Remember our article about the most expensive lens? It now can be safely add another position that was taken by representatives of the German company Leica.

Although the roots of the famous manufacturer of photographic equipment with a worldwide reputation in Germany, our hero comes from Canada. Exclusive lens was manufactured in the division Leitz Canada in a single copy.

Information about stёklyshke virtually no literature or on the Internet. We only know that it was released as a prototype for the system Leica R, which did not go into production.

Exclusive lens weighing more than 11 kg was put up for sale for $ 230,000.

Digging in the archives, we found that this lens with the serial number 172-0001 was sold only a half years ago at an auction of rare cameras Stan Tamarkin just something for 70,000 green.

Thus, the current owner wants to cash in on him another $ 160,000. And he can do it. After all, there is something to pay a lot of money.

You can look at the lens and you. Suddenly, a couple of years, its price will rise to more than a million dollars? In loss, you just will not stay!

The post Exclusive lens Leica APO-TELYT 600mm f / 5 is available in a single copy for $ 230000 appeared first on Raqwe.

The hero of this review – not a newcomer to the market of photography. He was released more than three years ago – in late 2011 with the camera Sony NEX-5. During this time, the lens has won a lot of fans, because the owners of the brand Sony impresses with its price, picture quality, and reliability of the design. In this review we try to figure out whether he bribe us.

Housing Sony 50mm f / 1.8 OSS is made of aluminum alloy, which pleasantly cools the hand. It should be noted that the lens is available in two colors: silver and black. Both options were in our hands, and their photo will rotate.

Ribbed focus ring rotates easily, which ensures reliability when using manual focus. No it does not creak publishes. Yes, and the objects are collected fairly high quality – precisely tailored details, so it’s hard to imagine that it could become loose or squeak.

Included with our own blend of “fifty dollars” considerably grows in size – it is huge and adds 70 percent length.

And this is how it looks on the Sony A6000 – a bunch with this camera we used in the survey:

Controls on the lens missing – all process control shooting is due to the camera. But inside the AF motor built with a linear actuator that provides smooth, fast, tenacious and virtually silent focusing. Autofocus completely misses, even in challenging low-light situations. Focus the hero of our review can with 39 cm.

One of the main “chip” of the lens is the built-in optical image stabilization Optical SteadyShot. With the move at all difficult to name a couple of “fifty dollars” with built-in optical image stabilization on board. And the hero of this review, it is not enough that there is, as yet, and quite effectively works: in the dark on the type of shutter speeds of 1/20 or 1/10 is quite good images without any blurring. Besides being able to take pictures on the critical exposures with hands, Optical SteadyShot opens up opportunities for baggy movie: fast lens and even paired with stabilizer rollers allow you to write, without using a tripod or monopod.

However, the autofocus when shooting photos in low light conditions, sometimes, thinks for 2-3 seconds. In the gallery of images that you will find below, there are photos taken in this way.

Optical scheme of the lens consists of 9 elements in 8 groups. Aperture at “poltishka” – 7-blade circular. With it convenient to draw beautiful bokeh, which is obtained almost round (see the examples again in the gallery). But something sverhshedevralnogo still expect from such a construction is not necessary.

Now for the resolution – by tests “fifty dollars” shows excellent results detail in the center of the frame starting with the maximum aperture of f / 1.8. These results are stored up to f / 5.6. On a more covert lens apertures is hard horoshistom. The edges of the frame at f / 1.8 will be mediocre, but at f / 2.2 the result will be better. And starting with f / 2.8 can be completely worry blur the edges.

Since the lens is positioned more as a portrait lens, the blur at the edges of the maximum aperture even goes to the hand. And if you compare our hero from reaching whale Sony 16-50mm f / 3.5-5.6, the picture is the “poltishka” get sharper, especially along the same edge of the frame.

Initial data taken from the site photozone.de and were interpreted taking into account the fact that for the theoretical maximum was made conditional to 100 for better perception data

One great advantage Sony 50mm f / 1.8 OSS – it is practically not subject to lateral chromatic aberration. But zakordonnye colleagues, conduct thorough tests of the lens, highlighted his penchant for longitudinal chromatic aberration on the most open apertures. I will say that they are difficult to catch the eye – even at f / 1.8 the picture is remarkable both submitted copies.

