A possible Canon mirror-less ILC concept by D. Riesenberg

Credits: David Riesenberg

For the time being Canon is the only major brand that still did not jump on the mirrorless bandwagon (at least not for a ILC – Interchangeable Lens Camera). The closest thing to a mirrorless camera that Canon made is the G1 X. Even Nikon did its thing with the Nikon V1. While we are all eagerly waiting for Canon to announce a true mirrorless system camera (and I am almost sure we will see something in September at Photokina 2012), David Riesenberg, a designer, has come up with an interesting mock-up made using CAD-software. D. Riesenberg called its concept AE-D, clearly having in mind Canon’s AE cams of the seventies. In his own words:

Like many others, I too have been waiting for quite a while for Canon to release its mirrorless system. There are speculations and indications that they may very well do so this year, but I personally grew a bit restless. Because of this, I decided to put to paper, or rather to CAD and rendering software, my vision of such camera. After about a month of learning, debating, modeling and rendering, the Canon AE-D came to life.

As you can see in the following pictures, the concept has a old-fashioned looking design that is somewhat resembling the Olympus E-M5 (it seems that retro-style aesthetics paired with up to date technology is the big thing for a lot of people).

Credits: David Riesenberg

David Riesenberg’s thoughts on his concept:

The design is inspired by the classic AE and AE-P which are two of my favorite Canon cameras ever. Simple, iconic, timeless. I couldn’t think of a better basis for a modern mirrorless system.
Some of the main features and the reasoning behind them are:
Full Frame – Might as well be the pinnacle of 35mm. Especially if a new lens mount is required. Future proof.
18.1MP sensor from the 1DX – This camera will not rob sales from the 1DX on form factor alone so it makes sense to use an existing sensor instead of a new one. Plus, it will make an excellent pair to someone with an 1DX.

The next picture shows the same concept without the viewfinder.

Credits: David Riesenberg

D. Riesenberg about the EVF:

Viewfinder – Design wise, I knew from the start that I wanted to incorporate the prism hump of the AE cameras. It is a prominent feature that without it, the context of the design gets somewhat lost. At the same time, it is obviously not a technical requirement in mirrorless cameras so making it detachable while housing the EVF felt like the the optimal combination of form and function. After all, if this is a camera for photographers, a viewfinder, even if electronic, is a must.

There are some considerations to make. Besides competing with the Nikon V1, a Canon mirrorless camera sporting a full-frame sensor would compete with the Leica M9 (which, besides being a $7000 toy, for the time being is the smallest mirrorless full-frame system camera you can get). The other big competitor would be the Fujifilm X Pro1, especially because the interesting price tag and its well known IQ (using an APS-C sensor).

Credits: David Riesenberg

Read the original article clicking here.

We can only hope that Canon got the message :-). In the meantime you can have a look at the G1 X, the closest thing resembling a ILC (Interchangeable Lens Camera) Canon has made so far. Or you can have a look to the latest images shot with a G1 X that have been uploaded to Flickr (click here). Canon G1 X price check B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA.

Check the following boxes (our eBay live-ticker) for possible deals regarding the cameras mentioned in this post.

Canon G1 X:

Leica M9:

Olympus E-M5:

Nikon V1:

Fujifilm X-Pro 1:

[shariff]

New pre-order option for Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 ZE

Just want to let you know that you can pre-order the new Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 super wide angle lens at B&H (click here). Expected availability: April 2012.

Product Highlights

  • Ultra Wide-Angle Lens for Canon EF Mount
  • Excellent Zeiss Optical/Build Quality
  • Superb Chromatic Aberration Correction
  • Unparalleled Prevention of Color Fringes
  • Two Aspheric Lenses Improve Quality
  • Anti-Reflective Coating Cuts Stray Light
  • Integrated Lens Shade Protects Lens
  • Wide Field Angle of 110 Degrees
  • Focuses to Closer Than 10″
  • Manual Focus

The Zeiss Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 ZE Lens for Canon EF Mount is a precision ultra wide-angle lens built with a Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflection coating that yields images with depth, contrast, and brilliance even under difficult lighting situations. It also delivers photos with contrasting edges, without color fringing. This manual focus ultra wide-angle provides the photographer with a tool that enables dramatic perspectives and creative possibilities. It’s useful for landscape photography, interiors and other subjects that require its unique spatial organization. It focuses to 9.84″ (24.99 cm).

The 15mm f/2.8 features electronic shutter control and additional electronic contacts to the camera. All existing exposure programs (P, AV, TV, M) and the AF confirmation function of the camera are supported; lens information (focal length and speed) is passed on to the camera. Certain functions that require the use of AF lenses (various scene modes, A-DEP) are partially unavailable. The Distagon T* 15mm f/2.8 comes with an EF bayonet (ZE) mount for Canon film and digital full-frame SLRs. It has a M95 x 1.0 size filter thread and a built-in lens shade.

    Extraordinary chromatic aberration correction
    Prevention of color fringes caused by chromatic aberration almost without exception.
    Two aspheric lenses, special types of glass with exceptional partial dispersion and the floating elements design, guarantee high image quality from close-up to infinity.
    Anti-reflective coating and the advanced treatment of the lens edges with special dark black lacquers ensure insensitivity to reflections and stray light.
    Whether salt crystals or drops of water-its integrated lens shade and standard filter thread afford the front lens optimal protection from wind and weath

#EOS5DMarkIII news round-up

The 5D Mark III is getting in stock in more shops each day. The latest addition I have:

  • USA & world-wide
    • 5D Mark III with EF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens for $4,299.00 at J&R (click here)
    • 5D Mark III with EF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens for $4,299.00 at Adorama (click here)
    • 5D Mark III body for $3,499 at Abe’s of Maine (click here)
    • 5D Mark III with EF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens for $4,299.00 at Abe’s of Maine (click here)
  • UK:
    • 5D Mark III body for £2999.00 at WEX Photographic (click here)
    • 5D Mark III with EF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens for £3689.00 at WEX Photographic (click here)
    • 5D Mark III with EF 24-70mm f2.8 II Lens for £5298.00 at WEX Photographic (click here)
    • For all 5D Mark III accessories at WEX click here

World-wide price check for the EOS 5D Mark III:

America: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA
Europe & UK: Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon IT, Canon IT, WEX Photographic, Canon FR, Canon UK, Canon DE

 

Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/15 officially announced & first review

So now it is official. The much awaited Distagon T* 2,8/15 super wide angle lens has been officially announced by Zeiss (product flyer here). Adorama is the first shop I found that is accepting pre-orders (click here). Technical specifications:

Focal length 15 mm
Aperture range f/2.8 – f/22
Focusing range 0.25 m – infinity
Number of elements/groups 15/12
Angular field, diag./horiz./vert. 110° / 100° / 76°
Coverage at close range 340 x 221 mm
Filter thread M95 x 1.0
Dimensions (with caps) ø 103 mm, length 132-135 mm
Weight 730g-820g
Camera mounts F Mount (ZF.2)
EF Mount (ZE)

In Zeiss’ own words:

Infinitely Wide

Infinitely wide horizons, cramped interiors or small objects in large surroundings – with the Distagon T* 2.8/15, all photographers can deliberately orchestrate extreme perspectives. With a field angle of 110°, the super  wide angle is the ideal companion when it comes to capturing events in a way that makes them dynamic and extraordinary. Whether salt crystals or drops of water – its integrated lens shade and standard filter thread afford the front lens optimal protection from wind and weather.

The technically impressive features of the Distagon T* 2,8/15 include extraordinary chromatic aberration correction and the prevention of color fringes caused by chromatic aberration almost without exception. Two aspheric lenses, special types of glass with exceptional partial dispersion and the floating elements design, guarantee high image quality from close-up to infinity. The Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and the advanced treatment of the lens edges with special dark black lacquers ensure insensitivity to reflections and stray light.

And there is already a first review of a production model by our friend Chris Gampat over at thephoblographer.

It’s a huge and massive lens (820g), with a solid lens hood made of metal (as well as the lens cap). Chris is enthusiastic about features and perfomance. Distortion is well controlled and color rendition is exceptionally good. Chris’ conclusion:

At the time of my writing this conclusion, I have spent quite a while with the lens. I’ve had a ton of fun with it. With that said though, I’m going to fire off a couple of quick remarks. First off, I would personally never shoot this wide. This lens is meant for architecture, landscapes, events and scenic shooting. If you’re out there making money from your landscapes and architecture, then I want to tell you to go search around the internet for pre-orders (ships in May), get your credit card in hand, and purchase this lens for $2,948.00. The build quality and image quality is spectacular. The fact that Zeiss was able to create such a lens with little vignetting, distortion, and yet maintain such remarkable sharpness is very praise-worthy in my eyes and on my calibrated screen.

Like most Zeiss lenses, the color rendition is best when shot wide open. Thankfully the lens also has an AF confirmation chip; which makes it a true beaut.

My only major complaint is there this lens lacks the bucketloads of micro-contrast that the other Zeiss lenses have that therefore make the subject in focus pop out of the image with a nearly 3D-like effect.

Otherwise, it is a very large lens; but it has to be due to the design.

In the end, I can only give this lens my highest recommendations to landscape and architecture photographers.

But for me: who shoots portraits and events; the company has other options that are more attractive.

They made also a sample video using the Distagon T* 2,8/15:

The review is truly worth to be read, and comes with lots of sample pics and a set of samples that cover the aperture range of the lens.

Finally, Zeiss’ press release:

 

Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography. 

Thanks to the extreme angle of view of the lens, the fore- and background can be creatively emphasized in landscape and architecture photography. These applications will also benefit from the large depth-of-field, which provides a wide range of image sharpness from close-up up to infinity. With a close focus of 0.25m (10”) – combined with a wide angle view – photographers can work in tight spaces, while also allowing focus on close-up details. Distortion is extremely well controlled, producing naturally proportioned photographs which are not typical of many other super wide angle lenses. “With the Distagon T* 2,8/15, Carl Zeiss sets the standard in super wide angle photography,” says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Program Manager in the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. “Even at full aperture it achieves outstanding detail rendition and opens up room for extremely imaginative design.”

The Distagon T* 2,8/15 incorporates two aspheric lenses and special types of glass material with abnormal partial dispersion to provide an extraordinary correction of chromatic aberration. A floating elements design guarantees high image quality from close-focus through infinity. Like the other SLR lenses in the ZE and ZF.2 series, stray light and reflections are well controlled by the Carl Zeiss T* anti-reflective coating and the sophisticated treatment of the lens element edges with special light absorbing paint. 

The robust all-metal barrel of the Distagon T* 2,8/15 is designed for decades of reliable service. A long focus rotation and buttery-smooth action is perfect for photographers who want to take control of their picture making, as well as for filmmakers looking for superior focus control. A nine blade aperture provides a nearly circular opening, producing natural looking out of focus details.

The lens shade is integrated into the design and helps to protect the lens surface from unintentional damage. The 95mm filter thread accepts all standard filters, including the recently released Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filters. 

The lens will begin shipping in May 2012 at a recommended retail price of €2,148 or US$2,948 (excluding VAT)*.