Thursday, May 23, 2013

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review


Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens Review

Canon renews full-frame lenses with 24-70mm F2.8 II and Stabilized wide-angle Primes :

Recently, Canon has released 3 different EF lenses, including an updated 24-70mm F2.8 II USM. The latest version features what is promised to be a more durable body, despite being a little smaller. In addition to this high-end full-frame standard zoom, there are completely redesigned semi-fast 24mm and 28mm F2.8 primes, both of which feature USM focus motors and image stabilization.

Eventually, the most interesting thing about these launches is the fact that Canon feels the need to update various full-frame lenses, almost as if something likely to test the quality of its existing versions was in the offing.

The wide-angle lenses update two of Canon's oldest primes: both the EF 28mm F2.8 and 24mm F2.8 date back to the late 1980s. The new variants add Canon's latest 4-stop IS and ring-type USM (complete with full-time manual focus), and look like they should be perfectly nice lenses. We're just not entirely sure who they're for; APS-C users have the 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM, and full frame users are more likely to be using the company's L series optics. It's also a little unusual to see stabilization added to lenses this wide but that's the decision Canon has made.

Class-leading performance, unrivalled flexibility – Canon launches three new lenses :

On 7th February 2012 in London, UK – Canon today adds to its world-famous EF lens series with the launch of three new lenses for photography professionals and enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM professional zoom lens is an update to the popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are according to Canon research as of February 2012, the world's first wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. All three provide the highest levels of performance for modern digital photographers, combining premium image quality with durable, user-friendly designs.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: the ultra-high performance standard Zoom :

The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics to provide outstanding clarity, image quality and durability. A compact design makes it ideal for carrying on every shoot, and a range of optical enhancements provide improved performance – capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.

With a redesigned optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimize chromatic aberration and color blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon's optimized Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent color balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimizes the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM also enables photographers to capture their subjects up close, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a high performance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultra responsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, fulltime manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.

Distinguished L-series Design :

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon's high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof, waterproof constructions around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock. Weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.

Introducing the world's first wide-angle primes with IS :

Canon today also launches the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM – the world's first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, both lenses offer outstanding flexibility allowing photographers to shoot an even broader range of scenes and subjects – combining fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.
Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both lenses are ideal for capturing more of the scene thanks to their wider focal lengths. Both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon's advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode – helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.

Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.

Designed to Perform :


Both the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass molded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon's optimized Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon's professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.

