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Posts Tagged ‘lineup’

Really Right Stuff updates its entire tripod line-up with new features, better ergonomics

12 Jun

Tripod manufacturer Really Right Stuff has released updates to its entire product line. The company, which recently moved its operations from California to Utah, has revamped all 17 of its tripods, with improved components and features from top to bottom.

Like all of its previous tripods, each Really Right Stuff tripod is hand-assembled in the United States. The ‘Mark 2’ versions include both ergonomic and feature changes compared to the original versions.

One of the most notable changes is the addition of multiple 1/4″-20 sockets around the base of the tripod. These additional sockets provide more options for attaching accessories, such as Really Right Stuff’s phone mount and optional carry strap.

Speaking of attaching stuff to the tripod, Really Right Stuff has also added a weight hook to the underside of all 17 tripods. This not only gives you a convenient place to store your bag, but also acts as a ballast to keep your frames steady in windy environments.

The legs of the tripods now have sealed twist locks for extending and retracting the legs during use. Really right Stuff says ‘the new sealed twist lock minimizes the amount of contaminants, such as sand and grit, that gets caught inside the twist locks.’

Computer rendering showing the internal structure of Really Right Stuff’s new sealed twist lock.

Also, opening and closing of the legs should take less effort due to an added vented clevis. Really Right Stuff notes that the added air vents ‘prevent pressure gradients from building up, allowing smoother leg extraction and collapse.’ To show just how much thought went into what seems like such a small detail, Really Right Stuff explains how the ‘inward-facing vents also ensure air flow is directed towards the center of the tripod and away from mounted lens elements.’

The new tripods are also designed with interchangeable feet, which can be swapped out to one of the three options Really Right Stuff offers.

Lastly, the Mark 2 version of the tripods now feature an updated Sure Grip that uses the same hex screws as Really Right Stuff’s L-plates. So, if you’re shooting with a lot of Really Right Stuff gear, you’ll now only need to carry around a single tool.

To view more information on the second-generation tripods, head on over to Really Right Stuff’s announcement page. B&H is now taking pre-orders for the Mark 2 tripods, which start at $ 500.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Zeiss launches new lineup of lightweight and compact ‘Supreme Prime’ lenses

26 May

Zeiss has announced a new lineup of 13 ‘Supreme Prime’ lenses for large format cinematographers who want smaller and lighter glass that still produces top-quality results. The kind of lenses that’ll make your salivary glands work… and your wallet groan.

The Supreme Prime range will comprise focal lengths from 15mm to 200mm, and Zeiss says that most of those lenses will have a maximum aperture of T1.5. In fact, ten of the focal lengths will offer a maximum aperture of T1.5, while the 15mm and 150mm will be T1.8, and the 200mm will be a T2.1.

Despite their diminutive size, Zeiss stresses that the Supreme Primes are designed for high-end advertising work and movie production; consequently, they will be compatible with large format (full-frame) movie cameras such as the Sony Venice, ARRI Alexa LF, and the RED Monstro. Zeiss says the lenses will be versatile and able to create different looks because of their “gentle sharpness, the aesthetic focus fall-off, and elegant bokeh” which the company claims makes them suitable for a wide range of production styles.

Communication between the lenses and the camera will be performed via the Zeiss eXtended Data and Cooke’s /i metadata protocols. These record optical characteristics and lens settings to every frame recorded to assist post-production processes, especially when visual effects need to be added to the footage.

The 25mm, 29mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm lenses will be released in August 2018 and the 100mm will be ready in December. All six can be purchased together as a set for $ 108,000, but you’ll have to wait until 2019 for the 15mm, 18mm, 21mm, 65mm, 135mm and 150mm focal lengths to finish drip-feeding into the range. The 200mm T2.1, meanwhile, will arrive in 2020.

To see the new Zeiss Supreme Prime lenses in action, check out the sample film below shot with these lenses on the Sony Venice, Phantom 4K, and RED Monstro VV. And if you want to learn more about the lenses, head over to the Zeiss website.

Press Release

New High-End Cinema Lens Family ZEISS Supreme Primes

With its 13 high-speed, full-frame, prime lenses for high-quality film productions, ZEISS is focusing on maximum quality, low weight, and significant versatility when it comes to creating superb visual imagery.

