Canon previously shared that we should expect more hybrid RF L-series lenses, and now they put a date on that announcement.
From Canon USA:
MELVILLE, NY, October 15, 2024 - Canon, a leader in digital imaging technology, today announced its intention to add new lenses to its hybrid RF L-series range on October 30, 2024, when all details will be revealed.
Canon’s hybrid lenses are a range of RF L-series primes and zooms designed for high performance stills and video capture. They are able to perform multiple roles and harness technology from Canon’s broadcast, cinema and existing RF lenses to make for a truly versatile range concept. They empower creatives with the flexibility to reach new levels of artistry and practicality in stills and video production.
Official announcement date for the lenses is: October 30, 2024.
Stop back here on October 30, 2024, to get the full reveal.
I had a distraction this week. The space weather forecast was redlined. It couldn't get much better. A long period of Kp 8 was predicted from sunset into the next day (as I shared with you in a news post).
A Kp 8 could be visible from my yard in central Pennsylvania. But then, I remembered Bryan's Law of Astronomical Events: If there is an astronomical event happening, all locations within a reasonable drive will be totally cloud-covered.
So, shocking was the National Weather Service forecast for 0% cloud cover and 0% wind speed, an unbelievable combination for an unusual night sky event I'm chasing, and that forecast was for the duration of the Kp 8 prediction. Game on. An adventure began.
Reasonable Northern Lights displays are rare in central PA, and I didn't have a go-to location list prepared for this opportunity. I needed good visibility of the sky and wanted dark skies, especially to the north, with a foreground subject being a bonus.
Shooting from home was an option. A nearby field provided the desired visibility, and our sky is moderately dark, especially when the air clarity is high. I could drive a short distance from the house and be shooting in minutes.
Still, the forecast was outstanding enough to make researching an even better location worthwhile. That my wife hadn't seen the Northern Lights in about two decades and had recently asked to see them again raised the bar on location selection.
Scouting the Pennsylvania state forest maps for vistas looking north and online scouting via images captured from those locations provided a few good options within a couple-of-hour drive. However, a high elevation (for PA) lake I scouted for Milky Way photography earlier in the summer was in a dark sky location with no close towns to the north. Most subjects are even better when their reflection is included, and the rare 0 mph wind forecast made the lake option seem especially great. A bonus was that the lake was a 1.5-hour drive north, deeper into the Northern Lights visibility range.
The lake was a perfect location. It was calm, and we (and a pack of loud coyotes) had it to ourselves for the entire night.
Reaching Kp 8.5+, the 10/10/2024 Northern Lights show was a 10. I've had the privilege of viewing and photographing the Northern Lights numerous times, but this show was different from what I normally see. The lights did not have a strong structure and they were not hte brightest I've seen, but the color was wild, with the reds and even some blues being especially amazing.
Consider the Northern Lights a fast-moving subject, as they are often pulsing and dancing. A wide aperture lens is needed to avoid strong motion blur, the smearing of the aurora details.
My favorite two aurora lenses, the Sony FE 14mm F1.8 GM and FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens, each mounted to an Alpha 1 body for fast switching, were in the MindShift Gear BackLight 26L. Both lenses performed superbly as always.
A larger version of this image is available here.
This bull was significantly obstructed and facing away as it thrashed an alder, providing poor photo opportunities. So, planning for its next move became the priority.
The bull had moved away from a cow to threaten an opponent, so, logically, it would go back to the cow. If that option was chosen, the bull would most likely come through a specific opening, and positioning for a supporting background behind that opening became the plan. That optimal position included getting low to ensure most of the close, in-focus foreground was out of the frame, that the mountains were prominently included, and that the catchlight in the bull's eye was enlarged (reflecting more sky).
As predicted, the bull came into the opening, and better than expected, it stopped to provide a variety of poses.
The Canon EOS R5 Mark II and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens are an outstanding combination for on-the-move wildlife photography.
A larger version of this image is available here.
The Northern Lights are a spectacular sight, and I do not remember seeing a stronger forecast than the one for tonight (currently reaching Kp 8 for an extended duration).
"The Northern Lights may become visible as far south as Alabama to northern California" [NOAA]
Northern Lights forecasting is not accurate, and the lights could be a no-show tonight, but the incoming storm is strong enough to prompt NOAA to hold a media briefing. I didn't watch the 1-hour recording, but view it here if you are interested.
