Olympus E-P1 Twin Lens kit and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

About a month ago, I had a play with the Sony NEX 3 and NEX 5 (see here), I was surely impressed by its compactness and high ISO performance. From the set of high ISO images taken, I would say the images are useable up to about ISO1600, which is same to most entry level DSLR. This is as expected since the sensor size is of APS-C type common to most DX cameras. What the NEXs disappoint is the lack of dedicated buttons at the back which means a lot of the settings need to go through the menu system.

The Olympus EP-1 didn’t have this problem but since it is a micro four third, its high ISO performance is not as good. However it is still an amazing compact camera given that its price has significantly reduced due to the newer version E-P2 and  E-PL1. The Olympus E-P1 twin lens kit comes with the pancake lens 17mm f/2.8 and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6.

The Olympus M.Zuiko pancake 17mm f/2.8 (right) is very light, weighting only 71g with a dimension of 57mm x 22mm. The AF uses a conventional micro motor which from my hand on experience is adequate. For MF, just grab the focus ring and the camera will automatically zoom in to 100% for you to focus precisely.

Specifications
equiv. focal length (full format)	34mm
equiv. aperture (depth-of-field)	f/2.8
Optical construction	6 elements in 4 groups inc. 1x aspherical element
Number of aperture blades	5 (circular)
min. focus distance	0.2m (max. magnification ratio 1:9)
Dimensions	22x57mm
Weight	71g
Filter size	37mm (non-rotating)

The other lens comes in the kit is the more standard 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 (left) which was released in 2006. This lens equates to a standard zoom of 28-84mm which is suitable as a walk around lens.

Specifications
equiv. focal length (full format)	28-84mm
equiv. aperture (depth-of-field)	f/3.5-5.6
Optical construction	106 elements in 8 groups inc. 1x Aspherical element and 1 ED element
Number of aperture blades	7 (circular)
min. focus distance	0.25m (max. magnification ratio 0.19x)
Dimensions	65.5x61mm
Weight	190g
Filter size	58mm (non-rotating)

 

Here, I won’t try to do a review here since there should be many reviews over the net on this 1 year old camera (see dpreview). Instead what’s interesting is using the E-P1 with the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 via a m4/3 adaptor. Note the Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 becomes a MF on the E-P1

First let’s see some Voigtlander collection.

Olympus E-P1 Twin Lens kit, VF-1 viewfinder and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

The awesome Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 on Olympus E-P1 via the m4/3 adaptor

Here are some field test shots of the E-P1 using the 17mm f/2.8, 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 at a local restaurant – Concrete Bar, Enjoy !

Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

A warm welcome from a concrete bar staff. Taken with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6

Concrete bar interior. Taken with 17mm f/2.8

Concrete bar interior. Taken with 17mm f/2.8

Concrete bar interior. Taken with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6

Beef and Bacon Burger. Taken with Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

Cajun Spiced Chicken Sandwich. Taken with Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

Click image below to check out the ISO test from ISO100-6400 using the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6. Ignore the camera shake due to low shutter speed at low ISO.

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• Sony alpha NEX 3
• Sony alpha NEX 5
• Olympus EP-1
• Olympus E-P2
• Olympus E-PL1
• Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/2.8
• Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6
• Olympus VF-1 viewfinder
• Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4

Canon announces 60D, four new lenses and two new teleconverters

Canon announces the latest addition to its EOS series of Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras – the new EOS 60D. Replacing the EOS 50D. You can find a more in depth preview here. Here is a quick run on its features

• 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• Advanced creative features with Basic +
• Vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 ratio LCD
• Full HD movies with manual control
• DIGIC 4
• ISO 100-6400, H:12800
• 5.3fps shooting for up to 58 JPEGs
• 9-point cross type AF System
• iFCL metering with 63-zone Dual-layer Sensor
• Integrated Speedlite transmitter
• In-camera RAW processing

Canon 60D size comparison with 50D (from dpreview)

 

Top LCD and the new vari-angle 3” LCD

Canon has announced the EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM, the world's first fisheye zoom lens to offer both 'circular' and 'full frame' images.

Focal length	8-15mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF)	180º - 175º 30'
Maximum aperture	F4
Minimum aperture	F22
Lens Construction	14 elements/11 groups
Number of diaphragm blades	7
Minimum focus	0.15 m
Maximum magnification	0.39x at 15mm
AF motor type	Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor
Filter thread	67mm
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps • EW-77Hood • LP1219 case
Weight	540 g
Dimensions	79 mm diameter x 83 mm length
Lens Mount	Canon EF

Canon has released the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM, aimed at being an affordable 'L'-grade telephoto lens.

