Friday, February 27, 2009

Sigma 135 400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG RF APO Aspherical Ultra Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

This compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens is ideal for sports, nature, wildlife, and landscape photography. The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost and also creates an optimum color balance and better picture quality through the entire zoom range. This lens uses one aspherical lens and three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glasses for excellent correction of various chromatic aberrations. It provides excellent image quality for digital and film SLR cameras. The new multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting, and creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range. This lens uses one aspherical lens and three SLD (the special low dispersion) glasses for excellent correction of chromatic aberration, making high-quality images a reality throughout the entire zoom range. The rear focusing system ensures high performance stability and ease of use. Since the front of the lens does not rotate, a circular polarizing filter can be easily attached and use. A removable tripod collar is included as a standard component and also a zoom hood is supplied with this lens to prevent flare and ghosting as well as extraneous light harmful for image quality. Maximum Magnification - 1 - 5.3 Filter Size - Diameter 77mm Dimensions - Diameter 88.5mm x Length 183.5mm, 3.4 x 7.2 inch Weight - 43.9 ounces
Price: $599.00
Customer Review: Not Sharp, Not Matter What
Bought this from Amazon at the same time we bought the Sigma 10-20 super wide and the Canon 100MM Macro. Those two lenses are great, this one is a complete dog. Unfortunately, we have been so busy with the other two only recently have we had the need to use this one. The clarity is simply poor at all focal lengths and F stops. Does not matter if hand held, or on a tripod with a wireless flash, it's a dog. Just tried to return it, today is the 31st of May, and Amazon says my return window expired yesterday. Now I'm going to have to deal with Sigma I guess. I'll never buy another Sigma lens.
Customer Review: Good lens for semi-pro medium resolution
I agonized over several super telephotos before committing to this lens. I am a seasoned photographer and, after two decades of serious amateur photography, I am beginning to sell my work. My previous review of this lens jumped the gun a bit. After having the opportunity to give it a work out, I have to modify the review. If you are using an unforgiving sensor, such as the 5D, this may not be the lens for you. For cropped frame cameras (i.e., 20D) this serves as a useful extension to a medium range telephoto. If you demand 4MP+ tack sharp images, you will find this lens is superfluous in the bag. At best, it's a medium resolution lens that will work well for web imaging and smaller prints. At medium to small resolution, this lens is a great bargain and is highly functional. I found the autofocus to be sufficiently fast and accurate. CAVEAT: To get decent imaging with this lens, you need to know how to shoot super-telephoto. This has to be locked down/stabilized. This lens is no different. Extended beyond 300mm, mirror lock up is likely necessary. The physical feel of this lens reminds me of the old Nikkor 300mm. It's heavy. The lens appears to be well built and rugged. If I was able to, I would tweak my product rating to 3.5 stars. It's a great buy, but definitely not a pro lens.


Thursday, February 26, 2009

Sigma 8mm f/4.0 EX Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

This circular fisheye lens can be used to create circular images with an angle of view of 180. It permits creative expression through the exaggerated perspectives and unusual distortion effects. This lens is incorporated auto focus system to get accurate focusing that might be difficult through finder due to extremely large depth of field. It is useful for academic/technical applications such as solid angle measurements, because it provides a quantifiable angle/area relationship. It is widely used in science and industry for cloud cover measurements, weather observation, astronomical studies, agriculture etc. This lens is supplied with an insertion-type gelatin filter holder at the rear allowing the use gelatin filter.
List Price: $999.00
Used Price: $450.00
Customer Review: great lens
Autofocus doesn't work well at all, but then who needs autofocus on a fisheye lens? Very good images from this, and the chromatic abberation and vignetting is easily fixed in Photoshop.


Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Canon Rebel XSi 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Canon Rebel XSi 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera


Sunday, February 22, 2009

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens and Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras Package 1

For photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, and a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a 3.0" LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience. Image Format - 22.2mm x 14.8mm 3 - 2 Horizontal - Vertical Aspect Ratio Color Filter System - RGB primary color filter Low-pass Filter - Located in front of the image sensor, non-removable Recording Format - Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 Image Format - JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW+JPEG White Balance Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, and Custom Focusing Modes - One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF) Metering Range - EV 1-20 (with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) Exposure Compensation - Manual 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments and AEB 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments AE Lock - Automatic when focus achieved with evaluative metering and One-Shot AF, and Manual by AE lock button Shutter Type - Electronically controlled and focal-plane shutter Shutter Speeds - 1/4000 seconds to 1/60 seconds, X-sync at 1/200 seconds, 1/4000 sec. to 30 seconds, bulb Self-timer - 10-seconds, 2-seconds delay or 10-seconds delay plus continuous shooting Brightness Control - 7 levels provided Package Includes: * Canon Rebel XSi Kit * Xplorer Screen Protectors * WF 4 in 1 Cleaning Kit * USB 2.0 Memory Card Reader * Xplorer SB-7005 Bag * LP-E5 Battery * Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens


Thursday, February 19, 2009

Canon EOS Rebel XS (a.k.a. 1000D) SLR Digital Camera Body + Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens + Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite + Willoughby's Dental/Medical Accessory Package

The Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital Camera incorporates a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor; enhanced sensitivity up to ISO 1600; High-ISO Noise Reduction; Auto Image Optimization technology; and a precise 7-point autofocus system. The large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor makes it a pleasure to review images and scroll through menus. The Live View feature allows you to frame shots using the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Canon's Integrated Self Cleaning System removes dust automatically from the sensor using ultrasonic vibration.


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tamron SP Autofocus 14mm f/2.8 Aspherical (IF) Rectilinear Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

The optical system of the new SP AF14mm F/2.8 Aspherical (IF) lens, composed of 14 elements in 12 groups, includes two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements. These large Hybrid Aspheric elements efficiently compensate for aberrations thus achieving flat-field image depiction from corner to corner. With a fast F/2.8 aperture and a sophisticated optical system, photographers can create dynamic photographs that take full advantage of the rectangular characteristics of the lens.
List Price: $1,819.95
Amazon Price: $1,099.00
Customer Review: One of the Best Wide Angles you can get!
I got mine after a friend had gotten one for her EOS3. I love it. U have used it a lot on my film and Dig bodies. The quality and sharpness are great! Also a lot of fun to do close up work, as the distortion then is fun, esp on full frame cameras like the Canon 5d. This lens blows anything from sigma out of the water by a long shot! I compared it to the Canon model at almost twice the price, and the canon might focus a tad faster, but image wise both looked about the same! This lens ROCKS! Its a great lens for anyone wanting a WIDE angle lens. I love my Canon 17-40 F4 L series (found it sharper than the 16-35) but there are time you want wider, and then the 14mm is perfect!


Monday, February 16, 2009

Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 "IS" Lens & EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 "IS" USM Telephoto Zoom Lens + 8GB Deluxe Accessory Kit

Canon's new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV. +PLUS+ Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens: Canon's latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. +PLUS+ Canon 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4.5-5.6 maximum aperture for Canon EOS SLR cameras; # IS (Image Stabilizer)dramatically reduces image blur caused by camera shake. # 3-stop Image Stabilizer for reducing camera shake; ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM)# Electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD) helps create attractive background at large apertures# Super Spectra lens coating and lens element shaping suppresses flare and ghosting. ++PLUS++ 8GB DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: Loaded with extremely useful accessories.
Price: $3,199.99


Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital SLR Camera / Lens Kit Silver with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens, 4 GB SD Memory Card, Spare LP-E5 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, Camera case, Mack 3 Year Extended Warranty, USB 2.0 SD Card Reader, Professional Lens Cleaning Kit

For perfect photos, fast and simple, there's nothing better than Canon's new EOS Rebel XS. With powerful features including a 10.1-megapixel CMOS Sensor, Canon's DIGIC III processor, fast shooting and more, it's a digital powerhouse. With simple, easy-to-use controls, a compact design, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor and Live View Function, it's a beginner's dream come true.Canon's CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies first seen in Canon's professional EOS-1D Mark III to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency. It's an APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm) and there's an effective 1.6x increase in the lens's marked focal length when attached. Canon's DIGIC III Image Processor dramatically enhances image quality and speeds up all camera operations for intuitive operation. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel XS's sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting situations. DIGIC III Image Processor is developed to maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS Rebel XS's DIGIC III Image Processor works hand in hand with Canon's CMOS sensor to achieve even higher levels of performance. The entire electronic system is totally redesigned, giving the camera its incredible combination of speed and image quality. Digital noise is significantly re