Put a plan in place.
Select a dark sky location with good sky visibility, especially to the north, and a clear weather forecast.
The Aurora forecast link (higher Kp is better) tells you when to be at that location. Note that the lights may not be visible for the entire forecasted duration (perhaps for only a few minutes), and the activity will likely increase and decrease throughout the visibility duration, so plan to hang out in your location (dress adequately and take food and drink).
Usually, your widest angle and widest aperture lenses are the best choice for Northern Lights photography. 14mm f/1.8 and 24mm f/1.4 lenses are my favorite options.
Use a tripod, and for exposure, chase the show's intensity with shutter speed and ISO (watch the histogram and avoid burying a color onto the right wall of the chart). If the lights are bright and pulsing fast, attempt to get the shutter speed down to as short as 0.5 seconds to capture the structure and avoid a smear of color.
I have a growing stack of Northern Lights photos to share with you, but I still need more time to process them.
While the camera will see the colors better than your eyes, a strong aurora is easily visible and worth taking your non-photographer friends to see.
This Denali National Park landscape image combines three seasons. Denali summers are short, and despite the late summer date, fall foliage and wintery snow were available.
The morning featured thick fog and uncooperative animals. However, the landscape was especially appealing. While I was stopped to photograph the lightly snow-dusted black spruce trees in the fog, the fog began to dissipate, revealing snow-capped mountains in the background and allowing sunlight to illuminate the fall foliage in the foreground.
Wildlife photography was the primary photo objective, but this image is one of my favorites from the trip. The compact Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens, featuring professional-grade build and optical quality, is made for moments like this. When photographing wildlife, I usually have this lens in the pack, often on a second body for fast access.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Lens page.
Good results. Here are some comparisons.
Compared to the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro F017 Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 90mm F2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
Compared to the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada
For a wildlife photo adventure with many miles of hiking expected and a wide range of focal lengths on the requirements list, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens often gets the call. This lens performs extraordinarily well, consistently delivering outstanding sharp image quality.
This moose moment resulted in a series of images to select from. Unfortunately, those enormous antlers impeded view of the bull's eye in many, reducing their impact. The image selected to share here combines good eye visibility, the legs positioned with separation and optimal forward body height, and the bull's left antler framed in the clearing behind it.
Bonus points are awarded for the alert ears forward, but I'm not sure how the tongue impacts the rating. Perhaps that is too much cuteness for such a massive beast.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens page.
These results look great.
Compared to the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens at B&H, Sony, Adorama, Amazon, or WEX (orders open at 12:00 PM EDT on Thu, 8/29/2024).
Rent the Sony FE 85mm F1.4 GM II Lens from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens page.
DPP forces geometric distortion correction for this lens. Here are some comparisons:
Compared to the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens
Compared to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.
From ProGrade Digital:
PROGRADE DIGITAL™ ANNOUNCES A NEW PRODUCT CATEGORY OF USB 4.0 PRO SOLID STATE DRIVES (SSD)
High Sustained Read/Write Speed Enhances Digital Workflow When Transferring Multi-Terabyte Data Files.
San Jose, CA September 27, 2024, 8:00 am PT —ProGrade Digital™, founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new solid state drive (SSD) product line available in a 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB capacities. The PG10 Pro SSD is based on the latest USB 4.0 technology which is designed to achieve speeds of up to 40Gbits/sec and provides a real-world read and write speed of up to 2500MB/s, and a sustained write speed of 1500MB/s (2TB) and 2000MB/s (4TB and 8TB) with no cache depletion. The PG10 is also equipped with ProGrade’s patented magnetic base and comes with an adhesive metal plate that allows users to mount the reader to any work surface. The new SSD is also supplied with a high-quality certified USB 4.0 cable – assuring the maximum performance possible.
“ProGrade Digital is embarking into a new category of professional SSDs (Solid State Drives) with a product offering that aligns with all of the core values of our brand,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “We have recognized for years that there is an opportunity to expand further into the professional workflow with a high capacity, high performance SSD but were waiting for just the right time to enter with a truly new and defining product that offers unique features and value. Our introduction of capacity points from 2TB to 8TB, and a USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 interface, allows us to provide industry-leading sustained performance and reliability for professionals that have traditionally had to settle for much slower and less reliable solutions. Our uniquely designed housing and internal heat-sink provide unmatched sustained write and read speeds ideal for long, multi-TB data file transfers”.
