• Facepunch Camera and Lens Review Corner
    56 replies, posted
I'm looking to step up from the most basic SLR, a D3000. $1000ish would be my budget
[QUOTE=cmrna;34058391]I'm looking to step up from the most basic SLR, a D3000. $1000ish would be my budget[/QUOTE] I went from a D3000 to a D7000, heck of an upgrade once you get used to a new body. How far would you say you want to take video? Reading my review now, I was a bit harsh on the video. I see so much DSLR video of shaky, focus finding footage on Youtube its probably went into my head that unless you have equipment setup its going to be crap.
Video would a addition that I would use, but it would be secondary to pictures. I'd mostly use it for family stuff and candid stuff with friends.
Canon G12 Advanced Compact Camera 9-10 [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6487109305/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6487109305_7bf081678c_b.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6487109305/]IMG_2179[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/masterbacon/]D.JONES06[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6487017885/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6487017885_a3be38844c_b.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6487017885/]IMG_1973[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/masterbacon/]D.JONES06[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6178824790/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6164/6178824790_1b5738d883_b.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6178824790/]IMG_5862[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/masterbacon/]D.JONES06[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6645323331/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6645323331_8203e3a26e_b.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6645323331/]IMG_3411[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/masterbacon/]D.JONES06[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6167678491/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6171/6167678491_fe3f243c34_b.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/masterbacon/6167678491/]IMG_9082[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/masterbacon/]D.JONES06[/url], on Flickr I got this camera to replace my Canon Powershot A640 after it died after 4 years. I was blown alway by the quality because I was just expecting another cheap point and shoot with slightly better quality but what I got was professional DSLR quality out of this little camera (up to ISO 1000 obviously) Pros:Great alternative to a DSLR because of its size and features Cons: should have 1080p video recording, could use more FPS at full res Bang for your buck: yeah because if you ask me I believe this camera is a better deal than an entry level DSLR Also if you want professional quality images (RAW editing) I highly suggest Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom, Could also use a cheap flash too I have a Speedlite 270EX II and its doing me pretty well (should have got a 320 though) EDIT the G1-x is now out if you want a larger sensor and 1080p recording but I don't plan on getting a one because I can't think of any real reason why I need it.
[B]Panasonic 20mm f1.7 Lens[/B] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134782300/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6062/6134782300_b5b3a682b3_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134782300/"]New Lens[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [B]Pros:[/B] Incredibly sharp, even wide open. Very, very small and light (as a pancake lens should be). High quality build with a metal mount and posh plastics. Very smooth focusing ring. Fast and accurate AF performance. Next to impossible to flare. Creamy, luscious bokeh. [B]Cons:[/B] Vignetting is noticeable at larger apertures. Aperture and focusing motors are quite noisy. [B]Comments:[/B] I use this lens more than any other lens I own. If you own a Micro 4/3rds camera you definitively would want to check out this lens. It offers great performance for it's $400 price tag. [B]Sample Photos:[/B] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6114289618/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6184/6114289618_4ff5a5591b_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6114289618/"]Sunset Harbor[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6113740199/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6085/6113740199_7211ea9a44_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6113740199/"]rich white folk[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134782998/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6157/6134782998_29087146f1_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134782998/"]da police[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134235921/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6066/6134235921_24be1caf4e_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6134235921/"]Car Guy[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6160625066/"][IMG]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6194/6160625066_2921770e94_z.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6160625066/"]Long Bench[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/"]MayorCallaghan[/URL], on Flickr [B]Overall Rating: 9/10[/B]
[B]Olympus OM-1N Body + Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.4 Lens[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5717517519/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2608/5717517519_1b190fcfa3_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5717517519/]My Analog Favorite[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Olympus OM-1N Body[/B] [B]Pros:[/B] -Very well built. -Very small and lightweight. -Massive viewfinder. -Controls are as smooth as butter. -Ultra quiet shutter and mirror slap. -The shutter speed ring, which might be the best way to ever select a shutter speed. [B]Cons:[/B] -Has a really weird hotshoe adapter thing, where if you don't have the adapter you're fucked if you want to use a flash. [B]Comments:[/B] Honestly this may be one of the best 35mm SLRs on the planet. It has a lot of nice features and is simply solid. Using this camera is such a joy because of it's dimensions and controls. [B]Overall Rating: 10/10[/B] [B]Olympus Zuiko 50mm f1.4 Lens[/B] [B]Pros:[/B] -It's size and weight make this a nice lens to carry around. -Can produce some images with great