Lens News

The new super wide angle Distagon T* f/2.8 15mm lens for Canon and Nikon mounts is neither lightweight nor inexpensive (1.6 lb for Nikon, 1.8 lb for Canon mount, $2950) but what you get from this manual focus lens is exceptional image quality and facility that is perhaps unmatched by any other lens in its focal length class. With a 95mm filter thread and integral and fully compatible lens shade, the lens offers an extraordinary 110-degree angle of view that is pleasure to work with on a wide variety of subjects. The fast f/2.8 aperture is matched on the narrow end by a minimum aperture of f/22, which at 15mm means there’s potential for extraordinary depth of field effects using the 10-inch closest focusing range. While decidedly not a portrait lens, the 15mm is ideal for landscape, street photography and creative advertising work, as well as architectural and urban photography, as I discovered in mybrief time working with it.

Fujifilm was showing off its new toys at photokina today and we got some hands-on time with these latest X-series cameras and lenses. Initially announced on September 10^th, the Fujifilm X100T and XT-1 Graphite Silver cameras, and Fujinon XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF56mm F1.2 R APD lenses continue to build on Fuji’s compact and retro-style (Fuji would say “classic" style) X-Series line.

We’re currently at the WPPI show in Las Vegas where the brand new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is making its debut. Because, unlike in years past, WPPI is scheduled prior to the big CP+ Imaging Show in Japan, breaking product news has been light so far.

Hasselblad just introduced an array of new additions to its medium format camera product line including the X1D II 50C camera, the XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75 zoom lens and Phocus Mobile 2 software. Hasselblad also revealed development details on the upcoming CFV II 50C digital back and 907X camera body.

Canon joined the full frame mirrorless camera market by introducing the new 30.3MP Canon EOS R last night and today we had our first chance to take it for a ride. Shutterbug is one of a select group of U.S. media to attend a special Canon R launch event in Hawaii and we spent the afternoon shooting with a full production Canon R and the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM “kit” lens at set-ups with models in Maui.

Shutterbug photographer Jordan Matter is back with a new how-to video, this time giving you three reasons you should seriously consider adding a telephoto zoom lens to your gear bag now.