Wide Angle Photography : A Beginner's Introduction


Wide Angle Photography : A Beginner's Introduction

Talking about wide-angle photography, it refers to capturing your images with the lens whose focal length is substantially smaller than the focal length of a normal lens for a projected frame. A kind of photography that allows more of the scene to be included in the photograph, which mostly focuses the landscape, architectural and interior photography where the photographer has certain limitations and may not be able to move beyond from the scene to capture it in a single frame. Also very useful when the photographer implies to focus the difference in size or distance between objects in the foreground and the background, the nearby objects appear larger and objects at a moderate distance appear smaller and far away.
Take a step back with the perspective of the art of digital cameras through a much broader viewpoint, which is a really pun-filled way to say that this article will analyze the primary idea of large position digital cameras. We’ll take a look at what large position digital cameras is, why you should try it, some considerations to keep in mind and finally a few lens to get you started.
What is a Wide Angle Lens :
The sole purpose of this article is to make recognized to absolute beginners, a brief meaning of our terms is necessary. A “wide angle” lens will simply be one with a fairly short focal length. If you own a 14mm lens and an 85mm lens, the 85mm will possess a greater magnification than the 17mm. Because of its zoomed out nature, a wide angle lens is capable of capturing more in the frame than a zoom lens and is therefore considered to have a “wider” field of view.
Why Not a Zoom Lens?
Every time a new photographer purchases their first digital SLR and eventually set off in the hunt of a few good lenses to buy, they tend to have only one thing in mind: Zoom. Good lens is the one that allows you to take a close-up shot of a fly on a horse’s ear from thirty yards. All that other stuff is just second rate, right?
Apparently, the answer is a booming “NO!” Don’t get me wrong, zoom lenses are absolutely fantastic and every photographer should have at least one good one. They’re just not the only thing you should consider in your expedition to develop your lens arsenal. There are in fact several situations where it is hard to beat for both convenience and quality. This same logic applies to a good wide angle lens. Whilst it definitely won’t be appropriate for all shooting set-ups, it is an incredibly essential piece of equipment that can produce uniquely stunning photographs.
Do More than Landscape :
When you capture any image with a zoom lens or even something like a 50mm prime tends to bound what you can take in. If you’ve ever walked around with one of these you know that there are plenty of opportunities to capture scenarios when you simply can’t get the shot you want. Very often the first type of shot that comes to your mind when you think about a wide angle lens is a landscape. After all, what wider subject could you possibly hope for than a mountain range or a huge desolate countryside? Definitely there’s a reason for taking into account of these shots first; wide angle lenses are absolutely supreme to capture the beauty of an immense landscape. Your eyes are capable of taking in nearly 180 degrees of a scene at once and when you’ve got a beautiful view, you typically want a lens that can capture as much or more than what you’re seeing.
Conversely, taking in the sites isn’t the only thing that wide angle lenses are the best at. Anything zoomed in too far can leave you frustrated at your failure to capture anything but close details of the room you occupy. A wide angle lens will enable you to really take in the full room and capture the essence of the scene before you.
Depth of Field : 
Understanding the depth of field is a key to mastering wide angle photography. Pointing out that what’s really changing drastically with the focal length is the distribution of the depth of field. Put simply, “a wide angle lens provides a more gradually fading DoF behind the focal plane than in front.” Because longer focal lengths flatten your perspective, they appear to have a greater depth of field. Keep in mind that in photography appearances are just as important as the literal truth.
The best step you can take toward understanding the technical side of wide angle depth of field is to experiment. Take the same photo with multiple lenses at multiple aperture settings and compare so you can get a feel for how to produce the effect that you want. All the technical articles in the world can’t compare to actually getting your hands on a camera and picking up some experiential knowledge.
Let's sum up that the big fancy zoom lenses are both wildly impressive and highly practical in certain situations, but as a photographer you should always be ready and able to capture the bigger picture, and you’ll need a wide angle lens to do it. Though wide angle lenses are most often thought of in relation to landscapes, they actually have a wide variety of applications in all kinds of settings.
In conclusion, constantly be aware of the level of distortion as well as both the apparent and literal range of the depth of field in your wide angle photos. With practice you’ll be able to use these variables positively to create the shot you want.

DSLR Photographers’ Must Carry Accessories


DSLR Photographers’ Must Carry Accessories


During almost every discussion with me, I have often questioned by my pals, what must to carry for the amateur photographers with DSLR. This instantly gave me an opportunity to write tips for all newbie as a piece of advice and to make their each trip memorable and not to miss any single moment with the toolkit rather I would say accessories to carry with your camera. There are certain moments that we missed just because of that missing right accessory at that particular moment. Photography is not about taking great photos but to take photos with great sense and at a perfect timing.



The basic necessity, such as memory cards and camera bags are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the suite of accessories DSLR owners depend on. And that goes for casual, amateur photographers, GWC (guys with cameras), and professionals. No matter you are freshly owned or a prospective DSLR owner, these are the must carry accessories that you'll want to pick up as you build your photographer's arsenal. Below mentioned are the top tips for accessories to be carry at all times.

1. Extra batteries :
The first and foremost is to have an extra pairs of batteries as this one's a no-brainer, but a newbie often ignore the importance of an extra battery. Thing is, you never want to be on vacation, at a photo shoot, or otherwise shooting photos when your battery bar morphs into a blinking red. The good news is that you can often find reliable off-brand backup batteries from Web sites like Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H Photo. When you skip the brand names (like official Canon or Nikon batteries), you can save as much as 50 percent. Just grab the battery that came with the camera, ‘Google’ the model number and read customer reviews to find out which backup battery is most suitable for your camera.
Carrying a travel charger or simple battery charger is also advisable when you are traveling and having an opportunity to recharge your batteries for having extra hours of backup.

2. Cleaning kit :
Capturing the real time shots you must blend with the nature and local environment which can possibly affect to your camera life. Keeping this in mind the second most important tool in your accessory is keeping your cleaning kit handy at all times. Whether you use a UV filter or just go commando, you should always have these things in your camera bag:

• Microfiber cloth for wiping away fingerprints and smudges
• A dust-blower for gently shooing away flecks of dirt and dust
• A cleaning pen and brush combo for precise, fingerprint-free lens cleaning 

3. A Monopod or Tripod :
Choosing over monopod or tripod everybody has their own views according to its usage, though buying tripod over monopod is always a great decision as Tripod is a key to crisp images, self-portraits, long exposures, and low-light shooting. There are, however, so many types of tripods to choose from. For starters, look for a lightweight, carbon fiber tripod with a tall height and the ability to rotate vertically for the portrait shots.

From setting up a photo booth at a party to shooting photos of products or handmade items, a tripod can be a truly versatile tool. This handy guide to buying tripods does a great job of helping you narrow down which tripod is right for you. (Even you can make your own string tripod.)

4. Additional Lens :
There are some times when you get surprises as nature is full of them and do not have the proper lens to capture the event or that fraction of time going with the wind. There might be some logic in jumping with one parachute but photography isn’t that similar with paragliding and keeping additional lens is utmost important as there are several chances of macro shots during landscape photography or getting a view of landscape while doing portrait in open land. Staying alert at all times is a sign of good photographer and it rewards you back by giving you wonderful surprising shots while capturing pre-planned photo shoot.

Only thing to remember is that prepare yourself for unexpected and think out of the framework if you really want to distinguish your “Art work” rather than taking photos.

5. Camera Case :
I am not trying to be a photography guru or some but giving some tips out of my own experiences that improved my habits and learnt lessons by losing some incredible moments with some potentially awesome captures. It seems too obvious to recommend, but even newbie bent on protecting the DSLRs will postpone this necessary purchase. Even if you think your camera will mostly be hanging on your arm or around your neck, you still need a camera case.
Make sure you always think about what needs to travel with you. Extra batteries, memory cards, card readers, filters, extra lenses, and your cleaning kit will each need a cubby in your bag. Once you know what needs to be stored, you'll have a better idea of what kind of bag or backpack you'll need. Go for one that has lots of padding and external protection, so that your equipment is safe from the outside in.

6. External Hard Drive :
I shall certainly add this last but not least “must have” accessory in your kit. If you're used to the small file sizes point-and-shoot cameras produce, get ready for a big change as DSLRs produce much larger file types, especially when you're taking advantage of shooting in super high-resolution, raw, or HD video formats.
To accommodate the storage needs of these large files, purchase an external hard drive. The exact capacity will depend on how much shooting you plan to do, but I always err on the side of safety, so if you can, go for at least 1TB of storage. Here are some recommendations for the best portable hard drives. Once you've set up your hard drive, immediately establish a system for organizing your photos and videos so that you'll know exactly where to find any given photo in a pinch. I am sure you definitely will thank me later.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Nikon Filed New 58mm f/1.2 Lens Patent


  • Nikon has come for a new patent application for 58mm f/1.2 lens in Japan. New Nikon 58mm f/1.2 lens patent shows that the lens will have 9 elements in 7 groups with 3 aspherical surface,  The new Nikon58mm f/1.2 features a patent can be found below in detail.
  • The patent numbers Nikon filed are 2013-019992, 2013-011831 for a new 58mm f/1.2 lens. Previously Nikon filed patents for 50mm f/1.2, 58mm f/1.4 and 58mm f/1.2 lenses
  • Nikon Filed New 58mm f/1.2 Lens Patent
  • Nikon-58mm-f1.2-lens-patent
  • Nikon 58mm f/1.2 Lens Patent Details

  • Focal length: 58.0216
  • Aperture: 1.229
  • Half angle of view: 20.82 “
  • Image height: 21.6
  • Lens length: 122.05004
  • Backfocus: 38.01861
  • Lens design: 9 elements in 7 groups with three aspherical surfaces and possibly two ED elements (2 & 4)

Canon Patents 500mm f/4, 500mm f/5.6, 600mm f/4, 800mm f/5.6 DO Lenses


Egami, the Japanese Photography blog spotted a new Canon patent. Four new Canon DO lenses are covered by the patent. These lenses are Canon EF 500mm f/4 DO, Canon EF 500mm f/5.6 DO, Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO, Canon EF 800mm f/5.6 DO.
Canon also filed a patent 30mm f/2.8, 18-90mm f/3.5-5.6, 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 lenses several days ago. Below are the details of the patent publication of the new DO lense filed by Canon.

