Choice
  • Before and After Evaluation
  • Comes in a Reusable Box / Case

B&H Photo put this excellent deal online again, but only for today in B&H’s DealZone section. Get the Datacolor Spyder5EXPRESS Display Calibration System for just $79.99. Compare at $129.99. Free shipping, today only!

There are discounts also on the more advanced version of the Spyder5:

I own the Spyder5PRO and are perfectly happy with it.

No Canon EOS 6D Mark II because a full-frame mirrorless camera is coming instead? [CW3]

Canon FF mirrorless camera mock-up by David Riesenberg
Canon FF mirrorless camera mock-up by David Riesenberg

Weird rumor I got (thanks). It’s suggested there will be no Canon EOS 6D Mark II because Canon will launch a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor instead.

As weird as this rumor might appear, it’s not entirely impossible. The EOS 6D was (and still is) Canon’s entry-level DSLR to the world of full-frame cameras. Since it seems Canon started to take mirrorless seriously with the EOS M5, why should they not work on a full-featured mirrorless full-frame camera?

Moreover, rumor has it that this full-frame mirrorless camera might come with an EF mount, which would mean all Canon EF lenses can be used without adapter. If the rumor about the EF mount is reliable, it might not be worth for Canon to sell an entry-level full-frame DSLR along with a full-featured full-frame mirrorless camera.

I am pretty sure there are prototypes of a Canon full-frame mirrorless camera undergoing first tests, not necessarily on the field, more likely in a lab setting. We also know that Canon filed various patents referring to lenses for a full-frame mirrorless camera (1 | 2). On the other hand, we also spotted a patent for an EF/EF-S adapter for a full-frame mirrorless camera. That Canon is working on such a camera is almost a sure thing, we got the rumor and reported it as first site in December 2014.

So far, anything about the EOS 6D Mark II is uncertain, the few specs we got look more like speculations than real leaks, and could also well apply to a mirrorless full-frame camera (especially the suggestion about Dual Pixel AF). The possible announcement date of the EOS 6D Mark II changed almost a half dozen times, it’s now pointing to summer 2017. Put straight: no one knows a thing for sure about the EOS 6D Mark II so far.

What do you think, might Canon replace the EOS 6D with a mirrorless camera? Let’s me know what you think in the poll and the comment section.

Will Canon produce a mirrorless full-frame camera instead of the EOS 6D Mark II?

  • Canon will make both the EOS 6D Mark II and a mirrorless full-frame cam (50%, 1,163 Votes)
  • Yes, a mirrorless full-frame camera will replace the EOS 6D (28%, 644 Votes)
  • No, there will be only an EOS 6D Mark II (22%, 496 Votes)

Total Voters: 2,303

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Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II bundle deal, PIXMA PRO-100, filters, cleaning kit & 50 sheet photo paper – $1,649 (reg. $2,199)

EF 100-400mm
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At a glance:

  • One fluorite and one super UD lens element provides excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range, helping to deliver high-quality images with high resolution and contrast.
  • Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding.
  • Inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing.
  • Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to four shutter speed steps of correction.
  • Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) provide outstanding results for a wide range of shooting situations.
  • Improved zoom torque adjustment ring allows easy setting of zoom tension.
  • New Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting.
  • Highly resistant to dust and water, and amazing durability enabling shooting even in harsh conditions.
  • Circular aperture (9 blades) helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds.
  • Fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces helps reduce smears and fingerprints
  • Lens hood with side window permits specialty filters to be adjusted with hood in place.
  • Newly designed tripod mount can be attached or detached without removing the lens from the camera
  • Minimum focusing distance of 3.2 ft./0.98 m with 0.31x maximum magnification

Another hot bundle deal by authorised Canon retailer Adorama. You can get the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II as bundle deal with accessories. The bundle includes:

  • Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II
  • Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Inkjet Printer
  • Pro Optic 77mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit
  • Pro Optic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
  • Canon SG-201 Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss, 13×19″, 50 Sheets

The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II bundle is on sale at $1,649 after $300 instant rebate and $250 mail-in rebate (for printer and photo paper, instructions). Expires Sunday, 12/18. Free shipping. It’s a very good deal if you are comfortable with mail-in rebates. Regular price for this bundle is $2,199.

Another notable bundle deal at Adorama. EOS-6D Digital SLR Body Bundle is on sale at $1,149 after $350 mail-in rebate (instructions), includes:

  • Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera Body
  • Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Inkjet Printer
  • Canon SG-201 Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss, 13×19″, 50 Sheets
  • Adorama Slinger Bag, Single Strap, Black

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Review

Sigma 85mm F1.4 DG HSM
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The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

At a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to 16
  • Two Low Dispersion Elements
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • TSC Material, Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

Photographer and reviewer Dustin Abbott concluded his exhaustive review of the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens. The new Sigma 85mm gets a lot of attention and talk, and Dustin Abbott’s real-world review highlights what makes this lens so interesting.

While not being without flaws, having a “fairly strong amount of chromatic aberration“, the overall impression of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM is very good. From the conclusion:

[…] the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART is pretty fabulous.  It is impressively sharp at all apertures, has the lowest vignette I’ve yet seen from an 85mm lens, and has fantastic light transmission.  The lens is beautifully built, has an exceptional nice manual focus ring, and focuses extremely quickly and quietly.  It is also the best focusing ART series lens that I’ve used, with much more consistent, reliable results (though focus accuracy drops when using outer focus points).  The bokeh is quite smooth, the transition and fall off from the lens is good, and images look great.  It is a great performer in the studio, and should be a serious consideration for portrait shooters.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM sells for $1,199, a more than fair price for the optical performance this lens delivers. Dustin’s review comes with many sample pics and discusses all aspects the lens.

A closer look to the bokeh quality of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II with PIXMA PRO-100, filter kit, cleaning kit and photo paper – $1,649

EF 70-200mm
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At a glance:

  • Outstanding optics: The lens is constructed of a combination of fluorite and ultra low dispersion lens elements, which reduce aberrations and result in high-contrast, sharp images.
  • 2 Image Stabilization modes: Mode 1 is a general mode for still photography, and Mode 2 smoothes up and down movements when panning with a moving subject.
  • Fast focus: USM ultrasonic autofocus motor is fast, smooth and quiet; manual focus override is available even in AF mode.
  • Focus range limiter: You can set the range of focus distances, to either 3.9′ to infinity or 8.2′ to infinity; both shorten focus times. These are great tools especially for sports photography.
  • Great bokeh: The curved aperture blades create a perfectly round aperture at all settings, promoting pleasing out-of-focus areas and round specular highlights.
  • Rugged build: The lens is sealed against dust and moisture.

Authorised Canon retailer Adorama has a very good bundle deal with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. The bundle includes:

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens, USA
  • Canon PIXMA PRO-100 Professional Photo Inkjet Printer
  • Pro Optic 77mm Digital Essentials Filter Kit
  • Pro Optic Complete Optics Care and Cleaning Kit
  • Canon SG-201 Photo Paper Plus Semi-Gloss, 13×19″, 50 Sheets

The bundle is on sale at $1,649 after $250 instant rebate and $250 mail-in rebate (instructions). Free shipping. Will not last long. Compare to regular $2,099 for this kit.