Propensity to vignetting is also very small – it may appear slightly at the corners of the frame only on the aperture f / 1.8-2.0.

Lens weight is 202 grams and its dimensions – 62 x 62 mm. Place a bayonet coupling lens looks impressive and soundly – for the attachment can not be afraid.

Liked:

• build quality;
• quiet and smart autofocus;
• the presence of built-in optical image stabilization;
• beautiful bokeh thanks to the 7-blade diaphragm;
• fine detail across the frame.

Did not like:

• longitudinal chromatic aberration at full aperture;
• Ping autofocus in low light conditions.

Resume

In the ratio “price-quality” hero of our review, perhaps, is the best representative among mount lenses E. Where do you even find a $ 300-aperture “fifty dollars” with a quick Wave Motor autofocusing system of optical image stabilization Optical SteadyShot, allows you to shoot with hands on critical exposures and write video without any blur, superior aluminum housing, painting, moreover, sharp image with beautiful bokeh? So, going back to the origins of the review, still have this lens bribed, and we can safely recommend it for the camera Sony-mount E.

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In anticipation of the second version of the Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review, which was recently announced at Photokina 2014, we decided to do a review of the original lens. Fortunately, almost certainly the updated version will differ only slightly modified body finish, coupled with the new style lenses 12-35mm and 35-100mm, which were developed specifically for the GM family of miniature cameras micro 4/3 system.

Pancake Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH was released at the end of 2010 and became one of the first wide-angle compact companies. With a retail price of $ 330 and there is a direct competitor in the form of a little more cumbersome Panasonic 20mm F1.8 almost 1 stop brighter for the same price, this pancake has not received special popularity. Another thing is that on ebay version of calm can be purchased 2 times cheaper, and for $ 160-170 – interest is a completely different.

With a diameter of 56 mm and a thickness of only 21 mm, it is still among the most compact glass as Panasonic, and Olympus. And other manufacturers cannot boast of such a small lens, with the exception that the Pentax and Q series.

Pancake made from high quality matte plastic, designed and built in Japan. Maybe that’s why the body feels very solid – no flex and no backlash are mounted to a metal bayonet. Weight in this case is 55 grams! Also focusing ring moves smoothly and clearly, although his progress could be less, in my quite complete. Unfortunately, the body is not protected from dust and moisture, and dust accumulated just might interfere with little manual focusing during video recording.

Focal length of the hero of our review is 28 mm, which is enough for shooting architecture, general plans for indoor and landscapes. Due to the viewing angle, a little more classical normal 35mm lens, it is convenient to deal with and street photography. In the crowd is easier, but when shooting outdoor portraits have come closer at your own risk, although as a result of this photo will benefit – it will be more intimate, but due to the size and appearance even in combination with large mirrorless cameras you likely to be mistaken for the layman, and in connection with this ratio will be more favorable.

The work of AF specifically say nothing – it is virtually silent and fast, cannot be said about the Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review, which, unlike of the pancake, the whole lens system is completely inside the body moves

Regarding the optical characteristics of glass used in the circuit elements 5 6 groups, of which 3 – aspheric. Distortion, unfortunately, typical of this lens design and crop 2 – they are big enough. However, the camera Panasonic, Olympus and correct them automatically. Chromatic aberration in the normal range. Noticeable only at the corners, especially at the aperture, but this deficiency in the editor is perhaps the easiest to handle.

The sharpness of the lens Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review can be estimated from the plate below. Its data are taken from the site photozone.de and transferred to a better perception of the system of evaluation on a scale of 1 to 100.

In interpreting these data, I note that, although aperture lens is sharp enough at the edges of the frame, it is unlikely you’ll be shooting the general plans for the full aperture, and when shooting close image will still be blurred out of focus. The exception here – Night Scene, for which, moreover, f2.5 is often lacking.

Also say that on subjective feelings glass not much sharper second version whale lens Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review 14-42 F3.5-5.6 II, at least on the diaphragm F3.5.

