Comments on: Lightroom + 70mm EX + SD14

By: Carl Rytterfalk

Carl Rytterfalk — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 23:05:00 +0000

Hi François-Xavier!

I know the feeling from 135mm film and I’m quite sure that a person like you, that loves “that” also would appreciate the qualities of Foveon RAW and look beyond weaknesses that might be found. I will soon post images from my Norway trip along with RAW files that you might find interesting.

I don’t read any reviews - (not true, I read a few conclusions and image comparisons) - And I think they’re all using bad lenses, or didn’t focus correctly (which just makes me tired and sad). What they get and what I get is from two different worlds.

I think that if you take the time, you WILL be amazed. The only VERY important part is L E N S choice. EX and perfectly calibrated. If not, you will be equally disappointed. Get two extra bat-packs and some primes and you will find how much fun the Sigma really is and how easy it is to work with. :)

I’m happy you wrote, and I’m sure you have taken some great shots with that R8. I’d like to have one as well.

By: François-Xavier GEUBEL

François-Xavier GEUBEL — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 19:49:14 +0000

Dear Karl,

I have read a lot on the new Sigma SD14 and there are a lot of different opinions on it. Some are very enthusiastic, other are quite negative. Have you seen the “Stiftung Warentest” which is positive for the Sigma SD14? I can send you if you are interested…Nevertheless I like your comments and all the test you have made through your nice shots. I’am still beloving the argentic picture and I don’t know what to do to be converted in digital equipment! I have a nice photo set with a Leica R8 and a lot of wondeful lenses and accessories with them, I have made a lot of good pictures. Of course, I’am using for the fun a small digital camera, and I like the easiness of the digital picture. But the results are not so wonderful compared to the classical 135 slide film… And maybe the SD14 is the good response for a picture lover as I’am… But I’am very disapointed to see so many divergent reviews and tests about this SD14 camera…In any case, you are a very good marketing agent for Sigma! Many thanks for your blog,your nice pictures and moreover your subtle sense of humor…Best regards from Belgium,François-Xavier GEUBEL

By: spalbird

spalbird — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:08:00 +0000

Hmmm, I would change my 50mm against a 70mm any time :D I think the longer the lens the more easy for the camera to focus.

By: Carl Rytterfalk

Carl Rytterfalk — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 07:05:31 +0000

Let me get back to the 70. What I can say so far is that Bokeh is sweet and focus hit rate is very high (on distant objects where I had problems with 50mm before). Maybe after this trip I would have spent enough time with the 70 to find how good contrast is. Need a little more time in Lightroom. :) I’m thinking making reviews with all lenses I have. Could be useful info.

By: spalbird

spalbird — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 00:14:35 +0000

I am not satisfied with the sharpness @ f2.8 (wide open) with my 50mm and bokeh, of course could be better. You said about the 30mm that the contrast is incridible - colors go to 0 for black and I can second that. What do you think in this respect about the 70mm?

By: Carl Rytterfalk

Carl Rytterfalk — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 23:44:47 +0000

hehe.. yeah, 70 is very very very nice indeed, especially in how well it focuses on the SD14, spot on all the time! We’re not taking speed, it doesn’t come with a turbo but it’s accurate and sharp even at 2.8. I said wow too many times so far using it. Sort of the same wow feeling I got with my 120-300. Creamy bokeh and sharpness combined in one nice neat little package. hehe.

Spalbird, did you wanna know more?

Gunter, yeah. It’s a keeper. :D

By: spalbird

spalbird — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 18:58:22 +0000

Don’t show me more of 70mm pics!!! - You know you are guilty for my 30mm - I am very happy with it, though :)

By: Günter

Günter — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:14:19 +0000

Congrats.
And don´t forget who told you so :D

I ordered the 8mm and a 3G Lensbaby, those will be fun as well ….

By: Carl Rytterfalk

Carl Rytterfalk — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 08:09:58 +0000

hehe.. yeah, it’s such a nice lens. To Chris: If you open in Photoshop I think colors are pushed just a little more to the better. :) Maybe it’s my mac that does that. hehe.

To Chebb: You should be!

By: The Chebb

The Chebb — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 06:43:00 +0000

I’m sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo jealous, but quite happy for you too!
Cheers!

By: ChrisHepburn

ChrisHepburn — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 02:45:04 +0000

Wow, certainly looks sharp! I’m in safari here which is supposed to colour manage, looks good on my iMac.