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Posts Tagged ‘variable’

H&Y Revoring variable step-up rings allow filters to fit multiple lens thread sizes

30 Jun

Filter manufacturer H&Y has launched a series of new step-up adapter rings that have variable thread sizes to allow users to fit a single screw-in filter to multiple different sized lenses. Using a sprung iris the thread size of the Revoring can be altered to fit a range of lens sizes via a rotating ring on the adapter. The idea is a single screw-in filter can be switched between different lenses very quickly without the need for changing adapter rings.

There are four sizes of Revoring to cover lens threads of 37-49mm, 46-62mm, 67-82mm and 82-95mm. The 37-49mm ring, for example, takes a 52mm filter. Once attached to the Revoring that filter can be switched between lenses that use filter thread sizes of 37mm to 49mm, by twisting the revolving ring to adjust the size of the adapter’s thread.

Twisting the adjustable ring closes the iris to its smallest size, and releasing it allows the thread to expand to fit the lens in use. The adapter holds in place immediately, but can be screwed in for extra security. To take the adapter off the lens the ring is turned to again contract the iris so it comes free of the lens.

Each of the sizes comes as a stand-alone ring for users to attach their own filters, or a second version is available that has H&Y’s variable ND filter with a circular polariser already built-in. The variable ND ranges from ND 3-1000 covering light reductions of 1.5-10 stops.

I’ve had couple of the rings for a while and thought a video would explain them a little better.

H&Y says the Revorings are made from architectural building-grade 6063 aluminum giving them strength while maintaining a light weight – the 67-82mm ring weighs 64g/2.25oz – and that the metal is protected with a matte black anodised coating.
Revorings are being launched via a Kickstarter campaign that runs until August 8th.

Post-campaign RRP:

37mm – 49mm REVORING: Accommodating 52mm filters – $ 35
46mm – 62mm REVORING: Accommodating 67mm filters – $ 35
67mm – 82mm REVORING: Accommodating 82mm filters – $ 40

37mm – 49mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL – $ 184.00
46mm – 62mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL – $ 189.00
67mm – 82mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL – $ 199.00

The 82-95mm Revoring will be a ‘stretch goal’ that will be made available should the campaign raise $ 500,000. Should it reach $ 750,000 the 82-95mm ring will be released with the variable ND and CPL option. Reduced prices during the campaign will start at $ 23 for the 37-49mm Revoring and $ 139 for the same size with the filters built-in. For more information see the H&Y website or the Revoring Kickstarter campaign page.

Press release:

H&Y Announce The REVORING: A Revolutionary Adapter with a Twist

Imaging innovation campaign now live on Kickstarter

H&Y Digital Company Limited has announced the launch of a brand new Kickstarter campaign for the innovative step ring adapter, the H&Y REVORING and REVORING with Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 & Circular Polariser combined filter, for use with DSLR, mirrorless and video camera lenses.

The REVORING is a true first in the image-making world. Its revolutionary design overcomes the need for multiple filters and step-up rings, saving photographers and filmmakers both time and money.

REVORING: The last word in filter adapters

The REVORING arrives as a completely new type of filter adapter. With its patent-pending variable and tough retractable blade technology, it can fit any lens with filter thread sizes between 37 – 49mm, 46mm – 62mm or 67mm – 82mm, accommodating either 52mm, 67mm or 82mm screw-in filters for the sizes available at launch. This versatility negates any need for photographers, cinematographers and content creators to carry multiple step-up rings, which can make for messy kit bags and adding unnecessary extra weight.

REVORING Variable ND + Circular Polariser combination

In addition to the standard REVORING, H&Y’s Kickstarter campaign includes another brand new REVORING which combines the REVORING’s adapter technology with the brand’s market-leading Variable Neutral Density & Circular Polariser combination filter. This heady combination creates a truly unique and complete product for image-makers everywhere.

Completely eradicating the need to invest in multiple filters for each lens or multiple step rings to adapt existing filters, the REVORING Variable ND + Circular Polariser combination system will adapt to fit a wide range of lenses, improving handling and boosting workflow speed to the next level.

H&Y’s REVORING Variable ND + Circular Polariser combination will quickly become an essential tool for shooting both moving and still images, giving a wealth of dynamic range to the user’s fingertips with the added bonus of a high-quality H&Y Circular Polariser onboard.

Kenny Leung, CEO of H&Y, said: “Almost 3 years of research and development, along with field testing, have been applied to bringing the REVORING that much closer to reality. The manufacturing process ensures that the materials used match the quality that their customers come to expect from H&Y. We are confident that image-makers across the globe will fall in love with this new concept and the REVORING systems will quickly become an indispensable partner for many photographers and filmmakers.”

The REVORING’s variable neutral density offers an incredible dynamic range of ND3 to ND1000, which equates to a minimum of 1.5, through to 10 stops of light control. However, due to the vast range, the stops achieved will vary based on different focal length. Full details can be found on the H&Y website, and also in the product guide, which will be included with every REVORING.

Japanese Nitto polarising film has been applied to produce the Circular Polariser section of the filter, which offers up to a near-comprehensive 99.9% polarising efficiency.

Market Leading Quality Meets World-Class Innovation

Key to the REVORING’s unique design is in the innovative, retractable & variable diaphragm. This precision-engineered feature allows the REVORING to make 1 filter applicable to multiple lenses, and with the potential for an expansive 4 size options, filter thread sizes from 37mm through to 95mm are all covered.

The REVORING has been manufactured entirely from architectural building-grade 6063 aluminum, making it incredibly strong and lightweight. Finished in a matte black anodised coating, further protecting it from adverse weather conditions, the REVORING is truly a ‘go-anywhere’ solution that will serve for years to come.

Anti-Fingerprint & Waterproof Nano-Coating Technology has been applied to the REVORING to preserve the glass from the unpredictable factors that all photographers and filmmakers face when shooting outdoors. The coating helps with beading and any excess droplets can be easily removed with a lens cloth without the fear of eliminating any of the coatings and without leaving stubborn smears on the glass.

The German Schott B270® glass also includes Anti-Reflective coating, which virtually eliminates all flare and reflections from the front and rear surfaces. This helps visible light to pass through the glass by removing unwanted reflections, giving the user the best possible light transmission, (up to 97%) optimizing images for the sharpest possible outcome. Whether shooting at 16mm or 400mm, the glass and coatings used in the REVORING produce sharp images, even at 10 stop exposures.

The H&Y REVORING Kickstarter Campaign

A number of additional features have been confirmed ahead of the campaign launch and will be included in the final product. These include:

  • A HARD stop at the MAX point shown on the filter ring, restricting the movement of the VND filter beyond the maximum 10 stops (ND1000).
  • An additional guide, fitted to the VND frame filter, meaning you can control the VND and CPL positions more easily.
  • New laser markings will be introduced to the outer edge of the VND ring. These new markings will be calculated and applied based on the maximum focal distance before any crossfade appears, helping image makers set up their shot more efficiently. There will be a live chart on the H&Y website offering guidance with a variety of lenses and sensors.

Campaign Pledge Levels

  • 37mm – 49mm REVORING: Accommodating 52mm filters
  • 46mm – 62mm REVORING: Accommodating 67mm filters
  • 67mm – 82mm REVORING: Accommodating 82mm filters
  • 37mm – 49mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL
  • 46mm – 62mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL
  • 67mm – 82mm REVORING Variable Neutral Density ND3-1000 + CPL

PLEASE NOTE: A further size of 82mm – 95mm for REVORING and Variable Neutral Density + CPL combination will unlock as a stretch goal as the campaign progresses and reaches a specific level of backing.

Pricing and availability

The H&Y REVORING Kickstarter campaign will begin on June 29th 2020 at 2pm GMT and 9am EST, 9pm HK time and will run for 40 days until August 8th 2020.

  • Standard REVORING will retail between USD $ 35 – USD $ 45
  • REVORING Variable Neutral Density + Circular Polariser combination will retail between USD $ 184 – USD $ 239.

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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Moment launches new line of variable ND filters for DSLRs, mirrorless cameras and drones

29 Jan

Moment has announced the launch of its first variable ND filters for cameras and drones. The company is offering a total of four variable ND filter products at this time, one designed for the DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone. According to the company’s website, it designed its new filters to ‘hit the sweet spot on affordability, functionality, and quality.’

The Moment variable ND filters are made with machined aerospace-grade aluminum and Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass. The three products designed for use with cameras utilize ‘unique geometry and laser-etched graphics’ that enable photographers to view the stop using the viewfinder. As well, the camera filters feature a design that prevents cross-polarization when rotating the filter.