Saturday, February 14, 2009

Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Silver)

For photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, and a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a 3.0" LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience. Image Format - 22.2mm x 14.8mm 3 - 2 Horizontal - Vertical Aspect Ratio Color Filter System - RGB primary color filter Low-pass Filter - Located in front of the image sensor, non-removable Recording Format - Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 Image Format - JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW+JPEG White Balance Settings - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, and Custom Focusing Modes - One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF) Metering Range - EV 1-20 (with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) Exposure Compensation - Manual 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments and AEB 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments AE Lock - Automatic when focus achieved with evaluative metering and One-Shot AF, and Manual by AE lock button Shutter Type - Electronically controlled and focal-plane shutter Shutter Speeds - 1/4000 seconds to 1/60 seconds, X-sync at 1/200 seconds, 1/4000 sec. to 30 seconds, bulb Self-timer - 10-seconds, 2-seconds delay or 10-seconds delay plus continuous shooting Brightness Control - 7 levels provided Body Dimensions - 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 (128.8x97.5x61.9mm) Weight - 16.8 ounces (475 grams) body only Lens Dimension - 2.7 x 2.6 (69x66.2mm) Weight - 6 ounces (190 grams)
List Price: $799.99
Amazon Price: $649.88
Customer Review: Great features don't mean a thing if it's out of focus
This camera has great features and I really liked it. But unfortunately I had to return it because like many out there, all of my photos were slightly out of focus. I ended up purchasing the Canon Digital Rebel XS instead. I lost a few things, but it was worth it. The XS takes great photos and for the same price I was able to get the camera kit plus an additional 75-300 lens.
Customer Review: Entry level price with mid- to pro-range performance
Like others have said, don't let the "Entry level" tag scare you away from this camera if you are looking for something that will produce stunning images. If you aren't getting great shots with this, it isn't the camera (the user image gallery speaks to that). I've had the chance to use a range of digital cameras in the last few years, ranging from the pro-level stuff like a Canon 1Ds Mk ii to the real entry level SLR's like the Nikon D40 (which I will go ahead and say to avoid if you are looking for an SLR - its not a bad camera at all, but considering the fact that you don't have to spend THAT much more money to get a LOT more camera, it just isn't a real wise investment). I can say straight away that this camera performs beyond its price tag. I needed an SLR that would be good enough to do portrait work, some outdoor sports shots, an occasional wedding but at the same time be something small and lightweight enough to conveniently take with me while hiking, traveling, etc., and not break the bank. This camera does all that and more. Performance is great at low ISO's and the camera produces good shots even at 1600 (the noise reduction features both in camera and with the included raw editing software also help). Obviously it won't produce shots at ISO 1600 that are as good as shots on one of the professional grade cameras like the aforementioned 1D series, but its a HUGE step up from a point and shoot if that is all you have used. My own personal experience is that I usually never need to go above ISO 800 for the low light shooting I do, and the pics I get at that ISO are great without a distracting amount of digital noise. The large LCD screen is a great step up from the smaller ones on previous rebels and menus are easy to navigate. The self-cleaning sensor function works like a charm, but you should still invest in a hurricane blower to in case dust does get on your sensor (an inevitable situation if you use the camera long enough and change lenses). I highly recommend getting a Canon Speedlight external flash (I own the 430 EX II). The built in flash on the camera works fine, but you can do so much more with directional and reflected lighting, and the speedlight flashes give you this opportunity. If you get this camera, don't always rely on a flash for portraits. A steady hand, slightly slower shutter speed and wider aperture with slightly darker natural indoor lighting will produce some stunning portraits that really capture a mood instead of a shot where the flash has drowned out lots of the details. Also, if you want a lens that is great for portraits with nice blurred background (bokeh), you can't beat the value of the f1.8 50mm prime here: Canon - Lens - 50 mm - f/1.8 II - Canon EF The 18-55 mm kit lens is a decent starter lens, but there is no doubt that better lenses will produce better pictures (but you will be spending some serious $$$). Still, if you are looking at your first SLR, this lens will get you lots and lots of great shots. I got the kit at Costco and it came with a Canon camera bag, the 18-55mm lens, and a 55-250 mm IS lens as well (all for $849). Again, both perform admirably for kit lenses. One last thing I want to reiterate - Learn to use the SLR - don't just stick to auto mode and use it as a point and shoot camera. You will be missing out on nearly all of the benefits that really separate SLR's from the others. There is a learning curve, so don't be afraid to take a bunch of pictures while playing with your aperture, shutter, flash, iso, etc., to get a feel for how all work together to produce certain types of images. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


