Non-photographic lenses such as projector or spy lenses can be used for taking some stunning photos. But have you considered using a medical lens? Mathieu Stern got to test an Elicar 90mm f2.5 Macro Medical V-HQ, a relatively rare lens that was used by medical professionals in the ‘80s. And it turns out that it’s super sharp and great for close-up shots.
First look at the new Sigma 105mm f/1.4 Art, 70mm f/2.8 Art Macro lenses & E Mount release schedule
One of the things I was most interested in checking out during The Photography Show were the new Sigma lens offerings. Those are the 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, aimed primarily at portrait photographers, and the 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art. So, I sat down for a chat with Paul Reynolds of Sigma Imaging UK. I wanted to find out why the 70mm f/2.8 wasn’t available for Nikon, and I also hoped to get some insight on a release schedule for the new Sony E Mount versions of their existing and new prime lenses.
Sigma launches the 70mm f/2.8 Macro – their first Art series macro lens
This is the first of a number of new announcements from Sigma today. They’ve finally added a macro lens to their Global Vision Art series lenses. That lens is the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art. With an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/22 and offering up to 1:1 magnification, this lens is likely going to be a big hit with macro fans.
While this is a full frame lens, it may be of particular interest to APS-C shooters. On Sony crop bodies, for example, it will offer the same field of view as the popular Nikon 105mm f/2.8VR Micro-Nikkor does on full frame. But it does it with a little more of that depth of field which is oh so scarce at macro distances. Unlike previous Sigma Art series lenses, this one’s available for native Sony E-Mount, too. Although, surprisingly, not Nikon, according to the press release.[Read More…]
The macro lens is the Swiss Army knife of lenses, and this is why you should own one
Macro lenses are often seen as this weird special purpose thing, that only those interested in shooting bugs should buy. But they’re so much more than that. Photographer Peter McKinnon believes everybody should own one. In this video, Peter talks about the versatility of a macro lens. That it can be used for so much more than typical “macro” use.
