KOH KHO KING

Digital Camera Focus Accuracy Test Method - INDEPTH FOCUS TEST

Posted on March 20th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

After testing over hundreds of lenses…I have come out with a focus test method that I felt is most convincing to myself. I call it:

INDEPTH FOCUS TEST

There are many focus test chart flying around in the internet, I have printed out some and test them using my Nikon D200 DSLR. However, I found those test chart to be NOT ACCURATE, as it mainly influenced by the position and accuracy of the focus sensor of your DSLR. Some DSLR tends to focus on the subject that is of higher contrast or nearer to the sensor. Some differs.

In order to eliminate the camera focusing sensor position “error”, I developed the INDEPTH Focus Test method, there the camera focus sensor will have no problem in locking focus onto the target, and can give accurate focus photo for evaluation.

Below is how I tested lenses that I ordered for my customers at ShaShinKi.com.

Put two cards (with wordings, eg. namecard, so that you can check sharpness of the wordings later) on your table, one with a lens cap at the bottom so that it is around 1cm higher than the other. Focus on the lower card and take a shot (make sure your shutter speed is above 1/200s, or use flash to freeze motion). Take another shot with focus on the upper card.

Distance between card is around 5mm, separated by a lens cap.

When you focus on Card A, Card B should be blurred (out of focus).

When you focused on Card B, Card A should be blurred (out of focus).

Check the sharpness of both shots. It should show sharp on your focused card and blur on the opposite one. Same as the second shot.

Repeat the above test at different focal length if your lens is a zoom.

After the close distance test, try take a few shots at infinity or far distance. Again, choose a subject which have some clear wordings on it so that you can check the sharpness and clarity on your camera LCD screen later.

If your lens is good, all should be sharp.

(Updated on 20th March 2008 with picture. A picture is worth a thousand words…)

0 comments.

Close-up with Megumi

Posted on March 2nd, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family, Photography.

I love wide angle lens…especially one that can focus till very very close distance.

Here’s some close up photo of Megumi…

Camera: Nikon D200

Flash: SB-800 with Lambency diffuser pointed to ceiling

Lenses: Tamron SP 17-50mm A16N and Tokina AT-X PRO 116

She felt curious of my lens…

Even more curious with the Tokina lens! You can’t imagine how close I am to her. She is actually touching and grabbing the hood of the lens! (more…)

2 comments.

Review: Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 Apherical AT-X 116 PRO DX

Posted on March 1st, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

A review coming soon…

(more…)

69 comments.

Nikon Legendary Portrait Lens - AIS 105mm F2.5

Posted on February 28th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family, Photography.

Just bought this lens recently, at quite a good price in Japan.

This lens has been regarded as the best portrait lens by Nikon users for years. Though it is an old lens…but the optically quality doesn’t fade with time.

Here’s some sample tests shots I did few days ago:

Megumi:”Papa…new lens huh?!”

“Hmm…manual focus…old lens…”

Tested on Nikon D200 DSLR. Exif intact so you can check the exposure yourself.

One of the “problem” of using long lens is how to maintain sharpness. For a 105mm focal length in digital, you have to use shutter speed of at least 1/200s in order to yield sharp photo. This is just a rule of thumb…still depends on your hand steadiness.

Here’s a not so sharp photo:

(Megumi taking breakfast)

“ARHM!”

I use flash in all the above shots, to try using flash light to “freeze” the motion. Not always successful.

Worth buying lens? Yes for me, I love manual focus Nikon legendary!

4 comments.

Nikon AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8 G - Available 14th March 2008

Posted on February 27th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon Japan has just announced that AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8 G lens will be available on 14th March 2008.

This is one of my dream lens…but the price is kinda high at around RM2k (street price). Most probably still NOT going to get it…without VR some more…price too close to the AFS 105mm F2.8 Micro VR lens…

0 comments.

Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0

Posted on January 31st, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0

A new 5 megapixel mini digital Rolleiflex, for those who knows the difference!

Specifications

• Effective Image Size: 5MP （2304×2304 pixels)
• Lens: 4.9mmF2.8
• Focus Distance: 10cm to infinity
• Memory Storage: miniSD
• Monitor: TFT 1.1 inches
• Body Colour: Black and Red
• Battery: CR2
• Weight: 100 grams
• Origin: Japan

3 comments.

Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 for Pentax K mount

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Finally…Tamron announced that the popular SP 17-50mm F2.8 Lens will be available in Pentax K mount from 7th March 2008!

SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II （Model A16）

This is one of the BEST Selling lens at ShaShinKi.com, best budget lens with F2.8 aperture and no compromise in image quality! It sure is going to be of HIGH DEMAND initially…definitely worldwide shortage for stock in the first few months.

Even as of now, Canon and Nikon mounts of this lens are constantly sold out in many places.

Official news:

http://www.tamron.co.jp/news/release_2008/0128_a16p.html

0 comments.

Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Shipping Date - 7th March 2008

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Tamron has just announced the shipping date of Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 which will be available from 7th March 2008.

First available in Canon EOS mount, follow up by Nikon, Sony and then Pentax mounts.

The lens was first announced in March 2007 under development. Using 77mm filter size, removable tripod collar, MSRP at 10万4,790円 (around RM3.2k). Street price should be 70-80% of MSRP, which means the lens is sure going to be a hit!

Tamron is well known for creating good value for money lenses!

3 comments.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Announced today as well…the…

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Not really something that boils my blood again…but VR sure is tempting…and the zoom range looks good as a multi-purpose lens.

If Nikon hoped to have another big sales of this lens like the previous AFS 18-200VR…they are going to be disappointed I believe.

RRP: £429.99/ €642.00

0 comments.

My DREAM LENS! Nikon AFS 60micro!

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Yes, my dream lens! My blood boils when I read the news! Nikon is coming out with an AFS 60mm micro version! Horray!

I am going to buy this lens new! Yes! Best lens for portrait and macro and children photography! Going to be very much fun and great for Megumi!

Will be available in March 2008…hmm…that’s still two months away…

Too bad…no VR…but nevermind. The lens should have constant fixed length, that should be nice.

0 comments.

Nikon new range of tilt shift lens!

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon is going to announce a series of tilt shift lens in year 2008 for its F mount line up, from 24mm to 45mm to 85mm with ED coating.

First view with photo here is the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED.

No surprise these lenses are the Nikon effort and strategy to strengthen their full frame D3 DSLR “military”. We should be expecting more full frame professional lenses coming from Nikon soon.

1 comment.

Incredible design of Canon EF85mm F1.2 L II

Posted on January 16th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Found this photo in my hard drive…so instead of just deleting it…I thought I should at least give it a chance to share to the world…

Yes, I took this photo quite some time ago.

You can click for very high resolution file (1500×1500 px)

Take note of the circuit/electronic contacts. It is located on the rear element itself. For F1.2 aperture, the lens element has to be very big, hence no space for the electronic contact except on the lens itself. Incredible design.

0 comments.

PhotoMalaysia 2008 Monthly Photo Competition Prizes

Posted on January 5th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Can’t afford a Canon Selphy printer?

Dream of a Canon EOS 40D + lens?

Here’s your chances (13 times)! Participate in PhotoMalaysia monthly photo competition and you can stand a chance to win the following prizes!

For more info, visit:

http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39937

0 comments.

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX

Posted on December 27th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Someone in Thailand has posted images taken with the “not yet released” Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX lens!

Below is the full resolution file of the image taken with the lens (click for full resolution image 2.3MB, check the exif using Nikon Capture NX and you will see the lens used!):

Here’s a photo of the lens side by side with Nikon Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm lens:

True or fake? Personally I believe it is true. Consumers have been wanting a low cost normal zoom lens with VR for a long time. Nikon has already released 55-200mm VR, so it is about time for Nikon to introduce VR to the 18-70mm or 18-135mm range, but Nikon always thinks out of the box and out of our expectation (pleasant surprise), so this extra wide angle of 16mm to extra tele of 85mm with VR is sure very interesting! I would get one if it is real. I need VR…badly…

Here’s the side view of the lens:

It is good to see the M/A M switch and VR ON OFF and Normal Active switch! with M/A switch, it means that the lens is fully manual override once you turn the focus ring. Great!