ProGrade Digital USB 4.0 Solid State Drive Key Features:
Like all ProGrade products, each SSD contains a unique serial number to ensure best-in-class after-sales support and tight quality control of the components used inside. Using this serial number, a customer can register their product at http://progradedigital.com/register to receive product updates.
Order the ProGrade Digital PG10 USB 4.0 SSDs at B&H.
Do you photograph in the rain?
While rain may not be as comfortable or enjoyable to shoot in as a dry day, the quality of captured-in-the-rain images sometimes surpasses that of those captured on a pleasant weather day. That is fortunate as it rained nearly every day for over two weeks in Alaska.
While a too-heavy rain (and the fog that often accompanies it) reduces visibility, making wildlife difficult (or impossible) to see, wetness darkens and saturates colors, such as this ram's horns. In addition, clouds create a soft, shadowless light at any time of the day and often add a moodiness that can differentiate an image, such as the background in this one.
High-quality waterproof exterior layers, including a hood and boots, are the key to staying dry. A waterproof uninsulated shell jacket and pants enable the use of layers for temperature adjustment, including to avoid sweating, which makes you wet from the inside. Use a rain cover on your backpack to keep your gear and extra clothes dry.
While the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS Lens are weather sealed (and they were wet at times), I opt for a camera rain cover when the rain becomes steady.
When packing the day before the trip, the rain cover for this lens was nowhere to be found. Fortunately, B&H impressively shipped a new one to AK faster than I could get there.
Notice the 1/60 shutter speed used for this image. This speed is usually too long for wildlife photography, and even an eyeball movement can create motion blur. However, insurance shots were on the card, and getting even lower noise results became the objective. The R5 II and RF 100-500 image stabilization had no problem delivering sharp 500mm 1/60 results in adverse conditions while the ram was motionless.
Dall sheep are awesome, and it was a privilege to spend hours with these creatures, including this huge ram, in Denali National Park.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Order the Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di III Macro VXD Lens at B&H.
From Tamron:
TAMRON Announces New 90mm Macro 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (Model F072) for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless
The compact, innovative, high-performance design leverages its renowned 45-year heritage
September 26, 2024, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of its new 90mm F/2.8 Di III MACRO VXD (Model F072), a mid-telephoto 1:1 macro lens, compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, on October 24, 2024 at $699 USD / $949 CAD.
Celebrating 45 years of TAMRON 90mm macro lenses: The next generation
In 1979, TAMRON introduced its first 90mm macro lens, the SP 90mm F/2.5 (Model 52B), revolutionizing the concept of macro lenses. Known for its stunning bokeh and superb image quality, this lens was initially used mainly for academic purposes, but it soon became popular for various types of photography, including outdoor field work and portraiture. Affectionately nicknamed "Tamukyu," a portmanteau of two Japanese words, it garnered high praise from close-up aficionados, nature photographers and portrait enthusiasts alike.
TAMRON continued to innovate in response to evolving photographic needs, releasing subsequent models such as the SP AF90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 (Model 272E) and SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004). In 2016, TAMRON launched the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017), an evolution of the Model F004. The digital-compatible coating technology, combined with its soft, natural bokeh and sharp rendering, continues to be favored by many photographers today.
Now, in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the first generation, TAMRON is releasing a highly anticipated mirrorless version of this iconic lens. This latest iteration combines the traditional, beloved brilliant performance with cutting-edge technology, continuing TAMRON's macro lens legacy. We invite you to explore the new possibilities offered by TAMRON's latest 90mm macro lens.
Product features
1. High optical performance and image reproduction: the legacy grows
TAMRON’s 90mm lenses have long been celebrated for their high resolution and beautiful bokeh. The new 90mm F2.8 MACRO lens, designed for mirrorless cameras, reinforces this legacy via a rigorous optical simulation process. This lens offers unparalleled resolution performance from the center to the edges, and delivers soft, blurred bokeh and a three-dimensional effect that highlights the subject. The optical construction features 15 elements in 12 groups, including four special glass LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements that effectively suppress the tendency of light ray divergence and provide excellent correction for both spherical and chromatic aberration. The BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating significantly minimizes ghosting and flare, ensuring that even in backlit conditions, the finest details of the subject are captured with clarity and precision. This exceptional optical performance enables photographers to explore unique photographic expressions in many photographic genres, including macro, portrait, tabletop, long-distance photography, and various other types.
