I’m very excited about this lens. Moreso to use on the coming Sigma SD1, but I have been very pleased with the results on my Canon 60D. A few samples here on this link:
http://www.digitalcoastimage.com/sigma/8-16mm/index.html
The new FD glass sigma implemented deals with glare quite well. Perfect for bracketing for HDR in difficult lighting environments.
Previously I had discussed using the 60D with the new 8-16mm:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma7TUysv7l8[/youtube]
Lens distortion correction can be achieved using PT Lens. It is available for both the PC and the Mac. I often forget about these little tools that make a huge difference in image quality. If you shoot real estate or architecture, you need PT Lens to remove bowed lines that should be straight.
I often get asked how I deal with distortion typical with wide angle lenses and PT Lens is something I’ve been using since 2007 when I was googling around for lens distortion correction solutions. That and I tend to try and get my tri-pod to about the mid-point of the room. Obviously a tilt and shift lens is ideal to not have to deal with this in post, but on capture.
Rather than grab photos from their site and post them here, you should use their interactive options to see before and after photos to get an idea of how it corrects lens distortion.
The link to PT Lens main web site HERE
From their navigation on the left, choose “Examples” to then view before and after photos. I’d link it directly, but I think they are using frames on their site and I didn’t see a different URL.
And an alternative for Mac users…
Back in 2007, there was no Mac solution so I used an alternative developers plugin that uses the PT Lens database. Word of advice, if you need to use this other plugin (linked below) instead of PT Lens (such as if you are still running 10.4), make sure you SAVE before you launch the filter in Photoshop because it has caused PS to crash on me before (normally fast clicking through the dialogs has caused crashes).
Handheld HDR Wide Angle Shooting just got easier for Nikon shooters using full frame bodies. Pre-PMA Nikon just announced the NIKKOR 16-35MM F/4G ED VR lens.
What this amounts to is for the ability to shoot with lower ISO levels when shooting hand held HDR Captures (AEB sequences/bursts). Finally a stabilized ultra wide angle lens useful for full frame shooters using the D3 D3s D700 (and D700s or D800 when/if released).
Nikon’s product page for the Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is HERE
Carl Zeiss is adding two more EF mount lenses to their lineup. Already available in the Nikon F mount, they are adding two new EF mount offerings; the Makro-Planar T* 2/50 and the Makro-Planar T* 2/100.
The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 already has a reputation of STUNNING sharpness. If you’ve used it, you know. Canon users are about to get to experience it firsthand (early 2010). The images below are the Nikon mounts because Zeiss doesn’t have an EF mount image online.
======= Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ========
The Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZE will be available from beginning of 2010 at a recommended retail price of € 1.385,71 (excluding VAT)*.
======= Carl Zeiss Makro-Planar T* 2/50 =========
The Makro-Planar T* 2/50 ZE is available in December 2009 at a recommended retail price of € 965,55 (excluding VAT)*.
MY TAKE:
I think Zeiss missed a window of uniqueness and opportunity. They should have released the Makro-Planar T* 2/100 ZE last year before Canon upped the ante with their new 100mm f/2.8 L series lens with IS. Granted, the canon isn’t f/2, but it is much cheaper than the Zeiss which doesn’t have autofocus or stabilization. However, if you want amazing performance at f/2… Zeiss will deliver.
Canon does make a 100mm f/2 lens, but it is dated (older design). I can tell you from experience… canon’s 100mm f/2 is priced at $400 for a reason. It ain’t an L and it ain’t a Zeiss.