Showing posts with label zoom lens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label zoom lens. Show all posts

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC SLD ELD Aspherical Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC SLD ELD Aspherical Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
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I own the best Canon 17-55 F/2.8, but it is also heavy and expensive for risky environments like windy beaches to packed clubhouses. I need an affordable F/2.8 backup, so I bought this Sigma 18-50mm F/2.8 Macro. Having read many account of sigma lens front/back focusing, I have a very low expectation for my lens. Luckily, my fear proves to be unfounded, as my 18-50mm f/2.8 macro is free from rear/front focusing.
[ Biggest Surprise ] = Fast + Silent + Reliable focusing. Even without HSM/USM motor, the AF speed is fast & comparable to my canon 17-55 f/2.8 usm in dim light. Under the same setting, my tamron 17-50 f/2.8's banshee-like micro-motor scream loudly yet failed to find focus after 1 minutes.
+ The build quality is near "L", better than my expensive Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS
+ Size is very small compare to my gigantic canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS
+ Fantastic MACRO lens on the run
[Disappointment] 18mm F/2.8 "wide open" is softer than Tamron 17-50mm.
- Canon 17-55 f/2.8 @f/2.8 is sharper than sigma 18mm @f/5.6 (no joke!)
- Field of view is closer to 18.5mm or 19mm.
Since I had previously own the tamron 17-50 f/2.8, a canon 17-85is, and a canon 18-55is, here how they compare against one another:
...................................................[ Landscape Sharpness ]
[1] Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS__amazing sharpess even @f/2.8 wide open
[2] Canon 18-55 IS ______ sharp corners, mild barrel distortion + ca
[3] Tamron 17-50 f/2.8____sharp "when focused", problematic AF, field curvature
[4] Sigma 18-50 f/2.8_____softer wide open than tamron, 18mm behave like 19mm
[5] Canon 17-85 IS_______strong C_A + barrel distortion, soft corners
...................................................[ Bokeh / Out of Focused Highlight ]
[1] Sigma 18-50 f/2.8____ big round circular highlight, no cat's eyed footballs
[2] Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS__ some cat's eyed football highlight on the edge
[3] Tamron 17-50 f/2.8___ some visible double contours highlight
[4] Canon 17-85 IS______ small f/5.6, 85 has an edge over 55mm in highlight size
[5] Canon 18-55 IS ______ small f/5.6 = smallest highlight, boring photos
...................................................[ Construction Quality ]
[1] Sigma 18-50 f/2.8____ impressive build even at such a low price
[2] Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS__ [tied] build should have been better for a $1000 lens
[2] Canon 17-85 IS_______[tied] exactly the same build as 17-55 f/2.8 IS
[3] Tamron 17-50 f/2.8___ decent, plasticky, not as good as others above
[4] Canon 18-55 IS ______ plastic mount, front barrel rotate makes cpl difficult
...................................................[ AF Speed in Low Light + Reliability ]
[1] Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS__ USM + IS + F/2.8 = ultimate
[2] Canon 17-85 IS_______USM + IS, F/5.6 seem to focus just as fast as F/2.8
[3] Sigma 18-50 f/2.8____ Silent, Fast, and Decisive AF even in low light
[4] Canon 18-55 IS ______ silent image stabilization, but louder AF
[5] Tamron 17-50 f/2.8___ loudest motor, indecisive AF in low light
-------------------------------------[ in conclusion ]-------------------------
Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 Macro is jack-of-all-trade, master of none. While tamron is sharper @17mm f/2.8 than sigma is @18mm f/2.8 "when in focused", sigma has superior AF motor that is far more reliable under any circumstance. Sigma is a pleasure to use in real life ownership, free from fousing-worrying that plagued my tamron. Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 is a combination between the reliable yet so-so IQ of canon 17-85is + tamron 17-50's superior IQ, but poor autofocusing mechanics. Highly Recommended!
$429.95 [Canon 17-85IS] poor 17mm IQ, but fantastic AF mechanic + IS
$443.41 [Tamron 17-50] great 17mm IQ, but poor AF mechanic
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
$375.00 [Sigma 18-50mc] decent 18mm IQ + fantastic AF mechanic (no BUT)
Sigma did their homework. Sig18-50 retained good quality from its competitors while shredding the bad, yet it is offer at the lowest price. Competition is wonderful, I'm very happy with my purchased