Additionally, you can also enjoy the outstanding macro performance of this lens and beautiful images with APS-C format cameras. The equivalent focal length is approximately 135mm while the minimum aperture remains F2.8.
2. Outstanding flat-field performance
TAMRON's new 90mm F2.8 MACRO is highly corrected for superior flat-field resolution that will be best for subjects such as documents, currency, artwork and product packaging. This quality is especially important when shooting close-up images where depth of field is too shallow to neutralize the loss of sharpness that could otherwise occur at the extreme edges of a flat subject. Because it's highly corrected, this lens provides edge to edge sharpness, uniform illumination across the frame and minimal distortion.
3. TAMRON's first 12-blade circular aperture for stunning circular bokeh and starburst effects
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO introduces TAMRON’s first 12-blade circular aperture, setting a new standard for beautiful circular bokeh expression. Especially in the macro range, with a maximum magnification in between 1:1 to 1:4, this specialized diaphragm ensures that the bokeh remains perfectly circular when the aperture is wide open. The lens also suppresses vignetting in the four corners of the image. Composed entirely of spherical elements, the new 90mm F2.8 MACRO allows you to enjoy exquisite circular bokeh.
In addition, the 12-blade design produces 12 rays for exquisite starburst effects when the aperture is stopped down, making it ideal for capturing dramatic images of scenes that include point-sources of light, such as birthday cake candles and evening cityscapes.
4. Compact size, just 5” (126.5mm) in length
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO is a medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum aperture of F2.8 and a length of 5” (126.5mm). With a maximum diameter of only 79.2mm, the lens fits comfortably in the palm of the hand and is easy to hold, making it compact enough to go out with this macro lens everywhere. It's also light in weight at 22.2oz (630g), making it more pleasant to carry for long periods of time.
5. New hood design with sliding window for easy filter rotation
The 90mm F2.8 MACRO is supplied with a new structural lens hood that has a sliding window designed for easy filter operation. Filters such as PL, ND, and cross screen filters require rotation to adjust their effects, often requiring the removal of the hood. To solve this inconvenience, the new design allows photographers to easily rotate the filter through the sliding window. This enables seamless adjustment without disrupting the shooting flow, ensuring precise control over shooting conditions and maintaining the rhythm of normal camera operation.
6. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens UtilityTM for lens function customization and firmware updates
7. High-speed and high-precision AF with superb subject tracking performance
8. High convenience and operability
- 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
- Focus Set Button for assigning camera function and TAMRON Lens Utility function
- Focus limiter switch for faster focusing during AF shooting and quick refocusing on subjects
- Precise torque for accurate MF operation
- Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation
9. Protective features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)
SPECIFICATIONS
Model: F072
Focal Length: 90mm
Maximum Aperture: F2.8
Angle of View (diagonal): 27°2' (for full-frame mirrorless format)
Optical Construction: 15 elements in 12 groups
Minimum Object Distance: 9.1“ / 0.23m
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1
Filter Size: Ø67mm
Maximum Diameter: Ø79.2mm
Length*: 5” (126.5mm) for Sony / 5.1” (128.5mm) for Nikon
Weight: 22.2oz (630g) for Sony / 22.6oz (640g) for Nikon
Aperture Blades**: 12 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture: F16
Standard Accessories: Round-shaped hood with filter effect control window, Front and Rear caps
Mount: Sony E-mount, Nikon Z mount
* Length is the distance from the front end of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.
From Logitech:
Logitech Launches MX Creative Console, Redefining Digital Creation and Unleashing Your Creative Potential
LAUSANNE, Switzerland & SAN JOSE, Calif. – Sept. 24, 2024 – Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced the launch of MX Creative Console, a new product category that allows digital creators to focus on their artistry. With instant access to essential controls and ultimate customization, the MX Creative Console streamlines workflows and automates repetitive tasks.
"Digital creativity is undergoing a massive transformation, constantly evolving the way people create. The MX Creative Console is designed to help people redefine their workflow, enabling them to work smarter and faster,” said Anatoliy Polyanker, general manager of the MX Business Unit at Logitech. "With the latest additions to the Logitech MX Ecosystem, the MX Creative Console and recently-announced MX Ink, we are tapping into the key trends of democratizing digital creation, 3D design and spatial computing, and AI-enabled workflows.”
The Ultimate Solution for Creative Professionals: Logitech MX x Adobe
The collaboration enables deep integration through tailored plugins for popular Adobe applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom Classic, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition and Adobe Illustrator. MX Creative Console enhances the ability to work with AI capabilities such as Adobe Photoshop's Generative Fill and Adobe Premiere Pro's Text-Based Editing. To celebrate this collaboration, each console comes with a complimentary three-month Adobe Creative Cloud All Apps membership, providing significant value for both new and existing users.
Tailored to Individual Workflows
MX Creative Console offers versatility and a personalized experience for each user. It features a keypad with dynamic display keys to access and trigger the most important actions and a customizable dialpad that serves as a smart analog navigation controller. With the free Logi Options+ software, the console offers seamless app integration across Windows and Mac, with customizable controls, plugins, profiles, and icons available through the Logi Marketplace. The software will continue to expand its capabilities with new features and plugins.
Designed for Sustainability
The MX Creative Console features plastic parts with 72% post-consumer recycled plastic for Graphite, aluminum produced with renewable energy and FSC-certified paper packaging; and uses micro-textures instead of paint. This ensures users can master their creative workflow while aiming at minimizing the product’s carbon footprint and promoting circularity.
Availability and Pricing MX Creative Console, available in pale grey and graphite, is available for pre-order today and will start shipping on October 14th, 2024 for $199.99
The Logi Options+ app is available to download for free at logi.com/optionsplus.
###
Logitech and other Logitech marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Logitech Europe S.A. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about Logitech and its products, visit the company’s website at www.logitech.com.
Orders
Order the Logitech MX Creative Console at B&H.
Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R7 are now available in the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review.
This is a great little lens!
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
The Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens (review) is a fantastic addition to the RF mount APS-C lens options! Don't forget that this lens has a push-on lens hood (vs. a bayonet mount as we are used to).
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
From Sigma Corporation of America:
Pricing and availability of SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount announced
Ronkonkoma, NY – September 5, 2024 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the pricing and availability of the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for the Canon EOS R camera system.
Originally announced in October 2023, this lens was first released concurrently for L-Mount, Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X Mount, and is now available for Canon RF Mount. This compact, versatile zoom is a perfect partner for the SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary which was released for Canon RF Mount in June 2024. The new lens will be available through authorized retail partners in late September 2024 for a retail price of $659.
This is the world's smallest and lightest F2.8 zoom lens designed for APS-C format mirrorless systems*. On the Canon system, the lens covers a 16-28.8mm (35mm equivalent) focal range, with a fast F2.8 constant aperture. Paired with the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary, this duo of lenses covers a 16-80mm (35mm equivalent) range with the same bright F2.8 maximum aperture, with a combined weight of under 550g (19.5 oz.)
* As an AF F2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. As of October 2023 by SIGMA.
The SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary uses an aspherical concave lens with a large polarization ratio and high refractive index in the first group, reducing the number of elements in the first group and shortening the overall length. Additionally, a new push-on petal type hood has been developed. Thanks to the new structure with a spring and lever which is not utilized by any other manufacturer, the hood has been made both thinner and smaller, which also contributes to the overall compactness of the lens.
The optical design of the lens delivers a short 11.6cm (4.6 in.) minimum focusing distance and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 at the wide end, allowing for close-up photography with pleasing background separation. The optical design also minimizes focus breathing, and the autofocus system delivers swift, quiet AF during both still and video use.
Thanks to its high optical quality and compact size, the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary lens is an excellent choice for travelers, adventure photographers, vloggers, and family photographers who want great image quality when paired with today's leading lightweight crop-sensor cameras on multiple platforms.
Learn more here: Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Launch schedule of SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount
SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the launch schedule of SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary for Canon RF Mount.
Supplied accessories: LENS HOOD LH706-02, FRONT CAP LCF-67 III, REAR CAP LCR II
New Mount: Canon RF Mount
Launch date: September 26, 2024
* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change.
#SIGMA #SIGMA1018mmF28Contemporary #SIGMAContemporary #SIGMADCDN #SIGMARFMount
Create expressive images on the go with the world's smallest and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras*.
* As an AF F2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. As of October, 2023 by SIGMA.
[ Long-awaited Canon RF Mount addition ]
SIGMA's APS-C size mirrorless dedicated zoom lens, the 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary, will now be available for the Canon RF Mount. This addition allows users to enjoy high-performance, and high-quality SIGMA zoom lenses in native mount on their Canon RF Mount system even more.
