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Posts Tagged ‘mount’

Video: Curiosity rover captures 360-degree panorama of Mount Sharp on Mars, showing changing landscape

24 Aug

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover recently explored Mount Sharp. The mountain is 8km (5 mi) tall and is within the 154km-wide (96 mi) basin of Mars’s Gale Crater. Curiosity captured a new 360-degree panorama at Mount Sharp, revealing its diverse terrain and shedding light on the area’s ancient environment.

NASA writes, ‘Images of knobbly rocks and rounded hills are delighting scientists as NASA’s Curiosity rover climbs Mount Sharp, a 5-mile-tall (8-kilometer-tall) mountain within the 96-mile-wide (154-kilometer-wide) basin of Mars’ Gale Crater. The rover’s Mast Camera, or Mastcam, highlights those features in a panorama captured on July 3, 2021 (the 3,167th Martian day, or sol, of the mission).’

Studying the region has been a long-term goal for the Curiosity mission, which is now in its ninth year on Mars. By studying the layers of Mount Sharp, scientists hope to understand how the environment of Gale Crater dried over time. Similar changes in mineral composition are seen across the planet, so understanding Gale Crater should pay dividends in understanding other parts of Mars.

‘The rocks here will begin to tell us how this once-wet planet changed into the dry Mars of today, and how long habitable environments persisted even after that happened,’ said Abigail Fraeman, Curiosity’s deputy project scientist, at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

‘NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover used its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, to capture this 360-degree view near “Rafael Navarro Mountain” on July 3, 2021, the 3,167th Martian day, or sol, of the mission. Stitched together from 129 individual images, the panorama has been white-balanced so that the colors of the rock materials resemble how they would appear under daytime lighting conditions on Earth. A craggy hump that stretches 450 feet (137 meters) tall, the geologic feature is located on Mount Sharp in northwest Gale Crater.’ Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS. Click to enlarge.

When Curiosity landed on Mars on August 5, 2012, its primary mission was to study whether different Martian environments could have supported microbial life in Mars’s ancient past. Lakes and groundwater once existed within Gale Crater, and scientists want to use Curiosity to understand better what happened and how Mars changed over time.

Looking forward, Curiosity is currently working its way up a path between Rafael Navarro Mountain and a towering butte. In the coming year, Curiosity will drive past these features and enter a canyon. It will then revisit Greenheugh Pediment.

You can learn more about the Curiosity mission by visiting NASA’s dedicated Mars website. You can also check out some of our prior coverage, including Curiosity photographing rare shimmering clouds in June and a neat selfie Curiosity sent to Earth in March.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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How to Mount Gopro on Your Ski Helmet + Shooting Tips

22 Jul

You’re skiing or snowboarding down the mountain, trying to capture as much thrilling footage as possible. You’ve got your GoPro mounted on your helmet, in a random spot that “felt” right. As the terrain changes, you’re constantly moving and tilting your camera, trying to predict what will look best when viewed later. If your GoPro is not properly mounted, it Continue Reading
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Laowa unveils $499 14mm F4 Zero-D lens for EF, F mount camera systems

16 Jul

Venus Optics has announced the release of the Laowa 14mm F4 Zero-D lens for Canon and Nikon DSLR camera systems.

The lens is constructed of 13 elements in 10 elements, including two extra-low dispersion ale nets and two aspherical elements. Like other Laowa ‘Zero-D’ lenses, the lens features near-zero distortion, despite its wide angle of view.

It’s also the first lens to get what Venus Optics called a focusing scale adjustment system, which allows you to calibrate the infinity point of the lens to ensure it’s exactly at the infinity mark based on the specific camera model you’re using it on. Venus Optics has shared the below tutorial showing owners what the calibration process looks like:

The lens features an integrated CPU for electronic control of the aperture with Canon EF mount camera bodies and an aperture coupling for Nikon F mount camera bodies. Other features includ a minimum focusing distance of 14.5cm (5.7″), uses a five-blade aperture diaphragm and uses a 67mm front filter thread.