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC SLD ELD Aspherical Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

This lens has a large aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9 ) and a maximum magnification of 1:3, making it ideal for close-up photography. Specially designed to suit the characteristics of digital SLR cameras, this lens provides a high level of optical performance.It incorporates both glass-mold and hybrid aspherical lens technology - offering superior peripheral brightness, extremely high image quality as well as a compact and lightweight construction. Special Low Dispersion (SLD) and Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) glass elements provide excellent correction of color aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting, a common problem with digital cameras. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal-type lens hood (supplied) plus circular polarizing filters.

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Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review

Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
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I've had this lens for a few years now, and I absolutely love it. It is compact, sharp, and dependable. I'm a wide-angle shooter, so this one is just about perfect. Canon's USM is beautiful. Unlike Nikon, Canon seeks and achieves quiet, fast, and accurate auto focusing. Coupled with a light and quiet EOS camera body, and you've got an excellent documentary kit, great for shooting people in close and personal. At 24 mm, this lens gives excellent range for close work, with lots of depth and sharpness, making focusing and composing a cinch in evolving situations. My only gripe with this lens is its manual focus ring. I grew up with manual focus, and I love excercising that skill, but this lens has nothing more than an obligatory, plastic, and poorly placed focusing ring that discourages manual work. Fortunately, Canon's autofocusing system is phenomenal. Round-out your EOS kit with a Canon SpeedLite (compatible all the way down to 24 mm).

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The Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens has multiple moving lens groups that enhance image quality and make the whole system more compact and lightweight. This lens uses an ultrasonic focusing motor (USM) that gives you silent, high-speed autofocusing. Canon eliminated all the mechanical couplings in this lens and added a custom-designed autofocus motor as well as a microprocessor.
Built into the system is a replica aspherical lens element that minimizes optical distortions to give you sharp images. The flare-cutting diaphragm helps the lens produce a high-contrast image, even in tough lighting. Its high zoom ratio of 3.5x allows you to take tighter shots of your subjects. It's fully compatible with all EOS cameras.

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Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras Review

Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras
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This is what it is, which is why I gave it 4 stars. It's not a professional lens, but it works perfect for everyday amateur use. Nice focal range 28-80 (equivalent 42-120). Reasonable for anything indoors or fairly close, works as a portrait lens and does well with landscapes and architecture. Great general usage lens and compact as well. The price is really remarkable. I have 8 lenses and this one gets the most use. I have it mounted to a Pentax K20D

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The Tamron AF28-80mm f3.5-f5.6 is a standard zoom lens with a wide to medium telephoto range of 28-80mm, providing great range for nature and landscape photography or snapshots and home photography. By using aspherical elements in the front optical group, Tamron reduced the total number of elements required. They also used strong, engineered plastic for the barrel, making the total lens body only 8.4 ounces. These features make this lens extremely versatile and lightweight. This model is dedicated to Pentax AF SLR cameras.

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Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 High Speed Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras Review

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 High Speed Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
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I was searching for an inexpensive but fast 24mm or 28mm wide angle lens primarily for shots of the night sky when I found this. For about $85 including shipping, this lens turned out to be much better than the standard Canon kit lens -- sharper, working better in low light conditions and giving you a wider field of view. And this is much cheaper than a 28mm prime lens. I've gotten some fairly sharp photos from this lens and was surprised to find it allows moderately fast auto-focusing in even dim lighting. The lens also allows you to get within two feet of the subject.
There are a few drawbacks, however. This Sigma is extremely susceptible to lens flare requiring much more care than you may be used to. The lens hood is attached to the staionary lens body and isn't at all useful at the lens' widest settings where the front of the lens is at it's most the forward position within the hood. Minor drawbacks also include that when the lens hood is reversed, zoom isn't accessible. The focusing motor is also louder than my other Canon and Tamron lenses.
All in all, though, I'd say this lens is a real bargain for $85. Note that I'm using the lens with a 35mm Canon EOS Rebel Ti (non-digital).
Post script - After using the lens quite a bit over the past weeks, I've really come to appreciate its ability to work in darker locations than typical inexpensive zoom lenses. In bright sunlight, however, lens flare still remains a major problem and shielding the lens with my hand has more than once lead to fingers framing my photos.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4.0 High Speed Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

This lens comes into its own when active people need a lens that can keep up with them. The min. focusing distance is 50cm. Aspherical lens elements are used for excellent correction of distortion.

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Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras Review

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax and Samsung SLR Cameras
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I disagree with Jeff Kershaw's review for the older version of this lens (Sigma 70-300mm APO Super), in that it's very unfair to compare this lens to a L series lens, as those lens start at over $500 due to it's very specific high-grade optics manufacturing process. To compare this lens to a lens that starts at over 4X the price is like comparing a Honda Civic to a Porsche. Like the civic, this Sigma lens is well rounded, good for beginner and consumer SLR photographers, and maybe some "pro-sumer" on a tight budget, or even students. For the price, this lens is a bargain, as I've been doing a lot of research before buying this lens (price range in the $130-225 for telephoto). What I liked most about this is the APO lenses, which prevent reflection inside the lens which creates "ghosting" (inverted light ghostly shadow that appers on your image) which is usually apparent in nightshots. During the day APO lenses decrease those "purple fuzzies" (chromatic aberration) you see against high contrast (like a bird's wing against the sky). Granted this lens is no Porsche like the Canon L series, but for the price range, may hit the spot for some folks. I mainly use this camera for macro photography and taking photos of the Empire state building from my roof, which is 24 blocks away. This lens is definitely better quality than the Canon 75-300 USM III f/4-5.6 which is usually considered the benchmark for this price range telephoto.
Also note that there are different versions of these lenses (despite close naming), so be careful about what you buy. The is a APO DG version with Macro specifically made for digital SLRs which is what is listed here (the "official" name of this lens is: 70-300mm F4-5.6 APO DG Macro), and a non APO version of this lens which is a bit cheaper (but not worth it at all). Also there's ones listed as APO II which is the "older" version, which I don't know the quality of, but know that it is older than the model listed here.
Summary: If you're on a tight budget this is as good as it gets in this price bracket. The next tier where there's significant gains in lens imaging doesn't even start until you start spending in $600-1800 range.

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Telephoto zoom lenses with tele-macro function and optimised for digital SLR camerasThe performance telephoto zoom lens is capable of shooting with a maximum magnification of 1:2 at the focal length of 300 mm. It's the ideal lens for portraits, sports photography, nature photography, and other types of photography that frequently use the telephoto range.SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glassThis lens has two SLD glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group, the lens has excellent correction of chromatic aberration through the entire zoom range. This new DG lens is capable of macro photography with a 1:2 maximum magnification at the focal length of 300 mm. The new multi layer lens coating reduces flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum colour balance Macro shooting with maximum magnification 1:2High optical performance is demonstrated throughout the entire zoom range. It also has a switch that converts the lens to macro photography at focal lengths between 200mm and 300mm with a minimum focusing distance of 95cm (37.4 inches). In normal mode the minimum focusing distance is 150cm (59.1 inches) at all zoom settings. Maximum magnification between 200mm and 300mm is 1:2.9 to 1:2.

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Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras Review

Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras
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This is the best lens that Sony/Zeiss have offered thus far, even more versatile than the Sony SAL-85F14Z 85mm f1.4 Carl Zeiss Planar T Coated Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera and Sony SAL-135F18Z 135mm f/1.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar T Telephoto Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera, which are incredible lenses. I have compared this Sony/Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 lens to the legendary Minolta 28-70mm f/2.8 G lens using the Imatest lens test software. At an aperture of f2.8, the Minolta 28-70 lens at 28mm focal length and the Zeiss 24-70 lens at 24mm focal length are equally sharp in the center, but the Zeiss lens is sharper at the corners. The Zeiss 24-70 lens does exhibit a minor amount of chromatic aberration but to no serious extent. It also exhibits moderate barrel distortion at 24mm, as do its Canon and Nikon 24-70 counterparts. The barrel distortion is more pronounced with a full frame sensor than with a half frame sensor.
Sony and Zeiss have a very useful partnership going, which I hope will result in a greater variety of lenses in the future. Recently, Sony and Zeiss have introduced a Sony SAL1635Z 16-35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens that improves upon the rare and coveted Minolta 17-35mm f3.5 G lens.
Two minor complaints about this lens are the following. First, like the other Sony/Zeiss lenses, it is rather heavy, but I suppose that good glass is heavy. Second, it zooms by elongating externally unlike the Minolta 28-70mm f/2.8 G lens. However, the Canon and Nikon 24-70 lenses elongate in a similar manner, so perhaps this feature is a compromise that one must accept in exchange for sharpness at f2.8.
Reviews of the Sony/Zeiss 24-70 lens may be found at the Photozone and lemondedelaphoto web sites. The latter site is French but web pages may be translated via Google.


