Category Archives: Astrophotography

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¿Sabías que puedes explorar el cielo aunque no tengas telescopio y de manera totalmente gratuita? Gracias a los telescopios virtuales online puedes observar todo el universo visible (y parte del no visible) cómodamente desde casa.

Estos recursos almacenan miles de imágenes obtenidas con telescopios de muy alta resolución y tienen muchas utilidades. Por ejemplo, podemos aprender a localizar objetos de cielo profundo, preparar sesiones de observación o de astrofotografía con antelación, estudiar cómo se ven diferentes objetos en diferentes longitudes de onda… las posibilidades son infinitas.

A continuación te voy a indicar algunos de los telescopios virtuales online más conocidos.

Worldwidetelescope.org

Este proyecto creado inicialmente por Microsoft es a día de hoy es un conjunto de aplicaciones y servicios de código abierto en la nube. Worldwidetelescope.org es administrado por la Sociedad Astronómica Estadounidense y desde esta potente herramienta podemos navegar por el cielo observando objetos de espacio profundo.

Una de las funcionalidades con las que podemos empezar es con las visitas guiadas que nos permitirán empezar a familiarizarnos con los objetos astronómicos más importantes tales como galaxias, nebulosas, estrellas… Al tratarse de un proyecto de código libre está abierto a la participación y a la mejora por parte de entusiastas de todo el mundo.

Un potente buscador de objetos nos permitirá encontrar cualquier objeto astronómico, bien por nombre o por coordenadas.

Una de las características más importantes de este proyecto es que nos permite observar el Universo de diferentes formas, así podremos obtener la vista del proyecto Gaia en infrarrojo, el fondo de microondas obtenido por la misión Planck o la radiación gamma de Fermi.

Aladin

Aladin es un software de visualización de imágenes astronómicas interactivo creado por la Universidad de Estrasburgo. Permite la visualización de datos de diferentes catálogos y acceso a información de la base de datos Simbad, el servicio VizieR y otros archivos astronómicos.

Aladin Lite es un cliente web que nos permite acceder a las imágenes astronómicas desde nuestro navegador sin necesidad de instalar ningún programa. Disponemos de un buscador de objetos y un cuadro de herramientas para seleccionar el survey del que queremos obtener las imágenes (PanSTARRS, DSS2, VTSS, etc…)

Habilitando el catálogo SIMBAD, Gaia o 2MASS accedemos a información sobre el nombre y características de los objetos observador.

Sin duda una de las mejores herramientas para planificación de observaciones y astrofotografía que podemos usar.

Sky-map.org

Sky Map o WikiSky es otra de las herramientas online que podemos usar para descubrir los secretos del Universo desde nuestro navegador.

Al igual que con los anteriores podemos utilizar diferentes capas para la visualización de objetos, entre ellas DSS2, SDSS o IRAS. También hay una capa muy interesante de astrofotografía.

Un simple clic con el botón derecho sobre un objeto nos abre una ventana con información sobre el mismo.

Desgraciadamente parece que este servicio ya no tiene mantenimiento ya que ni el foro ni el blog funcionan.

Google Sky Atlas

Al igual que Google Maps o Google Earth tenemos a nuestra disposición otra herramienta como es Google Sky Atlas que nos permite adentrarnos en el Universo desde nuestro ordenador si bien parece que esta herramienta fue abandonada hace años y ya no cuenta con actualizaciones.

Las imágenes que ofrece Google Sky provienen del DSS Consortium, SDSS y las agencias NASA y ESA. El interfaz de uso es bastante pobre ya que no incluye una caja de herramientas con la que podamos interactuar ni un buscador, tan solo podemos desplazarnos con el ratón y hacer o quitar zoom. Parece que Google trasladó el proyecto a una aplicación móvil llamada Google Sky Maps que también fue abandonada posteriormente.

Stellarium online

Seguramente conoces Stellarium por su programa instalable pero por si no lo sabes te avisamos de que esta potente herramienta está también disponible en modo online.

Desde nuestro navegador podemos simular la observación astronómica desde cualquier punto del planeta a cualquier hora. Haciendo zoom aparecerán los objetos de cielo profundo y con un clic sobre cualquier astro nos mostrará información sobre el mismo.

The stars my destination. Sigma reckons that its new 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is the world’s only non-fisheye lens that combines an ultra-wide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4. You want starfields? You got ‘em.

Building the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art was a bold move. There’s already a very good Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens on the market, which was originally designed for Canon and Nikon DSLRs and subsequently repurposed for Sony and L-mount mirrorless cameras. And if you’re in the Sony camp, there’s also the thoroughly excellent Sony FE 14mm F1.8 G Master lens.

The new Sigma focuses primarily on astrophotography, where the brighter f/1.4 aperture pays dividends. Even so, it’s designed to be a high-performance ultra-wide-angle lens that’s entirely suitable for any scenario from landscapes and cityscapes to weddings and architectural interiors, and any time you simply want an expansive field of view.

