Mark Goldstein
The Sigma 8-16mm f4-5.6 DC HSM is a new ultra wide-angle zoom lens for DSLRs with APS-C size sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens, producing striking images with exaggerated perspective. Four FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for colour aberration. The Sigma 8-16mm has a minimum focusing distance of 24cm throughout the entire zoom range.
Sigma Press Release
Ultra wide-angle zoom lens for digital SLR cameras
- Ultra wide-angle zoom range with a 121.2° angle of view
- FLD, Hybrid Aspherical and Glass Mold lens elements
- Equipped with HSM ensuring quiet and high speed AF
- Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Minimum focusing distance of 24cm throughout the zoom range
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM.
This is the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens when used on digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. The wide-angle of view from 121.2 degrees* produces striking images with exaggerated perspective, enabling photographers to emphasize the subject.
Four FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for colour aberration. One hybrid aspherical lens and two glass mold elements give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism. Incorporating an inner focusing system, the lens produces high definition images throughout the entire zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting while superior peripheral brightness ensures high contrast images throughout the entire zoom range.
This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus capability. It has a minimum focusing distance of 24cm throughout the entire zoom range which allows photographers to emphasise the subject by creating exaggerated perspectives. This lens has a compact construction with an overall length of 105.7mm and a maximum diameter of 75mm.
*The angle of view varies depending on which camera the lens is mounted on.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Aperture F22 Minimum Focusing Distance 24cm
Lens Construction 15 Elements in 11 Groups Maximum Magnification 1:7.8
Angle of View 114.5°- 75.7° Filter Size 82mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades 7 pcs Lens Hood Petal-type
Weight 545g SRP TBA
Dimensions Diameter 75mm x Length 105.7mm
Available Fittings Sigma AF, Nikon AF, Canon AF, Pentax AF, Sony AF
Mark Goldstein
The Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a compact large aperture standard zoom lens equipped with optical stabilisation. This large aperture standard zoom lens is designed for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors. Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, plus two glass mold and one hybrid aspherical lens, provide excellent correction for all type of aberrations. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarising filters.
Sigma Press Release
Compact large aperture standard zoom lens equipped with OS
- Large aperture standard zoom lens
- FLD, Glass Mold and Hybrid Aspherical lenses
- Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Incorporates Sigma’s unique Optical Stabilisation system
- Equipped with HSM ensuring quiet and high speed AF
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM.
This large aperture standard zoom lens is designed for digital SLR cameras and incorporates Sigma’s efficient OS function. It is a compact lens with an overall length of just 91.8mm (3.6”). This lens covers a focal length from 17mm wide angle and offers a large aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, making it ideal for many types of photography such as portraiture and landscapes. The OS (Optical Stabiliser) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an image sensor shift anti-shake system. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the viewfinder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement.
Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have performance equal to fluorite glass, plus two glass mold and one hybrid aspherical lens, provide excellent correction for all type of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghost. This lens has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp, high contrast images even at the maximum apertures. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.
Incorporating HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), the lens provides fast and quiet AF. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 28cm (11”) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The rounded 7 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus images. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarising filters.
* Vignetting will occur if the lens is used with digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35mm SLR cameras. * For Pentax and Sony mount, when the OS function of lens body is used, please turn the stabilizer function of camera body off. * It is not possible to use the built-in OS function and AF of this lens with Pentax ist *series and the K100D.
THE SPECIFICATIONS
Minimum Aperture F22 Minimum Focusing Distance 28cm
Lens Construction 17 Elements in 13 Groups Maximum Magnification 1:5
Angle of View 72.4°- 27.9° Filter Size 77mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades 7 pcs Lens Hood Petal-type
Weight TBA SRP £899.99
Dimensions Diameter 83.5mm x Length 91.8mm
Available Fittings Sigma AF, Nikon AF, Canon AF, Pentax AF, Sony AF
How on earth do you find a fresh angle to shoot from when they’ve all been taken? That’s not what I mean. I do not mean discovering a new angle but using new angles you don’t usually shoot from. By changing your angles you’ll add a whole new dimension to your photography.
The question I get asked as a photography teacher is how do the pros do it? Why are their images so different from mine? Simple, one of the techniques they use is angles or viewpoints. Implement them in your images and you are one step nearer to a great image. The key here is varying the angles and trying to think outside the box.
1. Don’t stand in front of your subject
Everyone shoots an image from directly in front of their subjects or objects. They line everyone up, say cheese and push the shutter button. Then wonder later why their images all look the same. The reason they all look the same is because most people shoot from eye level which on average is about 1.5 metres of 5 feet above the ground. Boring because everyone does it. So think before you shoot and use your feet to move around.
2. Use your stomach not your head
How low can you go is the chant when attempting to belly dance under a balancing pole. Get down low on the ground and shoot from that angle looking up at the subject. Immediately the perspective has changed and the image is dramatically different. How many people do you ever see in a tourist spot lying on their stomachs getting a shot. No need to answer. I have never seen one. If you are prepared to forego embarrassment then you are the one who will get the unique shot. Logical isn’t it? But how many people do it?
3. Vary your height
This is just a little less embarrassing than point two. Using your knees, sitting down or resting on your haunches all help you to vary your height. More people do this so it’s not as unique as using your stomach. But, you will still get great images. Do this exercise. Choose a subject and then shoot it from 3 metres on your stomach, sitting on your bum, kneeling, crouching and standing straight up. Then move in a few feet or a metre and do it all again. Do this until your are as near as you can get. Then view all of your images and see how many of them are better than a normal standing image.
6. On the move
One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to use your feet. Forget about zooms and move around. Walk around your subject or the object you’re shooting and find a different viewpoint or angle. Vary your height, lie on your back, get higher or even lower but find something that is different. At the same time though, use your head and visualise the final image and work towards that.
These are just a few tips to shooting more creative images from different angles. I think that this is one the best tips you can use as you learn digital photography. Don’t be afraid to experiment or get embarrassed. Keep practising and before you know it you will be shooting like a pro.
About the Author
Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I’ve just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free by clicking here: http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/ To learn how you can take your photography from ordinary to outstanding click here – http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/21steps.htm
Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.
Mark Goldstein
Samsung will launch 5 more lenses for its NX camera system in 2010. These include an 18-55mm, 20-50mm, 20mm, 18-200mm and 60mm macro lens. The total number of Samsung lenses at the end of 2010 will be 8, rivalling similar systems from Olympus and Panasonic. “The Samsung NX10 represents a whole new category of digital cameras and the new offerings within our lens line up will ensure our users feel empowered to unleash their creative side and integrate camera technology into everyday life, in their own way.” explained Steve Mitchell, General Marketing Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging.
Samsung Press Release
Samsung Unveils New NX Range Lens Technology Line Up
The NX10’s innovation continues, with the launch of eight new lens technologies
LONDON, UK – February 20, 2010 – Samsung a market leader and award winning innovator in digital imaging, today announced a series of new additions to its groundbreaking NX system lens range, to be released throughout 2010. The original line up of Pancake, Standard Zoom and Tele Zoom lenses launched with the Samsung NX10 during CES will be complemented by the introduction of a further five new lenses this year. This will mean that there will be a total of eight potential lenses designed specifically for the NX cameras system available during 2010.
The lenses have each been specifically designed to ensure that users get the most out of their photography experience. The NX system’s advanced intelligent lens technology means it does the capturing so users can do the creating, providing an enjoyable photography experience every time. The NX10 boasts a compact, sleek and lightweight design, and with its leading lens technology it means users never need miss a creative moment, even in the flash of a second.
Consumer research carried out by Samsung revealed that camera users want convenient and easy-to-use features which guarantee value and creative freedom through innovative concepts. Samsung’s intelligent lens technology ensures users’ needs are fulfilled through the highest picture quality, while enjoying the sleek, durable and portable compact camera body of the NX10 thanks to its mirror-less design. Building on the company’s strong heritage in performance and innovation, Samsung’s new lens technology is designed to meet the universal ease-of-use capabilities requested by users.
The eight lenses incorporate unique features and designs to guarantee that the images they produce are easy to create yet still of professional quality. The lenses have been developed to include specific benefits which respond directly to consumer needs and desires which were highlighted in the research.
Consumers reported that they wanted lenses which are small and convenient to carry, yet still stylish and iconic. In response to this, Samsung created the Compact Zoom Lens, the Wide Lens and the Pancake Lens – all of which give users a high level of optical performance without the bulk of other lenses on the market. These are ideal for consumers who want a lens they can take anywhere and everywhere that will complement the compact, sleek and stylish design of their NX10.
For consumers who are looking for specific qualities to their shots, be it capturing with a certain focus or depth of perspective, Samsung has released the Tele Zoom Lens, the Macro Lens or two types of Standard Zoom Lenses. These lenses feature intuitive technology, are optimised for picture taking of a professional standard and are the ultimate in high performance.
Finally, Samsung found that many people are looking for all-round quality and durability in a multi-purpose lens which can perform faultlessly in a number of functions. For this, the Super Zoom Lens is the perfect choice.
“We were inspired to create new lines of cameras and lenses that would change the way people think and feel about photography. This could only be achieved by ensuring all of the NX10’s components represented an intuitive and harmonious design and capabilities to meet the needs of our customers,” explained Steve Mitchell, General Marketing Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging. “We know from our detailed research that what consumers want from their cameras is evolving – they’re looking for compact and stylish products of a high performance, while retaining a focus on value. We’ve reflected these demands throughout the development of our lens technology for the NX10 and forthcoming NX range.”
He added: “Samsung has always been quick to implement cutting-edge technology, and the development of our lens technology ensures that the highest image quality is guaranteed, and always within reach of all our users. Our continued commitment to improving the imaging experience of our users is a number one priority – we don’t want our users to just capture images but create their own unique stories. The Samsung NX10 represents a whole new category of digital cameras and the new offerings within our lens line up will ensure our users feel empowered to unleash their creative side and integrate camera technology into everyday life, in their own way.”
Pancake Lens
(Jan 2010) 30mm F2
Standard Zoom Lens
(Jan 2010) 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 OIS
Tele Zoom Lens
(Jan 2010) 50-200mm F4-5.6 OIS
Standard Zoom Lens
(H1 2010) 18-55mm F3.5-5.6, Non OIS
Compact Zoom Lens
(H2 2010) 20-50mm F3.5-5.6
Wide Pancake Lens
(H2 2010) 20mm F2.8
Super Zoom Lens
(TBD) 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OIS
Macro Lens
(TBD) 60mm F2.8