[Review] Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC In Depth Review

Photography blog has another helpful review. This time about the [shoplink 6265]Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC[/shoplink], an affordable lens with excellent optic properties, and with no AF nor electronic metering. However, this lens is a valid alternative if you are on a budget, having a price tag of $699, and are looking for a fast lens (f/1.4!) with very good optical quality and perfomance.

The Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC’s build quality is reassuringly good […] makes an ideal partner to a full-frame like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III t[…]. Focusing manually is straight-forward thanks to the responsive focusing ring […], with Live View mode proving essential for closer focusing distances. […] video shooters will positively embrace the de-clicked aperture version of this lens.

Image quality is generally excellent. Chromatic aberrations are very well controlled, geometric distortion is impressively low for an ultrawide lens […], and the coatings successfully prevent contrast loss attributable to flare. The only real optical issues are obvious corner shading at the maximum aperture, something that every full-frame shooter has to put up with especially when using wide angles, and a lack of sharpness wide-open at f/1.4 and stopped-down at f/22.

Amazon US has a kit with the lens, bundling an UV filter, a cleaning kit, a memory card storage wallet and more, for $699.95 (click here)

Samyang 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC price check: [shopcountry 6265]

[Rumor] Canon’s Medium Format Camera Tidbits And Maybe No Pro Oriented Mirrorless At Photokina

I have got some new information about Canon’s murmured upcoming medium format DSLR, said to be announced at Photokina in September. My source told me that the camera will have an EF mount but may not be named EOS. Moreover, the medium format DSLR could possibly not accept all of the EF lenses, due to focal length issues. In other words: newer EF lenses will be supported and (older) lenses with popular focal lengths that actually are suited for full frame sensors will see new editions for the medium format camera (possibly in Spring 2013). Since an EF mount accepts all EF lenses, the only way I can figure out you can block certain EF lenses from being used is through electronic sensing (my speculation). It is not known if the medium format DSLR will have a mechanical interlock for EF-S lenses (though I think this is more than plausible).

Finally, the same source told me that Canon could not announce a more pro oriented mirrorless system camera in Fall (Photokina), leveraging first the recently announced EOS M.

That’s all folks. Let me know your thoughts.

[Review] EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM In Depth Review

Photography blog reviewed Canon’s new [shoplink 2163]EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM ($850)[/shoplink] lens. The review goes over 7 sections and has an investigative eye on all the features and promises of this lens. From the conclusion:

[…] the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM build quality is reassuringly good and it makes a good partner to a full-frame Canon DSLR like the 5D Mark III. Auto-focusing is quiet and quick, with the ability to manually override it and focus manually if required proving a nice touch. The capable image stabilization system used in conjunction with a high-ISO monster like the 5D Mark III is a low-light shooter’s dream ticket, making it easy to hand-hold the camera and get the shot.

Image quality is generally excellent. Chromatic aberrations are very well controlled, geometric distortion is impressively low for an ultrawide lens (unless you are focusing very close), and the Super Spectra coatings successfully prevent contrast loss attributable to flare

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM price check: [shopcountry 2163]

[via photography blog]

Sigma 180mm f/2.8 Macro EX OS HSM (f/ Canon) Limited Stock

B&H has the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 APO Macro EX DG OS HSM Lens (for Canon) in stock and ready to ship for $1,688 (click here), but just a limited quantity. Free shipping in the US.

  • 180mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
  • Canon EF Mount
  • 1:1 Magnification
  • Optical Stabilizer Function
  • FLD Glass Elements Reduce Aberration
  • Floating Inner Focusing System
  • Multi-Coating Reduces Ghosting and Flare
  • Hyper Sonic Motor for Quiet Focusing
  • Focus Distance of 18.5″ / 47cm
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