In addition to the camera filters, Moment has also launched a filter for drones, specifically the Mavic 2 Pro. According to the company, this is the first cinema-grade variable ND filter for the Mavic 2 Pro. Offered in 2-5 Stop and 6-9 Stop varieties, this product is made from fused silica glass coated for ‘cinematic color and rugged durability.’ As with the camera filters, these drone filters are designed to prevent cross-polarization.

All four new variable ND filter products are available from Moment now. The Mavic 2 Pro Cine Variable ND filters are priced at $ 80 each; the camera filters are available in 67mm, 77mm and 82mm sizes for $ 150, $ 160 and $ 170, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Report: Samsung’s upcoming Note 10 will have a ‘3-stage variable aperture’

26 Jun

Samsung guru and leaker Ice Universe claims Samsung China engineers have said the camera inside the upcoming Samsung Note 10 smartphone will feature a ‘three-stage variable aperture.’

As noted in the above tweet, Ice Universe says the camera on the Note 10 will offer three specific apertures as options: F1.5, F1.8 and F2.4.

Since the Galaxy S9, Samsung’s flagship lineups have featured dual-aperture camera systems, so it’s not new territory for Samsung. It is interesting though that Samsung is continuing to put an emphasis on the mechanical side of mobile photography when so many others, including Leica, are clearly doubling down on the computational side of it.

It’s unknown how the variable apertures will be implemented in the camera system, but the option alone is an improvement over other manufacturers and so far Samsung’s dual-aperture setup has proven itself.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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iPhone XS: How does the variable bokeh effect compare to a real lens?

04 Dec

One of the key new features of Apple’s latest iPhones is the ability to adjust the ‘bokeh effect’ on portrait images, after they’ve been taken. But, as well as letting you adjust the intensity of the effect, the function has been enhanced to more accurately represent the bokeh characteristics of a real lens, rather than just trying to blur the background.

Every time you shoot an image using the 56mm-equivalent F2.4 portrait camera on the iPhone XS you have the choice of editing the bokeh effect. This brings up a scale marked in F-numbers. This may sound like Apple just borrowing an interface from the real-world (a process called skeuomorphism), but it goes beyond this: the company says it’s modeled the bokeh characteristics to mimic the behavior of a Zeiss lens.

We thought we’d put this to the test: how convincingly does the iPhone XS resemble a real-world lens? Is the F-number scale anything more than a pastiche? To find out, we shot the XS alongside the Nikkor 58mm F1.4, mounted on a full frame camera.

iPhone XS vs Nikon 58mm at F1.4

iPhone XS image processed as ‘F1.4’ Nikkor 58mm at F1.4

Scaling the Nikon image down to the same width, you can see the bokeh is around the right size:

Then, when you look at the bokeh off-center, you’ll see it develops an elongated ‘cat-eye’ effect.

iPhone XS vs Nikon 58mm at F8

iPhone XS image processed as ‘F8’ Nikkor 58mm at F8

Just as with the real lens, the cat-eye effect diminishes as you ‘stop down.’ And Apple has given its bokeh a smooth, fairly gaussian look, rather than the slightly bright-edged bokeh that Nikon has produced, being constrained by the limitations of things such as glass and physics.

Unlike the ‘real’ camera, the iPhone’s sharpness doesn’t always drop-off smoothly: for instance it’s blurred both shoulders and the subject’s scarf, despite the nearer being in a similar plane to the face.

However, while this doesn’t always looks natural, the phone is intentionally ensuring that the subject’s face remains entirely in focus, which is usually a good thing. And, unlike the $ 1600 Nikkor lens, it doesn’t become a little soft and dreamy when set to ‘F1.4.’

Equally, because the iPhone isn’t actually changing its aperture, you don’t find yourself with less light if you want more depth of field (the iPhone portrait camera’s actual depth of field is F15 equivalent, so there’s plenty that’s in focus in the underlying ‘native’ image), so you don’t have to worry so much about camera shake or subject movement.

The end result isn’t going to convince anyone if they look too closely (the processing has cut-off some of the fine hairs, for instance), but for social media use, it’s hard to deny that the effect is impressive. And we have to assume this technology will only get smarter and more powerful in future generations.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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OPPO R17 Pro launches with variable aperture 3D triple-camera

25 Aug

For many consumers outside of Asia OPPO might not be a household name, but the company has an impressive track record in mobile camera innovation.

With the just-announced R17 Pro OPPO is continuing its camera-focused strategy, offering, after the Huawei P20 Pro, the second triple-camera equipped phone in the market. That said, while the new OPPO has three cameras, the concept is different to Huawei’s.

In the P20 Pro a main camera is joined by a monochrome variant and a tele-module. On the R17 Plus you get a 12MP main wide angle camera with 1/2.55″ sensor and a Samsung-like F1.5/F2.4 variable aperture.

OPPO hasn’t been quite clear about what the secondary 20MP unit is used for but it’s likely a monochrome unit for improving noise, detail and digital zoom, just like the Huawei system. The third camera is a 3D depth sensor. So far we’ve only seen those at the front, enabling the 3D face unlock feature. On the R17 Pro it is used for 3D photo capturing and also allows you to use the phone as a game console and connect it to your TV.

The front camera offers a 25MP sensor and F2.0 aperture and other specs look promising as well. Qualcomm’s new upper-mid-range Snapdragon 710 chipset is paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (no microSD support unfortunately) and the 6.4″ AMOLED display comes with a 1080 x 2340 pixel resolution. The 3,700 mAh battery supports OPPO’s SuperVOOC charging technology and the company says you can achieve 40% charge in 10 minutes using the the provided charger.

The R17 Pro will start selling in China in October and will set you back CNY 4,299 ($ 625). At this point there is no information on availability and pricing in other regions.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

28 May

In this review, I’d like to show you the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter and give you my thoughts on it.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - filter on a table

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - minimum setting

The markings on the edge indicate the strength being applied. Here it is set to MIN (minimum) or the lowest setting.

What is an ND or neutral density filter?

A neutral density filter is a piece of glass that goes in front of your lens in order to reduce the amount of light that enters the camera. One of its biggest purposes is to allow you to shoot at your desired aperture and shutter speed combination without worrying about it being too bright outside and your photos being overexposed.

This also grants you the capability to create beautiful motion blurs (using a long exposure) without worrying too heavily about lighting conditions. All of this being said, the main drawback of neutral density filters is needing to carry so many different ones of varying shades and densities.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - filter up to a bright window

Notice how the light from outside the window is overexposed, except for the part coming through the filter. The ND filter is blocking light and here you can clearly see the difference with the filter and without.

The Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

The Tiffen Variable ND Filter aims to change that fact. By simply rotating the outer part of the filter, you can adjust it from an approximate range of two (ND 0.6) to eight (ND 2.4) stops. The profile of the ring is 9mm, so it’s rather thin and easy to maneuver.

The Tiffen Variable ND filter operates on the same principle as a circular polarizer, granting full manual capabilities to adjust your frame however you see fit. As such, the stops marked on the filter itself are intended to be used as reference points and do not actually signify official stops.

Like other Tiffen filters, the variable ND filter is made in the USA and sports high-quality optical glass using Tiffen’s ColorCore® technology. The kit includes a padded case and built-in lens-cloth to aid in the portability of this filter.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - white dog in the sun

ISO: 100, shutter speed: 1/1600th, f/1.2 – the use of the filter here allowed me to shoot wide open even in bright sunlight.

How I use this filter with my photography

I will preface to say that although I should be using ND filters more in my work, I seldom do. I acquired this filter blind, having not used NDs often in my work. As someone who is consistently at the mercy of my client’s schedules, the Tiffen variable ND filter provided an apt solution to sessions booked around the infamous noon hour.

Motion blurs are not a common part of my photography – but I have now begun using the variable ND filter every single day to preserve my love of shallow-depths-of-field and wide apertures in unfavorable lighting conditions.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - man in a field

ISO: 100, shutter speed: 1/8000th, f/1.2 – this exposure combination would result in overexposure in the bright sun without the use of the Tiffen Variable ND filter.