Focal length	70-300mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF)	34º - 8º 15'
Maximum aperture	F4-5.6
Minimum aperture	F32-45
Lens Construction	19 elements/14 groups
Number of diaphragm blades	8, rounded
Minimum focus	1.2m
Maximum magnification	0.21x at 300mm
AF motor type	Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor
Image stabilization	4 stops
Filter thread	67mm
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps • ET-73B Hood • LP1424
Weight	1050 g
Dimensions	89 mm diameter x 143 mm length
Lens Mount	Canon EF

Canon has introduced updated versions of two of its professional telephoto lenses, in the shape of the EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM and the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM. Both feature completely new optical designs, along with lighter weight construction employing magnesium alloy and titanium.

	EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM	EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM
Focal length	400mm	300mm
Diagonal Angle of view (FF)	6°10'	8°15'
Maximum aperture	F2.8	F2.8
Minimum aperture	F32	F32
Lens Construction	16 elements/12 groups	16 elements/12 groups
Number of diaphragm blades	9, rounded	9, rounded
Minimum focus	0.17m	2m
Maximum magnification	0.17x	0.18x
AF motor type	Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor	Ring-type Ultrasonic Motor
Image stabilization	4 stops	4 stops
Filter thread	52mm drop-in	52mm drop-in
Supplied accessories	• Front and rear caps • ET-155(WII) Hood • 400C Hard Case	• Front and rear caps • ET-120(WII) Hood • 300B Case
Weight	3850 g	2400 g
Dimensions	163 mm diameter x 343 mm length	128 mm diameter x 248 mm length
Lens Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF

Canon has updated its 1.4x and 2x 'Extender' teleconverters, to version III. The EF Extender 1.4x III and EF Extender 2x III both offer completely new optical designs, weather resistant construction, Fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements, and promise higher AF accuracy than the previous versions.

	Extender EF 2x III	Extender EF 1.4x III
Lens Construction	9 elements/5 groups	7 elements/3 groups
Dust/moisture resistance	Yes	Yes
Supplied accessories	• Extender Cap EII • LP811 lens case	• Extender Cap EII • LP811 lens case
Weight	325 g	225 g
Dimensions	72 mm diameter x 53 mm length	72 mm diameter x 27 mm length

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?

If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

• Canon EOS 60D
• Canon EOS 50D
• Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM
• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM
• Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM
• Canon EF Extender 1.4x III
• Canon EF Extender 2x III

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

Nikon announcement of the AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR is a direct competition with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS. It features:

• Standard 5x zoom lens covering 24-120mm focal range with a constant maximum aperture of f/4
• Vibration Reduction (VR II) provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster; two modes are available — Normal and Active
• Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections to effectively reduce ghost and flare
• Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize lens aberrations for superior picture quality
• Two focus modes selectable — M/A and M

Here is a comparison between the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS

Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR	Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
Focal length & Maximum aperture 24-120mm f/4 Lens construction 17 elements in 13 groups (with two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat) Angle of view 84°- 20°20’ (61°- 13°20’ with Nikon DX format) Minimum focus distance 0.45 m/1.5 ft. (throughout the entire zoom range) Maximum reproduction ratio 0.24x No. of diaphragm blades 9 (rounded) Filter-attachment size 77mm Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) Approximately 84 x 103.5 mm/3.3 x 4.1 in. Weight Approximately 710 g/25 oz. Supplied accessories 77mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77, Rear Lens Cap LF-4, Bayonet Hood HB-53, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1218	Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 24-105mm f/4 Lens Construction 18 elements in 13 groups Diagonal Angle of View 84° - 23° 20' (with full-frame camera) Focus Adjustment Inner focusing system with focusing cam Closest Focusing Distance 1.48 ft./0.45m Zoom System 5-group helical zoom (front group moves: 32.5mm) Filter Size 77mm Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.3 in. x 4.2 in., 23.6 oz. / 83.5mm x 107mm, 670g (lens only)

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?

If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

• Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR
• Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Nikon announcement of the new AF-S 85mm f/1.4G with the following improvements over the precedent “D” model:

Key Features

• Fast 85mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4
• Newly developed optical system realizes high picture quality and high performance
• Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections to effectively reduce ghost and flare
• Refined MF driving mechanism reduces focus time lag and improves operational ease in M/A mode
• With the internal focusing (IF) system, the lens barrel length does not change during focusing

Here is a comparison between the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G and AF 85mm f/1.4D

Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4G	Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4D
Focal length: 85mm Maximum aperture: f/1.4 Minimum aperture: f/16 Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups (with Nano Crystal Coat) Angle of view: 28°30’ (18°50’ with Nikon DX format) Minimum focus distance: 0.85 m/2.79 ft. Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.12x No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded) Filter-attachment size :77mm Diameter x length (extension from lens mount): Approximately 86.5 x 84 mm/3.4 x 3.3 in. Weight: Approximately 595 g/21.0 oz. Supplied accessories: 7mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Bayonet Hood HB-55, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1118	Focal length: 85mm Maximum aperture: f/1.4 Minimum aperture: f/16 Lens construction: 9 elements in 8 groups Picture angle: 28°30' [18°50' with Nikon digital cameras (Nikon DX format)] Closest focusing distance: 0.85/2.8 Maximum reproduction ratio: 1/8.8 No. of diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded) Filter/attachment size: 77mm Diameter x length (extension from lens mount): Appproximately 80 x 72.5mm/3.1 x 2.9 in. Weight: Approximately 550 g/19.4 oz. Supplied accessories: 77mm Snap-on front lens cap, Rear lens cap LF-1, Screw-in Hood HN-31

Some wedding shots with the new 85mm f/1.4 test drive by Cliff Mautner

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• Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
• Nikon AF 85mm f/1.4D

Nikon D3100 DSLR

Nikon today announced the arrival of the Nikon D3100. The lightweight (454g), entry level D3100 is equipped with a 14.2 MP CMOS sensor, delivering full 1080p video capability with auto focus.

Nikon D3100 features

• D-Movie for recording and editing full-HD movies and AF-F focus mode for movie recording
• New DX-format 14.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor
• EXPEED 2, Nikon’s updated image-processing system
• Refined Guide mode
• Live View shooting Built-in scene auto selector

Here is a comparison between the Nikon D3100 and Nikon D3000.

Nikon D3100 DSLR	Nikon D3000 DSLR

Technical Specifications

Nikon D3100 DSLR	Nikon D3000 DSLR
Announced : 19-08-2010	Announced : 30-07-2009
Effective Pixels 14.2 million	Effective Pixels 10.2 million
Image Sensor Nikon DX format (23.1 x 15.4 mm) CMOS sensor	Image Sensor Nikon DX format (23.6 x 15.8mm) RGB CCD sensor
Image Size (Pixels) 4,608 x 3,072 [L], 3,456 x 2,3404 [M], 2,304 x 1,536 [S]	Image Size (Pixels) 3,872 x 2,592 [L], 2,896 x 1,944 [M], 1,936 x 1,296 [S]
Sensitivity ISO 100 to 3200 in steps of 1 EV, plus HI-1 (ISO 6400) and HI-2 (ISO 12800)	Sensitivity ISO 100 to 1600 in steps of 1 EV, plus HI-1
File Format NEF (12 bit compressed RAW); JPEG (Baseline-compliant); MOV movie (H.264/MPEG-4 compression format with monaural sound)	File Format NEF (12-bit compressed RAW), JPEG (Baseline-compliant)
Storage Media SD memory card (SDHC and SDXC compliant)	Storage Media SD memory card (SDHC compliant)
Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3fps, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Quiet Shutter Release	Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting mode, 2) Continuous shooting mode: approx. 3fps, 3) Self-timer mode, 4) Delayed remote mode: 2sec delay, 5) Quick-response remote mode
LCD Monitor 3.0", 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD	LCD Monitor 3.0", 230,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD
Picture Angle (in 35mm [135] format equivalent) Approx. 1.5x lens focal length	Picture Angle (in 35mm [135] format equivalent) Approx. 1.5x lens focal length
Viewfinder Frame Coverage/Magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1) Approx. 95%/ Approx. 0.8x	Viewfinder Frame Coverage/Magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1) Approx. 95%/ Approx. 0.8x
Autofocus TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approx. 0.5-3m); 11 focus point; Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)	Autofocus TTL phase detection by Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with AF-assist (range approx. 0.5-3m); Detection range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F)
Focus Modes 1) Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous servo AF (AF-C); Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A), predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status 2) Manual focus (MF) can be selected	Focus Modes 1) Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); Continuous servo AF (AF-C); Auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A), 2) Manual focus (MF) can be selected
Exposure Metering System 1) 3D color matrix metering Ⅱ (type G and D lenses), color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses), 2) Center-weighted (weight given to 8-mm circle in center of frame), 3) Spot metering (meters 3.5-mm circle centered on selected focus point)	Exposure Metering System 1) Scene-recognition system compatible 3D color matrix metering Ⅱ (type G and D lenses), color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses), 2) Center-weighted (weight given to 8-mm circle in center of frame), 3) Spot metering (meters 3.5-mm circle centered on selected focus point)
Exposure Control 1) Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), 2) Programmed Auto [P], 3) Shutter-Priority Auto [S], 4) Aperture Priority Auto [A], 5) Manual [M], 6) Guide mode	Exposure Control 1) Digital Vari-Program (Auto, Auto [Flash Off], Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up, Night Portrait), 2) Programmed Auto [P], 3) Shutter-Priority Auto [S], 4) Aperture Priority Auto [A], 5) Manual [M], 6) Guide mode
Shutter Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/4000sec in steps of 1/3 EV plus bulb	Shutter Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/4000sec in steps of 1/3 EV plus bulb, Time (Optional Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 required
Sync Contact X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 sec	Sync Contact X-contact only; flash synchronization at up to 1/200 sec
Flash Control 1) TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, or SB-400, 2) Auto aperture: Available with SB-900 or SB-800 and CPU lens, 3) Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27, and SB-22S, 4) Distance-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800	Flash Control 1) i-TTL flash control by 420-segment RGB sensor; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR
Flash Sync Modes 1) Front-curtain sync, 2) Red-eye reduction, 3) Slow sync with red-eye reduction, 4) Slow sync, 5) rear-curtain sync	Flash Sync Modes 1) Front-curtain sync, 2) Red-eye reduction, 3) Slow sync with red-eye reduction, 4) Slow sync, 5) rear-curtain sync.
Power Requirements Rechargeable EN-EL14 Li-ion battery, EH-5a AC adapter (available separately; requires optional EP-5A power connector )	Power Requirements Rechargeable EN-EL9a Li-ion battery, EH-5a AC adapter (available separately; requires optional EP-5 AC adapter connector; EN-EL9 also supported)
Battery Life (on a fully charged battery) Approx. 550 shots	Battery Life (on a fully charged battery) Approx. 510 shots
Dimensions Approx. 124 x 96 x 74.5 mm	Dimensions Approx. 126 × 97 × 64 mm
Weight (without battery, memory card or body cap) Approx. 455g	Weight (without battery, memory card or body cap) Approx. 485g
Other Features Expeed 2 Image Processing Engine, Graphical User Interface, Guide Mode, D-Movie (Full HD recording), Full-time servo AF (AF-F) movie recording	Other Features Retouch menu, Info Display on LCD monitor, Intergrated Dust Reductions System, Graphic User Interface, Guide Mode

ISO test shots by Manfred Bachmann.

Nikon D3100, ISO1600, 1/80s f/5.6 @ 55.0mm. Click image for the full size.

Nikon D3100, ISO3200, 1/200s f/5.6 @ 55.0mm. Click image for the full size.

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?

If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

• Nikon DSLR D3100
• Nikon DSLR D3000

Model Shoot with Rainnie and Grace

Yet again we are using BoxTale Studio for our photo shoot today. BoxTale Studio Production is located at Knigges Ave, Wellington, New Zealand. It offers studio and lighting equipment hire, as well as studio photo shoot services such as pre-wedding, graduation, newborn, and family portraits.  Please contact Jason if you need a booking.

 

BoxTale Studio - A very spacious studio offers a variety of lighting gear for hire.

 

Here is the team for the day. Not shown is our lighting expert Zian who is behind the camera on this shot. I think we are well equipped for this shoot :P

 

Our camera gear. Unfortunately somebody took the Nikon D3. Lenses used for this shoot were:

• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII
• Nikon 85mm f/1.4D

Our make up artist Veronica doing what she does best.

Photoshoot behind the scene

Here are some of the images from the shoot. Enjoy !!

 

Rainnie’s page gallery

Grace’s page gallery

Where can I find the equipment seen on this site?
If you find this site useful and planning to purchase any of the equipment seen on this site, please show your support by purchasing your photo equipment at B&H Photo Video or through any of the affiliate links seen on this site.

• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VRII
• Nikon 85mm f/1.4D