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Sigma announces 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L and E mounts

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Sigma announces 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary for L and E mounts

Sigma has announced its new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens for L and E mounts. The company says that its design is based on that of the 24-70mm F2.8 Art, and makes the bold claim that image quality will be comparable.

As of now, the 28-70 is the smallest and lightest lens in its class, according to Sigma: it’s just 102mm (4″) long and weighs in at 470g (1lb). It has a total of 16 elements, which include 2 FLD, 2 SLD and 3 aspherical elements. The special elements, combined with Super Multi-Layer and Nano Porous coatings, help reduce flare and ghosting.

The minimum focus distance is 19cm (7.5″) and the maximum magnification is 0.3X. The focus group is driven by a stepping motor.

The 28-70 has ‘simple’ weather sealing, and a water and oil-resistant coating on the front element.

The Sigma 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN will be available in mid-March for $899.

C | Contemporary
SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN

Exclusively for mirrorless cameras |Compatible with full-frame cameras

Smart and nimble. The new standard mirrorless zoom.

1. Design based on SIGMA’s Art line, with the same uncompromising optical performance
2. A lightweight and compact body ― ideal for day-to-day use
3. Superb build quality with exceptional attention to detail that provides an exceptional user

SIGMA sets a new standard in large-aperture mirrorless zoom lenses

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary redefines the standard zoom for mirrorless cameras by combining outstanding optical performance, an F2.8 constant aperture, and a lightweight and compact body. The design of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is based on the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, but with a focal range starting at 28mm, making the lens body significantly smaller and lighter while maintaining superb optical performance. It is the smallest and lightest lens in its class*. Remaining true to the Contemporary line’s core concept of maintaining an optimal balance between optical performance and lens size, this new optic delivers professional quality results in a body small enough to take on a casual outing.

In addition to prioritizing portability, SIGMA’s optical engineers introduced a new combination of coatings and structural elements that make this standard zoom well-equipped for use in a wide range of shooting environments. Likewise, the latest production and manufacturing techniques were employed to ensure exceptionally high build quality.

The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary introduces another fast, high-performance, large-aperture zoom lens to SIGMA’s mirrorless line-up, offering a more compact alternative to the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art.

* As a standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range (Source: SIGMA, as of February 2021)

[Key features]

1. Design based on SIGMA’s Art line, with the same uncompromising optical performance
The optical design of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary is based on the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, which is renowned for its outstanding optical performance throughout its zoom range. True to the Contemporary line’s core concept, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary was developed to offer the right balance of performance and portability, and as such, this large-aperture standard zoom delivers outstanding image quality that rivals Art line lenses in a body light enough for day-to-day use. Building on state-of-the-art technology, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary has an advanced optical design that includes three aspherical, two FLD, and two SLD elements. Despite using fewer elements in total than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, the design results in a thorough correction of axial chromatic aberration and sagittal coma aberration, which cannot be corrected in-camera, allowing users to create images that are uniformly sharp from the center to the edges of the frame. Along with its anti-ghosting design, the use of Super Multi-Layer Coating and Nano Porous Coating means well-controlled flare for high-contrast results in backlit conditions. It also features a water and oil repellant coating on the front side of the lens.

In short, the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary combines all of the key optical features required of a large-aperture standard zoom lens, which are essential for photographing a wide variety of subjects in a range of shooting conditions.
・Comparison of the two optimal solutions to standard zoom lenses with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range.

With the addition of the new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary, SIGMA now provides two optimal solutions of standard F2.8 zoom lens for mirrorless cameras ― the new 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary achieves remarkable portability and offers the same optical performance, as the existing 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art which is for pro-use with the highest levels of performance throughout its focal range.

2. A lightweight and compact body ― ideal for day-to-day use

Being slightly less wide-angle than the 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Art has allowed a significant reduction in the size of the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary lens body. In order to fit with the design concept of the Contemporary line, which balances performance with portability, the new lens features a simpler dust- and splash-proof structure and smaller switches. This makes it the smallest and lightest lens in its class*.

The new lens features just one lightweight focusing element, which keeps the AF unit small. This, along with a quiet and fast stepping motor, makes for responsive and near-silent autofocus performance.

