It is a personal choice of course, but I ask would we use a 45mm lens as opposed to a 50mm one? Some may feel it is too close to 50mm, some may feel that the extra field of view is advantageous, and for each individual photographer that answer could be very different. There is a subtle difference between 45mm and 50mm and if anyone did feel that their 50mm lens was just a tad constricting, then the Irix 45mm could well be the answer. It is a lovely lens to use and gives lovely results, in fact, to be fair it gives startlingly lovely results.

It is actually quite surprising how few fast 100mm lenses there are, especially considering the popularity of the 100mm macro lenses. For those who find 85mm too short and yet 135mm too long and unwieldy, the 100mm lens has always been an excellent focal length. There have been many 100mm lenses in the past, mostly f/2.8 designs that were light and compact.

Uvm_sequence

Manual focus does become more difficult the wider we go and this may well not be for everybody, but there are others who will revel in the sheer tactile joy of handling a precision, traditional style lens.

There are quite a few 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, none of them exactly cheap. For those who want a lower cost or a lighter lens, there are the f/4 versions, but many photographers will seek the reduced depth of field that a fast, bright f/2.8 aperture has to offer.

Recall that the example application consists of a client application that sets up an in-memory JCR repository and that allows a user to upload files into that repository. The client also sets up the ModeShape services with an image sequencer so that if any of the uploaded files are PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP or other images, ModeShape will automatically extract the image's metadata (e.g., image format, physical size, pixel density, etc.) and store that in the repository. Or, if the client uploads MP3 audio files, the title, author, album, year, and comment are extracted from the audio file and stored in the repository.

This is also the sort of lens design that raises standards, as the difference between a shot that hits the spot and one that nearly does becomes very obvious. Zeiss claims the lens offers a “medium format look” and it does have a certain quality, a certain look that lifts it beyond the norm. It will not suit every photographer, but those whose way of working it does suit will love it.

In conclusion, apart from the flare, the lens is well worth serious consideration and is capable of outstanding results. As a result, it can quite positively be 'Recommended'.

The only downsides are the price, which is really quite high, and the lack of AF or vibration reduction. But if we want a lens of this high calibre and we can afford to pay the price, then there's no alternative than to consider it both highly recommended and highly desirable.

The main(String[] argv) method is of course the method that is executed when the application is run. This code creates the ModeShape configuration using the programmatic style.

If we look at the ConsoleInput constructor, it starts the repository and a thread for the user interface. At this point, the constructor returns, but the main application continues under the user interface thread. When the user requests to quit, the user interface thread also shuts down the JCR repository.

The temptation may well be there to go for the wider 15mm lens at the same price, or one of the alternative 15mm offerings. However, the Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.8 does offer a smaller, lighter lens that is easier to focus and handle and may even be more universally useful. It is not a lower-cost option. The optical performance is virtually the same.

The second block simply instantiates the SequencingClient class, passing the configuration and the name of the repository and workspace, and finally sets the user interface (which then executes its behavior, which we'll see below).

It is an attractive optic, not only for its sharpness and other optical qualities but also for its smart new design ethos, matching nicely with other new Tamron lenses. Add the moisture resistance and a price competitive with its peers and we have a very useful general purpose wide angle zoom capable of very satisfactory results.

The startRepository() method builds the JcrEngine component from the configuration, starts the engine, and obtains the JCR javax.jcr.Repository instance that the client will use. Note that the client has not yet obtained a javax.jcr.Session instance, since this will be done each time the client needs to access content from the repository. (This is actually a common practice according to the JCR specification, since Sessions are intended to be very lightweight.)

Zoom lenses for 35mm format cameras have been with us since around 1959, when the Voigtlander 36-82mm f/2.8 lens first appeared. However, they came of age with the advents of computer lens design and recent zooms in particular are capable of stunning performances. We cannot even say that expensive zooms are better than less expensive ones, only perhaps that the higher price may mean better construction and more durable finishes. This makes the review process even more vital, where there are plenty of suprises and highly competitive lenses that can give superb results.

The alternative technique of setting a reasonably small aperture, say f/8, and using depth of field to ensure sharpness throughout, can be very liberating and also yields excellent results. Whatever the technique chosen, this is a versatile lens delivering high-class results.

The answer to the focusing issue lies in using the depth of field markings and zone focusing, or by using a tripod and spending some time getting that point of focus right. The flare issue is harder to avoid when shooting against the light, but is not an issue in normal, less demanding lighting conditions. It is of course possible that the flare properties of the lens could be used in a creative way.

Although the price may seem on the high side for a lens from a third-party manufacturer when compared to the prices of lenses from Canon and Nikon. If the excellent optical quality and features such as the fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, optical stabilisation and fast, silent autofocus are taken into account, then this lens looks like it may be worth the premium. Those serious about macro photography, using a telephoto focal length to increase the working distance will love this lens. It's sharp, well built and very well-featured.

You can repeat this process with other files. Any file that isn't an image or MP3 files (as recognized by the sequencing configurations that we'll describe later) will not be sequenced.

The Meike 85mm f/2.8 Macro lens is a well-made, well-priced lens that will do the job efficiently and to an excellent standard.

With a highly competitive price tag, high quality all around and an especially fine optical performance, the Samyang AF 14mm f/2.8 lens for Nikon F certainly more than justifies its cost. Against the competition, it holds its head up high and hits a very sweet price/performance point that makes it a very serious contender for those seeking a 14mm lens. A definite Editor's Choice.

The Tamron lens performs very well indeed and has a very well-balanced set of properties. It is well-priced against similar lenses and definitely worth looking at. Images are sharp, well detailed and show smooth bokeh. Resistance to flare is excellent.

There is one more aspect of this example that is worth discussing. While the repository example in the next chapter does show how to use JAAS, this example intentionally shows how you might integrate a different security system into ModeShape. In the createSession() method, the RepositoryClient creates a SecurityContextCredentials wrapper around a custom SecurityContext implementation, then passes that credentials into the login(Credentials,String) method:

Virtualsequencer

Very long lenses have always been more expensive, with the affordable telephotos ending around 300mm. That extra 400mm is very valuable for wildlife and sports and we have here from Sigma such a lens, but one that is much more reasonably priced.

ModeShape includes several other sequencers, including sequencers for DDL files, Microsoft Office files, JCR Compact Node Definition (CND) files, and XML files. Feel free to experiment with the example and add these or even sequencers you write.

The Laowa 14mm f/4 Zero-D lens has some remarkable properties. It is very sharp indeed, outstandingly so at the centre, and its low distortion and virtually banished CA are highly commendable. The biggest drawbacks are a high susceptibility to flare and for some, the manual focusing of an ultra-wide f/4 lens may prove more difficult.

The Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art is a really sharp lens, with excellent handling and beautiful bokeh, which makes a powerful mix. Although many photographers have felt that 135mm was slightly too long for a short portrait telephoto, perhaps looking at 100mm instead, with this Sigma the close focusing seems to be a game changer. Whereas the 135mm often stopped short at 4 feet or so, at just over 3 feet this new lens makes the tight head shot absolutely possible and probably tips the balance. Coupled with a truly splendid performance, Sigma has a winner, without a doubt.

Perspective is controlled purely by the distance we are from a subject, but because we get more in with a wide-angle lens this means that we need to approach much closer than we normally would to fill the frame with any item of interest. As a consequence, dramatic perspectives can be enjoyed and this is very useful with landscapes and architectural work. Having said that, all lenses can be used for all subjects and even some portraits can be highly effective and unusual when shot with a wide-angle lens. Wide angles are incredible creative tools and are worth practising with.