ZEISS has introduced a new family of high-speed lenses for high-end film production: The ZEISS Supreme Prime family consists of 13 lenses with fixed focal lengths between 15 and 200 millimeters, the majority with a maximum aperture of T1.5. “The lenses are designed for film productions of an extremely high quality,” says Christophe Casenave from ZEISS. “They are perfect for high-budget advertising or feature films, for example.” ZEISS Supreme Primes are designed to cover cinematic large format camera sensors and are compatible with all of the latest camera models, such as the Sony Venice, ARRI Alexa LF, and RED Monstro. According to Casenave, the versatility of the Supreme Prime lenses to create different visual looks is due to the gentle sharpness, the aesthetic focus fall-off and elegant bokeh. The lenses are extremely flexible and can be used equally well for science fiction thrillers as well as for dramas.

Compact and Lightweight

“Weighing an average of 1600 grams (3.5 pounds), ZEISS Supreme Primes are significantly lighter and smaller than comparable lenses on the market,” says Casenave. With these compact and lightweight lenses, ZEISS is responding to many camera operators’ desire for compact equipment that still meets the highest standards of quality. “ZEISS Supreme Primes are unbelievably rugged and reliable. Regardless of whether filming in the desert or in the Arctic, the lenses perform flawlessly. And in the event that something should ever break, our worldwide service network provides fast and professional help.”

ZEISS eXtended Data Metadata Technology

The ZEISS Supreme Primes are equipped with the ZEISS eXtended Data metadata technology. Introduced in 2017, ZEISS eXtended Data provides frame by frame data on lens vignetting and distortion in addition to the standard lens metadata provided using Cooke’s /i technology1 protocol. This greatly speeds up the entire film production’s workflow. When using visual effects for example, with only a few clicks, the lens properties can be removed so that computer-generated effects imagery can be accurately applied to the captured imagery. The lens properties can then be reapplied with the same click of a button and combined with the film material to create a realistic image. Previously, all of the data had to be measured manually so that it could be corrected in post-production. But ZEISS eXtended Data eliminates this time-consuming job.

Price and Availability

The first ZEISS Supreme Primes lenses with focal lengths of 25, 29, 35, 50, and 85 millimeters will be available starting on August 1, 2018. The ZEISS Supreme Prime 100 millimeter will be available in December 2018. The set of six lenses, consisting of the focal lengths mentioned above, is available from ZEISS Cinema lens dealers for 108,000 USD. The remaining focal lengths will be released successively until 2020.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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RED simplifies cinema camera lineup, dramatically drops prices

24 May

If you’re in the market for a new RED camera, you’re in luck. The California-based cinema camera company has announced that it’s both simplifying its product lineup, and dropping prices on all of its cameras.

Starting today, RED’s product lineup has been pared down to just three cameras: the DSMC2 Monster, the DSMC2 Helium, and the DSMC2 Gemini. The prices are now $ 54,500, $ 24,500 and $ 19,500, respectively, which amounts to a savings of over $ 25,000 for the Monster and Helium, and a savings of more than $ 5K for the Gemini.

Each of the cameras are now available in aluminum alloy and the Helium is capable of being outfitted with RED’s Helium 8K S35 Monochrome sensor:

As for why this change is happening, RED says the change is being made to “[simplify] our portfolio.” The company says it “found efficiencies, and [we’re] passing along the benefits to our users.”

RED also notes that the names of cameras will be changed when upgraded to firmware v7.0.3 or later. The different naming scheme is seen in the below image.

For people who have already placed an order that hasn’t shipped for an older camera that’s no longer offered, RED will update the ordered camera to the DSMC2 Brain with the exact same sensor for no additional cost. There are also upgrade options available.

You can read the full documentation of the product line simplification and changes on RED’s product support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica CL brings built-in viewfinder, conventional control layout to L lineup

22 Nov

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Leica has just released the CL, the forth in its series of APS-C L-mount cameras. While it shares a name with a camera released in the mid-70s, the new CL is a thoroughly modern ILC, with a 24MP sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting and 4K/30p video capture.

Compared to the TL2, the CL offer more conventional handling, including twin exposure dials, physical buttons for menu and playback, and a 4-way controller. It also features a high-resolution 2.36 million-dot EVF built in. Despite the more traditional ergonomics, the CL’s rear LCD is touch-sensitive, and supports swipe gestures for image navigation and mode switching.

