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Sigma announces 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art for E- and L-mounts

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Sigma announces 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art for E- and L-mounts



Sigma has announced the 50mm F1.2 DG DN Art, its second F1.2 lens for the E and L full-frame mirrorless camera mounts.

The company says the lens is designed give full detail levels even at maximum aperture. It uses 17 elements, four or which are aspherics, in 12 groups and has thirteen rounded aperture blades. It has an internal focus design with an ‘HLA’ high-thrust linear actuator to drive it.

The 50mm F1.2 will focus as close as 40cm (15.8″), giving up to a 1:6.2 reproduction ratio.

It weighs 745g (26.3oz) which Sigma says makes it the lightest lens of its type. Its 109mm (4.3″) length makes it less than 1mm longer than the smallest of the major makers’ 50mm F1.2 lenses.

Sigma says the lens will be available from April 18th at an MSRP of $1,399.

Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don’t abuse it.

Press Release:

SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN

  1. Highest descriptive power to take advantage of F1.2 brightness
  2. Lightest weight lens body in its class, suitable for a wide range of applications
  3. A wealth of functions for professional use and excellent build quality

The lightest in its class* ― Bright F1.2 maximum aperture and the highest level of descriptive power from SIGMA’s Art line

SIGMA’s Art line has been offering new possibilities and surprise for expression, and now the SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is here to break the standards. SIGMA’s focus with this lens is on the descriptive power that is perfectly usable from the widest aperture, and on portability that allows the high performance to be demonstrated in any field. In terms of image rendition, SIGMA achieved high resolving power from the maximum aperture throughout the entire focus range, while also enriching the beauty of the large bokeh effect at F1.2. In addition, the lens construction and mechanical design have been stripped down to the bare essentials, resulting in a significantly compact and lightweight body. The lens is also equipped with a full range of functions suitable for professional use, including high-precision AF using the latest HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) that reduces volume while maintaining the same thrust. We hope users will enjoy the superb Art F1.2, which will transform everything they capture and even their photographic experience into something extra special.

[Key Features]

1. Highest descriptive power to take advantage of F1.2 brightness

The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art has been designed with an emphasis on high resolution from the maximum aperture to the full focus range and large, beautiful bokeh expression. The contrast between the sharpness of the focus surface and the melting bokeh effect creates a three-dimensional effect thanks to its F1.2 aperture. In addition, the 13-blade diaphragm allows for beautiful bokeh expressions. Focus breathing is also well-suppressed that the F1.2 rendering can be fully utilized in video recording.

Brightness of F1.2 maximum aperture and high resolution from minimum to infinity focus
The latest optical design achieves high resolving power with each aberration thoroughly suppressed from the maximum aperture. The lens is capable of rendering details without color bleeding in any situation. In addition, the incorporated floating focus is advantageous in improving short-range performance, ensuring a stable, high-level image quality throughout the entire range from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.

Rich and beautiful bokeh without color bleeding
By correcting spherical aberration, sagittal coma flare, axial chromatic aberration, and other aberrations, the lens delivers natural bokeh images that blur smoothly and without color bleeding from the focal plane. Double-line bokeh is also suppressed, allowing users to take advantage of the mellow bokeh effect in their expression.

Rounded diaphragm with 13 blades
The lens incorporates SIGMA’s first 13-blade diaphragm, which maintains a circular shape even when stopped down from the maximum aperture. The surface accuracy of the aspherical lens has been enhanced to the utmost to enable smooth and beautiful round bokeh expressions.

Designed to minimize focus breathing
Optimization of the focus group arrangement and aspherical shape significantly suppresses focus breathing. The change in angle of view due to focus shift is minimized, creating a natural-looking focus shift when recording video.

Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
Flare and ghosting, which reduce image quality, are addressed under all conditions of incident light, based on the most advanced simulation technology. High backlight resistance enables clear and sharp images under any lighting conditions.

