Photo kit
In association with
So far we have concentrated on mirrorless lenses from the marque brands themselves, but there are plenty of high-spec optics from independent makers, especially for Sony E- and MFTmounts. Third-party makers are usually driven by expected demand so, as the popularity of Canon R, FujifilmX and Nikon Z cameras grows, it will be a surprise if we don’t see more optics from independent brands. But so far the choice isn’t as wide now, although Laowa is one brand with offerings in those mounts. It is true, though, that many existing independent DSLR fit lenses will work on mirrorless Canons and Nikons via the appropriate adapter. As well as the L-Mount, Sigma also has options for Canon EF-M, MFT and Sony E-mount, but there’s nothing yet for Canon EOS R, FujifilmX or Nikon Z. Tamron’s latest zoom is a Sony E fit 70-180mm f/2.8, which is remarkably compact for a high-spec, fast aperture telephoto zoom. Tokina has its Fírin family for Sony E cameras and recently came out with a 85mm f/1.8. Another new Sony E fit lens is the really compact Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8. Continuing our tour of mirrorless options, we have Zeiss with its Batis, Loxia and Touit lenses for mirrorless models. Voigtländer has lenses for MFT and Sony mirrorless mounts and you can’t help but be tempted by its Nokton lenses. These are manual focus lenses with superfast maximum apertures, such as the 40mm f/1.2 for Sony E and five f/0.95 lenses for MFT cameras. Amid all the marketing noise about mirrorless, you might think all interest in DSLR lenses had long gone Well, on the contrary, for the simple reason that there’s a huge number of DSLR owners out there. DSLRs continue to sell well because they offer great value and many photographers prefer using an optical viewfinder, so we’re still seeing innovation in that market. Last year, we tested the Irix 11mm f/4 for Canon EF and Nikon F, an incredibly wide rectilinear lens, and fromNikon we had the 500mm f/5.6E, a remarkably compact lens of this focal length. It’s an exciting time for the imaging industry, with so much innovation and an ever-evolving landscape. You might think that’s good or bad, or you might not care at all because you’re content with what you have, and that’s perfectly fair. After all, it is the end result that matters. What this new technology offers are different ways to realise the final result – that’s part of the fun of modern imaging. And Photography News is on hand to keep you up to date with all the latest revelations. “It’s an exciting time for the imaging industry, with somuch innovation ”
In association withmpb.com MPB makes trading in and upgrading your photo equipment fast, easy and safe. All imaging brands are catered for and the MPB service is not just for cameras of all formats and lenses, but it also buys and sells accessories like flashguns, bags and tripods. If you are trading in your existing kit, whether for cash or looking to part-exchange, the process starts by going to the mpb.comwebsite. To sell, all you do is start entering the name of the kit you have and you’ll find, as you type, that a drop-down menu appears. The odds are, your itemwill be on it, so just click on the right product. Next, you fill in your details, specify whether you are selling for cash or trading in and then describe the item’s condition – again, using the drop-down menu. With that done, just hit the ‘Get an instant quote’ button, and a short while later you will get an offer. If you accept it, just carefully box up your kit and agree a courier collection date. There’s no extra cost to you. Once MPB has looked at your kit, checked that it matches your description and that’s it’s in working order, you’ll get a confirmation email and payment or delivery of your new kit organised. The process really is that simple and painless, so if the idea of changing gear appeals or you just want some cash from your unwanted photo kit, visit mpb.com now.
ABOVE Vestrahorn in Iceland, captured using a Nikon Z 7 with a 14-30mm f/4.5 zoom at the 21mm setting
Pick and mix lenses
Using adapters to allow the mixing and matching of lenses of different mounts on camera bodies is far from new. But you could rarely achieve infinity focus or any connection between the body and the lens for autofocus or exposure control with DSLRs. The situation has changed totally with the arrival of thinner-bodied mirrorless cameras and their shorter flange
focal lengths. Infinity focus is no longer an issue and, in
many cases, autoexposure and autofocus is possible as well.With cameras boasting in-body image stabilisation, there’s a potential benefit there, too. Most lens adapters are optics free, so the lens’s optical performance is unchanged, but we are seeing some that do feature
Nikon lens on a FujifilmX-T4 via a Fotodiox adapter. Focus is manual, aperture control is basic and there’s limited EXIF data, but you get infinity focus and the benefit of a 1.5x crop. For the 70-300mm zoom here, the effective range in 35mm terms is 105-450mm
Canon and Nikon, when they introduced their new full-frame mirrorless systems with new mounts, also brought out adapters (Canon has three) to keep their legions of owners happy. So, they could invest in the new cameras while retaining full use, including autofocus, of their existing lenses. Whether you are keen to enjoy lenses from your current system or old legacy lenses on a new mirrorless body, the option is out there. It always pays to just double- check compatibility and what features are offered before buying.
optics. That does means an impact on optical quality.
Sigma’s MC-11 mount converter lets you fit Canon EOS EF fit or Sigma SA-mount lenses on to Sony E-mount camera bodies. Sigma’s APS-C lenses (DC/DN) can be used with APS-C Sony bodies with no extra setting
fotodioxpro.com metabones.com ukdigital.co.uk
NEXT MONTH Build your dream camera system
ABOVE Nikon’s FTZ adapter means most Nikon F lenses can be used on Zmirrorless bodies with autofocus and autoexposure
sigma-imaging-uk.com srb-photographic.co.uk
Go to photographynews.co.uk for more Summer Festival content. Features coming up this month include how to fix lens distortion in post production and caring for your lenses
Issue 78 | Photography News 9
photographynews.co.uk
Powered by FlippingBook