It is worth noting that the hood complete with a lens is not. But at this focal length, you can do without it, the optical characteristics of the glass contribute to this, but if you want – to use the ring from some cheap Chinese filter or buy on ebay for a few dollars a very stylish hood, wind on any lens with a filter diameter of 46 mm.

Alternatives – Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm F1.7. Freshly lens sold under the patronage of the German company Leica, taken as a benchmark of quality. At $ 600 bulkier and heavier hero of the review, the advantages – 1 stop aperture and improved optical layout.

Olympus 12mm F2.0. The premium lens in a metal case for $ 800, has long been the lightest wide-Prime in the system. Not without flaws, but the glass high level in all respects.

Olympus 15mm F8.0. The toy lens-cap for $ 50 and a constant aperture (aperture size does not change). Focus – only manually using the lever on the right side. The quality of the image corresponds to the dimensions and price.

Liked Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review:

• Price for version, taken from the whale.
• The build quality – «Made in Japan».
• Dimensions and weight are minimal.
• Fast and ultra-quiet autofocus.
• Good image quality in general.

Did not like Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review:

• I would like to higher.
• Aperture F2.5 in some cases is not enough.
• Distortion could be smaller.
• The housing is not protected against ingress of water and dust.

Resume – Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review

As a result, we have a well-assembled miniature pancake. With one hand Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH – is a budget version of the wide-angle lens, optically good, but not outstanding lens, on the other – a high-aperture lens razor sharp with the same or greater viewing angle is simply does not exist for any of the systems. So the choice is yours: whether you need the ultimate compact without compromising comfort or are you willing to spend money on a more expensive professional glass.

The post Panasonic 14mm F2.5 review. The smallest “pancake” system appeared first on Raqwe.

Today in our test studio very unusual lens. This Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ. If you are used to assess the capabilities of the lens on the formal characteristics that are encrypted in the title, I do not recommend you to the preliminary findings of the model without having read all of our test. In M. Zuiko Digital 12-50mm a few trump cards in his pocket.

Frankly, looking at the parameters of intensity and range of focal lengths, I almost did not take this M. Zuiko Digital 12-50mm for the usual “kit” – an inexpensive lens with compromise image quality and low price, which is usually equipped with entry-level cameras. But the unusual appearance and high for “whale” price clearly indicated: there is some kind of trick.

Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ

So, the first unusual feature Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ – Motorized zoom, as indicated by the letters in the name of EZ. This is a very handy feature for videographers. Zooming in the recording mode can be done very smoothly, and though completely silent. Responsible for managing the servo … that’s right, the zoom ring! In the position of E-ZOOM is converted into an electronic selector. Enough to slightly move it to the right or to the left to the motor inside the lens began zooming. Zoom speed depends on the displacement of the ring. At the time of the zoom autofocus does not work, but after re instantly finds sharpness.

Electronic zoom is certainly convenient when shooting video, but may be totally inapplicable in the photo. It also took into account the developers. Costs just pull the ring on his own and that’s with a little click, it goes to position M-ZOOM – manual zoom. By the way, neither during zooming or when focusing the lens dimensions do not change any part of it is not nominated and do not rotate.

But that’s not all the secrets that are hidden in this lens. Fans of Olympus certainly noted a resemblance Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ with the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F / 2.8 Macro. It is not a coincidence! The hero of our today’s test is almost a macro lens.

To start shooting macro, you must first turn on the macro mode on the lens. Press the appropriate button on the body and translate the zoom ring to the maximum of his own. A moment within the housing servos move the lens, and this is our macro lens ready to shoot! Its focal length – 43 mm and the minimum focusing distance – about 7 inches from the front of the lens, or about 17 cm from the plane of the array.

Of course, he was not available to shoot in the scale of 1: 1. To do this, the system has a special macro lens. However, using the M. Zuiko Digital 12-50mm can get the same size of the plan, as a real macro lens on a full frame DSLR, but the depth of field will be more (in the context of the macro is the undisputed advantage). You can shoot as colors and objects, as well as bugs. Zoom shooting enough.

