Tagged with lens - Personal View Talks http://personal-view.com/talks/discussions/tagged/lens/p5/feed.rss Sun, 05 May 24 19:31:36 +0000 Tagged with lens - Personal View Talks en-CA 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED NIKKOR AF-S Fisheye Nikon Lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17057/8-15mm-f3.5-4.5e-ed-nikkor-af-s-fisheye-nikon-lens Tue, 30 May 2017 18:28:22 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 17057@/talks/discussions image

Specs

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Panavision Lenses On A GH4 http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17909/panavision-lenses-on-a-gh4 Thu, 05 Oct 2017 12:27:58 +0000 brant_moore 17909@/talks/discussions Part 1 - The Test

16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm. Raw video straight from camera Consistent settings, focus, and camera moves throughout testing.

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35-100mm F2.8 II Panasonic 2017 lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16277/35-100mm-f2.8-ii-panasonic-2017-lens Thu, 05 Jan 2017 00:13:12 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16277@/talks/discussions image

Specs

PR

LUMIX G X VARIO 35-100mm / F2.8 II / POWER O.I.S. (H-HSA35100)

  • Allows high-speed shutter release, and provides beautiful defocus effect in portrait or close-up shots.
  • Achieves handheld shooting without using a flash thanks to the F2.8 wide aperture and 5-axis Dual I.S.2. even in low-lit situations including indoors.
  • Splash/dust-proof and freeze-proof down to -10℃ with a rugged design for heavy field use.
  • Supports high quality video recording(as described above).
  • The lens system comprises 18 elements in 13 groups including 1 UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lens and 2 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses.
  • Panasonic’s black box technology Nano Surface Coating is applied to minimize ghosts and flaring.
  • Max.240-fps sensor drive for high-speed, high-performance AF.
  • No front lens rotation/ length extension in zooming.

The HSA35100 will be available in black for $1099.99 in March.

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Good Deals: Canon FD 50mm f/1.2L http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/328/good-deals-canon-fd-50mm-f1.2l- Tue, 05 Jul 2011 04:12:40 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 328@/talks/discussions
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18-270mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD TS Tamron lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15643/18-270mm-f3.5-6.3-di-ii-vc-pzd-ts-tamron-lens Fri, 02 Sep 2016 05:50:37 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15643@/talks/discussions image

Specs:

  • APS-C coverage
  • New front lens coating
  • Min focus distance is 0.49m.
  • Filters size - 62mm
  • Includes lens hood
  • Size - 74.4 × 88mm
  • 450g
  • Nikon and Canon mounts

Will be replacement of existing 18-270mm with small improvements.

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FS: Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO DX - Canon http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17581/fs-tokina-11-20mm-f2.8-at-x-pro-dx-canon Mon, 21 Aug 2017 16:26:06 +0000 joethepro 17581@/talks/discussions Barely used Tokina 11-20mm f2.8 zoom lens with Canon mount. Includes lens hood and both end caps. Comes with all original packaging.

Excellent condition. Glass is clean, no dust or fungus.

Asking $420 + shipping.

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35mm F1.4 AF Samyang Rokinon lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17639/35mm-f1.4-af-samyang-rokinon-lens Wed, 30 Aug 2017 10:23:59 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 17639@/talks/discussions image

Specs

  • 11 lenses in 9 groups
  • 0,3m min focus distance
  • 67mm filter
  • 9 diaphragm blades
  • 69x115mm size
  • 645g weight
  • for Sony E mount

MTF

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70–300mm F4.5-6.3G ED VR Nikon lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15558/70-300mm-f4.5-6.3g-ed-vr-nikon-lens Sun, 21 Aug 2016 06:48:32 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15558@/talks/discussions image

Specs

Nikon updates its portfolio of DX NIKKOR lenses with two lightweight super-telephoto zooms: the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED VR and the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED.

