Tamron SP 15-30mm gets DxOmarked: Is the best bang for the buck!

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DxOmark (Click here) tested the Tamron 15-30mm SP lens. They used the F-mount version on the D810 which uses the same A7r sensor. The A-mount lens can be ordered at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here). So how good is the lens? DxO writes:

All lenses are a compromise, but the Tamron has a good balance, with high central sharpness wide-open and sharpness improving across the frame on stopping down, and with generally good control of chromatic aberration. On the downside, it has some slight field curvature at 30mm and it has quite high levels of both barrel and pincushion distortion that are more noticeable than the Nikkor equivalents.
However, at least the Tamron doesn’t exhibit complex distortion, so it should be relatively easy to correct with software. In physical terms, the lens is large and heavy and doesn’t cover the popular 35mm focal length, but as a 24-47mm equivalent on an APS-C-format DSLR, it remains a versatile offering. Combined with its good performance and the lure of built-in stabilization, at around $1,200 it looks very tempting.

DxOmark (Click here) also tested the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens:

Although the Sony has good center sharpness throughout much of the range, the exception is at 50mm, where field curvature can be problematic and stopping down doesn’t help. It also has quite noticeable chromatic aberration at the edges of the frame at 16mm and when stopped-down mid-range (24-35mm), making it look like a somewhat problematic lens. On balance, however, after taking the high speed aperture, stabilization, sonic type motor and price into account, it remains an attractive option for Sony users. But if brand loyalty isn’t a concern, potential buyers could look at the offerings from Sigma or Tamron.

First SLR Magic 50mm f/1.1 review (new version) on Cinema5D

SLR
Image courtesy: Cinema5d

The new SLR Magic 50mm f/1.1 is now shipping at Adorama, BHphoto and on [shoplink 43532 ebay]eBay[/shoplink]. And as you know SLR Magic improved the performance of the lens right before the first shipment. Cinema5D published the only review of the new lens and tells us what has been improved:

One of the problems were the very soft left side corners of the lens when the aperture was wide open. (The right side looked sharper). As you can judge from the above photo (crops from the upper left hand corner of the image produced by the lenses), this is no longer the case. The optical performance of the SLR Magic Cine 50mm f/1.1 was significantly improved and now is matching the right hand side of the lens.

Well done SLR Magic!

UPDATE: Judd Weiss early thoughts on the new SLR Magic 50mm f1.1 E-mount can be read on his Facebook page!

New video demo of the brand new Nikon F to Sony E-mount autofocus adapter (by Steel Chen)

Steel Chen is working hard to further improve the new Nikon F to Sony E-mount autofocus adapter. As a reminder: This is not the Commlite adapter! It’s a new project which seems to work much better than the Commlite version.

Steel just sent me the link to his latest video shot on the A7rII with the [shoplink 43517 ebay]Nikkor 70-200 G I lens[/shoplink]. It really looks very promising. As usual feel free to add questions on the comment section. Steel will answer all your questions!

Something else for EU readers:
A77II Gold Box at Amazon.de
A51000 Gold Box at Amazon.co.uk.

DxO tests the RX1rII sensor performance (spoiler: no surprise).

[shoplink 43460]RX1rII[/shoplink]

DxOmark (Click here) posted the full Sony RX1rII sensor review. And as expected the performances more or less matches the one of the A7rII. DxO writes:

It isn’t any surprise to see that the 42-Mpix sensor in the [shopcountry 43460]Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II[/shoplink] is related to the unit in the Sony A7R II; however, the performance improvements over the earlier models are significant and help regenerate some the interest lost to the superb Leica Q. In terms of sensor dynamics, the Sony has the upper hand, but whether that and the inclusion of a built-in EVF is enough comes down to personal choice.
While the two models adopt equally impressive lenses, it is the focal length, and thus the field of view, that’s likely to be most important single determining factor when choosing between the two. If you like the 35mm focal length, then the upgraded sensor in the Sony RX1R II makes a compelling case.

Additional note: It’s still not clear why Sony delayed the RX1rII shipment in Japan. And it’s not clear if that affects all countries or not.

RX1rII store links: [shopcountry 43460]

Video of the new Commlite Nikon F to Sony FE autofocus adapter.

And here is the first video of the new version of the Commlite Nikon F to Sony FE autofocus adapter. That adapter will go for sale in January.

Additional info:
Camera: Sony A7RII
Lens: Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Adaptor: Commlite Nikon F to Sony E Electronic Adapter
Focus: Contrast + Phase detection
Product distributed by Sharpest Light Limited
For more information, please visit:
www.facebok.com/sharpestlight
www.sharpestlight.com
email: enquiry@sharpestlight.com

Cool Batis and Loxia angle of view by Christian Dandyk. First Loxia 21mm unboxing by Trefoil.

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Image courtesy: Christian Dandyk (Facebook / Berlin Backstage).

Christian Dandyk posted that very useful Batis and Loxia angle of view comparison on Facebook. I would love to see a 135mm Batis as next lens to get closer to the Zeiss logo on the image ;)

And our reader Trefoil posted a first Loxia 21mm unboxing report on SonyAlphaForum. First thing he noticed:

It’s small but quite heavy, a little bit heavier than my expectation. It will be a little too heavy for wristbands, but quite acceptable for common straps.(Read more on SAF)

Batis and Loxia store links:
Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens in US at Adorama, Bhphoto. In Eu at Amazon DE, WexUK. In Asia at Digitalrev.
Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2.0 lens at Adorama, Bhphoto. In EU at Amazon DE, WexUK. In Asia at Digitalrev.
Loxia 21mm FE lens at BHphoto and Adorama. In Europe at WexUK.
Loxia 50mm FE lens at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama., WexUK, CameraPro.
Loxia 35mm FE lens at Amazon, BHphoto, Adorama, WexUK, CameraPro.