Surprisingly, the Sigma pretty much matches the two slower f/1.8 lenses for purchase price but, by necessity, has a bigger and weightier build. Indeed, it’s physically wider and 50 per cent longer than Sigma’s DSLR lens. It’s also more than twice the weight of the Sony f/1.8 lens, at 1,170g compared with just 460g. That’s the cost of the extra two-thirds of an f-stop in aperture brightness.

Specifications

Mount: Sony E (FE), Leica L
Full frame: Yes
Autofocus: Yes
Image stabilization: No
Lens construction: 19 elements in 15 groups
Angle of view: 114.2 degrees
Diaphragm blades: 11
Minimum aperture: f/16
Minimum focusing distance: 0.3mm
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.08x
Filter size: Rear gel slot
Dimensions: 101x150mm
Weight: 1,170g

Key features

This Sigma is certainly rich in features. Let’s start with glass. The optical line-up features no less than 19 elements in 15 groups. These include an SLD (Special Low Dispersion) element, three top-grade FLD (‘Fluorite’ Low Dispersion) elements and four aspherical elements. Taking astrophotography very much into account, the overall optical design aims to maximize sharpness across the whole image frame while minimizing sagittal coma flare, so that bright points of light don’t take on blurred or irregular shapes, even towards the edges and corners of the frame.

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Autofocus is driven by Sigma’s latest High-response Linear Actuator (HLA) breed of motor, which aims to give faster performance for stills and smoother transitions for video, while also being virtually silent in operation. A customizable AF-Lock button is featured on the barrel, as well as a manual focus lock switch, which we’ll come back to later.

As you’d expect, there’s full compatibility for controlling the aperture from the host camera body in PASM shooting modes, but the lens also features an onboard aperture control ring. What’s more, it comes with click steps of one-third f/stop increments and a de-click switch for stepless adjustments when shooting video.

As with most ultra-wide angle lenses, the Sigma has an integral petal-shaped filter that can’t be removed. Not just for shielding the lens from light entering at oblique angles, it also gives physical protection to the protruding front element. At the back end, there’s a gel filter slot built into the mounting plate.

A neat touch is that the front lens cap has two built-in compartments for storing gel filters. A smart feature that’s well suited to astrophotography is that the lens has a heat strip retaining mechanism, to keep it in place and avoid any build-up of condensation when night-time temperatures drop.

Build and handling

Build quality feels of an entirely pro-grade standard. The construction includes a brass mounting plate and multiple weather-seals, as well as a fluorine coating on the front element to repel moisture and grease, and to aid easy cleaning. Sigma’s Super Multi Layer Coating is also applied to reduce ghosting and flare.

Weighing 1,170g, the lens doesn’t absolutely need a tripod mounting ring but one is supplied anyway, and comes complete with an Arca-Swiss compatible foot. It’s particularly useful for keeping a good balance when using a tripod or monopod with the camera in portrait orientation mode. If you’re rather not use the mounting ring, it’s easily removable and a rubber band is also supplied which you can fit in its place, to enhance handheld handling, so to speak.

The manual focus locking switch that we mentioned earlier is particularly useful for astrophotography. It enables you to manually focus the lens to infinity and then disengage the focus ring completely, so that the focus setting won’t be affected if you nudge the focus ring accidentally. The same goes for the aperture control ring. Many recent lenses that feature this are notorious for the ring being nudged accidentally from the Auto setting to a narrow aperture, but the Sigma features a locking switch to avoid the problem.

Performance

In our real-world tests, we found that sharpness proved highly impressive across the entire image frame, even when shooting wide-open at f/1.4. That’s no mean feat for such an ultra-wide-angle lens. True to its claims, the Sigma also keeps sagittal coma flare to very low levels, and the same goes for axial chromatic aberration or ‘bokeh fringing’, which is also a challenge for ‘fast’ lenses.

Lateral chromatic aberration is entirely negligible even at the extreme edges and corners of the frame, the lens beating both of the Sigma and Sony 14mm f/1.8 lenses in this respect. It might sound strange to talk about bokeh in a 14mm lens, but the f/1.4 aperture enables quite a tight depth of field for close-ups, thanks to a short minimum focus distance of just 30cm, or about a foot. Bear in mind, that’s measured from the image sensor at the rear of the camera, rather than from the front of the lens, so you really can get in close. Bokeh is nice and smooth wide-open and remains very good when stopping down a little, helped by a particularly well-rounded 11-blade aperture.

Autofocus is super-fast and entirely reliable. All in all, the performance of this Sigma lens is absolutely excellent.

Sample images

Lab results

We run a range of lab tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the center of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths. The tests also measure distortion and color fringing (chromatic aberration).

Sharpness:

Levels of sharpness are thoroughly excellent across the whole frame, even when shooting wide-open at f/1.4. Edge-sharpness might not look overly impressive in our lab results but that’s more down to the necessity of having to shoot test charts at extremely close range, due to the extreme field of view of a 14mm lens.