But to return to the normal shooting by disabling the macro mode. Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ has a convenient focal range suitable for most creative tasks. But with the aperture, things are not so good. If the wide angle is relatively high, the tele its value is only f / 6,3, which is not so much by the standards of modern optics. So a strong background blur have to forget. You can get it only in macro mode or taking off from a very short distance.

On the sharpness of any problems with this lens is not. At wide-angle already on the aperture it provides excellent detail in the center of the frame and only slightly lower edge sharpness. Iris on stage allows you to make the corners and edges of the frame noticeably sharper.

In telephoto situation is similar: already on the sharpness of the lens aperture is high by the standards of zoom. It’s nice that even in difficult subjects lens is not prone to the appearance of chromatic aberration (color fringes on the borders of contrast, for example, around the branches of trees). This image has a high contrast.

Backlight lens also keeps well, while maintaining a high contrast and preventing flare. However, the chance to catch the glare still persists. So try to avoid contact with the sun in the corner of the frame.

In this paper, Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ very pleasant. Autofocus, as the absolute majority of lenses, quick and quiet. And it concerns including macro mode. If the majority of DSLRs, I still prefer the manual focus, then Olympus M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ comfortable to work in the AF mode.

An important detail: the lens barrel, though mostly made of plastic, has a dust and moisture, allowing you to use it safely, even in the most adverse conditions. Of course, Mokau it in water is not necessary. But the morning mist and rain day he will survive easily.

The main body of the lens except the Macro is also programmable button L-Fn. By default, it is responsible for the focus lock mode servo AF. But the camera menu it is possible to assign one of the many alternative functions. For example, often shooting macro, I have appointed this button repeater function of the diaphragm.

CONCLUSIONS – Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm

Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ – this lens for all occasions, which is always on hand and always ready to shoot in any genre. That this is his greatest asset. Let’s start with the focal length range: it is equally convenient for landscape shots, and for photographing close-ups. Macro for it is not a problem. Reproduction ratio is sufficient for photographing flowers as well as bugs, and fast and accurate autofocus lets you capture beautiful images quickly and easily. Amateur video recording will appreciate a smooth zoom with variable speed by using the E-Zoom, almost like a camcorder. Add the pluses model protection against dust and moisture: you can shoot even in the worst weather! Within two weeks of testing this “universal soldier” I found him only one serious drawback – it is a relatively low luminosity, which may interfere with shooting in low-light and will not allow much to blur the background in the pictures. However, for those who want more, produced a fast lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f / 2.8 PRO.

Pros Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm:

• Dust and moisture protection;
• No protruding parts;
• motorized zoom;
• ability to manually zoom;
• convenient range of focal lengths;
• macro mode;
• fast autofocus;
• programmable button on the body;
• high for the zoom focus.

Cons Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm:

• relatively low luminosity;
• catches glare backlit.

The post Olympus lens review M. ED 12-50mm f / 3.5-6.3 EZ appeared first on Raqwe.

Sooner or later, every owner of a DSLR with kit lens dark, like Tamron lenses 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 understands that it this is not enough for realizing the potential of the camera and your own personal creative and want something more. Many go through the purchase of low-cost large-aperture fixation, for example, Tamron lenses 50mm F1.8. But what if you want a little more light-gathering power, but sacrifice flexibility zoom is not ready yet? Then you start to look at Zuma 17-55mm F2.8 and grustneete, learning about the value of $ 1000 +.

The company has long been known Tamron lenses arsenal relatively inexpensive lenses for many bayonets with good optics and assembly (see our reviews Tamron VC 24-70mm F2.8 , F2.8 70-200mm VC , 90mm F2.8 VC ). We were hit on the test Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 VC, that with a price tag below $ 400 breaks into pieces in terms of price / quality of the lenses similar to A-brands. Let’s see what it was.

On sale is an old version of Tamron lenses 17-50mm F2.8 without a stabilizer and a new prefix with VC (Vibration Compensation). Read a separate article on how to decipher the markings on the Tamron lenses. The difference of $ 100 between them is due to not only the advent of optical stabilization, but also a new body design, as well as other optical circuit.Tamron lenses is exclusively designed for cameras with APS-C sensors, such as Canon 1200D , 100D , 650D , 700D , 70D , 7D Mark II , Nikon D3300, D5300, D7100. With full frame to use it will not work.

