Gigapixel 7 was recently "Rebuilt from the ground up", and now it is on sale at Topaz Labs. Save $20.00 this week only.
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The Lexar 128GB Professional 1667x V60 UHS-II SDXC Memory Card is on sale for only $24.99 at Adorama.
This bull's herd of cows was split, half on the far side of the ridge with him, and the other half on the near side. Predictable was that he would come back for the rest.
The bull had choices on where to come back over the ridge, but not all were photographically optimal, including significant brush obstructions at some locations. Setting up for the ideal returning elk composition was the logical plan, and this bull hit the opening perfectly.
There is an aspect of this image that I do not like, but I'll start with some of the positive aspects.
The primary subject is a good specimen, with a large rack that includes a substantial and unique drop tine.
The early morning light is soft, avoiding hard shadows and creating a strong catchlight in the eye. The slightly upward shooting angle provides a regal perspective on the animal.
Shooting at 20 fps enabled the capture of this image with the bugling elk and its laid-back antlers precisely framed, without interruption, by pine trees and rocks. The trees and rocks have shape, color, and contrast character, and the distant background consists of an attractive pattern of blurred spruce trees.
Photographing bugling behavior is always a goal, and the front leg, especially the far front leg, bent slightly attractively conveys action and positions the head at a higher level than other positions in its cadence. You can visualize him walking out of the opening.
So, what don't I like about this picture? The elk has three legs. It doesn't really have three legs, but the back right leg is aligned with; and therefore hidden by, the front left leg. Viewed at full size, the larger back leg is visible around the front leg, but at typical web viewing size, only three legs are discernable.
This image is a slight pano. The elk came through fast, and I was holding slightly too far to the left when this pose was struck. The framing a few frames prior included slightly more of the right border that gives the image slightly improved overall balance.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Highlighting some just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:
Category | What Just Arrived |
---|---|
Canon EOS Cameras | R6 kit, R10, R50 |
Canon RF Lenses | 18-150, 24-50, 24-70, 70-200 F2.8 |
Sony Alpha Cameras | a1, a7S III, a7C II, a6700 |
Sony FE Lenses | 16-35 II, 70-200 F4, 135, 300 F2.8 |
Really Right Stuff | L-Plate set for R5/R6, MC-LS Universal L-Bracket, Ascend-14 Long Tripod with Integrated Ball Head |
Remember to use the B&H Payboo payment card to save the tax.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
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Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs, measurements, and standard product images, are now available on the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens page.
You are going to like this one – it's a great lens. The full review will be available soon.
Here is a visual comparison of the Sony, Sigma, and Canon 50mm F1.2 lenses:
Here is the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens to the left of the F1.2 lens:
Here are some image quality comparisons:
Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX
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Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.
Just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:
Category | What Just Arrived |
---|---|
Canon EOS Cameras | R6, R7 |
Canon RF Lenses | 18-150, 24-105 F4, 55-210, 70-200 F4, 24, 50 F1.8 |
Sony Alpha Cameras | a9 III, a7S III, a7C R, a7 IV, a7C II, ZV-E1 |
Sony FE Lenses | 12-24 F2.8, 16-35 II, 24-70 II, 70-200 II, 100-400, 200-600, 135, 300 F2.8 |
Really Right Stuff | BH-30 (lever release), BH-40 (screw knob panning clamp), PG-01 |
From Sigma Corporation of America:
Announcing the 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art lens, the Brightest 50mm Prime Lens in SIGMA's Lineup
Ronkonkoma, NY – March 26, 2024 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art lens, a remarkably compact, ultra-fast standard prime lens for full-frame mirrorless camera systems. The new SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is the brightest in the SIGMA 50mm prime lens lineup, while delivering extremely high optical performance from its widest aperture. It has achieved the highest level of performance among successive generations of Art lenses.
The F1.2 maximum aperture allows photographers to actively take advantage of the large bokeh effect and to shoot handheld with a wide aperture in low-light situations such as indoors and evening scenes. Thanks to the excellent correction of various aberrations such as spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare, and axial chromatic aberration, along with SIGMA's first 13-blade rounded diaphragm, which maintains a circular bokeh effect even when the aperture is stopped down, this lens delivers beautiful imaging characteristics.
Dual HLA-driven floating focusing, with one group near the front of the lens and one group near the back, provides stable optical performance from close to distant focus. The design also minimizes focus breathing, with very little change of the angle of view as focal distance changes, which is helpful for video capture. The dual floating HLA autofocus achieves focus smoothly, swiftly and silently for both still and video, and the manual focus ring can be assigned to be linear or non-linear response on compatible L-Mount cameras.