SequencingClient is the class that contains the main application. ContentInfo is a simple class that encapsulate metadata generated by the sequencers and accessed by this example application, and there are two subclasses: MediaInfo encapsulates metadata about media (image and MP3) files, while JavaInfo is a subclass encapsulating information about a Java class. The client accesses the content from the repository and represents the information using instances of ContentInfo (and its subclasses) and then passes them to the UserInterface. UserInterface is an interface with methods that will be called at runtime to request data from the user. ConsoleInput is an implementation of this that creates a text user interface, allowing the user to operate the client from the command-line. We can easily create a graphical implementation of UserInterface at a later date. We can also create a mock implementation for testing purposes that simulates a user entering data. This allows us to check the behavior of the client automatically using conventional JUnit test cases, as demonstrated by the code in the src/test/java directory:

These manufacturers produce lenses in various mount options, so please make sure your choice matches your camera body. Every camera system uses its own specific lens mount, and this can also include mirrorless cameras and lenses. In the case of Nikon, the new Z mount for their mirrorless Z range has a much larger diameter than the DSLR F mount. However, the F mount lenses (that users may well have accumulated over the years) can be used on the new Z mount mirrorless cameras via the Nikon Adapter FTZ.

Another new Tamron lens, this one building on the reputation of its predecessors and definitely coming up to the mark. The Tamron 90mm Macro has been a favourite for many over the years. This one takes performance to a new peak and is very comfortable to use. There does remain the possibility of picking up the previous model at a much lower price but that is always a dilemma when lenses are updated.

Obviously you would want to implement this correctly. If you're using ModeShape in a web application, your SecurityContext implementation would likely delegate to the HttpServletRequest.

Uvm_sequencer

Telephoto lenses are useful for bringing in subjects that are further away. For portraits, using a short telephoto such as 85mm or 100mm means we can stand slightly back from the subject, improving perspective to create flattering images. Much longer lenses are of course widely used and understood, especially for sports and wildlife shooting.

15mm lenses are beautiful to use and offer unique results. There are several excellent choices on the market, and Zeiss enthusiasts will welcome this new moisture and dust-resistant lens. For some, the choice will be clear and the price will be paid. For many that price may be out of reach, but there are other choices that will still acquit themselves well

If the specification is right though, then this lens hits the spot and yet again Tamron have that coveted accolade and another Editor's Choice.

Manual focus can often be the method of choice for macro work, depending upon the techniques needed, but at least can be regarded as a little impediment. This is an excellent addition to the options available, especially perhaps for Pentax users who have had no option at all before this.

In terms of quality, we rarely see a zoom lens that offers such an evenly fantastic performance as this new Sigma, and at a basically very reasonable price. Without a doubt, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM S is a lens of choice, and therefore, without doubt, is awarded an Editor's Choice.

There are a few things missing, such as Vibration Reduction and full-time manual focus, but the Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD is a very impressive lens in terms of performance. When we see that the price is also very reasonable it becomes an attractive proposition indeed. If the features and specification suit, then the lens can definitely be Highly Recommended.

Here, we round up the best third-party lenses available in Nikon F-Mount which can be used for capturing landscapes, portraits, macro shots and more.

Uvmsequencerarbitration

When we moved from compact 35mm cameras to SLRs the standard focal length tended to increase from 45mm to 50mm, 55mm or even 58mm. The longer the focal length, the easier the lens designer's problems were, as they have to use retro focus designs that gave room for the flipping mirror. Now lens design has moved on considerably, aided by computers but also by the availability of more exotic glass.

All the things that made the Pentax version of this design an Editor's Choice apply just as well to the Tokina Opera version, bringing some fine qualities into the domain of Canon and Nikon users. There is no doubt that the competition amongst these types of high-quality lenses is fierce, but Tokina is delivering close to the best quality available at a very competitive price. Another Editor's Choice.

This chapter walked through running the sequencer example and looked at the example code. With the sequencer client, you could upload files into a JCR repository, while ModeShape automatically sequenced the source files you uploaded, extracted the metadata from the files, and stored that metadata inside the repository.

The Zeiss Milvus Apo Sonnar 135mm f/2 lens is without doubt a beauty. The performance in every respect is magnificent and the handling one of those real pleasures in photography.

In any event, the zoom is hard to match for convenience and for travel and long-range sports and wildlife they add a versatility that a prime lens just cannot deliver. The downside is that apertures will be more restricted so higher ISO values may need to be used to compensate and maintain higher shutter speeds.

The Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 lens is a bright, high-quality optic with smooth bokeh and a very well-balanced set of properties. It handles beautifully and is a pleasure to use. It exudes a feeling of quality. It is very likely that it will last for many years before needing any attention. The manual focus is utterly smooth and the point of focus is very easy to achieve.

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is on the same level playing field as lenses costing up to twice as much, punching far above its weight. It may not have the same silky smoothness in operation as its more expensive competition, but it delivers the goods, making no compromise on image quality.

However, the new Samyang MF 85mm f/1.4 MK2 lens also delivers a splendid overall performance and it is basically just a lovely lens. On the basis of its performance, its ease of use and its very modest price tag it has to be an Editor's Choice.

The previous chapter walked through the process of downloading and building the examples. This chapter will focus on the sequencer example, showing how to run the example and then walking through the code to describe what it's doing.

The first block of code configures the JcrConfiguration and sets up the "store" source, the "content" repository, and three sequencers. Again, this is done via the programmatic style. An alternative would be to load the entire configuration from a configuration file or from an existing configuration repository. (The repository example shown in the next chapter shows how to load the configuration from a file.)

an image metadata sequencer that processes PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP or other image filetypes to extract the image's metadata (e.g., image format, physical size, pixel density, etc.)

You can specify any fully-qualified or relative path. The application will notify you if it cannot find the file you specified. The example client configures ModeShape to sequence MP3 audio files, Java source files, Java class files, ZIP files, text files (.txt), CSV files (.csv), or image files with one of the following extensions (technically, nodes that have names ending in the following): jpg, jpeg, gif, bmp, pcx, png, iff, ras, pbm, pgm, ppm, and psd. Files with other extensions in the repository path will be ignored. For your convenience, the example provides several files that will be sequenced (caution.png, caution.jpg, caution.gif, and sample1.mp3) and one image that will not be sequenced (caution.pict). Feel free to try other files.After you have specified the file you want to upload, the example application asks you where in the repository you'd like to place the file. (If you want to use the suggested location, just press return.) The client application uses the JCR API to upload the file to that location in the repository, creating any nodes (of type nt:folder) for any directories that don't exist, and creating a node (of type nt:file) for the file. And, per the JCR specification, the application creates a jcr:content node (of type nt:resource) under the file node. The file contents are placed on this jcr:content node in the jcr:data property. For example, if you specify /a/b/caution.png, the following structure will be created in the repository:

Not every lens option is listed, and this may be because we have not reviewed a sample, or it may be that the lens has not scored highly enough to recommend. Please feel free to leave comments discussing your favourite third-party Nikon lenses! The lens list has been divided into various categories to make selecting the required optic easier, although there will be considerable overlap as a given lens might be usable for many different types of subjects.

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4 Di VC OSD is another great lens from Tamron. It handles beautifully and delivers the goods in terms of quality. The 150mm length is long enough to be useful, but not so long that it increases the bulk of the lens too much. There's a lot to like about the design engineers' decisions and they have provided a lens that is a clear photographer's lens and also a clear Editor's Choice.

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For full frame cameras, the standard 50mm lens has been one of the most universally used, enjoyed for its normal look on the world. The field of view is very similar to that of the human eye, so it is an excellent place to start when first learning our photographic skills. As we progress, it will then become apparent whether our own vision needs a wide angle or a telephoto lens to add as the first extra optic. Standard lenses have been produced in their millions over the years, are almost all of excellent quality and also quite amenable to having close-up devices, filters, teleconverters and the like added to them without too much drop in performance. For the APS-C camera bodies, the standard lens is around 35mm, although some photographers using full-frame see that as a “wide standard”, so there is some overlap in the term.

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The Samyang 14mm f/2.4 lens proves itself to be a high-class performer and also a very exciting lens to use. Manual focusing lends itself to use on a tripod with critical focusing, and when this is done the sharpness of the results can be stunning.