Basis Tamron lenses metal, used top quality matte plastic that does not linger your fingerprints. Zoom ring and focus are covered with large rubber bands Serif, something resembling the tracks of the tank. This makes it easy to turn their hands are wet and even in winter gloves. Zoom ring three times thicker than the focus. Although it is closer to the bayonet, but at such a distance that there is always convenient to use. During the zoom Tamron lenses trunk significantly pushed forward. This gives cause for concern because of its performance in terms of dust in the air or rain. Although in general assembly and operation of all mechanical controls are very good. To prevent accidental loosening of the design and vylezanija trunk lens in the bag / backpack when carrying on the housing provides the locking lever in the extreme wide angle at around 17 mm. By the way, if you omit the lens front Tamron lenses down, even unlocked the trunk will not get out, unlike some other lenses with such a design. The ring itself is spinning smoothly across the entire range. When shooting movies, you can do smooth departures / arrivals on tripod if prilovchilis.

Focus ring turns with auto focus as opposed to the newer glasses like Tamron lenses 24-70mm F2.8 VC. To this we must first get used to, when some finger rests on it and push the shutter button halfway. Over time, this does not cause any discomfort. Another detail of the ring, it is his very slow speed, only ~ 50 degrees. If you use only autofocus for taking pictures, you then anyway. But Videographer may face certain problems precise Focusing on the display even during the recording. But when transferring the focus from the foreground to the distant and vice versa, it is even playing into the hands. After all, with great speed ring is sometimes difficult in one smooth movement to focus on another subject. The Tamron lenses incorporates a traditional motor focus and not modern ultrasound. Due to this, the speed of focus is not the fastest in the class. Although in most circumstances it is enough. Owners budget cameras Nikon, such as D3200 , D3300, D5200, D5300 without a screwdriver – do not worry with their devices autofocus will work in full. Proved bothersome squeaking sound, which is published by the motor when focusing. It may well be annoying, especially in a quiet environment. Silent shooting will not work.

7-blade diaphragm, with rounded edges. Blur circles are rather correct, although with too sharp edges, as for me. Minimum focusing distance – 29 cm, so that in some way the Tamron lenses can be replaced moderate makrik. Dimensions – 80 mm in diameter and 95 mm in length. Weight – 570 grams. Comes with a plastic petal lens hood. It can always be worn with the lens wearing backwards.

Optical scheme consists of 19 elements in 14 groups, of which three aspherical elements, two LD (Low Dispersion), two XR (Extra Refractive). All these special items affect the final image – minimize optical defects, increase mikrokontrast and overall detail. As for the distortion, it is quite pronounced at the focal length of 17 mm. Since this disease can be controlled in two ways – to include a correction in the camera (if it is supported) when shooting in JPEG, or use the built-in presets in Adobe Camera Raw (in Lightroom or Photoshop). One click and distortions disappear. Then sync setting to other photos in the series. On a range of 24 – 50 mm distortions is almost not visible.

Since it kropnutyh lens, then it should be fairly strong level of vignetting (darkening of the edges of the frame) on the aperture. It is At f / 2.8 at all focal lengths on the edges of the frame decrease exposure reaches the whole stage. To overcome the problem in two ways – close the aperture at least a step – to f / 4, or follow the same steps as mentioned just above about distortion. In fact, when shooting portraits by 50 mm at the most open aperture it can play even on hand to increase the focus on the face and slightly darken all around. “But what about the scenery, you shoot at wide angle?” – You ask. And all of them anyway, no one takes on the open apertures.

Chromatic aberrations are controlled surprisingly well at all apertures. You can hardly see them in everyday life. The only exception – the focal length of 17 mm. Here they are quite noticeable. With that, the option to cover the aperture does not help. If the same strain of colored halos around contrasting objects, then use the appropriate tool in the same Camera Raw. One click on a colored halo pipette and it will disappear.

Over the field eloquently tell table below. Its data is taken from the site photozone.de and interpreted for a better perception, given that for the maximum possible value of 100 is accepted.

