Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras

You looking to find the "Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras" Good news! You can purchase Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Feature

• Accepts 82mm size filters
• Variable zoom offers excellent image definition and increases your creative possibilities, when compared to a standard 50mm 'normal' lens
• The use of two (2) SLD (The Special Low Dispersion) glass elements results in excellent correction of chromatic aberration
• The lens materials used in this new lens are lead and arsenic free ecological glass

Product Description

Large aperture zoom starting from 24mm and realizing a maximum aperture F-value of 2.8 As for the front element does not rotate at the time of focusing.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras Review

I had read quite a few reviews of this lens before buying it for my D300. Some were great and others not so great. I picked it up to use as a portrait lens for location shoots. I haven't experienced any problems whatsoever. Some say it's soft at f2.8. Not mine. Tack sharp at all focal lengths. Some say the Autofocus is noisy(loud.) Not mine. Or maybe I'm just not that picky. If noisy means you can hear it then...yeah it can be noisy. Some say that the autofocus hunts. Not mine. In fact this lens focuses so fast I was amazed. Color rendition is good. Contrast is good. Bokeh is nice and smooth.

People raved about the Nikon 18-200vr so I bought one. It's soft and slow in my experience. It was "ok" on my D70 but its flaws were multiplied on my d300. So even with the good reviews of this lens I was really worried about buying it but the price made me give it a try. I'm so glad I did. I could easily slip into another good Sigma or halfway decent Nikon lens with the money I saved over going with the Nikon equivalent. It makes me wonder how their competitor to Nikon's 18-200vr stacks up.

My only "complaint" about this lens is that the zoom ring is small, stiff, and at the base of the lens. It's sometimes hard to get to and a bit backward from what I'm used to. A minor annoyance is that switching to manual focus is a 2 step process. The lens will stay in autofocus even after locking the clutch down as long as the camera is still in autofocus. Be careful with this because you could damage your camera's motor drive if you have a tight grip on your lens. You'll know the lens is set to manual when you try to focus and the focus ring turns on its own. I also found it odd that the lens is at it shortest when zoomed all the way in and longest when backed off to 24mm. Strange...maybe I'm missing something here but all my other zooms are the opposite.

It's big and bulky. I actually like this because I have big hands and find it easier to stabilize heavier equipment. And as dumb as it sounds...it looks good on the camera. Those out of "the-know" will judge you based on these types of things at times.
Nice big lens = professional right?
As long as you're a potential paying customer...um...yeah! Of course!

I haven't had a chance to try it out yet but I've heard some people complain about lens flare and that hood is useless to protect against it. I like lens flare and use it creatively in my own photography so it's not anything I would consider a minus. For me a lens hood is something I use to keep from bumping the end of my lens into stuff. I can see though how people could get annoyed if it's unexpected. But if you're getting unexpected flare in your shots you're not doing your job as a photographer and paying proper attention to your scene.

Update 6/17/2008
I've been shooting with this lens for a few weeks now and my above observations are accurate. However the lens flare issue is a bit more than I thought. I had a hard time getting the "touch of flair" I like in some backlit shots. It was more like "holy crap that's a lot of flair!" The hood does seem a bit useless but I tend to bump into stuff so it's good to protect the end of the lens. I'd still buy it and fully recommend it at 5 stars.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Aspherical Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras ...

Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3

You looking to find the "Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3" Good news! You can purchase Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3 with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $353.95    

Product Feature

• Multicoated 50mm F/2.0 Tilt/Shift lens is made with high quality precision type mechanisms
• Tilt / Shift your lens for more control of perspective and depth of field similar to a view camera.
• Camera Body Mount: M 4/3 Camera Body
• Ideal for architectural photography when controlling perspective.
• While photographing interiors, still lives, portraits, objects for advertising it often happens that total control of the depth of field is required. With ordinary lenses, it is achieved via the aperture. The most widespread method to increase the depth of field is to minimize the aperture of the lens. However, it frequently happens that this is not possible: when you close the aperture, it is necessary to increase the exposure. In this case, it is hard to photograph objects in motion, or often even is impossible. With the minimum aperture the lens yields a "dry" unsaturated color image. Using the lens with TILT feature allows to increase or reduce the depth of field at any aperture. When photographing architectural objects, the distance from the lens to upper and lower parts of the object is different. It would result in a distortion known as a "falling building" effect (the parallel vertical lines unnaturally come up to one point). Similar problems arise when photographing a model on a catwalk, interiors, sculptures placed on high stands, paintings and architectural details located at an unreachable height. TS lens allows to compensate perspective distortion, to vary the depth of field and zone of sharpness and soften the image if necessary.

Product Description

50mm f2.0 Tilt/Shift Lens for Micro 4/3 Camera Mount The Multicoated 50mm F/2.0 Tilt/Shift lens is made with high quality precision type mechanisms. Features include an 11mm shift, 8° tilt and 360� rotating plate which makes it capable to correct perspective distortion that is necessary in interior and exterior architectural photography as well as control depth of field in product photography. You can achieve similar effects and movements of a large format camera with this Tilt/Shift Lens on your SLR or DSLR. This lens's excellent multicoated optics allows you to make sharp, contrasted, color perfect images. Aperture is controlled manually, the lens can be shifted 11mm from its normal position, and the direction can be shifted 360 � and locks at 12 angles. Available with mount for: Micro 4/3rds camera Includes: � � MC 50mm f/2.0 Tilt & Shift Lens • Protective caps � � Lens case Specifications: Lens elements: 6 Multicoated Aperture, focal length, mm: 50 Visual Angle, degree: 45 Drawing stroke, mm -1: 50 Center edge: 30 Focusing scale: 0.6m to infinity Aperture scale: f2.0 to f16 Shift, mm: 11 Tilt: +/- 8° Lens rotate: 360 � Thread for light filters: Ø52x0.75 Disperse: 0.019 Weight, kg: 0.95 kg

Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3 Review

well made
comes with no instructions
works well
solid construction
nice case
poor rear lens cap does not stay on
no lens hood

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Photex 50mm f/2 Tilt Shift Lens for Olympus Micro 4/3 m4/3 ...

Acog 1.5 X 16 � Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber

You looking to find the "Acog 1.5 X 16 � Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber" Good news! You can purchase Acog 1.5 X 16  Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $794.33 $778.20   

Product Feature

• Wrapped in a smaller package, at four and half ounces, this ACOG is perfect for fast-moving tactical teams operating in close quarters or for speed-oriented competition venues
• Very compact model Provides weapons like the M16/M4 with excellent fire control capability Targets are easier and quicker to acquire through the 1.5x16 models because of the larger field of view (7.4 degrees) and eye-friendly design
• Includes 1 Compact ACOG Scopecoat (TA62) 1 Medium sized Pelican Case (TA88) 1 Lenspen (LENSPEN) 1 Trijicon Logo Sticker (PR15) 1 Manual 1 Warranty Card
• With Special Ring Short Housing

Product Description

Trijicon ACOG 1.5x16 Compact Riflescope w/Amber Ring & Dot Reticle, Short Ring Housing TA26S-10 1471

Acog 1.5 X 16  Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber Review

I love this thing. The only reason I don't give 5 stars is because if you are in an indoor range the light collected to illuminate the reticle is not enough but take it outside in the sun and man does the green reticle shine. It is so bright when you are outside that you almost want to have a way to turn it down a bit.

This scope has been in my safe and bounced around against some other guns and it held zero just fine. Once mounted feels sturdy enough to use it as a carrying handle.

Worth the money am pleased and recommend.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Acog 1.5 X 16  Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Acog 1.5 X 16 Ring And Dot Reticle, Amber ...

BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte)

You looking to find the "BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte)" Good news! You can purchase BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $356.49 $355.99   

Product Feature

• 8x-26x variable magnification with large 50mm objective lens in a 100% waterproof and fogproof extra rigid shockproof construction
• Fully multi-coated optics
• Side Focus Adjustable Objective and 30mm tube diameter
• 30mm tube diameter
• First Focal Plane Mil-Dot Reticle

Product Description

8-26x50, Benchmark, Side Parallax, Black Matte, 30mm Tube, First Focal Plane Mil-Dot reticle which means that that it tracks proportionally throughout the power ranges no matter what power you have the scope on, Includes 3" Sunshade, Fully Multi-Coated Optics, Side parallax Adjustment, 1/8 MOA Windage and Elevation. Accu Lock adjustment locking system Protected by Barska's Limited Lifetime Warranty. Specifications: Field of View (ft@100yds/m@100m) = 15.2/4.63@8x-3.67/1.11@26x, Exit Pupil = 2-8mm, Eye Relief = 2.7", Click value = 1/8.

BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte) Review

Plain and simple, If you have never seen the hair on a gnats behind, crank this scope to 26x and focus. You will soon see what one looks like. Excellent scope and for a great price. I went to a bunch of stores in my area and all were selling really "top end" expencive scopes. When i sasw the price initially i was thinking i was taking a gamble. Once i got it and played around with the scope a bit i found that i had struck some sort of gold. Good job Braska!

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from BARSKA 8-26x50 Benchmark Targeting Riflescopes 30mm (Black Matte) ...

Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT)

You looking to find the "Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT)" Good news! You can purchase Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $438.65 $367.27   

Product Feature

• Equipped with Elite's 1.0 gain, acoustically transparant screen material gives a sound option to those who need to hide their speakers behind their screen
• Black velvet surface with 2.36" aluminum frame
• Simple design with sliding wall mounts provides an easy installation
• The SableFrame is easy to assemble and a cinch to mount
• 2-year parts and labor premium warranty

Product Description

The SableFrame from Elite Screens is designed to be the end-all, be all solution for the vast majority of those seeking to step-up their home theaters without having to break the bank. Draped with Elite � s award-winning CineWhite material, the Sable series has wide diffusion uniformity to provide equal brightness from any viewing location. This precision designed neutral white gives clear color reproduction and is black-backed to eliminate unwanted light penetration. The SableFrame’s design includes a stylish contoured frame and black velvet surfacing which absorbs excess light overshoot commonly thrown from projectors. The frame has a 2.36" thickness that assembles in minutes, and its sliding wall mounts allow the SableFrame to be perfectly centered the first time with every installation. Now more than ever, the SableFrame is a bold step by Elite into the realm of DIY home theater technology.

Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT) Review

I had a 110 inch Carada at my old house - a great screen, great company - but when it came time to put a screen in my new house I decided to take a chance, save some bucks (hey, new houses are expensive) and try this Elite based on reviews here and over at AVSForum. I'm pretty darn pleased with the end result; using the same projector (currently an Epson 8350) this screen looks just as good as my 1.4 gain Carada did, at about a third of the price (and cheaper shipping too). If you are looking for a quality screen that will help your PJ deliver an excellent picture then this Elite does the job.

I was also impressed with how this screen was packed for shipping. Somewhere in China, a young MBA sat down at the factory that makes and packs this thing and explained in great detail how spending X in up front packing costs would reduce Y in later damage claims. This advice (I assume) was taken to heart because this thing is packed like it is being sent off to war. Prodigious amounts of foam, straps, and hard plastic tubes you could ship an artillery shell in are all present. Should young Jimmy, pulling a second shift down at the docks, have one too many and confuse the left pedal of his forklift with the right, thus driving the blades directly in to the box this screen ships in, I would place better than even odds that it would survive to be hung on someone's wall. That's how well it was packed.

Now for the caveats:

First, having come from the Carada, I didn't realized how spoiled I was when it comes to installation - the Carada's frame is 4 pieces, machined to the nth degree so they fit together easily and perfectly, while the screen itself is secured via many easy to use snaps. If you have a screwdriver handy and any skill at turning it you'll have that screen assembled and ready to go in 10 minutes.

That is not the case with the Elite. Hey, you get what you pay for, and you should only have to assemble it once, right? Just be aware that it's going to take some time, patience (supplanted with beer) and a prodigious amount of swearing to get the job done. One of the reasons this screen is so cheap (and cheap to ship, packing notwithstanding) is because the top and bottom frame pieces are shipped in two parts. In addition to having to assemble this bit (which is easy to do, but hard to master, because you have to be very careful about lining the pieces up right and screwing the bracket in the correct order) it leaves a small but noticeable seam in the top and bottom part of the screen. It's not easy to see (you won't see it sitting down) but it's there if you look. If you are the kind of person bothered by this - you know who you are - then look elsewhere.

The parts are also not machined particularly well, in fact several of the screw holes in mine still had the aluminum cutouts in them, requiring a screwdriver to punch out/remove. I had a fun time getting all the corner pieces inserted correctly, and then lined up so the frame fit together at right angles. Swearing, beer, and a rubber mallet got the job done in the end.

One of many things to watch out for - the "black velvet" look of the frame, which does look very good by the way, is some kind of spray-on felt deal, which attracts pet hair like you wouldn't believe. If you have pets, and you are installing this on a carpeted floor, vacuum first, and vacuum well.

Finally, the screen itself is installed via some plastic tubes you stick around the edges, which are then inserted in to a groove in the frame, which are then held in place by little plastic tabs - about a million of them, if I counted right (the beer might have skewed this total). Add to this the fact that the screen needs to stretch, so by default it is smaller than the inside area of the frame at first, and you are in for a fun afternoon. All I can say is follow the directions on tab order *exactly* and it'll get done.

The good news is, once I had it all up and going, it looked good, the screen itself was tensioned right - no creases, sags, or folds to be seen - and it ended up looking good on my wall, doing a solid job of reflecting the picture my PJ was blasting it with back to my eyeballs.

You can get a better machined screen that looks just as good if not better, but for a far higher price. If you are looking for a budget screen this one does the job - just have a six pack handy, and maybe a buddy, for the install.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Elite Screens ER100WH1-A1080 Sable Fixed Frame Projection Screen (100" 16:9 AR)(AT) ...

Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig

You looking to find the "Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig" Good news! You can purchase Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $359.00 $342.00   

Product Feature

• Lanparte Side Grip 2 universal for all 15mm dslr camera rig
• hollow out design, Save 62% weight
• mold spring lock design, universal adjustable, super easy operation
• spindle connector, 1/4" & 3/8" thread on the arm
• silica gel skidproof handle

Product Description

Lanparte Side Grip 2 universal for all 15mm rod system dslr rig. hollow out design, Save 62% weight. mold spring lock design, universal adjustable, super easy operation. spindle connector, 1/4" & 3/8" thread on the arm.

Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig Review

I was skeptical about this purchase because of the price and not finding a lot of reviews on this particular product. I'm a firm believer of "you get what you pay for" and this item is no exception - I love it! There really is no competitor (at least from what I found) when it comes to handles for your rig with this much versatility. They feel GREAT and it's much sturdier than I was anticipating given the design of the 15mm clamps and having that open end up top. It's still a relatively new purchase for me but from what I can tell with the way they designed the locking mechanisms I don't anticipate any slipping at all when tightened correctly. I really love the fact that there are three separate adjustments to accommodate any type of rig and any type of shooter. Added bonus of folding down when storing. I took a chance with Lanparte products when assembling my "Franken-rig" and I'm really happy that I rolled the dice. Every product I've received from them so far has been top notch quality and it really does look completely pro (if that's a concern of yours).

To wrap things up:

Pro's
- Sturdy
- Comfortable
- Extremely Adjustable
- Compact when storing
- 1/4 20 accessory threads on each side

Con's
- You have to make sure the locking joints are flush when tightening, they will snap into position if you do it right (if you don't, you will experience a slight slip when applying pressure and might give you a scare.)
- They are a tad on the heavy side compared to other handles I've used on rental rigs, but that's to be expected with how heavy duty they are.

If you have the money and you think having those adjustments would benefit you, I'd say go for it - you won't be disappointed.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Lanparte Side Grip 2 Universal for All 15mm Dslr Camera Rig ...