In real-life use of this filter, it was great to be able to visually see how the adjustments affected the image and maintain the integrity of the shot I wanted to take. Many of my clients enjoy my stylistic aesthetic of consistently using very low aperture numbers and a shallow depth of field in my work. This filter allows me to maintain this effect even on the brightest of days.

girl with a guitar portrait outdoors - Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

ISO: 100, Shutter Speed: 1/8000, f/1.2

Using the filter

The test images here all featured my lively white dog, who previously was nearly impossible to properly expose with a wide aperture in the clear, bright noon sun. Each photograph features the same settings, with the ND ring being rotated to showcase how dark it can truly get.

These images were shot at high noon, in bright sun, with a 50mm f/1.2 lens wide open at 1.2. The ISO was set to 100, and the shutter speed to 1/1600th. The variable ND filter allowed me to darken the frame enough to ensure that the depth of field was kept intact.

It was very easy for me to figure out precisely what ND stop I needed due to being able to see the changes in real-time by rotating the cuff. The filter does have a slight blue cast and a severe blue tint when turned beyond the “maximum” markers on the filter.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - dark image showing effects of an ND filter

ISO: 100, Shutter speed: 1/1600th, f/1.2

First impressions

Right off the bat, what I was really fond of about this filter is the ease at which I could adjust the stops; the rotation is very smooth and fluid. The filter itself is lightweight and features pristine Tiffen glass. The actual filter rim is intended to expand past the parameter of the lens glass to avoid an unintentional vignette, a welcome addition.

My only complaint would be there is a bit of a learning curve on actually attaching the filter to my lens, it took longer time than I would have initially liked due to the chunky rotating mount being in the way. It initially felt a bit loose on the lens, only to find that it was strictly my misuse/improper attachment causing the minor mishap.

Once this was remedied with a bit of practice, all was well. Unfortunately, the filter scale is hidden under the lens, so it also took some finagling to realign the filter stops. These are all minor inconveniences in the grand scheme of things, however.

portrait with blurred background - Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter

ISO: 100, Shutter Speed: 1/8000, f/1.2

Bonus tip: I went and purchased a step-down and step-up ring to be able to attach the filter to several of my other lenses, and I found that the addition of the ring actually helped screw the variable ND filter to my lenses because there was an additional amount of space to grip while I spun.

Purchasing a filter: Buy the filter to fit your largest lens and add some step-down rings to attach it to smaller ones. Then you only need one filter, not one for each lens you own. 

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - dog with a blue ball

Notes on negative reviews

Many of the negative commentaries I have heard from this filter are due largely to misuse. Though it is possible to twist beyond the scopes or the maximum and minimum stop markers on the rotator mount, it isn’t useful nor practical from a photographic standpoint due to the distortion you can experience.

You should only range within the marked stops in order to use this filter effectively. I did experience chromatic aberration while using this filter but much of that is affected by the lens itself. This can easily be remedied in post-processing.

Review of the Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter - happy border collie

Tiffen Variable ND Filter and moving water

As I mentioned before, I don’t shoot a lot of moving things or added motion in my images. So our dPS editor, Darlene, has kindly provided some of her images of a waterfall shot with a variable ND filter to demonstrate its effects on that type of subject.

ISO 100, f/22, 1/10th with ND filter set to minimum.

ISO 100, f/22, o.3 seconds with ND filter.

ISO 100, f/22, 1.3 seconds with ND filter.

ISO 100, f/22, 4 seconds with ND filter.

ISO 100, f/22, 30 seconds with ND filter.

Notice how as the filter strength was increased, she was able to slow the shutter speed to change the effect of the flowing water. Attempting this in bright sun without a variable ND filter would result in extremely overexposed images.

For reference, her exposure without the filter was ISO 100, f/22, 1/20th, so the last shot above would have been  9 stops too bright. So having such a filter in your toolkit gives you a lot more options than shooting without it.

Summary

Retailing between $ 78.00 to $ 113.00 depending on the filter size, the price is very reasonable for the amount of use you can get out of this nifty piece of glass. The Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter is available in 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm – plenty of diameters for all of your lenses. This filter is well-worth adding to any photographic collection.

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Teardown video shows how the Galaxy S9 variable aperture works

15 Mar

The YouTube channel JerryRigEverything recently tore down (or rather tore apart…) the new Samsung Galaxy S9, giving us the closest look at yet at the new smartphone’s camera hardware. So if the still images in the iFixit teardown weren’t quite interesting enough for you, this might just do the trick.