The 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary weighs in at 470g, and when attached to the SIGMA fp, the entire setup is 890g. The supreme portability afforded by a camera system that weighs less than 1kg gives photographers a huge amount of freedom and flexibility to achieve their creative vision. It’s also a perfect combination for filmmakers looking for a high-performance, lightweight, easy-to-handle camera system that works well with a gimbal and other accessories.

A large-aperture, standard zoom lens that is light and small enough for casual outings, the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary will open up new photographic possibilities for better and more creative results.

* As a standard zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range (Source: SIGMA, as of February 2021)

3. Superb build quality with exceptional attention to detail that provides an exceptional user experience

With priority given to optimal portability, the body of the SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary consists primarily of lightweight parts. While conventional wisdom states that it is more difficult to ensure processing accuracy for plastic parts than metal parts, there has been no compromise whatsoever on build quality for the 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary. One reason for this is that it uses a type of polycarbonate called TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a comparable level of thermal shrinkage to aluminum. This helps reduce differences between the thermal shrinkage of the metal and non-metal parts, ensuring stable levels of performance even in an environment with extreme temperature changes. The use of polycarbonates in the construction of zoom and focus rings can make their operation feel less premium, but with careful treatment to the precision of these parts and adjusting the movement with the lubricant appropriately, the rings offer a precise action with an exceptionally high-quality feel.

What allows us to achieve these precisely produced parts and such premium aesthetics is the impressive standard of manufacturing technology and rigorous quality control we have at the SIGMA Aizu Factory.

The SIGMA 28-70mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary offers a new and improved photographic experience for mirrorless users who require a fast aperture standard zoom lens. Its premium, intuitive build makes it as exciting to use the lens as it is to see the incredible images it can produce, inspiring you to start achieving your creative potential.

[Additional features]

  • Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups, with 2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements and 3 aspherical elements
  • Internal focusing
  • Compatible with high-speed autofocus
  • Stepping motor
  • Compatible with lens-based optical correction
    * Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model.
  • Nano Porous Coating
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Water and oil repellent coating (front element) Focus Mode Switch
  • Support DMF, AF+MF Petal-type lens hood
  • Simple dust- and splash-proof design
  • Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)
  • Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
  • Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system “A1” 9-blade rounded diaphragm
  • High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
  • ‘Made in Japan’ craftsmanship

To learn more about SIGMA’s craftsmanship, please visit SIGMA website at https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/

[Key specifications]

The figures below are for L-mount.

Lens construction: 12 groups, 16 elements (2 FLD elements, 2 SLD elements, 3 aspherical elements) |Angle of view: 75.4°-34.3°|Number of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm) |Minimum aperture: F22| Minimum focusing distance: 19 (W)-38 (T)cm / 7.5-15.0in.|Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.3 (W) – 1:4.6 (T)|Filter size: φ67mm|Maximum dimension x length: φ72.2mm×101.5mm / φ2.8-4.0in.|Weight: 470g / 16.6oz.

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Adobe is improving masking and selection tools in Photoshop and Lightroom

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Adobe is improving masking and selection tools in Photoshop and Lightroom


Image: Adobe

Adobe Max London is underway, and with it comes announcements from Adobe for its editing platforms. Some of the changes were previously revealed in a blog post from the company. The rest are mostly subtle, but, as usual, aim to streamline and simplify the editing process.

First, a new Select Landscape feature is coming to Adobe Lightroom. This tool will automatically detect and create masks for common landscape elements like plants, sky, water and more. Such automatic masking tools in Lightroom (and Photoshop) were previously limited to obvious subjects like people, so selective edits on landscapes still required more time-consuming manual edits. This should speed up the editing process for landscape photographers.

Adobe Photoshop Select Details Actions
The Select Details actions can save you some tedious manual work.

Image: Adobe

For Photoshop users, Select Details will make it easier to select finer details like hair, facial features and clothes. Masking out hair is a tedious task that can be difficult to get right. Portrait photographers will appreciate anything that eases that process, so if this works as well as Adobe promises, it will be a welcome update.

adobe-select-background
Adobe says the Select Background tool will provide even more precise results, even with complex images.

Image: Adobe

Adobe says it updated the Remove Background tool in Photoshop, promising much more precise results and sharing an impressive demo of it cutting out a fish in a net. It should allow for much more accurate selections when dealing with complex images or colors that blend into each other, like a subject wearing a black shirt against a dark background.

adobe-color-adjustment-tool
You can now control colors from the Contextual Taskbar.