Friday, February 13, 2009

Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) + Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens + Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens + Two (2) 58mm UV Protector Filter + Canon 200DG Gadget SLR Bag + Spare Canon BP-511 Lithium-Ion Battery + Transcend 16GB Plus 8GB Compact Flash Memory Card + Hakuba S-4500 Series Tripod + Willoughby's Intermediate Photographer Package

Canons new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots) monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV. Pick up the EOS 50D and youll experience true digital inspiration!


Thursday, February 12, 2009

Canon EF 180mm f3.5L Macro USM AutoFocus Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Bring small things into full-sized view with the Canon EF 180mm macro USM lens. Macro lenses can uncover detail that would be impossible to detect by the eye and give new perspective to extremely minute subjects such as insects or the petals of a small flower, and this lens is no exception. The 180mm lens offers such features as three UD glass elements and an internal floating system, which combine to minimize aberrations caused by changes in the focusing distance; an advanced ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for high-speed, quiet autofocusing; full-time mechanical manual focusing; and a focusing distance range of 1.57 feet to infinity. Compatible with the EF Extender 1.4x and 2x, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

  • Focal length: 180mm
  • Maximum aperture: 1:3.5
  • Lens construction: 14 elements in 12 groups
  • Diagonal angle of view: 13 degrees (at 30 feet)
  • Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM
  • Closest focusing distance: 1.6 feet
  • Filter size: 72mm
  • Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter, 7.3 inches long
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds

List Price: $2,100.00
Amazon Price: $1,300.00
Used Price: $1,047.95
Customer Review: Worth it's weight
Regarding the suggestion that one instead get a 70-200 and extension tubes... yes, that would be more versatile than the macro alone, but I have a 70-200 and extension tubes, and they can't compare to the 180 macro.
Customer Review: Canon telephoto 180 L series lens
It is great--exactly what I expected from the Canon L series. I used it on a recent trip to the Missouri River (Lewis & Clark) area and was extremely pleased.


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM APO HSM IF Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Super Multi Coating reduces flare and ghosting that tends to occur when using digital SLR cameras. Super compact and lightweight, this large aperture telephoto lens features life-size macro capability.
List Price: $669.00
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Customer Review: Great lens except for a very slow focus
I borrowed this lens off a friend of mine during a recent visit to Pakistan and I have to say after my less than satisfying experience with the performance of my sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 I am very pleasantly surprised with the quality of this lens from the perspective of image quality. The saturation from this lens is absolutely fantastic and the focusing is very sharp. The bokeh is really beautiful and leaves little to be desired. It's very impressive indeed and seriously competes with high quality Canon glass. It has one serious drawback and that is the speed of its autofocus system. It's really slow, especially in low light (lots of hunting) which is what f/2.8 is supposed to be for. This wasn't too serious a problem for me because I was using it for portraits of people who were mostly seated but I think I'm a bit spoiled by the speed of my 70-200 f/4 L IS which has a very fast and sharp AF system. That said, this is a macro and really isn't meant for sports shooting and the like. For a solid macro lens with a nice focal distance that does a good job doubling as a portrait lens this is a great buy. If you don't need the extra mm's though you might want to look at the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro as it's a bit faster with great image quality as well, and on top of all that it's a few bucks cheaper. This is definitely a great lens though and if it fits your requirements don't hesitate to buy it. You'll be pleased with your results.
Customer Review: First non-canon lens
I wanted a longer reach macro lens and couldn't justify the cost of the Canon 180mm macro. After reading many positive reviews I decided to stray from the Canon lineup and purchase this lens. I can't compare this to other macro lenses since this is my first macro lens, but the build quality (with the exception of weather sealing) and sharpness of this lens is on par with my four Canon 'L' lenses. On the down side the autofocus does hunt when I've tried to use it, but, with the shallow depth of field in macro shooting I strictly use manual focus and autofocus is a non factor. Also, I don't own any other 72mm lenses which means having to buy more filters if I want to use them. Great price, build and IQ. Would also recommend a set of Kenko extension tubes, and steady hands.