2. Lightest weight lens body in its class*, suitable for a wide range of applications

By uncompromisingly pursuing high optical performance and portability, which are inherently contradictory, the highest level of performance has been condensed into the lightest lens body in its class. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art can be used not only in limited situations and applications, but in all kinds of shooting environments.

Dual HLA incorporating a new system
A new system was developed that significantly reduces the volume while maintaining the same thrust of the HLA, which is characterized by its high driving accuracy and quietness, and is featured in each of the two focus groups. This technological innovation has realized both high-speed autofocus and a compact lens body.

Lens construction and mechanical design stripped down to the absolute minimum
Each piece of glass is made as thin as possible while employing glasses with a high refractive index and four aspherical lenses. The high level of production technology at SIGMA’s only manufacturing base, the Aizu factory, provides the exacting precision necessary for processing these thin glass elements and making this mass production possible. In addition, the floating focus ensures high performance while shortening the overall length, resulting in a compact lens. In the mechanical design phase, emphasis was placed on weight reduction. Through the systematic elimination of individual components, SIGMA attained the distinction of producing the lightest lens in its class, weighing a mere 745g / 26.3oz.*2

3. A wealth of functions for professional use and excellent build quality

In addition to various functions that support photography, such as the AFL button*3 and an aperture ring, the construction of the lens body itself and its high-quality touch and feel are also pursued. The SIGMA 50mm F1.2 DG DN | Art is designed with high functionality and reliability to meet the stringent demands of professionals, as well as excellent build quality for long-lasting, reliable use.

Proud to be a tool of expression, excellent build quality with SIGMA’s Art line specifications
By assembling high-precision parts made of lightweight and strong TSC*4 and other materials, the lens has the high level of rigidity and durability of SIGMA’s Art line specifications without sacrificing portability, as well as excellent build quality that allows for long-lasting and reliable use as a photographic tool.

Various shooting assist functions
The lens is equipped with an AFL button which can be assigned to a range of functions via the menu on selected cameras. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens is equipped with an aperture ring lock switch and a click switch to turn the click on and off.

Dust and splash resistant structure*5 and water and oil repellent coating
In addition to a dust and splash resistant structure, the front element of the lens features a water and oil repellent coating, allowing photographers to shoot without concerns even in harsh outdoor environments.

Including a petal-type hood with lock
A dedicated petal-shaped hood is supplied. A locking mechanism is provided for secure attachment.

[Additional features]

  • Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (4 aspherical elements)
  • Inner focus system
  • Compatible with high-speed autofocus
  • HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)
  • Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction*6*7
  • Supports DMF and AF+MF
  • Compatible with AF assist (for Sony E-mount only)
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)
  • Aperture ring
  • Aperture ring click switch
  • Aperture ring lock switch
  • AFL button*8
  • Focus Mode switch
  • Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)*9
  • Dust and Splash Resistant Structure
  • Petal-type hood with lock LH782-03
  • 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
  • 13-blade rounded diaphragm
  • High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount
  • Mount Conversion Service available
  • “Made in Aizu, Japan“ craftsmanship

*As an AF 50mm F1.2 interchangeable lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. (As of March 2024 by SIGMA)
*2 These figures are for L-Mount
*3 Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
*4 TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) is a type of polycarbonate with a thermal expansion rate similar to that of aluminum. It has a high affinity to metal parts, which contributes to high quality product manufacturing.
*5 The structure is designed to be dust and splash resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful not to bring the lens in contact with a large amount of water. Water inside the lens may cause major damage and even render the lens unrepairable.
*6 Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections or auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.
*7 On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON‘(AUTO).
*8 Function available on supported cameras only. Available functions may vary depending on the camera used.
*9 Function available on supported cameras only.



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Leica’s New LUX iPhone App Seeks to Build a New Generation of Brand Fans

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Leica’s New LUX iPhone App Seeks to Build a New Generation of Brand Fans


Photo: Tucker Bowe

Leica has launched a new LUX app for iOS that’s ostensibly intended to reach longstanding fans of the brand and endear a new generation of shooters to the photographic aesthetic of the iconic German camera company – or at least a digital approximation of it.

The app’s proprietary image processing engine can apply film emulation presets to existing photos in a similar fashion to Fujifilm’s popular offerings. Eleven so-called “Leica Looks” are included in the app at launch, such as Leica Standard, Leica Classic, Leica Contemporary, and Leica Black and White. However, the company says that new looks will be added every month.

Though now available to a much broader potential set of consumers, Leica Look filters technically aren’t new for the brand. The feature initially appeared in the company’s Fotos app for owners of newer Leica digital cameras.

Like other fully-featured third-party camera apps such as Halide, iPhone photographers can also use the LUX app’s automatic mode, “Aperture Mode,” and manual control modes to capture photos.

Photo: Leica

Aperture Mode is the most unique selling point of the new app. Seemingly like Apple’s own Portrait Mode on steroids, the feature leverages Leica’s image engine to emulate the bokeh and color of the brand’s iconic – and for many, unobtainable – premier lenses, such as the Leica Summilux-M 28mm F1.4 ASPH, Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 ASPH, and Noctilux-M 50mm F1.2 ASPH. iPhone 15 Pro (Max) users can also access an APO-Telyt-M 135mm F3.4 emulation thanks to the phone’s telephoto lens.

There’s also a pro manual mode, which allows advanced users to control settings, including exposure compensation, shutter speeds, ISO, white balance, manual focus, and Raw/ProRaw capture settings. You can also see a live histogram.

While we haven’t tested the app yet ourselves, at least some journalists, such as Antonia G. Di Benedetto at The Verge, who have had access to early beta versions, describe the app’s processing features as hit-or-miss and the color filters in some cases as heavy-handed, at least for now. Like the built-in portrait modes on many premium smartphones, Leica’s efforts to simulate bokeh and depth of field via software seem to struggle to produce realistic results under certain conditions.

A free version of Leica’s LUX App is available from the Apple App Store with limited features, including access to five looks. Paying a monthly subscription fee of $6.99 or an annual fee of $69.99 unlocks all of the app’s capabilities. Leica recommends using the app with an iPhone Pro 12 or newer.



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Canon Announces the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens

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Canon Announces the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens


Image: Canon

Canon has announced the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM lens, the first release in what the company says will become a full series of fixed-focal-length RF lenses with a hybrid design for stills and video, which are intended to work with both EOS photo and Cinema EOS cameras.

The RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM becomes the widest prime lens in Canon’s L-series. Its optical formula consists of 14 elements in 11 groups, including two specialized aspherical lens elements and two ultra-low Dispersion glass elements.

The lens also benefits from Canon’s Super Spectra Coating, Air Sphere Coating, and fluorine coating. It has 11 aperture blades. Autofocus is driven by a voice coil motor (VCM), a type of linear motor, for quick, precise focusing.

Size-wise, the lens is 99.3mm (3.9″) long and has a diameter of 76.5mm (3.0″). It’s noticeably longer and slightly skinner than Canon’s EF 35mm F1.4L USM, and comes in slightly lighter at 555g (19.5 oz) compared to 580g (20.5 oz) for the EF version.

Image: Canon

Like the RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z announced last fall, Canon says it specifically designed the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM to be a true hybrid stills/video lens in acknowledgment of the new multimedia production demands many professional creatives face today.

As such, the new 35mm prime also features a manual aperture ring, similar to the F 24-105mm F2.8 L, which allows for stepless control of the aperture/iris. Additionally, the lens is designed to minimize focus breathing. It’s also compatible with Canon’s newly announced, native RF-mouth EOS C400 cinema camera.

Pricing and availability

The Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM is expected to be available in June at an estimated retail price of $1,499. It includes a case, lens cap, dust cap and lens hood.

Press release:

CANON ANNOUNCES FIRST LENS IN SERIES OF FIXED FOCAL LENGTH RF HYBRID LENSES – RF35MM F1.4L VCM

New Portable Speedlite with New Multi-Function Shoe Design Also Available

MELVILLE, N.Y., – June 5, 2024 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions,
today announced the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens and Speedlite EL-10 flash. The new RF35mm
lens is the first in a series of fixed focal length RF lenses with hybrid video and still design, and the Speedlite EL-10 integrates with Canon’s new multi-function shoe design, for users of recent Canon EOS cameras.

Answering the needs of many professional high-level photographers, the new RF35m F1.4 L
VCM lens can be looked upon as a standard lens for video and still users — for example, those who use the EOS R5 and EOS C70 cameras. This lens is the beginning of a new hybrid lens series and with its fixed focal length, fills a gap as there is not a fixed focal length lens wider than 50mm in the L-series — until now. Ideal for low-light, the RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens features a manual iris (aperture) ring which helps provide better control when shooting movies.

The lens allows very little focus “breathing” as focus is moved, and it’s highlighted by two
Aspherical lens elements and two ultra-low Dispersion glass elements. Overall, this lens has the outstanding L-series optical design many professionals have grown accustomed to. In addition, the lens can be used with the newly announced Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, further reinforcing Canon’s full support of the video market.

“The new RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is the answer for high-level video in the mirrorless market
– while also providing still-imaging storytellers the durability and optical performance that is
synonymous with Canon lenses,” said Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager,
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The Speedlite EL-10 flash is designed for the amateur photographer who is stepping into the
mirrorless world, and the veteran user who is looking to get reacquainted with flash photography.

The multi-function shoe helps the still imagery storyteller by providing immediate access to the flash control menu, and either an on-camera EL-10 or the optional super-compact Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 assists with triggering from one through up to fifteen off-camera flashes2.

The Speedlite EL-10 is a radio-based wireless flash with 2nd-curtain sync capabilities, and
leverages four AA batteries instead of a separate battery that requires charging — making
operation more streamlined for some users. In addition, it features a Custom Flash Mode
function, allowing the end-user to register and store up to three sets of flash settings, and is
approximately the same size and weight as its predecessor the Speedlite 430EX-III RT — while also pushing out the same amount of power. Automatic balanced fill flash is a key benefit to using flash photography, whether during daytime or low-light with slow shutter speed, and the Speedlite EL-10 is an excellent gear bag addition to achieve that creative look in one’s photos.

“Flash photography is a simple yet versatile way to add drama to one’s photos and with Canon’s steadfast commitment to reliability, the Speedlite EL-10 provides a full-circle Canon shooting experience,” continued Brian Mahar, senior vice president & general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Price & Availability
RF35mm F1.4 L VCM lens is expected to be available in June for an estimated retail piece of
$1,499.00 and the Speedlite EL-10 is also expected to be available in June for an estimated retail price of $249.99*.

For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.



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Ricoh announces Pentax WG-8 and WG-1000 waterproof compacts

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Ricoh announces Pentax WG-8 and WG-1000 waterproof compacts


The Pentax WG-8 “Adventure Proof” compact

Image: Ricoh

Ricoh has announced two new Pentax WG waterproof compacts: the range-topping WG-8 and the entry-level WG-1000.

The WG-8 replaces the Pentax WG-6 (and the Ricoh-branded WG-6 that came before it) at the top of the lineup. It’s a 20MP camera with a Type 1/2.3 sensor (6.3×4.7mm) that’s waterproof to a depth of 20m (65.6ft) for two hours: the deepest yet offered by the range. Ricoh says this is equivalent to an IPX8 or JIS Class 8 rating.

It’s also shockproof from 2.1m (6.5ft), able to withstand 100kg force (220lb of force) and can withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F). It has a 3.0″ 1.04M dot (720 x 480px) rear LCD.