I wonder if the VR motor used is first or second generation as in the 18-200mm VR II…

Original post in Thailand (I can’t read Thai language):

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O6172432/O6172432.html

0 comments.

Canon EF Lens Work III - The Eyes of EOS

Posted on December 21st, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Canon EF Lens Work III

The Eyes of EOS

• Hardcopy
• Over 232 pages
• Printed in Japan
• Black hard cover with Red colour sleeve
• With almost all Canon lenses information inside
• Stunning photos accompany with each lens
• Optical Technology and Terminology
• MTF graphs for all the Canon Lenses

I used to sell this book at RM50 per copy in year 2004, over 100 books I have sold…long before I started up ShaShinKi.com business. This is such a great book that I wish Nikon has such a book for me to keep and collect. Canon Malaysia doesn’t sell this book, but give away during the promotion time (road show, introduction of products, events…etc.). Every Canon users or even Nikon users (I don’t own Canon system now but I still keep a copy myself) should own and get one of this book. There are PDF downloadable version available in the internet, but nothing beats the real hardcopy book which you can keep on your bookshelf, bring to your toilet, laying on your bed reading before you sleep (hope to catch a good dream?)…etc.

(more…)

0 comments.

Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM

Posted on December 20th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Saw photos of a interesting lens today, Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM!

Sony DSLR has been of interesting mainly because it inherit the previous very high quality Minolta legendary glass, and of course not forgetting the partnership with Zeiss to specifically produce ZA series of lenses for Sony Alpha mount. Zeiss lenses in autofocus! Something like a dream comes true for many! German glass (Leica, Zeiss, Schneider…etc.) has always thought to be more superior than Japanese glass. How true is it I am not sure, but I sure am interested in this Zeiss if my pocket is deep enough.

Let’s see the two photos I saw in PhotoMalaysia forum (original source unknown):

A few things I found interesting in this lens.:

1. SSM

SSM in Sony means silent wave motor, which means the lens has built in motor, which is great! First in Zeiss!

2. 24mm

Yes! Latest zoom lens in this focal length in Canon and Nikon and now Zeiss has gone wider to 24mm! Great!

3. Full frame lens

Yes, this is a full frame lens. Very possible that Sony will come out with a full frame DSLR soon. Rumors that Nikon D3 full frame sensor is co-design with Sony, so very possible Sony will use the same 12.1MP full frame sensor in their full frame professional DSLR. Minolta has a 9 series professional SLR in their range, Sony will definitely utilize the technology and design from Minolta. My prediction is that we shall see full frame professional DSLR from Sony within year 2008 before Beijing Olympic.

4. Boxed

Yes…if you notice the box in the photo above, which means that the lens should already been in production or available to some! (if the photo is genuine).

5. F2.8 Aperture

Yes, F2.8 constant aperture. I just love fixed aperture lens, which immediately shout to you: PROFESSIONAL GRADE!

I must admit that the design and look of the lens is very sleek and clean. It looks simple, fat but clean. No busy badge or sticker here and there. I wonder how long will the lens extend from zoomed, it would be a dream lens if the length of the lens remain constant during zooming, which I hate in Nikon and Canon similar lenses.

If only Zeiss can make AF lenses for Nikon, that would be my dream lens to get!

3 comments.

Nikon Prediction for Year 2008

Posted on December 17th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I read some predictions in the net on what Nikon will update or comes out in year 2008…really can’t agree with some of those predictions or rumors…so I decided to write my own one here.

I have been using Nikon system since year 2000, following every Nikon news and was (probably still am) crazy of Nikon stuff.

Here’s what I think in Nikon DSLR department:

Nikon D40 / D40X

I don’t know about others, but personally I never like and will never recommend my customers or friends for this camera. The fact that it can only use lens with built in motor really is a limitation and disadvantage. It can’t even use the very popular and good value Nikon AFD 50mm F1.8 lens!