Fast, quiet, and precise, these lenses are a great way to explore the creative advantages of telephoto photography. Whether you’re shooting distant subjects, travel photos, or amateur wildlife images, the versatile 70-300mm focal range magnifies the action. An extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element in each lens delivers images with vivid colour, crisp detail, and perfectly rendered contrast. Both lenses feature Nikon’s new, superbly quiet AF-P Stepping Motor, which makes them ideal for shooting video as well as stills. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm ED VR features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology for clear, blur-free images even when shooting at the far end of the telephoto range. And both lenses boast a serious size advantage: their compact build makes them comfortable to carry and ensures balanced handling when used together with Nikon’s smaller entry-level D-SLRs*.

Zara Livingston, Junior Product Manager for D-SLRs, Lenses and Accessories at Nikon UK, says: “The new 70-300mm AF-P NIKKOR lenses are great additions to the NIKKOR lens line-up and ideal for photographers looking to extend their reach. The streamlined design makes carrying them easy, and these are the first telephoto lenses to feature Nikon’s AF-P focus motor.”

Stepping Motor

Nikon’s Stepping Motor ensures smooth, fast autofocus. When zooming in to capture a photo, subjects come into focus quickly and easily. When shooting video footage, the motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise, ensuring your movie isn’t ruined by the sound of the lens focusing.

Simplified control, lightweight build

Both of these super-telephoto lenses offer first-time users a more intuitive way to shoot. Users can switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus using the camera menu. With no switches on the lens barrel itself, there’s no chance of accidentally changing settings when the time comes to take the shot. These lenses let you pack light, too. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED weighs in at just 400 g, while the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED VR weighs 415 g.

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FS: Canon TV Zoom Lens / Tominon TV Lens (C-Mount) http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17578/fs-canon-tv-zoom-lens-tominon-tv-lens-c-mount Mon, 21 Aug 2017 00:31:48 +0000 Spectra 17578@/talks/discussions For Sale:

Canon TV Zoom Lens V5x20 20mm-100mm Focal Length Constant f2.5 Aperture (C-Mount)

Reasonable condition cosmetically....there are a few minor marks and scratches.

Glass looks excellent....no scratches, dust or fungus I can see.

Zoom, Aperture and Focus all seem to work fine - It is meant to be a Parfocal lens

Has English and Japanese Instruction Manuals + Original Box + Both front and rear end caps.

One for sale at 250 Euro on Ebay now.

Works with all C-mount cameras, BMPCC, Digital Bolex etc Works in crop-mode with MFT, may be some vignetting at wide focal lengths.

Freebie Offer....

Tominon 16mm f1.8 TV Lens (C-Mount)

16mm Fixed Focal Length f1.8 Aperture

OK condition cosmetically. Glass looks OK....

Focus doesn't seem to work and is stuck at infinity (won't rotate)

Both lenses have sat around unused and stored in a box for years in South Australia (Very low humidity). Neither lens has been tested as I dont have a camera to test them on....Any problems with the Zoom lens and I will issue a refund.

Price: Buy the zoom and you will get both lenses together...Any sensible offers considered + Postage...Paypal Only

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SLR Magic 2x ANAMORPHIC lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/4466/slr-magic-2x-anamorphic-lens Tue, 04 Sep 2012 15:35:25 +0000 slrmagic 4466@/talks/discussions Dear All,

We have received 4 email requests from members of this forum on the possibility of designing an Anamorphic lens. We had this thought for the past year and did a lot of research. There is one common request which is to have horizontal flares. The others requests did not have any common grounds. We came up with an idea for a 25mm f/3.2 1.35x or 35mm f/3.2 1.35x Anamorphic lens for micro four thirds. Shooting at 16:9 would give a 2.40:1 anamorphic output. Just before we decided to go ahead with the project we had a second thought. 2 Years ago we asked openly on dpreview.com forum for what photographers wanted and the general consensus was our SLR Magic HyperPrime 12mm T1.6 lens.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1041&message=36104678

It did not fulfill the needs and wants of everyone but we made what most people agreed on by means of a discussion. It ended up being a popular lens that we still are having problems meeting demand and we think it had a big part to do with asking photographers. If we did not ask around we probably made a 12mm f/2.8 lens. As it turned out quite well last time we want to make our next lens an open discussion again.

Here are some of the possible options we received and please feel free to throw in extra ideas. I hope people experienced with shooting in Anamorphic can also throw in ideas.

Anamorphic Adapter (1.33x, 1.5x, 1.75x, 2x) Dedicated mFT Anamorphic adapter for reasonable size Anamorphic adapter compatible with FF lenses 50mm f/2.8 Anamorphic lens (FF, APS-C, or mFT) Expected MSRP (Sad fact but it as direct correlation to IQ)

Kind rgds., SLR Magic Team

P.S. We will be at Photokina 2012 and would like to welcome any cinematographers with Anamorphic lens ideas to drop by our booth for idea exchange! We will be in Hall 3.1 B059

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18-105mm F4 PZ OSS E lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/10195/18-105mm-f4-pz-oss-e-lens Sat, 19 Apr 2014 03:39:38 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 10195@/talks/discussions Specs




image

image

http://www.digitbox.fr/test-du-sony-18-105-mm-f4-g-oss-e-pz/

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18-110mm F4.0 G PZ Sony APS-C Sony lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15666/18-110mm-f4.0-g-pz-sony-aps-c-sony-lens Tue, 06 Sep 2016 10:44:02 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15666@/talks/discussions image

Specs

  • 18 elements in 15 groups, 6 aspherical elements, 3 ED (Extra-low Dispersion)
  • 7 blade circular aperture design
  • Not parfocal zoom. but in AF mode it can emulate it (how good is uncertain)
  • High resolution suited to professional 4K movie production
  • Smooth Motion Optics (SMO) design and construction to minimize unwanted focus and image shifts whilst focusing or zooming
  • Three separate focus, iris and zoom rings for professional operation
  • Optical image stabilization
  • Dust and moisture resistance
  • $3,500 US price, and somehow 4000 EUR in EU
  • Available in November

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Good Deals: Tokina AT-X AF 100mm f2.8 Macro http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/154/good-deals-tokina-at-x-af-100mm-f2.8-macro Mon, 30 May 2011 12:31:40 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 154@/talks/discussions
$230+shipping (normal price is in $400-500 region)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tokina-AT-X-AF-100mm-f2-8-Macro-lens-Nikon-/280685967379?pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item415a2ff813]]>
10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD Tamron lens, 2017 model http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16421/10-24mm-f3.5-4.5-di-ii-vc-hld-tamron-lens-2017-model Mon, 06 Feb 2017 21:55:12 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16421@/talks/discussions image

Specifications

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GH2 and the ISCORAMA 54 http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16444/gh2-and-the-iscorama-54 Sat, 11 Feb 2017 04:23:47 +0000 alienbrain 16444@/talks/discussions

GH2 and Tokina ATX Pro II with Iscorama 54

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35mm F1.4 Zeiss Milvus lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17182/35mm-f1.4-zeiss-milvus-lens Mon, 19 Jun 2017 03:57:36 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 17182@/talks/discussions image

Specs

  • 14 lenses in 11 groups
  • Shortest shooting distance - 0.3 m
  • Maximum magnification - 1:4.6
  • Filter diameter - 72 mm
  • Diameter × length - 84.8 mm × 124.8 mm
  • Weight - 1174 g
  • Canon EF or Nikon F mount
  • $1999, 1999 EUR price, preorder at https://www.adorama.com/zi3514mzf.html

Tech specs PDF - https://www.zeiss.com/content/dam/media/Download/milvus_1.4_35_technische_daten.pdf

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Cinematic m43 lenses http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/5931/cinematic-m43-lenses- Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:03:13 +0000 Manu4Vendetta 5931@/talks/discussions I'm saving to buy a good optical native M4/3. In the range angular to a maximum of 35mm. I have the pancakles 14mm 2.5 and the 20mm 1.7 but both some digital look.

My needs is lightness, quality and look, I do not like that look digital lenses.

  • At first I thought the Nokton 25mm 0.95 seems a superb lens, but I think it would have to last much saving, keep in mind that no cinema live, my investment is to make my short films that also costing my pocket and projects future.

  • The PanaLeica 25mm 1.4 lens seems interesting, but almost all the references I find are still photo and price does not seem so high. Does anyone have references to the?

  • The other option was the SLR Magic 35mm T1.4, but I read of problems for autofocus.

  • While I have read that the Samyang is not recommended.

  • I think SLR Magic comes with a 35mm and a 25mm both t0.95, but I think his price will be close to Nokton.

Thanks in advance!

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FS: Sigma 18-35mm F1,8 DC HSM ART for Nikon with CINE-Mod http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/17009/fs-sigma-18-35mm-f18-dc-hsm-art-for-nikon-with-cine-mod- Wed, 24 May 2017 11:50:42 +0000 Illusionist_Films 17009@/talks/discussions I'm selling my Sigma 18-35mm F1,8 ART with Nikon F mount in like new condition. I bought in in december 2014 and only used it about 10 times since then. It'll ship with the original box and accessories. The glass is in perfect condition without scratches or anything else. As you can see in the pictures I installed two 360° lens gears 0.8mod from https://followfocusgears.com. The lens gears are custom made for the Sigma 18-35mm and fit absolutely perfect. They mount and unmount very easy and don't leave any traces as they just bind to the rubber of the original focus and zoom ring without any adhesive or screws.

Item is located in Germany but I'm willing to ship worldwide at buyers cost.

Asking price is 630€ OBO.

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100-300mm F4.0-5.6 II Panasonic Power OIS 2017 lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16279/100-300mm-f4.0-5.6-ii-panasonic-power-ois-2017-lens Thu, 05 Jan 2017 01:34:45 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16279@/talks/discussions image

Preorder links

PR

LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 II / POWER O.I.S. (H-FSA100300)
Lens is a successor to the H-FS100300

  • Achieves handheld telephoto shooting with POWER O.I.S. and 5-axis Dual I.S.2.
  • Max.240-fps sensor drive for high-speed, high-performance AF.
  • Rugged, splash/dust-proof design for heavy field use.
  • Supports high-quality video recording(as described above).
  • The lens system comprises 17 elements in 12 groups including 1 ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens.
  • Multi coating to minimize ghosts and flaring.

The FSA100300 will be available in black for $649.99 in February.

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Looking how to adapt some older lenses to the GH4 http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16892/looking-how-to-adapt-some-older-lenses-to-the-gh4- Tue, 09 May 2017 22:08:29 +0000 ForrestGray 16892@/talks/discussions Hello!

I recently purchased a Helios 44-2 58mm lens as well as a Jupiter 12 35mm lens. I did a little research and purchased I believed to be the correct adapters to use the lenses on my Panasonic Lumix GH4. Sadly, I've grabbed a 'Keycay L39 to M4/3' and a Fotasy L39 to M4/3 neither which allowed me to focus the lens once secured to the camera.

Im also wondering what kind of adapter would allow me to use the Jupiter lens, as well.

Any input is appreciated!

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18-55mm F4-5.6 EF-S IS STM Canon lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16458/18-55mm-f4-5.6-ef-s-is-stm-canon-lens Thu, 16 Feb 2017 11:44:59 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16458@/talks/discussions image

Specs

  • Versatile 18-55mm zoom range
  • 61.8mm length
  • 4-stop Image Stabilizer
  • STM autofocus
  • Excellent image quality
  • 215g

The new EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM kit lens is an ideal lens to get started with and complements an all-rounder DSLR with the capability to shoot a wide range of pictures, from landscape to portraits. The smallest in its class, the lens is packed with a 4-stop Image Stabilizer for steady low-light or full zoom shots, 7 blade circular aperture for pleasing background blur in portraits. For video scenes Servo AF with near-silent STM is perfect for focusing without distracting noise.

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16mm T2.6 Samyang VDSLR lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16782/16mm-t2.6-samyang-vdslr-lens Fri, 21 Apr 2017 04:01:55 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16782@/talks/discussions image

Global optics brand, Samyang Optics (http://www.samyanglensglobal.com) announce a new VDSLR 16mm T2.6 lens, designed specifically for video shooting with uncoupled gear rings with T numbers. This launch adds one more VDSLR cine lens to the existing 12 lenses for DSLR cameras.

Since 2012, Samyang Optics has released its VDSLR lenses based on the needs of professional videographers. Satisfied with the image quality of Samyang manual focus photo lenses, videographers required the brand to customize the lenses with uncoupled gear rings and T numbers for follow focus system and maintain the image quality. As a result of this new launch there is now a total of 19 video lenses: 13 for DSLR cameras and 6 for mirrorless cameras.