Despite the fast aperture, the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art lens is has the lightest weight in its class*, and is 30% smaller than the SIGMA 35mm F1.2 DG DN | Art lens. It is very similar in size and weight to the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens, which was achieved in part by streamlining the optical system.
* Full-frame mirrorless 50mm F1.2 lenses as of March 2024.
As a DG DN Art lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless camera systems, the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is built with dust and splash-resistant structure, water and oil-repellent coating on the front lens element, and durable brass bayonet mount; along with click/de-click and lockable aperture ring, an AFL button, and AF/MF switch.
Offered in L-Mount and Sony E-mount versions, the lens will be available on April 18, 2024 at a retail price of $1,399 through authorized retail partners.
Exclusively for mirrorless cameras | Compatible with full-frame cameras
A | Art
SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN
Unveiling another SIGMA Art line F1.2 lens.
Elevating photographic mastery beyond conventional limits.
Supplied accessories: CASE, LENS HOOD LH782-03, FRONT CAP LCF-72mm III, REAR CAP LCR II
Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
Launch date: April 18, 2024
* The appearance and specifications of the products are subject to change.
* Sony E-mount lenses are developed, manufactured and sold in accordance with the E-mount specifications licensed under a license agreement with Sony Corporation.
* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
#SIGMA #SIGMA50mmF12Art #SIGMAArt #SIGMAArtPrime #SIGMADGDN
The lightest in its class* – Bright F1.2 maximum aperture and the highest level of descriptive power from SIGMA's Art line.
SIGMA's Art line has been offering new possibilities and surprise for expression, and now the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is here to break the standards. SIGMA's focus with this lens is on the descriptive power that is perfectly usable from the widest aperture, and on portability that allows the high performance to be demonstrated in any field. In terms of image rendition, SIGMA achieved high resolving power from the maximum aperture throughout the entire focus range, while also enriching the beauty of the large bokeh effect at F1.2. In addition, the lens construction and mechanical design have been stripped down to the bare essentials, resulting in a significantly compact and lightweight body. The lens is also equipped with a full range of functions suitable for professional use, including high-precision AF using the latest HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) that reduces volume while maintaining the same thrust. We hope users will enjoy the superb Art F1.2, which will transform everything they capture and even their photographic experience into something extra special.
* As an AF 50mm F1.2 interchangeable lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. (As of March 2024 by SIGMA)
[Key Features]
1. Highest descriptive power to take advantage of F1.2 brightness
The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art has been designed with an emphasis on high resolution from the maximum aperture to the full focus range and large, beautiful bokeh expression. The contrast between the sharpness of the focus surface and the melting bokeh effect creates a three-dimensional effect thanks to its F1.2 aperture. In addition, the 13-blade diaphragm allows for beautiful bokeh expressions. Focus breathing is also well-suppressed that the F1.2 rendering can be fully utilized in video recording.
Brightness of F1.2 maximum aperture and high resolution from minimum to infinity focus
The latest optical design achieves high resolving power with each aberration thoroughly suppressed from the maximum aperture. The lens is capable of rendering details without color bleeding in any situation. In addition, the incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.
Rich and beautiful bokeh without color bleeding
By correcting spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare, axial chromatic aberration, and other aberrations, the lens delivers natural bokeh images that blur smoothly and without color bleeding from the focal plane. Double-line bokeh is also suppressed, allowing users to take advantage of the mellow bokeh effect in their expression.
Rounded diaphragm with 13 blades
The lens incorporates SIGMA's first 13-blade diaphragm, which maintains a circular shape even when stopped down from the maximum aperture. The surface accuracy of the aspherical lens has been enhanced to the utmost to enable smooth and beautiful round bokeh expressions.
Designed to minimize focus breathing
Optimization of the focus group arrangement and aspherical shape significantly suppresses focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video.
Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.
2. Lightest lens body in its class*, suitable for a wide range of applications
By uncompromisingly pursuing high optical performance and portability, which are inherently contradictory, the highest level of performance has been condensed into the lightest lens body in its class. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art can be used not only in limited situations and applications, but in all kinds of shooting environments.
* As an AF 50mm F1.2 interchangeable lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. (As of March 2024 by SIGMA)
Dual HLA incorporating a new system
A new system was developed that significantly reduces the volume while maintaining the same thrust of the HLA, which is characterized by its high driving accuracy and quietness, and is featured in each of the two focus groups. This technological innovation has realized both high-speed autofocus and a compact lens body.