As you can see, at the very aperture can be safely removed at any focal length. Although the 50 mm figures are slightly worse, but the detail is still missing. Along the edges of the frame the situation is slightly worse. At f / 4 image is aligned, especially felt in the range of 35 – 50 mm. This is exactly what a compromise aperture, where the sharpness is good and blur the background can be pretty good. At f / 5.6 detail is maximized at all focal. If you want the highest quality, while always put F5.6. Starting from f / 8 comes into play effects of diffraction and sharpness gradually falls. Although not as significant as it could be.

Liked Tamron lenses AF SP 17-50mm :

• Sharpness on the aperture at all focal lengths
• Maximum detail, if the “cover up”
• The Image Stabilizer
• The quality of materials
• Cost
• Versatile range of focal lengths
• Weight and dimensions
• Minimum chromatic aberration on F2.8
• Moderate vignetting at F2.8
• Fast autofocus

Did not like Tamron lenses AF SP 17-50mm :

• Squeaking sound when auto focus
• Average sharpness of the aperture on the edges of the frame
• Checking out the trunk of the lens
• Pretty strong distoriya on the widest angle

Summary – Tamron lenses AF SP 17-50mm

Tamron lenses 17-50mm F2.8 VC – one of the most balanced zoom lenses can possibly imagine. Given the cost of less than $ 400, I can safely recommend this lens as a practice of photography with a small budget and amateur photographers, which grew out of its package of lenses.

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I do not stop talking to their friends novice photographers that the second Olympus lens review in their collection optics must be telephoto. Let it be inexpensive, not too powerful, with a low aperture lens … But this will give the photographer importantly – new stories. And teach thoughtfully and carefully build the frame, cutting off all unnecessary. Today in our test studio is such a lens. This is the most affordable telephoto system Micro 4/3 – Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6.

Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6

Many fans of expensive optics, accustomed “meet on clothes” can accuse M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm being too “plastic” design. Indeed, the lens barrel is made mostly of plastic parts. Even non-metallic bayonet. But looking ahead, I want to say that the work of the lens body material has no effect. Build quality is impressive: parts fit tightly, no backlash and squeaks, the zoom ring to the best tight. But the weight! Where else have you seen telephoto with a mass of 190 grams?

Olympus lens review construction is simple and concise. No selectors and switches on the case only two rings – zoom and focus. Electronic focus ring without mechanical connection to the lenses. If you talk about Zuma, then there is another interesting feature. At the maximum zooming lens dimensions are more twice – it extends “trunk” with front linzoblokom. But here, nothing to complain about. Any serious backlash, no, under its own weight lens is not too decomposed. Indisputable advantages of the design is necessary to note a non-rotating front lens that allows you to use polarizing filters and gradient. Diameter of the thread for them – a modest 58 mm.

Well, go to the shooting? Focal range of the Olympus lens review is not very wide, zoom ratio is less than 4. But if you think that the zoom ratio determines how the lens “closer” objects, then you are mistaken. Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm easily allows you to capture distant objects, buildings, animals and birds. It is an indispensable assistant to the photographer in a situation where it is impossible to come closer.

Due to the narrow angle lens disciplines photographer, forcing focus on the details. Around us hundreds and thousands of interesting stories that we pass by every day.

I liked to shoot on Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm various urban sketches. Like any other tele, he knows how to “compress space”, bringing distant objects and making them comparable in scale to the objects or even middle of the foreground. Of the frame as if squeezed capacity: building begin to cuddle each other, the prospect of going away …

Of course, Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6 can not boast high luminosity. Nevertheless, if you shoot an object at a close distance to the maximum zoom and thus open up the aperture limit, you can expect a significant background blur.

Minimum focusing distance is 90 cm. This is enough, for example, to photograph medium-sized flowers. Character blurring is not as perfect as that of high-luminosity fixed-lens: reflections are quite strict and contrasting edge. But “the effect of scale” in the background is almost never formed. Bokeh is more like a watercolor painting with poorly read individual strokes.

You can use Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6 and for portraits. But remember that to achieve a blurred background you will have to move away from the model of a dozen steps.

