Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 first impressions

I'm testing the latest version of the full-frame Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 zoom. To state the obvious, it combines some of the capabilities of the 70-200mm and 300mm f/2.8 lenses in one lens but without any real penalty in size or weight over the latter (if Sigma had managed to produce a 70-300mm f/2.8 it would be considerably larger and more expensive). At $3,199 / £1,999.95 it's around half the price of the 300mm f/2.8 primes from Canon or Nikon and is certainly an intriguing proposition. Strangely, Sigma don't go to great lengths to promote the weatherproofing, their press material says it's sealed but there's no mention of it after that. And, I should point out that the lens mount doesn't have a seal, which is an odd omission at this level.

I've not taken enough pictures yet to formulate any conclusions on image quality but I've some initial impressions on the build. A large heavy lens like this must be equipped with a decent tripod bracket and, thankfully this lens is, by and large. However, it has just the one (1/4-inch) tripod socket in the foot. I would have preferred to see two for secure fixing of a lens plate.

Balancing the Sigma is more difficult than most on the Wimberley WH-200. Although internal, the zooming affects the balance slightly - enough for it to upset the Wimberley. It's not unusable though, by any means. Unexpectedly, the lens comes with a lens cap and an odd choice for a lens with a huge front element. The cap easily dislodges. Although difficult to remove one-handed, I actually prefer the lens covers supplied with the Canon and Nikon lenses (and, it appears, earlier versions of this lens). I've not tried it but the LensCoat Hoodie (Large) looks like it might be a good alternative - the black version is just $13.99.

I have a number of Arca compatible plates but I tend to use the Wimberley P50 with the Wimberley Head Version II (WH-200) head as it's very long and easy to slide back and forth in the clamp when balancing. I also test a lot of different lenses and this fits them all. The P50 is meant for the 600mm lenses but if I add the two screws as nubs it works reasonably well with the Sigma. Wimberley recommend the $52 P20, and I've no doubt that would be the better choice.

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Olympus PEN E-P3 and 12mm f/2.0 samples

We hope to have a the new Olympus 12mm f/2.0 in for a more formal review, but in the meantime we've posted some sample shots for our time with one at the European press launch in Vienna.

Even from our limited time with the lens it's easy to see from the results that this is highest performing lens yet from Olympus for their PEN series. All our sample shots were taken with a PEN EP-3 (there were none of the other cameras announced available at the time), but the E-P3 is the current top-of-line camera and uses the latest (TruePic VI) processor.

Most improvements in image quality lately have been made through advances in processing rather than new sensor technology. A fact perhaps underlined by the insistence of Olympus to stay with the 12-megapixel LMOS chip. However, the faster readout from the sensor has brought about a dramatic increase in AF speed.

Not only is this noticeable with the updated 14-42mm kit lens (both MSC variants) but with the completely new 12mm f/2.0 (24mm equivalent). The barrel and body is metal, and far superior in build to the 17mm f/2.8 and offerings from Panasonic (although they're not bad for what they are).

Optical quality is very impressive indeed. All of the images shown below are in-camera JPEGs with no additional processing. The price is expected to be around £700, and should be available soon (in July).

Olympus M. Zuiko Digital 12mm f/2.0 ED MSC (equivalent 24mm f/2.0)

Flowers, wide-open at f/2.

Vienna Skyline, 12mm f2 @ f/5.6

Ground level, 12mm f2 @ f/5.6

< Snapshot, 12mm f2 @/f5.6

Updated images added July 15

This is a 100-percent actual pixel crop of the top left hand image from above (taken at f/5.6) showing some slight lateral chromatic aberration on either side of the highlighted pillar.The magenta fringing is more noticeable but there's some cyan too.

This is an in-camera JPEG. Olympus Pens don't remove CA in-camera like the Lumix models either, but they do correct distortion on the fly, meaning even the image in the viewfinder and screen is corrected in real-time. In popular Raw workflow programs such as Lightroom and ApertureRaw files are corrected as well.

Fortunately, the 12mm's fringing is quite easy to remove. This is the same image with a -27 correction using the Red/Cyan CA slider in Lightroom 3.

Resistance to flare (veiling glare) is excellent (but not up to T* or Nano coat standards perhaps), there's some loss of contrast (restricted to the steeple) and ghosting patches are practically non-existant. If you take a look at the figure wearing a blue sweat there's one green patch but it's very slight.

Focusing is extremely fast on the E-P3 making the combination highly desirable for street photography. Best of all however is the image quality, the lens has superb micro-contrast, excellent gradation from highlights and shadows and a very attractive drawing style. If I get chance, I'll try demonstrate the in-camera distortion correction.

Support our site and buy from our affiliates

Olympus E-P3 pre-order at B&H Photo ($899 with a choice of 17mm f/2.8 or new 14-42mm zoom)
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2.0 (24mm equivalent) pre-order at B&H Photo ($799).

Buy the 12mm f/2.0 from Adorama ($799) or UK readers can buy from Wex (£699 inc VAT).

'Nikon Lenses' - iPhone App

Here's a new iPhone app to hit the iTunes store, entitled 'Nikon lenses' - I was rather surprised that it wasn't called 'Nikkor lenses' as that is by what they are known but nevertheless it looks like a competent app. The app is a guide to Nikon's current lineup of F-Mount lenses used by both Nikon's digital and film SLR cameras. You can view all the lenses at once or you can view lenses in a selected category. You have the ability to sort by aperture, minimum focal length and ESP (Estimated Retail Price).

If you would like to try out this app, download it for free, here

Canon unwrap new EF 1.4x III and EF 2x III teleconverters

Canon has unwrapped replacements for their existing 1.4x and 2x Extenders (teleconverters), boasting an easier to use lens release mechanism, improved optical train, and fluorine coatings to reduce marking and improve AF performance. Both units will be available in December with a price of £549.99 / 659.99 Euros inc Tax.

Extend the reach of your telephoto lens with Canon’s Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 26th August 2010 – Canon today unveils two lens extenders designed for its L-series range of new super-telephoto lenses. Designed for photojournalists, nature and sports photographers who need to get close to distant and challenging subjects, the Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III increase the focal length of a lens by a factor of 1.4x and 2x respectively while still delivering superb image quality. To ensure the best possible image quality in all shooting conditions, they also combine enhanced environmental protection, redesigned optics and improved data communication between lens and camera.

Canon professional image quality
Allowing professional photographers to shoot distant subjects without having to carry a number of heavy lenses with them, these new extenders ensure there is no compromise on image quality. The Extender EF 1.4x III features seven lens elements in three groups, and the Extender EF 2x III features nine lens elements in five groups, ensuring improved optical performance. All optical elements use Canon’s Super Spectra coating, reducing ghosting and flare to minimise post-processing requirements. A new Fluorine Coating on the front and rear elements makes marks, such as spots left by water or fingerprints, much easier to clean than standard coatings.

To facilitate the accurate transfer of imaging data between the lens and camera body, both models feature an integrated processor which ensures all focusing, metering and ID information is available – allowing the photographer to capture crisp, well-exposed images. When combined with the latest range of premium Canon L-series lenses, these extenders enable higher AF accuracy compared to previous generations, ensuring professionals achieve perfectly sharp shots, even when capturing moving subjects.

Redesigned for high performance
The Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III have been designed to complement the latest range of L-series lenses, matching their appearance and offering a visible differentiation from previous models. A carefully positioned lens release mechanism also makes it easy to mount the extenders quickly, reducing the time that the camera and lens are exposed to the environment. The extenders offer the exceptional build-quality expected from Canon’s professional products, and are resistant to both dust and water, allowing photographers to use them in extreme shooting conditions.

For convenient transport, the 225g Extender EF 1.4x III and 325g Extender EF 2x III are supplied with a soft case (LP811) and Extender Cap EII.

Pricing and Availability
The Extender EF 1.4x III is available from December priced £549.99 / ¤659.99 RRP inc VAT
The Extender EF 2x III is available from December priced £549.99 / ¤659.99 RRP inc VAT

Canon to show new 500mm and 600mm lenses at Photokina

Canon are set to reveal updates to their 500mm and 600mm f/4 super-telephoto lenses next month at the Photokina trade show in Cologne. No word has been communicated on a release date or price, but it's expected the duo will be on sale in early 2011.

Press release

Canon announces development of advanced super-telephoto professional lenses

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland; 26 August 2010 – Canon today announces the development of two new super-telephoto lenses for its leading range of EOS Digital SLR cameras – the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM. The new lenses will be displayed for the first time in Europe during Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany.

Developed as part of Canon’s acclaimed L-series of professional lenses, the new lenses will achieve new and advanced levels of image quality. Each will include the highest quality components, featuring high specification Image Stabilizer technology alongside the use of optical materials such as Fluorite, to correct aberrations ensuring high resolution images rich in detail and contrast.

Succeeding the widely-respected EF 500mm F/4L IS USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS USM, the EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM are being developed for photographers who require high performance, fast aperture and a longer focal length. Redesigned, lightweight bodies will provide added mobility alongside enhanced protection against dust and water, making them ideal for the toughest shooting conditions.

Both new lenses have been designed to reflect Canon’s renowned high standards for the elite L-series, combining exceptional-quality optics with easy-to-reach controls and signature designs. The models will be released as part of Canon’s continued development of its EF lens line-up, offering enhanced performance and improved functions that cater for the needs of photographers from beginners through to professionals.

The EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM can be pre-ordered at Adorama here, and is currently $10,499, while the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM, can be pre-ordered here at just $12,999.