Lens News

There's nothing more aggravating than capturing what you thought was a great shot, only to discover upon close evaluation that the image isn't critically sharp. There are a variety of reasons that this may occur, and we've discussed many of these in the past, but the video below explores a couple other causes worthy of consideration.

If the used camera lens you see online is packaged with a leash and a bone, odds are very good that it’s a dog. But in the absence of obvious evidence, how can you tell a bargain from a bagel? It’s impossible to physically examine the merchandise before purchase. And you can’t always trust what you see in the listing photos. However, you can conduct a thorough inspection upon receipt. Here are 10 things to check the minute the used lens is delivered. 

Bokeh is a popular topic these days, especially for those contemplating the purchase of a new lens. As you’ll see in the straightforward tutorial below, it’s also an imaging characteristic that can be manipulated with whatever lenses you own.

The new Samyang 35mm f/1.2 AS UMC CS is a relatively affordable high-speed lens designed for use with Sony E, MFT, Fujifilm X and Canon M mirrorless cameras. It’s scheduled to ship in September for around $500, and offers great versatility for low-light photography.

Ten years ago we ran an article extolling the virtues of soft focus lenses and explaining how to make a pretty sophisticated one yourself. And now, in the DIY video below, you’ll learn a less expensive method for making a basic version.

Back in the day when prime lenses ruled supreme and snooty purists decried zooms for lack of absolute sharpness, Tele-Converters (TCs) were popular accessories. Photographers wanted to bring distant subjects closer, and TCs provided a means to that end. Also known as tele-extenders, these thick slabs of metal and glass increase the focal length of a given lens while also decreasing the f/stop.