Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM Review (ephotozine)

This is pretty interesting zoom lens. Though it is not part of Sigma’s newer, high level line-up, the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM for full-frame APS-C DSLRs (75-225mm on APS-C) has a constant f/2.8 aperture over the zoom range and optical stabilization, and comes at a price that will not put a hole in your pocket (less than $1000). The Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS is comparable to Canon’s similar specced EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II. The Canon, though, has a higher price tag (around $2499). ephotozine reviewed the Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 and gave the lens a rating of 4/5.

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Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Review (ephotozine)

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 55-250mm 1:4-5.6
Lens Construction 15 elements in 12 groups
Diagonal Angle of View 27°50′ – 6°15′
Focus Adjustment Rear focus system
Closest Focusing Distance 2.79 ft. / 0.85m
Filter Size 58mm diameter
Dimensions (WxHxD) 2.8 x 4.4 x 2.8″ (71 x 112 x 71mm)
Weight 13.23 oz (375g)

ephotozine reviewed the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM. The lens is made of high quality plastics (the lens mount is also made of plastic, but do not let this fool you). Some excerpts from the review:

  • Autofocus is silent, swift and precise (but no manual override)
  • […] sharp hand-held images are possible around half the time at an impressive 1/25sec (four stops slower than the usual rule of thumb)
  • At maximum aperture and 55mm sharpness is already outstanding in the centre of the frame
  • […] zoomed to 135mm, sharpness at maximum aperture remains very high in the centre of the frame and good sharpness towards the edges
  • Peak sharpness across the frame at f/8
  • Distortion is well controlled

From the conclusion:

As this lens is intended as a budget option, it is quite surprising to see just how well it performs. Sharpness is outstanding in the centre of the frame for much of the zoom range, which is how you might expect much more expensive lenses to perform.

However, as this predecessor of this lens is still available, and as the STM focusing motor isn’t quite a revelation in terms of performance or usability, one may do well to look at snapping up the older version for now, while the price gap is so large.

The lens got a rating of 5 stars with the motivation: “The Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS STM lens delivers outstanding sharpness in the centre delivering better than expected performance at this price“. If you do not need the stepping motor (STM, good for videography) you may prefer the predecessor, the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II which comes at a lower price: $267 vs the $335 of the newer version.

The review comes with charts and sample pics (original size), have a look if you are interested in this lens.

[via ephotozine]

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Review (The Phoblographer)

Among the many high quality lenses released by Sigma lately, there is also the new Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM. This lens, thought for full-frame sensors, directly competes with Canon’s own EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, a well-known, reliable workhorse. The Sigma 24-105mm f/4 is the lens DxOMark said is the new reference standard for professionals.

The Phoblographer got their hands on the Sigma and reviewed it. About the build quality: “the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 is extremely well-built. It almost feels like a Zeiss lens“. Autofocus is “extremely quick throughout the entire range of the lens” and image stabilization “on this lens work wonders“. Not to forget that “the image quality of this lens is fantastic” and that the lens is absolutely sharp. In the conclusion the reviewer writes:

If I could only have one lens with me, this would be it. This lens.The Sigma 24-105mm f4. I emerged from testing this lens thinking this just may be the most well-rounded, practical lens I have ever used. It’s not about glitz or glamour. The Sigma 24-105mm f4 is about getting the shot.  This lens is really good. It is civilized and can be put to work everywhere. Sigma put a lot of thought into this lens and it’s appreciated.

The review comes with sample images.

Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM
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Sigma 24-105mm f/4

Canon Powershot N100 Hands-On (engadget)

Canon Powershot N100
B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Announced yesterday, Canon’s new concept camera, the dual camera enabled Powershot N100 got its first hands-on review by engadget (with a 2min hands-on video). The N100 in some way follows the Powershot N. The N100 has a tiltable display, WiFi and NFC, and a rear facing camera (dual capture) to get a unique perspective on your life (and your life as photographer). The back camera is named “Story Camera” by Canon: “with the innovative and new Dual Capture mode, users can simultaneously capture special moments using the Main Camera, while the Story Camera, a rear facing sub-camera, will embed a picture of them onto the main image“.

The N100’s specifications (from Adorama’s product page):

  • Dual Capture uses a rear-facing secondary camera to capture your expression while shooting and then creates a picture-in-picture effect.
  • Story Highlights automatically selects and compiles images into an exciting highlight reel within the camera without the use of software.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless transferring of images and video to compatible mobile devices, select social networking sites and your Wi-Fi enabled computer, and lets you remotely shoot using your smartphone or tablet.
  • For easier Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) allows quick and simple pairing to a compatible Android device.
  • The convenient Mobile Device Connect Button allows you to connect to your compatible Android or iOS device for quick and easy sharing.
  • 5x Optical Zoom, bright f/1.8 and 24mm Wide-Angle lens with Optical Image Stabilizer for excellent image quality.
  • 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 6 Image Processor creates the Canon HS SYSTEM, which helps provide excellent low-light performance.
  • Creative Shot mode uses composition, color and lighting from your original image to create unique images with an artistic flair.
  • Hybrid Auto records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel.
  • 3.0-inch tilt, capacitive touch panel LCD helps provide flexibility.
  • Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video with a dedicated movie button.

Complete specifications and feature list after the break.

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