The CL is being launched alongside a new Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8. At just 20.5mm/0.8in in length, Leica calls the “smallest wide-angle APS-C pancake lens currently available in the market.”

Pricing for the CL and the new 18mm follows below:

  • Body only, black anodized finish : $ 2,795.00
  • Leica CL Prime Kit with 18 mm : $ 3,795.00
  • Leica CL Vario Kit with 18-56 mm : $ 3,995.00
  • Elmarit-TL 18 F2.8 ASPH, black / silver anodized : $ 1,295.00

Press release

Leica Camera Unveils Expansion of its APS-C System with the New Leica CL and Smallest Wide-Angle APS-C Lens

The new mirrorless camera and lens unite innovation, ease of use and compact design for exceptional visual storytelling

November 21, 2017- Leica Camera unveils the latest addition to its APS-C system with the Leica CL, a new camera that boasts an exceptional balance of state-of-the-art technology, mechanical precision and intuitive, classic design to make it the ideal everyday companion, a perfect fit for all types of photography. With stunning image quality – even in low-light scenarios – new electronic viewfinder technology and superb video capabilities, the Leica CL is the ultimate tool to capture everyday moments, all customizable to the photographer’s style. Available on its own or in two new camera-and-lens kit options, the Leica CL makes it simple to incorporate the art of photography into one’s daily life.

Alongside the Leica CL, the iconic photography brand is further diversifying the APS-C system’s portfolio of lenses by introducing the Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH., the smallest-in-class wide-angle lens with supreme imaging performance.

Evolution of the Leica APS-C system portfolio
With the launch of the Leica CL, the Leica APS-C System now encompasses two remarkable camera models, the Leica CL and the Leica TL2. In technical terms, the two cameras are equals, but retain stark differences in regards to their design and handling. The Leica CL reflects the traditions of Leica with its iconic industrial design, classic physical button controls and dials, while the Leica TL2 embodies a futuristic look, featuring a touchscreen and full-body aluminium. Coupled with the extensive portfolio of lenses, the Leica CL and Leica TL2 make for a formidable system portfolio offering an array of specialized and distinct photographic experiences.

Introducing the Leica CL
The Leica CL is rooted in Leica’s legacy, calling upon the brand’s heritage look with modern technical features. The instinctual and convenient design of the camera features a user-friendly handling concept, providing for an exceptionally intuitive tool whose compact size and light weight allow for maximum mobility. All essential controls are located on its top plate with just two dials for setting the aperture, shutter speed, ISO value, exposure compensation and shooting mode, for quick and intuitive handling. Keeping convenience at the forefront, all relevant shooting information is viewable on the small LCD screen atop the camera, instantly providing settings and exposure parameters at a glance.

Another outstanding feature of the Leica CL is its built-in electronic viewfinder. With EyeRes® technology developed by Leica specifically for this camera, the viewfinder enables a top-tier viewing experience. Most notable among a number of advantages of the built-in EVF, is the ability to preview the brightness and color of the final image before the shutter release is fully depressed, allowing photographers to always be in control over the composition and exposure.

Alongside an impeccable view of your subjects, the Leica CL offers best-in-class image quality. In combination with the high-resolution, 24 MP, APS-C format sensor of the Leica CL, a Maestro II series processor and fast autofocus system with 49 AF points guarantee brilliant photographs in all situations, including low-light scenes. In addition to being an impressive still-picture camera, the Leica CL also captures striking video at a resolution of up to 4K at 30 frames per second.

Keeping connectivity as a top priority, the Leica CL is equipped with an integrated Wi-Fi module allowing photographers to quickly and easily share their stunning photos and videos by email or on social networks with the Leica CL App for iOS or Android. The remote function of the app also provides the capability for mobile devices to be used as an off-camera remote viewfinder, allowing control of exposure parameters, including when shooting with the self-timer function or from unusual angles.

Thanks to the L-Bayonet mount shared by the Leica TL- and SL-Systems, SL-Lenses can also be used without an adapter on the CL and the TL2. Appropriate adapters are also available for using Leica M- and R-Lenses on the cameras, offering unparalleled creative flexibility and making the Leica CL one of the most versatile cameras in the Leica portfolio.

New Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH.
To complement the Leica APS-C system, Leica is expanding the impressive TL lens portfolio with a ground-breaking new lens. Compact and lightweight, the new Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH. holds the title as the smallest wide-angle APS-C pancake lens currently available in the market. When mounted to the Leica CL, the camera and prime lens are small enough to fit into a coat pocket or small handbag – providing incredible images everywhere you go. Despite being just 20.5mm (less than one inch) in total length, the lens sacrifices nothing, providing the unrivalled imaging performance all Leica lenses are known for. Travel photography is easy with this light and dynamic lens, especially when paired with the Leica CL.

As a whole, the Leica APS-C System portfolio of lenses offer exceptionally high picture quality and infinite opportunities for creative photography. In addition to the Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH., the selection of lenses currently includes three zoom lenses (Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11-23 mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55-135 mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH.) as well as three prime lenses (Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH., Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH. and the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH.).

All bundled up
To make the stunning new Leica CL more easily accessible to both new and current Leica fans looking to make their first step into the APS-C system, the Leica CL will be offered in two bundle options alongside an accompanying lens. The “Prime Kit” will include the new Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH lens, while the “Vario Kit” option includes the Vario-Elmar-TL 18-56 mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, allowing photographers to get into this new camera and growing system with a lens that best suits their photography style in an easy-to-grab kit.

Availability
The Leica CL and Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH will both be available from Leica stores, boutiques and dealers at the end of November. The Leica CL body, in black anodized finish, will be $ 2,795.00 while the Prime and Vario Kits will be $ 3,795.00 and $ 3,995.00 respectively. The new Leica Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH, in black or silver anodized finish, will be $ 1,295.00.

Leica CL specifications

Price
MSRP $ 2795 (body only), $ 3795 (w/18mm lens), $ 3995 (w/18-56mm lens)
Body type
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Body material Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution 6014 x 4014
Image ratio w:h 3:2
Effective pixels 24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.6 x 15.7 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor Maestro II
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-50000
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes (2 slots)
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
File format
  • JPEG
  • Raw (DNG)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Touch
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Number of focus points 49
Lens mount Leica L
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen Yes
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.74× (0.49× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/8000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/25000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • sport
  • portrait
  • landscape
  • night portrait
  • snow/beach
  • fireworks
  • candlelight
  • sunset
  • digiscoping
  • miniature
  • panorama
  • HDR
Built-in flash No
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed 1/180 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous low/med/high
  • Interval
  • Exposure bracketing
Continuous drive 10.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
  • 1280 x 720 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
Connectivity
HDMI No
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description BP-DC12 lithium ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 220
Weight (inc. batteries) 403 g (0.89 lb / 14.22 oz)
Dimensions 131 x 78 x 45 mm (5.16 x 3.07 x 1.77″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix replaces Para-Pro lineup with new Premio Parabolic Umbrellas

26 Jul

Phottix has just launched its new Premio Parabolic Umbrellas series, a replacement for its previous Para-Pro product lineup. The Premio series boasts an entirely new locking mechanism that is both simpler and stronger than the version found on the Para-Pro models, as well as deeper umbrellas and fiberglass spokes.

In all, there are eight versions of the Premio umbrellas you can put together: 47in / 120cm and 33in / 85cm umbrellas can be purchased in either ‘shoot-through’ or ‘reflective’ models, with reflective black backing available for the shoot-through models (2 stops of additional light) and white diffusers available for the reflective models.

All four models, plus reflective backing and diffusers, are available now at the following prices:

  • 85cm Reflective Umbrella: $ 45
  • 120cm Reflective Umbrella: $ 55
  • 85cm Shoot-through Umbrella: $ 40
  • 120cm Shoot-through Umbrella: $ 50
  • 85cm White diffuser: $ 15
  • 120cm White diffuser: $ 25
  • 85cm Black backing: $ 15
  • 120cm Black backing: $ 25

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Zeiss ExoLens PRO lens lineup updated with support for iPhone 7 phones

13 Dec

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Zeiss has announced a new ‘Edge’ bracket that brings iPhone 7 family support to the maker’s ExoLens PRO with Optics by Zeiss smartphone lenses. The bracket features half a dozen device inlays that support both the iPhone 7 and the iPhone 6 phones, as well as a cold shoe mount for attaching secondary accessories such as lighting instruments.