contrast. -Delicious bokeh. -Very nicely built. [B]Cons:[/B] -It's quite soft wide open. -The aperture ring is really loose, it's awful (although note this may be a problem with my lens in particular) -It's sweet spot is about f7 [B]Sample Film Photos:[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5968953186/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6136/5968953186_2df9757fd9_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5968953186/]White People[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6221201957/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6159/6221201957_8db2b01c6a_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6221201957/]Sharp[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6221201785/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6117/6221201785_3c947aa985_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6221201785/]Pipeline[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Sample Digital Photos:[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5728191425/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2288/5728191425_48eb5ecdd9_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5728191425/]Motor Scooter[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5698406456/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2528/5698406456_c781b63493_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5698406456/]God Cat[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5698365106/][img]http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3635/5698365106_9ffd94549d_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5698365106/]The Modeler[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Overall Rating: 6.8/10[/B]
[b]Canon 50mm f/1.8 II[/b] [img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6736045515_96b357b86b.jpg[/img] [b]Pros:[/b] -Usably sharp wide open -Amazing at >f/2.8 -Allows night shooting handheld. -Cheap as chips [b]Cons:[/b] -The build is horrible, plasticy and there are people who have had theirs fall apart. Mine is still fine, but it could be better. -Focal length might be a bit long on a crop sensor (1000D/550D/600D etc) [b]Comments:[/b] One of my fav lenses ever, the depth of field, aperture and price are all a winning combination. It's allowed me shots you would not expect for £60 of glass. [b]Overall Rating: 10/10[/b] Sample shots: [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6608457213/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6608457213_19b34c4b63.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6608457213/]backstreet boys[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/cheesepuff/]codenamecueball[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6531484939/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6531484939_3ce1e260ae_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6531484939/]kicking snow[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/cheesepuff/]codenamecueball[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6488092353/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6488092353_e30f820bb5_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6488092353/]waiting [/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/cheesepuff/]codenamecueball[/url], on Flickr [editline]21st January 2012[/editline] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6175926835/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6162/6175926835_a057e63431.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheesepuff/6175926835/]wait 2[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/cheesepuff/]codenamecueball[/url], on Flickr
[B]Olympus E-PL1 Body[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5864113404/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5030/5864113404_aa40b2a3c8_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5864113404/]Pen[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr Pros: -Very small and light. -Nicely built, albeit with posh plastics and some aluminum finishes. -Controls are nicely laid out. -The UI is a breeze to use. -The pop-up flash can be tilted up or down to bounce light. -The sensor-shift image stabilizer works so well it's ridiculous. Cons: -Small ISO range (100-3200). -ISO performance gets really bad above ISO 800. -Maximum shutter speed of 1/2000. -No twidly dials or wheels to quickly change the shutter or aperture; must use directional buttons. -The screen is simply awful. [B]Comments:[/B] This is a great looking camera that is small enough to go anywhere. If you're looking for a performance powerhouse you're better off looking elsewhere. Although the screen sucks you can still add on an electronic viewfinder (The Olympus VF-2 viewfinder is so good it could easily rival an optical viewfinder. If you think I'm bullshitting you have to look into one, it's gorgeous). [B]Sample Photos:[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6160086199/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6191/6160086199_58ca39754a_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6160086199/]Lightrays[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5594149826/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5062/5594149826_63d0013495_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5594149826/]Brush[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5583708191/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5146/5583708191_321a0b84c9_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5583708191/]Welcome[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5626026295/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5103/5626026295_8dc29d6f0a_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5626026295/]GTT[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Overall Rating: 7/10[/B]
Could anyone be so kind as to do a Lumix GF2 review? I'm really not sure if I want to start with photography or keep my computer from falling even further behind
If anyone has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX Lens, can you post a quick review of it? I've had mix reviews on the lens. On one hand, Dpreview and overall Amazone user review has given it a high rating, however, user reviews on photography sites and forums have given it a okay-ish rating. Would anyone like to offer their thoughts on it? I want to be sure that the extra money I'm spending is worth it, otherwise I can purchase a Canon 50mm f/1.4. EDIT: The increase in size and weight isn't an issue for me.