I believe Nikon will discard this model in year 2008 and comes out with a Nikon D60 for it that is able to focus with “normal” lenses. Probably still 10MP. D40 will be discontinued.

Nikon D80

Time for it to get some boost up in order to create another sales frenzy. Call it D90.

Main features:

• 12.1MP 1.5X FOV CMOS sensor with self sensor cleaning ability
• Uses MB-D90 battery pack
• 3″ LCD with 900k dots (same as D300)
• unable to meter with manual lenses
• Live View

Will we see another DSLR from Nikon? Some rumors say that there will be a D3X. I really doubt so. I don’t think there is a need for X or H model differentiation from Nikon in their professional DSLR anymore. I have told many…and my firm believing is that there should only be one TOP model at one time from Nikon. Previous D1X, D1H and D2X, D2H are needed due to the limitation and lacking in technology, so Nikon has to push out two different DSLR for different market needs. Now, with the advancement and maturity of sensor and processor technology, one camera is capable of doing both X and H jobs. No need to separate into two again.

So in year 2008, we will see Nikon DSLR range of:

• D60 (replacement of D40/D40X)
  
• D90 (replacement of D80)
  
• D300 (D200 will discontinue)
• D3 (D2Xs and D2h will discontinue)
  

How about Lenses?

There will definitely be some lenses update from Nikon, the question is which?

Here’s my prediction:

AFS 300mm F/4 VR N

• Time to add VR to this lens. In my opinion, everything that is longer than 200mm should have VR inside. This AFS 300mm F/4 lens has been in the market for quite some time. Nikon will update this lens to AFS 300mm F/4 VR N in year 2008.

AFS 85mm F1.4 N

• Yes, time to update this legendary portrait lens to AFS motor and add nano coating to it.

AFS 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 (IF) VR

• This kit lens will have VR added to it in order to make it more attractive for general consumer. It will be the standard bundled kit lens for D90.

AFS 17-55mm DX G VR

• Time to update this lens to boost the sales and market of DX users. Though not very likely, but still a possibility.

AFS 200mm F/4 Macro N

• This legendary macro lens from Nikon has been around for ages. Time for Nikon to update it to AFS motor and nano coating.

AFS 60mm F/2.8 N

• Similar to 200macro, but as 60mm macro is more affordable to the general consumer, so the urge to update it should be higher than the 200macro version.

Besides the above, how about some wild thought and dream from Nikon?

Wild dreams?

Just some dreams…might not happen in year 2008…but dream for the future!

FD3A

Digital version of the mechanical manual version of FM3A. M stands for mechanical, which is impossible for digital camera to function without electric power, so remove the word M and replace it with D (digital). Rewind crank will still remain, must advance the crank before pressing the shutter release.

Main features:

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV 1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed from 8s to 1/4000s with B mode
• Manual mirror lock up possible
• Fully manual mode, no autofocus
• Price (street) = US$1.2k-1.3k

SP Digital

Reintroduction of the rangefinder system from Nikon that bring new life to their S series rangefinder! Using Nikon S mount, compatible with all previous Nikon S mount lenses.

Main features

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed 8s to 1/8000s with B mode
• Fully mechanical
• Price (street) = US$5.5k

3 comments.

Olympus E-3 AutoFocus - WOW!

Posted on November 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I have the chance to try out Olympus E-3 professional DSLR today in DEODEO electronic superstore in Japan. That was a surprised actually, as my main purpose going there wasn’t for the E-3 (didn’t expect they have one) but Nikon D300.

I spent some time checking out Nikon D300, while finding subjects to focus…I spotted the E-3. After fiddling the D300 for an extra minute, I went to take up the E-3 and ON the power.

I remember Olympus users talking about E-3 having the world’s fastest Autofocus system…I thought that was just a marketing gimmick until I tried it out myself just now.

Just how fast is it?

LIGHTNING FAST!!!