According to Zeiss, a bracket specifically for the iPhone 7 and the ExoLens optics is available now from camera stores, as well as a wide-angle ‘accessory lens.’ The Edge bracket, meanwhile, will be available at camera stores starting in the end of January. The company recommends that iPhone 7 Plus owners use either the ExoLens PRO Macro-Zoom or Wide-Angle lenses since the device already offers a 2x telephoto camera, however, all of the lenses are said to be ‘generally compatible.’

The iPhone 7 bracket is available now for $ 59.95 / €64.95, and the Edge bracket will be available starting next month for $ 49.95 / €59.95. The Wide-Angle lens recommended for the iPhone 7 Plus is $ 149.95 / €179.95, and the Macro-Zoom lens is $ 149.95 / €179.95.

Via: Zeiss

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple revamps MacBook Pro lineup, adds ‘Touch Bar’

28 Oct

On the 25th anniversary of the first PowerBook, Apple has announced three new MacBook Pro models. The long-awaited new flagship 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pros bring performance boosts compared to the previous generation, revamped ergonomics, and a new ‘Touch Bar’, aimed at making the machines more versatile for creative professionals.

It’s no surprise that the two new flagship MacBook Pro models are slimmer and lighter than their predecessors, but the ergonomic changes are more fundamental than that. Their new ‘force touch’ trackpads are twice as large as the previous-generation, and the keyboards have been redesigned, with a slimmer butterfly switch design, that Apple claims will offer superior tactile feel to the similar switches in the 12″ MacBook. 

The big news, however, is the addition of a ‘Touch Bar’. Much anticipated (and leaked), this is a touch-sensitive display strip, that effectively replaces the traditional function keys which have been a feature of consumer computing for more than 40 years. The Touch Bar is fully customizable, and its default functions change depending on the application. Obvious uses including scrubbing through a video timeline in Final Cut Pro, and quick text formatting and email flagging in Apple’s Mail app.

In addition to the new 13″ and 15″ Touch Bar-equipped models, a third new 13″ MacBook Pro has also been introduced, which is even slimmer, even lighter, but features only two thunderbolt ports, and a traditional function key array. Base configurations of the new 13″ and 15″ MacBook Pro models will be available starting at $ 1799 and $ 2399 respectively, and the slimmer non-Touch Bar model will start at $ 1499.

During a demo at the launch event, a representative from Adobe demonstrated how the Touch Bar can be used in Photoshop to quickly switch between layers, blending modes and select brushes without needing to access any of the usual on-screen pallets – effectively allowing true ‘full-screen’ image editing. Adobe is expecting to add full support for the Touch Bar before the end of 2016.

Another big change is how the new MacBook Pro models manage peripherals. Gone is the built-in SD reader, MagSafe connector, and any traditional USB or HDMI ports. Instead, the new computers offer four Thunderbolt 3 ports, all of which can serve as power, USB 3, HDMI, display, or ThunderBolt connectors.

In terms of performance, Apple claims that the new MacBook Pro’s displays are 67% brighter, offer a 67% greater contrast ratio and 25% greater color gamut than the previous generation, and the 15in version offers 130% greater 3D graphics performance. Video editing on the 15in model should be 57% faster than the previous generation, thanks to a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, faster 2133Mhz memory and up to 4GB of video Ram. Built-in storage has been boosted too, up to 3TB with a maximum rated data transfer rate of 3.1 gigabytes per second. 

We’re intrigued by the possibilities of the new Touch Bar, and after watching Adobe’s demonstration of its integration into Photoshop, we can see it becoming popular with photographers. Likewise video editing. The ability to run a video at full-screen, without any on-screen clutter but still have access to key navigation and editing tools from the Touch Bar is pretty neat. Business users will appreciate Touch Bar integration with MS Office, and an integrated iOS-style Touch ID fingerprint scanner for quick unlocking and user-switching.

Every time Apple adds or removes an I/O port, certain Internet commenters get up in arms, but with the exception of the lack of SD slot, the move to an all-Thunderbolt I/O interface makes sense. We suspect that for serious users, the sheer versatility of the four USB-C style ports should outweigh the inconvenience of switching away from traditional USB, HDMI and display connectors in the long run.

Less clear-cut is the matter of how Apple intends to evolve its desktop and mobile operating systems. With iOS getting more powerful (just anecdotally, the iPad Pro has effectively replaced laptops for several of us here at DPReview), and Mac OS getting progressively more iOS-like, we’re curious to see what happens next. The addition of the Touch Bar to the new MacBooks brings OS integration a little closer, but will Apple continue to expect developers like Adobe to create separate versions of its applications for both iOS and Mac OS – even as the user bases overlap?

What do you think? With Microsoft’s new hybrid device, the Surface Studio snapping at their heels, is Apple still providing creative professionals with the high-end computers that they need? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Manfrotto Advanced & Street lineup expanded with bags for mirrorless cameras

13 Oct

Manfrotto has launched five new bags in its Advanced and Street Collections, each of them designed for use with mirrorless cameras, lenses and other items. Referring to them as the company’s new Advanced & Street selection, Manfrotto says these bags are aimed at amateur and ‘advanced hobbyist’ photographers in need of Compact System Cameras (CSC) bags. The bags are, according to Manfrotto, a mixture of lightweight, durable and stylish.

The new lineup is composed of the Advanced Compact 1 and Street CSC backpacks, the Street CSC Messenger, Advanced Compact 1 Shoulder Bag and Street CSC Shoulder Bag. The two backpacks are designed to accommodate a mirrorless camera or compact DSLR, as well as up to three lenses, a 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and accessories. The Street CSC Messenger is similar, though it can only accommodate the smaller 9.7-inch iPad Pro, while the two shoulder bags can accommodate either camera type, as well as two lenses and ‘personal items.’

The Advanced Compact 1 shoulder bag is priced at £39.95 and the backpack at £79.95. The Street CSC shoulder bag is £39.95, the messenger bag is £59.95, and the backpack is £79.95.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica adds 60mm F2.8 macro to TL lens lineup

02 Sep

Leica has announced a 60mm F2.8 macro lens for its TL-mount cameras, which is just the T (Typ 701) at this point.

The company was very short on details about the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm F2.8 ASPH, aside from saying that it will have a 1:1 reproduction ratio and will arrive this Fall in black or silver. When mounted on the APS-C ‘T’, the lens will be equivalent to 90mm.

This will be the sixth lens for the TL mount.

Press release:

Leica Announces Newest Addition to the T Lens Portfolio: the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm

All future lenses for the Leica T camera system will be marketed under a new name: “TL”

September 1, 2016 – Beginning today, a new prime lens is available for the Leica T camera system – the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Considered to be the reference lens in the APS-C segment, this lens delivers macro exposures with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and impresses with best imaging performance.

Like the Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is available in both black and silver.

With this new addition, the lens portfolio of the Leica T camera system now offers a total of six lenses – including three prime lenses and three zoom lenses – that together offer a range of focal lengths for every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH, are classic focal lengths for reportage photography. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. Finally, the three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH., and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm in 35 mm format and deliver outstanding images with rich contrast from corner to corner of the frame.

As the Leica T and the new Leica SL share the same L bayonet mount, the name ‘TL’ will be implemented for all new Leica T lenses moving forward. Thanks to the flexibility offered by the TL-Lenses for a wide range of applications on cameras with the L-Bayonet, Leica once again showcases the company’s fundamental principle of system-compatibility and sustainability and offers users access to an even wider portfolio of Leica products

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with outstanding imaging performance at lengths that range from infinity to their closest focusing distance and deliver images with the unique Leica look and bokeh. Designed by the optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the lenses all offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are renowned. The combination of optical and technical expertise and the use of only the finest materials guarantee consistent quality and reliability in every situation.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design adds Range Pouch to Everyday lineup

01 Sep

Peak Design has added the Range Pouch to its lineup of versatile Everyday camera bags. The pouch is designed to carry a lens on a belt, in a bag or on a strap, and is available in three sizes. The smallest is designed for kit and prime lenses, and the large will fit up to a 70-200mm. The pouches pack down flat when not carrying a lens, and the larger models can be configured to fit a couple of smaller lenses stacked on top of each other.

Right now the Range Pouch is available as an add-on when you back Peak Design’s current Kickstarter campaign. The small Range Pouch can be added for $ 29, the medium for $ 34 and the large for $ 39. Following the campaign, the small will cost $ 35, the medium $ 40 and the large $ 45.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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