New Gear For 2007: PMA Report; New Lenses For Digital And 35mm SLRs
Peter K. Burian, July, 2007
 Although
most of the new products shown at PMA 2007 were digital, at least some of the
new lenses are just as useful for anyone still shooting with a 35mm SLR system.
While some of the new zooms were designed exclusively for use with D-SLRs with
the APS-size sensor, the multi-platform lenses work perfectly with both analog
and digital cameras. That’s because they project the large image circle
that’s required by a 35mm film frame or by a larger than average digital
sensor. Naturally, they’re fine for use on a D-SLR with the smaller APS-size
sensor that captures only a portion of the image that’s projected by the
lens. And all of the products discussed in this report benefit from superior
multilayered coatings on more elements, intended for superior flare control
regardless of the type of camera that’s used.
On the other hand, there is a benefit to the “digital only” lenses:
a more modest size/weight and often, a lower price because of the smaller glass
elements that are required. Lenses of this type are more compact because they
need to project only the smaller image circle required by D-SLRs with APS-size
sensors. They’re also “digitally optimized,” although the
actual methods vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of lens. In addition
to the superior multilayered coatings, most such lenses include some feature
that’s intended to provide greater brightness and sharpness at the edges
of the frame. That’s a real benefit especially with wide angle zooms,
particularly when they’re used at apertures wider than f/8.
What was particularly interesting at PMA 2007 was the dramatic increase in the
use of ultrasonic focusing systems. A growing number of companies are installing
AF motors into some of their lenses; the list now includes Canon (USM), Nikon
(AF-S/Silent Wave), Olympus (Supersonic Wave Drive), Panasonic/Leica (Extra
Silent Motor), Pentax (Supersonic Drive Motor), and Sigma (HSM). Although the
technology employed by each company may vary significantly, all ultrasonic AF
systems operate on a similar principle. Oscillation (vibrational) energy is
created through friction between internal components, generating force that
causes lens elements to rotate. As a general rule, ultrasonic systems use less
battery power than conventional (in camera) AF motors, operate nearly silently,
produce more constant torque for higher efficiency, and provide quicker starting/stopping
response for more effective autofocus performance. (Editor’s Note: This
may presage the introduction of more D-SLRs that require motor-in lenses, such
as the recently reviewed Nikon D40.)
We also saw a few more lenses with an Optical Image Stabilizer, with Tamron
being the latest manufacturer to announce a product of this type. (Canon, Nikon,
Panasonic/Leica, and Sigma also make some lenses with stabilizers.) And yet,
this trend is likely to slow in the future. That’s because Sony, Pentax,
and now Olympus, are installing mechanical Image Stabilizers inside their D-SLRs,
using a system that shifts the CCD sensor module to compensate for camera shake.
That feature works with all compatible lenses, eliminating the need for a stabilizer
in lens barrels when using any of the pertinent cameras.
Wide Angle Zooms
Probably the finest short zoom that Canon has ever made, the multi-platform
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM should provide the ultimate in edge sharpness and brightness
even at very wide apertures. It’s equipped with three distinct types of
aspherical glass plus two Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) elements to correct all
aberrations and new Super Spectra coatings on more elements to minimize ghosting
and flare. Additional benefits include an ultrasonic ring-type AF system with
new high-speed algorithms, internal focusing, and extensive sealing against
water and dust. Remarkably rugged overall, this large (82mm filter size), heavy
(22.3 oz), and expensive ($1599, street) zoom was designed for professional
photographers or for anyone who insists on superlative image quality at every
aperture.
Pentax is now shipping the first lenses with a fast/silent AF system employing
a Supersonic Drive Motor (SDM) to be available in certain high-grade products
such as the new (digital only) DA* 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL [IF] SDM ($899, street).
As with many other ultrasonic focusing systems, manual focus touch-ups are possible
in AF mode. Do note, however, that only the K10D (and future D-SLRs) can take
advantage of the SDM focus motor; with other models, the camera’s conventional
focus motor must provide autofocus. This is a large/heavy (77mm filter size;
1.2 lbs) professional lens with internal focusing, rugged water/dust-resistant
construction, two ED plus three aspherical glass elements, and multilayered
Super Protect coatings for excellent flare control.
Olympus has announced High Grade (HG) and Super High Grade (SHG) lenses with
ultrasonic focus motor called Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) and a mechanical manual
focusing feature. These include the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 SWD (HG)
and the ED 14-35mm f/2.0 SWD (SHG). (An affordable—not high grade—telephoto
zoom with SWD focus motor will also be available, the ED 50-200mm f/2.8-3.5.)
Specifications and prices were not available at press time, but the SWD focus
motor is compatible with all EVOLT cameras. As the ED designation indicates,
the SWD lenses will incorporate Extra Low Dispersion glass. The HG and SHG series
will also be rugged and of professional caliber in every way. Since they are
Four Thirds mount lenses, the Zuiko Digital products are also compatible with
the Leica and Panasonic Lumix D-SLR cameras, also with a 2x “focal length
magnification” factor.
|
 |
|
|
Telephoto Lenses
By far the largest lens on display at PMA 2007, the massive Sigma AF APO 200-500mm
f/2.8 EX DG prototype was billed as “the world’s first Ultra-Telephoto
Zoom,” providing an approximately 400-1000mm f/2.8 equivalent when used
on a D-SLR camera with APS-size sensor. While the focal length is not unusually
long, it’s the incredibly wide f/2.8 maximum aperture that accounts for
the size of the lens, and hence the weight (about 35 lbs). Because of the huge
optical elements that are required, including four SLD (Special Low Dispersion)
elements for aberration correction, this will be an expensive lens likely to
command close to $10,000.
This new multi-platform Sigma zoom will also include motorized zoom control,
a rotating rear filter holder, and a unique new feature: an LCD data panel that
displays focus distance and the focal length in use. Add the dedicated 2x EX
DG tele-converter (included) and this lens will become a 400-1000mm f/5.6 AF
zoom, providing an (approximately) 800-1600mm f/5.6 equivalent on many D-SLR
cameras. We assume that this monster will primarily be used by professional
sports photographers when shooting from a distant vantage point in low light.
|