Below is a gallery of sample images, provided by Venus Optics from a range of photographers:

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As for measurements, the lens comes in at 72.5mm (2.85″) in diameter for both the EF and F mount versions. The Canon EF mount version measures 75mm (2.95″) long while the Nikon F mount version is 73mm (2.87″) long, while weighing 320g (11.3oz) and 360g (12.7oz), respectively.

The lens is available to order on Venus Optics’ website for $ 499.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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iPhone mount converts an Apple Watch into a live viewfinder for selfies and vlogging

27 Nov

Apple’s iPhones have a front-facing camera for selfies and FaceTime, but the front camera’s performance and image quality pales in comparison to the rear cameras. For those wanting a high-quality selfie or to record video content of themselves, your options have long been to use the front-facing camera so you can see your phone’s display or to try your luck with the rear-facing camera and hope everything is framed properly. Ulanzi has a new product, the ST-09 Phone Tripod Mount for Apple Watch, designed to solve this exact problem.

By using a paired Apple Watch and the ST-09, you can mount your smartwatch to the ST-09 and clamp it onto your iPhone. With the accompanying Apple Watch app, your Watch’s face becomes a live viewfinder mounted to the back of your iPhone.

As Gizmodo says, it may ‘seem like a foolish use for the $ 200+ smartwatch strapped to your wrist. But as you think about it more, you realize the mount solves a problem that many amateur vloggers who rely on their smartphones for all of their productions needs run into: using the back camera to film yourself is all but impossible.’ The target audience is somewhat niche, perhaps, but the ST-09 is an inexpensive, simple solution. Provided you already have an Apple Watch, of course.

On the bottom of the mount is a tripod a 1/4″ hole for mounting a tripod. On the top of the mount is a cold shoe, which can be used for attaching a fill light, microphone or other accessories.

Ulanzi ST-09 product details. Image courtesy of Ulanzi. Click to enlarge.

If you’re worried about scratching your devices, Ulanzi states that the product features an anti-scratch silicone pad design for the Watch mount and the clamps which adjust to your phone. Speaking of which, the tension distance is 58-89mm, meaning it will fit most iPhones, including the latest iPhone 12 models. With respect to Apple Watch model compatibility, Ulanzi only mentions the Series 5, so Gizmodo observes that the ST-09 may only be compatible with the Series 5 and Series 6 Apple Watches.

The Ulanzi ST-09 can adjust from 58mm to 89mm in order to fit a variety of iPhones. Image courtesy of Ulanzi.

The problem Ulanzi is trying to solve has been tackled by different manufacturers over the years. Gizmodo recalls the DJI Osmo Action, an action camera with a front-facing camera. (You can check out our hands-on with the Osmo Action right here). GoPro followed suit shortly thereafter with the Hero9 action camera. Smartphone manufacturers, on the other hand, have not gone this route. Smartphone displays drain battery and a second display on the rear presents power, engineering and cost concerns.

The Ulanzi ST-09 can be ordered directly from Ulanzi for $ 19.95 USD. The accessory is current on sale from its regular price of $ 29.99.

(Via Gizmodo)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Will Offer 27 Z Mount Lenses Before 2022 Is Out

23 Nov

The post Nikon Will Offer 27 Z Mount Lenses Before 2022 Is Out appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Nikon Z mount lenses

Nikon’s Z lens roadmap has expanded substantially over the past two years – and the company’s most recent roadmap update promises a total of 27 Z-mount lenses before the close of 2022.

It’s a clear sign that Nikon is devoted to their mirrorless system, which debuted just over two years ago with the Nikon Z7 but has remained limited in both camera and lens selection. But while a complete set of lenses is a long way off, it’s nice to know that Nikon is willing to dig in and create a mirrorless lineup that will eventually compete with the current heavy hitters.

So what lenses can you expect from Nikon over the next couple of years?