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High-performance Carl Zeiss large-aperture zoom. The SAL-2470Z Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar f2.8 24-70mm Zoom Lens is a brilliant all-around performer -- with SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) design for fast, silent auto-focus, pro-quality Carl Zeiss T coated optics to reduce lens flare, and 17-element design with two aspherical and two ED glass lens elements to minimize distortion and virtually eliminate chromatic aberration. It benefits from the Super SteadyShot image stabilization built into every Sony α system DSLR -- and its wide-angle to medium telephoto range in compact, lightweight design is ideal for a wide range of shooting applications (35mm equivalent: 36-105mm).

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Lowepro Topload Zoom AW Camera Bag (Black) Review

Lowepro Topload Zoom AW Camera Bag (Black)
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This item performs very well, especially with front chest harness. Keep in mind that the weather cover doesn't completely encase the bag. The back is still exposed (but touching your chest). This TL Zoom bag is slightly better than other Lowepro TopLoads since it has extra compartments and side straps for mounting lenses, and the waterproof cover. The cover has a nice feature too of being permanently attached to the bag, so it doesn't blow away. The front 2 pockets actually expand with a drop-out velcro bottom so you can easily store a large mini tripod (such as the SLR gorillapod zoom). The top front pocket, when in dual-pocket mode, would store a small (3") lens adequately. The top D-Rings for chest harness are metal. The side D-rings are plastic, but very sturdy. This bag is a bit long, but only 5" thick, so it sticks out from you body about 1-1.5" less than all the other Lowepro TLZ bags. When measuring your camera system, keep in mind to add the Lens hood length, because if you are getting this bag, you probably want quick and easy access to your camera, which means it goes in bag while out shooting with body+lens+hood on and ready to go. So this adds an extra 2" to most lens+camera length requirements. My normal usage mode is to strap bag to chest, strap camera around neck and store camera in bag with zippers slightly open, to accommodate the protruding normal camera strap. All-in-all a great product! I give it a 5-star, even though it's a bit long for me, because it's cheaper than the other TLZ all-weather bags.

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The Topload Zoom AW by Lowepro is a great traveler! Our original Topload Zoom (TLZ) has attachment loops for optional SlipLock add-ons (such as the Bottle Bag, Lens Cases, or SlipLock Pouches - all sold separately). The TLZ AW is made of a tough, water-resistant 600 TXP and 600D TXP ripstop materials, and has an All Weather Cover to protect from the elements. The reverse-open lid and hand grip allows for easy access to your camera so you never miss a shot. There is also a large zippered front pocket to hold your accessories. The TLZ AW comes with a padded, contoured shoulder strap that is removable and adjustable.

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Tamron A15 - Telephoto zoom lens - 55 mm - 200 mm - f/4.0-5.6 Di II LD Macro - Canon EF Review

