Lens News

Weird Lens Guru Mathieu Stern is our go-to source of clever ways to use cheap vintage lenses on modern digital cameras. In the quick video below he illustrates how to easily modify an old lens to create dramatic nocturnal photographs with a unique look.

Canon announced some new photo goodies this morning: the PowerShot SX730 Compact Camera with a 40x zoom (24-960mm equivalent), and the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens, which has built-in Macro Lites on the sides of the lens.

Nikon is celebrating its upcoming 100^th Anniversary with the introduction of two special-edition flagship DSLRs and a selection of commemorative lenses, collectible items and binoculars.

In the trifecta of portrait lenses—85mm, 105mm, and 135mm—the 85mm focal length is the gateway. It’s short enough for tight shooting spaces, while producing a real portrait look, yet versatile enough for use in other genres, including photojournalism, where a nifty 50 comes up a bit short. Enter Sigma’s 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens ($1,199) that’s fast enough for reportage and long enough for portraiture.

Lens condensation is an inconvenient and potentially damaging problem for those of us living in hot, humid climates and photographers traveling to similar locations. The problem arises when you leave a cold, air conditioned room and step outside into the heat.

The late Mr. Newton was certainly onto something. I believe the overwhelming desire of most portrait photographers is to please the client, with seduction, amusement, and entertainment far from their minds. Let me submit this idea: shoot what the client says they want and then shoot something challenging their assumptions. Most wedding clients tend to be traditional but even introducing black and white or infrared images can increase sales and show clients you’re thinking outside the veil.

Last fall during Photokina we ran a report on the weirdest lens we’ve ever seen, the Laowa 24mm f/14 2X Macro from Venus optics. And now, although there is still no information on availability or price, the Chinese company has released three short videos illustrating the capabilities of the lens.