[QUOTE=Salkyne;34347477]If anyone has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX Lens, can you post a quick review of it? I've had mix reviews on the lens. On one hand, Dpreview and overall Amazone user review has given it a high rating, however, user reviews on photography sites and forums have given it a okay-ish rating. Would anyone like to offer their thoughts on it? I want to be sure that the extra money I'm spending is worth it, otherwise I can purchase a Canon 50mm f/1.4. EDIT: The increase in size and weight isn't an issue for me.[/QUOTE] LarparNar has one, but he just went to bed :/
[B]Pentax K1000 Body[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5798289489/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2131/5798289489_6b1f84fe37_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5798289489/]My First[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Pros:[/B] -Small size and weight. -Very tough. [B]Cons:[/B] -The meter has no on/off switch. -Very loud. -The controls aren't very good, they're rather rough. [B]Comments:[/B] There isn't much to say about this camera as it's so average. It's a solid 35mm SLR, not a special one, but a solid one. A good thing about this camera is that you can find them everywhere, and for cheap, too. [B]Sample Pictures:[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5864113286/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5263/5864113286_58d292d3c1_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5864113286/]Wagon Power[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6427108037/][img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6427108037_4bd0701e41_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6427108037/]Fall Bridge[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6059677227/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6071/6059677227_cedc3a5206_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6059677227/]Mustang Butt[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6059677067/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6084/6059677067_bb0e56fe76_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/6059677067/]Fire Fighters[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Overall Rating: 8/10[/B]
Wow ep9832, you review a lot of stuff! Thanks for your contributions!
I can do a review of the Nikon 35 1.8G in a month, as I received about two weeks ago but am still playing around with. I also bought the Nikon 10-24mm f3.5-4.5G and early impressions are good.
[QUOTE=MisterM;34365282]I can do a review of the Nikon 35 1.8G in a month, as I received about two weeks ago but am still playing around with. I also bought the Nikon 10-24mm f3.5-4.5G and early impressions are good.[/QUOTE] It would be really appreciated! Ah wow, seeing all these lens reviews kind of makes me wish I went for a Canon or Nikon... Oh well, all I need for my Sony is a 50mm, soon hopefully...
[QUOTE=Salkyne;34347477]If anyone has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX Lens, can you post a quick review of it? I've had mix reviews on the lens. On one hand, Dpreview and overall Amazone user review has given it a high rating, however, user reviews on photography sites and forums have given it a okay-ish rating. Would anyone like to offer their thoughts on it? I want to be sure that the extra money I'm spending is worth it, otherwise I can purchase a Canon 50mm f/1.4. EDIT: The increase in size and weight isn't an issue for me.[/QUOTE] The only thing it's really better at than the Canon is focus ring and build quality, maybe bokeh and sharpness a tiny bit, but it also seems to suffer from a little focus inaccuracy. I don't think it's worth the extra money unless you [B]really[/B] need the extra pros it offers, but I haven't used the Canon, so I can't really say what those pros are. I doubt you'd go wrong with the Canon 1.4 though, it's a quality lens. No I'm not going to write a proper review now, might do later.
[QUOTE=Nasake;34370053]It would be really appreciated! Ah wow, seeing all these lens reviews kind of makes me wish I went for a Canon or Nikon... Oh well, all I need for my Sony is a 50mm, soon hopefully...[/QUOTE] i'd recommend picking up a minolta 50mm f1.7 lens off of ebay, you can score one for around $100 and it produces gorgeous colors. i have one myself i can review if you'd like
[QUOTE=Trogdon;34373847]i'd recommend picking up a minolta 50mm f1.7 lens off of ebay, you can score one for around $100 and it produces gorgeous colors. i have one myself i can review if you'd like[/QUOTE] That would be great! I was leaning towards a Sony 1.4 50mm but I was wondering if there were any lenses better than that one (I'm mainly looking for colors and sharpness). I look forward to reading your review!
