Tamron is in the Canon RF mount game with an APS-C lens:
TAMRON announces development of first CANON RF mount lens
The compact, lightweight, fast-aperture F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom
April 23, 2024, 12AM ET / April 22, 2024, 9PM PT, Commack, NY – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shogo Sakuraba; Headquarters: Saitama City, Japan; “TAMRON”), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the development of TAMRON’s first CANON RF mount lens, 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A[1] RXD (Model B060), an ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The lens is expected to launch within 2024.
TAMRON’s lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras are highly regarded for their combination of superior optical performance and compact, lightweight designs. After receiving many requests from customers to offer lenses compatible with the CANON RF mount, TAMRON made the decision to develop a lens for the CANON RF mount under a license agreement.
The 11-20mm F2.8 is a fast-aperture zoom lens covering a focal length range from ultra wide-angle 11mm to 20mm[2], with a maximum aperture of F2.8 across its full range of focal lengths. With a surprisingly compact and lightweight design for a fast, ultra wide-angle zoom lens, the lens feels well balanced when attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body, making it ideal for regular use. Despite its small, lightweight design, it also delivers high-level imaging power with an uncompromising optical design. Wide macro shooting is possible at 11mm with an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9”) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, and its stunning close-range shooting performance enables creative use of perspective at the wide end. The lens also incorporates an AF drive system with an RXD (Rapid-eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit that is remarkably quiet. The lens accurately captures not only still images but also video. It is also highly practical, with Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, and other features designed for outdoor shooting, enabling users to easily enjoy the high image quality of this ultra wide-angle large-aperture F2.8 lens under a range of conditions.
Product Features
[1] Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
[2] The full-frame equivalent of 17.6-32mm.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice. This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under license from Canon Inc.
Get your Tamron lens at B&H.
Sigma Corporation has announced Canon RF mount compatibility (for a limited number of APS-C lenses):
SIGMA launches interchangeable lenses for Canon RF Mount system
SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the upcoming launch of interchangeable lenses for Canon RF Mount system. This addition allows users to enjoy high performance, and high quality SIGMA lenses in native mount on their Canon RF Mount system.
[Lineup]
For detailed product information, please refer to the link below.
< Launch in July, 2024 >
SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
Petal Type Lens Hood (LH582-02) supplied
< Launch in fall of 2024 and onwards >
SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary
Push-on Petal Type Lens Hood (LH706-02) supplied
SIGMA 16mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary
Petal Type Lens Hood (LH716-01) supplied
SIGMA 23mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary
Petal Type Lens Hood (LH554-01) supplied
SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary
Lens Hood (LH586-01) supplied
SIGMA 56mm F1.4 DC DN | Contemporary
Lens Hood (LH582-01) supplied
* These products are developed, manufactured and sold under license from Canon Inc.
[Main specifications and features]
Control algorithm including AF drive and communication speed optimization has been developed specifically for Canon RF Mount interchangeable lenses. In addition to realizing high-speed AF, the lens also supports AF-C (Continuous AF), in-camera aberration correction* and in-camera image stabilization. The mount is rubber-sealed to cater for use in a variety of environments.
* Available on supported cameras only.
Get your Sigma lens at B&H.
Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results, along with specs, measurements, and standard product images, are now available on the Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G Lens page.
I've wanted to put this lens in the lab for a long time, and the Sigma 18-50 was the lens I wanted to compare it to.
Compared to the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Support this site by ordering the Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Sony E 16-55mm F2.8 G Lens from Lensrentals.
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Learn more about the new DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station and preorder with a $300.00 off introductory price at B&H.
A "Power 500" model and solar panel were also announced.
Don't forget to create the solar eclipse smiley face image to commemorate the look on your face and that of everyone around you during totality.
Photography is fun. Include humor in your creativity. I thought a similar composite was entertaining and decided to create my 2024 version using unrotated images.
A larger version of this image is available here.
