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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CES 2014: Sigma Announces Redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM “Contemporary” Lens

Sigma announced a redesigned 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 OS HSM lens, part of the “Contemporary” line-up. Price and availability to be announced. Press release was made together with the announcement of the new 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM “Art” lens.

Lens Construction 16 Elements in 13 Groups
Angle of View 76.5º-8.1º
Number of Diaphragm Blades 7 (rounded diaphragm)
Mininum Aperture f22
Minimum Focusing Distance 39 cm / 15.4 in
Filter Size (mm) 62mm
Maximum Magnifications 1:3
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length)
70.7mm x 86mm/2.8in. x 3.4in.
Weight 430g / 15.2oz.

Sigma’s product description:

The Sigma 18-200mm 3.5-6.3 DC HSM OS lens is the second addition to the Contemporary line from Sigma’s Global Vision. The Sigma 18-200mm lens was designed for APS-C sensors and features a new matte black finish, thermally stable composite material in its construction and smaller and lighter design then previous models. With exceptional performance, this 18-200mm camera lens does not sacrifice image quality for versatility. Having the ability to shoot from wide angle to telephoto is highly useful particularly for travel photography, landscape photography, street photography, portrait photography and nature photography. An improved minimum focusing distance of 14.7 inches paired with the use of Special Low Dispersion glass, the 18-200mm excels at bringing out great detail in close-up photography as well. A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, accurate and fast autofocus and an optical Stabilizer (OS) helps compensate for camera shake. Make this lens your all-in-one lens to handle any shooting scenario.

CES 2014: Sigma Announces New 50mm F1.4 DG HSM “Art” Lens

Sigma announced a new lens, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM. This is a completely new designed lens and not really a replacement for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM. Price and availability to be announced.

  • Completely redesigned and reengineered
  • Exceptional Image Quality
  • Incredible focal point sharpness when wide open
  • Pairs well with Pro-Level DSLR’s
  • MTF A1-tested
  • Front & rear lens caps and lens hood (LH830-02) is included

sig3

Lens Construction 13 Elements in 8 Groups
Angle of View 46.8º
Number of Diaphragm Blades 9
Mininum Aperture f16
Minimum Focusing Distance 40 cm / 15.7 in
Filter Size (mm) 77mm
Maximum Magnifications 1: 5.6
Dimensions
(Diameter x Length)
85.4 x 99.9 mm/ 3.4 x 3.9 in
Weight 470g / 16.6oz.

Sigma’s product description:

The staple Sigma 50mm 1.4 DG HSM has been redesigned and reengineered to set a new standard for the Art line. With a large 1.4 aperture, the Sigma 50mm 1.4 prime lens is pro level performer for shooting everything including portrait photography, landscape photography, studio photography and street photography.  A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet, smooth and accurate autofocusing and paired with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and Super Multi-Layer coating, the 50mm 1.4 is a high performance lens for modern DSLR sensors. 13 elements in 8 groups allow for unsurpassed performance even at wide apertures and close-up photography is easily managed with a minimum focusing distance of 40cm. The Sigma 50mm 1.4 lens is the new exceptional standard, standard prime.

Sigma press release:

Sigma Corporation of America introduces two lenses at Consumer Electronics Show 2014

Staple lenses in Sigma lineup redesigned as part of the company’s Global Vision Rework

LAS VEGAS– Jan. 6, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the launch of two new Global Vision lenses from the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The improved and redesigned 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses are the latest additions to Sigma’s Global Vision lineup. Both lenses’ availability and pricing have yet to be announced.

“These two lenses are among our most popular, and we’re pleased to reintroduce these products by adding them to our Global Vision lineup,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The 18-200mm, in particular, is an exciting new lens as it now has improved close-up macro functionality, updated optics and a Global Vision design, making it a fantastic alternative to the kit lens. As has been the case with our recent Global Vision lenses, we expect an array of photographers to gravitate to their technically advanced features and slick new look.”

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CES 2014: Dreamers Welcome at Canon’s Booth

Canon press release:

Imagine, Create and Share With Canon’s Imaging Solutions at the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show

Company Unveils “Dreamers Welcome” Theme through Engaging Demonstrations, Creative In-Booth Displays and Interactive Social Media Contests

MELVILLE, N.Y., January 6, 2014 – At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, January 7th -10th, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its latest consumer and professional products through a theme of “Dreamers Welcome.” Attendees to the booth (#13304 in the Central Hall) will experience inspiring visual displays and interactive product demonstration areas that will inspire attendees to create and share in addition to learning from professional photographer speakers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view several short films from “Project Imaginat10n,” Canon’s latest film festival inspired by user-generated photographs at the Project Imaginat10n Theater located in the booth, along with a gallery of images from the PIXMA PRO City Senses tour.

“Now more than ever, consumers are expressing and sharing their everyday moments through images. By using Canon’s high-quality imaging devices and intuitive Wi-Fi and cloud-based solutions, consumers can capture superb images and video to connect, share and print quickly and easily,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “At CES, we’ve created an environment devoted to revitalizing imaging in a way that speaks to the Canon imaging culture and how we adapt to consumers’ diverse lifestyles by offering products that keep them connected and inspire them to share.”

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