Thursday, April 23, 2009

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Designed to match the APS-C size image sensors of Canon digital SLR cameras, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens is an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, including snapshots, portraiture, indoor shooting, and landscape photography. The 30mm lens relies on two special-low-dispersion glass elements and a glass-mold aspherical lens. Combined, the construction details correct for all types of chromatic and color aberrations. The lens is also equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that supports quiet, high-speed autofocus, but also turns off should you prefer full-time manual focusing. Other features include a maximum aperture of f/1.4, a 62mm filter mount, and a one-year warranty.

Specifications

  • Focal length: 30mm
  • Maximum aperture: f/1.4
  • Lens construction: 7 elements in 7 groups
  • Angle of view: 45 degrees (SD format)
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 8
  • Minimum aperture: f/16
  • Minimum focusing distance: 15.7 inches
  • Maximum magnification: 1:10.4
  • Filter size: 62mm
  • Corresponding AF mounts: Canon
  • Dimensions: 2.97 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches long
  • Weight: 15.2 ounces
  • Warranty: 1 year

List Price: $439.99
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Customer Review: So much potential; so little QC
I tried four copies; three were bad, one was awful. This lens has been very favorably reviewed, and I find their 50 f1.4 to be magnificent, so I took a chance. The only thing I can think, based on what I saw in the files, is that in each case, one or more of the elements was out of alignment, because they didn't produce a normally focused image at any focus distance. Something 10 feet away on one side would be in focus, and something fifty feet away on the other side would be. Very strange.
Customer Review: Yes virginia there is a focusing issue w/ this lens
When I bought this lens for my Canon 450D, I did not do enough research about the poor quality of Sigma lenses. My suggestion is to take a look at Canon's 28mm EF and 35mm lens as possible alternatives to this lens. Like other reviewers my instance of this lens tends to focus in front of the subject I want and not on the subject. Thus, resulting in an out of focus/fuzzy picture. I've been forced to manually focus this lens if I desire my subject to be in focus. This really reduces the number of photos I can take per given amount of time and the situations where I can use this lens.


Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Canon LC-5 Wireless Controller for select EOS Digital SLR Cameras

For photographers who do not want to bump the bee's knees, spook the subject, or receive a stinging rebuke (or worse), Canon's infrared Wireless Controller LC-5 can make compelling close-ups a snap, even from more than one football field away.Working in Macro mode can demand a level of precision and steadiness that goes beyond the tolerances of typical picture taking. Mounting the camera on a sturdy tripod and controlling the camera functions with a remote switch are long-standing methods of minimizing camera shake and vibration. Now, thanks to Canon's new Wireless Controller LC-5, photographers can easily create compelling close-ups from a safe and secure "line-of-sight" distance of up to 330 feet. Far more than a wireless shutter release, this newly enhanced infrared remote provides photographers with the flexibility to control essential camera functions without intruding on the scene.
List Price: $680.00
Amazon Price: $407.90
Customer Review: It is enormous!
It is Gigantic! The unit barely fits in a shirt pocket, and protrudes significantly. The receiver unit which mounts in the camera hotshoe, is 1/4 the size of the camera. I always prefer to purchase the Canon products, despite the higher price for accessories, but this was just too large to be practical.Coupled with the high cost, I chose to return it. It works perfectly, but unless you want the ability to daisy chain several of these units to extend the remote firing distance you might be better off with a lower cost, and smaller after market unit. I returned my unit, and purchased Canon WFT-E3A Wireless File Transmitter for EOS-40D The thought process was - if I'm going to use something large, it should provide far more capability. Very pleased with the WFT-E3A
Customer Review: Excellent item but a little pricey
I received the item within a few days after ordering. It works great and is very well made. The price was a little high for the amount of times I will be using it but I'm happy with the purchase. If you have the need, I would highly recommend this wireless remote.


Friday, April 17, 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.


Friday, April 10, 2009

Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG IF Macro Aspherical Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

PRODUCT FEATURES:Compact high performance zoom lens with a 10.7:1 high zoom ratio and optimized for digital SLR camerasCoating reduces ghost and flareSLD glass elements and aspherical lensesMacro photography with a 1:3 ratioInner focusing systemThe "Zoom Lock" device
List Price: $299.99
Amazon Price: Too low to display
Used Price: $243.00
Customer Review: Sigma lens
Very satisfied with the purchase. A good lens to learn and use all the time until you learn more and know what you are looking for specifically.
Customer Review: AMAZING!! LOVE this lens!
I love this lens. The pictures are crisp and the price was perfect. The only complaints I have is that it's a little slower than the canon lens I have with zooming.


Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) with Sigma 28-70mm & 70-300mm Lenses + 2GB Pro Accessory Kit

For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canons 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, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

You Get The Following Brand New Items:

1)Canon EOS Rebel XSi & All The Manufacture's Supplied Accessories
2)Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 DG Lens
3)Sigma 70-300mm f/4.5.6 DG Lens
4)Opteka HD2 Filters (UV, PL, FL)
5)Transcend 2GB Ultra High Speed SD Card
6)High Speed Card Reader / Writer, ImageRecall
7)Image Recovery Software
8)Opteka LP-E5 1800mAh Rechargeable Lithium Replacement Battery
9)LCD Screen Protectors
10)Opteka Tabletop Tripod
11)5 Piece Camera / Lens Cleaning Kit
12)53" Deluxe Camera Tripod
13)Ultra Protective Photo Bag/Case

Price: $2,000.00