[QUOTE=Nasake;34379108]That would be great! I was leaning towards a Sony 1.4 50mm but I was wondering if there were any lenses better than that one (I'm mainly looking for colors and sharpness). I look forward to reading your review![/QUOTE] the only thing holding me back from the review is that i have an oily copy of the lens, which means i have only ever used it wide open. so i can't comment on corner sharpness and such. but if you are considering the sony 1.4 i suggest getting the minolta 1.4, as it runs for about $250-300 on ebay. it'll save you money, and optically the only difference from the sony version is the coating is improved on the sony lens, but not by a significant margin to justify the price difference. Just make sure you look for a version of the lens with the 55mm lens thread, as it is regarded to be higher quality than the 49mm version
[B]Sony VCLECF1 Fisheye Conversion Lens [/B] [IMG]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21xcBSZQ8hL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/IMG] Overall Rating out of 10: 10 [B]Sample images I shot with it:[/B] [img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6761456137_8053394f77_z.jpg[/img] As far as fisheye lenses go, this is the best price/performance combo you can get, especially if you already have the 16mm. If you are looking for a fisheye on your nex system, you don't need to look any further. You won't get this aperture or autofocus anywhere near this price range. If you like fisheyes, you'll love this. If you hate fisheyes, you'll hate this. The perspective isn't for everyone. I am not the hugest fan of the perspective and opted to purchase the simple wide angle converter, but i had a lot of fun with this thing for the day i had it [B]Sharpness[/B] Sharpness is nice at short to medium-long distances. At longer distances it doesn't seem to perform as well, which was a fault of the 16mm as well. But since you have the stitch panorama feature you can pop this off and then have a nice panorama. I'm impressed with it at f2.8 for close to medium ranges, so much that stopping down isn't really a large issue. [B]Focus speed[/B] Focus speed is great. Just the same as the 16mm, which is more than fast enough for me. Is quick on video as well. [B]Build Quality[/B] It's a solid piece of metal, which attaches on pretty well. You can tell it's not one lens, but there's no way that it's going to fall off. Comes with a nice little case and end caps for both sides which is nice. It could be a more firm attaching, but it won't really be an issue ever. [B]Some side notes[/B] With the 16mm I am not able to shoot at anything faster than 1/30 without the picture being blurred mildly. With this thing, I could take pictures at 1/3rd of a second and have them come out sharp. That makes this thing a serious low-light monster. For instance the image i posted (only one i have upped right now, can edit to include more), it was lit only by parking lights. It was at f2.8, 1600 iso, and 1/3rd shutter speed, you'd need a tripod for anything close. And for this alone i forgive any other shortcomings this lens might have, because it's so great for lowlight. As far as fisheye goes, i'd say this combo bests anything else in the price range, and i'd stack it up to other fisheyes that cost much more with confidence. [B]Pros:[/B] Covers an almost 180 degree range (about 176 probably, since the hood can't be seen at all) Preserves f2.8 aperture of the 16mm, which is HUGE for a fisheye lens Diagonal fisheye as opposed to circular, which is much more professional looking CHEAP ($115, the 16mm lens is about $150, so you get both for under $300) Can handhold at extremely low shutters with clear image, making this a lowlight monster (without IS even) Pretty sharp at 2.8, which is good for lowlight, but of course sharpens up as you go down. like the 16mm, better for short to medium-long distances, kind of struggles at just landscapes [B]Cons:[/B] The only large cons are typical of all fisheye lenses (such as CA at wide apertures in daylight) Not the sturdiest attachment, but it holds pretty well Requires the 16mm lens (though the price of the two is still really cheap) Can't fit any filters on it, and lens hood isn't detachable stitch panorama doesn't properly function due to the distortion, but this is wide enough to be mostly non-issue [B]Pricing:[/B] Pricing for this lens is amazing. Most dedicated fisheyes cost around $300 the cheapest (and are manual focus), and with the price of the 16mm combined with the adapter isn't much more than that. Plus you get the 16mm itself, and the adapter. But for just this adapter you are only spending $114, and that is so cheap considering the quality you get. This isn't one of those stupid screw on ones you'd put on a video camera, this thing literally transforms the lens into the quality of a dedicated fisheye.
Does anyone happen to have a sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or a Canon 28mm f/1.8? Or have used any of them?
[QUOTE=Ohfoohy;34795243]Does anyone happen to have a sigma 17-50mm f/2.8, a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or a Canon 28mm f/1.8? Or have used any of them?[/QUOTE] :V I was actually going to buy the 28 f/1.8 at my local camera store a few months ago, they didn't have it in stock. [editline]21st February 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=Salkyne;34347477]If anyone has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX Lens, can you post a quick review of it? I've had mix reviews on the lens. On one hand, Dpreview and overall Amazone user review has given it a high rating, however, user reviews on photography sites and forums have given it a okay-ish rating. Would anyone like to offer their thoughts on it? I want to be sure that the extra money I'm spending is worth it, otherwise I can purchase a Canon 50mm f/1.4. EDIT: The increase in size and weight isn't an issue for me.[/QUOTE] Here's my personal review of it. [B]Sigma 50 f/1.4 EX DG HSM [/B] [IMG]http://media.the-digital-picture.com/Images/Review/Sigma-50mm-f-1.4-EX-DG-HSM-Lens.jpg[/IMG] [B]Pros:[/B] [B]-Awesome bokeh when wide open. A little bit soft[/B] [B]-Really nice sharpness when stopped down.[/B] [B]-Great IQ on Crop or FullFrame[/B] [B]-Perfect for a video lens. The softness isn't as disturbing in video mode compared to stills.[/B] [B]-Solid build construction[/B] [B]Cons:[/B] [B]-Focus quite inaccurate in AI Servo mode[/B] [B]-Focus ring feels odd, will end up causing sore fingers. ( Rubber is a bit too sticky / rough )[/B] [B]-Large 77mm Filter Diameter[/B] -[B]Poor weather sealing, dust is already in lens[/B] [B]-Lens hood could be better[/B] [B]Comments: This was probably my most used lens prior to my ultra wide. Great for video, for stills, it's quite sharp at around f/2.2 Bokeh is extremely pleasing, also allows for a very bright view finder. It's really well balanced for larger bodies such as the 50D, 7D, and the 5D mark II as well, with or without grip. Focus speed is average. I just wish my copy was more consistent across my 2 bodies. [B]Overall Rating: 8/10 Sample Shots: f/1.4, ISO1000 on 5D mark II body, Edited using Photoshop in RAW. 1/200 Shutter. [/B][/B][URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5412730165/"][IMG]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5300/5412730165_448ab59557.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5412730165/"]_MG_1549[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/cookiesrthebest/"]Joseph-soar-Wu[/URL], on Flickr [B][B]f/3.5, 1/100, ISO 640 on 7D, I don't believe it's edited. Although I may be wrong[/B][/B] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5167812501/"][IMG]http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4044/5167812501_99633147cc.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5167812501/"]Disney-42.jpg[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/cookiesrthebest/"]Joseph-soar-Wu[/URL], on Flickr [B][B]f/2.2, ISO1600 on 7D, Mildly edited contrast and saturation. [/B][/B][URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5167806355/"][IMG]http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1438/5167806355_9117f33fae.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5167806355/"]Disney-30.jpg[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/cookiesrthebest/"]Joseph-soar-Wu[/URL], on Flickr [B][B]f/1.4, 1/60, ISO1250 on 7D, Mildly edited contrast and saturation.[/B][/B] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5168406014/"][IMG]http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4027/5168406014_1dd6f07496.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cookiesrthebest/5168406014/"]Disney-22.jpg[/URL] by [URL="http://www.flickr.com/people/cookiesrthebest/"]Joseph-soar-Wu[/URL], on Flickr [B]I don't have the specific EXIF data for this shot, most likely around f/1.8, on 7D body. Non edited. [/B][IMG]https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/37004_1379885174805_1162179373_30985801_1938165_n.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE=ep9832;34364131][B]Pentax K1000 Body[/B] [/QUOTE] [img]http://www.facepunch.com/avatar/46664.png?garryis=awesome[/img] :respek: [img]http://www.facepunch.com/avatar/169869.png?garryis=awesome[/img] I got mine yesterday with a 28mm f/2.8, I'm really excited to shoot with my first film SLR :D
I might do one on the Helios 44 variants in a bit
[B]Panasonic Lumix G10[/B] [img]http://i.cubeupload.com/sm4sab.jpg[/img] [B]Overall Rating out of 10:[/B] 7 [B][Sample Photos/Work/Videos]: [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/5744645670/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2678/5744645670_5c80f0c186.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/5744645670/]A Boy & His Wall[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/endangeredhuman/]Endangered_Human[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/6270019696/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6035/6270019696_9767c4d953.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/6270019696/]River Photographer[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/endangeredhuman/]Endangered_Human[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/6118281952/][img]http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6192/6118281952_789f0bcb3c.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/endangeredhuman/6118281952/]Weston-Super-Mare[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/endangeredhuman/]Endangered_Human[/url], on Flickr[/B] Pros: * Very good image quality for it's size * Solidly built * Good control layout, easy to use as a point-and-shoot or to twiddle with more advanced controls. * Small in size, and pocketable with a pancake lens. * Good quality prime lenses available. Cons: * Low speed burst rate (3fps) * Poor quality video compared to DSLR's, with bad rolling shutter effect. Slow or still shots only. No external mic slot. * Official Panasonic accessories such as batteries and remote shutters are insanely expensive, with very low 3rd party support. * Poor viewfinder compaired to the G1 or G2 model. Screen is required for MF shots. Pricing: 6. This model is fairly respectable, but as with most M4/3rds cameras, they tend to be expensive for their features.