Tamron A15 - Telephoto zoom lens - 55 mm - 200 mm - f/4.0-5.6 Di II LD Macro - Canon EF
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I took the Tamron AF 55-200mm out for a test drive along with my (new to me) Cannon digital rebel (300D). I went for a few hours into the wine country of Northern California. The Tamron is a perfect companion if you already have the standard Canon EF-S 18-55 mm lens. The Tamron is 55 to 200mm, so it takes over where the cannon leaves off.
Also, you get better lens performance compared to a lens that "tries to do it all" by going from super wide to long telephoto. Outdoors the camera was able to focus the Tamron quickly and reliably. I am very pleased with the lens.
I'm also pleased because this lens is designed specifically for digital cameras. (Digital cameras are different from film cameras in several respects). For example, a digital camera uses what amounts to a big chip to gather light, the surface of the chip is far more reflective than film. This means bright light can hit the chip and some of it bounce back into the lens. If the rear-end of the lense does not have good coatings, you can get re-reflections *back* to the chip. The light rays hitting the chip also need to be parallel NOT in a "cone". These are the types of design elements Tamron has paid attention to when designing this lens.
HOWEVER, you cannot use this lens with a film camera, or you will get dark fading (vignetting) around the edges of the photo.
Also, this lens is designed specifically for cameras with a CMOS or CCD chip no larger than 15.5 to 23.2mm (perfect for the Canon 300D) To see how big your chip is, refer to the specifications in your owners manual.

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The Tamron AF55-200mm f4-5.6 Di II Macro LD (Model A15) is a tele-zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with smaller-size image sensors at an affordable price. Di (Digitally integrated)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers. This lens is not designed for use with 35mm film cameras or digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm. For photographers who bought their digital SLR camera in a kit with a standard zoom lens but are dissatisfied with the telephoto capability of the standard lens, the AF55-200mm f4-5.6 Di II LD Macro offers in a second lens a desirable telephoto range at an affordable price. The tele-zoom from Tamron will allow these photographers to enjoy the telephoto capabilities that yield dynamic images in many photographic situations including sporting events, large wildlife, scenery and portraiture. Popular-type Tele-zoom for Exclusive Use on Digital SLR CamerasThis is a telephoto zoom for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras that covers the focal length range equivalent to 85-310mm when converted to a 35mm format. The lens will allow owners of digital SLRs fitted with standard zoom lenses to enjoy with ease the professional-looking "pulling" and "compression" effects particular to telephoto lenses. Lightweight and Compact Design Thanks to Optical System for Exclusive Use on Digital CamerasSince the optical system is designed for exclusive use on digital cameras, the image circle is smaller, resulting in a compact package measuring 3.3 inches, accepting a 52mm standard filter and weighing a mere 10.4 ounces. Revolutionary Minimum Focus Distance of 37.4 inches for 1:3.5 Macro Capability over the Entire Zoom RangeThe 55-200mm zoom lens realizes an MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) of 37.4 inches over the entire zoom range, the top level of the closest focusing distance among tele-zoom lenses. Since the maxim

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Vivitar Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer (CPL) Glass Filter, 82mm Review

Vivitar Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer (CPL) Glass Filter, 82mm
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Really untill I saw this I forgot all about Vivitar. They make quality products. I've burned out 5 digital cameras in the past 10 years. I have vivitar slr circa 1976 that still kicking. I think this filter will be just as tough. It has a durable matte black frame. It's made of actual glass and was about a third the price of a Hoya, B+W, or Tiffen. I bought another more expensive brand to compare it to and cannot find any difference.

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The Vivitar Series 1 Multi-Coated Circular Polarizing (PL) Filter allows you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water and glass, and they also improve color saturation, clarity and contrast. This threaded filter is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds, for example. Vivitar's polarizing filters do not affect the overall color balance of a shot, and they will provide protection for your lens while shooting.

Vivitar Multi-Coated filters are optimized for use with digital SLR cameras, but they are also perfect for traditional 35mm SLR applications, including black and white photography.

Key Features:• For digital, video and photo • Increases contrast and color saturation• Multi-Coated filters greatly reduce lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections• Eliminates reflections from non-metallic surfaces• Protects lens from dust, moisture, fingerprints, scratches and impact• For over 70 years Vivitar has been recognized as a manufacturer of quality optics and photo accessories