This is a very attractive proposition for full frame users. A reasonable cost, a sound general performance, gorgeous bokeh and the potential for portrait shooting, low distortion, in fact, a variety of positive aspects that make for a quality end result. It's a pity the weather resistance isn't a bit stronger and the weaker performance at 70mm will not suit everyone, but even this may well delight others as the portrait and perhaps flower study potential is very real. Overall, recommended.

There is a high price to pay for this, so some hard decisions need to be made. Paying £1699 for a 35mm lens, even an f/1.4 model, is a very high cost and needs to be assessed alongside the amount of use that it might be put to. But for those who want that indefinable something from a lens and are able to meet the cost, then there may be a much clearer choice, especially if 35mm is a focal length that is favoured.

Uvm connect driver tosequencer

The performance is excellent, the handling is excellent and this puts the Tamron on a par with the best alternative 35mm f/1.4 lenses, and, it must be said, at an attractive price. Yes, it is still expensive, but that is the price we have to pay for such high quality.

There is much to like about any 85mm f/1.4 lens and the new Samyang ticks almost all of the boxes. The only caveat is for those who might prefer an AF lens, and then Samyang have an offering for just a couple of hundred pounds more should it be preferred.

There are many well-known and highly respected lens manufacturers and of particular note are Samyang, Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Irix and ZEISS, all of whom can be trusted to produce excellent lenses.

The features cost is in lens speed, so cameras with good high ISO performance are the order of the day. Other advantages are a more compact and lighter optic, still quite large but nowhere near the bulk of some of the alternatives.

But if you're using JAAS, then you could just pass in a javax.jcr.SimpleCredentials with the username and password, as long as your JcrConfiguration's repository definitions are set up to use the correct JAAS login context name (see the repository example in the next chapter). Or, you could use the approach listed above and supply an instance of the JaasSecurityContext to the SecurityContextCredentials.

This is a lens that has been a pleasure to use, from the crisp view through the viewfinder to the satisfaction of the quality of images opened on the monitor screen. Tamron has continued the legacy reputation of their 90mm Macro in an accomplished way.

When the client uploads the file using the JCR API, ModeShape gets notified of the changes, consults the sequencers to see whether any of them are interested in the new or updated content, and if so runs those sequencers. The image sequencer processes image files for metadata, and any metadata found is stored under the /images branch of the repository. The MP3 sequencer processes MP3 audio files for metadata, and any metadata found is stored under the /mp3s branch of the repository. And metadata about Java classes are stored under the /java area of the repository. All of this happens asynchronously, so any ModeShape activity doesn't impede or slow down the client activities.

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As always, there will be a price to pay for excellence. None of the 24/25mm f/1.4 bright lenses are cheap, but they do represent the cost of high quality optics. The Milvus represents a variation, sacrificing the AF and pulling no punches in weight or bulk, just delivering solid engineering and optical quality.

What an exciting lens the Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly is. It opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities in a well-made, well-designed package that delivers the image quality. It will not be for everybody, perhaps because of the ultra-wide style of the images, or maybe because of difficulties using the manual focus system, but if the lens appeals to the individual photographer's creativity then it will be a rewarding experience.

a ZIP archive sequencer that extracts the files and directory structure contained in ZIP and JAR filesThese sequencers automatically extract content from the files and store that content in the repository.

The new Zeiss lens is definitely not light or compact, but it is uncompromisingly excellent in performance. It is also most definitely not a cheap option, but then again if we want traditional metal and glass construction of the highest order, then that is what it costs.

There will probably be more nodes skipped than sequenced, since there are more nt:folder and nt:resource nodes than there are nt:file nodes with acceptable names.

The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD Lens is an excellent lens that can be highly recommended. It is designed with the centre of the field very much in mind, so depending on use, it should be possible to enjoy the outstanding sharpness when the main subject is fairly centrally placed. However, it is still possible to have excellent edge sharpness if the aperture used is chosen with that in mind.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 lens is a powerful photographic tool. This new lens from Irix lifts the performance for such lenses way beyond the first early 1970s offerings and gives us a lens that is free from flare, and very sharp. This Swiss design is an excellent one, built in Korea to very high standards.