Lens construction and mechanical design stripped down to the absolute minimum
Each piece of glass is made as thin as possible while employing glasses with a high refractive index and four aspherical lenses. The high level of production technology at SIGMA's only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory, provides the exacting precision necessary for processing these thin glass elements and making this mass production possible. In addition, the floating focus ensures high performance while shortening the overall length, resulting in a compact lens. In the mechanical design phase, emphasis was placed on weight reduction. Through the systematic elimination of individual components, SIGMA attained the distinction of producing the lightest lens in its class, weighing a mere 745g / 26.3oz.*
* These figures are for L-Mount.
3. A wealth of functions for professional use and excellent build quality
In addition to various functions that support photography, such as the AFL button* and an aperture ring, the construction of the lens body itself and its high-quality touch and feel are also pursued. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is designed with high functionality and reliability to meet the stringent demands of professionals, as well as excellent build quality for long-lasting, reliable use.
* Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
Proud to be a tool of expression, excellent build quality with SIGMA's Art line specifications
By assembling high-precision parts made of lightweight and strong TSC* and other materials, the lens has the high level of rigidity and durability of SIGMA's Art line specifications without sacrificing portability, as well as excellent build quality that allows for long-lasting and reliable use as a photographic tool.
* TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts, which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
Various shooting assist functions
The lens is equipped with an AFL button which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens is equipped with an aperture ring lock switch and a click switch to turn the click on and off.
Dust and splash resistant structure* and water and oil repellent coating
In addition to a dust and splash resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing users to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.
* The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
Includes a petal-type hood with lock
A dedicated petal-shaped hood is supplied. A locking mechanism is provided for secure attachment.
[ Additional Features ]
[ Key Specifications ]
The following specifications are for L-Mount.
Lens Construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical elements)
Angle of view: 46.8°
Number of diaphragm blades: 13 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F16
Minimum focusing distance: 40cm / 15.8 in.
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:6.2
Filter size: 72mm
Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 81.0 x 108.8mm / 3.2 x 4.3 in.
Weight: 745g / 26.3 oz.
Orders
Order the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX
The Apple 13.3" MacBook Air M1 Chip with Retina Display (Late 2020, Space Gray) is on sale for only $699.00 at B&H!
Numerous other Apple deals are available.
Browse the 22 SanDisk and WD Flash Deals at B&H.
An example of the great deals available: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO CFexpress Card Type B — only $95.99.
Now, while there is still time to place a missing items order at B&H, is a good time to practice your total solar eclipse photography plan.
Need help? Check out the In-Depth Guide: How to Photograph a Total Solar Eclipse.
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Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
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Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.
Worth browsing: Deals of the Week at B&H.
Capturing a photo of a buck leaping a fence or log was on my photo bucket list, and the right circumstances enabled that line item to be checked off.
During the rut, a buck will stay with a doe that is ready to breed. Most of the time, the action is slow, but periodically, the doe will play a cat-and-mouse game, running away. When that happens, the buck gives chase, and that's what happened this morning in Shenandoah National Park.
The buck raced after the doe, and a log was in its way. I was on the other side of the log.
The Canon EOS R5 and RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens impressively nailed this shot, tracking the buck's eye as it fast approached.
I was slightly behind in my panning, but a small pano created from two consecutive shots opened up the left side of the image just enough to provide space in the subject's direction.
The shallow 400mm f/2.8 depth of field strongly blurred the distracting forest background, making the deer appear to be leaping out of the frame.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Be the first to check out tonight at 8:30 PM EDT to score this just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:
Category | What Just Arrived |
---|---|
Canon EOS Cameras | R5 |
Canon RF Lenses | 16, 24-105 F4-7.1 |
Sony Alpha Cameras | a9 III, a7R IV, a7C II kit |
Sony FE Lenses | 70-200 F2.8 II, 100-400, 14, 600 F4 |
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Time is running out — browse the Big Spring Sale at Amazon.
Watch for items to rotate through the sale.
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Save big on FotoPro tripod and head kits at Adorama:
FotoPro Sherpa Max 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod/Monopod with FPH-62QS Ball Head, Black – $189.95 (Reg. $299.00)
FotoPro E-6 Eagle Series 5-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Gimbal Head – $699.00 (Reg. $999.00)
FotoPro E-7 Eagle Series 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod with Gimbal Head – $799.00 (Reg. $1,349.00)
FotoPro X-Go Chameleon 4-Section Aluminum Tripod with FPH-52Q Ball Head, Black – $89.95 (Reg. $189.95)
FotoPro E-9H Gimbal Head, 66 lbs Capacity, Black – $429.95 (Reg. $725.00)
Use the Adorama Edge card to save an additional 5%.
Tip: consider buying used models of gear featured in the Deal Zone as the used price is often similarly discounted.
Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:
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