Before I got my first true Macro lens, a Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG
Recently I acquired the 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX
Posted in Tips and techniques on January 18th, 2010. 2 Comments.
Nikon has released the updated version of their 300mm f/2.8G lens, AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II, and a new full frame compatible teleconverter, the AF-S TC-20E III.
With its large aperture, optimized sharpness across the whole frame, the lens is perfect for action and sports photojournalism and wildlife photography. But soccer moms and dads need to look elsewhere due to its weight and affordability.
The lens features the latest VR II vibration reduction that is claimed to provide stabilization up to 4 stops slower shutter speed than what is normally possible. Exclusive nano crystal coating reduces ghosting and internal flare. Three ED glasses minimizes chromatic abbreviations. Read More…
Posted in News on December 11th, 2009. No Comments.
The AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is a DX format lens. The equivalent focal length on a DSLR with a APS-C sized sensor is about 52.5mm, which gives roughly the same field of view (FOV) as a 50mm lens on a full frame camera such as the Nikon D700 and D3/D3X. For many D40/D40X/D60 users, this new lens should be a welcome addition because the lowest cost large aperture option AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D would not auto-focus on their cameras. I have had the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D for quite a while. The image quality is very good but the focal length is a little inconvenient for close range shots. Another aspect of the new lens I like is the ability to manually override the auto-focus by turning the focus ring without putting the camera in manual focus mode. This is not possible with the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D. So I am very interested in finding out how the lens compares to the AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D. Read More…
DPReview has posted a gallery of sample photos from the new AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Nikon introduced recently. There is nothing really spectacular in these photos taken with this lens and a Nikon D300 partially because of the subjects they chose to shoot. The images look pretty good for sharpness and contrast from a lens that is supposed to be a consumer grade prime for DX format DSLR cameras. The lens will be an excellent choice for low light and candid shooting situations.
I pre-ordered mine a few days ago from Amazon for $199.95. However the item appears to be no longer available for pre-order there and no price information is shown on the product page.
Posted in Lens on February 14th, 2009. No Comments.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II is the first full frame DSLR camera that can shot videos. The first video-capable DSLR (but with APS-C sized sensor) is the Nikon D90. There are already tons of samples on the Internet to show you the video capability of these cameras. Here are just some Canon EOS 5D Mark II videos that are unique with the contents and the way they are shot – with Nikon lenses! Read More…
Posted in Digital SLR Cameras on December 7th, 2008. 1 Comment.
2008 is a very special year for Nikon with the 75th anniversary of NIKKOR camera lenses and 60th anniversary of Nikon cameras. For its entire history, Nikon has been leading the imaging technology front with many legendary cameras, lenses, and innovative features. This special 6-minute video outlines the remarkable Nikon history. Read More…
Nikon releases a new prime lens AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Nikkor optical excellence. 45 million lenses have been produced, according to Nikon’s press release.
The lens features a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, ideal for low light photography. On a FX (35mm) format camera, the lens has normal angle of view with focal length of 50mm but a reduced angle of view with effective focal length of 75mm on DX-format cameras.
Compared to the old f/1.4D model, this lens has a all new optical design, which Nikon boasts as “ destined to become an instant classic in this digital age”, and “…effectively corrects sagittal coma flare and coma aberration, delivering astonishing image quality and allowing more users to realize their creative vision with vivid clarity…”. We can definitely believe Nikon for their words. In addition, the ring-type ultrasonic motor provides fast and silent focusing. There is no longer an aperture ring, becoming useless with modern Nikon cameras.
It is striking to notice the difference between the new Nikkor and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM. The weight is 209g/10.2oz vs 505g/17.8 oz, the filter size (indication of the front element size) is 58mm vs. 77mm, and the price is $439.95 (est. selling price) vs. $499.00 (current selling price of Sigma). We can certainly count on the Sigma to drop price when the new Nikkor hits the street around December 2008.
One more item for the holiday wishlist? 
Posted in News on September 22nd, 2008. No Comments.
Once a very popular lens selling even above MSRP not too long ago, the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED has lost its charm somewhat. I guess the demands drop as most people who wanted it already got it. It can now be easily found at most photography equipment places for less than MSRP.
It appears that DPReview just started doing lens reviews but I am a little surprised to see the review of this lens coming from DPReview at this time (two years after its release), when many people are waiting for an already-late Nikon D300 review.
Based on the review, the lens is “about making some optical compromises to provide the broadest possible range in a single lens”. It is “nothing more than an expensive snapshot lens”, and it is for “he photographer who wants to shoot a little bit of everything and not have to change lenses”. I guess that’s quite accurate.
For reference, here are some other reviews of this lens:
