Sigma Black Friday Sales

Sigma is offering Black Friday deals on all their ART Series lenses. I love the Sigma ART series lenses and these discounts make already excellent values even better!My Sigma Favorites!

Additional Sigma Lenses on Sale:Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $749 (Reg $849)Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art $449 (Reg $499)Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art $799 (Reg $899)Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art $1499 (Reg $1,599)Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art $899 (Reg $999)Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art $999 (Reg $1,099)Many of these lenses can be used on Sony with the MC-11 Adapter.

New Tamron Lenses Announced

Truthfully one new and one updated. Tamron has announced the

Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

NEW Tamron 85 f/1.8 VC - This looks similar to their other recent lens offerings - the 35mm and 45mm f/1.8 VC lenses that have been well liked by photographersTamron 85MM f/1.8 VC

  • Nikon F Mount/FX Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • LD and XLD Glass Elements
  • eBAND and BBAR Coatings
  • Fluorine Coating on Front Element
  • USD AF Motor, Full-Time Manual Focus
  • VC Image Stabilization
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Compatible with TAP-in Console

Price and availability have not yet been announced. B&H Listing to Notify when in Stock  I bet somewhere around $600 USD.  Canon offers the 85mm f/1.8 non stabilized that is a staple in many budget photographers bag- it is a decent lens, costs just $369 and while it suffers from some serious chromatic aberration wide open and it certainly could be more contrasty - it is under $400.   I do think this new Tamron will be noticeable sharper and of course offers VC.  I am not convinced that it will see well though. Nikon offers two 85mm lenses - an 85mm f/1.8 for $469 and an 85mmf/1.4 for $1560

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC

And the Updated 90 f/2.8 Macro - I am a bit surprised- their current 90mm Macro is a great value and holds up well against the competition - see below for the updates to this model. Tamron 90mm f/2.8

  • Canon EF Mount/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/32
  • One LD and Two XLD Glass Elements
  • eBAND, BBAR, and Fluorine Coatings
  • USD AF Motor, Full-Time Manual Focus
  • VC Image Stabilization (updated with accelerometers)
  • 1:1 Max. Magnification, 11.8" Min. Focus
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Compatible with TAP-in Console

What has changed from the previous model? Sounds like optically it is going to be the same but you now have an improved VC system, the new cleaner look Tamron has used on these lenses and the TAP-in console compatibility.Price: Preorder from B&H Photo or Amazon for $649 (available in Canon, Nikon and Sony A Mounts)

Tamron TAP-in Console

The TAP-In console sounds very similar to the USB dock offered by Sigma. It acts as a lens mount with USB connection to your computer. Mount the lens and open the Tamron software will allow you to update firmware and further customize the lens.  No word on price - should be available starting in March.  B&H has a listinginTAPCurrently compatible with their newest lenses onlySP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBAFor Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later. SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February 25, 2016For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console™, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with this lens.SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.  

Should You Buy a Kit Lens?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcR5-DNktVgKit lenses are bad and should be avoided at all costs. . . or do they represent a perfectly decent option for beginners to DSLRS and ILCs? I lay out several reasons why I think most beginners should pick up a kit lens with their DSLR. Additional Reading/Viewing:Recommended lenses for Nikon including the 35mm f/1.8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSJ4trhBfFQCanon 50mm f/1.8 STM Video Reviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5EoXor3x44Canon 24mm and other Prime Lenseshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lra2-HWww0