The smc PENTAX DA Star 16-50mm F2.8 ED/AL (IF) is a high-performance, wide-angle zoom lens developed specifically for PENTAX digital SLR cameras. It is a good choice for shooting landscapes, portraiture, and much more else.

The lens is said to be great in terms of contrast, clarity and edge-to-edge sharpness. Its optical design includes three aspherical elements and two extra low dispersion glass elements. They successfully compensate for chromatic and spherical aberration, producing images with minimum artifact.

The 16-55mm f/2.8 incorporates SDM focus system, which means that a built-in supersonic motor is used. This results in a smoother, faster and quieter autofocus operation necessary for many genres of photography.

The lens also offers you the possibility to focus manually. In addition, Pentax-original Quick-Shift Focus System allows you easily and instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus.

Weather-resistant and dust-resistant construction of this lens enhance durability in rainy or dusty conditions by repelling dust, water and grease from the surface to keep your lens clean and your image quality at its peak. This makes it a perfect companion for the weather-resistant Pentax DSLR bodies.

PENTAX-DA 16-50mm f/2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM Lens – Specifications:

• Focal Length: 16-50mm
• Focal Length Equivalent: 24.5mm - 76.5mm
• Maximum Aperture: F/2.8
• Minimum Aperture: F/22
• Lens Construction: 15 Elements In 12 Groups
• Angle of View: 83 To 31.5 Degrees
• 9 Diaphragm Blades:
• TTL Open-Aperture Metering System
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 0.3 Meters
• Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
• Filter Size: 77mm
• SP (Super Protect) Coating
• Corresponding AF Mounts: Pentax KAF2
• Weight: 19.9 Ounces (Without Hood)

According to pentaximaging.com.

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Olympus released the Olympus  PEN E-P2, the world’s smallest 12.3-megapixel Micro 4/3 type camera boasting In-body Image Stabilization, High Definition video and In-Camera Creativity. All this is housed in an ultra-portable retro black metal body.

Its features inckude fast Imager Autofocus with Face Detection, the Olympus Dust Reduction System and the new TruePic™ V Image Processor.

The improvements of the EP-2 over the EP1 include the full manual controls in a movie mode, the addition of subject tracking capability in continuous AF mode for both photos and movies, and an accessory port underneath the flash strobe. This port provides for an included shoe-mount electronic viewfinder and an external microphone jack adapter (optional) extra.

There are 8 art filters in the camera: Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole, and two new filters, Diorama and Cross Process. They are particularly useful a videographers, documentarians or established directors.

Alongside with full manual controls the E-P2 is equipped with 19 scene-select modes as well as Intelligent Auto mode for beginners. In addition, the camera includes a new picture mode called iEnhance, which analyzes colors and brightness for clear imaging with lifelike colors.

One more thing is worth mentioning,namely the Multiple Exposure function that allows you to combine two shots either in real-time or in the camera to make two different scenes overlap.

The E-P2 will be available from December 2009 at about US$1,100 including the external electronic viewfinder. The camera goes with either a 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 (28-84mm equivalent) or 17mm f2.8 kit (34mm equivalent) lens and can as well accept Four Thirds Format lenses via an adapter.

Olympus E-P2 Micro Four Thirds – Specifications:

• Panasonic N-MOS Sensor (2X Crop Factor)
• 12.30 Megapixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Maximum Image Size: 4032 x 3042
• File Format: RAW (.ORF), JPEG
• External Shoe- Mount Electronic Viewfinder
• 3.0 in. Live View LCD with 230,000 dots
• Focusing System: L 11-point contrast detection w/ tracking
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Sensitivity: ISO100 - 6400
• Shutter Speed: 60 - 1/4000 second
• Exposure Modes: Aperture, Shutter, Manual
• Metering Modes: 324-zone Digital ESP, Center Weighted Average, Spot (with Highlight/Shadow mode)
• Full Manual Controls
• “Intelligent” Auto Mode
• 19 Scene Mode, 8 Art Filters
• HD Movie Mode
• Storage: SD/MMC including SDHC
• Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds

Electronic Viewfinder VF-2:

• 1.44 Million Pixels
• Magnification of 1.15x, And
• 100% Coverage
• Rotates up to 90 Degrees
• Attaches to the Hot Shoe

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What’s new: The lens was reviewed by Photoreview.com.au!

The Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a compact and lightweight lens with a 50mm focal length. It is designed for α digital SLRs with APS-C type image sensor so on a 35mm format camera it will give focal length of 75mm. This lens boasts excellent portability and operability.

The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is an ideal choice for first-time fixed focal length lens buyers. It is said to deliver excellent color balance, crisp, natural imaging with high contrast and resolution.

It features a large, bright F1.8 maximum aperture and a circular aperture mechanism for smooth background defocusing that is ideal for portraits and. Such a fast aperture can be used in tandem with your camera body’s integrated SteadyShot™ image stabilization to assure excellent low-light shooting performance.

The DT 50 mm F1.8’s aperture range extends from F1.8 to F22 to provide you with expanded control over depth of field and dynamic expression. As a result, it offers a valuable of range of photographic expression that goes beyond what you can experience with standard zoom lenses.

The lens features Sony’s newly-developed Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM). It responds instantly to AF drive control signals from the camera and delivers power with smoothness and precision.

Lens Reviews:

Slrgear.com:
While the lens is just slightly soft at ƒ/1.8, but when stopped down to ƒ/2.8 it provides sharp images indeed. Chromatic aberration is very well-handled, though when used wide open there is a bit of corner shading. Distortion is also very slightly noticeable. Only it could be better if it were full-frame compatible.

Photoreview.com.au:
This is an affordable, fast lens for available light photography offering superior depth-of-field control for portrait photography. It shows good performance with backlit shots and produces distortion-free images. Though it is not recommended to use with’ full frame’ sensor.

Alternatives: Sigma 50mm f/1.4 HSM Lens,

Sony 50mm ƒ/1.8 SAM - Specifications:

• Image Circle: APS-C
• Type: Standard Prime
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Focal Length APS Equivalent: 75mm
• Max Aperture: ƒ/1.8
• Min Aperture: ƒ/22
• 7 Circular Diaphragm Blades
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Diagonal Angle of View (Based on image circle): 32 degrees
• Front focus; Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM)
• Front Element Rotation
• Closest Focus: 0.34m / 1.1 ft.
• Magnification Ratio: 0.2x / 1:5
• Filter Size: 49mm
• Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 45mm x 70mm / 1.8 in. x 2.8 in.
• Weight: 170g / 6.0 oz
• Included Accessories: Lens Hood
• Typical Online Price: US$150

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