Short break from rumors and regular news to tell our US readers that there is a Gold Box deal on the Rokinon 8mm NEX lens at Amazon (Click here).
More US deals: There is one discounted NEX-6 kit at [shoplink 16624 ebay]Cameraland (Click here)[/shoplink]. Thans four new RX100 cameras for less than $600 on eBay US (via Slidoo). And of course the already mentioned double Sigma lens deal at BHphoto (Click here).
The discounted Sigma lenses at BHphoto.
Plenty of you likely noticed the recent worldwide Sigma deals on the E-mount lenses. Like the super double kit at BHphoto (Click here), and the 99 Euro only price at Technikdirekt or on eBay (via Slidoo). Ale from MirrorlessRumors may have found the reason why this is happening. According to his sources Sigma will soon announce a new “ART” high quality version of these lenses. The new Sigma ART lenses have the same high quality standard of the recently announced 35mm f/1.4 lens for Sony (here at Amazon) Two very positive reviews of the lens are available at SLRgear (Click here) and Photographyblog (Click here). The lenses will be more expensive than the current 19 and 30mm E-mount lenses.
What I don’t know yet is if the new lenses will replace the current lenses or just be a higher priced alternative. I like the current Sigma lenses, they are good value for that price and I hope they will remain there in future.
The JPG and RAW resolution graph (Courtesy of DSLRmagazine)
The Spanish reviewers from DSLRmagazine (translation here) focused their efforts on analyzing the Zeiss 35mm f/2.0 performance. And as you can see from the graph on top the delivered image quality is excellent. DSLRmagazine writes: “We can see that the combination of lens and sensor paired brings dramatic results, the highest level achieved to date in our tests of digital cameras.”
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RX1 at [shopcountry 15824].
RX1 Gariz accessories:
1) They made a new half leather case in Black and Brown ([shoplink 16437 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
2) The new lens cap ([shoplink 16439 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
3) The new entry is the anti loose button(!) ([shoplink 16438 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]). Don’t know if that will be really useful for you RX1 owners. Someone has it and call it how it works? Thanks!
4) And this is the really first time I see that. A special Leather skin hood! ([shoplink 16441 ebay]Click here to see them on eBay[/shoplink]).
It’s always a pleasure when I have good news to share on SAR! That time top sources told me that Sony will announce a new A57, A65, A77 and A99 firmware update next week! The update will be available for download in early February!
I have no details yet about the specific improvements but I may receive them very soon: Stay tuned on SAR and spread the good news!
UPDATE: One new A99 is for sale for $2499 at [shoplink 16605 ebay]Cameraland (Click here)[/shoplink]. That’s the lowest price ever seen. To get notified when there will be more A99 cameras at that price or lower login and save this search on Slidoo.
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Reminder (SR = Sonyrumor):
SR1=probably fake rumor
SR2=rumor from unknown sources
SR3=50% chance it is correct
SR4=rumor from known sources
SR5=almost certainly correct!
Image courtesy: ePhotozine.
If you want to have a closer look on the two new Sony E-mount lenses just watch the 20mm hands on (Click here) and the 18-200 PX hands-on (Click here) at ePhotozine. There will be more E-mount lenses in a couple of months including the high quality standard Zeiss zoom and the 85mm f/1.8. I am now working to get the exact release period for the two lenses.
[shoplink 16589 ebay]
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For the first time the EF to E-mount Speed Booster adapter is in Stock on [shoplink 16589 ebay]eBay (via Hong Kong)[/shoplink]. Soon the adapter will be available in US and EU stores too. Save this search on Slidoo to get notified when it will. You can also preorder the adapter at Metabones directly.
And the super Sigma double NEX lens deal is back in Stock at BHphoto (Click here).
More deals: Keep in mind that soon the $100 saving on the NEX-7 will be over (grab it here at Amazon). And two new RX100 for $595 are in Stock via top rated seller [shoplink 16592 ebay]Aztecx California (Click here)[/shoplink].
Sony will display the Zeiss 50mmf /1.4 SSM A-mount lens at the upcoming CP+ show in Japan (start January 31). But it will be again displayed as “prototype” and not as final lens. Final lens specs and price will be announced in Spring.
That said let’s go back on the 20mm pancake news. As I told you I got the info about the lens weeks ago but I didn’t have the exact launch date and was waiting to get more bits about that. And with all that far more interesting rumors I am getting in these days (Zeiss FF, A78, new sensor tech) I somewhat missed to inform you about it, again sorry!
My sources told me Sony decided to make this lens because they wanted to achieve a higher image quality compared to the sub par performance of the existing 16mm lens. Yep, I do agree with most of you saying this isn’t really a big deal of a lens and many may prefer the bigger but better and cheaper Sigma 19mm f/2.8 lens which by the way you get for $99 if bought as double Sigma lens package at BHphoto (Click here). And in Europe for 99 Euro at Technikdirekt.
But I want to remind you…Sony’s path this year is to start from the very low end product release up to the Sony FF NEX in one year. So it will go better and better believe me :) Also the 85mm f/1.8 E-mount lens will be in Stock by the second half of the year and so the new high quality E-mount zoom lens. Same product announcement philosophy goes for the cameras. NEX-3n and A38 are coming as first. Than new NEX-7 and A57/A77 successors later. I like that kind of product roadmap :)
New lens preorders at BHphoto: 20mm pancake (Click here) and powerzoom (Click here).
