Lens News

One of the great things about photokina is that you find a lot of “straws in the wind”: not necessarily major introductions from major manufacturers, but intriguing indicators of which way the wind is blowing.

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens
Sigma introduced their new 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens. This large aperture, standard zoom lens was created for APS-C digital cameras and features Sigma’s Optical Stabilization functionality, which allows you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds nearly four steps slower than would otherwise be possible. It also features their...

Fisheye optics are an unusual beast. The bulbous nature of the front element is one characteristic trademark, but the unique view this lens affords us is what makes it truly appealing—and at the same time challenging to work with.

My fisheye lenses have literally widened my view of the world around me and given me a new perspective on my photography. Admittedly, some...

When you talk about lenses these days you always have to bring in the multiplication factor, especially when you have a lens that fits comfortably on both so-called full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras. To know what angles of view you will have available you have to know: (a) that the lens is made for full-sized sensors (or not) so will work with the multiplication factor on smaller sized sensors...

The new Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) joins a growing community of wide-zoom lenses. In contrast to an earlier version of this lens, which is available in several mounts, this APS-C Tamron optic (designated Model B005/$649 street price) is only available in Nikon DX (with built-in motor) and Canon mounts. Given that I mated this lens to a Nikon D300, that effectively...

When it comes to lenses, the name Carl Zeiss is synonymous with optical perfection or as they say around the Hallmark store, “when you care enough to shoot the very best.” Zeiss continues to expand its line of interchangeable lenses for Canon, Nikon, and Pentax cameras to include two new wide-angle lenses, the Distagon T* 18mm f/3.5 and Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8.

The...

This year we’ve seen many fine lenses come onto the scene, many with new optical elements designed to enhance performance while making the lens lighter and more affordable.

Nikon announced two new lenses aimed primarily at FX-format shooters (but usable with DX format). The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED ($2199) is a fast lens well suited to low-light landscapes or expansive...