RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘month’

The Sony a6900 Will Debut Before the Month Is Out: Here’s What We Know

15 May

The post The Sony a6900 Will Debut Before the Month Is Out: Here’s What We Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Sony a6900 to debut before the month is out

For weeks, SonyAlphaRumors has been dropping information regarding the so-called Sony a6900, which will debut in “late May” as an a6600 successor. 

While the “a6900” moniker is not yet confirmed, a “trusted” SonyAlphaRumors source has said that the new camera “will not be named ‘a6700,’” with another SAR source offering the a6900 label.

So what do we know about this new a6900?

SonyAlphaRumors confidently states that the a6900 will replace the a6600, but will feature an APS-C sensor and a body similar to the full-frame a7C. It will “be branded as [a] ‘vlogger’ camera,” which suggests several blogging-friendly specs: a fully articulating screen, for one, but also impressive video capabilities (at least 4K/30p plus mic/headphone jacks) and a compact design.

Sony a6900 release
The Sony a6900 will look much like the compact a7C.

Indeed, various rumors suggest that the a6900 will feature 4K/60p video, a notable upgrade over the 4K/30p offered by the a6600. Interestingly, rumors also point to a new high-resolution sensor – several SonyAlphaRumors sources have suggested 32 MP – in a surprising break from Sony’s string of 24 MP APS-C models. 

Here are additional specs suggested by (unconfirmed) SAR sources:

  • Improved rolling shutter performance
  • 20 frames-per-second continuous shooting
  • 2.36M-dot EVF
  • The “same tilt screen” as the a7C
  • Upgraded in-body image stabilization (compared to the a7C)
  • A7C-like price ($ 1798 USD)

Most of these items seem pretty standard and don’t offer any major improvements over the a6600. The exception is the 20 fps continuous shooting rate, and I’ll admit that I’m skeptical; after all, it’s a feature matched only by Sony’s highest-level full-frame models and is wholly unnecessary for vloggers.

Of course, you can also expect Sony’s standard autofocusing capabilities, including its vaunted Real-time Eye AF, plus outstanding subject tracking and generally speedy focusing, all of which will appeal to vloggers and still shooters alike.

So be sure to keep an eye out for further Sony a6900 news, especially if you’re interested in a compact, vlogging-focused camera; we should get an official release before the month is out.

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Sony a6900? If the rumored specifications are right, would you be interested? Are there any key features that the camera is missing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The post The Sony a6900 Will Debut Before the Month Is Out: Here’s What We Know appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on The Sony a6900 Will Debut Before the Month Is Out: Here’s What We Know

Posted in Photography

 

Samyang teaser suggests two new astrophotography prime lenses will be released later this month

04 Apr

Samyang, also known as Rokinon or Bower depending on the retailer, has posted a teaser on its Facebook page for two upcoming lenses — a full-frame lens and an APS-C lens — which appear to have been designed specifically with astrophotography in mind.

Samyang doesn’t reveal the focal length or aperture for either lens, nor whether these are manual lenses or autofocus lenses, but both lenses are relatively compact primes based on their respective silhouettes. Samyang says the lenses will be ‘Masterpiece[s] for Astrophotography,’ with night sky photos (presumably captured with the respective lenses) as the background for the teaser.

The duo will be out by the end of the month, according to the post, so it shouldn’t be long before we know the details.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Samyang teaser suggests two new astrophotography prime lenses will be released later this month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon Australia announces that the online Canon Store will close at the end of the month

04 Sep

On September 1, Canon Australia announced that it will be closing its online direct to consumer marketplace, Canon Store, for the ‘foreseeable future.’ The store will close starting on September 30.

Canon Australia has determined that current Australian market conditions and challenges demand a shift in how consumers access products, services and support. Of the decision to shutter the online store, which was launched in 2011, Canon Australia says ‘…we are proudly streamlining our efforts in supporting local retailers to drive competition in the local market and bring you the best value product offers, promotions, services and experiences possible.’

The Canon Store will stop taking product orders on September 30. For any backorders not scheduled to arrive before September 30, Canon will directly contact consumers to arrange for a refund or refer the customer to a local retailer.

Image credit: Canon Australia

Any Canon Store gift cards and vouchers can be applied to purchases and existing eligible offers until September 30. Beyond this date, customers are advised to contact Canon Australia. Promotion codes and discount offers are valid until September 30 as well. Canon Store codes will not be transferable to other retailers, so consumers with any questions about codes and offers should contact the Canon Store.

The closure of the Canon Store will not affect Canon Australia’s 5-year local warranty for mirrorless cameras, DSLR cameras, video cameras and lenses. Canon Australia’s warranty for purchases made at authorized Canon sellers will also be unaffected.

In addition to closing the Canon Store, Canon Australia will continue to organize hands-on product experiences, promotions and special events with local retailers. Canon Australia’s statement ends as follows: ‘We look forward to bringing you the best of our innovative products, services and imaging solutions in new ways and trust that you will benefit from our strengthened arrangement with local retailers.’

For Canon customers outside of Australia, it will be interesting to see if Canon Australia’s decision is an outlier or a harbinger of what’s to come for other Canon online retail presences around the world. Different regions face varying market conditions and challenges, so the impending closure of the online store in Australia may just be a one-off situation.

(Via PetaPixel)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon Australia announces that the online Canon Store will close at the end of the month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Fujifilm gives X-A7, X-T200 webcam mode via firmware, bringing X Webcam utility to macOS next month

22 Jun

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for its X-17 and X-T200 camera systems that makes it possible to use the mirrorless cameras as webcams without the need for extra software. Additionally, Fujfiilm has announced its X Webcam program will be launched for macOS next month.

Screenshot of the USB webcam option within the Fujifilm menu system.

Firmware version 1.30 for the X-A7 and version 1.10 for the X-T200 adds the option to use the camera as a webcam when connected to a computer via a USB cable. To access this setting, go into the menu, navigate to ‘Connection Setting,’ enter ‘USB Mode’ and plug in the camera to a computer via USB. Once connected, the camera should appear as a camera option on compatible video conferencing and messaging programs, such as Google Meet, Skype and Zoom.

A collection of screenshots showing how cameras should appear as input options for Zoom, Skype and Google Meet.

Fujifilm says this functionality should work on Windows 10 (x64), macOS 10.14 Mojave and macOS 10.15 Catalina. You can download firmware version 1.30 for the X-A7 and version 1.10 for the X-T200 on Fujifilm’s website.

On the topic of macOS, Fujifilm has also announced announced it’s working on bringing its Fujifilm X Webcam utility to macOS. First launched on PC back in May, the utility will allow macOS users to turn their compatible X and GFX cameras into webcams. Fujifilm says the program will be available in mid-July.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Fujifilm gives X-A7, X-T200 webcam mode via firmware, bringing X Webcam utility to macOS next month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Affinity Photo is Available for a Three Month Free Trial

28 Mar

The post Affinity Photo is Available for a Three Month Free Trial appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Affinity Photo is Available for a Three Month Free Trial featured image

As coronavirus continues to take its toll on artists and designers everywhere, Serif has decided to act.

The company announced that their software, including Affinity Photo, will sell with a steep 50% discount, taking the normally inexpensive programs down to bargain-cheap levels:

$ 24.99 USD for Affinity Photo on desktop (either Mac or Windows), and just $ 9.99 USD for Affinity Photo on iPad.

And that’s not all:

Serif has also announced a 90 day free trial on all Affinity software. This means that anyone struggling to afford editing software during the coronavirus pandemic can use Affinity Photo for free. There’s no catch; you can try the software, with all features included, for the next three months.

Affinity Photo is currently on sale

As the Serif Managing Director explained, “[H]opefully these things will make life a little easier for people who rely on creative software to make a living but may be stuck at home without access to their usual tools, or for students who might suddenly be without access to their Affinity apps on their personal devices.”

For those of you unfamiliar with Affinity Photo, it’s one of the most popular Photoshop alternatives around. It’s known for its full-featured, layer-based software, sleek interface, and excellent price.

In fact, plenty of creatives have abandoned Adobe for Serif, given that the Serif program is comparable in its features and noticeably cheaper.

In some ways, the standard Affinity price (and the current, even lower, price) is unbelievable, because Affinity Photo just offers so much. The software comes with basic adjustment capabilities, but you also get advanced features such as focus stacking and HDR merging, plus a useful in-built RAW editor.

So if you’re someone who’s struggling to pay for your current software, or you’re looking for a way out of Adobe’s subscription model, or you just want to take advantage of a tremendous deal, then I recommend you head over to the Affinity website now.

Chances are that you’ll love Affinity Photo.

Now over to you:

Are there any other Photoshop alternatives that you’d recommend? If you’ve already started using Affinity Photo, what do you think of it?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Affinity Photo is Available for a Three Month Free Trial appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Affinity Photo is Available for a Three Month Free Trial

Posted in Photography

 

Tamron 20mm F2.8 macro for Sony E-mount ships this month for $350

16 Jan

Tamron has announced that its 20mm F2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 macro lens for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras will be on sale at the end of this month. It will sit alongside two other close-focusing Tamron lenses: the 24mm F2.8 and 35mm F2.8.

The 20mm F2.8 offers a minimum focus distance of 11cm (4.3″) and a max magnification of 0.5x. This compact lens is only 6.4cm (2.5″) long and is sealed against moisture and dust.

The 20mm F2.8 Di III OSM M1:2 will be priced at $ 350 when it arrives on January 30th.

Press Release

Tamron Announces the Launch Date of Close-Focusing

20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050)

January 14, 2020, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050) prime lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras will be on sale in the USA on January 30, 2020. The lens will sell for approximately $ 349.

Now, all three close-focusing prime lenses including the 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F051) and the 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F053) will be on the market. Enjoy the world of wideangle prime lenses with this convenient and mobile lens, featuring the same 67mm filter diameter as all lenses in Tamron’s line-up for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Main features

  1. Enhanced close-focusing capability expands lens versatility with an MOD of 4.3 inches.
  2. 67mm filter diameter, same as all other Tamron lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
  3. Superb high-resolution performance that matches the latest high-resolution image sensors.
  4. Superior design and consistent 2.5 in overall length facilitate ease-of-use.
  5. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating contribute to a comfortable, user friendly photographic experience.
  6. Compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Tamron 20mm F2.8 macro for Sony E-mount ships this month for $350

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR arrives next month for $9500

07 Jan

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_2618138180″,”galleryId”:”2618138180″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

First announced last September, Nikon’s AF-S Nikkor 120-300 F2.8E FL ED SR VR will be available from next month. The lens, which weighs in at roughly 3.2 kilos (that’s over 7 lbs), has 4 stops of VR. In addition to ED and fluorite elements, it uses a new ‘short wavelength refracting’ (SR) element to reduce chromatic aberrations. The lens can focus down to 2 meters (6.5 feet) at all focal lengths.

As you’d expect from a high-end lens, the 120-300mm is fully weather-sealed and features Nikon’s Arneo and Nano Crystal coatings. The front element has a fluorine coating to repel water and oil.

The lens has switches for AF/MF, focus distance limiter, VR mode, memory recall/AF-L/AF-On and focus confirmation beep.

No surprise – the 120-300 F2.8E won’t come cheap, with a list price of $ 9500.

Official sample photos

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_5138106944″,”galleryId”:”5138106944″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

NIKON ASSERTS COMMITMENT TO OPTICAL SUPERIORITY WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF CUTTING-EDGE Z MOUNT, F MOUNT AND COOLPIX PRODUCTS

The New NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Redefines a Quintessential Photographer Favorite for the Z System; The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a Ground-Breaking Pro Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens; The COOLPIX P950 Packs an 83X Optical Zoom to Bring the World Closer

LAS VEGAS – CES BOOTH #14018 (January 6, 2020 at 9:00 P.M. ET / 6:00 P.M. PT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced three new innovative products that affirms the imaging brand’s commitment to bringing optical excellence to all levels of customers. First, the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the latest in the ever-expanding Z mount lens line, giving users of Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras an indispensable workhorse lens for capturing action and portraits. For professional sports and wildlife photographers, the new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is an enticing high-performance, professional super telephoto F mount NIKKOR lens. Finally, the COOLPIX P950 is a powerful new addition to Nikon’s superzoom bridge camera lineup, offering creators a spectacular 83x optical zoom and a myriad of innovative features to take their creativity to new heights.

“Nikon continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging and lens technology,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S takes advantage of the next-generation optical system offered by the Nikon Z mount to create a versatile 70-200mm lens with astounding sharpness and clarity, cementing this S-line lens as a staple for those who demand only the best from their lenses.”

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S – Astonishing Details, Uncompromising Zoom
An essential pro-level telephoto zoom lens re-imagined to take advantage of the optical potential of the Z series, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the latest addition to Nikon’s rapidly growing lineup of mirrorless lenses. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 represents a pivotal lens for the Z series and a must-have for those shooting action, weddings, events, news, wildlife and portraits. Equipped with a versatile focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture and an impressive 5 stops of built-in optical VR image stabilization1, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm gives mirrorless shooters the flexibility to capture astoundingly sharp images and videos in a variety of scenarios. Additionally, multimedia and content creators using the lens will appreciate the stepping motor (STM) for extremely quiet autofocus operation and reduced focus breathing.

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S demonstrates the technological benefits of the Nikon Z mount to reinvent a classic lens, while including new features to make this photographer favorite even more superior for Z series users. Parfocal support maintains focus when zooming, while a reduced minimum focus distance (0.5m wide, 1.0m telephoto) vastly increases versatility for photos and video. When used in combination with the in-body stabilization of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 promises unparalleled stability with additional optical stabilization. Like other S line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 boasts a premium optical design complete with a 9-blade diaphragm as well as Anti-Reflective Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings for maximum image quality in any light, with a Fluorine coating that resists dirt and smudges. In addition to a rugged weather sealed design the lens is ready to tackle any assignment with a dedicated Info Panel, two customizable Function buttons and an additional custom control ring.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR are the first Nikon lenses to feature the newly developed SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) lens element, a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue. By controlling short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate, the lens can more effectively collect light of various specific wavelengths and achieve highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.

AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR: Impressive Reach, Incredible Speed, Absolute Versatility
The all-new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a versatile, professional lens for the Nikon F mount with a large focal range and fast constant aperture. It’s ideal for sports, wildlife and portrait photographers seeking a bright and fast telephoto lens that offers sharp image quality across a wide range of focal lengths. Thanks to its extensive 120-300mm focal range, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 provides users with a pro-level single lens solution, replacing the need to carry multiple lenses. With Nikon’s reliable weather-sealed construction, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 is equipped to handle any shooting scenario whether on the sidelines or in the wilderness.

Users will appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture which offers incredible low-light capability and depth of field that draws emphasis to a subject. The impeccably sharp image quality, beautiful bokeh and enhanced AF performance of the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 offer speed and sharpness reminiscent of a prime. Engineered with Nikon’s cutting-edge technologies, the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is the first NIKKOR F mount lens to adopt Nikon’s new SR lens element as well as Nikon’s anti-reflective ARNEO coat to deliver superior chromatic aberration compensation and effectively reduce ghost and flare. The built-in VR function provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops1 and includes a Sport VR mode for rapidly moving subjects.

Ready for professional use, the lens is sealed to resist the elements and is engineered for maximum usability, even when handheld. The zoom ring, focus function buttons, tripod collar ring and controls are all designed to ensure superior operability for more comfortable shooting.

COOLPIX P950: 2,000mm Zoom Power, 4K UHD Video & More
With an unbelievable 83x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, the 16-megapixel COOLPIX P950 is a powerful new addition to Nikon’s superzoom bridge camera lineup, which delivers unprecedented image quality from extreme distances. Beyond the staggering 24-2000mm lens, the COOLPIX P950 packs an advanced feature-set complete with Nikon’s renowned NIKKOR optics and advanced stabilization technology with 5.5 stops of VR image stabilization, allowing stargazers and birdwatchers to capture high-quality photos or 4K UHD videos at extreme distances with ease. Plus, by using the COOLPIX P950’s 166x** Dynamic Fine Zoom for far-away subjects and Macro Shooting capabilities to get as close as 0.4 inches, adventure-seekers can bring the unimaginable closer than ever.

Users can rely on the P950 to photograph life’s most unique subjects with incredible accuracy and focus thanks to its Target Finding AF capabilities, 7 fps continuous shooting and ISO sensitivity up to 6400. A great option for photographers of all skill levels, the COOLPIX P950 features user-friendly controls alongside an intuitive menu system and a 2359k-dot EVF, making it easier to review and capture one-of-a-kind shots. Using dedicated Bird-Watching and Moon Modes, photographers can effortlessly snap photos of their world and beyond. The new P950 also adds RAW (NRW) photo recording, an enhanced high-resolution electronic viewfinder and Nikon SnapBridge2,3,4 to seamlessly share images or remotely control the camera.

The COOLPIX P950 is also equipped with an accessory shoe to enable compatibility with a variety of useful accessories, including the optional DF-M1 Dot Sight, which helps users locate subjects and compose shots from far-away distances.

Pricing and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens and COOLPIX P950 will be available in February for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 2,599.95* and $ 799.95*, respectively. The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens will also be available in February for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 9,499.95*. For more information about Nikon and their latest products, please visit?www.nikonusa.com.

1. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position.
2. The camera’s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used to connect the camera to a compatible smart device running the SnapBridge app, and to take advantage of SnapBridge features.
3. This camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.
4. Using the SnapBridge App System Requirements:

a. Android 5.0 or later or 6.0.1 or later
b. A device with Bluetooth 4.0 or later (i.e., a device that supports Bluetooth Smart Ready/Low Energy) is required.
c. The SnapBridge app is available for compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod touch®, and for smart devices running the AndroidTM operating system. The app can be downloaded free of charge from Apple’s App Store® and GooglePlayTM. SnapBridge can be used only with compatible cameras.

-Android™ and Google Play™ are trademarks of Google Inc.
-Wi-Fi® and the Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo are registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. The N Mark is a trademark or registered trademark of NFC Forum, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon corporation and its Affiliates is under license.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
** At the maximum image size. The maximum zoom ratio varies by image size. Dynamic Fine Zoom magnification is calculated from the maximum wide-angle position of the optical zoom.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300 F2.8E FL ED SR VR specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 120–300 mm
Image stabilization Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating 4 stop(s)
Lens mount Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 25
Groups 19
Special elements / coatings ED, fluorite and SR elements + Nano Crystal and Arneo coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 2.00 m (78.74)
Maximum magnification 0.16×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Focus distance limiter Yes
Physical
Weight 3250 g (7.17 lb)
Diameter 128 mm (5.04)
Length 304 mm (11.97)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock Yes
Filter thread 112 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR arrives next month for $9500

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon’s RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM will get a firmware update to fix the focusing issue next month

27 Dec

Next month, Canon will release a firmware update that fixes an autofocus problem reported by RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto lens owners. The company says it’s confirmed this lens may produce a ‘slightly front-focused’ image when the photo is captured at close range with the focus distance set to around the 200mm end of the scale.

Canon will release the firmware with a bug fix for this problem in January 2020, the company revealed on its US website. The new firmware will be intended for RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM lenses running firmware version 1.0.5 or earlier, something that can be checked within the camera’s menu.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM telephoto lens is available from B&H Photo and other retailers for $ 2,699.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon’s RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM will get a firmware update to fix the focusing issue next month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Laowa opens pre-orders for new 17mm F1.8 MFT lens, set to ship later this month

21 Oct

Venus Optics has announced the Laowa 17mm F1.8 for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems is currently available to pre-order and will ship later this month.

The manual lens, which costs $ 149, is constructed of nine elements in seven groups, features a seven-blade aperture diaphragm, has a 15cm minimum focusing distance and a 46mm front filter thread. The 34mm full-frame-equivalent focal length offers a 65-degree angle of view and the lens weighs in at just 172g (6oz).

Venus Optics also notes the lens is ‘drone-friendly,’ due to the versatile MFT mount, lightweight design and its Frog Eye Coating (FEC), which allegedly repels water and dirt off the front lens element.

Below is a sample gallery of images Venus Optics has provided:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_2632147527″,”galleryId”:”2632147527″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

You can pre-order the Laowa 17mm F1.8 MFT now on Laowa’s website for $ 149. The first units are expected to ship out in ‘late October,’ according to Laowa.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Laowa opens pre-orders for new 17mm F1.8 MFT lens, set to ship later this month

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will arrive at the end of the month for $8000

13 Oct

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_3198595861″,”galleryId”:”3198595861″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Nikon has been teasing the release of the Z-mount 58mm F0.95 Noct for as long as the full-frame Z system has been known to the public. Since then it’s been seen in development announcements, on roadmaps and behind glass, but today is the first time its full specifications (not to mention a price) have been released to the public.

Its F0.95 maximum aperture makes this the fastest Nikkor lens ever made. It comprises 17 elements in 10 groups; three aspherical elements are included, one of which is ‘large diameter’. Nano Crystal coating helps control flare and ghosting from light entering the lens at diagonal angles, while Nikon’s newer Arneo coating has been added to deal with incident light entering the lens vertically.

Living up to its name, the Noct has been designed with night photography in mind. Nikon says that the lens will reproduce point light sources faithfully across the entire frame, without the smearing effects of sagittal coma flare.

Official Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct sample images

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4787409635″,”galleryId”:”4787409635″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

All of that glass contributes to making the Noct a very hefty lens. It weighs 4.4lb / 2,000g and measures 102 x 153mm (4.01 x 6.02 in). The top of the lens barrel features a small display that can display focus distance, aperture and depth-of-field, plus a customizable control ring that offers quick access to aperture or exposure compensation – both features it shares with other current S-series lenses.

The Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will cost $ 8000 and will ship later this month on October 31st.

A COVETED CLASSIC REBORN AS A MODERN MASTERPIECE: NIKON RELEASES THE FASTEST NIKKOR LENS EVER CREATED, THE NIKKOR Z 58MM f/0.95 S NOCT

Nikon Also Announces the New MB-N10 Battery Pack: Enhances Battery Life and Adds Additional Grip for Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 Users

MELVILLE, NY (October 10, 2019 at 12:01 AM EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the fastest NIKKOR lens ever made, the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens. The 58mm Noct is a one-of-a-kind lens that pays homage to the extraordinary optical legacy that the previous Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 lens established, while demonstrating the superiority and potential of the Nikon Z Mount. Created for the most discerning photographers, the new Noct lens is an exclusively manual focus prime lens with an incredible maximum aperture of f/0.95 for a truly dramatic depth of field and next-level low light performance.

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is in a class of its own, offering low light ability and extreme sharpness that excels in the hands of a capable creator. From stunning portraits to landscapes or astrophotography, all images are rendered beautifully thanks to its vast depth-of field control, seductive bokeh and superb point-image reproduction.

“This is why the Z mount was created. The Noct is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to optical innovation driven by more than a century of expertise,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “We promised a new dimension of optical performance for the Nikon Z series and NIKKOR Z lens lineup, and by announcing our fastest NIKKOR lens ever made, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, we are making this claim a reality.”

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO S-LINE OF NIKKOR Z LENSES
The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct joins as the apex to the ever-expanding series of S-Line lenses, which also includes the recently announced NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S, all hailed for their sharpness and optical performance.

A LEGENDARY LENS REBORN
The original Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 was released in 1977, its name said to be derived from “Nocturne.” Made for nighttime photography, this lens became renowned for its ability to reproduce point light sources as point images. The design of the new Noct lens evolves with the most advanced optical technology for photographers and videographers, boasting an immense f/0.95 maximum aperture, staggering low light ability and enticing bokeh characteristics.

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct implores an extensive depth of field, producing elaborate bokeh and blur characteristics with good continuity for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging. Even when the distance between the subject and the background are insufficient, the new 58mm Noct lens can still capture sharp images with beautiful background blur due to the reproduction of an extremely sharp focus plane and vast shallow depth of field. Additionally, shooting point light sources at maximum aperture would normally produce sagittal coma flare. However, with the new Noct lens the causes of sagittal coma flare are eliminated across the entire frame with point light sources being reproduced as tack-sharp point images even at the peripheries, for clear and crisp night landscapes and astronomical shots.

A lens like the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is possible today because of the large Z mount, which allows for more light capture and faster data sharing between lens and camera, as well as improved flexibility for lens optics and design. The new Noct lens also boasts a large-diameter ground aspherical lens element crafted from the finest glass with outstanding surface accuracy, providing a higher refractive index that would otherwise be unobtainable. This pro-level lens is constructed with an optical formula consisting of 17 elements in 10 groups, ensuring a well-balanced lens that delivers incredibly sharp results.

Like the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens announced earlier this year, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens includes an ARNEO Coat, which provides anti-reflection performance to combat incident light reaching the lens surface from a vertical direction. Alongside the Nano Crystal Coat, which effectively reduces incident light from a diagonal direction, the new Noct lens can capture clear and sharp content with minimal ghosting and flare effects across a wide variety of backlit situations that are normally challenging. Additionally, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct includes a lens information panel allowing photographers and videographers to confirm aperture, focus distance and depth of field at a glance. Users will also enjoy the increased number of functions that can be assigned to the lens Fn button, matching the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on both the Z 7 and Z 6 cameras. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism is incorporated, providing stable aperture control even during continuous shooting. The fluorine coat of the new Noct lens acts as a dust, dirt and moisture repellent coating.

In addition to the refined and durable exterior design, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct offers excellent operability and a feeling of precision in hand. The focus ring enables accurate manual focusing, allowing for the appropriate amount of torque and a large rotation angle, even for the extremely shallow depth of field afforded at f/0.95. The new Noct lens also adopts a control ring, where functions like aperture setting, and exposure compensation can be assigned. Furthermore, the inside of the lens hood is felt-lined, delivering clear rendering by effectively preventing light reflection inside the hood.

THE NEW MB-N10 BATTERY PACK FOR THE NIKON Z 7 AND Z 6
The new MB-N10 battery power pack is an optional accessory for both the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6. The battery pack significantly enhances battery life and adds an additional hand hold, providing photographers and videographers even more freedom and comfort when using the Z 7 and Z 6. The battery pack is designed to hold two EN-EL15b batteries (sold separately), effectively increasing the number of shots possible and movie recording time by approximately 1.8X, based on CIPA standards. The MB-N10 offers the same weather sealing and modern design of the Z 7 and Z 6, plus it will support USB charging.

Price and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens will be available October 31, 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 7999.95* and will come with a special premium custom padded case (Trunk Case CT-101), in addition to the HN-38 Hood. The new MB-N10 battery power pack will be available in November 2019, for an SRP of $ 199.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens and MB-N10 battery power pack as well as the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit?www.nikonusa.com.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 58 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Nikon Z
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 11
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 4 ED + 3 aspherical elements, Nano Crystal + ARNEO + Super Integrated coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.50 m (19.69)
Maximum magnification 0.19×
Autofocus No
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale Yes
Physical
Weight 2000 g (4.41 lb)
Diameter 102 mm (4.02)
Length 153 mm (6.02)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 82 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes
Other
Notes Has a small LCD display that shows focus distance, aperture and more.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will arrive at the end of the month for $8000

Posted in Uncategorized