Inheriting the renowned image quality of Samyang’s wide-angle lenses, the new VDSLR 16mm T2.6 completes the VDSLR cine lens line-up. This angle of view is commonly used by directors of photography around the globe for its versatile usage for wide-angle, emotional scenes in film and videos. Along with the existing 14mm, 20mm and 24mm, this new 16mm lens will realize the delicate changes in the scenes.

The full range of Samyang VDSLR Cine Lenses for full frame sensors range from the 8mm fisheye through to a 135mm telephoto lens, for DSLR Cameras with APS-C sensor sizes lenses range from 8mm to a 50mm lens.

As a ‘Total Imaging Solution’ optics brand, Samyang Optics now offers 51 lenses: 2 premium XP photo lenses, 2 autofocus lenses, 19 manual focus photo lenses, 19 cine lenses and 9 professional video-cine lenses specifically under the XEEN brand.

Suggested retail price £529.00 inc VAT

Availability: June 2017

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Synchronized Motion Control for Single Focus of Anamorphic Projection Lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16788/synchronized-motion-control-for-single-focus-of-anamorphic-projection-lens Sat, 22 Apr 2017 07:34:43 +0000 RapidoTechnology 16788@/talks/discussions Rapido Single Focus Solution is the only solution that achieves single focus of anamorphic projection lens by digitally synchronize the taking lens and the anamorphic projection lens through encoded follow focus unit, and motor controlled focus ring.

Check out the video here:

and here:

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85mm F2.4 Zeiss Loxia lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15735/85mm-f2.4-zeiss-loxia-lens Thu, 15 Sep 2016 03:24:17 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15735@/talks/discussions image

Specs

The Loxia 2.4/85 is the youngest member of our manual focus lens family for Sony α7 series cameras. So the already available three focal lengths of the lens family – Loxia 2.8/21, Loxia 2/35 and Loxia 2/50 – are supplemented with a lens in the tele range. Specially designed for mirrorless full-frame cameras with E mount, the compact ZEISS Loxia lenses are the ideal choice for travel and street photographers who value light and compact camera equipment. “In terms of its technology and the feel of its surface, the Loxia 2.4/85 fits perfectly with the existing focal lengths, and is particularly well suited for portrait photography,” says Christophe Casenave, product manager with ZEISS Camera Lenses. The Loxia 2.4/85 will be available in stores starting December 2016.

The new Loxia 2.4/85 with its seven lens elements in seven groups has been designed for digital sensors and is based on an optimized ZEISS Sonnar design.

The lens has a minimum object distance of 0.80 meters. The manual focus ring has a rotation angle of 220 degrees and enables the subtlest variations of focusing. The large aperture of f/2.4 combined with the high-quality optical design ensures an appealing bokeh. The electronic interface transfers lens data (EXIF) as well as focus movements. Additionally, if desired by the user, this activates the camera’s loupe function. “Precise manual focusing with hard stop and the mechanical setting of the aperture (working aperture priority mode) provide sophisticated photographers who don’t want to leave everything to the camera abundant possibilities for composition,” Casenave adds.

Videographers also don’t come off badly with the new Loxia. Again the well-known de-click function is on board. This allows for mechanically deactivating the click stops on the aperture ring — a condition for silent and infinite adjustments of the aperture. As a result, the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85 is also an attractive lens for video cameras that have an E mount, such as the Sony PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS5. The overall package comprises a robust metal barrel, the filter diameter of M52 (which is identical across all focal lengths) and protection against penetration of dust and spray onto the lens mount. In addition, the external diameter, which is uniform across all ZEISS Loxia lenses, simplifies film shoots.

Global delivery of the ZEISS Loxia 2.4/85 will begin at the beginning of December 2016. The lens shade is included with delivery. The recommended retail sales price is 1,399 euros (including 19% VAT in Germany) or 1,399 US$.