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RS-5 Camera Strap Review

RS-5 Camera Strap
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The R-Strap keeps the camera out of my way and my hands free when I'm not using it, yet it's right at my side when I want to take a photo. The RS-5 also has enough pockets for me to store three extra CF cards, a spare battery, and my mobile phone. On a recent weekend getaway, I was able to leave my camera bag in my car, because all of the essentials were tucked away in the R-Strap. It's a big improvement over the traditional neck strap.
That much I expected; here's what I didn't expect. Before I got the R-Strap, I would be, at any given time, either taking photos *OR* being involved in whatever was going on (child's birthday party, vacation, etc.). The camera was--literally and metaphorically--between me and everyone else. With the R-Strap it's much more natural--I can be more fully engaged with the people around me, and still have my camera instantly available when I need to capture a moment. I don't want to get all gushy about a camera strap, but this was a nice and unexpected benefit.
Now, a couple of minor issues. First, the strap does tend to slip forward or backward off of my shoulder. Not too often, but often enough that I wish they had used some kind of non-skid material as a backing. Second, all of that pocket space comes at a price: the RS-5 can get a little bulky. For situations where I can keep my camera bag nearby, I actually find myself wishing for the less bulky RS-4. I think the bulk may have something to do with the slipping problem, too.
On the plus side, construction quality is very good, and the hardware that attaches camera to strap seems very secure. It's very easy to detach the camera from the strap when you want to, but the locking carabiner ensures it won't happen by accident. And there's no velcro anywhere: nylon zippers and magnetic closures keep everything quiet.
Whichever you choose, the RS-4 or the RS-5, I'm sure you'll find it a big improvement over the old neck strap.

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The RS-5 version of the R-Strap is based around a unique, layered design to accommodate more storage than you ever thought possible in a camera strap. Located on the front outside of the pad is a pocket for carrying a smart phone, large battery, walkie-talkie, or similar sized items. The top of the pad opens up to reveal even more storage within: enough to carry 9+ memory cards, ID, credit cards, and more. Load it up right, and youll never run out of memory or power. The silent closures are thanks to padded Neodymium magnets, so you can sift through your storage with out making a sound. Perfect for when you are sneaking up on a grizzly bear or when the bride is giving her vows!

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Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
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With lenses, the rule of thumb is, more often than not, "you get what you pay for" - having said that, this lens is an exception. This is a great price for a lens in this focal range. While I'm sure there are better quality lenses out there (if you want to spend a lot more money), for an under $200 lens, this one's great! Construction is solid and the lens feels sturdy and not at all cheap. Auto focus is reasonably fast and manual focusing feels quite comfortable. The level of sharpness and overall image quality from this lens has been just fantastic. I have no complaints at all and am very happy with this lens. I'd reccommend it to anyone looking for an inexpensive lens in this range.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Tamron AF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 LD for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

This extended-range zoom offers true telephoto capability ideal for a variety of applications including sports and wildlife shooting. The lens also features the capability to provide beautifully blurred background to high light the main subject in portraiture, or "compression effects" that make the most of the telephoto lens.

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Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Review

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
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First I have to say that I rarely take the time to write a review unless the product really impresses me. Second I'm a pro photographer for a Newspaper in TX and I own several canon "L" lenses.
I shoot a Mark II at work and A digital rebel when I go hiking and such. I tried it on the Rebel and I doubt I ever put a different lens on that camera. It is a great little lens. Granted it is slow in low light but that aside, it is wonderful. Very little Vignetting at the wide end and very little Chromatic Aberration. It is really sharp all the way through the zoom range. Highly recommended!!

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Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

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Lowepro Outback 200 Camera Beltpack (Black) Review

Lowepro Outback 200 Camera Beltpack (Black)
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Bought this on May 24, 2010 and since then, it's been my bag of choice for all around street photography.
I use the Main Bag Compartment for my EF 85mm F/1.8, ef 70-200mm lens hood on the bottom and my Canon Rebel XS with Tamron 17-50mm attached on top, a 430 ex II on the front packet calling cards, pens and notepad and since it has two additional lens cases, I can use one for my EF 70-200mm F/4 IS USM and and the other one for a bunch of stuff like air blower, filters, extension tubes, filters, radio flash triggers, brush and cloths.
The best thing I like about this bag is the fact that I can insert my Canon Rebel XS with Battery Grip and a 70-200mm F/4 IS USM attached including a lens hood, with no problem. I used like a holster.
I highly recommend this bag if you do long walks with your gear. I have not had any problems with it.

I will write a mini review of this bag on my website at [...], just search for Outback 200. Thanks

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The Outback 200 blends Lowepro’s workmanlike details with a modular, lean and easy-to-access design. The result: an ideal beltpack built to fit modern equipment, provide multiple wearing options, and deliver freedom of movement to the agile professional. Wear as a shoulder bag, beltpack—or use shoulder strap and waistbelt to distribute a heavy load evenly and provide long-wearing comfort. Unzip the fast-access lid and immediately "work out of the bag” plus grab memory cards from the built-in pockets. The Outback 200 features a well-padded camera compartment with adjustable dividers, one-piece foam framing and memory card pockets on the inside lid. Two lens/accessory cases (also suitable for carrying flash, water bottles, personal electronics or other items) are easily attached or detached with sturdy, yet lightweight compression straps. Modular, flexible and built to carry and protect the latest in digital gear, the Outback 200 offers a unique solution for the enthusiast or pro.

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Pelican PCA50 50mm Neoprene Lens Case Review

Pelican PCA50 50mm Neoprene Lens Case
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This is a wonderful little camera accessory that I stumbled on at a small local camera store. They're hard to find, but worth it IMO. They seem to be almost the same as the Op/Tech Snoot Boot pouches, however they look to be made better- the seams are well-stitched and 'sealed', and the drawstring run is a strong fabric, rather than neoprene. The belt loop is wide enough, even on this smallest size, for a ~2" wide belt, and the clip is handy, although I don't trust it (or the belt loop I'd be hooking it to) with larger, heavier lenses. These pouches are a great way to carry a few extra lenses that are too big to fit in a pocket, without having to carry your whole camera bag. Much better protection than the microsuede pouches that most lenses include.
The sizes seem to be under-rated by a bit. My Nikon 16-85mm VR zoom lens shouldn't fit in this pouch according to the stated size, but it fits great, and is swimming with extra room in the larger PCA-100 case. I also use the PCA-50 for my 35mm and 50mm primes, and Nikon 85mm Micro. The PCA-100 is probably the ticket for fatter lenses such as the 18-200mm VR and 105mm VR Micro.

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Made of the same tough material as diving suits which is light' flexible and offers the most impact protection available

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Sigma AF Zoom 70-300mm f / 4.0-5.6 DG Macro Motorized Lens With 2X Auto focus Tele-Converter (140-600mm) , Set of 3 Filters , Case , Cleaning kit , Cap Holder , Lens Hood , Two Years Extended warranty For Nikon D40 D40X D50 D60 D70 D80 D90 D100 D200 D300 D3000 D5000 D300S (works with auto focus) Review

Sigma AF Zoom 70-300mm f / 4.0-5.6 DG Macro Motorized Lens With 2X Auto focus Tele-Converter (140-600mm) , Set of 3 Filters , Case , Cleaning kit , Cap Holder , Lens Hood , Two Years Extended warranty For Nikon D40 D40X D50 D60 D70 D80 D90 D100 D200 D300 D3000 D5000 D300S (works with auto focus)
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I am satisfied with this lens. Still figuring it out, but so far....good! Bought the sigma 70-300mm with the Tele-Converter. The tele-converter has been disappointing.

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Package includes : # NEW Sigma AF Zoom DG Macro 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 , 2X Auto focus Tele-converter # Sigma Lens Hood # Lens Cleaning Kit # Cap Kipper # Set of 3 High Resolution Filters (uv , Polarize , FLD) # 2 Years Extended warranty plan

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PROMASTER AF 17-50MM XR F2.8 EDO LENS FOR NIKON CAMERAS Review

PROMASTER AF 17-50MM XR F2.8 EDO LENS FOR NIKON CAMERAS
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I LOVE this lens! Exactly the same lens as the Tamron, just re-badged as Promaster. I got the lens brand new from Helix photo&video for $189 on sale where it's normally $249. Just a little heads up!

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Wireless Remote Shutter Release For Nikon D300 and D700 SLR Digital Cameras Review

Wireless Remote Shutter Release For Nikon D300 and D700 SLR Digital Cameras
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The first shipping arrived regular, but was wrong item. I have to buy a repplacement locally for $28. After I contact seller, the second shipping come 20 days later and is correct item. So finally I got right item after extra 20 day and extra $28

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The Vivitar wireless remote control makes taking group photos easy by allowing you to take pictures away from the camera. The wireless remote allows the selection of either a 2-second shutter delay or instant shutter release.

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