From Western Digital
Western Digital Showcases New Super Speeds and Massive Capacities for M&E Workflows at NAB 2024
SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 11, 2024
At the NAB Show 2024, April 13-17, 2024, in Las Vegas, Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) is unveiling an exciting lineup of technologies and new storage solutions designed for today’s and tomorrow’s complex media and entertainment (M&E) workflows. Western Digital continues to focus on creating what’s next with advanced solutions that address a broad range of growing content needs.
The increasing demand for rich and engaging content, with higher resolutions and more frames per second, is generating the need for faster, more flexible high-capacity storage solutions to help streamline workflows and keep up with high-pressure project demands. For every step of the workflow – from capture and transfer to archive – Western Digital is committed to advancing technology to help professionals and creators get work done faster and more efficiently, ultimately saving time and money, so they can focus on their creativity.
Featuring super speeds and massive capacities, Western Digital will showcase its newest innovations from its world-renowned brands at the show. The company’s broad portfolio offers reliable, unique solutions that can significantly improve M&E workflows.
Advancing Tomorrow’s Workflow: Delivering Next-Gen Technology, Super Speeds
Driving the future of performance, Western Digital is revealing its next-gen SanDisk® SD and microSD Express portfolio with a higher level of performance for current and future applications requiring faster storage solutions that help reduce the time it takes to access and save data. With performance levels reaching SSD speeds, SD Express cards work with current SD UHS-I and UHS-II devices, while giving M&E professionals a memory solution for future superspeed devices. The new SD Express cards feature SanDisk® ThermAdapt™ technology with a specially designed enclosure and adaptive thermal managed controller, so devices stay well within a safe temperature range. SanDisk SD and microSD Express cards are expected to be available at authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital store this summer.
SanDisk® SD Express (128GB/256GB) – With up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than Western Digital’s fastest SD™ UHS-I card1 this card is great for data-intensive workflows and high-performance cameras and other compatible devices. The card is backward compatible with today’s devices and ready for the future.
SanDisk® microSD™ Express (128GB/256GB) – With up to 4.4 times faster transfer speeds than Western Digital’s fastest microSD™ UHS-I card2, the SanDisk® microSD Express card offers unprecedented speed, storage, and performance for pros dealing with intensive workflows. This microSD card is also backward compatible for usage with today’s devices.
M&E professionals who create high-resolution videos with state-of-the art cameras, action cams, drones, and other digital devices, can be limited if they don’t have sufficient storage capabilities. To help pros evolve their creative process, Western Digital is announcing new ground-breaking memory cards at NAB:
2TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO® SDXC™ UHS-I memory card – World’s first 2TB UHS-I SDXC™ card3 – offers massive storage capacity to capture more high-resolution images and record more 4K UHD4 videos on just one card.
2TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC™ UHS-I memory card – Western Digital’s first and world's fastest 2TB UHS-I microSD card3 – high-capacity card for devices with microSD slots to capture more content than ever. The 2TB memory cards are expected to be available at authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital store this summer.
4TB* SanDisk Extreme PRO SDUC™ UHS-I memory card – introducing the world's first-ever 4TB* UHS-I SD card to deliver an insane amount of capacity in the same-sized SD form factor. Leveraging the SDUC standard (Secure Digital Ultra Capacity), which enables up to 128TB, the new card is expected to release in 2025 and will be showcased at NAB 2024. Attendees will get a preview of the 4TB SD card’s full capacity and learn more about how it will expand the creative possibilities for cameras and laptops.
Enhancing Workflow Efficiency: Expanding Possibilities with Massive Capacities, Extreme Performance
SanDisk Professional’s award-winning lineup of premium-grade desktop hard drive solutions now feature 24TB* enterprise-class 7200 RPM Ultrastar® drives inside to better support demanding 4K, 8K and VR workflows. The new range of 24TB SanDisk Professional desktop solutions can be purchased through authorized retailers, e-tailers and the Western Digital Store.
24TB* G-DRIVE® (U.S. MSRP $699.99) – Ultra-reliable storage supporting USB-C™ (10Gbps) for fast backup.
24TB* G-DRIVE PROJECT (U.S. MSRP $929.99) – Backup and save valuable project work. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3™ and USB-C (10Gbps). Also features a PRO-BLADE™ SSD Mag slot for modular SSD performance in sharing and editing across devices.
48TB* G-RAID® MIRROR (U.S. MSRP $1,599.99) – Ships in RAID 1 (Mirroring) to automatically create a duplicate of your working files for data redundancy. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3™ and USB-C (10Gbps). Also features a PRO-BLADE™ SSD Mag slot for modular SSD performance in sharing and editing across devices.
96TB* G-RAID SHUTTLE 4 (U.S. MSRP $4,499.99) – Transportable 4-bay hardware RAID solution allows for super-fast access and real-time video editing. This device ships in RAID 5, and supports RAID 0, 1 and 10 configurations.
192TB* G-RAID SHUTTLE 8 (U.S. MSRP $7,499.99) – Transportable 8-bay hardware RAID solution for those who need massive storage for consolidated backup, whether on location or in the studio. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 configurations, and provides transfer rates up to 1690MB/s read and 1490MB/s write in default RAID 5.5
Conquering Enormous Data Demands: Increasing Scalability, Flexibility for Massive Workflows
Western Digital's storage platforms are designed to tackle the M&E industry's colossal data challenges with cost-effective enterprise-class storage that offers scalability, durability and mobility for broadcasters, CDNs, production houses and studios.
Western Digital Ultrastar® Transporter – High-throughput, large-capacity data transfer platform for data capture, storage and mobility. Offers up to 368TB* of fast NVMe™ SSD performance and dual port 200Gb/E connectivity for storing, editing and physically transporting dailies and massive files from one location to the next, including the cloud, which can save days or weeks when compared to using online file transfer services. Take it on location where a network connection may not be feasible due to cost or poor connectivity. Weighs less than 30lbs, features a durable chassis design, and includes a proven transport case. Features added data security with a tamper evident case and is designed for FIPS 140-2 level 2 compliance with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Version 2.
Western Digital Ultrastar® Data102 JBOD Platform - Reliable, high-density external storage platform for mass storage, backup, online accessible archive and nearline content. This third-generation solution supports up to 24Gb SAS to the host to future proof your investment. The Data102 3000 platform provides up to 2.65PB* in a 4U enclosure, and supports the latest 24TB Ultrastar hard drives, including the now shipping Ultrastar DC HC580 SAS HDDs. Features the company’s unique ArcticFlow™ and IsoVibe™ innovations that have demonstrated a 62% reduction in hard drive returns caused by heat and vibration compared to the generation without.
*One gigabyte (GB) is equal to one billion bytes, one terabyte (TB) is equal to one trillion bytes, and one petabyte (PB) is equal to one quadrillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less due to operating environment.
1Based on internal testing with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card against the 64GB-1TB SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC card with SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD & microSD. Performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.
2Based on internal testing with the SanDisk PRO-READER SD Express Dual Card against the 64GB-1TB SanDisk Extreme PRO UHS-I microSDXC card with SanDisk Professional PRO-READER SD & microSD. Performance may be lower depending upon host device, interface, usage conditions and other factors.
3Based on read speed. Up to 250MB/s read speeds, engineered with proprietary technology to reach speeds beyond UHS-I 104MB/s, require compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes.
44K UHD (3840 x 2160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See www.sandisk.com/HD.
51 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, RAID configuration and other factors.
Orders
The goal for the middle portion of the total eclipse was to capture a wide range of bracketed exposures to pull out the distant corona. This image shows the result of one optional HDR processing technique.
The exposure bracketed images were loaded as Photoshop layers and manually aligned. Next, the opacity of each layer was reduced, allowing the next-lower layer to show through. The lowest included layer's opacity remains at 100%.
This image was modestly cropped from the top right to center the sun, but it shows an expected result from the 840mm focal length. This angle of view fills a substantial portion of the frame with the corona.
Want to contain the corona streamers within the frame? Do not use the brightest exposures in the HDR stack. The center image in the Total Solar Eclipse Phase Progression image illustrates this strategy.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Most of us photographing a total solar eclipse capture images throughout the partial phases. While partial eclipse images are interesting, I quickly get bored of viewing circles with a bite out of them, including mine. Create a progression composite image that tells the "full" story, and you will have my attention. Thus, such an image was one of my goals for the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Aside from the center row, these images were captured 2.5 minutes apart. Even with a modest crop from an 840mm focal length, the individual Sony Alpha 1 images are large, and 77 of them in a single PS file created an unacceptable processor load. A 50% overall size reduction made the processing tolerable, and this image still weighs in at over 266 MP, enough resolution to print massive.