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12mm F2.8 Meike lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15616/12mm-f2.8-meike-lens Tue, 30 Aug 2016 10:23:08 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15616@/talks/discussions image

  • 12 glass elements in 10 groups, APS-C coverage
  • Aperture range of F2.8 - F22
  • Minimum focusing distance is 10cm
  • Diameter is 78mm
  • Removable lens hood
  • Lens pouch.
  • Sony E, MFT, Fuji X, Nikon 1 and Canon EF-M
  • 360g
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KIPON speed booster analog adapters http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/9085/kipon-speed-booster-analog-adapters Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:27:59 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 9085@/talks/discussions image

image

Shipping: since January 10
Price: $300

http://kipon.com/en/articledetail.asp?id=62

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45-200mm F4-5.6 II Lumix G Power OIS Panasonic 2017 lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16271/45-200mm-f4-5.6-ii-lumix-g-power-ois-panasonic-2017-lens Wed, 04 Jan 2017 06:38:50 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16271@/talks/discussions image

Preorder - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1304870-REG/panasonic_h_fsa45200_lumix_g_vario_45_200mm.html

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90mm F2.5 Macro m43 Kowa lens http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/16478/90mm-f2.5-macro-m43-kowa-lens Mon, 20 Feb 2017 10:06:21 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 16478@/talks/discussions image

Specs and price will be available at CP+ start

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85mm F1.4 Yongnuo AF lens topic http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/15977/85mm-f1.4-yongnuo-af-lens-topic Tue, 01 Nov 2016 12:33:07 +0000 Vitaliy_Kiselev 15977@/talks/discussions image

Present on their photo on site.

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Manual lens rebuilding http://personal-view.com/talks/discussion/43/manual-lens-rebuilding Mon, 02 May 2011 15:53:54 +0000 svart 43@/talks/discussions
Rebuilding/cleaning lenses is not a simple thing to do. The work is physically easy but any small slip up can render the lens unusable. Also, in most lenses if you take the helicals apart and then attempt to put them back together later, the helicals will line up a hundred different ways but only one way will be right. IF you take the helicals apart, be VERY sure that you have marked them somehow or you'll be in for a hard time.

I have been building up a set of manual nikon lenses, primarily AI series lenses. I've been buying cheap lenses that usually have stuck focuses since this is really an easy way to get lenses for less than premium price, as long as you can work on them. This isn't without potential issues as a lot of sellers will tell you the obvious problems but either won't know all of the details or they just won't tell you all the details. Some lenses have even been taken apart previously and put together wrong.. In short, there might be more problems with these lenses than you know about, so be prepared.

Anyway, I can't go into detail about how to rebuild a lens since each lens is different and might need different work done but I can share some of the issues I had.

One of the issues was re-greasing the lens helicals. Tons of websites and forums claim to have the magic formulas for helical grease or they'll tell you that some strange brand works the best. Some sell you tiny little amounts of grease for lots of money while others mention greases that haven't been available for decades.

I've tried a lot of different greases and here's what I found:

Forget any organic grease.

Anything marked NLGI 2 is going to be too thick. This includes pretty much any of the "bicycle" or automobile greases that are touted on a lot of lens websites. They make the lenses feel solid but focusing takes considerable force which may cause the lens to "bob" back and forth while focusing(also known as lens breathing) and/or shift in the mounts. Both of which ruin shots.

NLGI 1 is better but some of the greases are sticky while some are more jelly-like and offer very little metal-to-metal protection. Most of these are made to grease plastic gears or O-rings. A lot of these greases are PAO based oils with thickeners to make them more grease-like.

PAOs are the base chemicals for synthetic oils like Mobil 1 automobile oils. They tend to stick to metals pretty well and they never separate under heat and pressure like organic oils.

Many of the websites I read said nothing about using oils and the few that did said never to use oils. They never specified what kind or even if they had tried it. I found that synthetic motor oil felt the best and offered the most metal-to-metal protection in the helicals. I even performed a test where I heated the lens helicals up to see if the oil would run out. It did not, generally because synthetic oils actually thicken up slightly when heated.

I wanted a PAO based oil with a sticky property that had PTFE(teflon). I found Super Lube 51004. It's a high viscosity PAO based oil with PTFE. a few small dabs of oil on the helicals and the lenses move smoothly and easily with no "whispering" that you get with metal/metal contact. Just don't use too much, a small amount is all that is needed.


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