Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Announced

Along with the new Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX, Panasonic also announced a new S-series lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro. The compact, lightweight full-frame lens joins two existing “budget” lenses in the LUMIX S system, the LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and the LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 Macro O.I.S.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 Macro lens will be available by the end of March for $799.99.

Pre-order links:

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens: $797.99 at B&HAdorama.

Panasonic LUMIX S 14-28mm f/4-5.6 Macro Lens Features

Covering a versatile wide-angle focal length range, the Panasonic Lumix 14-28mm f/4-5.6 MACRO Lens is well-suited for everything from landscapes and cityscapes to street scenes and architecture. An excellent choice for travel photography and everyday shooting, this full-frame lens delivers beautiful images across the entire zoom range and is a great choice for still photography, vlogs, and other video content.

  • Compact ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for use with full-frame Leica L-mount mirrorless cameras.
  • Minimum focusing distance of just 5.9″ throughout zoom range for working with close-up subjects.
  • Micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change and professional quality video.
  • Optimized for video, an advanced optical design minimizes focus breathing when changing focal lengths.
  • Lens design includes one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, one aspherical element, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements, and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) element.
  • Dust and splash-resistant construction for use in inclement conditions, plus a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against dust, dirt, and smearing.
  • Rounded seven-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh quality.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces a New Compact and Lightweight Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens with Macro Capability

Las Vegas, NV (January 4, 2023) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce a new cost-effective ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO based on the L-Mount system. The LUMIX S Series offers three budget-friendly lenses including the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO (S-R1428), LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 (S-R2060) and LUMIX S 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 MACRO O.I.S. (S-R70300) to cover 14mm ultra wide-angle to 300mm telephoto. All of these lenses achieve high optical performance and stunning mobility fit to LUMIX S5 series cameras for both photo and video.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is comprised of 14 lens elements in 10 groups including one aspherical ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, one aspherical lens, three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and one UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lens. The use of aspherical lenses realizes both high descriptive performance and beautiful bokeh. The three ED lenses effectively suppress chromatic aberration. Despite its compact size and approximately 345g of light weight, the LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO boasts 0.25 (at 14mm) – 0.5x (at 28mm) macro capability. Taking advantage of the minimum focusing distance of 0.15m at entire zoom range, it can be used for close-up shots with beautiful bokeh. It is suitable for versatile situations including sweeping landscape shots in ultra-wide-angle of view.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO is capable of smooth, silent operation to work with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision AF system with the sensor drive at max 240 fps.

For the non-linear setting, focus is shifted with a variable amount according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. Focus is shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for the linear setting. Sensitivity (the amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees to enable intended focus operation¹. The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO also excels in video recording performance with a mechanism that suppresses focus breathing, which was a fatal problem of all interchangeable lenses designed for still image photography. Together with a micro-step aperture control for smooth exposure change, professional quality video can be recorded.

The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO and LUMIX S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens feature a common overall length and position of control parts to provide practical advantages in use. The weight and the center of the gravity of these lenses is similar, making it easy to exchange lenses quickly with minimum balance adjustment when the camera is on a gimbal.

The rugged dust/splash-resistant² design withstands use under harsh conditions even at -10° Celsius for high mobility. A fluorine coating is applied to the front lens element to secure water/oil-repellency. An ND/PL filter with 77mm diameter can be attached.

Panasonic and L-Mount system alliance is committed to the development of L-Mount lenses for the further expansion of its lineup to fulfill the needs of customers.
The LUMIX S 14-28mm F4-5.6 MACRO will be available at valued channel partners for $799.99 at the end of March.

Notes

¹ The maximum sensitivity differs by camera model, up to 1080 degrees on S5II, S5IIX and BS1H (as of January 2023).
² Dust and Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this lens is subjected to direct contact with dust and water.

• L-Mount is a trademark or registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
• Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

New Irix Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1:1 Lens Released

Irix released a new version of their 150mm T3.0 macro 1:1 cine lens for EF/RF/E/Z/MFT/MFT/PL mount. Check availability and pricing at AdoramaAmazon, and B&H.

Irix 150mm cine lens features

  • Ultra HD 8K ready optics with superb image resolution
  • Full Frame 43.3mm coverage
  • Weather-sealed construction
  • Same height aperture and focus rings
  • Similar size and weight
  • Color matched
  • Standard 0.8m pitch mod gears
  • Standard front diameter of 95mm
  • Multiple mounts: Canon EF, Arri PL, Canon RF, Sony E, MFT, Leica L, Nikon Z

Continue reading “New Irix Cine 150mm T3.0 Macro 1:1 Lens Released”

Adorama Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2023

Black Friday is live and here are the Adorama Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2023.

Adorama Camera is one of the top online stores for digital photography and camera gears. In 2023, the store announced their Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals for 2023 shopping season including cameras, lenses, gaming, home electronics, lighting & studio, computers, video, drives, SSD & storage, camera Accessories, drones & sports, audio, musical instruments and more.

Below are the detailed brand saving pages at Adorama: Continue reading “Adorama Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals for 2023”

ON1 2023 Launched

ON1 2023. The new ON1 Photo RAW 2023 is now available to order.  ON1 says the new version is ‘the most significant update in ON1 Photo RAW’s history.’ The software includes many new features, including AI-powered tools designed to make organizing and editing your photos faster and easier.

ON1 Photo RAW is the ultimate photo editor and raw processor. It includes everything you need and it’s the best photo editing software for Mac or Windows. ON1 2023 is available now for $99.99 for a perpetual license for new customers, while previous owners of any ON1 products can upgrade to the 2023 version for $79.99. Continue reading “ON1 2023 Launched”

Meyer Optik Görlitz – Biotar 58 f1.5 II Now Available

Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Biotar 58mm f/1.5 II Lens is now officially released. The new Biotar 58 f/1.5 II lens is available for most camera mounts. The new lens is now available at BHphoto. Here are the details : Continue reading “Meyer Optik Görlitz – Biotar 58 f1.5 II Now Available”

Try Out These 9 Image Editing Tips to Be Creative

Images are a great way to tell a story as they make the content more descriptive and easy to understand for viewers. The ease of consuming information makes the images more prevalent than ever. Today, you can see images pretty much everywhere, from promotional and marketing content to infographics and tutorials.

However, the images have to be self-descriptive and must not require effort to understand the message they carry. Editing plays a huge role in turning an image into marketing collateral. If you are an image editor or a graphic designer, you must know what it takes to edit a picture to create an impressive image.

In this article, we will review some image editing tips so that the readers can practice them on their computers, tablets, or smartphones. Continue reading “Try Out These 9 Image Editing Tips to Be Creative”

Photo RAW version 2022.5 Now Available for Download

ON1 officially released Photo RAW version 2022.5. This is a major update that includes several new features and enhancements including the full integration of ON1 Resize AI into Photo RAW and support for the latest R5C, GH6, OM-1, M11, X-T30 II, and Z9 cameras:

Here are the key features in version 2022.5: Continue reading “Photo RAW version 2022.5 Now Available for Download”

Fujifilm Unveils Latest Development Roadmap for Interchangeable Lenses in X Series of Mirrorless Digital Cameras

Addition of three new XF lenses creates an extensive 42-lens lineup, broadening the X Series’ reach

Valhalla, N.Y., May 31, 2022 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today unveiled its latest development roadmap for interchangeable XF lenses in the X Series of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras. The latest roadmap features the addition of three new lenses: a large-diameter mid-telephoto prime lens, a standard macro lens, and an ultra-wide-angle prime lens.

Fujifilm has been expanding the lineup of XF lenses to broaden the appeal of premium image quality and advanced mobility made possible by the X Mount system1. As part of this expansion, a medium telephoto prime lens joins the new generation of large-aperture prime lenses, which will now cover broad focal lengths from 18mm (wide angle, equivalent to 27mm in the 35mm film format) to 56mm (mid-telephoto, equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm film format). These lenses will offer outstanding image quality and image-resolving power in an extremely broad range of photographic situations.

Additionally, as part of this roadmap, the compact prime series of XF lenses will have two additions: a standard macro lens and an ultra-wide-angle lens. These complement existing lenses in the XF Series by expanding the situations for suitable lens use, catering to users’ diverse needs.

Interchangeable lenses newly added to the roadmap:

XF56mmF1.2 Lens – A fast, medium telephoto prime lens

A mid-telephoto lens to join the new generation of “large-aperture prime lenses” in the XF Series.

XF30mmF2.8 R Macro Lens – A standard macro lens

A compact macro lens with a standard angle of view. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a perfect walkaround lens, covering a wide range of image-making situations including snapshots, landscape, portrait, as well as tabletop photography of foods and accessories.

XF8mmF3.5 Lens – An ultra-wide-angle prime lens

A compact ultra-wide-angle lens that will be the widest X Mount prime lens in the XF Series. Despite the ultra-wide-angle focal length, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal walkaround lens.

“We listened to consumers’ thoughts, wants, and needs, and responded with a comprehensive set of new lenses that will enhance any Fujifilm photographer’s kit,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With our versatile lineup now including 42 lenses, including the three that were just added to the development roadmap, Fujifilm continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping our community find new creative moments through lenses that allow the creator to see things differently.”

XF30mmF2.8 R Macro and XF56mmF1.2 are expected to be available in late 2022. XF8mmF3.5 is expected to be available in early 2023.

1The X Mount is Fujifilm’s lens mount for its X Series of mirrorless digital cameras equipped with an APS-C sensor

What Do You Need to Know Before Buying a Camera?

When you are planning to purchase a camera, it’s probably because you want to take photography beyond your smartphone. You are fond of capturing everything that attracts others’ attention. 

If so, then you need to have a high-end camera that can help you capture amazing images and take your photography skills to the next level. 

However, you need to understand a few things before you purchase a digital camera. 

The article gives you a quick introduction to the features that you must look for in the new camera and the types of devices that you can pick as per your preference. 

Questions You Must Ask Yourself?

Before you buy a camera, ask yourself a few questions. 

What do you want to buy a camera for? Whether you are looking to chase your passion or you are getting it for work? Understand your requirements as it will help you make a wise purchase decision and get you the ultimate device you want. 

What is the overall budget that you can spend exclusively on the camera you need to buy, additional lenses, accessories, and everything? Thorough research will help you know the price of each device and other components you need for extensive photography. 

Let’s now discuss the features that buyers must check while purchasing a camera. 

Memory Card for Storage

Other than the image quality, megapixel range, and zoom quality, there are more aspects that you need to consider while buying a camera. When you are capturing a lot of images and large-size videos, where are you going to save everything? Your camera’s built-in storage will saturate soon with ample multimedia stored on it. 

We are talking about SD cards that you may need to add to the camera for better storage or shoots. We recommend you move data from the camera to your computer and then to an external drive. If you are running out of storage on your computer, refer to more tips on optimizing storage. 

Speed and Performance 

That’s something we all understand and look for while purchasing a camera as we look for the same aspects of smartphone cameras. The MegaPixels (MP) determine the clarity of the image. The higher the megapixels, the sharper the image would be. The ISO indicates how the camera will perform in low-light situations. 

A higher ISO value indicates that you will probably require less light to get the output you desire. Frames per second also affect the quality of the image; however, the FPS rate doesn’t matter until you are capturing a moving picture or videos such as a sports event or wildlife photography. 

Ergonomics

If you are a newbie, opt for a camera that is lighter in weight and comes with compact dimensions. When buying a camera for travel photography, make sure to check the weight and other specifications to avoid buying a device that’s too bulky to hold.

Invest in buying a camera that is easy to carry along and durable. You can visit your nearest store for an in-person shopping experience as you can hold and feel the camera as well as its weight and other features. 

After you complete your search and decide on buying a camera, purchase it from a reputable online store as you may get attractive deals and discounts. 

Interchangeable Lenses

Buying a camera can be a one-time purchase decision for many as it involves a huge investment. You can buy a camera anytime, but you need to invest wisely in lenses. After considering your budget, if you decide to purchase a camera with interchangeable lenses, you open a horizon of endless options. 

More to it, lower number lenses such as 15mm give you a wide angle with more coverage of the scene that you need to capture. Lenses over 85mm work like a telescope and bring farther objects closer. You will get lenses in various sizes and prices, so consider what lens you would want to buy.

Types of Cameras You Can Buy?

  • Point and Shoot

Certainly, the best option when you are planning to purchase a camera for your next vacation. The optical zoom they offer gives you an indifferent experience that your smartphone cannot match. 

  • Bridge Cameras

Quite larger than the point-and-shoot camera, the bridge cameras offer more features with better telephoto and zoom capabilities. They are easy to carry and give you plenty of options when it comes to lenses.  

  • Interchangeable Lens

The options include the popular DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. The availability of quite a lot of lenses makes them one of the popular picks as the photographers get the opportunity to play around with features and be more creative. 

  • Full Frame 

Cameras come in different sizes and features. A full-frame camera implies that the size of the sensor is the same as 35mm negative. The number of pixels in the smaller sensors can be similar to that in full-frame. However, the size of the pixels is smaller.

Meike 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens for APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Meike 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens announced for APS-c mirrorless cameras. The lens is manual focus and it will be available in Sony E, Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z mounts.

The price of the manual focus Meike 7.5mm f/2.8 Lens is $149.99. Check availability at Amazon. The lens is available for Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Fuji X, Canon EF-M and Nikon Z-mount cameras.

The lens is also compatible with the Nikon Z5Nikon Z6 & Z7 full frame mirrorless models when APS-C crop mode is selected. Continue reading “Meike 7.5mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens for APS-C Mirrorless Cameras”