Image: Adobe

Adobe also updated the Contextual Taskbar with an Adjust Colors option. When clicked, it automatically samples the colors for you and creates an adjustment layer. That way, you don’t need to create multiple adjustment layers or manipulate individual color changes when adjusting colors in your images or designs.



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Profoto's new tool offers precision lighting in a compact package

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Profoto's new tool offers precision lighting in a compact package


Image: Profoto

Today, Swedish company Profoto announced the release of the Spot Small. This compact light shaping tool is built for photographers looking for precise control over their lighting and is aimed at professionals in the fashion, portrait, product and fine art industries. Profoto says the Spot Small delivers a crisp, artifact-free beam with its 115mm focus lens.

Features

  • Projects a clean beam of light.
  • Focusable high-quality 115 mm optical lens.
  • Four integrated adjustable metal leaves.
  • It has an optional Iris and Gobo Holder (no Gobos included).
  • Compatible with Clic light shaping tools.
  • Compatible with both protruded and flat fronted 100mm lights.

Integrated adjustable leaves allow photographers to fine-tune the shape of the light, while optional add-ons like the Iris and Gobo Holder allow for the production of custom shapes and dramatic effects. A magnetic front ring ensures compatibility with Profoto’s Clic light-shaping accessories, something users looking for more ways to experiment might be interested in.

Profoto says the Spot Small is built for longevity. It features fully vented 360-degree housing to withstand the demands of professional work. The device is compatible with both flat and protruded flash heads. Images of the product and its accessories can be viewed on the brand’s official Instagram page.

The Spot Small is positioned as a tool for pro photographers who wish to work with intentionality and creativity, confidently shaping light with precision. Currently, there is no listed price.

Profoto Spot Small speficiations

Focal length 115 mm
Lens dimensions 12-18.5 cm (4.6-7.3″) length x Ø7.3 cm (2.9″)
Width 19.5 cm (7.7″)
Height 23 cm (14″)
Length 35.5 cm (14″)
Weight 2.5 kg (5.5 lb)





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This new accessory keeps the unique aesthetic of the Sigma BF intact

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This new accessory keeps the unique aesthetic of the Sigma BF intact


Image: Helium Design Lab

There’s no denying the bold, unique look of the Sigma BF mirrorless camera. It’s unlike any camera currently available, with a body milled from a single block of aluminum. The minimalistic design lacks a grip, though, which some may take issue with. Helium Design Lab, a company started by photographers Ed Palisoc and Hugh Brownstone, has stepped up to the plate, with a grip worthy of the BF, as PetaPixel reports.

It takes a special design for any grip to look even somewhat right on such a distinctive-looking camera. The Helium Design Lab HeBF handgrip keeps the aesthetics of the camera intact, resulting in what Helium Design Lab says is a “more perfect union between camera and passionate photographers like ourselves.” Like the camera, the grip is made of precisely machined aluminum, and each is hand assembled and inspected. It is designed, manufactured and packaged in the US.

helium-design-bf-grip-bottom-cropped
Image: Helium Design Lab

The HeBF grip provides access to the battery without removing the grip and features a hidden, anti-tamper AirTag slot so you can keep track of your camera. It also offers built-in Arca-Swiss compatibility, and it’s compatible with the Peak Design Capture Clip and Travel Tripod. There are bottom anchor lugs on the left and right, providing multiple options for wrist and camera strap configurations. It’s available in natural silver aluminum and anodized black finishes.

The kicker: this is a very limited production run. Helium Design Lab says it is only making 100 units and will not offer it again. The limited nature of the grip, along with the close attention to detail of each one, naturally demands a steep price: $390.

HE-BF HANDGRIP-black
The grip comes in silver and black.

Image: Helium Design Lab

As Brownstone admits in the YouTube video discussing the grip, “390 bucks is anything but chump change.” But it isn’t the company’s most expensive offering. In fact, it’s actually cheaper than all of the company’s other options by $150.

Brownstone explains that they’ve engineered significant costs out of the grip compared to their other products to keep the price down as much as possible. Still, the grip’s nature means it is expensive to produce. “This is not primarily a rational business decision. We’re bad. It’s an emotional one,” says cofounder Hugh Brownstone. “Our ambition is to break even.”

You can pre-order the grip from the Helium Design Lab website, provided you get there soon enough.



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