A larger version of this image is available here.
This composite image was my primary goal for the 2024 total solar eclipse. What I didn't foresee was the effort required to get the shots.
The weather forecast was the problem, and the over 1,000 miles added to the rental car tell only part of the story that included a day-prior relocation from an ideal shooting location in central TX to north central AR — storm unchasing.
Fortunately, the clear sky chase was successful, and the second-darkest exposures from the C1 brackets described in the Total Solar Eclipse Photography Plan provided the optimal exposures for this image.
The images in this composite were captured 1-second apart, illustrating how fast the favorite Baily's Beads stage passes.
The individual images are straight out of Lightroom with the default settings, with slight shadow brightness and clarity increases added to the final image in PS.
The left and right-side images are independently rotated to enable a horizontal format that retains clear visibility of the progression.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Mark May 15th on your calender. USPS is set to release Ansel Adams landscape stamps:
Postal Service to Honor Ansel Adams With Stamps Showcasing 16 Stunning Portraits of the American Landscape
What:
First-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps featuring 16 photographs made by the esteemed artist and environmentalist.
The first-day-of-issue event for the Ansel Adams Forever stamps is free and open to all visitors of Yosemite National Park. News of the stamps is being shared with the hashtag #AnselAdamsStamps.
Who:
The Hon. Daniel Tangherlini, a member of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, will serve as the dedicating official.
Matthew Adams, grandson of Ansel Adams
Cicely Muldoon, superintendent, Yosemite National Park
Scott Gediman, public affairs officer, Yosemite National Park
Shelton Johnson, park ranger, Yosemite National Park
Alan Ross, photographer
When:
May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. PDT
Where:
The Ansel Adams Gallery
9031 Village Drive
Yosemite National Park, CA 95389
RSVP:
Ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at usps.com/anseladamsstamps.
Background:
Experience the wonder of the American West through the lens of one of America’s most iconic photographers, Ansel Adams (1902-1984). This pane of 16 stamps features some of Adams’ most famous images in his signature “straight photography” style, an approach defined by its precision and directness.
The first row of stamps, left to right, features “Half Dome, Merced River, Winter, Yosemite National Park, California” (1938); “Oak Tree, Sunset City, Sierra Foothills, California” (1962); “Thundercloud, Ellery Lake, High Sierra, Sierra Nevada, California” (1934); and “Denali and Wonder Lake, Denali National Park, Alaska” (1947).
The second row, left to right, features “The Golden Gate and Bridge from Baker Beach, San Francisco, California” (c.1953); “Road and Fog, Del Monte Forest, Pebble Beach, California” (1964); “Rock and Grass, Moraine Lake, Sequoia National Park, California” (1936); and “Leaves, Mount Rainier National Park, Washington” (c.1942).
The third row, left to right, features “Monument Valley, Arizona” (1958); “Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming” (1942); “Jeffrey Pine, Sentinel Dome, Yosemite National Park, California” (1940); and “Mirror Lake, Mount Watkins, Spring, Yosemite National Park, California” (1935).
The fourth row, left to right, features “Maroon Bells, near Aspen, Colorado” (1951); “Aspens, Dawn, Autumn, Dolores River Canyon, Colorado” (1937); “Road After Rain, Northern California” (1960); and “Dunes, Oceano, California” (1963).
As evidenced by the striking images in this collection, Adams devoted much of his career to the advancement of photography as a fine art. Derry Noyes, an art director with USPS, designed the stamps using existing photographs.
Watch for the Ansel Adams stamps to become available here.
ProGrade Digital just added six new products to their lineup:
ProGrade Digital is thrilled to introduce new CFexpress 4.0 memory cards in Type A and Type B formats. The CFexpress 4.0 Type A is VPG 200 rated and comes in 480GB and 960GB capacity. The CFexpress 4.0 Type B is VPG 400 rated and comes in a 400GB, 800GB, and 1.6TB capacity.
