Lenses
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Filter sizes for Leica M lenses
As you might expect, Leica offers its range of UV filters, which are recommended for the protection of the front element in everyday use but also to prevent damage when cleaning. It’s much less worrying to clean a filter than a front element. However, I also recommend B+W (UV or Clear) filters, which, although made by the German brand Schneider-Kreuznach, tend to be slightly cheaper and yet are not considered inferior in any way. The XS-Pro, now replaced by the ‘Master’, features a thin brass frame and a Nano coating to facilitate easier cleaning. More competitively priced offerings include the excellent Breakthrough Photography UV X2 range and the Firecrest series…
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Recomended Filters for Lens Protection
Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions, however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those for storage), but they’re also a lot easier to clean than the front element. I also don’t like cleaning lenses and would rather accidentally scratch a filter than my lens. And if you think it’s unlikely, take a look at the number of secondhand lenses for sale on eBay with scratched front elements. Those few that aren’t sell for appreciably more. My filter of choice for my Canon lenses is the Canon ‘Protect’ or Protector filter. I also use Canon Polarisers, which can also…
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Filter sizes for Fujinon GF lenses
When reviewing the Fujinon lenses, Fujifilm UK always send out samples with Fujinon Protector Filters, and I’ve been impressed with the way they handle flare and ghosting. Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions; however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those for storage), but they’re also a lot easier to clean than the front element. The following is a work in progress, so the columns will be filled out in due course. Fujifilm doesn’t specify the pouches in their lens manuals or websites. Buy Fujifilm Fujinon Protect Filters [Affiliate links]: Amazon UK Amazon US As an Amazon…
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Filter sizes for Canon EF lenses
Canon filter sizes are difficult to find, at least in a list form. At one time, all manufacturers went to the trouble to do so with printed brochures but now, with the internet, not so much. With the move to EOS R cameras and the highly capable and versatile EF-RF adaptors, the older EF lenses remain hugely popular. Indeed, with focusing accuracy as good if not better than the older DSLRs, especially when focused off-centre, EF lenses have seen a new lease of life. Filters for lens protection seem to divide opinions, however, I’m strongly in favour of them. Not only do they prevent fumbling with lens caps (keep those…
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Filter sizes for Canon RF lenses
Manufacturers have favourite filter sizes. Canon, for example, often adopted 72mm and 77mm for L-series EF mount lenses but that has changed somewhat with the RF mount to 67mm, 77mm and 82mm being common sizes. Once a popular size on the original Canon FD breach-lock mount lenses from the 70s (not FDn), the 55mm filter thread size is also making a comeback. For Canon lenses, I recommend Canon ‘Protect’ or Protector filters as they’re extremely high quality. They’re also very reasonably priced, at least for the popular sizes. Sizes above 82mm are steep, though, so you could look for more competitive offerings such as the excellent Firecrest models for that…
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Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 mm F2 ASPH lens review
The Leica Super-APO-Summicron-SL 21 mm F2 ASPH is a high-speed wide-angle for Leica SL cameras. It was announced in October 2023. This lens has the Super-Apo moniker and has a complex design of 14 elements in total, arranged in 11 groups. Leica doesn’t say how many AD (anomalous partial dispersion) elements there are but claims that ‘most’ of the 14 elements are made from ‘special custom glass.’ That may include the three elements with aspherical surfaces, but it’s unclear. Like others in the SL range, the lens also adopts a ‘digital element,’ or what’s better known as a built-in profile, to correct vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberration. While it’s perhaps…
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Leica Q3 43 review
Leica’s Q3 43 builds on the success of the Q-series, adding a new 43mm F2 Apo lens to the 60 MP CMOS of the regular Leica Q3. Kevin Carter takes a look. With Canon and Nikon concentrating on niche genres like sports and action or the ‘content creator’, it’s hardly surprising when something like the Leica Q3 arrives to fill the void. And now it has been joined by the Leica Q3 43. While expensive, with better resale prices than rival makes when the time comes to upgrade, it is perhaps the most economical way into the Leica system. Small, light and discreet, the Leica Q3 43 shares the ergonomics…
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Fujifilm Fujinon GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR specs
Technical Data Manufacturer Fujifilm Model Fujinon GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR Web www.fujifilm-X.com Elements/construction 9 elements in 6 groups (including 1 aspherical surface) Angle of view 57.4° (diagonal) 40mm equivalent Tilt/Shift n/a Max aperture F3.5 (9-blades, rounded) Min aperture F32 Min focus distance 0.55 m (1.8 in) Max magnification 0.1x Mount GF mount Filter size 62mm Length 48mm (1.89 in.) Diameter 88mm (3.31 in.) Weight 355g ( 11.2 oz) Price £949 inc VAT ($999) Check price & availability: WEX UK | Amazon | Park Cameras UK B&H Photo US | Adorama | Amazon As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
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Fujifilm Fujinon GF50mm F3.5 R LM WR lens review
What is it? The Fujifilm Fujinon GF50mm is a highly compact and relatively lightweight lens for Fujifilm medium format mirrorless cameras. It’s the equivalent of a 40mm on a full-frame 35mm camera, and at one time, back in the 70s, this focal length was hugely popular. Much of that had to do with price, as they competed with medium-speed (F1.8/2) 50mms – the kit lenses of the day – and were often sold as a more affordable alternative. These smaller and lighter 3-group, 4-element Tessar “pancake” designs were and still are highly compelling. Indeed, today the Olympus Zuiko 40mm F2 is around £600, secondhand, and the Contax Zeiss T* 45mm…
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Fujifilm Fujinon GF30mm F5.6 T/S review
What is it? The Fujifilm Fujinon GF30mm F5.6 T/S is a highly anticipated lens in the GFX system. Why? Because it’s the first serious challenger to the Canon TS-E lenses (and the Nikon PC Nikkors), which are routinely adapted to fit on the larger-sensor GFX cameras. As a 30mm lens designed to cover the 44x33mm MF sensor, it is the equivalent of a 24mm in full-frame 35mm terms and is, without doubt, the most popular focal length for architecture and interiors. The manual-focus lens will also appeal to landscape photographers. (Arguably, a 35mm tilt/shift might be as popular or even more so (the Nikon and Zeiss 35mm shift-only models are…
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