Photoxels

SIGMA Releases the 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Full-Frame Mirrorless Lens for Astrophotography

2022-08-08

SIGMA has released the full-frame mirrorless version of its popular 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for the L-mount and Sony E-mount. The new SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art features an ultra-wide-angle 20mm, a bright maximum aperture of F1.4, support for both front and rear filters, dust- and splash-resistant structure, water- and oil-repellent coating on the front glass element and, for those who shoot at night in colder temperatures, a Lens Heat Retainer to prevent internal condensation as the temperature drops on longer night shoots. It’s a great lens for landscape, low-light, night, and astro photography.

PRESS RELEASE

2022.08.08

An Art level 20mm F1.4. The ultimate lens for astrophotography.

Outstanding optical quality and a range of invaluable features – The ultimate astrophotography lens from the 20mm F1.4 pioneer

The F1.4 series represents the SIGMA Art line, which pursues the highest optical performance and rich expression. The full-frame SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is a mirrorless version of the SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art; the one and only lens* with its unique specification of maximum aperture of 1.4 and an ultra-wide angle of 20mm. This lens offers photographers overwhelming optical performance and unlimited potential for ultra wide-angle creativity at a compact physical size. The exceptional F1.4 brightness and the breathtaking sharpness across the entire image even at maximum aperture make this lens the ultimate choice for astrophotography. In nightly darkness and focused to infinity, the 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art captures stars in the sky as clear, precise pinpoints of light. State-of-the-art optical design and the large, high-precision double-sided aspheric glass front element made it possible to add a front filter thread without any compromises regarding optical performance or size. The addition of other invaluable features such as a rear filter holder and a variety of useful switches further increases the creative possibilities and easy usability of the lens. Its incredible sharpness and very bright aperture, coupled with the compact body and thoughtful features, make the SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG DN | Art the ultimate lens for astrophotography and an ideal companion for any photographically demanding situation.

* As an AF interchangeable lens for mirrorless cameras that covers 35mm full-frame (As of August 2022, by SIGMA)
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Lenses • Sigma

SIGMA Releases Versatile 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art Full-Frame Mirrorless Lens

2022-08-08

by photoxels

SIGMA has released the 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art full-frame mirrorless lens for the L-mount and Sony E-mount. It features an ultra-wide-angle 24mm, a bright maximum aperture of F1.4, support for both front and rear filters, dust- and splash-resistant structure, water- and oil-repellent coating on the front glass element. The ultra-wide-angle and bright aperture makes it a versatile lens for low-light photography, large group photography, documentary photography, architectural photography and night astrophotography.

PRESS RELEASE

2022.08.08

Stellar results, anywhere, anytime. An astrophotography lens for everyday use.

Stunning power of the Art series lens in a compact body: Explore the versatile potential of “24mm F1.4” with SIGMA

Featuring a very large maximum aperture of F1.4, outstanding suppression of optical aberrations as well as a wealth of thought-out features, the SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art enables photographers to capture breathtakingly clear images with ease even in the most demanding lighting conditions. The versatile viewing angle of 24mm and the luxurious brightness of its F1.4 maximum aperture make this lens the perfect choice for all possible situations, from casual snapshots taken indoors to architectural photographs and even nightly astrophotography. The outstanding image quality achieved by its dedicated mirrorless optical design and the use of each glass element and optimal part resulted in a thorough suppression of optical aberration such as sagittal coma flare to ensure peak performance in every part of the image, within a compact and lightweight body. Additional features such as a front filter thread, rear filter holder and useful buttons such as the newly introduced MFL (Manual Focus Lock) switch further expand the possibilities and versatility of the lens. The SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG DN | Art brings the power and pleasure of an astrophotography lens into everyday situations.
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Articles

Get Ready! CP+ Returns Feb 23-26, 2023

2022-08-04

by photoxels

If you are a photography enthusiast and like learning all there is to know about the latest digital cameras, then the Camera & Photo Imaging Show (CP+) is just (OK, almost) around the corner. CP+ 2023 will take place from Thursday Feb 23 to Sunday Feb 26, 2023 in Yokohama, Japan, though you can also attend virtually. CP+ 2023 is billed as a “hybrid” event, with an on-site event and online event, with both opening their doors simultaneously.

You may have heard of CIPA as you read the specifications of cameras (e.g., the battery life). Well, CIPA is the organization that hosts CP+. Most of the major camera companies show up to display and demonstrate their latest and greatest imaging gear. You can attend keynote speeches, panel discussions by the top engineers, lectures and seminars on various topics of interest, presentations of the latest cameras and lenses, as well as of those still in development.

Besides presentations of the latest cameras and lenses, there will also be photo exhibits and awards, and presentations of new printers, sports cams, drones, external screens, video cameras, gimbals, telescopes, binoculars, digital imaging software, and other products such as camera bags, straps, tripods, and books.