The camera teardown is about one minute and a half long, running from the 3:30 mark until about 5:00. In that time, we get to see the Optical Image Stabilization system demoed and torn open to reveal the magnets inside:

Then, we get really close look at one of the phone’s most intriguing features: the variable aperture. It turns out the system works using a little lever on the side of the housing. So when the phone senses that there is enough light to justify it, it’ll flip this switch electronically and switch from it’s world’s-brightest F1.5 setting to F2.4.

Here’s a very close look at that switch in action:

You can check out the full teardown in the video at the top. And stay tuned, because we’ll be bringing you a full smartphone camera review of the Samsung Galaxy S9 just as soon as we can put a unit through its paces.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung unveils Galaxy S9 with variable aperture and super-slow-motion

26 Feb

Samsung has unveiled its new Galaxy S series flagship phones, the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today and the new devices’ cameras deliver what Samsung’s teaser videos had been promising: Variable aperture, super-slow-motion and AR emojis.

The main camera features an aperture that can switch between F1.5 for low light shooting and F2.4 in brighter light. The new aperture system is coupled with a 12MP “Super Speed” sensor that features an integrated DRAM module for more processing power when using computational imaging to reduce noise and increase image detail.

The additional processing power also comes in handy for the new super-slow-motion mode. Like recent high-end Sony Xperia models, the Galaxy S9 devices can record HD video at 960 frames per second for 0.2 seconds. That translates into 6 seconds playback time at 30 frames per second. Slow-motion videos can be converted into gifs or set as background videos on the home screen.

The new AR Emoji function allows you to create and personalize emojis based on your own face, using the front camera. In a second step emojis can be animated using facial expressions. You can save up to 18 AR emojis and share them with users of any smartphone, not just Samsung models.

New features aside, the camera specs haven’t changed too much compared to existing models. The main camera features optical image stabilization and a Dual-Pixel AF. The Galaxy S9+ comes with a secondary tele-lens, similar to what we’ve seen on the Galaxy Note 8, allowing for better-quality zooming and a bokeh mode. The longer lens comes with optical image stabilization and an F2.4 aperture. The front camera on both models combines an 8MP pixel count with a fast F1.7 aperture.

Camera aside, the main difference between the two new models is display size. The Galaxy S9 comes with a 5.77″ AMOLED display, the S9+ equivalent is a little larger at 6.22″. Both screens offer WQHD resolution.

Both models come with a microSD card slot and a headphone jack and are powered by Samsung’s Exynos 9 Series 9810 Octa Core chipset. In the Euro-zone the Galaxy S9 with 64GB of storage will be available from March for 850 Euros (approximately USD 1045). The S9+ is 100 Euros (approximately USD 120)more. No details on pricing in other regions have been released yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensbaby introduces Burnside 35 with variable vignetting

15 Feb

Lensbaby has announced the Burnside 35, which it calls an adaptation of the Petzval lens design with the added benefit of an effect slider to adjust the strength of vignetting and bokeh. The gold-anodized slider is located on the side of the lens barrel and operates a second iris, adding more or less vignette effect and adjusting the appearance of bokeh.

The manual focus lens is designed for full-frame and crop-sensor cameras and will be offered in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Micro Four Thirds, Sony E, Fujifilm X and Samsung NX mount. It’s on sale now for $ 500.

Lensbaby Delivers a Modern Take on Classic Lenses with the Burnside 35

Portland, OR (February 15, 2018) – Lensbaby—makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories—announces the launch of an entirely new kind of creative effects lens, the Burnside 35.

The first ever wide angle adaptation of the Petzval lens design, this 35mm f/2.8 lens creates images with a large, bright central area of sharp focus and striking color rendition surrounded by variable, swirling bokeh and vignette. It also features an effect slider that operates as a second internal iris that changes the shape and amount of swirl in the bokeh; all while adding or removing vignette and center brightness.

Burnside’s 35mm focal length lets you capture a scene at a normal-wide perspective with a dimensionality that makes your subject jump off the page. This lens opens up a new world of creative possibilities for those shooting street photography, landscapes, environmental portraits and more.

“The Burnside 35 is one of the most versatile Lensbabies we’ve made,” said Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder Craig Strong. “It gives you the ability to have a strong or subtle creative effect in a single lens, a lens you might just keep on your camera all day long.”

Adding to the Burnside 35’s versatility is the radical, new effect slider that can be used to add center brightness, in-camera vignette and adjust bokeh detail. You can toggle the gold-anodized effect slider on the barrel of the lens to create variable balance and harmony between center brightness, bokeh and vignette. The effect slider features a four-stop range of vignette and bokeh enhancement so you can dial in the exact look that appeals to you.

Burnside 35 joins Lensbaby’s lens lineup as an all-metal, non-tilting lens similar to their bestselling Velvet series. Made specifically for full frame and crop sensor cameras, this lens is compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Micro 4/3, Sony E, Fuji X and Samsung NX.

Burnside 35 Product Specs:

  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-16
  • 6 blade internal aperture
  • 8 blade secondary internal aperture for the effect slider
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6 inches
  • Maximum Focus Distance: Infinity
  • 62mm filter threads
  • Focus type: Manual
  • Size/ Weight: 13.2 oz (374.21g)
  • 6 multi-coated glass elements, in 4 groups

The Burnside 35 is now available for purchase on lensbaby.com and select Lensbaby-authorized retailers for $ 499.95.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This is the world’s first variable graduated ND filter

21 Jan

Aurora Aperture has just introduced a very interesting little piece of photography gear: the world’s first variable graduated neutral density filter. Variable NDs are fairly common, as are graduated NDs, but until now nobody had thought to (or at least managed to) mix the two ideas into one.

Enter the Aurora PowerGXND: a variable hard transition graduated neutral density filter with continuously variable range of up to 5 stops (ND 0 – 1.5). Here’s a quick intro video to get you familiar with the new filter family:

And a 4K demo video that shows the filter in action:

Aurora has introduced, and is funding, this filter family through Kickstarter, where the PowerGXND is being offered in three sizes and with a variety of mounting accessories. You can get the filters in Large (105mm), Medium (82mm), or Small (62mm) sizes, which can be mounted onto a camera using either a “slim lens adapter” or a square filter holder adapter plate.

The filter also features hard stops at either end of the scale, multi-layer nano coatings to repel water, oil and dust, and a direct reading scale to help you dial in the exact stop value you’re looking for.

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To learn more about the Aurora PowerGXND, head over to the Kickstarter campaign where you can reserve your own (the project is already fully funded) for anywhere between $ 95 for the 62mm ‘slim’ kit to $ 340 for the 105mm w/ 130mm holder kit.

Press Release

Aurora Aperture Introduces World’s First Variable GND Filter Family

Irvine, California, January 15th, 2018 – Aurora Aperture Inc., a Southern California company specialized in photography filters, today has introduced the world’s first variable graduated neutral density (GND) filter family, the Aurora PowerGXND.

The PowerGXND family is an hard transition GND filter with a continuous range up to 5 stops (ND 0 – 1.5). GND filters are widely used in photography and videography for balancing a high contrast scene for proper exposure.

“The Aurora PowerGXND family is the world’s first variable GND filter,” said Jeff Chen, founder and CEO of Aurora Aperture Inc. “offering a wide range of light balancing capability for both photographers and videographers. Until now users need to carry multiple fixed stop GND filters with light reduction values of one, two, and three stop with no fractional stop value. With our variable GND filters, all you need is one filter and just rotate the filter until you see the desired result, it is truly that easy.”

The Aurora PowerGXND filter is based on the innovative Aurora PowerXND variable ND filter introduced in 2016. While keeping the original thin frame profile, a new hard stop feature is added to limit the filter rotation within the minimum and maximum settings. Another new feature is a direct reading scale so users can quickly dial the filter to a stop value easily.

Designed in California by Aurora Aperture, the Aurora PowerND filters are made from Schott B 270® i Ultra-White Glass. Filter surfaces are applied with PFPE hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings to repel water, soil, and dirt. With these multi-layer nano coatings, the Aurora PowerGNXD filters are capable of answering the demands of 4k videos and modern high density sensors.

There are three sizes available, S (62mm), M (82mm), and L (105mm) to cover lens filter thread size from 37mm to 82mm. Adaption plates and square filter systems (75mm, 100mm, and 130mm) are available for using the variable GND filters on different lenses.

Availability and Pricing

The Aurora PowerND family will be available through Kickstarter starting in January

2018. Dealers and general availability will start in May 2018. List price starts from US$ 149 to $ 329, depending on filter sizes.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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