A control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for Canon RF Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports Servo AF and in-camera aberration correction*. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments.
* Available on supported cameras only.
Mount Conversion Service is available to convert other mounts of SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary to Canon RF Mount.
[ Features ]
Large-aperture, ultra-wide-angle zoom with expressive imaging capabilities
By utilizing unique optics which have been designed to correct lens aberrations, the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary produces images that are sharp across the entire image.
Extremely compact and lightweight
The SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is the world’s smallest and lightest ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C cameras1, with a length of 62.0mm, a maximum diameter of f72.2mm, and a weight of 270g2. The lens can be carried around with ease or attached to an APS-C mirrorless camera and a gimbal to create an ultra-portable video setup.
1 As an AF F2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor. As of October, 2023 by SIGMA. 2 The values are for Canon RF Mount.
Ideal for landscapes, travel, video and online content creation
With ultra-wide focal length, portable body and razor-sharp optics, the SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary is the perfect portable option for landscape, travel, interior and street photography. It also boasts impressive video capability owing to its bright F2.8 aperture, which makes it well-suited to shooting in low-light environments and creating a shallow depth-of-field. The ultra-wide angle-of-view is ideal for hand-held vlogging that requires the capture of both the subject and the environment.
[ Key Specifications ]
The following specifications are for Canon RF Mount:
Lens Construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
(3 FLD, 1 SLD and 4 aspherical lenses)
Angle of view (APS-C):106.6° (W) - 73.4° (T)
Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F22
Minimum focusing distance: 11.6cm (W) - 19.1cm (T) / 4.6in. (W) - 7.6in. (T)
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:4 (W) - 1:6.9 (T)
Filter size: 67mm
Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 72.2 x 62.0mm / 2.8 x 2.4 in.
Weight: 270g / 9.5 oz.
[ Accessories: Supplied ]
LENS HOOD LH706-02:0085126 941093
FRONT CAP LCF-67 III:0085126 929473
REAR CAP LCR II (Canon RF Mount):0085126 941468
[ Accessories: Optional ]
SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 67mm
SIGMA PROTECTOR 67mm
SIGMA WR UV FILTER 67mm
SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 67mm:
Just posted: Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens Review.
This lens is a high-performer.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
From Sigma Corporation of America:
SIGMA announces 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens, a new fast-aperture zoom with extended reach
Ronkonkoma, NY – September 5, 2024 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems. Spanning many popular focal lengths in a single fast-aperture zoom, this is an exciting addition to the product line.
The SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art is a surprisingly compact, full-frame, wide-angle to telephoto zoom lens with a fast constant aperture. Available for Sony E-mount and L-Mount, this lens covers several popular focal lengths from 28mm to 105mm, including the very popular 85mm focal length for portraiture, remaining at F2.8 through the entire range.
Featuring HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) autofocus, and optical performance that lives up to the standard of Art line lenses, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art joins SIGMA’s selection of fast-aperture zoom lenses in the Art line, offering photographers and videographers a variety of premium standard zoom options depending on their personal style. Like the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art and the 28-45mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, the new 28-105mm F2.8 includes a lockable aperture ring with click/declick function, as well as two AFL buttons and a zoom lock switch. Additionally, the dust- and splash-resistant design and water-and oil-repellant coating on the front element makes it suitable for shooting both stills and video in inclement weather.
A minimum focusing distance of 15.8 inches (40cm) at all focal lengths, and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at the telephoto end add to the versatility of this new zoom lens. This lens also features a rounded twelve-blade diaphragm, which helps to keep the large-aperture unit as small as possible.
Measures have been taken to minimize changes in optical performance due to differences in zoom and focus positions, including the use of a difficult-to-process large-diameter FLD glass in the first group to suppress aberrations in each group. In addition, the use of 5 aspherical lens elements has enabled the lens to achieve both a wide zoom range of 28mm to 105mm and a large-aperture of F2.8, while reducing its overall size.
By thoroughly reducing the weight of each part, the lens is kept under 2 pounds while achieving both a wide zoom range and an F2.8 aperture. The lens barrel near the mount is made of magnesium rather than aluminum, ensuring rigidity while reducing the weight of these parts alone by two-thirds. The lens will retail for $1,499 and will be available in late September 2024.
