SLR and Digital Camera Lenses

Buying Kenko Auto Ext Tube Set Canon A-EXTUBEDG-C

2012-02-01T17:01:00.001-08:00

Warning!!!

This is 3X the going price. Is a 5 star item at a (self-censored) price.Get more detail about Kenko Auto Ext Tube Set Canon A-EXTUBEDG-C.

Buy Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro Large Aperture Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

2012-01-31T17:01:00.001-08:00

Bought this lens last year and love it. It is way better than I thought it was going to be. Does great on my D700 and D70s.Get more detail about Sigma 24mm f/1.8 EX DG Aspherical Macro Large Aperture Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.

Purchase Olympus WCON-07 0.7x Wide Angle Lens for Various Olympus Digital Cameras

2012-01-29T17:01:00.001-08:00

My journey to transition from film to digital photography began in earnest in July of 2002. That is when I bought my first high-grade digital camera, which was an Olympus C-700 UZ. I found myself taking indoor shots in close quarters, but not being able to get everyone in the frame no matter how far back I stood from the subject. The answer was to have a wider-angle lens, but the lens on this camera was a built in zoom that was not interchangeable,so what other options did I have?

I did some research in mid 2003 and found Olympus offered the answer in the form of the WCON-0.7X wide-angle converter lens. Using a CLA-4 adapter tube I could add this lens to my camera and increase its area of coverage at the wide end of the built in zoom. To install it you screw the CLA-4 adapter tube into the filter threads on the lens of the camera, and then you screw the converter lens into the CLA-4 adapter tube just like were screwing on a lens filter and that is it, you are done. Next turn on the camera and set the zoom back as far as you can. This is what gives you the widest angle of coverage. You can still zoom in if you wish but then you get severe vignetting at the perimeter of the frame and the focus is soft at the edges too.

All in all the WCON-0.7X proved a great way to enhance the capability of my camera at a minimum of cost and give me the wider coverage I needed when shooting subjects in close quarters. One note of caution: the very large diameter of this lens will block the beam from built in flash of most cameras. The recipe to get around this problem is spelled out in my review of the Olympus FL-20 flash. Go read that review to learn what you need to do to overcome this problem. In the end the WCON-0.7X converter lens is still a great accessory to add to your camera. You will be pleased with the results.

Get more detail about Olympus WCON-07 0.7x Wide Angle Lens for Various Olympus Digital Cameras.

Order Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO HSM IF Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

2012-01-27T17:01:00.001-08:00

I ordered this lens through Amazon, having evaluated their customer reviews, plus several reviews from other online sources. After making a wide variety of shots with this lens on my D200 I was very pleased, particularly since my results were consistent with what most of the customer reviews had noted. I felt no inclination to write a 5-star review that really added nothing new to what's already been said.

One thing, specific to my situation, did come up, however, and I wanted clarification from Sigma. Sigma's website had both telephone and email alternatives for contacting them. I chose email since the question I had wasn't keeping me from getting the results I wanted and since it appeared pretty straight-forward. They got right back to me with a very comprehensive and understandable response. The reply included the responder's direct phone number (here in the U.S.).

I feel this is extraordinary, especially in this age of arms-length, often outsourced, customer relations. Now, I'm sure the information I sought was available here in Sigma's U.S. operation since it didn't involve new equipment or any such thing that would require someone contacting Sigma-Japan for the answer. One reviewer, whose situation was apparently more complex than mine, did not experience the high level of satisfaction that I did. Hopefully, some reasonable resolution was achieved.

But clearly in my case, the timeliness of the response, the quality of it and the expressed willingness to assist further if needed have impressed me to no end.
Get more detail about Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO HSM IF Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.

Shop For Bower Large 0.38X Magnetic Super Wide Angle Fish Eye Lens - Bower VL38LM

2012-01-24T17:01:00.001-08:00

It's just an awesome toy, alot of fun. I use it on my cell phone camera by just holding it with my hand, works great. I also put one of the metal rings on my Flip Mino HD and the magnet on the lens is surprisingly strong enough to hold it on well. Has a nice wide angle including some of that fish-eye distortion. I almost don't want to take any pictures without this thing anymore.Get more detail about Bower Large 0.38X Magnetic Super Wide Angle Fish Eye Lens - Bower VL38LM.

Sony SAL30M28 30mm f/2.8 Lens for Alpha Digital SLR Cameras

2012-01-22T17:01:00.001-08:00

I have used this twice since I purchased it, and both times I have been impressed with the sharp results I have achieved. I have only hand held it during this test period, and even then it has performed very well. I love the depth of field. I would definitely recommend this for anyone's camera bag.Get more detail about Sony SAL30M28 30mm f/2.8 Lens for Alpha Digital SLR Cameras.

Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Review

2012-01-20T17:01:00.001-08:00

Mannnnnnnnn, you should see all the returns on this lens. Don't get my wrong. This is a good len but the 10-24mm is far better investment.Get more detail about Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens.

Opteka 2.2x HD² Telephoto Lens for Fuji FinePix S700 Digital Camera Top Quality

2012-01-18T17:01:00.001-08:00

I have enjoyed this lens very much, it takes good photos, the only thing is it cast shadows on the floor with a flash, this is because the camera lens sticks out, not a fault of the lens but how the flash is built in the camera. I use this on my Fuji finepix s700.

Get more detail about Opteka 2.2x HD² Telephoto Lens for Fuji FinePix S700 Digital Camera.

.42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens For The Sony DSC-HX1 Digital Camera This instant

2012-01-17T17:01:00.001-08:00

The purchase was easy and timely. The lens arrived on the projected delivery date. Unfortunatly, I have been out of town and not able to test the lens.Get more detail about .42x HD Super Wide Angle Panoramic Macro Fisheye Lens For The Sony DSC-HX1 Digital Camera.

Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt Shift Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Immediately

2012-01-15T17:01:00.001-08:00

I've had this lens for a few months now and it is rad! Nailing the focus when tilting is a challenge, but once you get used to it, you're able to get more creative with it.

I use it for wedding and portrait photographyGet more detail about Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8 Tilt Shift Lens for Canon SLR Cameras.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras Best Quality

2012-01-13T17:01:00.001-08:00

I had researched this lens for almost 4 months before actually deciding to purchase. Like a lot of people that just bought their 7D with the kit lens, I was secretly wishing I had the funds to purchase the Canon 24-70 f2.8L. Unfortunately that lens is a sizable investment when building your kit on a budget.

Thats when the Sigma came in. Sigma has a few lenses in this focal length, all with the same speed (f2.8). One at about a $350 price point, one with an $800 price point, and this one at about $550. The lower price point could be compared to the low end Canon lenses. Fairly quality glass for the price you pay, but very under built (plastic). The higher end lens can be compared to almost the L. Very well built, internal zoom, and HSM for quiet and fast zoom. This lens could be compared to a mid level Canon EF lens. Very well built, just lacking the bells and whistles of the high-end version.

I had a chance to test this lens out on Manhattan Beach in California, and the first thing I noticed was how sharp the lens is between f4-5.6. The focus at f2.8 is clean as well, but does have some soft edges shooting closer to the 70mm range. Still very much a quality image coming out of a lens at less then half the price of the L.

The Sigma 24-70 EX DG Macro has an interesting way of getting into Manual focus. There are two switches, one near the base of the lens and the is the focus ring itself that you pull back to engage. Not too big of en issue when shooting video really since you have no need to engage the auto-focus in video mode, but can take some getting used to when switching back forth from video to still.

This also is big. Not quite as big as the L, but very close. It also has matte-like finish that really looks slick. I love the shape of this lens as well. Really looks kickass on the 7D body. Be prepared to drop a little extra cash on the filters however as the thread is 82mm. The upside though is all the filters you buy for this lens, you could actually use a step-down ring and not have any worries of vignetting as far as I know.

PROS: Very solid build, fast focus, fast speed (constant f2.8)
CONS: No IS (but neither does the current L), slightly soft edges at 2.8/70mm, Large filters needed

If you don't have enough cash to drop on the L series lens, but still want a quality lens, absolutely go for this lens. Very happy with this purchase.Get more detail about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras.

Opteka .45x HD² Wide Angle Lens for Fuji S5500 S5200 S5100 S5000 Get it now!

2012-01-11T17:01:00.001-08:00

I ordered the lens and did not know you needed the adapter ring for my Fuji Finepix 5000 camera. Luckily I had bought an accessory kit with the camera years ago. The lens does not work indoors with the attached camera flash and there is no shoe for an add-on with this camera. This was a huge disappointment, since I needed it for mostly indoor pictures. The lens works great outdoors, but if you want wider views you need to get the max angle lens.
Get more detail about Opteka .45x HD² Wide Angle Lens for Fuji S5500 S5200 S5100 S5000.

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Buy Now

2012-01-10T17:01:00.001-08:00

Ordered a refurbished copy of this lens and was blown away by the pictures it produced. Good quality wide open, and stellar past f/4. Would buy again. My only gripe = plasticky, outdated, "third-party-lens" feel. Although constructed well; it just doesn't have that professional feel, and for the price that's a non-issue. However, my Sigma 17-70 had a aluminum barrel and it inspired a little more confidence than this lens...however the Tamron blew it out of the water with the image quality and constant aperture.

You won't be disappointed in this lens. Paired with the K20d, it really shows off that huge CMOS sensor.Get more detail about Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR ZL Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras.

Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 H5 H3 H2 H1 F828 F717 F707 Order Now

2012-01-08T17:01:00.001-08:00

If you have a Sony Cybershot H5, or any camera with a good zoom (not counting digital zoom) and a macro feature, you need this like you need a snowsuit in Guyana.

The only difference this makes is that you get to look as if you know what you're doing as you attach the lens in a public place, and you get a black ring around the edge of the photograph of the object of your intention.

It comes very nicely packaged in a black plastic case and a drawstring bag, but other than that, it's just for filling your accessory bag.

Recommended for cameras without good zoom or macro features only.

Amanda Richards, June 6, 2009
Get more detail about Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens for Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H10 H5 H3 H2 H1 F828 F717 F707.

Opteka 500mm f/6.3 Telephoto Mirror Lens for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras Right now

2012-01-04T17:01:00.001-08:00

I have had this lens for a couple of days now and I like it a lot. Very smooth operation and build quality at a great price. If you use this in low light conditions you will need a tripod. The lens has no auto-focus or image stabilization, of course at this price I can't image anyone would expect it to. On a sunny day with a quick exposer you can ditch the tripod if you are quick at adjusting your focus. The extremely shallow depth of field can make focusing tricky with out practice though. All in all a great lens for the price.Get more detail about Opteka 500mm f/6.3 Telephoto Mirror Lens for Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras.

Lowest Price Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses

2012-01-03T17:01:00.001-08:00

I've been using this converter for a couple of years now, on my sigma 100-300mm f4, 120-400mm 4.5/5.6, and recently on my new Nikon AF-S 300mm f4. Works great on all of them. Fast auto focus (maunal on the 400mm sigma) sharp as the original lens.
The only downside is on the Nikon AF-s the readout says f4 when it should say 5.6 and the data says 300mm focal length instead of 420mm.(its not designed for this lens but produces shots as sharp as the 300mm without the converter) It auto focuses accurately and light meters correctly . Considering you can pick these up for less than half the price of a nikon tc its a steal, Just make sure you get the DG model which is optimized for long telephotos.Get more detail about Sigma APO Teleconverter 1.4x EX DG for Canon Mount Lenses.

Low Price Sony VCL-HG1730A x1.7 High Grade Tele Conversion Lens for 30mm

2012-01-01T17:01:00.001-08:00

The lens works well, comes with a carrying pouch, and isn't too heavy. As expected, if you are close to your subject, you'll loose some of the photo on the outer edges unless you take the lens off.
Fairly expensive, but a good deal.Get more detail about Sony VCL-HG1730A x1.7 High Grade Tele Conversion Lens for 30mm.

Save Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Ultra Wide Tilt-Shift Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2011-12-30T17:01:00.001-08:00

This is an important update on the TSE 24mm lens from Canon.
This new version is heavier, more versatile and definitely a step up optically.
Distortion is practically non-existent, which is a big plus for architectural photography: you don't have to correct the pictures with software like PTLens.
Chromatic aberration is almost inexistent, and sharpness is outstanding.

The tilt feature makes it possible to take a picture of a garden (or any planar scene) with the foreground and the background all in focus. The minimal focusing distance is 21cm. By the end of the first day I was proficient at using this feature.
The shift feature is used mainly for architectural shots. You'll get better results (edge sharpness and proportions) with such a lens than with perspective correction in software, and you will save time.

It's a manual focus lens that should be used with a tripod. Focusing when using the tilt feature requires a bit of practice to get it right, and is considerably helped by using Live View. For this reason you should use it on a 5D mark 2.

When used at the extreme shift position the top of the image is soft wide open but becomes acceptable at f/11. On this count it does better than the Nikon 28mm pc lens I was using before (which is an older design).

One problem with this lens is that it is very obviously a "professional lens", so I would not go walking around in a poor country with this lens. It's also very heavy so that would get tiring.

One wonders if it could not be improved further with autofocus, but that would require redesigning the camera as well, as well as adding a motor to operate the shift, which is a non obvious proposition.

Please take your time to get familiar with the locking switches on this lens before you go around in the field as you might accidentally try to unmount the lens from your camera when trying to change the axis of shift.
Get more detail about Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Ultra Wide Tilt-Shift Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.

Discount Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens

2011-12-28T17:01:00.001-08:00

Fantastic lens. Best $2500 I have spent on camera equipment. After several thousand pictures, and dragging it around the world, from humid jungles, to subfreezing photo shoots, I have nothing but good to say about its quality, and my happiness with this lens. The quality is fantastic. The image stabalization works great. These are all the features I expect from the Canon L series.

The 28-300mm feature is tremendous. If you are on the small sensor cameras (D50, Rebel, etc), you need the 28 to get the every day use. If you are on the full size sensor professional EOS cameras, it gives you that wide angle versatility.

It is heavier and a little larger then some lens, but for the quality of glass you are getting, I do not mind.

The only thing I do not like about this lens is that there are no lock outs on the auto focus and lens function buttons. Occasionally, this means that they get bumped in field use, and you end up with a few non-focused pictures, the image stabalization is off, or the lens is seeking through a longer focal range then desired before it shoots. The only solution I have found it to be more careful before shots or put a wide rubber band around the lens (over the function buttons) to prevent them from being bumped.

The other thing I have found, is when using multiple lens for field use, it is inevidible that you will get dust on your sensors. Field lens change outs are just not desirable, and sensors are hard to keep clean. I am planning to buy a second EOS body to dedicate this lens to (where I never take off the lens) so that I can capture the perfection of this lens' optical qualities without the worry of dust on the sensor compromising pictures. Unless you use really wide angle (which I sometimes do since I am on a small sensor D20 camera), this lens is all that you will need.

Would I recommend this lens? Absolutely! In my opinion, worth every penny.Get more detail about Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS USM Lens.

Cheapest Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras

2011-12-27T17:01:00.001-08:00

I bought the Tamron to go with my Sony a200 dslr. The lens is really nice quality, and it works perfectly with the camera. Autofocus is quick and accurate. It is certainly not a pro quality lens, but for the price it is wonderful. I recommend this for anyone who wants a telephoto zoom to add to their dlsr. I tried out the Sony 70-300mm lens in a local store, but I was not impressed. In particular the usability of manual focus on the Sony lens was quite poor. This one is fantastic in that regard. You may not use manual focus that often, but it's nice to have a lens that can handle the job when you need it.Get more detail about Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Konica Minolta and Sony Digital SLR Cameras.

Cheap Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

2011-12-25T17:01:00.001-08:00

Have had the lens for a few years and probably 15,000+ images on 3 Nikon cameras. No repairs or apparent wear, it is tougher than it looks, even dropped it once, no problems.
Excellent color rendition, contrast and sharpness for the price. While the build and quality not quite up to the pro lenses, you get quite close to their quality for half the price, especially with digital cameras.
Beautiful lens allowing a great variety of shots from family gatherings to landscapes, it serves as my prime lens unless I am going for the greatest possible detail such as large landscape prints but that is not
to say this lens will not provide snappy 8 x 10 and larger, it does!

I wish it had a little more range than 18-35, but then I always want more, but could not get it with this kind of performance and price.Get more detail about Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras.

Buying Sony VCL-DH0774 74mm 0.75x Wide Conversion lens for Sony DSC-H7/H9 Digital Still Cameras

2011-12-23T17:01:00.001-08:00

THIS IS A GREAT LENS CRISTAL CLEAR PHOTOS, IM GLAD I GOT THIS ONE INSTEAD OF A CHEAPER BRAND WITH SONY YOU KNOW FOR SURE YOU GET QUALITY. JUST LIKE OTHER REVIEW YOU CAN NOT USE THE CAMERA FLASH BECAUSE THE LENS IS SO WIDE, WILL HAVE TO USE ADITIONAL FLASH, BUT PICTURE ARE NICE AND CLEAR.Get more detail about Sony VCL-DH0774 74mm 0.75x Wide Conversion lens for Sony DSC-H7/H9 Digital Still Cameras.

Purchase Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens

2011-12-20T17:01:00.001-08:00

The lens is very sharp at all apertures. It works very well for portraits with good bokeh (nice out of focus areas and transition, close-ups and of course anything that requires tilt/shift capability.

I use it on both the Nikon d300 and d700 bodies and am very pleased with the images that it produces. The lens is smooth and easily worked for all operations and the manual focus is smooth and precise.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I don't have a big problem with the tilt/shift configuration. It works fine the way it is, for the vast majority of applications. I don't disagree that it would be nice to be able to easily switch the alignment back and forth, but I don't think that is a big deal.Get more detail about Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens.

Order Opteka HD² 0.20X Professional Super AF Fisheye Lens for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera

2011-12-18T17:01:00.001-08:00

The lens isn't Zeiss or anything, nor have I done a chromatic aberration panel or any fancy lens quality tests, but short of that, this lens takes very high-quality pictures. It's a great complement to Panasonic's excellent Lumix LX-3.Get more detail about Opteka HD² 0.20X Professional Super AF Fisheye Lens for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Digital Camera.

Where To Buy Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

2011-12-16T17:01:00.001-08:00

I've had this lens since September 09. It has been a great lens w/no focusing issues! I originally was using it on a Nikon D80 and now a D700. It's great in low light and though a little heavy, it has been my walk around lens. I don't like the hood and have had lens flare when shooting somewhat into the sun, but I still block w/my hand and it's been great. I did drop it twice, once off a tripod in the grass (and it cracked the lens hood) and once I tripped over the strap dragging on the ground and pulled it out of my hand, but it's still going strong!!!Get more detail about Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM AF Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras.