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Posts Tagged ‘400mm’

The Canon PowerShot Zoom fits in your pocket and zooms to 400mm

14 Oct

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Canon has just released the details on the PowerShot Zoom, an extremely compact digital monocular. Users can view scenes through an electronic viewfinder at switchable 100mm or 400mm focal lengths, and then digitally zoom to 800mm (all 35mm-equivalent).

Of course, a modest sensor and aperture make it possible to cram all that reach into your pocket, and the Zoom has a 1/3″ sensor capable of taking 12MP JPEG images (no Raw capture is supported) or 1080/30p video through the F5.6-6.3 lens. The ISO ranges from 100 to 3200, and we’d expect the Zoom to be best-suited for daytime use with plenty of light. There’s also optical image stabilization and AF tracking with face detection, and the Zoom will focus down to 1m (3.28ft) at 100mm and 4.5m (14.76ft) at 400mm.

Sample images

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Given the stills and video specs, it’s not surprising that Canon is pitching the Zoom mostly as a ‘viewer,’ allowing users up-close and personal looks at wildlife, sports matches, live music or general travel use. However, a familiar PowerShot user interface and wireless connectivity do make it easy to send supertelephoto images to your phone for quick sharing. You can also save them to a MicroSD card.

On its built-in USB-C chargeable battery, the PowerShot Zoom will run for around 70 minutes as a viewer and capture around 150 images before running out of power. Movie clips top out at 9:59 before needing to restart a new clip. The PowerShot Zoom comes with no claims of environmental sealing.

The PowerShot Zoom will be available in November 2020 for $ 299 USD.

Press release:

Canon debuts the company’s first-ever, Compact Telephoto Monocular, the PowerShot ZOOM

MELVILLE, N.Y., October 14, 2020 –– Hiking, birdwatching and nature gazing, consumers are embracing the beauty of the outdoors this season and beyond. With this in mind, it is important to have a convenient and intuitive imaging tool to explore the world. Developed to showcase an impressive telephoto reach in a user friendly, compact design, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today launches the PowerShot ZOOM, the company’s first telephoto monocular.

The lightweight telephoto monocular sports 100mm, 400mm and 800mm telephoto viewing capability1 with a one-touch switch, and is equipped with impressive instant zoom capability to help users view distant subjects. Additionally, the monocular can capture images and videos to a micro SD card, and by pairing it with a compatible smart device2 and the Canon Camera Connect app3, these files can easily be downloaded. This pairing feature transforms the PowerShot ZOOM monocular into a friendly companion to compatible smartphones for viewing and capturing super-telephoto scenes.

“In today’s ever-changing world, consumers are looking for intuitive and portable imaging tools to view telephoto scenes up close and with ease,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Built for those users who enjoy outdoor activities, the PowerShot ZOOM monocular delivers a small, compact viewer with a long focal length. We are eager to see how consumers use this tool and the convenience it will add to their daily lives.”

In addition to its zoom capability, compact size and ability to pair with compatible smartphones, the PowerShot ZOOM telephoto monocular also features:

  • Auto focus when viewing through the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and recording images and video with face tracking
  • Optical Image Stabilization for shake correction
  • 39 inches, 2.36 million dots EVF
  • 12-megapixel still-image capture
  • Full HD video capture up to 30p (29.97)
  • Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® connection with the Canon Camera Connect app and use of compatible mobile devices2
  • Live view and download of photos and videos with the use of the Canon Camera Connect app3
  • USB C terminal for charging and supplying power
  • Micro SD memory card slot

???Price & Availability

???????Available in white, the Canon PowerShot ZOOM compact telephoto monocular is scheduled to be available in late November 2020 for an estimated retail price of $ 299.99*. For more information, please visit usa.canon.com.

*Availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

1 35mm film equivalent focal length. Both 100mm and 400mm uses optical lens and 800mm uses 2x digital zoom.

2 Compatible with iOS® versions 12.4/13.7, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 6.0/7.0/7.1/8.0/8.1/9.0/10. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app.

3 This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app. Compatible with select smartphone and tablet devices (Android™ version 5.0 or later and the following iOS® devices: iPhone 4s or later, iPad 3rd gen. or later, iPod Touch 5th gen.or later) equipped with Bluetooth® version 4.1 or later and the Camera Connect App Ver. 2.7.10. This application is not guaranteed to operate on all listed devices, even if minimum requirements are met.

Canon PowerShot Zoom specifications

Price
MSRP $ 299
Body type
Body type Compact
Sensor
Max resolution 4000 x 3000
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 12 megapixels
Sensor size 1/3" (4.8 x 3.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Image
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 100–400 mm
Optical zoom 4×
Maximum aperture F5.6–6.3
Digital zoom Yes (2x)
Normal focus range 100 cm (39.37″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD No
Viewfinder type Electronic
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Storage
Storage types MicroSD
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Wireless Built-In
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Built-in
Battery description 800 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Battery Life (CIPA) 150
Weight (inc. batteries) 145 g (0.32 lb / 5.11 oz)
Dimensions 33 x 51 x 103 mm (1.31 x 2 x 4.06″)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina’s new 400mm F8 mirror lens for full-frame, APS-C mounts will ship in August

20 Jul

Tokina has announced the upcoming release of its new SZX Super Tele 400mm F8 Reflex MF, a mirror (or reflex) lens for select full-frame and APS-C camera systems.

The 400mm F8 lens manages to pack an impressive focal length into a relatively compact frame thanks to its catadioptric design. Usually reserved for telescopes, this design choice makes the smaller design possible, but at the cost of having the signature ‘donut’ bokeh, the lack of autofocus and having a fixed aperture.

The lens is constructed of six elements in five groups, offers a 1:2.5 magnification ratio and measures in at just 355g (11.82oz). It’s 74mm (2.91”) diameter and 77mm (3.03”) in length.

To make the lens as versatile as possible, the SZX Super Tele 400mm F8 Reflex MF has a 0.75mm pitch and 42mm thread mount that can be used with adapters to work with nearly any camera system. In addition to offering the base lens without an adapter, Tokina is also selling versions with included adapters for Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fujifilm X and Micro Four Thirds camera systems.

Below are a few sample photos taken with the lens, provided by Tokina:

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Tokina says the lens is set to launch on August 7, but no pricing information has been given at this time. You can find out more about the lens and its design philosophy on Tokina’s product page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensrentals tears down the Sony 400mm F2.8 G lens to its magnesium alloy skeleton

04 Jan
Photos kindly provided by Lensrentals

The week before Christmas, Roger Cicala and his team at Lensrentals tore apart Canon’s recently announced 400mm F2.8L IS III lens. While the Canon teardown was fantastic in its own right, it was only the first step of the process. As promised, Cicala and Aaron Closz have returned with a similar teardown of Sony’s 400mm F2.8 G lens to see just how well Sony did with its first attempt at a 400mm F2.8 super-telephoto lens.

Starting out with the basic optical formula, Roger noted that both Canon and Sony have opted to take a similar approach in how they arrange the individual elements inside the lens. That is, smaller elements have been placed at the rear of the lens.

Roger notes that Sony uses three flourite elements while Canon’s 400mm F2.8 uses only two. This little tidbit piqued his interest though. ‘That does beg the interesting question about where Sony sourced their fluorite elements. Sony doesn’t make fluorite glass, and Canon has long been the one lens company that grows and polishes large fluorite in-house,’ says Roger in the full teardown. ‘There are other manufacturers of fluorite lenses, but they have generally been limited to small lenses, such as in microscopes and telescope viewfinders.’

As he did with the Canon 400mm F2.8, Roger starts with the tripod ring before diving into the back of the lens. Throughout the deconstruction process, Roger notes how many ‘robust’ seals Sony has opted to use throughout the 400mm F2.8 lens, from the mount plate to the switch panel.

A large, robust rubber seal is seen behind the lens mount.

From there, it was a few hex bolts later before the rear barrel assembly could be removed. Roger says that while he’s ‘not a metallurgist […] the magnesium alloy looks and feels the same [as that used in the Canon 400mm F2.8.’

Inside the focusing mechanism Roger notes that Sony has decided to use nylon gears. ‘ If you’ve read much of my stuff you know I’m generally not a nylon gear fan,’ he says. ‘but these have almost no pressure on them so they shouldn’t wear out.’

One notable detail Roger points out is how well designed the flex/ribbon cables are throughout the lens. Nearly every cable wraps neatly around the magnesium alloy body of the lens and is secured by both double sided tape, as well as screws where needed.

Moving on, Roger and Aaron made it to the focusing module, which houses Sony’s linear motor and plenty of glass. He notes ‘As we would expect for what is now a 4th generation or so linear motor, designed to move that big beast of a lens, this is larger looks more robust than [linear motors] we’ve seen in the past.’

Roger and Aaron eventually wrap it up with their final thoughts, which you can read in their entirety on the full teardown blog post.

‘I’ll call this one a draw, and a draw is a win for Sony,’ says Roger in the conclusion. ‘Canon has been doing this for a long, long time; this is, I think they’re 8th generation of 400mm f/2.8 lens. It’s Sony’s first and to have made a product equal to the gold standard of engineering is an amazing feat.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensrentals tears down the Canon 400mm F2.8L IS III

20 Dec
Photographs kindly provided by Lensrentals

Roger Cicala, founder of Lensrentals, has torn apart the 400mm F2.8L IS III to see what Canon has done to remove 2.2lbs of weight from the third-generation super telephoto lens.

It’s only been a few weeks since Cicala shared Lensrentals 50mm F1.2L RF lens teardown, but as he hinted at in that teardown, it’s time for Canon’s much larger larger lens to get the signature treatment.

‘We tend to not publish tear-downs of super-telephoto lenses. They’re big and heavy, always well made and well engineered, like you would expect in something that costs as much as a used car,’ says Cicala in the teardown post. ‘But when the new 400mm f/2.8 lenses were released we decided it was finally time to publish a teardown of one. Largely, because they are amazingly light (you see what I did there? largely light?) and we were really interested in how they did that.’

Cicala also says he’s interested in doing a direct comparison between Canon’s latest 400mm F2.8 lens and its Sony counterpart. So it’s safe to say a Sony 400mm F2.8 teardown is just around the corner as well.

The small spring-loaded mechanism used to help lock the lens in place while rotating inside its collar.

The first order of business for Cicala and team was to remove the lens collar. While it might seem like a small detail for such a massive — and expensive — lens, the collar itself is quite complicated in its own right and often one of the first things that can break, due to an internal clicking mechanism that helps lock the lens into place at 90-degree intervals while rotating it on a tripod. As expected, the tripod collar assembly was solid and fairly straightforward — good news for photographers who prefer a more DIY approach to fixing smaller issues like a stuck collar tripod.

From there, it was onto the drop-in filter, which was probably the easiest part of the lens to remove. Cicala says ‘we really, really, really like [the drop-in filter] Because instead of being a proprietary $ 200 filter, it’s a holder that you can attach any 52mm filter to.’

With the easy stuff out of the way, now it was onto the lens itself. Without giving away all of Lensrentals findings, it’s worth pointing out a few details discovered during the teardown.

One of the adjustable screws can be seen in the internal structure of the lens (surrounded by red)

Starting with build quality, Cicala says that despite being light, the ‘inner, weight-bearing barrel is very sturdy magnesium alloy.’ It was at this point in the teardown Cicala noticed two adjustable elements integrated into the lens. The first is a set of screws found just in front of the rear element group, while the other was a set of adjustable collars where the two halves of the lens are joined together.

Regarding the image above, Cicala says ‘a couple of interesting things are in this image […] First, you see the two barrel halves are joined without shimming and held tightly together with 12 large screws – it’s a very strong joint with interlocking pieces. Also, as we saw with the RF 50mm f1.2 teardown, there are springs going down to the focusing ring, we assumed to put tension on a ball bearing ring for a smooth focusing feel in this electronically focused lens. We assumed wrong.’

A little deeper into the build, Cicala and team come across the image stabilization unit. Cicala notes the unit is roughly 2cm thick and full of various electromagnets, springs, sensor inputs and optical elements.

A look inside the intricate image stabilization unit.

In his 50mm F1.2L RF teardown, Cicala said the USM motor used by Canon in its fast prime is the exact same one used in the 400mm F2.8L IS III. Sure enough, that’s been confirmed again with this teardown, complete with the tension spring that continues to leave Cicala and team bamboozled.

A profile view of the ultrasonic motor in all its glory.

‘This is really interesting information, that the same motor and electronic focusing system is used in both lenses,’ says Cicala in the blog post. ‘Obviously, there is a business advantage in using the same subsystem in several lenses. But putting the same electronic focusing system in this EF lens makes me think that going forward Canon lenses may have a lot of internal similarity in either RF or EF mount. Converting the Canon 400mm f/2.8 to an RF wouldn’t be quite as simple as a different rear element and an RF bayonet mount, of course. The additional electronics for the RF Control Ring would have to be stuffed in here and probably some optical tweaks made, but the core structure could be very similar.’

Further disassembly of the USM section also revealed it’s the section of the lens that contains the aperture assembly. From there, it was onto the front optical elements of the lens, some of which were held in place by another adjustable element, which included screws to account for centering and tilting.

The aperture assembly shows all nine aperture blades in action.

After a little more work, the focus ring comes off and bears the various springs and more adjustable components. Cicala and team come up with a theory or two as to why the tension spring is there and what it does, but a definitive purpose is still unknown. Cicala says ‘one day we’ll spend 4 or 5 hours playing with them and figure it out. But don’t tell Canon that; they get aggravated when we do void-the-warranty stuff.’

In the conclusion section titled “So What Did We Learn Today,’ Cicala shares a few of his final thoughts regarding the teardown. The first thing Cicala mentions is the movement of the optical elements inside the glass. Canon said when it announced the 400mm F2.8L IS III that it had moved elements more towards the mount of the lens to create a better center of gravity and that proved to be the case. Also, Cicala says that ‘Despite being far lighter, it’s still very solidly built with a very strong frame, tons of big screws holding everything together, and no weak joints that we can see […] It’s what we expected; Canon’s been building super telephotos for a long time.’

The USM is also elaborated on. Cicala says it’s a very likely possibility Canon will continue to use this motor for all electrically focused lenses, or at least in lenses with a hefty amount of glass in the focusing element.

Overall, it appears as though the 400mm F2.8L IS III is roughly what Cicala was expecting from Canon. A well-built lens with plenty of adjustments in a tightly packaged frame. As interesting of a teardown as this was though, Cicala says the more interesting teardown will be the Sony 400mm F2.8 G lens. ‘Hopefully, it is awesome and for once the Sonyfans* won’t line up 6 deep to explain how what I find is wrong again.’

To see the full teardown in all its glory (and to discover the footnotes on what Sonyfans* means), head over to the Lensrentals blog and take in every bit of detail.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon 400mm F2.8L IS III and 600mm F4L IS III are lighter than predecessors

05 Sep

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Amid its full-frame mirrorless announcements, Canon has also made room for some L-series lens updates. Canon has focused on reducing weight and so its EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm F4L IS III USM both lay claim to the title of “world’s lightest” in their respective focal lengths. The 400mm F2.8 has shed 1kg / 2.2lb and the 600mm F4 is 0.86kg / 1.9lb lighter. Both lenses feature advanced coatings, improved image stabilization and circular nine-blade apertures.

The Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM will sell for $ 12,000 and the Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM is priced at $ 13,000. Both lenses will ship in December 2018.

Press release

Canon Redesigns Premium L-Series Super-Telephoto Lenses With Its New EF 400MM F/2.8L IS III USM AND EF 600MM F/4L IS III USM Lenses

New Compact and Lightweight EF Super-Telephoto Lenses Are Well Suited for a Variety of Photographers’ Needs

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 5, 2018 – Most professional photographers need to carry multiple lenses in their camera bags. Helping to lighten their load, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces two new super-telephoto lenses, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM. Both lenses possess a dramatic weight reduction and high-image quality, making it ideal for shooters to easily transport and capture images during action-driven scenarios, such as sports and wildlife. Both lenses now hold the title of world’s lightest in their respective focal length*. The weight of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses has been reduced by 2.2 lbs. (more than 25 percent) and 1.9 lbs. (more than 20 percent) respectively.

“When developing updates to some of Canon’s most popular legacy lenses, one common question that is asked by photographers was ‘can they be lighter,’” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The significant reduction of weight in these two lenses addresses this customer need and delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality optics .”

The new lenses are must-haves for advanced and professional photographers shooting wildlife, aviation, sports and news with Canon’s new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera (with use of one of the three new Canon mount adapters), as well the EOS 1D and 5D series of DSLR Cameras. Both lenses feature two of Canon’s most advanced propriety lens technologies – Air Sphere Coating (ASC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC), helping to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppressing the reflection of light, leading to vivid images. These updated lenses inherit the excellent overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect and admire from the Canon EF L series of lenses. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been improved for both lenses, from 2.7m to 2.5m (8.8ft to 8.2ft) for the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and 4.5m to 4.2m (14.8ft to 13.8ft) for the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM.

Additional noteworthy features of the lenses include:

  • Upgraded Optical Image Stabilization from three-and-a-half stops to five shutter speed stops1 of correction over the previous f/2.8 lens
  • Improved, flexible focus control with a customizable electronic-focus ring
  • Two fluorite lenses and one super UD lens, helping to provide high image quality
  • Circular nine-blade aperture
  • 17 lens elements in 13 groups
  • Heat-shielding paint helps prevent lens temperature from rising during excessive exposure to sun
  • Fluorine coating on front and rear optical elements, helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
  • Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 with an estimated retail price of $ 11,999. The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 for an estimated retail price of $ 12,999^. For additional information regarding the lenses predecessors please visit, visit usa.canon.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: the Sony 400mm F2.8 is a pretty sweet lens

22 Jul
Sony’s new 400mm F2.8 G Master rounds out the company’s commitment to provide a complete range of pro-level lenses to photographers who use the Alpha system. In this week’s episode of DPReview TV, Chris and Jordan take this behemoth for a spin and share their first impressions of Sony’s exciting new telephoto.

Make sure to read our Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS first impressions article.

Read the Sony 400mm F2.8 first impressions article

Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

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Sample photos from this episode

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Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS sample gallery

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sample gallery: Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS

28 Jun

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We first heard about Sony’s pro-level FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens back in the winter. This past weekend we finally had the chance to put this impressive sports/wildlife lens to the test at a professional soccer match – read our first impressions. We even had the chance to toss on the Sony 1.4x teleconverter for some shots at an 560mm equiv. field of view. Have a look for yourself at the results.

See our Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony’s 400mm F2.8 G-Master will arrive in September for $12,000

27 Jun

Sony’s previously announced 400mm F2.8 GM OSS received a full introduction today. The pro-grade lens will ship in September for $ 12,000, and aims to deliver superior autofocus and handling. The lens is a (relatively speaking) light 2.7kg / 6.4lb, and Sony claims it’s well-balanced for monopod or even handheld shooting. The company also says that its FE 400mm takes advantage of two new linear motors with 5x faster tracking performance on the a9 compared to the 300mm F.8 G2.

Unlike the 500mm F4 for A-mount, which was front heavy, most of the glass in the new 400mm F2.8 GM is in the center and rear of the lens.

Optical stabilization is offered in three different modes, the third of which is designed to make framing easier when following moving subjects. The lens is made of magnesium alloy for durability, and a drop-in filter slot accepts 40.5mm filters – including a new circular polarizing filter that will go on sale in December.

Firmware version 3.0 for the a9 is also announced, mainly adding support for the 400mm as well as the ability to record camera serial numbers to EXIF data.

For more on the 400mm F2.8 GM, read our first impressions and take a look through our Major League Soccer match sample gallery below.

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Press release

Sony Introduces the Long-Awaited 400mm F2.8 G Master™ Prime Lens

New Large Aperture Super-Telephoto Prime Lens is World’s lightest in its class, with outstanding AF performance, innovative optical design and exceptional image quality

SAN DIEGO, Jun. 27, 2018 – Sony – a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer – has today announced the highly anticipated FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS large aperture super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL400F28GM).

The product of extensive research and testing, Sony’s new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens is the first large aperture super-telephoto prime to join the E-mount lineup. This exciting new lens produces brilliant image quality with extraordinary focusing speed and precision, while also boasting the lightest weight in its class and an extremely balanced design. It’s the ideal choice for professional sports, wildlife and nature photographers, and a perfect complement to Sony’s extensive lineup of high-speed E-mount bodies including ?9, ?7R III and more.

“We’re extremely excited and proud to officially introduce the new 400mm F2.8 G Master prime lens,” said Neal Manowitz, Vice President of digital imaging at Sony Electronics. “The latest in our flagship series of G Master Lenses, this new lens offers exceptional image quality and an innovative lightweight design that will give professionals a level of flexibility with a 400mm lens unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Combined with the unmatched shooting speeds and autofocus capabilities of our full-frame E-mount cameras, it will allow them to capture and create in ways that were never before possible.”

World’s Lightest 400mm F2.8 Prime with Ideal Balance for Monopod or Handheld Shooting

Weighing it at only slightly more than 6 lbs., the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens provides a level of portability and handheld maneuverability that has never before been achieved in a lens of its class. The remarkably light weight of this lens is achieved through an innovative optical design that includes three fluorite elements, with a reduced number of elements deployed at the front of the barrel, as well as the liberal usage of durable magnesium alloy components.

Repeated field tests and evaluation by professional photographers across the world have led to a lens design that is not front-heavy, reducing moment of inertia that resists rotation by up to 50% as compared to the SAL500F40G , ensuring quicker, more precise panning when shooting handheld or on a monopod.

Fast, Precise Autofocus

To best take advantage of the rapidly evolving shooting and focusing speeds of Sony’s latest cameras, the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens features two newly developed high-speed XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors that drive the lens’s focus group, achieving up to a 5x improvement in moving-subject tracking performance. These motors are supported by specially developed motion algorithms to minimize lag and instability, and control noise levels, resulting in exceptionally quick, accurate and quiet autofocus performance. This allows the lens to capture dynamic, fast moving athletes or wildlife with ease.

G Master Image Quality and Bokeh

A member of Sony’s flagship G Master series lenses, this new large aperture super-telephoto prime lens features an incredible level of image quality and detail, with outstanding contrast and resolution maintained all the way to the corners of the image. The unique optical design includes three fluorite elements that help to minimize chromatic aberration and suppress any amount of color bleeding. The lens has also been coated with Sony’s original Nano AR coating to suppress any unwanted reflections, glare, or ghosting.

In addition to the impressive resolution, the lens features an 11-blade circular aperture mechanism that allows it to produce extremely natural and beautiful background defocus or ‘bokeh’.

The new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2.0x E-mount tele-converters, producing outstanding imaging performance at extended focal lengths while maintaining fast, precise AF performance.

Durability, Reliability and Control

To withstand the harsh conditions of sporting events and wildlife photography, Sony’s new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is built with a durable magnesium alloy and a strong, lightweight carbon fiber hood. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant , and its front element is coated with fluorine to resist dirt and fingerprints.

There is also an ample number of hard controls on the lens, including customizable focus-hold buttons in four different locations on the lens barrel, which can be programmed for control of features such as Eye AF functionality, if desired. There is also a ‘Full-Time DMF’ switch to immediately engage manual focus at any point, and a focus ring that features Linear Response MF for fine, responsive manual focus. Additionally, the new lens includes built-in optical stabilization for dynamic action and three different ‘Mode’ settings, including a brand new Mode 3 setting with an advanced algorithm that ensures easier framing when following moving subjects. It also features a function ring with selectable ‘Preset’ and ‘Function ’ settings, which is a first for any Sony lens.

The FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS includes a drop-in filter slot that accepts ø 40.5mm ND and other filter types, as well as the optional VF-DCPL1 Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter. The VF-DCPL1 filter can be rotated to achieve the desired polarization while installed in the lens.

?9 System Software Update to Support FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS

The latest system software update (Version 3.00) for ?9 (ILCE-9) provides support for the new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS (SEL400F28GM) lens to optimize optical image stabilization performance, and enables continuous shooting with auto focus tracking, even when aperture is greater than F11.

The update also provides added option to input the camera serial number to the Exif data, a feature that has been strongly requested by professional sports photographers and photojournalists. Additionally, several other updates to the ?9 camera have been implemented with the new firmware, including improved auto focus speed in low light conditions, enhanced continuous AF performance when tracking a moving subject, and reduced release time lag when shooting with flash.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS large aperture super-telephoto prime lens (model SEL400F28GM) will ship in September for about $ 12,000 US and $ 16,250 CA. The optional Drop-in Circular Polarizing Filter (model VF-DCPL1) will ship in December for about $ 400 US and $ 550 CA.

Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 400 mm
Image stabilization Yes
Lens mount Sony FE
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 11
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 23
Special elements / coatings 1 fluorite and 3 ED elements, Nano AR and fluorine coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 2.70 m (106.3″)
Maximum magnification 0.16×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Linear Motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 2895 g (6.38 lb)
Diameter 158 mm (6.22″)
Length 359 mm (14.13″)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour White
Filter thread 40.5 mm
Filter notes Drop-in filters
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code ALC-SH155
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CP+ 2018: First Look – Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master

02 Mar

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

It exists! Well, under glass, anyway. Sony’s previously announced 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS is here at CP+ 2018 in Yokohama, Japan, and boy, is it big. Really big. But as you can see from the lack of labeling on all those switches, this is still a prototype.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Now that’s a front element. You won’t be able to screw any filters into the front of this lens, and curiously, unlike other super telephoto primes, it seems that while the Sony 400mm F2.8 will accommodate small drop-in filters in a tray near the lens mount, they’re ‘dropped-in’ sideways (see the first image in this slideshow).

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Although you’re not likely to see many people using this without a monopod, the inclusion of optical image stabilization will still make it easier to frame up your shot from the sidelines.

First look: Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master OSS

Want to know how much the Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master costs, weighs, and how it performs? So do we, but we’re not about to laser-cut our way through that glass case. It looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer to get our hands on a production model, but we’ll be sure to see if Sony can give us any additional details when during a scheduled interview later on in the show. Stay tuned!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony’s huge 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens spotted at the 2018 Winter Olympics

13 Feb

A post shared by Andrea Photographer-Explorer (@andrea_pizzini_photographer) on

The gigantic Sony 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens announced as ‘in development’ back in October 2017 has allegedly been spotted IRL at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

A photo that claims to show the un-released lens—covered in tape to hide telltale markings, of course—was shared by the Photosthelife blog (here it is translated) and later on Instagram by SonyAlphaRumors. This appears to be the first image of the 400mm lens, whose rumored price tag will very likely tip the scales around ten grand, just like the Canon and Nikon versions of the same lens.

In its announcement last year, Sony explained that the new lens would “deliver a new elevated shooting experience for all professional sports” photographers, among others. The Olympics presents a great opportunity to put the lens to the test in an incredibly challenging environment, so it makes sense that Sony would be testing it out there.

Unfortunately, additional details—such as how many of these lenses are actually being tested in the wild, and by whom—aren’t public.

Sony says it plans to release the 400mm F2.8 GM OSS lens in Summer 2018. Until then, this blurry picture will just have to hold all of those Sony a9 owners over.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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