In conjunction with our introduction to the CFexpress 4.0 Type A cards, we are excited to announce a CFexpress Type A Single-Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6). Paring both products enables you to cut your workflow in half.
ProGrade Digital is also introducing Ingest Pro - a software that enables videographers and photographers to streamline their data management workflow. Ingest Pro incorporates functionality from Refresh Pro which enables you to sanitize ProGrade Digital memory cards to ensure they are ready for re-use in the capture environment and monitor the health of the card.
We are also introducing a 256GB CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold memory card. This capacity provides optimal performance for RAW shooting applications with higher performance and write speed capability.
CFexpress 4.0 Type A Iridium Memory Cards:
CFexpress 4.0 Type B Iridium Memory Cards:
CFexpress Type A Single Slot USB 4.0 Reader (PG09.6):
CFexpress 4.0 Type B Gold 256GB Memory Card:
Today, April 11, 2024, we have launched a higher capacity 512GB microSDXC V60. This capacity enables you to record an extended number of video clips and capture a larger number of stills. Ideal for drones, action cams, and cameras like the Nikon Zf and Canon Power Shot V10.
microSDXC V60 512GB Memory Card:
Get your ProGrade Digital cards and readers at B&H.
"DJI Avata 2, Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 Give Beginner FPV Pilots the Skills of Professionals" [DJI]
Learn more about the DJI Avata 2 FPV Drone, Goggles 3, and RC Motion 3 at B&H.
Learn more about the DJI RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer and DJI Focus Pro at B&H.
Also: B&H Explora
Just posted: Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens Review
As I said before, you are going to like this one.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
Shiprock, named for its resemblance to an old clipper ship, is surrounded by a vast desert, with clear views from nearly all directions. While the enormous rock formation provides a dramatic subject over the flat desert, I found the tall, narrow, naturally formed dike leading to it especially entertaining and a great foreground subject to include in the frame.
On a clear day, the first sunrise light casts a golden color on this landscape, and this light angle's contrast emphasizes the texture of Shiprock.
I planned, flew, drove, lodged, got up early, drove farther, and then hiked. That effort and expense meant no settling for second best on the camera and lens. Why were the Canon EOS R5 and RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens selected?
The R5 is currently my preferred Canon camera. It continuously delivers beautiful, accurately focused, high-resolution images.
The light shown in this image only lasts for a few minutes, and the RF 24-105 had the optimal focal length range to rapidly capture a variety of compositions, including some with Shiprock more isolated in the frame. Since a narrow aperture was needed for increased depth of field, a larger, heavier, and wider aperture lens was not necessary or desired, and this L lens feeds the R5 the impressive optical quality required for stand-out images.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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.
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 | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
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 | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Sigma 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
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.
When getting the most architecture in the frame is the goal, move the camera as far away as possible. When photographing a ceiling, the floor becomes a hard limiting factor in this regard, making the ultra-wide 10mm angle of view a differentiator from most other lens options.
For this image capture, the Canon EOS R5 and RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens were locked onto an RRS BH-40 Ball Head on an RRS TVC-24L Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod. Taking the most architecture in the frame theme to the limit, the TVC-24L's legs were angled fully open, bringing the camera within a few inches of the floor. The vertical side of the MC-LS Universal L-Plate was removed, permitting full rotation of the vari-angle LCD for straight-up composition.
For precise symmetry without converging lines, the lens must be centered in the scene and leveled, leveled in a straight-up angle in this case. Floor tiles and the lines between them are frequently helpful references for finding the absolute center of a building. After positioning the lens over the center of the center tile, adjusting the camera to perfectly straight up was the next challenge, one that required finessing, trial, and error.
With the camera a few inches above the floor, staying out of the 10mm angle of view meant me going nearly flat on the floor while the HDR brackets were captured. Never before have I seen this much of the St Patrick Cathedral ceiling in the frame.
Now is a good time to add 10mm to your kit!
A larger version of this image is available here. See more RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens images.