Fungus inside a lens
Some people don’t know what fungus in a lens looks like.
This is quite an extreme condition.
18
Jun
Lens
18
Feb
Rumor? Nikon AF-S 10-18mm F/4 G ED (Pictures)
Saw some pictures of the Nikon AF-S 10-18mm F/4 G ED in the internet, looks pretty real to me.
(Someone beta testing the lens?)
From the naming, it looks like this lens is going to be a full frame lens (FX format). 10mm at FX format is going to be awesome ultra wide!No fisheye wording on the lens, so I would assume it to be a “normal” ultra wide angle!
Price? Judging from the current Nikon new increased price, the lens should be in RM6k range. Nano coating some more…good… π
This won’t be the last lens from Nikon this year…
25
May
Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens (A09N II with built in motor for Nikon F)
Tamron has recently announced an update version of their very popular 28-75mm F2.8 lens to incorporate built in motor to the lens for the Nikon mount version. This means that the new lens will now be compatible with Nikon D40, D40X and D60 DSLR cameras. Of course, this new version is also fully compatible with all other Nikon DSLRs including the latest D3 and D300. This is a full frame lens, so yes it is fully compatible with Nikon D3…but who on earth that can afford a D3 will want a third party lens on their camera? π
The lens is now available at ShaShinKi.com:
RM1,295.00
Lens is directly import from Japan and will be checked/tested before sending to customer. π
15
May
A 3 minutes play with Nikon D3 at ISO 6400
Went to an electronic store today (in Japan) and got the chance to test and play play with a Nikon D3. I got my new TEKQ Professional 233X Ultra Pro CompactFlash (CF) 8GB Memory Card (Lifetime Warranty) with me, so was able to slot it in and do some test shots and bring them home. π
My best model, Megumi was just beside me. Her mum was shopping in a store nearby.
The camera was set to ISO6400 by the previous user or store owner, I did not check the initial setting before taking shots of Megumi…but I think it is great that it is set that way and I can see how good the D3 performed at such ISO! Lens used is Nikon AFD 50mm F1.4.
All photos below are none edited or sharpen in my computer. Only resized and cropped for web sharing purpose.
Here’s a shot that I took (resized for web purpose):
Below are 100% crop (click to view in full):
I must say that I am very very impressed! Not only details are still pertained, but colours are very well and no shift to weird colour matching at this high ISO! (which is always a problem in my Nikon D200)
20
Mar
Digital Camera Focus Accuracy Test Method – INDEPTH FOCUS TEST
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. π
(Updated on 20th March 2008 with picture. A picture is worth a thousand words…)
16
Mar
A Defective Tokina AT-X 116 PRO 11-16mm Lens
I ordered a Tokina AT-X 116 PRO 11-16mm Lens for my customer few days ago.
As usual, I check every unit of lens before sending out to my customer. To my dismay, I found the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO 11-16mm Lens that I received on 13th March 2008 (Thursday) is defective. There are some defect or weird pattern on the front element coating. I showed it to my wife and she agreed on the “butterfly” pattern.
The defect is actually quite hard to notice, unless you put it under the correct light angle.
The photo below is under a slightly different angle (see the lens hood angle is different), and you can’t really see or detect the “butterfly” defect:
Here’s a closeup of the butterfly:
For me, it is NOT acceptable, though unlikely the defect is going to be shown on the final image.
Since my customer trusted on me on getting a good copy of Tokina lens, so I always put myself in my customer’s shoe. If I have to pay $$$ for a lens, I would expect it to be “perfect” or “near perfect”. Since I can’t accept this kind of defect myself, so I rejected the lens and returned it to my supplier. I shall receive a replacement on Tuesday or Wednesday.
My apologize to my customer for the delay of delivery by extra few days… π
Yes, I sell the lens at ShaShinKi.com. The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO 11-16mm Lens can be ordered at:
2
Mar
Close-up with Megumi
I love wide angle lens…especially one that can focus till very very close distance. π
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! Continue reading
28
Feb
Nikon Legendary Portrait Lens – AIS 105mm F2.5
Just bought this lens recently, at quite a good price in Japan. π
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. π
Worth buying lens? Yes for me, I love manual focus Nikon legendary! π
27
Feb
Nikon AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8 G – Available 14th March 2008
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… π
31
Jan
Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0
Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0
A new 5 megapixel mini digital Rolleiflex, for those who knows the difference!
Specifications
- Effective Image Size: 5MP οΌ2304Γ2304 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
29
Jan
Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 for Pentax K mount
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 οΌModel A16οΌ
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
29
Jan
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Shipping Date – 7th March 2008
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 10δΈ4,790ε (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! π
29
Jan
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
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. π
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: Β£429.99/ β¬642.00
29
Jan
My DREAM LENS! Nikon AFS 60micro!
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! π
Will be available in March 2008…hmm…that’s still two months away… π
Too bad…no VR…but nevermind. The lens should have constant fixed length, that should be nice. π
29
Jan
Nikon new range of tilt shift lens!
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.
16
Jan
Incredible design of Canon EF85mm F1.2 L II
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. π
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.
5
Jan
PhotoMalaysia 2008 Monthly Photo Competition Prizes
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! π
For more info, visit:
27
Dec
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX
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… π
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
21
Dec
Canon EF Lens Work III – The Eyes of EOS
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.