The following video gives an idea of what you can expect to see and experience at the show:

What should be exciting about CP+ 2023 is that, since all the major camera manufacturers have now fully embraced mirrorless technology, you will mostly see new mirrorless cameras and lenses dedicated to them. Do not expect to see much of DLSRs or point-and-shoot cameras. It will be a great opportunity to handle the latest mirrorless cameras and lenses and to compare between the various brands. What can be more exciting than to have all the flagship mirrorless cameras together at one venue?

If you plan to attend on-site, be advised that they have a strict protocol to avoid the spread of COVID-19, including temperature check at the entry, use of hand sanitizer, the wearing of mask indoors, distancing, and frequent disinfection.

Visit the CP+ (English) Site

Lenses • Samyang

Samyang’s Second Generation AF 85MM F1.4 FE II Lens for Sony Full-Frame E-mount Is Smaller, Lighter and Faster

2022-07-28

by photoxels

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of its founding, Samyang Optics is introducing the second-generation (marked by the II label) of its popular AF lenses line-up for Sony full-frame E-mount mirrorless cameras: It had already previously announced the the AF 50mm F1.4 FE II and the AF 35mm F1.4 FE II, and now it’s the turn of the AF 85mm F1.4 FE II. Of course, since Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras also share the same E-mount, they can also use these new lenses, but with a 1.5x crop factor (85mm full-frame is equivalent to 127.5mm in APS-C).

The Samyang (also known as Rokinon) AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is optimized for not only photo shooting, but also video shooting by minimizing vibration and noise when tracking the subject. Interestingly, it does not feature aspherical glass to avoid onion rings in the bokeh. It is weather-sealed (in 7 areas) to protect lens from light rain, snow and dust. It should make a great portrait lens.

The Samyang AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is priced (MSRP) US $799.

PRESS RELEASE

Samyang Unveils its New 85mm F1.4 FE II 2nd Generation AF Prime Lens for Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless

Thursday 28th July, 2022, Seoul, South Korea: Samyang Optics (CEO Hwang Choong-hyun), a global optical brand, announces the new AF 85mm F1.4 FE II, designed for Full-Frame Sony E-Mount cameras, and can also be used with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras.

2nd Generation of the AF 85mm F1.4 FE
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Samyang Optics, Samyang Optics is introducing second-generation AF lenses with upgraded performance based on the technology it has accumulated over the years. Starting with the first renewal product, the AF 50mm F1.4 FE II, the AF 35mm F1.4 FE II, and this time the AF 85mm F1.4 FE II second-generation lens will be announced. The AF 85mm F1.4 FE II is the second edition of the AF 85mm F1.4 FE, and it is one of the lenses that has been loved by many people since Samyang released its first Autofocus lens in 2016.

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Canon • Firmware Updates

Canon Posts Firmware Updates Ver.1.2.0 for EOS R3, Ver.1.6.0 for EOS R5 and R6

2022-07-23

by photoxels

Firmware Version 1.2.0 for the EOS R3 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

Adds the ability to set “Custom high speed continuous” to the Drive mode. It is possible to shoot from 2 to 50 images continuously at a speed of approximately 30 to 195 fps.
Adds the ability to select “FHD 239.76 fps/200.00 fps” in “High frame rate.”
1. Adds the ability for in camera “Depth compositing” during “Focus bracketing.”
2. Adds Focus bracketing and depth compositing with a flash (Speedlite EL-1).
Adds the ability of time-lapse movie recording. Note that the time-lapse movie setting is retained even if the camera enters the Auto Power Off state before starting time-lapse movie recording.
Adds the ability of Cloud RAW processing functionality. RAW processing with the latest image processing technology is possible. This is a paid service that requires the purchase of a Canon Imaging App Service Plan, which will be available starting July 25, 2022.
Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images.
Adds the ability to set [Still Image Crop/Aspect] to [Custom Controls]. The assigned button can be used to switch between crop and aspect ratio.
Adds the ability to crop and resize images during transfer to an FTP server.
802.1X authentication/WPA2-Enterprise now supports the PKCS#12 certificate format.
Adds an electronic shutter sound to be played when the mechanical shutter or electronic 1st-curtain is set.
Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens.
Adds [Auto Power Off Temp.: Standard/High] to the menu for still shooting.
Fixes an issue, which displays Error Code 70 on the camera, that may occur, in rare instances, when the [Disp. performance] setting is set to [Smooth].
Fixes minor issues.

Firmware Version 1.6.0 for the EOS R5 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

Adds [Auto Power Off Temp.: Standard/High] to the menu for movie recording. When [High] is selected, the camera will not automatically turn off when the temperature of the camera body and card become high, which may allow for longer movie recording than before, depending on the shooting conditions. Note that the temperature of the bottom surface of the camera may increase at this time.
Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images.
Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens.
Fixes minor issues.

Firmware Version 1.6.0 for the EOS R6 incorporates the following enhancements and fixes:

Adds the ability to convert multiple HEIF images into multiple JPEG images.
Enhances the performance of “Movie Digital IS”. It stabilizes the image when taking selfies or walking shots using a wide-angle lens.
Fixes minor issues.