At our test was the first version of this Olympus lens review, without the letter R in the title. Newer, restyled version boasts a slightly higher rate of focus. Speed ​​AF Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6 left very pleasant experience. To put things into focus, the lens need some kind of a second. Difficulties arise even when shooting animals. Focus is fast, silent and accurate.

Well, what about the optical quality? At telephoto, which in the case of telephoto is the most frequently used, Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm ensures a sufficiently high for a 16-megapixel detail in the aperture. But in the pictures there is a light soft effect – notably while maximizing halos around contrasting objects. Get rid of them is very simple: it is enough to cover the aperture to f / 8. Thus sharpness increases significantly. Further closure of the diaphragm to the sharpening does not lead – is beginning to affect the diffraction.

Exactly the same situation with short-throw zoom position. On aperture detail is high, but at the edges of contrasting objects present halos – soft effect. When aperturing one step to f / 5,6, the situation has improved, increasing sharpness. Best in the field result can be obtained at f / 8.

Good Olympus lens review keeps the backlight does not catch the highlights, does not lose contrast. With strong aperturing around the single light source in the frame can be formed small rays that can be used as an artistic effect. Pleasantly pleased with the low level of chromatic aberrations, which are almost invisible even in the corners of the frame.

CONCLUSIONS – Olympus lens review

Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6 – affordable, but high quality telephoto lens. Being a little softish on aperture, it becomes very sharp at aperturing on stage. In this case, it is almost devoid of one of the major drawbacks telephoto Olympus lens review – chromatic aberrations. AF speed at altitude. A compact size and very light weight can really surprise. They can be forgiven for this model, all including a plastic lens mount.

Pros Olympus lens review:

• small size and weight;
• fast autofocus;
• High sharpness of aperturing on stage;
• the absence of chromatic aberrations.

Cons Olympus lens review:

• all-plastic body;
• light soft effect on the aperture.

The post Olympus lens review M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f / 4-5.6 appeared first on Raqwe.

Nikon has always been known for its famous glass. Moreover, even the whale, low-end models they were very, very good, offering the best picture quality for those who have just stepped into the path of photography.

But, it seems logical that you can not stand still, because even the most successful solutions will simply expire and lose the competition.

Compact lens Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 F3.5-5.6G VR II

So Nikon decided to release an updated version of its whale lens – compact Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 F3.5-5.6G VR II

First look at the sliding lens – and comes to an understanding that it is, nevertheless, a whale. Cheap Inexpensive plastic, small backlash, plastic mount – all this gives the representative of the budget class.

The lens itself is very compact in the folded form. Centered the wheel is mounted with rubber coating that is responsible for zooming. It is here ustavnovlena button lens opening – you clamp it cranked wheel zoom towards longer focal length lens and translation in a working condition. Directly at the edge of the lens is another wheel covered ribbed plastic. This control element responsible for manual focus and say that it is inconvenient and counterintuitive – to say nothing.

Besides all this on the case and there are two levers – to switch between manual and auto focus and enable / disable the optical stub.

Autofocus – moderately fast, although not hit records. Focusing takes place correctly and clearly, false passages least they occur mainly at night.

Stabilization system works surprisingly well. At the focal distance of 55mm can shoot with hands on exposures up to 1/10s, which is approximately three-stop slower than usual.

Sharpness on the maximum aperture and the short end – good on the edges and slightly nedotyagivaet to “Excellent” in the center of the frame. Cover the aperture to F8 improves, so that all the edges and the center values ​​are above the level of “Excellent.” On the value of F11 indicators are compared with the maximum open aperture followed by a proportional decrease.

Zooming to 35mm demonstrates “Excellent” only on the values ​​of F8 and F11, all other aperture range from “Good” to “Excellent.”

55mm sharpness not shine. Meaning of ‘Excellent’ is achieved only in the middle F11, and then – rather formality. On all other apertures – all-just “good”, approaching it to the top, then to the bottom of the range mark.

Chromatic aberration can create a big problem only when shooting at the maximum aperture is closed at minimum focus distance. Values ​​reach two pixels, so I have to look for stray color pixels manually in the editor. But at 35 and 55mm values ​​- no more pixels at F22, so deal with it and intracameral editor.

