Camera Gear Review News (Page 12)

Just posted: Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens Review.

Is it worth the price?

Order the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens Review.

Sharp lens.

Note that the severe barrel distortion at the wide end of the focal length range will require correction most of the time.

Here are some Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens comparisons (compare at various focal lengths, including 35mm):

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens

Compared to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens (distortion correction forced for the Canon lens)

Order the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens page.

This little lens turns in signficantly sharper image quality than its predecessor. Here are some comparisons (minimally compare 70mm also):

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens (visualize between the modestly different test camera resolutions)

Compared to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens

Compared to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

Order the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens page.

The results appear as expected.

Here is the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens compared to the:

Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens + RF 2x

Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens + RF 1.4x

RF 800 with 1.4x vs. Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens + RF 1.4x

Sorry, I need a larger studio or smaller test chart to capture results from the RF 800 and 2x combination.

Order the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: ProMediaGear TR424/TR424L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.

Impressive product.

Order the ProMediaGear TR424/TR424L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod from ProMediaGear | B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

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The Canon EOS R10 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 46 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R10 for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to get support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap (if using).
5. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
6. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options).
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control pad to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Auto Lighting Optimizer: Off
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
21. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: * select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
22. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
23. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
24. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Whole area AF
25. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
26. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: Peaking: On
27. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
28. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnification (apx): 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
29. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
30. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
31. Wireless Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On (turn off wireless when not in use)
32. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
33. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
35. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
36. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
37. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: turn off white balance, turn off flash exposure compensation, enable exposure compensation, enable AF Area
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
42. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
43. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
44. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Expo. simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
45. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Sensor cleaning, Number of bracketed shots, RAW burst mode, reorder menu items as desired
46. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R10

Order the Canon EOS R10 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R10 from Lensrentals.

The Canon EOS R7 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 48 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R7 for use.

1. Record serial number and add camera to insurance policy
2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
3. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
4. Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to get support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
5. Attach the neck strap (if using).
6. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
7. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
8. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options).
9. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Auto Lighting Optimizer: Off
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Auto Level: Enable (rotates the sensor to keep the image level, disable this feature to enable H+ and H continuous shooting modes along with electronic 1st-curtain)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
21. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
22. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
23. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: * select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
24. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
25. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
26. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Whole area AF
27. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
28. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: Peaking: On
29. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
30. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Magnify (apx): 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
31. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
32. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
33. Wireless Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On (turn off wireless when not in use)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
35. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
36. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
37. Tools Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
38. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
39. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
42. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: M-Fn: Dial Function settings (press Info): turn off ISO (there is a dedicated button), turn off white balance, turn off flash exposure compensation, enable exposure compensation, enable AF area
43. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
44. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
45. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
46. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Display simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
47. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Sensor cleaning, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
48. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R7

Order the Canon EOS R7 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R7 from Lensrentals.

Canon just introduced some outstanding new gear:

Canon EOS R7 Hands-On Review (mostly completed, more to come)

Canon EOS R10 Hands-On Review (mostly completed, more to come)

Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (specs and product images)

Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (specs and product images)

Notes

• The RF-S 18-45mm features a new optical design.
• The RF-S 18-150mm shares the optical design of the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, a high performing lens.
• The EOS M series remains highly popular and is not discontinued — the R10 is not a replacement for the M6 II.
• The R10 and R7 do not have battery grips available or the bottom positioning hole provisions for one.
• The RF mount and all of its benefits transfer to the new cameras and lenses.
• Full-frame R series cameras function normally (in crop mode) when RF-S lenses are mounted.

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Just posted: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Sony E and Leica L mounts.

Order the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Save $75.00 instantly via the current Sigma promotion.

Order the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Take advantage of the $75.00 instant savings available on this already great value lens (Fujifilm X mount excluded).

Order the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: MindShift Gear Filter Nest Mini Review.

The next step in bettering the kit.

The MindShift Gear Filter Nest Mini has been backordered everywhere, but it just showed up in stock at B&H

Watch for the Filter Nest Mini to arrive at Think Tank Photo | Adorama | WEX

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Just posted: Pelican 1615 Air Wheeled Hard Case Review.

This case is nearly the same as the Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case, with one significant exception — the dimensions.

Order the Pelican 1615 Air Wheeled Hard Case from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Time to start planning: a total supermoon lunar eclipse is coming on May 15-16, 2022 and, barring clouds, will be visible to a significant population, including most of the USA.

From EarthSky.org:

People in the Americas, Europe and Africa will see the total lunar eclipse during the night of May 15-16, 2022. Plus, on this night, the moon is close: a supermoon.

Penumbral eclipse begins at 1:32 UTC on May 16 (9:32 p.m. EDT on May 15).

Partial eclipse begins at 2:27 UTC on May 16 (10:27 p.m. EDT on May 15).

Totality begins (moon engulfed in Earth’s shadow) begins at 3:29 UTC on May 16 (11:29 p.m. EDT on May 15).

Totality ends at 4:53 UTC on May 16 (12:53 a.m. EDT).

Partial eclipse ends at 5:55 UTC on May 16 (1:55 a.m. EDT).

Penumbral eclipse ends at 6:50 UTC on May 16 (2:50 a.m. EDT).

Maximum eclipse is at 4:12 UTC on May 16 (12:12 a.m. EDT).

Duration of totality: About 85 minutes.

Note: This total eclipse is central. That means the moon passes centrally through the axis of Earth’s dark (umbral) shadow. The moon is in a near part of its orbit – close to Earth – during the eclipse. It’s a supermoon.

Because they are so deep, such eclipses typically have the longest total phases. In this case, the duration of totality lasts almost an hour and a half: 84.9 minutes!

Get the complete lunar eclipse details at EarthSky.org

Plan to participate in this event. Order your long telephoto lens now from B&H to ensure the ability to capture the lunar details in high resolution. You might want to also pick up a tracking mount.

Here is the story behind the Super Wolf Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse 2019 Progression Composite Image.

Use your favorite night sky app (such as Photo Ephemeris) to determine moon's elevation. You need to ensure that the shooting location does not have obstructions that will not block the view during the shooting period.

Many of us will find the moon high in the sky when the eclipse begins and will be shooting nearly straight up during totality. The How to Shoot Upward with a Large Lens While Using a Gimbal Tripod Head article may be helpful.

Just posted: Cartoni Focus 8 Fluid Video Head Review.

The Focus 8 is entry level into the high-performing Cartoni Focus series.

Order the Cartoni Focus 8 Fluid Video Head from B&H or Adorama.

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens page.

This lens is available in Sony E and Leica L mounts. Order the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens page.

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Save $75.00 instantly via the current Sigma promotion. Order the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs and measurements are now available on the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens page.

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Save $75.00 instantly via the current Sigma promotion. Order the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results are available on the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens page.

This is a sharp lens that is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Save $75.00 instantly via the current Sigma promotion. Order the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Expectations and additional information are now available on the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens page.

B&H is indicating that June 24th is the estimated ship date.

Order the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX