lenses

When a company more or less tells you that Leica can't effectively come up with a high-quality lens for its mount, that makes you pause. But that seems to be the rationale behind Panasonic's latest X series "premium" lens announcements. In this case, the term seems to apply less to the optics--Leica's reputation is safe there--than to the features and technology. And I have to admit, when Panasonic briefed us about the lenses, they seemed pretty cool. Dubbed the "Lumix X series," they incorporate lever-based electronic zooms along with manual focus and servoelectronic … Read more

Sure we've seen our share of lens mugs, but Photojojo's Shot Glass Lens Set is a first. Made from ceramic, the $18 set consists of three individual shot glasses made to look like exact replicas of Canon's EF 24-105mm L lens, albeit in miniature.

The designers even included detail such as ridges on the focus ring and an on/off autofocus switch to make them look more realistic. If you're not a fan of alcohol, they can be used as to hold toothpicks, paperclips, and other small items.

(Source: Crave Asia via Photojojo) … Read more

Adding to its lineup of basic lenses for DX shooters, Nikon unveiled a $279.95 40mm f2.8 macro (which Nikon refers to as "Micro") lens, the AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G.

Taking into account the APS-C magnification factor, the lens has the same effective angle of view as a 60mm lens on a full-frame camera. Other key specs include the ability to focus as close as 6.4 inches and a 7-blade iris. It uses Nikon's version of a quiet focusing motor so it should be good for shooting video as well.

It lines up next to the cheaper 35mm f1.8 (about 52.5mm equivalent) in Nikon's lens lineup, which is cheaper, but which can't focus as closely. It sounds like a nice addition, especially for small product photography, such as jewelry.

The AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G is slated to ship in August.… Read more

If you've always had a soft spot for your camera lenses, you might want one of Plushtography's latest lens pillows. "Made with fleece, felt, and a little bit of love," they are handmade and bear an uncanny resemblance to the real deal--right down to the font type and markings used on the distance scale of the lens. Only they're a lot bigger.

If these plushy lens pillows strike your fancy, you can preorder Canon's entry-level 50mm F1.8 and Nikon's 35mm F1.8 prime lenses at $35 each, while Canon's flagship short telephoto 24-105mm F4 zoom lens can be had for $65.

(Source: Crave Asia via Photojojo)… Read more

A couple of years back, Lomography started selling Diana F+ adapters for Canon and Nikon digital SLRs for use with its inexpensive plastic lenses, effectively turning your high-end digital SLR into a toy camera. But why stop with just one manufacturer of plastic lenses?

Those of you who want to experiment with another lo-fi photography option (you know, beyond using software to reproduce the effects), should check out Holga Direct's line of lenses--especially if you have an interchangeable lens camera.

Though the site carries lens sets for Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Sony, and Pentax SLRs, it also has kits for Olympus PEN, Panasonic Lumix G, Samsung NX, and Sony NEX ILCs.

A single lens will only set you back $24.99, while its Kitchen Sink set comes in at just $108.99.

(Via CNET Australia) … Read more

With DealExtreme.com's latest handheld fan, shutterbugs can cool off in style. Powered by two AAA batteries, the handheld fan mimics the design of Canon's 70-200mm EF telephoto lens, albeit in a miniature, palm-size version.

All you need to do is uncap the top cover to reveal two fan blades, flip the switch, and voila: instant coolness. The device is made entirely of plastic and claims to feature low power consumption for extended use.

Available in black and gray, the SLR zoom lens-shaped handheld cooling fan even comes with a free carrying strap. The unique gadget costs $5.60, including shipping.

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

Hipstamatic is an extremely popular app that turns your iPhone's digital camera into an old-school single-shot camera of the past to give your images that grainy, washed-out (in a good way) retro look. The interface is a bit confusing at first, but you'll soon figure out how to switch between different types of retro film, different types of lenses, and even effects for different kinds of flashes. You can switch between each of the different variables with a swipe of your finger, with dramatically different results depending on the combination you choose before taking your snapshot.

We've … Read more

Those who live and breathe photography never leave their cameras too far out of sight. When they're not taking pictures though, die-hard shutterbugs might find a cool fashion statement in the Lens Bracelet.

Designed by San Diego-based professional photographer Adam Elmakias, the silicone bracelet resembles a portion of a lens barrel. It comes in two colors, black and white. Lens information such as focal length and an "AF/MF" switch are embossed in white (black for the white bracelet), with the bracelet showing great attention to detail.

In an initiative to help those affected by the recent disaster in Japan, 50 percent of proceeds from the sale of the Pro Japan (70-200) bracelet will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

Elmakias initially used the bracelets as a promotional tool for his photography business, but now ships them to more than 50 countries. The Lens Bracelets go for $10 apiece.

(Source: Crave Asia) … Read more

The latest lens accessory Lensbaby pulls out of its quiver targets pickier users who want better build quality and smoother focus and tilt operation than the company's previous products offered. The Lensbaby Composer Pro will come in two configurations: $300 equipped with the Double Glass Optic, or $400 with the Sweet 35 Optic. The older Lensbaby Composer will remain available at a lower price of $250 (with the Double Glass Optic).

If you've never heard of Lensbaby's products, they're adapters for a variety of dSLR and Micro Four Thirds lens mounts which deliver relatively inexpensive manual-focus … Read more