Fringing:

The Sigma does really well to keep both axial and lateral chromatic aberrations to absolutely negligible levels, LCA is virtually non-existent right out to the extreme edges and corners of the image frame, throughout the entire aperture range.

Distortion: -3.62

As with sharpness, close-range lab test results for distortion can make ultra-wide-angle lenses look worse than they really are. In real-world tests, we found the lens produced fairly modest barrel distortion and relied very much less on in-camera correction than many other recent lenses designed for mirrorless cameras.

Verdict

For astrophotography, you need a lens that sucks in much light as possible. As the world’s first ultra-wide-angle 14mm lens with an f/1.4 aperture, this Sigma delivers 58 per cent more light to the camera’s image sensor than an f/1.8 lens. Not just a one-trick pony, it’s also great for shooting landscapes, cityscapes and architectural interiors, giving fabulous image quality backed up by superb handling and excellent build quality. By necessity, it’s a bit of a beast, weighing in at more than a kilogram, but it’s well worth the weight if you feel the need for speed. And the price tag is surprisingly modest.

Read more:

• Best camera lenses to get
• Best Canon lenses
• Best Nikon lenses
• Best Sony lenses

Astrophotographers rejoice! Sigma has just announced the world’s first mirrorless 14mm lens to feature an f/1.4 aperture. Available for E-Mount (Sony) and L-Mount (Panasonic/Leica/Sigma) – the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN is now the world’s fastest 14mm lens.

Sigma has specially designed this lens to be one of the best lenses for astrophotography, paying particular attention to optical aberrations and sagittal coma flare, which are two common concerns for night sky photographers, the optical design of the Sigma 14mm f/1.4 lens aims to ensure bright points in a photo remain sharp with the lens specially engineered for optical quality at infinity focus.

Using an optical design that includes 1 SLD (special low-dispersion), 3 FLD (fluorite low-dispersion), and 4 aspherical elements, the lens works in conjunction with camera’s in-built aberration control profiles for correcting distortion or vignetting, while the optical elements of the lens offer additional reductions to corner softness and chromatic aberration. Sigma argues that using this combination has allowed them to reduce the overall size and weight of the lens but maintain optical performance.

The Sigma 14mm lens comes with a manual aperture control ring, which can also be set to auto, as well as locked so it doesn’t slip during movement, this control ring can be de-clicked if you intend to use the lens for video work. A manual focus ring lock function also allows the focus to be locked, which is essential during long night sky exposures, when even the slightest knock can ruin the focus. The lens also comes with a tripod mount, to better balance the weight of the large and heavy optic.

In an effort to make this the perfect astrophotography lens, Sigma has also included some neat little features including a rear filter holder allowing sheet-type filters popular with astrophotographers to be mounted on the lens, the lens cap also has a separate internal storage area to hold two additional sheet filters when not in use. Finally, the front of the barrel is a Lens Heater Retainer to hold a heat strip in place and help prevent condensation build-up on the lens in cold conditions.

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Lens construction: 19 elements, 15 groups (1 SLD, 3 FLD and 4 aspherical elements)
Angle-of-view: 114.2°
Number of diaphragm blades: 11 (rounded diaphragm)
Minimum aperture: F16
Minimum focusing distance: 30cm
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:11.9
Filter size: slot-in rear gel filter
Dimensions (max diameter x length): 101.4 x 149.9mm
Weight: 1170g

See our full Sigma 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art review

The lens will be available to purchase from 23 June 2023, with pre-orders open now, and it will cost £1399 at launch, with the US and worldwide pricing yet to be confirmed.

Find out more about the best lenses for astrophotography and the best cameras for astrophotography in our guides. You can also find more information in our guide for the best star tracker camera mounts for astrophotography.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A new exhibition at the Division Avenue Arts Collective is showcasing the struggles of ADHD and autism through astrophotography.

Artist Kae Pershon started the collection over a year ago as a continuation of her ongoing series entitled “(less).”

“Each of these exhibits deals with different symptoms or experiences (of) someone who has ADHD or who has a neurodivergence” including time blindness, emotional dysregulation, and memory, she said.

The portion of Pershon’s series on display at DAAC, entitled “End(less),” speaks to executive dysfunction, described by the Cleveland Clinic as “a behavioral symptom that disrupts a person’s ability to manage their own thoughts, emotions and actions.”

“A lot of times it’s looked at like a paralysis because you become so overwhelmed and you freeze. You know you’re supposed to be doing something but you can’t really put it together in your mind to actually get started,” Pershon said.

The exhibit consists of 33 photos of nightscapes in a variety of sizes.

“I knew that when I started this, I wanted astrophotography for executive dysfunction just because I remember growing up, I grew up in a very rural area in Michigan, and getting those big moments of awe and overwhelming feeling when you’re looking at the night sky. It can feel very similar in that kind of vein,” Pershon, who has ADHD, said.

© Provided by WOOD Grand Rapids
“Nebulous” part of the End(less) exhibition. (Courtesy of Kae Pershon)

“My hope is that when someone looks at this exhibit either if they themselves have a neurodivergency can feel some sort of relation and know that they are not alone in their struggle … or if it’s someone who may not experience those things can look at it through a new lens and go ‘Oh, OK. I didn’t realize this is what it’s like to experience that.’ And it can kind of help break down those stereotypes or stigmas,” she explained.

The opening reception is being held Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at DAAC, located at 1553 Plainfield Ave NE near Lafayette Avenue. Pershon will be there to answer any questions or talk about ADHD and autism.

The exhibition will be on display until July 7. It can be viewed during events at the DAAC. Anyone who is interested in viewing the exhibition outside of those times or would like Pershon there is asked to reach out on Facebook or Instagram.

A closing reception will be held on July 7 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.

Ronkonkoma, NY –News Direct– SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens. This is the world’s widest F1.4 single focal length lens*, born from our engineers’ passion for capturing the widest, brightest, highest-resolution, and most captivating starry sky images possible.

Designed specifically for astrophotography, the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens is a full-frame, ultra wide-angle prime designed exclusively for mirrorless camera systems, and is available in Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount.

This lens offers a full set of features designed for astrophotography including a removable tripod socket, MFL switch (Manual Focus Lock function), lens heater retainer, rear filter holder, and a specially-designed front cap including a NEW locking mechanism and NEW filter storage slots. All this, plus thorough aberration correction make this possibly the best lens ever made for astrophotography. Its ultra-wide 14mm angle of view that captures wide starry skies and bright F1.4 aperture that minimizes exposure time are ideal specifications for astrophotography. Incredibly sharp from corner to corner with splash and dust-resistant construction, this lens retains the same high performance and quality standards found within the SIGMA F1.4 Art lens lineup.

The astrophotography-focused feature set and total optical performance make this an excellent lens for high-end architecture, real estate, and landscape photography as well.

The lens will retail for $1,599 through authorized US retailers and will be available in late June 2023.

* Excluding fisheye lenses, as interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras and SLR cameras (as of June, 2023 by SIGMA)

Learn more about the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens: https://www.sigmaphoto.com/14mm-f1-4-dg-dn-a

#SIGMA #SIGMA14mmF14Art #SIGMAArt #SIGMAArtPrime #SIGMADGDN

Exclusively designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras

A | Art

SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN

New vision. Expanding possibilities.

1. Ultra wide-angle 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4 and outstanding optical performance

2. Abundant functions and accessories to support starscape photography

3. Signature Art line features and high build quality

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Supplied accessories: Case, COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01, REAR CAP LCR II, TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141, PROTECTIVE COVER PT-41, GUIDE PLATE GP-11

Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount

* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.

* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.

The world’s first and only* lens that combines an ultra-wide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4.

All for the best starscape photography.

The stars in the sky are a source of inspiration for viewers. On the other hand, the starry sky is a very demanding subject for a wide-angle lens, with its numerous tiny point light sources spread over the entire image. The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is the world’s widest F1.4 single focal length lens*, born from our engineers’ passion for capturing the widest, brightest, highest-resolution, and most captivating starry sky possible. Thanks to SIGMA’s latest technology, the lens combines an ultra-wide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4. In addition, SIGMA’s lens technology has achieved high optical performance with thorough correction of sagittal coma flare, specialized functions to support starry landscape photography, and high-speed AF with the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) linear motor.

The Milky Way stretching across the night sky, twinkling stars emerging over ridgelines ― the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art can make this a reality as an image that surpasses the actual photographic experience. Its proven ability in shooting starscapes will provide new possibilities for visual expression and enjoyment in all scenes, including daytime landscapes, architecture, and indoor photography in dark and confined spaces.

* Excluding fisheye lenses, as interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras and SLR cameras (as of June, 2023 by SIGMA).

[ Key Features ]

1. Ultra wide-angle 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4 and outstanding optical performance

This world-first performance was achieved by applying the best of SIGMA’s optical technologies, from the design to the lens manufacturing process. 19 elements in 15 groups, including 1 SLD glass element, 3 FLD glass elements, and 4 aspherical lens elements, make up a luxurious lens configuration. This allows for advanced aberration correction and a high degree of precision in the lens construction. This allows both advanced aberration correction and F1.4 brightness. In particular, sagittal coma flare, which distorts the shape of stars, has been carefully corrected, and even at the widest aperture, the lens delivers high image reproducibility right to the periphery of the image. Ghosting and flare are also thoroughly addressed through both optical design and coatings. This allows for clear, crisp shooting of starry sky and night scenes. Optimized for starscapes, which require extremely high performance, this lens delivers images that exceed expectations in any scene, including landscapes, architecture snapshots, portraits, and indoor photography.

2. Abundant functions and accessories to support starscape photography

The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is equipped with a wealth of features to support starscape photography. This fully backs up the fun of starscape photography.

Includes a detachable tripod mount compatible with Arca-Swiss type. The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art can be mounted on a tripod in a more stable condition, as it is heavier on the front side. The shape is designed to prevent interference even when using the lens heater.

A switch to lock the manual focus at a desired position. Prevents focus shift caused by unintentional operation of the focus ring. This is useful for long time exposure photography, etc., where the focus is fixed.

Steps around the front and lens heater retainers prevent the lens heater* from protruding into the front of the lens and causing vignetting on the periphery of the screen.

* A belt-shaped heater that is wrapped around the lens to prevent condensation from forming inside the lens when the temperature drops.

A rear filter holder is provided as standard equipment at the lens mount for attaching a sheet-type rear filter. A lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the filter from falling out.

Includes a cover-type front cap with locking mechanism. It also has a newly developed filter slot that can hold two rear filters depending on the application. The cap is specially designed for the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art to protect the sheet filters from scratches and dirt while ensuring that they are not mistakenly taken out or forgotten.

3. Signature Art line features and high build quality

In addition to functions specifically designed for shooting starscapes, the lens is equipped with various functions to assist in shooting, including an AFL button to which any function can be assigned and an aperture ring. The body is dust and splash resistant, and the frontmost surface of the lens is coated with a water- and stain-repellent coating, so you can shoot outdoors in harsh environments with peace of mind. The HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) enables high-speed, quiet, and highly accurate autofocusing.

In order to maintain performance while supporting a lens with a large aperture, the lens has a robust internal structure and uses lightweight materials such as polycarbonate TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a thermal shrinkage rate equivalent to that of aluminum, and magnesium in appropriate locations to reduce weight while ensuring robustness. The lens body is built with the high build quality of the Art line specifications, allowing the user to fully enjoy the unique performance of the lens in any environment, including shooting starscapes.

[ Additional Features ]

• Lens construction: 19 elements in 15 groups (3 FLD,1 SLD, and 4 aspherical elements)

• Inner focus system

• Compatible with high-speed autofocus

• HLA (High-response Linear Actuator)

• Compatible with Lens Aberration Correction

  • Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections and auto correction functionality may vary depending on the camera model.

  • On cameras where lens aberration correction is controlled with ‘ON’ or ‘OFF’ in the camera menu, please set all aberration correction functions to ‘ON’ (AUTO).

• Supports DMF and AF+MF

• Compatible with AF assist (Sony E-mount only)

• Super Multi-Layer Coating

• Water and Oil Repellent Coating (front element)

• Aperture ring

• Aperture ring click switch

• Aperture ring lock switch

• AFL button

• MFL switch

• Rear Filter Holder (compatible with GUIDE PLATE GP-11)

• Lens Heater Retainer

• Focus Mode Switch

• Support for switching between linear and non-linear focus ring settings (for L-Mount only)

• Dust and Splash Resistant Structure

• TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141 supplied

• Special front cap with locking mechanism and filter slot: COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01 (NEW)

• Compatible with SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 (sold separately / for L-Mount only)

• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting

• Every single lens undergoes SIGMA’s proprietary MTF measuring system

• 11-blade rounded diaphragm

• High-precision, durable brass bayonet mount

• “Made in Japan” craftsmanship

Learn more about SIGMA’s craftsmanship here:

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/craftsmanship/

[ Key Specifications ]

The figures below are for the L-Mount version:

[ Product Barcode ]

[ Accessories: Supplied ]

[ Accessories: Optional ]

[ Contact ]

For further information, please contact your local authorized SIGMA Service Station listed here: https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/

[ Information ]

SIGMA Corporation:

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

Product information:

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/a023_14_14/

[ About SIGMA Corporation ]

Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan.

In 2012, the company introduced SIGMA Global Vision with three distinct lens lines: Art, Contemporary and Sports. Designed for industry camera mount systems including Canon, Fujifilm, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and SIGMA, each lens is handcrafted and tested in Japan to ensure a high-performance, premium product that is purpose-built to last. In 2016, the SIGMA Cine lens lineup was launched, further cementing SIGMA as an innovator in imaging engineering. Embodying the core optical DNA that has defined the SIGMA benchmark of excellence, SIGMA Cine lenses meet the needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production.

Forming the landmark L-Mount alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic in 2018, SIGMA continues its storied tradition of imaging excellence through groundbreaking innovations such as the native L-mount SIGMA fp and fp L full-frame mirrorless digital cameras, announced in July 2019 and March 2021 respectively. These products, along with over 30 award-winning SIGMA Global Vision lenses available in native L-Mount format, demonstrate SIGMA’s continued commitment to the creative community through expanded product offerings. With the fp, fp L and these lenses, even more users can now leverage SIGMA’s renowned optical formula to achieve their creative vision with ease.

For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products.

Follow SIGMA America (Photo):

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Follow SIGMA Ameica (Cine):

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Contact Details

SIGMA

Jack Howard

+1 631-201-7381

[email protected]

Company Website

https://www.sigma-global.com/en/

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/sigma-announces-14mm-f1-4-dg-dn-art-the-worlds-first-14mm-f1-4-lens-designed-especially-for-astrophotography-867410684

© NASA / ESA
Artist’s Concept of Comet 238P/Read which shows the main belt comet sublimating—its water ice vaporizing as its orbit approaches the Sun.

The latest science reports and imagery from NASA reveal that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) might have stumbled onto something very interesting during a galactic treasure hunt. Solar system scientists took the telescope for a spin in the main asteroid belt, and what they didn’t find was as perplexing as what they did. 

According to NASA, the presence of water vapor on the comet known as 238P/Read is usually a cosmic clue into the origins of Earth’s ancient water source and how it got there. However, Read seems to be one of the only comets that are missing carbon dioxide, as detected by the NIRCam, which is another mystery in itself. 

• Take a look at the best cameras for astrophotography!

The James Webb Telescope’s NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) instrument, as well as the NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) instrument have been used by solar system scientists in studying the origins of Earth’s abundant water – and detected a mystery in the form of a Rare Main Belt Cometthat contained water vapor! 

Although, rather unusually, carbon dioxide was missing from the spectrum of possible chemical compounds comprising this comet (referred to as Comet 238P/Read) which was discovered in 2005, and is situated within the main asteroid belt. Don’t worry, it’s safe enough away from our Earth to not be a threat, as its orbit brings it closer to the sun than Jupiter. 

The image below is able to communicate a lot of data to scientists and researchers, but it primarily indicates that water ice from the primordial (early) solar system is able to be preserved in that specific region within the asteroid belt. 

As for the lack of carbon dioxide, NASA says there are two plausible explanations. Firstly, Comet Read may have had carbon dioxide when it originally formed, but has since lost it because of warmer temperatures from being in the asteroid belt for an extended time. 

Secondly, scientists propose that Comet Read may have formed in an especially warm area of the solar system, where there would be no carbon dioxide available due to the fact that it vaporizes much more easily than water ice does. 

So why is this such a big deal? it’s just a comet, right?

“Understanding the history of water distribution in the solar system will help us to understand other planetary systems, and if they could be on their way to hosting an Earth-like planet,” shares Stefanie Milam, Webb deputy project scientist for planetary science.

“Our water-soaked world, teeming with life and unique in the universe as far as we know, is something of a mystery – we’re not sure how all this water got here,” she explains.  

In other NASA news, JWST also found another unusual trace of water vapor last month on a rocky exoplanet known as GJ 486 b. This planet is said to be 30% larger than our Earth and three times as massive, plus, it’s also pretty closely orbited around its red dwarf star, meaning that it’s very much inhabitable given the surface temperature of around 800 degrees Fahrenheit (430 degrees Celsius). 

Webb’s observations from the NIRSpec instrument show traces of water vapor on this scorching hot exoplanet, so how is this possible? Astronomers believe that the rocky planet would have likely had its atmosphere depleted by x-ray radiation and ultraviolet rays that have been emitted from the red dwarf star of which the planet snuggly orbits. 

However, the small presence of water vapor suggests that the rocky exoplanet might still have an atmosphere if the water is associated with it. Although, it’s also unclear if the water vapor could actually be on the star itself in what’s referred to as cool starspots, and not actually from the planet at all.

“Water vapor in an atmosphere on a hot rocky planet would represent a major breakthrough for exoplanet science. But we must be careful and make sure that the star is not the culprit,” shares principal investigator Kevin Stevenson from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. 

For more updates on what’s happening in the universe, and if you want to keep up with the latest image releases, head over to the James Webb Space Telescope gallery, where you can see all of Webb’s first images and learn more about what they depict. NASA will be launching new images at least every other week.

• You might also be interested in the best lenses for astrophotography, as well as the best astrophotography software, and not forgetting the best CCD cameras for astrophotography and the best light pollution filters for night photography.

In early June three years ago, waiting in line for a table at Flyers Bar and Grill on a marina in St. Croix, I looked on in amazement as a group of kayakers gathered at the waterfront for a tour. Watching them paddle off into the dusk, I wondered what was so interesting that people would skip dinner in exchange for insect bites and navigating barely visible waters. Bioluminescence was not yet a word in my vocabulary.

I’ve since warmed right up to nighttime sights outdoors, having witnessed the Northern Lights dancing in Iceland or the Milky Way above a remote cabin in New Hampshire. While I had begun experimenting with astrophotography during a 2018 trip to Virgin Islands National Park, these once haphazard sessions have now become a full-fledged hobby.

If my growing fascination with the natural world after sundown has taught me anything, it’s that the night sky offers endless adventure. Our national and state parks and other organizations are working to protect dark skies and host events to engage people of all ages and abilities to see nighttime landscapes, nocturnal critters, and to stargaze and contemplate UFOs.

The park nighttime activities below offer curious minds a chance to explore moonlit paths and bays that glow.

1. Stargazing and UFOs

Trade an evening of Netflix for a chance to gaze at galaxies and be reminded that, like those stars above you, earth is just a tiny dot. The big question is: could it really be the only life-supporting dot?

Learn About the Cosmos—and UFOs—at Joshua Tree National Park, California

There’s a lot to marvel about in Joshua Tree National Park, known for its lunar landscapes and energy vortices. Located in the Morongo Basin, a hotbed for claims of UFO sightings, and a certified International Dark Sky Park site, Joshua Tree regularly attracts stargazers and truth seekers. In fact, it’s the 2013 birthplace of the annual Contact in the Desert Conference, the “Woodstock of UFO conferences,” which draws thousands of attendees.

Though the conference has since moved to Indian Wells, California, you can still seek signs of extraterrestrial life while in Joshua Tree by joining a 90-minute Stargazing and UFO Tour run by Addicted2Wonder ($150) using Gen 3 military-grade night-vision binoculars. This technology delivers an even more captivating stargazing experience than is available to the naked eye, so you can see stars, nebulas, planets, and distant galaxies in a way that far surpasses what was observable even to our ancestors gazing at pitch-black skies a thousand years ago.

Attend a Star Party at Glacier National Park, Montana

Far from the brightness of big cities, Glacier is a go-to destination for visitors who not only want to see the Milky Way but also the elusive northern lights, visible any time of year but especially September through April. Also an International Dark Sky Park, Glacier embraces its role as a steward of the night sky. Events like Logan Pass Star Parties are held every year to make visitors aware of the ecological and cultural importance of dark skies, offering a chance to gaze at our galaxies through high-powered telescopes while learning about the solar system from park rangers, astronomers, and members of the Big Sky Astronomy Club.

Star parties are held on select summer nights from 10 P.M. until midnight and cost $5 per vehicle (in addition to the park entrance fee). Unable to attend? See the above link for other astronomy programs in the park throughout the year.

2. Bioluminescence

If you don’t believe in magic, you’ve never witnessed the blue-green glow of microorganisms in a dark saltwater bay.

Paddle a See-Through Kayak in the Salt River Bay, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Enjoy one of nature’s most wondrous displays with a glass-bottom kayak tour of one of St. Croix’s bioluminescent bays. Salt River Bay National Historic Site and Ecological Preserve, which for two millennia served as an entry point for Indigenous people and colonizers, is home to one of just seven full-time bioluminescent bays in the world. Sea Thru Kayaks’ tour ($55) sets out at dusk and heads about three-quarters of a mile past the mangroves to Salt River Bay, where kayakers paddle around in amazement, watching as the water disturbance triggers a chemical reaction in plankton known as dinoflagellates, which light up beneath them. Children ages eight and up (who must be accompanied by an adult) are welcome to explore these rare ecosystems. No prior kayaking experience is necessary.

Paddle the Magical Waters of Castine Harbor, Maine

Combine time in the quaint seaside town of Castine with an epic evening adventure exploring what local tour operator Castine Kayak Adventures refers to as a “floating planetarium”—a bioluminescent bay located just one hour from Acadia National Park. These waters—located between the Penobscot and Bagaduce waterways—are off the radar for most tourists, and offer an awe-inspiring glow, thanks to the nutrient-rich silt floor of Castine Harbor.

An hour after sundown, visitors can join Castine Kayak Adventures on a tour ($90) that leaves from the harbor to watch these waters come to life. Children ages ten and older are welcome (and must be accompanied by an adult), and prior kayaking experience is recommended as tidal currents can be strong. For first-timers, the company offers a day-and-night kayak package ($155) from May through mid-October for those who would prefer to learn paddling basics in the daylight.

Note: To protect these fragile ecosystems for future generations, participants are asked to avoid the use of bug spray, deodorant, perfume, or sunscreen out of an abundance of caution, as they often contain harmful chemicals that kill the bioluminescence.

3. Night Hikes

Whether you’re interested in a moonlit stroll or one in the darkness of the new moon, exploring at night affords a different experience of landscape viewss.

Follow the Ram Head Trail in Virgin Islands National Park, St. John

This 2.3-mile out-and-back trail on a peninsula in Virgin Islands National Park covers mostly exposed terrain, with the sound of crashing waves. You’ll have expansive views across sea and sky as you approach the Ram Head, a rocky abutment at the trail terminus, to watch the moonrise over the endless horizon. This hike is self-guided and does not require prior registration, so take extra precautions. The peninsula has some small rocky cliffs, so stay on the trail, bring a headlamp or flashlight, and consider a daytime familiarization hike.

Hike Under the Full Moon in White Sands National Park, New Mexico

This monthly ranger-led hike shows off the park’s famous white sands illuminated under the light of the moon. Hikers cast shadows onto the bright landscape as they follow the 1.3-long, moderately difficult Dune Life Nature Trail loop, an adventure that can last up to two hours round trip. The path is initially flat but then ascends up the steep sand dunes—a boost in difficulty eased by listening to the guide’s tales about the park. Guests must preregister, and ticket sales open up two months before each scheduled hike. Cost is $8 (or $4 for children under 15), not including the park-entry fee.

Hike Under the New Moon in the Valley of Fire, Nevada

Valley of Fire State Park offers monthly guided or self-guided new-moon hikes (see the guided events here, although hikes may not be published until about a week ahead, or check Facebook) on a rotating array of trails. Located an hour northeast of Las Vegas, the park’s red-rock landscapes are obscured at night, but the setting offers a reprieve from the bright lights of the Strip in exchange for a wander under the Milky Way. Hikes start at 6:30 P.M. and distances range from one to two and a half miles. These excursions are family-friendly and open to all ages. A red-light flashlight is suggested to safely navigate the trails without impairing your night vision, and expect to pay a $15 park fee ($10 for Nevada residents).

See Twilight in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

This guided three-hour mountaintop amble through Shenandoah National Park’s Big Meadow sets out at the golden hour and ends under the stars. Watch the colors of sunset erupt across the sky as an expert guide identifies signs of wildlife and points out seasonal plants. Twilight hikes ($25) run from May through August and are scheduled in advance. Each covers about one mile round trip, with frequent stops for discussions of unique flora and fauna. All ages and abilities are welcome. Preregistration is required, and the fee does not include park admission.

Stay safe on nighttime hikes with Gaia GPS maps for Ram Head Trail, White Sands, and Valley of Fire (recent excursions include Fire Wave and White Domes Loop).

4. Nighttime Nature Tours

Discover creatures that roam the night and other wonders that otherwise lie hidden.

Tour El Yunque Rainforest, Puerto Rico

While many visitors to the island are heading out for dinner and drinks to wrap the day, the nocturnal residents of the El Yunque Rainforest are only just starting up. For the richest wildlife experience here, visit in the evening, as 60 percent of its inhabitants are nocturnal. A guided evening walk with El Yunque Tours ($55) departs close to sunset and ends just after dark. With expert help, you’ll be able to identify various species of tree frogs, glimpse screech owls, and see scorpions and tarantulas just before they scurry into the shadows. Expect to be out for two and a half hours and cover minimal ground (about three-quarters of a mile out-and-back).

Go Yooperlite Hunting in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan

What in the world is a Yooperlite, and why should you care? Two words: glowing rocks.  Discovered by Erik Rintamaki in 2017, Yooperlites are syenite rocks rich in the fluorescent mineral sodalite, which causes them to glow neon shades of orange and yellow at night when subjected to UV light. No two rocks are the same. Some are merely speckled with the luminescent mineral, while others display brilliant patterns or emit an all-over radiance. Rintamaki offers tours on select dates from July through October along Lake Superior to hunt for Yooperlites, which you otherwise might overlook as eemingly ordinary gray rocks.

Watch Synchronous Fireflies at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina

These magical summertime creatures come in a variety of species, some of which even have the ability to synchronize their flashing patterns. One of the few viewing spots on earth to observe synchronous fireflies is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Elkmont area near the Little River and Jakes Creek Trailheads, which are temporarily closed off to ordinary visitation. An annual lottery is held in April for permits for people in 960 cars over eight nights to witness the only American species of synchronous firefly during its brief annual appearance. The lottery costs $1 and allows applicants to select two potential viewing dates. Those people selected are automatically charged $24 and assigned a specific evening to view the fireflies between late May and mid-June.

Search for Scorpions in Maricopa County, Arizona

Scorpions are known as fearsome, venomous creatures to avoid. So it might come as a surprise that various parks around this county, which contains the state capital of Phoenix, hold summertime events where families can go looking for the pincered predators. Sound unsettling? Rest assured that scorpions are far more likely to run from humans than sting them, and that people are unlikely to die from scorpion venom.

To take part in these outings, join rangers at Lost Dutchman State Park, in Apache Junction, or McDowell Mountain Regional Park, in Fountain Hills, on select summer nights ($5). Bring your own flashlight to illuminate the path, as well as a black light to spot the tiny scorpions scurrying through the dirt (the UV light gives them a fluorescent green glow). To find an upcoming scorpion hunt, check the Lost Dutchman State Park Facebook page, or head to the Maricopa County Regional Parks events page and select the Animals filter on the events calendar.

Author Bio: Always a lover of quiet and fresh evening air, Theresa McKinney (see Fueled by Wanderlust) has a growing appreciation for the night sky. In annual trips to Virgin Islands National Park, she has expanded her adventure repertoire from snorkeling and hiking to include late-night astrophotography sessions and pitch-black beach walks. On her second visit to Iceland, she proudly achieved her bucket-list goal of seeing the northern lights.

 

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