May 7, 2019 peter

With no digital screen and few controls, the LEICA M10-D looks like a camera from decades past. Despite appearances, it is equipped to take high-quality digital images. According to Leica, the “M10-D is a bold statement of a conscious focus on the essentials of both the philosophy and function of photography.” The LEICA M10-D isn’t for everyone. It is designed for photographers who want to focus exclusively on the art of taking a photo. Of course, it does not completely eliminate all the modern features we have come to expect. You will just need to use a smart device like…

April 3, 2019 Donald Scarinci

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens that we have written about in the winter is now finally in stock and available for shipping.   Based on the reviews of those lucky enough to receive one, it appears that the lens is everything Nikon promised. Coming in at 9.2 inches and 3.2 pounds, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens is significantly smaller than most full-frame 500mm lenses. The reason is the incorporation of a Phase Fresnel lens element. Featured in the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, which was released in January 2015, the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element…

December 31, 2018 Donald Scarinci

In conjunction with the release of its highly-anticipated mirrorless camera, Nikon also released new Nikkor lenses. Early adopters of Nikon’s new Z mount will have three lens options — the standard zoom Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Amid the hype around the Nikon Z, the lenses aren’t getting as much coverage. However, they are still impressive. As Nikon describes, “the NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination…

October 22, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon released the latest Phase Fresnel lens with the new AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR. The fixed focal length telephoto lens was highly-anticipated and has received great reviews thanks to its light and compact design. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Lens According to Nikon, its latest lens is “significantly smaller and lighter than comparable predecessors.” Nikon further touts that the NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens is “small and light enough to use hand-held in a wide variety of situations where a photographer must capture unpredictable and fast-moving subjects.” The key…

September 24, 2018 Donald Scarinci

As many photographers can attest, Nikon cameras and Sigma lenses generally work together seamlessly to create stunning images. However, Sigma could not get its latest lens from the highly-regarded Art line to work with Nikon mounts. So, for now, Nikon fans will be missing out. 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art Sigma announced the 70mm F2.8 DG MACRO Art early this year. It is the first macro lens in the Sigma Global Vision Art Line. According to Sigma, the new lens “prioritizes optical performance that defines the Sigma Art line, delivering stunning resolution and incredible clarity, while…

June 4, 2018 Donald Scarinci

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens is the latest iteration of Nikon’s heralded 70-200mm f/2.8 constant aperture zoom lens. The impressive image quality is causing many professional and hobbyist photographers to trade up for the new lens. According to Nikon, the “new version takes that legendary performance to the next level with the same jaw-dropping image quality that has made it a prized lens of pros and serious hobbyists alike.” It also touts: “Whether you’re shooting a DX DSLR like the D500 or an FX powerhouse like the D5, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED…

May 7, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Sigma continues to deliver with its heralded ART lens line. The 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens is a superb portrait lens, delivering amazing compression and smooth bokeh. For photographers considering an upgrade, the lens is an excellent choice. The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens is ideally suited for studio photography, portrait photography, and event photography. Below are several key features: Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for shooting in low-light conditions and also provides greater control over the focus position when using shallow depth of field techniques. Two F Low Dispersion (FLD) and two Special Low Dispersion…

March 5, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon’s Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a refresh of one of the best telephoto lenses on the market. The Best just got a lot better. This expensive specialty lens is designed for sports, wildlife and action photography, the lens is fast, durable and delivers outstanding images. It also performs excellent in low-light conditions. “Lighter and more rugged than its acclaimed predecessor, the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR frees professionals and passionate shooters to capture the thrill of sports, action and wildlife with staggering clarity and precision, even when shooting handheld in challenging lighting conditions,” Nikon…

January 9, 2018 Donald Scarinci

The new Nikon Teleconverter TC-14E III delivers the speed, performance and lightness that far surpasses its predecessor.  It is well worth upgrading the TC-14E 11 and a no-brainer upgrade if you have the original TC-14E. The Teleconverter TC-14E III increases the reach of compatible AF-S NIKKOR lenses by 40 percent with only a 1-stop loss of light. “Employing a new optical design that maximizes the optical performance of a prime lens to the limit, this teleconverter realizes superb depiction closer to that of the prime lens as well as enhanced AF accuracy,” Nikon said. Photographers generally have mixed opinions about…

May 22, 2017 Donald Scarinci

Sigma continues to add lenses to its highly-rated Art line. The new additions are the 14mm F1.8 DG HSM, 135mm F1.8 DG HSM, and 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM. Since launching two year ago, Sigma’s Art lenses have been making waves. The high-speed f/1.4 models have shown that they can compete with the high-grade lenses produced by Canon, Nikon and even Zeiss. As an added bonus, the Sigma lenses are generally more affordable. Most recently, DxO Mark named the Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art the best in its class. Sigma’s latest Art lenses are also expected to impress. Sigma touts the…