Why I switched from Sony to Panasonic

Chris Harvey writes:

Everyone seems to be switching to Panasonic and when I was looking to upgrade my camera earlier this year, after shooting Sony cameras for so many years, one camera came out on top and seemed to outperform the rest. In this video I share my first impressions of my new camera, the Panasonic Lumix S5ii. This is not a review, and I don’t dive into all the specs. I just wanted to share some photos and video clips I’ve shot with the camera so far, and share my perspective as someone using Panasonic cameras for the first time.

New Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 lens press release and image leaks

So here we have a google translated press release of the new Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 lens for Sony E and Leica L. The lens will be officially announced at 1pm Berlin time today!

Key Features:

Full-frame zoom lens with constant F2.8 aperture
Ideal solution for filmmakers and photographers
Covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide angle through standard to telephoto
Breathing reduced to a minimum
Armored housing enclosed in a small size
Fast autofocus system
Advanced optical design
Very comfortable use ergonomics (aperture ring with “de-click” switch and two AFL buttons)

The set includes:

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (L-Mount)
Case
Rear cap (LCR II)
Lens hood (LH878-07)
Front cap 82mm (LCF-82mm III

Warranty: 36 months

Sales start September 26, 2024

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8 DG DN Art (L-Mount)

Excellent image quality throughout the entire focal range and focusing distance

The extremely advanced optical design, which includes FLD (with characteristics similar to fluorite), SLD (with ultra-low dispersion) and aspherical lenses, has resulted in the lens generating extremely high image quality in the center and on its edge, not only throughout its universal focal range, but also throughout the entire focusing distance range (for macro style shots and near-infinity focusing). In addition to the universal focal range, the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art, at each of its focal lengths, allows you to shoot from a distance of 40cm (counting from the camera matrix), which at 105mm gives a maximum magnification scale of 1:3.1. The lens was also designed with videographers in mind, with lens breathing reduced to a very small level at all focal lengths. This provides natural-looking focus shifts when recording video and easier image alignment during focus stacking.

High portability thanks to the weight below 1kg

Standard zooms should be small and light enough for all-day handheld shooting, which is why the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art was designed with portability and ease of use in mind. As many as 5 aspherical elements, the largest of which has a diameter of 66.4mm, allowed to shorten the maximum length of the lens without any compromise in image quality, and the optimal housing design, using magnesium alloys in its construction, among others, kept the weight of the entire lens below 1kg.

Fast AF, professional functions and excellent build quality

The SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens is responsible for the lightning-fast and extremely precise autofocus operation in the SIGMA 28-105mm F2.8 DG DN | Art lens. To enable a quick change of exposure in a more traditional way, the lens has been equipped with a dedicated ring, allowing the change of the aperture using the lens. The de-click switch is a useful tool for filmmakers, while the lock switch ensures that the aperture ring is not accidentally knocked out of position. The ergonomics are improved by two configurable AFL buttons located on the side and top of the body, which can be easily used in horizontal or vertical shooting positions. The lens is equipped with a zoom lock switch that holds the zoom ring in place at the wide end, preventing it from accidentally extending under its own weight. The lock can be released by using the switch or by rotating the zoom ring for a faster and more flexible workflow.

The lens has a sealed housing that protects it from dirt when working in harsh weather conditions. The front element also has a water- and oil-repellent coating that helps keep it clean in adverse shooting conditions.

Peak Design launched their new Outdoor Bag Line for photographers

Peak Design finally launched their first full adventure-outdoor Backpack and Sling lineup on Kickstarter (Click here). If you back this project you get up to 25% off MSRP. The campaign ends (as well as that discount) on October 16th, and orders will ship from January 2025. There are so many features about them that you best check out their page to learn them all. And this is a video displaying the full specs and options: