Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera

You looking to find the "Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera" Good news! You can purchase Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $1,249.00    

Product Feature

• Focal length: 70-200mm
• Dimensions: 86.4mm x 197.6mm (3.4in x 7.8in)
• Optional accessories: Sigma DG Circular Polarizer 77mm

Product Description

Designed for use with full frame digital SLR cameras. May also be used with smaller APS-c size sensors with a corresponding effective increase in focal length to about 100 to 300mm with most cameras Offers Sigma's OS System (Optical Stabilization) allowing handheld photography even in low-light situation HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet & high-speed auto focus FLD glass elements with performance equal to fluorite glass for compensate for color aberration

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera Review

Actual score: 4.5 stars

12/15/2011 - Update. I've had this lens a whole year now and still love it - more every day. It is solid, fast and accurate. I'm kind of sorry I seem to have started quite a stir in my description of the Stabilization sound. It really is not bad at all. It was more of a first impression. No regrets on this lens.

I also have a TOKINA 11-16 f2.8, and a Canon 17-55 f2.8 These three lenses are all I need for quality shooting from ultrawide to telephoto. -TXJAVA

2/1/11 - update. Official price drop. New price now $1399 - that's more like it... If you have been on the fence with this lens, time to give it another look. I still love this lens. -TXJAVA

12/15/11 My apologies in advance for a long review. There are not a whole lot of reviews out there for this lens so I'm hoping I can help some others make a good decision. Summary: It is a great Lens, but perhaps not for everyone.

I have been watching this one since it was announced. I tried it out at the local Camera shop and fell in love with it. I decided at that moment, I was going to own this lens.
The initial drawback was always price. At $1699 (sixteen-ninety-nine) it seems a bit high. Yes, this is a quality lens with a 2.8 constant aperture throughout the zoom range and a very good OS optical stabilization (IS in Canon's terminology) but at that price it is only a few hundred less than the highly rated excellent Canon 70-200 2.8 IS ii. So I've been waiting patiently for the price to move.

Well one day, quite unexpectedly, the price at the "B" Camera vendor was $350 (three-fifty) less. Suddenly, at $1349 (thirteen-forty-nine) it was near my strike price (I think the lens should sell for $1200 or so). So I watched to see if the "A" internet vendors would match. They did not. I knew this was less that wholesale for the lens, so I ordered one from the "B" vendor. (The next day the two "A" vendors matched the price - Sorry Amazon, you were not fast enough). The lens arrived a couple days later, VERY well packed. With Amazon, packing can be a bit hit or miss. By the time the lens arrived, all the vendors were priced at the original $1699 (sixteen-ninety-nine). Hmmm, maybe it had been a price mistake.

So enough of that - What do I think of the lens? I still love it; however, there was something that I had not noticed in the store. When the OS system started up (1/2 press of the shutter key), it made a fairly loud click and then the Gyros sounded like very distant fire truck sirens. I literally though that there was a fire truck outside. But it turned out to be coming from the lens. Mind you, it was not loud, but it was disconcerting. I own the excellent Canon EF-S 17-55 2.8 IS and the IS system on that is near silent. I've been spoiled by that lens. I went down to the camera shop to see if their copy had the same sound. It did have some OS sound, but I had not noticed before above the ambient sound in the store. The store model did not sound like my copy. So I called the "B" Vendor and they quickly sent me a new lens.

The new lens arrived today and it too had the OS sound but not as noticeable as the first copy of the lens (I was able to compare side by side). Is the sound bad? No not really, but it is different than the low level "whurl" of the Canon IS system.

That said, the OS system does work very well. It is especially nice at the tele- end of the zoom. You can really see that camera shake through the viewfinder, and then you press the shutter release � way and suddenly it locks into place. Very nice, very cool. I have been able to take nice sharp pictures as low as second - and that is at the long end of the zoom. Impressive!

The rest of the build quality is very good. Both the focus and the zoom rings operate very smoothly and with just the right amount of resistance.

The lens is heavy (over 3 pounds). The rebel series cameras will benefit from the extra holding power that the extra battery grip offers. It comes with a tripod collar so you can use it on a monopod. A lens hood included (wish Canon would include hoods with all their lenses) there is even an extender for APS-c crop sensor cameras. However, I don't intend to use it.

The pictures I have taken have all been great. It is a bit soft at 2.8 (as many lenses are), but still within my tolerances. The 2.8 aperture really helps for indoor shots. It is great because you can sit across the room and shoot away without bothering those in the room. F4.0 lenses just do not give you enough light for indoor shooting, especially sports. Seems like it would be a great lens for weddings and other indoor events. As for picture quality, I've seen some web reviews that compare this with the Canon and the Sigma comes out pretty good. I do not see any CA at all on my copy. Focus is fast and accurate with no front or back focusing - it is spot on. It is not as fast or quiet as the canon, but still focus motor is still very good. You also have full time manual focus override. So for those of us who are mere enthusiasts or hobbyists this is a great lens to have for the all-important 70-200 tele- range. Pros might want to stick to the Canon version.

All and all, this lens is a keeper. It takes great pics, the OS is very effective (although a bit loud) and the nice 2.8 aperture really shines. Lastly, one of the real reasons I got this is because it is black. You are already conspicuous when you have 8" of lens hanging off the end of your camera at your son's basketball game, or your daughter's rehearsal. You really start to look ridiculous when you have 8"s of a white and black striped Canon lens. (I know I have lost some of my credibility with that last statement, but I just prefer black lenses...)

So the choice is yours. If you are looking for a lens in the 70-200 or 75-300 range, save your money up for a fast 2.8 version with stabilization, you will not be sorry. Those less expensive f3.2-5.6 or lower lenses are just not as practical as a good 2.8 lens. If you can afford the Canon and don't mind the black and white stripes, by all means get it, otherwise, get this one, you will be very pleased that you did.

One of these days, i'll upload some pics.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Pentax Digital DSLR Camera ...

Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black

You looking to find the "Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black" Good news! You can purchase Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $1,449.99 $1,169.99   

Product Feature

• Universal media support - Blu-ray discs (including those with 3D content),CD, HDCD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD. Marvell QDEO video processor. Anagram Technologies Q5 192 kHZ upsampling - as featured in Cambridge Audio DacMagic. On-board decoding of lossless Dolby True HD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS-HD High Resolution Audio in Stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 CODECs.
• 7.1 multi channel and dedicated Stereo analogue outputs. 5 x Wolfson WM8740 24bit/192kHz DACs for superior audio performance. Pure Audio Mode prevents any audio signal interference or degradation.
• 1GB internal storage plus 2 x USB 2.0 and 1 x eSATA sockets for external drive connection. New simple-to-operate colour OSD (On Screen Display) and set-up menus .
• Lightning quick power-up and loading speed. New, low energy standby circuit - consumes <0.5Watt in Standby. Supports Profile 2.0 - (BD-Live and BonusView) - Ethernet or wireless connection (supplied with 802.11 b/g/n wireless dongle)
• Navigator style Azur remote which also controls: � � All current, forthcoming and most legacy Cambridge Audio AVRs and Amplifiers, • Discrete commands for custom install use. All metal wrap-around casework with substantially thicker front panel and an ultra rigid, acoustically dampened chassis. Fully controllable over RS232.

Product Description

If sound is as important to you as experiencing the ultimate in image definition, the all new 751BD is the 3D Blu-ray universal player you've been waiting for...With support for BD-3D, all the latest surround sound formats, QDEO video processing and Anagram Technologies audio up-sampling, the 751BD is a lightning-fast, easy to use player and is guaranteed to reproduce your movies and music with all the gusto of the original performance! Featuring almost universal disc compatibility, the 751BD not only plays Blu-ray discs - including those with 3D content - but also CD, HDCD, DVD-Video, DVD-Audio and SACD. With twin HDMI outputs, the 751BD can deliver 3D video to multiple displays (such as a your 3D TV and your projector) and both are fully compatible with the HDMI 1.4 standard for 3DTV and Deep Colour support. The primary HDMI output also features a high quality Marvell QDEO video scaler with motion adaptive noise reduction for quiet and natural video, free from noise and artefacts. As well as stunning performance with Blu-ray discs, the 751BD delivers unbeatable picture quality from existing DVDs, which can also be up-scaled to 1080p resolution. The 751BD supports decoding of the very latest formats including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio. And for the ultimate in user choice, these formats can be output as bitstreams over HDMI for an AV receiver to decode internally. However it is the 751BD's musical performance that really sets it apart from its peers with genuinely uncontested audiophile credentials. A mouth watering specification including five Wolfson WM8740 24/192kHz Digital to Analogue converters, Anagram Technologies Q5 192 kHz upsampling, a choice of digital filters and zealous attention to the design of audio circuits ensures the 751BD can reproduce the dynamics and scale required for the most elaborate movie soundtracks. The 751BD truly excels as an audio source.

Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black Review

If you are considering purchasing a superb allstar blu-ray player, I highly recommend this unit. This is a company that is highly rated for their high end audio equipment. They have combined great audio with a superb picture quality. I recommend that you use anolog cables instead of hdmi for audio (hdmi audio can be disabled in the set up menu). Purchase and enjoy one of the best blu-ray players on the market.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Cambridge Audio Azur 751BD 3D Compatible Universal Blu-ray Player, Black ...

Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS)

You looking to find the "Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS)" Good news! You can purchase Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS) with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $1,282.50 $1,257.99   

Product Feature

• Dual-core Intel 2.1GHz processor and 2GB on-board memory
• 6-bays for 24TB maximum capacity (expandable to 44TB with optional EDA500 chassis)
• Consolidate, backup and share files across Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android devices
• Modern interface for easy cloud-based discovery and file management
• Embedded and add-on applications for iTunes, DLNA, and streaming of music and movies to local or internet-connected devices, including smartphones and tablets
• On-box data protection including XRAID automatic volume expansion, unlimited snapshots, encryption and real-time anti-virus
• VM-ready with iSCSI support and vSphere/Hyper-V certification

Product Description

The NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN31661D is an advanced and easy-to use solution for centralizing, securing and controlling access to your digital assets. Way more than just simple unified (NAS or SAN) storage for your home or business, ReadyNAS pairs the latest in performance with innovative technologies like unlimited snapshots, thin provisioning and cloud-managed replication. Each ReadyNAS protects stored data not only with XRAID automatic expansion, but is the first in its class to feature continuous data protection along with real-time anti-virus and native encryption. Featuring a sleek interface designed with ease-of-use in mind, ReadyNAS utilizes ReadyCLOUD for simple cloud-based discovery and file management. With ReadyNAS, protecting and accessing your digital world has never been easier.

Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS) Review

Must totally disagree with Previous comment about hardware and software.

BUT,

We can attest to the fact that the set instructions are literally NIL, ZERO, NONE, NADA, BUPKIS etc!...and "ZILCH!"

We are VERY tech savvy here, but found ourselves on two long tech calls with Netgear tech support. One for an hour, one for 20 minutes to set up the unit.

Starting the setup required a total re-set with new drives which was fine, but we had to get a tiny paper clip inside the typical tiny reset hole and hold it for 10 seconds while powering the unit on. Not complicated but a real pain in the _as when this thing is on a shelf filled with drives and you need to reach behind it.

BUT

After the re-set, the unit did it's think in building the array of 6 4TB Seagate ST4000DX drives.

The unit has a touch panel in the front an no knobs or switches, so until you realize that the "PRESS the OK BUTTON", means tap the screen to make it appear along with it's halo of arrows North South East and West, you are gonna feel like you are on Candid Camera.

Same with the Hard drive "release buttons" which are tiny slide switches in the front and need to be held down while the lock releases are in one position ( I forgot if it is closed or open)..Once you do one, you are good to go for the others..again...Think Candid Camera.

Software is Web-based and addressable.

It is not intuitive,

BUT,

Once you go thru the settings and folder creations and renaming, it DOES MAKE SENSE...Just a bit different than Synology or Thecus.

Unit is QUALITY built and quiet.

Expensive is relative, but Tech support was absolutely, positively top notch ..with Foreign based techs who cn speak and understadn the English Language. if only with a monor accent.

Support is great.

We recommend this unit and are buying additional ones as well as the expansion chassis's

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS)" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Netgear ReadyNAS 300 Series 316 6TB (6 x 1TB) 6-Bay Network Attached Storage (RN31661D-100NAS) ...

Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer

You looking to find the "Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer" Good news! You can purchase Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

Price: $311.95    

Product Feature

• Furniture-style video base with Mocha Cherry veneer finish and silver-tone pulls
• Holds most 36-inch conventional TVs (up to 240 pounds) and most 50-inch flat-panel TVS (up to 117 pounds) plus peripherals
• Center shelves with tempered-glass door; two side cabinets; cutouts in back panel for wire management
• Assembly required; tested for tip-free safety
• Measures 47-7/8 inches wide by 23-7/8 inches deep by 23 inches high; 6-year warranty

Product Description

The Sonoma Collection, with its attractive tapered legs, decorative edge profiles, and rich Mocha Cherry Veneer finish, features versatile products for the high tech home where technologies converge.

Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer Review

I bought this for my wife to replace my ugly bachelor style MDF/cinder Block "entertainment" unit. I was very happy with the price, and more than impressed with the packaging to prevent damage during delivery. Be ready to have someone help you move it into your home as it is incredibly heavy for one person. I had to flip it end over end to walk it through my front door (this is not the recommended procedure in case you are wondering). If you have stairs, setup your chiropractor appointment first. From that point I opened the box and took out all 5 million parts. I opened the directions and got started. There is nothing complicated about assembly, but set aside an easy 3-5 hours to work on it. Having built many of these "type" of various units, I now prefer to take my time and double check everything before I get half way through a project and have to start over. I suggest the same. Almost every piece on this unit requires that you glue many wooden pegs for support. While I like this from a construction standpoint, I'd be lying if I said it did not take me a while to complete it.

Over all the stand is functional, the perfect size for my Sony 60" XBR TV. It holds my 4 main components and all different type of remotes function through the glass. The drawer is nice as it holds extra remotes so I know where to find them. I also like that the back is solid wood and not cheap cardboard....so there is a lot of support. The only "Con" is that the center speaker section in the center of the stand is not big enough to hold any real quality center speaker. Mine is currently on the floor in front of the TV stand as a result. At this time I'm not sure how we plan to remedy that. All in all I'm happy with the stand. If you have the time and you have the brawn, then I would more than recommend this stand for you.

12/4/2010 Update: It's been almost 3 years. The furniture has held up well in day to day living. We have an 18 month old now who likes to hit it a lot with toys. Over all it has stood up well to this punishment. Like most "fake wood" furniture, if you gouge it too deep then you will see a lighter color substrate under the darker covering. I usually just draw over it with a black felt tip marker and you never see it without CLOSE inspection. I now have Wii and a computer in it. They both breath in the box OK, but not great. The holes in the back help some. Not too hot to be worried though.

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Bush Furniture Sonoma Medium TV Stand, Mocha Cherry Veneer ...

Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe

You looking to find the "Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe" Good news! You can purchase Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Feature

• High-performance, easy-to-use analog clock radio with superior sound reproduction
• Fine quartz mechanical movement ensures accurate timekeeping
• 20-minute sleep timer, snooze button, and alarm thumbwheel
• 3-inch full-range driver; expandable with optional stereo speaker and subwoofer
• Measures 8.375 x 4.5 x 5.25 inches (W x H x D); 1-year warranty

Product Description

You don't need a degree in rocket science to operate the Tivoli Audio Model Three Clock Radio. Like other Tivoli Audio products, the Model Three is simple to use, so you won't lose sleep wondering if you'll wake up. It includes a 20-minute sleep timer, a snooze button, and a sleek aluminum thumbwheel to set the alarm time, with the option to wake to a buzzer or its great sounding AM/FM radio. The analog clock's fine quartz mechanical movement provides accurate time keeping and compliments the analog tuning dial. The constant gentle illumination makes the clock face visible in low or no light without keeping you awake. Its handsome cherry wood exterior houses a rather high-tech interior. The Model Three uses a Henry Kloss designed tuner with cell phone technology for better FM reception and increased clarity on closely spaced stations, a 5:1 ratio analog tuning dial, and a plethora of inputs and outputs including Stereo Headphone and Record output, stereo auxiliary input, built in AM/FM antennas, a 75 ohm connection for an external FM antenna and a 12 V power input for use in areas without AC power. You can add the optional matching Tivoli Audio Stereo Speaker or Dual Alarm Speaker for stereo sound, or for a complete sound system, add the optional matching Model Subwoofer and Model CD.

Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe Review

I purchased the unit for it's renowned tuner but also for a replacement of my clock radio. The tuner is everything as claimed and nearly as good as a very high end tuner I currently own. The sound quality is also much better than expected. Where this unit falls apart is with the sleep functions. I could not get the snooze function to work as the radio would never come back on. An email to Tivoli revealed that the snooze must be activated within 120 seconds or it simply turns the radio off. This information was NOT in the manual! I know I'm not counting down from 120 seconds the moment the alarm awakes me from a soind sleep... Poor design. I've also discovered that the clock runs from the single AA battery at all times. It should run from the AC and only rely on the battery for back up. Another poorly thought out design. The two most important sleep functions are an afterthought and in my opinion not worth the cost or questionable functionality. If one were to add a second speaker the total would be $250 or $100 more than a model Two. That $100 only gets you a cheap battery operated clock and useless snooze function. Instead, spend your money on the model Two, the $80 sub and a wall timer. That's what I'm doing... You'll have a better system and save a few dollars as well!

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Tivoli Audio Model Three AM/FM Clock Radio, Cherry/Metallic Taupe ...