[B]Canon Canonet 28[/B] (1971 Verison) [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5645107677/][img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5148/5645107677_7cd8192d48_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5645107677/]L-L-Lightbox![/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Pros:[/B] -Very small and light. -Solidly built of aluminium. -Super quick to focus from its closest focusing distance to infinity. -Smooth controls. [B]Cons:[/B] -Camera can only work in Aperture Priority and Program, which normally wouldn't be an issue but if you put it out of auto the camera has a set shutter speed of 1/30sec and the meter won't operate. [B]Sample Photos:[/B] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5763096720/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2206/5763096720_14dfe3b249_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5763096720/]Shooting a Timelapse[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5762551251/][img]http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2168/5762551251_d099bc5bcd_z.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/mayorcallaghan/5762551251/]Various Phones[/url] by [url=http://www.flickr.com/people/mayorcallaghan/]MayorCallaghan[/url], on Flickr [B]Rating: 6.9/10[/B]
Sigma 30mm f2.8 lens (NEX mount) [img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41D-BZHD8lL._SL500_AA300_.jpg[/img] Overall Rating out of 10: 9 (if price is irrelevant, an 8) Sample images I shot with it: [img]http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7540203028_3a495e6edd_z.jpg[/img] [img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7533140248_a44bd2757f_z.jpg[/img] [img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7490510480_1c6b82f3a1_z.jpg[/img] The sigma 30mm f2.8 is a compact lens designed for a future compact mirrorless by sigma, but has been ported to m4/3rds and the nex mount. The 30mm translates to 45mm in 35mm terms, which gives us an almost normal focal length. Along with the 19mm, Sigma has created the first third party autofocus primes for mirrorless systems. Neat! The lens is compact in size (about the size of my 50mm 1.7 Minolta AF lens), and the front element is VERY small. The back element is large, allowing for a small design with minimal distortion and good coverage across the frame. The most important features of this lens are the focal length, and size. 50mm is often the most desired focal length in a system, which is 35mm in APS-C terms. Since the NEX system has large amounts of adaptable glass, this would seemingly be non-issue. But 35mm lenses are large for film cameras, due to retrofocus designs. Often the adapter and 35mm lens combination would leave you with a very long lens, and fast aperture (as in f2) 35mm lenses are even bigger. The only convenient options in terms of size available until this lens were the 35mm f1.7 CCTV lens (which has unbearable corner performance and vignetting, though a good lens if used stopped down marginally and centralized composition), the Contax G 35mm f2 (hard to come by, and the adapters are expensive, and lastly the Voigtlander 35mm 1.4 (very good lens, small with great construction, but expensive). So this lens represents something pretty significant, especially considering the autofocus capabilities. Sharpness: The sharpness of this lens is unreal. Bar none. On MTF curves for the Nex 7, it beats out Leica lenses (scored in the 1000's wide open in center, and high 900's stopped down in corners). This is the sharpest lens you will put on your NEX, bar none. And that's from wide open. The lens has maximum sharpness at 5.6, but hardly improves over being used wide open. That means you pretty much only stop down to gain DOF. For this reason alone, I highly recommend this lens. Being a normal focal length and having this sharpness, you get a compact walk-around kit capable of anything from portraiture to landscapes. Focus speed: The focus speed of this lens is pretty quick. Though it uses CDAF, I had no problems with speed on my Nex 5, performance should be better on a 5n or 7. The focusing speed was not as quick as my 16mm, but probably rivals the 18-55 kit lens. This will not be as fast as Phase Detection, but it is quick enough for what I need. No complaints here, not something I would use for sports or candid moments, but that isn't what I shoot anyways. The only fault for focusing is while using facial recognition, sometimes the focus will not be correct. I have only encountered misfocusing while using facial detection. So either turn that off, or make use of the excellent DMF built in, which will zoom in on the face with a turn of the ring, and allow precision focusing. Build Quality: The build quality is good. It uses a metal mount, but unlike the Sony lenses it is made of hard plastic as opposed to aluminum. That's