New Sigma 70-200mm OS review by Kurtmunger (+ new 15mm lens speculation…)

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Kurtmunger (Click here) posted a new Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens review: “I used three lenses for this review, and all three seemed about the same in image quality, so I’m thinking the quality control for this lens is ok.“…”The Sigma 70-200mm OS build quality is good, (but not as good as the Sony), and it offers the same type of fast, almost silent focusing system that Sony uses (SSM). Unfortunately, there are a couple of things missing on the lens that should be included at this price range; like some focus hold buttons and a focus limiter option to speed up focusing in certain situations.”…”Overall, I think the Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8 HSM telephoto zoom lens with optical stabilization is not all that impressive considering the price tag is in the neighborhood of the excellent Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 G.”

Direct Links to the Sigma 70-200mm F/2.8 EX lens: [shopcountry 6455] Direct Links to the Sony 70-200mm F/2.8 lens: [shopcountry 6369]

Kurt also sent me the following info: “Just thought I’d relay some info on the new flash (HVL-F43AM) from Sony. I noticed it has a 15mm diffuser, which means Sony may be coming out with a 15mm lens at some point in the future, or it could be just a typo.  I put a specs chart on my homepage, and my thoughts on it.”

Let’s hope he is right ;)

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(SR3) New Sony NEX firmware coming soon? (+ still no announcement date for the NEX-3C)

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As you know my contact form didn’t work for the last 20 days. I am slowly catching up with the rumor messages I missed. I do hope my sources can give me an answer to the following message I received today:

“My [shoplink 3000]NEX-3[/shoplink] is now in the hands of techs in Larado, Texas getting its brains re-installed. Tech support person assured me that: ->we are aware of the problem and a fixed and proper firmware updater will be posted any day.<- Meanwhile, DO NOT use the firmware updater if you have an Intel Mac running 10.6.”

Did you hear something about the new firmware?

P.S.: Sony has still to decide when the NEX-3C will be announced. But I got some more info I will post soon on SAR.

Reminder: When you buy a NEX-5 or NEX-3 you get an $150 instant rebate when you buy it with both the 16mm and the 18-55mmm lenses. Check at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).

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Need some smart guy that can decipher the new Sony lens patent

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The image on top shows an image of a new Sony lens patent. What looks so simple has in reality a very complicated description and I haven’t figured out yet the specs of the lens. It looks like patent writers sometimes do have fun to hide the real specs behind tons of data. I would appreciate the help of some smart guy! Here is the link to the new patent filed in September 2010: http://www.freepatentsonline.com/20110085248.pdf

And did you understand something? :)

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Go fast: Canon 50mm f/0.95 on Sony NEX

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[shoplink 6433 ebay][/shoplink] If you need fast lenses for your NEX than you have to look for interesting third party lenses. As you know weeks ago I posted a news about the possibility to use the Micro Four Thirds Nokton 25mm on a Sony NEX. But he lens doesn’t fully cover the larger APS-C sensor and it’s a bit questionable if it makes sense to use that lens on your NEX camera. Some of our readers sent me possible alternative lenses which do cover the full image circle. One of the most interesting lenses is certainly the [shoplink 6433 ebay]50mm f/0.95[/shoplink] from Canon. Here is a list of links on Flickr:
– An image of the NEX-5 with the lens attached (by Eldech on Flickr)
– A second image of the lens on the NEX (by Nico on Flickr)
– Image samples (by Nico on Flickr) There are many nice images!

See the current Canon 50mm f/0.95 on [shoplink 6433 ebay]eBay (Click here)[/shoplink]. The lens costs more or less like the [shoplink 5973 ebay]Nokton 25mm for NEX[/shoplink].

If you have more images to show feel free to share them on SonyAlphaRumors! Thanks!

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Bhphoto and Adorama will close from April 18th to April 26th (Nex and A55 deals)

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A quick reminder for our readers from US. The two biggest photo online stores will be closed in observance of Passover from Monday, April 18th, through Tuesday April 26th. As I mentioned yesterday I do expect shortages and maybe price increments on some Sony products because of the recent Tsunami-Nuclear disaster.

If you do plan to buy a camera or lens than it might be the right time to start shopping! Here are quick links to tour affiliate stores: [shopcountry 3003].

And here is a quick deal reminder:
1) When you buy a NEX-5 or NEX-3  you get an $150 instant rebate when you buy it with both the 16mm and the 18-55mmm lenses. Check at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
2) You save $230 on the new Sony A55 and 18-250mm Lens Bundle at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and BHphoto (Click here).
3) You can get discounted used camera kits at BHphoto (Click here).

I will check tomorrow if there are deals in Europe. It take smuch more time to check dozens of online stores for every european country :(

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Sony announces the HVL-F43AM Flash and accessories for Alpha cameras.

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Sony just announced new Sony Alpha Camera Accessories:
HVL-F43AM external flash with GN43, Quick Shift Bounce adjustment, wireless ratio control and dust/moisture resistant design. Price $350.
VCT-55LH bracket is versatile mounting bracket that offers space for mounting additional ISO cold shoe accessories. Price $50.
LCS-AMB soft carrying case protects A-mount camera and attached standard zoom lens while traveling. Price $50.
ALC-SH111 lens hood shades cameras from direct sunlight to prevent glare and lens flare. Price $20. UPDATE: The lens hood is made for the 35mm f/1.8 and the 85mm f/2.8 specifically (Thanks DYna for reminding us that).

P.S.: Direct links to the Sony 35mm f/1.8 at [shopcountry 6422] and the Sony 85mm f/2.8 at [shopcountry 5979].

You can read more at Sony.eu.

At least we have something new we can buy :)  I will go for the flash! And you?

Choose the three FE lenses Sigma should make as first:

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Sony announces the 18-252mm mega zoom…but for PL-mount.

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Image on top: The Sony F3 with PL-mount

You can see the first images of the 18-252mm Super35mm lens at Dslrnewsshooter.com (via Noisycamera). It uses the PL mount and not the Alpha mount! That because it has been developed for the new Sony F3 and Sony F65. It starts with a f/3.8 aperture. Price is to be determined and availability is said to be winter 2011.

We have to wait a little while before to see new Alpha and E-mount lenses…

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