Lens News

For many photographers the Zeiss moniker conjures visions of optical magic, and the new Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 super-wide for Sony E-Mount full-frame cameras promises not to disappoint. With its diagonal angular field of 99 degrees, this is currently the widest full-frame fixed focal length lens with autofocus capability.

Like many photographers, when Nikon introduced their 20-35mm f/2.8 lens I just had to have one. Being a commercial photographer, the ability to carry a zoom that would cover this field of view was very handy, especially for assignments that involved shooting in buildings or offices for public relations clients. While the lens was exciting, the best images were captured at around f/5.6 to f/8 when the corners started to match the sharpness of dead center. Following that was the Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8, which was more commonly known as the “beast” in photographic circles because it gave us more breathing room at the long end, complete with AF-S focusing. Although it weighed in at two pounds, it was a sharp lens!

Sony shooters will soon be able to use their beloved Nikon F lenses on Sony's E-mount mirrorless cameras with a new adapter from Vello scheduled to ship sometime next month. This is a premium adapter with all-metal construction, superb build quality, and an anti-reflective matte finish.

Using filters with ultrawide lenses can often be a difficult proposition but Fotodiox has just launched a nifty solution. Called the Wonderpana FreeArc XL, the innovative filter system enables Canon shooters to use NDs, polarizers and other filters on the ultrawide Canon 11–24mm lens.

There was considerable buzz generated at The Photography Show in Birmingham, England last week with the unveiling of the new Irix premium lens line from TH Swiss. The first in what promises to be an assortment of premium glass is the ultrawide Irix 15mm f/2.4.

Back in the day when fixed-focal-length optics reigned supreme, the 35mm lens, along with its wider cousin, the 28mm, was known as the lens a portrait or wedding photographer would use for group or full-length portraits or, especially if it had a fast aperture, the photojournalist would use to grab street candids. Today, with our wide zooms we’re often happy enough with an f/4 maximum aperture and we tend to overlook what faster fixed-focal-length lenses could do to help our photography.