I test the E-3 by focusing to close and then to far subjects, making sure that the camera and lens have to travel some “long” distance in order to get focus. The result is just amazing! The lens snap into focus almost instantly!

I can’t remember which lens was mounted on the E-3, if I am not mistaken, it should be the “12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD” (confirmed the lens, just update with photo). The lens extend quite long (almost double the original length after zoom to telephoto).

Bare in mind that I was just testing the D300 with AFS 18-200mm lens before trying out the E-3. If I can explain the speed of E-3 AF better…it is like the sound of Zop while D300 is like ZOoooop. Yes, the difference is very obvious. On the viewfinder of E-3, you can see the focus change is instantly. You don’t see from blur to sharp in progress…but instantly change!

To be honest, I must say I am impressed with the E-3 AF system. Definitely deserves the title of “among the world’s fastest AF” if not already the world’s fastest!

On the side note of E-3 physical built, the camera does feel good in hand with firm grip design. It is definitely a very big size camera as compared to the E-510 or other E-DSLR. There are lots of buttons at the back of the E-3…which I am not familiar of, so I didn’t try it out. The Flippable LCD screen actually makes the E-3 looks a bit cheap…discount the professional feel of the E-3 in my humble opinion. Of course, this is just my personal feel, in terms of practical use, it is definitely better than those fixed LCD. Yeah, imagine shooting from above your head or on the ground.

That’s all from my few minutes try of the E-3. If I got the time, I will go try it out again. By the way, I notice the price of E-3 is around RM1k cheaper than Nikon D300, so it is definitely a very good competitor to the Nikon system.

3 comments.

Mirror Lock Up - How useful in handholding shots?

Posted on November 19th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Previously in the film days, only the best Nikon SLR has mirror lock up (MLU) feature. That’s in the Nikon single digit F series. Even the F100 which is considered as the little brother of F5 doesn’t has MLU feature.

So, how useful is MLU?

With the advancement and convenient of digital photography, I can now take shots and experiment shots easily. Nikon now has MLU in their single digit D series and also in the Nikon D200 (D80, D70, D100…etc. all doesn’t have MLU). So, now the question is…how useful is MLU?

Many people have the mis-conception that MLU is only used when you have your camera on tripod. Quite true during the film days where one have to turn a lock manually to lock up the mirror manually, and this required quite big movement and will definitely change/move your subject composition. However, now with better technology and design, Nikon MLU shots can’t be done any easier!

On my Nikon D200, change the drive mode to MLU (there are S, Cs, Ch, Timer…etc. and MLU is on the farthest right on the dial - not seen in the picture below, but is just next to the timer symbol).

When you have set your drive mode to MLU, then the rest is easy. Half press your shutter button to focus, then full press your shutter button to Lock Up the Mirror. Full press again to then take the actual exposure, the mirror will go down after taking the exposure.

So, how does mirror lock up helps in taking photos?

When taking a shot in SLR (Single lens reflex) camera, the reflex mirror will go up, the shutter blade will then open to expose the film/sensor to the light. After that, it shutter blades close and mirror return down.

(more…)

0 comments.

Cosina new SL II series!

Posted on November 2nd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Cosina has just announced a new SL II series of lenses in their Voigtlander brand! Previously I thought they are too busy with Zeiss lens making, hence discontinued all the SL series of Voigtlander lenses. I was wrong and I am glad that I am wrong!

The first two lenses from Cosina Voigtlander SL II series are:

• Ultron 40mm F2 SL II Aspherical (available on 17th Nov 2007)
  

• Nokton 58mm F1.4 SL II (available in Dec 2007)
  

These are two very high demand lenses from Cosina. The 58mm was a remake of Topcor 58mm f1.4, Cosina has made this lens available few years ago in limited edition.

Now, what’s the extra great news?!

ALL SL II lenses now come with CPU that are able to communicate with the camera body! Yes, Nikon cameras will now able to talk to the lens! SL II lenses are available in Nikon AIS and Pentax KA mounts at the moment.

I hope and dream that the legendary Voigtlander 125SL F2.5 Macro lens will be made available once again soon!

2 comments.

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