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Posts Tagged ‘Tokina’

Beastgrip expands into UK and Japanese markets, announces plans for high quality lenses from Kenko Tokina

13 Apr

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US mobile phone rig and lens mount manufacturer Beastgrip has started distribution of its Beastgrip Pro smartphone grip in the UK and Japan, and announced it is working on new ‘high quality’ lenses with Kenko Tokina. The Beastgrip Pro is an adaptable smartphone housing that uses adjustable clamps and a sliding lens mount assembly to fit conversion lenses over the camera of any model – Beastgrip claims.

The system uses a 37mm threaded lens mount that accepts conversion lenses from Beastgrip’s own collection as well as those from independent manufacturers. The company also offers what is calls a DOF (depth-of-field) adapter that allows Canon EF-mount lenses to be used on the rig in front of the smartphone lens to achieve a shallow depth of field.

The rig also features a cold shoe and tripod thread for attaching accessories such as microphones and lights, as well as a number of mounting threads.

While the company offers its own wide, ultra-wide and fisheye conversion lenses the partnership with Kenko Tokina promises some extra interesting lenses. Kenko’s own line of smartphone conversion lenses includes a 7x telephoto lens that would convert most smartphone focal lengths to 196mm – but that’s not to say it would be also produced to fit the Beastgrip Pro.

The system will be distributed by Kenko Tokina in Japan and Intro2020 in the UK. The price of the rig on its own is $ 139.99/£139.99, and kits are available that include wide and fisheye conversion lenses. For more information visit the Beastgrip website.


Press release:

Beastgrip Pro – the world’s first universal lens adapter and camera rig for smartphones

With immediate effect, Intro 2020 has been appointed sole UK distributor of BEASTGRIP PRO.

Beastgrip Pro is the world’s first universal lens adapter and camera rig system for smartphones. It is the ultimate tool for photographers, videographers and the rapidly growing live streaming market.

The Beastgrip Rig features an adjustable lens mount with spring loaded clamps to ensure a secure grip and perfect fit with virtually any smartphone on the market. It is a modular rig system with a removable lens mount assembly and handle that allows the user to modify the Beastgrip Pro to their own personal preference. It comes with industry-standard photography mounts and an ergonomic grip, allowing you to attach all kinds of photography gear and take a better shot.

There are 3 kits in the product range, including 2 with lenses, as follows:

Beastgrip Pro Rig
Universal/adjustable and works with virtually any camera phone on the market. It is simple and convenient to use and works with or without a protective phone case. It features a standard 37mm threaded lens/filter mount and is compatible with wide variety of conversion lenses and filters. It also features a cold shoe mount for attaching LED lights, microphones, and other accessories plus comes with five standard ¼”-20 threaded mounts for attaching to supportive photo/video gear such as tripods, stabilizers, sliders and other accessories.

Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens
This set includes a 37mm 0.43x Extreme Wide-Angle lens, which nearly doubles the field-of-view in your photo/video, letting the user see much more in the frame than a standard phone camera. It’s perfect for shooting large scenes like landscapes, concerts, sports, family photos etc.

Beastgrip Pro rig plus Wide Angle and Fish-eye lenses
Includes the Beastgrip 37mm 0.43x Extreme Wide-Angle lens and an ultra wide-angle lens that produces strong visual distortion, i.e. the classic “fisheye” circle, and an immersive 180° field-of-view. It’s perfect for action sports like skateboarding, biking, snowboarding/skis, etc.

SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICES:
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig £139.99 including VAT
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle Lens £169.99 including VAT
•    Beastgrip Pro Rig plus Wide Angle & Fisheye Lenses £199.99 including VAT

All units are available immediately.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina announces ultra-wide 14-20mm F2 lens for Canon and Nikon crop sensor DSLRs

01 Jan

Kenko Tokina has launched the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX lens for Canon and Nikon DSLRs with APS-C sensors. That’s equivalent to 21-30mm on Nikon bodies and 22-32mm on Canons.

This ultra-wide zoom has a pair of super low dispersion elements in the back and a plastic aperhical element in the second group that promise to reduce flare and ghosting. It also sports nine aperture blades, a one-touch focus clutch mechanism and internal focusing.

Pricing and availability have yet to be announced.