Canon Patents 500mm f/4, 500mm f/5.6, 600mm f/4, 800mm f/5.6 DO Lenses



canon-500mm-f-4-doe
canon-500mm-f-5.6-do
canon-600mm-f-4-do
canon-800mm-f-5.6-do
Description and self-interpretation of the patent literature
  • Patent Publication No. 2013-92575
    • Publication date 2013.5.16
    • Filing date 2011.10.24
  • Example
     
    embodiment
    No.Focal length [mm]Fno.Half angle [°]Total length [mm]BF [mm]Front lens diameter [mm]
    One584.994.122.12420.0089.03141.99
    Two779.995.801.59460.0097.84134.48
    Three488.994.112.53320.0061.00119.00
    Four488.995.702.53280.0165.0185.79
    Five584.964.122.12420.0088.88141.98
    Image height 21.64mm
  • How to reduce the size of the large-aperture super telephoto lens
    • Effective diameter of the first group with the largest
    • I reduce the number of the first group
      • It is necessary to reduce aberration by increasing the number
      • Can not reduce the aberration and reduce the number
    • I increase a refractive power of the first group
      • The thickness of the lens increases, the effect of weight reduction is canceled
      • Impact of manufacturing error is large high refractive index
  • Canon patent
    • The aspherical in the first group
    • Performing a variance of sensitivity was composed of opposite sign component of the first group, and also, prevent an increase in thickness
    • DOE is provided to correct chromatic aberration with a small number of lenses
    • Inner focus
    • Anti-shake

Best Lenses for the Nikon D600 DSLR Camera


Nikon D600 is the smallest and lightest full-frameDSLR camera from Nikon. DxOMark listed the best lenses for the Nikon D600 DSLR camera. DxOMark test score for the Nikon D600 DSLR camera is 94 and came just behind the D800 and D800E according to their sensor scores.
DxOMark tested 72 different lenses with the D600 camera. The lenses are made by Nikon, and also including third parties such as Sigma, Zeiss, Tokina and Tamron.
The new Nikon D600 will bridge the gap between the top of Nikon’s line of consumer DSLR cameras and the professional DSLR cameras, bringing the FX format sensor to photographers at a launch price around $2,000.
See also : Recommended Lenses for Nikon D600 DSLR Camera
Newly developed for the Nikon D600 is the 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, offering an ISO range of 100-6400, extendable up to ISO 25600, claiming excellent low-light performance and low signal to noise ratio, backed by the EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, as found in the D800 and D4.
nikon-d600Best Lenses for the Nikon D600 DSLR Camera
Below are the recommended lenses for Nikon D600 DSLR camera in several lens categories.
Best 50mm lenses for Nikon D600
 Lens Model Price (in usd)DxOMark Score
Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Nikon49932
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G44832
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D32932
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 50mm f/2 ZF2 Nikon128031
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G21931
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D13428
Carl Zeiss Planar T 50mm f/1.4 ZF2 Nikon72525
  • Best 85mm – 105mm lenses for Nikon D600
 Lens Model Price (in usd)DxOMark Score
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G219940
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G69040
Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T 100mm f/2 ZF2184036
Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherique IF Nikon32836
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM96934
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF123032
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED89032
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D46031
Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D109931
Carl Zeiss Planar T 85mm f/1.4 ZF2128029
Sigma 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro49929
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM96928
Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO46028
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro64028
  • Best Standart Zoom Lenses for Nikon D600
 Lens ModelPrice (in usd)DxOMark Score
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED180027
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD129927
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF70023
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM89923
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED130022
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF]49922
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR59922
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED29921
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED60018
  • Best Ultra-wide Angle Prime Lenses for Nikon D600
Lens ModelPrice (in usd)DxOMark Score
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 21mm f/2.8 ZF2 Nikon173225
Samyang 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Aspherical Nikon40925
Sigma 20mm F1.8 EX DG ASP RF Nikon62925
Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 2.8/15 ZF.2 Nikon295025
Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D57024
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 18mm f/3.5 ZF2 Nikon139522
Sigma 14mm F2.8 EX Aspherical HSM Nikon74919
  • Best Wide Angle Prime Lenses for Nikon D600
Lens ModelPrice (in usd)DxOMark Score
Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A Nikon89937
Samyang 35mm F1.4 AS UMC Nikon59934
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/1.4 ZF2 Nikon184334
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED220033
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 35mm f/2 ZF2 Nikon100533
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G179733
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2 ZF.2 Nikon170033
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G69932
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 28mm f/2 ZF2 Nikon128329
Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D28026
Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D36525
Carl Zeiss Distagon T 25mm f/2.8 ZF2 Nikon100522
  • Best Wide Angle Zoom Lenses for Nikon D600
Lens ModelPrice (in usd)DxOMark Score
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED200028
Tokina AT-X 16-28 f/2.8 PRO FX84924
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR126023
Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED176421
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF-ED61020
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM II140017
Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 EX DG84017
  • Best Telephoto Lenses for Nikon D600
Lens ModelPrice (in usd)DxOMark Score
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II269927
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR139926
Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED185025
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO Nikon77025
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM Nikon169924
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO Macro HSM II Nikon94924
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO HSM Nikon88023