The WG-8 has a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens with an F3.5-5.5 maximum aperture and a six LED ringlight around the lens. It can shoot up to 4K/30 video and can act as a webcam. It includes GPS and compass.

Pentax WG-1000

Image: Ricoh

The less expensive WG-1000 has a 16MP sensor and a 27-108mm equiv zoom. This has a maximum aperture of F3.0-6.6. It makes do with a 2.7″ 230k dot (320 x 240px) rear display. It can only shoot video up to 1080/30.

Its durability specs are also lower, with waterproofing rated to 15m (49.2ft), shockproof from 2m (6.5ft). It also lacks its more expensive sibling’s GPS and compass features.

The WG-8 will be available in late July at a recommended price of $399.95. The WG-1000 will arrive in mid July, costing around $229.95.

Press Release:

Ricoh expands its lineup of waterproof digital compact cameras with the PENTAX WG-1000 and the PENTAX WG-8

PARSIPPANY, New Jersey, June 5, 2024 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced it has expanded its lineup of waterproof, digital compact cameras with two new models: the entry-level PENTAX WG-1000 and top-of-the-line PENTAX WG-8. The newest additions to the WG series of all-weather adventure cameras both feature a rugged chassis, plus the waterproof, dustproof and shock-resistant features the series is known for.

| The PENTAX WG-1000 |

The WG-1000 is designed for casual underwater photography to a depth of 49.2 feet (15 meters) for up to one hour of continuous operation. Lightweight yet rugged, the new camera is also well suited for a range of land-based activities – it is dustproof against dirt and stains and shockproof against a fall from a height of 6.5 feet (2 meters). It comes equipped with a carabiner strap for carrying convenience and a protective jacket to shield the camera body from scratches.

The WG-1000 features a four-times optical zoom lens with a focal-length coverage from 4.9 mm to 19.6mm (equivalent to approximately 27mm to 108mm in the 35mm format). When coupled with its Digital Zoom function, the camera’s zoom range can be extended by approximately 24 times for high-magnification zoom photography. Its back-illuminated, 16.35-megapixel CMOS image sensor delivers sharp, clear, high-resolution images, even at a super-high sensitivity of ISO 3200.

Available in gray or olive, the WG-1000 offers seven image capture modes and a variety of color modes, enabling users to enhance their images based on their shooting environment and add their own personal aesthetic to the finished photos. The color modes include conventional Black and White and Sepia modes, as well as more creative options like Japan Style, which enhances bluish hues; Italian Style, which enhances greenish hues; and French Style, which enhances reddish hues.

|The PENTAX WG-8 |

Developed to be the toughest of the PENTAX WG series, the WG-8 boasts outstanding waterproof, shockproof and cold-resistant performance. This top-of-the-line model is waterproof to a depth of 65.6 feet (20 meters), shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.8 feet (2.1 meters), and able to operate in temperatures as low as 14°F (-10°C). Even in demanding conditions, it captures super-high-resolution still images of approximately 20 effective megapixels and high- quality 4K-resolution movie clips.

The WG-8 features a five-times optical zoom lens with focal-length coverage from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent to approximately 28mm to 140mm in the 35mm format). The lens’s minimum focusing distance of one centimeter allows the user to capture a wide range of images, from eye-catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes. Its Intelligent Zoom function extends the zoom range by approximately 40.5 times without compromising image quality.

The WG-8 has a host of advanced features and user-friendly functions, including a multi- application ring light, ideal for close-up macro photography, and web camera capability when connected to a computer for live-streaming of high-quality, high-resolution images. Its heavy-duty construction ensures that the WG-8 performs superbly and dependably in harsh, demanding outdoor conditions and on worksites.

Available in black or green, the WG-8 effectively replaces the current-model RICOH WG-6 camera as the premium offering in the product line

| Pricing and Availability |

The WG-1000 will be available mid-July at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $229.95

The WG-8 will be available late July at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging- authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.95



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