Vignetting – quite expected deffekt for whale lens. At maximum aperture at 18mm focal distance fall brightness at the edges and you caneasily notice the naked eye, so you should be covered though, would be a couple of stops working or studying in the editor. But on the long end even with open aperture vignette is not so noticeable, but for reassurance worth hide behind.

But the level of distortions pleasantly surprised. Deviation of vertical lines is not that out, but the eyes do not hurt. In this case you can always hide behind at a stop or two to fix this thing ve installing a tick in the editor.

Alternative – Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 F3.5-5.6G VR II

If you still decide to buy the lens separately from the body, you need an inexpensive and versatile lens – worth a look towards the Sigma AF 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC OS HSM. In addition to a much greater range of focal lengths, a good build and image quality it offers more and metal mount that is undoubtedly a very big plus, especially for people who are not sitting still. And all this – for $ 170.

Tamron AF 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Asph (IF) Macro has already cost more expensive – 300 bucks. But then there’s more extended range of focal lengths and existents macro – wide universalism.

Total – Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 F3.5-5.6G VR II

The cost of this lens – about $ 150. And, besides the price, it has a lot of good – low level of defects and good sharpness, great job stabilization system. But the plastic mount and build quality make consider buying this lens separately. But in a whale for a beginner – the perfect choice.

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Micro Four Thirds (MFT) – the most dynamic that has captured a significant share of the market mirrorless system cameras. Until recently, it was positioned as a solution for photo enthusiasts and novice photographers, but Panasonic has decided not to limit the scope of cameras MFT, and began offering the optics for the professional segment.

So today we’ll talk about the Lumix X 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH Power OIS – the first high-speed zoom lens for MFT standard with high luminosity. Its focal length varies between 24-70 mm. the equivalent of a 35mm camera. At the same F2.8 aperture ratio is maintained across the zoom range.

The workmanship can be called great, Panasonic uses only high quality materials. The metal lens mount is very strong, and a special ring to prevent the ingress of water and dust chamber.

The design of new items includes 14 lenses in 9 groups combined. Lens UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) minimizes chromatic aberration and lens UHR (Ultra High Reflective) is responsible for the consistent quality at the edges of the image. Aperture comprises seven petals that at small apertures form a circular hole. In front of the lens with the nano-coating is applied very low refractive index, it reduces the likelihood of glare in the entire range of visible light (380-780 nm).

The length of the lens is 74 mm, and weight – 305 Of course, by the standards of other members of the family of Micro Four Thirds Panasonic’s new rather big in size. But if we compare the Lumix X 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH Power OIS with similar objectives to the characteristics of other systems, the size of their background lens for Lumix will be very modest.

Built-in Optical Image Stabilizer POWER OIS compensates not only fast motion of small amplitude, but the slow movements of large amplitude, which makes taking pictures in low light conditions much easier.

High throughput combined with the ability to blur the background nicely through the diaphragm with seven petals and a wide range of focal lengths make the lens suitable for shooting different subjects, from landscape to portrait. Use the Lumix X 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH Power OIS – a pleasure: the zoom ring moves very smoothly, without jerks and backlash throughout the zoom range of the lens. AF operates nearly noiseless stepper motor. And all this in a small and lightweight package. After all, a compact efficiency – one of the strengths of all the representatives of Micro Four Thirds.

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Ricoh has released a new camera with a spherical lens, allowing a 360-degree panorama.

The camera is very compact in size 42 x129 x 17,4-22,8 mm and has two lenses, “fisheye”, located on either side of the body.

Ready Photo Gadget is sent to iOS or Android, or can be loaded directly into a social network.

Full battery will last for 200 shots.

RATED camera Ricoh Theta 400 euros.

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In 1840, Joseph Petzval invented the optical system of the lens, which was used for portrait shots before the end of the century. On the kickstarter project was presented in which this ancient design has received a second life. The lens is made in the authentic style, made of brass and weighs about a pound. The maximum aperture is f/2.2. The first thousand lenses will be available until the end of the year at a price of $ 500.

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