AlphaMountWorld.com

Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 Summary Review

June 2009, Carl Garrard

Our review reveals that Tamron's 70-300mm f/4-f/5.6 LD Macro 1:2 Lens is currently one of the most affordable and versatile lenses in its range. It is a highly popular lens and is available in just about every DSLR mount because its features and performance for the price creates a high demand from photographers of many levels of experience. For the Alpha Mount it offers full frame coverage, a 1:2 macro feature, 9 aperture blades, Limited Dispersion Elements (LD) to control aberrations, elements coated for digital optics, and a full 6 year warranty. It has been widely available since spring of 2006.

Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D Review: The 'Digital' Analog Kid

June 2009, Carl Garrard

Introduced in early 2004, the 6.1 Megapixel Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D DSLR signaled an entry into the Digital SLR market for Konica Minolta. An impressive introduction at the time, the 7D threatened both Canon and Nikon as a viable alternative for a professional DSLR on the marketplace. Today it stands as one of the last cameras that Konica Minolta would ever make, and only one of its total of two DSLRs. Sony has long since taken over the camera division of "KM" and as we all know, have done quite a good job at capitalizing on the merger, as well as the design genius that emerged from Minolta's research and development department. This article is a tribute and review of one of the finest DSLRs ever designed.

ThinkTank Photo-New Multi Media DSLR Bag System

June 2009, Carl Garrard

Recently I began examining ThinkTank Photo products, namely the vast array of photo bags they make. I am not only impressed with ThinkTank Photo, but have recently acquired a Rotation 360 Bag that I am field testing for a review I am preparing. Today I was informed of a new bag and accessories they are working on that should be available in July. They have prepared a video that is linked below, along with a press relase. Watch out for these guys, and there will be more from us on them as well.

Ok, managed to get a few samples of what the new JPEG engine is doing to high ISO shots. These are all hand held, and more technical shots will follow on the final review. However, I wanted to post some images for all of you before I dig down deep for the rest of the day off writing in my dungeon. Roll over the samples for some basic information on each, both NR ON and NR OFF Samples are included. All were shot with the 18-55mm SAM kit lens at f8, AWB etc. Exif in tact no alterations made to the full sized Jpegs.

Sony Releases New Alphas- A230, A330, A380 Preview (Update Specifications Added)

May 2009, Carl Garrard

Today Sony announced updates to all three of their very successful and popular entry level DSLRs the A200, A300, and A350, with the new Sony Alpha A230, A330, and A380. Our first look preview shows that all three have similar but radically changed exterior aesthetics over the DSLRs they succeed. There are many changes to the new Alphas despite seemingly similar spec sheets to the Alphas they replace. All three replacements keep the same sensor as their predecessors (10.2 and 14.2 Mega pixels respectively), Bionz Processors, and similar specifications with the optical viewfinder as well. Most everything else has been tweaked modified, simplified, or outright changed altogether. These new Alphas are the smallest and lightest DSLRs on the market currently that include built in image stabilization into the body.

Sony Carl Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8 Review

May 2009, Carl Garrard

Continuing to introduce professional grade optics to the Alpha lens lineup, Sony introduced the Sony Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 16-35mm f/2.8 lens on the same day the Alpha A900 DSLR was announced officially last year, to which we are finally getting a chance to review. The Sony 16-35mm Zeiss joins the lineup as the most expensive Zeiss offering yet as a professional grade ultra-wide angle alternative covering a full frame sensor. A relative brother to the extremely popular and industry leading Sony Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, both lenses look almost identical in design and include many of the same specifications. While the 24-70mm f/2.8 is a more standard zoom by focal length comparison, the Sony Zeiss 16-35mm f/2.8 fits a more specific niche category aimed at wide landscape and architecture photography. The lens boasts Sony's SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) auto focusing technology, internal zoom and focus, focus hold button, AF/MF switch, and a constant and bright f/2.8 aperture. Retailing currently for $1,899.00 the price should command more serious photographers who demand the highest optical quality available for the Alpha Mount, or for enthusiasts fortunate enough in these times to have extra cash to plunk down for the best name in lens design.

Tokina AF193 19-35mm f/3.5 to f/4.5 Lens Review

April 2009, Carl Garrard

Back in a time not too long ago when Tokina made lenses for Minolta, a lightweight, affordable ultrawide lens design became very popular, the Tokina 19-35mm f/3.5-f/4.5 wide angle lens. It was designed to cover a 35mm full frame area originally for film cameras, yet the range itself makes it compelling for APS-C use even now. The Tokina 19-35mm continues to be popular/available enough today to be a lens worth considering for the Alpha Mount, and as you can see, a subsequent review here. Brand new copies of this lens can still be found with retailers at remarkably low prices. The lens boasts metal and plastic construction, but is very rugged and precise and features internal focusing and zooming for less than $200.00 USD retail. Tokina can arguably be the best built consumer grade lenses on the market for the dollar, which makes it a pity they do not make new models available for the Alpha Mount. That aside, we still do have a few out there available to us, and the Tokina 19-35mm is one of them. Take a tour of this lens with us as I share my thoughts and test findings with you.