The existing set of Z mount lenses already offers a lot of the basics (note that this includes lenses coming out over the next couple of months):

  • A handful of fast primes and zooms for professional and amateur portrait shooters, including the 50mm f/1.2, the 35mm f/1.8, and the 24-70mm f/2.8
  • A few cheaper zooms, such as the 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3, the 24-200mm f/4-6.3, and the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3
  • Some excellent glass for landscape photographers, including a 24-70mm f/4, a 70-200mm f/2.8, and a 14-24mm f/2.8

However, despite a core set of strong Z mount options, Nikon has failed to offer a few “standards,” including a faster 85mm lens (e.g., an 85mm f/1.4), as well as a 70-200mm f/4 (for hobbyist landscape photographers, among others). The Z-mount lineup continues to lack lenses for specialized shooters, as well – such as super-telephoto primes and zooms, plus a macro lens or two.

Which is where the Nikon Z mount roundmap comes in.

While the roadmap doesn’t address all of these gaps, it does promise a number of powerful lenses, including:

  • A 24-105mm lens
  • An 85mm lens (likely an f/1.4 version!)
  • Both a 50mm and a 105mm macro lens
  • Four super-telephoto lenses, including a 200-600mm zoom, a 100-400mm zoom, a 400mm prime, and a 600mm prime

If you’re a bird, wildlife, or even sports photographer, then Nikon’s Z system is going to become a lot more appealing over the next couple of years, as Nikon fills in its super-telephoto gap (with a 200-600mm and a 100-400mm option, no less!).

The same is true for macro photographers, who will pounce on Nikon’s 105mm micro lens (though I do wish Nikon would offer a 180mm or 200mm Z mount macro lens; maybe it’ll be added to a future roadmap).

Regardless, Nikon’s Z system is becoming more and more well-rounded – and the addition of these lenses will simply broaden its appeal.

Now over to you:

What upcoming Z mount lenses are you interested in? And what lenses do you wish Nikon would make? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post Nikon Will Offer 27 Z Mount Lenses Before 2022 Is Out appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Mount any Canon EF lens to Fujifilm’s GFX cameras with Metabones new EF-GFX Smart Expander adapters

19 Nov

Metabones has announced the release of the EF-GFX Smart Expander, a new adapter that makes it possible to use every Canon EF mount lens on Fujifilm GFX camera systems.

The adapter uses an optical design consisting of five elements in three groups to multiply the focal length and F-stop of Canon EF-mount lenses by 1.26x to match the image circle of EF lenses to Fujifilm’s GFX cameras while retaining the same diagonal field-of-view.

A front and back view of the EF-GFX 1.26x Smart Expander adapter.

The EF-GFX Smart Expander offers electronic integration, including support for phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), in-body image stabilization (IBIS), optical image stabilization on stabilized lenses and smooth iris on lenses that support it. The adapter features a physical toggle that can switch between auto aperture (for use with Program and shutter priority shooting modes) and manual aperture (for use with aperture priority or manual exposure). If an entirely manual lens is attached, the button will bring up the manual lens selection option on the GFX camera system being used so you can manually enter the focal length to account for IBIS operation and EXIF data.

As you would expect for such an all-encompassing adapter, there are some limitations in place. Below are a number of issues Metabones is aware of as of the initial release of the adapter:

  • In some rare cases lens hoods designed for 3:2 may need to be removed for 4:3 use with Smart Expander.
  • Each lens needs to go through a calibration procedure when first used. Refer to the online user manual on Metabones’ web site for instructions.
  • Autofocus may have unsatisfactory performance and may not work at all with some lenses
  • For video autofocus, increasing FOCUS SENSITIVITY and decreasing AF SPEED are required under the AF-C CUSTOM SETTING (MOVIE) menu.
  • AF+MF and lens aberration correction are not supported.
  • Some film-era lenses may not be able to achieve the sufficient AF accuracy required for digital cameras. Worn lenses with faulty sensors may lead to AF problems on a mirrorless camera even though the lens may appear to function normally on a DSLR.
  • Aperture diaphragm makes frequent noises with older lenses. Use aperture priority and manual exposure modes, or use a lens which supports smooth iris.
  • With IS/OS/VC lenses the IS MODE setting is ignored and both SHOOTING ONLY and CONTINUOUS modes behave in the same way which is similar to a Canon camera but different from what Fujifilm OIS lenses do. This is done to maximize IS effectiveness. A negative consequence of this is that there may be no OIS during focus check.
  • MF Distance Display does not work (although AF Distance Display does if the lens transmits distance information).