Learn more in the review: Sigma 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN Art Lens
Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras
A | Art
SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art
Beyond Standard.
Supplied accessories: CASE, LENS HOOD LH878-07, FRONT CAP LCF-82 III, REAR CAP LCR II
Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
Launch date: September 26, 2024
* Product appearance and specifications are subject to change.
* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
#SIGMA #SIGMA28105mmF28Art #SIGMAArt #SIGMAArtZoom #SIGMADGDN
Harness the power of this versatile and portable F2.8 optic with an extended 28-105mm focal range – a standard zoom that goes well beyond standard.
The SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art is not just another standard zoom lens. With a powerful wide-angle to medium telephoto focal length and a bright F2.8 aperture throughout, this full-frame mirrorless zoom combines outstanding optical performance, superb build quality and a range of pro-grade features to make it one of the most versatile optics on the market for mirrorless systems.
The lens is built to tackle a huge range of subjects and situations, from expansive low-light landscapes to portraits with big, beautiful bokeh, and thanks to SIGMA's latest optical technology and the use of large diameter elements including FLD, SLD and five aspherical elements, it is able to do so with superb clarity and sharpness. This allows the lens to deliver exceptional versatility without compromising on optical quality. The lens also includes high-speed AF with HLA technology, a rugged dust- and splash-resistant structure, and various functions such as an aperture ring, all packed into a compact and lightweight body weighing less than 1kg, making it an exceptional all-round choice for both stills and video.
[Key Features]
1. Constant F2.8 aperture across a versatile 28-105mm zoom
Many conventional zoom lenses which have a reach up to 105mm do not offer a constant F2.8 aperture, usually dropping to F4 at the long end. But the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art delivers the same impressive light-gathering and depth-of-field benefits across the whole focal range. The lens offers all of this along with extremely high optical performance thanks to the thorough suppression of optical aberrations within each lens group. And with its outstanding close-focusing capability when zoomed in, macro-style results are also possible.
A versatile F2.8 aperture perfect for portraits and low light
With its fast aperture across the whole focal range, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art is a true workhorse lens that can be used for almost any type of photography. Scenic photographers can shoot wide-angle landscapes, using the F2.8 aperture for low-light scenes and twilight urban views, while the middle focal lengths tackle dimly lit documentary and street subjects, allowing shutter speeds one stop faster than comparable lenses. At the long end, popular portrait focal lengths from 85mm and 105mm, combined with the F2.8 maximum aperture, produce a shallow depth-of-field that will isolate a subject impressively against large and beautiful bokeh.
Fill the frame with superb close-up performance
Achieving a minimum focus distance of just 40cm across its entire zoom range, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art can get you closer to your subject, filling the frame with detail and texture. At its 105mm setting, this creates a very useful maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 for powerful macro-style results.
Superior optical performance across the full zoom and focus range
The SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art operates without compromise, suppressing aberrations very effectively within each lens group, and throughout the entire zoom and focal range. This ensures the lens has a consistent performance even with such a long zoom range. This is thanks to the lens’s premium optical design, which includes two FLD, one SLD and five aspherical elements, the first grouping of which uses a large-diameter 66.4mm element that is extremely difficult to produce and only available thanks to SIGMA’s advanced manufacturing technology at its sole production base in Aizu, Japan.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Using advanced simulation technology, flare and ghosting have been largely eliminated, ensuring that the lens renders rich, high-contrast results in all conditions. In addition, SIGMA's Nano Porous Coating and Super Multi-Layer Coating have been applied to further suppress flare and ghosting.
Minimal focus breathing
Vital for filmmakers who demand consistent framing, the lens has been designed to keep focus breathing to a minimum. This ensures that any changes to the angle-of-view due to focus shift are minimized across the entire zoom range, ensuring natural-looking focus pulls when recording video, and easier image alignment when focus stacking.
2. Superb portability thanks to a weight of less than 1kg
Standard zooms should be small and light enough for all-day hand-held shooting, so the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art has been designed with portability in mind. It combines five aspherical elements effectively in place to shorten the overall length, and a magnesium-alloy construction around the mount, keeping the weight of the lens to less than 1kg. This ensures the lens has superb portability similar to shorter standard zoom lenses, while providing a wider zoom range.
Excellent optical performance in a streamlined body
By using five aspherical elements in its optical construction, SIGMA has succeeded in significantly shortening the lens's total length without any compromise to sharpness and image quality. This advanced configuration was only made possible by continuous technological innovation and cutting-edge manufacturing processes at SIGMA's sole production base in Aizu, Japan.
