Photo Review Reviews section

Tamron AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II Lens

9 Rating

A compact and affordable extended-range zoom lens that will suit travelling photographers.In its new AF18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro lens, Tamron has provided an impressive 13.9x zoom magnification yet only added 0.2 mm in diameter and 0.6 mm in overall length to the dimensions of the AF18-200mm Di-II lens. Designed specifically for DSLR cameras with ‘APS-C’ sized image sensors, this lens covers the equivalent of 27-375mm on Nikon, Pentax and Sony camera bodies and 28.8-400mm on a Canon DSLR. We tested the lens on the new Nikon D60, which lacks a built-in focus drive motor and, therefore, relies on the AF motor in the lens for all autofocusing.

Tamron AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro Lens

9 Rating

An affordable lens with good performance for photographers seeking a one-lens-for-all-purposes solution.With a zoom ratio of 13.9x, Tamron’s new AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro lens provides a good single-lens option for DSLR photographers whose cameras have APS-C sized imagers. Weighing less than half a kilogram with the supplied lens hood attached it covers focal lengths equivalent to 27-375mm when fitted on a Nikon, Pentax or Sony DSLR camera or 28.8-400mm on a Canon DSLR.

Sony SAL85F14Z Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA Lens

9 Rating

A fast, high-performance prime lens that is ideal for portraits and candid photography.The name alone should be an assurance to knowledgeable photographers that the Sony CZ Planar T* 85mm F1.4 ZA is no ordinary lens and the ‘Planar’ tag reflects its noble ancestry. The original Planar was a six-element symmetrical lens designed by physicist, Paul Rudolph, at Carl Zeiss in 1896. It was very popular with serious photographers for its speed and pictorial qualities and offered consistent performance over a wide range of imaging ratios.

Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens

8.8 Rating

A compact, lightweight all-in-one 15x zoom lens for cameras with APS-C sized sensors.Announced early in December 2010, Tamron’s 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens introduces a new PZD (Piezo Drive) ultrasonic motor that delivers faster and quieter autofocusing. Claimed as the world’s most compact, lightweight lens with a 15x zoom ratio it is designed for DSLR cameras with APS-C sized sensors and is initially available in Canon and Nikon mounts, with a Sony mount without VC stabilisation to follow in May.

Sony GPS-CS3KA GPS Kit

9 Rating

A compact GPS data logger for tagging image and video files with location information.Sony’s GPS-CS3KA data logger replaces the CS1 unit and is offered as an accessory for the company’s Cyber-shot cameras. However, it also works well with Alpha DSLRs and can be used with cameras from other manufacturers – as long as they record to SD, SDHC or Memory Stick Duo cards.

Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM Lens

8.8 Rating

A fast, high-performance 50mm prime lens for DSLR cameras from Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony.The 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM is the first large-aperture 50mm prime lens to be manufactured by Sigma and the company has gone to considerable lengths to include the latest designs and technology. Unlike the 50mm f/1.4 primes from other manufacturers, which use designs that hark back to the 1970s, this lens is bang up-to-date, with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensuring silent, high-speed AF; a non-rotating front element and a moulded aspherical optical component.

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM Lens

8.5 Rating

A very fast prime lens that covers a ‘normal’ angle of view and is designed for ‘APS-C’ format DSLR cameras.Designed exclusively for DSLR cameras with ‘APS-C’ sized image sensors, Sigma’s 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM lens is solidly constructed and available in mounts to suit all popular brands – including Olympus and Panasonic. On the Canon EOS 40D and 400D cameras we tested it on, this lens equates to a 48mm lens on a 35mm camera – which is close to a ‘standard’ viewing angle. It cannot be used on DSLRS with ‘full frame’ sensors because it vignettes at the corners of the frame.

Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Lens

8.5 Rating

A compact 13.9x wide-angle zoom lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C-sized image sensors.Sigma’s new 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is designed as an all-in-one lens for digital photographers with APS-C-sized (DX) sensors who don’t want to carry more than one lens. Covering focal lengths ranging from the 35mm equivalent of 27mm to 375mm with most camera brands (28.8mm to 400mm on Canon bodies) it offers a 13.8 times zoom ratio. A built-in Hybrid Optical Stabiliser is provides for shake reduction in both shots and the viewfinder image.

Sekonic Digital Master L-758DR Light Meter

Claimed as the world’s first multi-function light meter with exposure profiling and wireless triggering, the Sekonic Digital Master L-758DR has been designed for professional photographers who shoot with advanced digital cameras but can also be used by photographers who shoot film. No light meter we’ve encountered offers such a wide range of capabilities.