At this point, we've reviewed all of the interesting code in the example application related to ModeShape. However, feel free to play with the application, trying different things.

To run the client application, go to the examples/sequencers/target/modeshape-example-sequencers-basic.dir/ directory and type ./run.sh. You should see the command-line client and its menus in your terminal: From this menu, you can upload a file into the repository, search for media in the repository, print sequencing statistics, or quit the application.The first step is to upload one of the example images. If you type 'u' and press return, you'll be prompted to supply the path to the file you want to upload. Since the application is running from within the examples/sequencers/target/modeshape-example-sequencers-basic.dir/ directory, you can specify any of the files in that directory without specifying the path:

As a general-purpose short telephoto for portraits, landscapes, etc., it may be that the loss of AF will be an inconvenience. However, in the arena of macro shooting, this lens comes into its own, being what it is clearly designed for. Very often MF is the method of choice for macro shooting anyway. All the accuracy of the focusing is concentrated in the macro range and the image snaps clearly into focus in the viewfinder or on the monitor screen.

So, after the file is uploaded, you can search the repository for the image metadata using the "s" menu option: Here are the search results after the sample1.mp3 audio file has been uploaded (to the /a/b/sample1.mp3 location): You can also display the sequencing statistics using the "d" menu option: These stats show how many nodes were sequenced, and how many nodes were skipped because they didn't apply to the sequencer's criteria.

Macro lenses focus much closer than normal lenses, so we can tackle even the smallest of subjects, including insects, flowers, stamp collections, miniature models, documents etc. Technically, a macro lens focuses down to a magnification of 1:1, or 1x. This means that a 1cm object would measure 1cm on the sensor. Macro lenses sometimes focus to half-life size, which would be expressed as 1:2 or 0.5x. Some zoom lenses can focus to one-quarter life-size, 1:4 or 0.25x, which is still usefully close but not in the realm of true macro. Macro lenses generally will be of the highest quality and have a very flat field, meaning if documents are copied the edges and centre of the image will both be sharp. With lenses that have a curved field it may be that the centre will be sharp but the edges will not, this applies to many zooms.

Running the sequencing exampleThe sequencing example consists of a client application that sets up an in-memory JCR repository and that allows a user to upload files into that repository. The client also sets up the ModeShape services with seven sequencers:

Take a look at our other Buyer's Guides which include top lists featuring various lenses, must-buy smartphones, top camera recommendations and more.

None of the other methods really do anything with ModeShape per se. Instead, they merely work with the repository using the JCR API.

Uvm_declare_p_sequencer

Whilst there is no doubt that camera manufacturers make fine lenses specifically for their cameras, it is equally true that there are many more companies who have a long history of fine lens manufacture and who produce large numbers of alternative optics. Sometimes these are lower cost, sometimes they are specialised lenses that fill gaps in the manufacturers' ranges and the price can be higher. The Nikon F mount has been used on their SLR and DSLR cameras since 1959, albeit with many electronic additions and other modifications, so there are vast numbers of Nikon and 3rd Party optics on the second-hand market, another useful source of low-cost lenses.

The only question is whether or not the photographer finds 35mm to be the right focal length on full frame. For some, it may fall between being truly wide angle and being long enough for more flattering portraits. For others, it will be the perfect standard lens, perhaps especially for those involved with classic street photography or small group portraits.

Some lenses are impossible to dislike, and this is certainly one of them. It is compact and light compared to the f/2.8 lenses, performance is excellent and gives beautifully crisp images, handling is superb and the price very attractive. The Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD is a lens for any Canon or Nikon user to put very high on their list and an Editor's Choice.

The shutdownRepository() method requests the JcrEngine instance shuts down and, since that may take a few moments (if there are any ongoing operations or enqueued activities) awaits for it to complete the shutdown.

Some of the code samples included in this book have had some of the error handling and comments removed so that the code is more readable and concise.

There is no doubt that there will be many photographers who will be delighted by the arrival of the Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro lens. The greater reach of 150mm will be welcomed, and indeed is highly sought after already as photographers search for legendary long macro lenses from the days of film.