Smarter design means lower weight
Constant F2.8 zoom lenses can be heavy, but by optimizing the design and materials of each part of the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, SIGMA has achieved a remarkably light weight of less than 1kg. The use of magnesium-alloy rather than aluminum for the lens barrel around the mount has reduced the weight of these parts alone by two-thirds, while ensuring rigidity.
3. Professional features, fast AF and excellent build quality
In addition to high-speed AF delivered by its linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator), the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art packs in a range of features that help deliver the best possible results in every shooting situation. These include a dust- and splash-resistant structure and water- and oil-repellent coating, as well as a zoom lock switch, a de-clickable aperture ring, AFL buttons and the focus ring for easier handling including shooting with MF.
A linear motor HLA for rapid and accurate AF
The lens incorporates a linear motor HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) that delivers a maximum drive speed, ensuring responsive, precise and smooth AF. With its high level of quietness, the motor also provides noise-free video capability.
An aperture ring for improved ergonomics
For quick changes to exposure, or a more traditional way of shooting, the lens is equipped with a dedicated aperture ring, allowing the user to change aperture via the lens if preferred. An aperture ring click switch is a useful tool for film-makers, and a lock switch helps ensure the aperture ring is not knocked out of its setting accidentally.
Two AFL buttons* for added customization
Located on the side and on top of the barrel, two customizable AFL buttons can easily be reached in either horizontal or vertical shooting positions, ensuring more ergonomic handling.
* Assignment of functions is limited to supported cameras and assignable functions vary depending on the camera.
Zoom lock switch to keep the zoom ring secure
The lens is equipped with a zoom lock switch that holds the zoom mechanism in place at its wide end, preventing it from extending unintentionally under its own weight when carried. The lock can be released by the switch, or by turning the zoom ring for a faster and more flexible workflow.
Weather-resistant structure for challenging conditions
The lens has a dust- and splash-resistant structure* that keeps it free of contaminants in harsh outdoor environments. The front element also features a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep it clean in adverse shooting conditions.
* The structure is designed to be dust- and splash-resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
Petal-type hood
A dedicated petal-shaped hood is supplied. A locking mechanism is provided for secure attachment.
[ Additional Features ]
[ Key Specifications ]
The following specifications are for L-Mount.
Lens Construction: 18 elements in 13 groups
(2 FLD, 1 SLD, 5 aspherical)
Angle of view: 75.4 - 23.3°
Number of diaphragm blades: 12 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F22
Minimum focusing distance: 40cm / 15.8 in.
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.1 at f=105mm
Filter size: 82mm
Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 87.8 x 157.9mm / 3.5 x 6.2 in.
Weight: 995g / 35.1 oz.
[ Accessories: Supplied ]
LENS HOOD LH878-07
FRONT CAP LCF-82 III
REAR CAP LCR II
[ Accessories: Optional ]
SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount
SIGMA WR CERAMIC PROTECTOR 82mm
SIGMA WR PROTECTOR 82mm
SIGMA PROTECTOR 82mm
SIGMA WR UV FILTER 82mm
SIGMA WR CIRCULAR PL FILTER 82mm
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Get the full details of this update in the release notes.
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The little green heron's strike happens extremely fast and infrequently. Thus, photographing this bird in action involves lots of waiting with occasional sudden lightning-fast action. A few minutes into waiting for a strike, attention deficit kicks in, and one's mind begins to think about other matters. Of course, the sudden action we have been waiting for happens while our minds are adrift, and we miss the shot.
That is not the case with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. Mind drift is no longer an issue with the R5 II's game-changing pre-continuous shooting feature because we can seemingly capture images from the past.
Without being especially alert while half-pressing the shutter release, I still captured this heron's surprise full strike and recoil. This image is the second in the 20-fps sequence to have the tadpole fully out of the water. The tadpole's alignment with the shadow behind it, along with a nice stream of water falling from the catch, made this selection optimal.
While the general area of tadpole attack could be estimated, the specific prey location was unknown. Thus, framing slightly wide to account for whatever happened made sense, and this image is cropped by just over 10% in both dimensions. Because of the R5's ultra-high resolution, the final image still measures 4830 x 7241 pixels, about 35 megapixels.
A larger version of this image is available here.