not to complain, because it's durable plastic. The focus ring is well dampened, and I have had no problems with the focus-by-wire design. It also supports DMF (direct manual focusing) as do all native Nex lenses, which is great. This isn't a lens I would worry about taking anywhere. Pricing: Can be had new for $200, used for a little less. If you want a normal equivalent prime for every day, and not dying for fast aperture, buy this immediately. If you want a fast aperture lens, buy this and then spend $40 on a 35mm CCTV fujian lens, as that will cover everything this doesn't at this focal length. Some side notes: Fringing is extremely well controlled. Wide open it is practically non-existent, and of course goes away as you stop down. Flaring is also not an issue due to the small front element. If the sun is in the shot, it will not do much to the image at all. It does provide a green flare, as opposed to a red style ala Canon. I would try and avoid purposeful flare, because it isn't attractive looking at any aperture because of the color signature of the flare. The color signature of this lens is great, and is of other Sony/Minolta lenses. You will have more blue/purple as opposed to hard reds and greens from Canon. Minimum focus distance is nice, not replacing a macro but much closer than the 16mm. You can get some nice close ups with this lens. Bokeh is decent, not very smooth but not at all distracting. The aperture blades are rounded as well, a nice touch especially for price range. Vignetting is minimal. Optically I cannot fault this lens. Some might complain that the aperture isn't very fast, but you should buy this lens not trying to get a narrow DoF. This is a multi-purpose lens, and 30mm is not a focal length which will have shallow DoF regardless of aperture. If you are dying for shallow DoF use a longer, faster adapted lens. Wide open performance of this lens is perfect, vignetting is very minimal, and you can achieve narrow DoF depending on distance from subject, just don't go expecting to make a bopie with this lens (as in you can always get background bokeh, but don't expect foreground bokeh. If you are DYING for a fast aperture 50mm equiv, buy the Mitakon 35mm f0.95 [url]http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=16259039352[/url] and receive few of the things that make this lens special. The only faults I would attribute to this lens are the 46mm filter ring (the standard for MFT, but NEX uses 49mm. Just buy a step up ring and new cap, should set you back $5 at most), and the lens slows the operation of the camera. For whatever reason, start up time and switching from image review to shooting are slower with this lens attached. I have tested this against adapted lenses and my 16mm, and the operation of those features are much longer with this lens. Why? I have no idea, but it is worth noting. This means you can lose the moment from doing image review. I suggest turning auto review off (because you can pretty much see what the picture will look like anyways due to EVF), and not reviewing images often. It is a VERY glaring error, but one that can be overlooked in favor of the pros of the lens, which are abundant. It also doesn't have any sort of stabilization so it's not ideal for video, but that would add to price and size so it's not the end of the world. Though shaky video is pretty easy to correct, detail will be lost that way. If shooting video try and use a tripod, or wait for the 16-50mm G zoom by Sony in a couple months. Oh did I mention this lens is $200, and the sharpest lens for E mount? Sold. Pros: -sharpest lens for the E mount -$200. So cheap, and yet an EXCELLENT performer -small front element prevents flare or accidental damage -compact size brings nex to near pocketable status, it's not the 16mm but close. -overall performance is incredible, and will beat practically any 35mm lens you can put on the camera -plastic construction appears to be durable -it's $200, and beats leica lenses in sheer sharpness. Cons: -46mm filter size -slows some of cameras operations. Kind of cons?: -2.8 aperture -No stabilization overall the only real con of the lens is the slower operation. While a 49mm would be nice, maybe an f2, and stabilization, they would add to the size and expense of this lens, compromising some of the best things about it. If you learn to use this lens, you will love it, and that's it. You won't think about wishing it was faster, because at f2.8 it's sharper than any other lens at f2.8, and your camera will be small and portable. The only thing that will irk you is operation time, depending on what you shoot. Chances are there will be times you miss a moment due to this. But the images you do capture, will be some of the best rendered photographs you could make with this system.
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