Metabones has included a Micro USB port on the adapter so future firmware updates, some of which may address the above issues, can be installed via its macOS and Windows Metabones app.

A front and back view of the optics-free version of the EF-GFX Smart Expander adapter.

The Metabones EF-GFX Smart Expander 1.26x is available now for $ 729 through its online shop and authorized Metabones retailers. An optics-free version of the EF-GFX Smart Adapter is also available for $ 439.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics’ 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro lens is now available with Pentax K mount, new stepless EF mount version also available

14 Nov

Venus Optics has announced its popular Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens is now available for Pentax K mount cameras and is also available in a stepless aperture version for Canon EF mount.

When the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens was announced back in 2018, it was supposed to be available for Pentax K mount systems alongside Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts. However, the K mount version never came to fruition, with Venus Optics even announcing RF and Z mount versions back in April of this year before any news of the K mount version came out.

A macro shot of the aperture coupling on the new Pentax K mount version of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO.

Now, the wait is over. As with the previous versions of the lens, the Pentax K mount version is constructed of 12 elements in 10 groups, features an aperture range of F2.8-F22, uses a seven-blade aperture diaphragm and has a maximum 2x magnification ratio. The lens features an automatic aperture coupling lever, which allows the lens’ aperture to be controlled through the camera, but if you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can adjust the aperture using the manual aperture ring as well.

In addition to the Pentax K mount model, Venus Optics has also released a variation of its EF mount model that features manual stepless aperture control. This video-oriented version of the lens makes it easier to get just the right exposure and the inclusion of a 13 aperture-blade diaphragm over the seven-blade aperture diaphragm in the automatic aperture EF mount version should make for even smoother bokeh.

Below is a sample gallery of images taken with the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO lens by photographer Thomas Shahan, provided by Venus Optics:

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Both the Pentax K mount and Canon EF mount stepless manual focus versions of the Laowa 100mm F2.8 Ultra Macro APO are available on the Venus Optics online shop and through authorized retailers for $ 449.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Profoto’s new $299 OCF Adapter makes it possible to mount OCF light modifiers to A-series speedlights

11 Nov

Profoto has announced the release of the OCF Adapter, a new adapter that makes it possible to use all of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools with any of its A-series flash units.

Image credit: Profoto

The OCF Adapter looks similar to many other speedlight to speedring adapters: it has a coldshoe mount for securely attaching a Profoto A-series flash and a mounting point for any of Profoto’s OCF light shaping tools, which the head of the flash fits into. Profoto has over a dozen OCF light shaping tools, including the OCF Magnum Reflector, a 24” OCF Beauty Dish, an array of OCF Grids and plenty of OCF Gel attachments.

The unit isn’t necessarily small (120mm (4.7”) wide, 280mm (11”) tall and 90mm (3.5) deep), but it’s certainly a more compact solution than carrying around a larger monolight when an A-series flash will get the job done with an OCF light shaping tool. Below is a hands-on with the OCF Adapter by Adorama:

Being Profoto, it shouldn’t come as a surprise the OCF Adapter isn’t cheap. The 750g (1.65lb) piece of plastic and metal will set you back $ 299 (Adorama, B&H). For a little context, Godox/Flashpoint’s Profoto A1 knock-off can be purchased, with accessories, for $ 229 (Godox at B&H, Flashpoint at Adorama).

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Frii Designs’ new Conda Strap is a camera strap that turns into a flexible mount

07 Nov

Frii Designs, a company known for its unconventional photography accessories, has announced a forthcoming campaign to help fund its new Conda Strap, a camera shoulder strap that also doubles as a flexible mount and grip.

Somewhere between a Joby Gorillapod and a shoulder strap, the Conda starts as a flexible shoulder strap that attaches directly to your camera via the tripod mount. When you need to use it as a tripod, simply flip the lever at the top and the Conda stiffens up for moulding into whatever shape you need.

You can even separate the strap, wrap it around objects for further security and lock it back in place with the lever engaged to ensure your gear doesn’t take any unwanted tumbles.

It’s an interesting concept and certainly carves out a niche in a market that’s fairly saturated. Due to the components required to turn it into a mounting solution, it doesn’t necessarily look like the most comfortable shoulder strap — and certainly not the lightest — but if it means you don’t have to carry around even a small tripod or mounting solution, it might be worth the compromise.

The Conda Strap will come in two versions: Conda Strap and Conda Strap Plus. The Conda Strap is the ‘light’ version of the two, designed for mirrorless cameras and light DSLR cameras, while the Conda Strap Plus is the more heavy-duty model for larger mirrorless setups or heavier DSLRs.

The Kickstarter campaign for the Conda Strap and Conda Strap Plus will go live on November 12. Frii Designs notes the Conda Strap be available for a pledge of $ 97. We have inquired about the price of the Conda Strap Plus and will update this article accordingly when we receive a response.

If successfully funded, the first units are expected to ship out in March 2021. You can sign up to be notified as soon as the campaign goes live on Frii Designs’ website.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lime One is a compact, easy to use light meter you attach to your camera’s shoe mount

07 Oct

German mechatronics engineer Johannes Heberlein has launched a new photo accessory on Kickstarter, the Lime One compact hot shoe light meter. The meter has been designed to be very easy to use, and even updates its readings in real-time.

In 2018, Heberlein started using film cameras, and he immediately found his light meter options somewhat lacking. He started using a smartphone-based solution but became frustrated with needing to constantly take his phone out of his pocket, get an exposure value and then put his phone away. In late 2018, Heberlein started sketching out ideas for a compact, easy to use light meter. His first prototype was ready a few months later and final hardware revisions took place over the next year.

Lime One works with all cameras that have manual exposure control, including analog cameras that do not feature a built-in light meter. Heberlein hopes that Lime One, which has a funding goal just shy of $ 30,000 USD, will help photographers who have been frustrated by external meters and smartphone light meter applications. He designed Lime One to be compact enough that you can leave it attached to your camera indefinitely, even when packing your camera away in a bag.

Lime One promises fast operation and start-up, plus the ability to store previous settings. It has four modes: aperture priority, shutter priority, manual mode, and exposure value. The control wheel has a knurled edge for grip and when holding the Lime One’s button while rotating the wheel, you can change secondary parameters.

The hot shoe light meter is constructed using anodized aluminum for both the body and wheel and attaches to a standard accessory shoe mount. The device is battery powered and uses a CR2032 battery.

The Lime One appears very simple to operate. For example, when using aperture priority, you set the desired aperture on the Lime One using the control wheel, frame your shot, and then the light meter shows you on its top display the required shutter speed. You can also use exposure compensation by holding down the button while rotating the control wheel. By double-tapping this same button, you access the menu where you can perform actions such as adjusting operational mode and ISO.

Hedeco Lime One on 6×6 folding medium format camera. Image credit: Hedeco, Kickstarter

For those who pledge €99 or more, which is roughly $ 115 USD, you will receive one Lime One in silver in April 2021. If you pledge €149 (about $ 175 USD), you have a choice of silver or black for Lime One, plus you receive an accessory pack. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can download the files to print your own accessories and instead purchase just the standard pack.

To learn more about the Lime One compact light meter, head to the Kickstarter page.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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