Lenses
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Leica Q2 Monochrom officially announced
Leica has introduced a monochrome version of the popular Leica Q/Q2 compacts. Like those models, it features a 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens and full-frame sensor, only the new model sports a 47MP CMOS sans Bayer filter. The main benefit here over the 40MP Leica M Monochrom, besides the slightly higher pixel count, is the Q2 Monochrom’s autofocus and built-in EVF. The latter allows the user to not only view in B&W of course but more importantly to compose in B&W. While you can do that with the M Monochrom you would have to use the optional Visoflex or compose via the camera’s rear LCD. Both options are less compelling solutions to…
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Leica M10-R Specifications
Leica Camera has announced a new, high-resolution version of the Leica M10 rangefinder, called the M10-R. The new model, which adopts the familiar body and layout of the original Leica M-10 adopts a new full-frame 40.89MP RGB CMOS sensor sans AA filter and a native ISO 100-50,000 sensitivity. Besides an increase in resolution, Leica also claims a wider dynamic range over the 24MP CMOS sensor in the original M10 series, said to be up to 13.5 stops. Another benefit of the new sensor is lower noise at high ISOs apparently, with even less colour noise at ISO6400 than the current M10. According to a Leica spokesperson, the ‘unique’ full-frame sensor…
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Leica announces the Leica M10-R
Leica Camera has announced a new, high-resolution version of the Leica M10 rangefinder, called the M10-R. The new higher-resolution sensor has been added to the range to accommodate the demands of professionals and ADs requiring the extra flexibility of larger image dimensions during post-production. The new M10-R model, which adopts the familiar body and layout of the original Leica M-10 adopts a new full-frame 40.89MP RGB CMOS sensor sans AA filter and a native ISO 100-50,000 sensitivity. Besides an increase in resolution, Leica also claims a wider dynamic range over the 24MP CMOS sensor in the original M10 series, said to be up to 13.5 stops. Another benefit of…
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Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Almost certainly this new lens is the successor to the EF100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM. If you don’t believe that, ask yourself if it makes sense for Canon to make that lens after introducing this. And remember this is an L-series lens, and if the new RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM is anything to go by this should be an excellent performer. Jumping ahead of both Sony and Nikon mirrorless options (Sony’s is 100-400mm and the Nikon is still missing), this is a highly versatile lens, and a smart move by Canon, before introducing any of the super-teles in RF mount. Key specifications Canon RF Mount 20 elements in 14…
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Sony announces new ultra-wide FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM zoom
Sony has announced the Sony FE12-24mm F2.8 GM zoom. Specifications Sony E mount full-frame 35mm 17 elements in 14 groups, 3 XA (extreme aspherical), 2 Super ED, 3 ED elements, fluorine front coat, Nano AR II coating 122-84 degree angle of view (diagonal) F2.8 to F22, 9-aperture blades, rounded Floating mechanism for improved resolution at close distance 0.28m (0.92 ft) minimum focus Dust and moisture resistant Four XD Linear motors for quiet AF Customizable Focus Button Rear filter holder option 137 x 97.6mm long x diameter 847g (29.9 oz) £2,899 / US$2,998 includes case Announced 7 July, 2020 Please support this site and buy through our preferred retailers WEX Photo (UK) B&H Photo…
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Leica SL2 Announced
Leica has announced the long-leaked and long-expected update to the full-frame mirrorless SL, the appropriately named SL2. It brings several expected and significant updates to the original Leica SL, including a sensor upgrade from the old 24.2MP unit to a 47MP sensor, similar but not identical in pixel count to that in the Leica Q and that of their technology partner Panasonic and their Lumix DC-S1R camera. Although often overlooked, it’s no secret that the original SL electronics and many of its internal components are made by Panasonic and it’s not difficult to see that the SL2 shares much of its DNA with the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R. Although the imaging…
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Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4S lens review: Compact and capable performer
This is what you’ll get if you buy one of the mirrorless Nikon Z 6 or Z 7 cameras as part of a kit, but as one of Nikon’s S series of primes it’s meant as a ‘premium’ model. While we’ve yet to see what one of the ‘standard’ models is like build-wise, this sober-looking lens is a step or two above the DX equivalent zooms in the company’s range. It’s nicely made but it’s not quite up to the pro-oriented build of the Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S (reviewed here). Still, with a part-plastic part-metal outer, this is intended as lightweight and compact design. It even has a retractable…
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Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH lens announced
Leica has announced the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH lens, an L-mount lens that’s not only compatible with the Leica SL currently, but as a part of the L-Mount alliance, the lens is compatible with the Lumix S1 series made by Panasonic, as well as the Sigma fp. The lens features 12 elements with three aspherical surfaces and an unknown number – Leica claim the “majority” of elements being made of anomalous partial dispersion glass for apochromatic correction. As with other lenses in the Summicron-SL series, the 50mm F2 ASPH features a Dual Syncro Drive (DSD) stepping motor for fast autofocus, which allows for the lens to be driven over its…
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Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm F2 ASPH
Technical data: Lens APO-Summicron-SL 50 mm f/2 ASPH. Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) 47.2° / 40.0° / 27.3° Optical design Number of elements/groups 12/10 Number of aspherical elements 3 Position of entrance pupil in front of the bayonet flange 63.2 mm Focusing Working range 0.35 m to infinity Smallest object field 120 × 180 mm Largest reproduction ratio 1:5 Aperture Settings/functions Electronically controlled iris, setting with the camera setting dial, half- or one-third stop settings possible Aperture setting range 2 – 22 Smallest aperture 22 Bayonet/sensor format Leica L-bayonet, full-frame 35 mm format Filter thread E67 Dimensions and weight Length to bayonet flange 102 mm…
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Sigma introduce MC-21 Mount Converter for L mount bodies
Sigma has introduced the MC-21 mount converter for mirrorless L-mount bodies, at the time of writing includes the Leica SL/TL and the new Panasonic S1 and S1R. There are two versions of the converter, the £249.99 EF-L allows Canon EF mount lenses, including Sigma lenses with EF mount to attach to L mount bodies. Priced at just £99, the second, SA-L version, allows Sigma lenses with the SA mount to fit the same bodies. Sigma has confirmed the new converter has compatibility with 29 Sigma full-frame and APS-C lenses with the latter automatically enabling the auto-crop feature on full-frame bodies. Other models are not guaranteed to be fully compatible. Lens…