Press release:

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce the new AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX

Characteristics 

The fast F2.0 Zoom lens of Tokina
Since the maximum aperture of F2.0 is given this lens, it’s possible to support the low sensitivity photography used ISO64 and ISO100 setting. The maximum aperture of F2.0 shows its power for the photography using the blur feeling and photography with the low brightness (In the room, In the night). 

Adopt highly precise Plastic Aspherical lens
The 2nd lens group in this lens is adopted the plastic aspherical lens which improved surface accuracy, and is given antireflection coat. This lens is designed tough against ghost flare. 

Arrange highly precise Glass molded Aspherical lens
2 pieces of super low dispersion glass molded aspherical lens is located in the back goup of the lens, and various aberration are corrected by these lenses. 

Compact Body and Excellent Operability
Tokina’s exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF/MF simply by sliding the focus ring, forward side for AF and back toward the camera for MF. This lens is designed as the fast aperture F2.0 in all focal range, but it is a compact body. This lens has a thread in the front frame, so it’s possible to attach filters of 82mm size. 

The new Tokina AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX is an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for the DX(APS-C) size, and has the maximum aperture of F2.0. 

In low brightness situation, use it demonstrates its preeminent power. 

Specifications 

  • Focus distance: 14 – 20 mm 
  • Brightness: F2.0 Canon 
  • Format : APS-C 
  • Minimum aperture: F22 
  • Lens configuration: 13 elements in 11 group 
  • Coating: Multilayer film coating 
  • Angle of view: 91.68° ~ 71.78° 
  • Filter size: 82mm 
  • Shortest Object Distance: 0.28m 
  • Macro maximum magnification: 1:8.36 
  • Focus method: Internal focus 
  • Number of Aperture blades: 9 
  • Maximum diameter: 89.0 mm 
  • Full length: 106.0 mm 
  • Weight: 725 g 
  • Hood (Attached) : BH-823 

Above mentioned specifications are for a Nikon mount. 


Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 14–20 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Canon EF, Nikon F (DX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.0
Minimum aperture F22.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 13
Groups 11
Special elements / coatings 2 super low dispersion + multilayer film coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02)
Maximum magnification 0.12×
Autofocus Yes
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 725 g (1.60 lb)
Diameter 89 mm (3.5)
Length 106 mm (4.17)
Sealing No
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (internal)
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 82.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code BH-823
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pricing and availability for Tokina AT-X 24-70mm F2.8 Pro FX made public

09 May

Pricing and availability for Tokina’s AT-X 24-70mm F2.8 Pro FX lens has appeared on the company’s website. Announced at CP+ earlier this year, the lens will be released in a Nikon mount in June and then for Canon in July. Retail price is listed at ¥150,000 before tax, which is around $ 1250 US (final US pricing is not yet confirmed). Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina to launch water dispersing filter coating and IR-cut ND range

26 Feb

Japanese optical manufacturer Tokina is showing a hydrophilic filter coating that forces water droplets to spread into a thin film so that they become invisible to the camera. The coating will allow photographers to carry on shooting when rain or spray on the lens would otherwise obstruct the optical path. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CP+ 2015: Tokina reveals new 24-70mm F2.8 and 11-20mm F2.8 zooms

15 Feb

Tokina might not have the same presence at CP+ as Sigma and Tamron but its small booth is pretty busy, thanks to a brand new 24-70mm F2.8 for Nikon full-frame, and an 11-20mm F2.8 wideangle for APS-C. Just from first impressions, they seem impressively well-built, as we’d expect from Tokina. Click through for some images

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Going Wide With the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

29 Oct

The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 APS-C sensor lens is without a doubt my favorite lens in my camera bag and it also has some great reviews throughout the photography community. But is this lens for you? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Ultimately, what kind of photographs can you take with it?

tokinalens

Who is the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 for?

On the surface this wide angle crop sensor lens is going to appeal to just about any landscape photographer using an APS-C sensor DSLR and particularly those who are on tighter budgets, as it can be found (at the time of this writing) for around $ 500 making it quite affordable for its quality.

The main strengths

The Tokina 11-16mm has been a popular lens for a few years with good reason. It is sharp throughout its focal range and has limited distortion and artifacts which can be easily corrected inside Lightroom or other post-production software.

The lens is built like a tank and can really take a beating in the wild.

The constant f/2.8 aperture is a great benefit if you plan on photographing in low light situations – for example – taking photos of the night sky.

Its weaknesses?

Of course, with every set of strengths, comes a set of weaknesses and the Tokina 11-16mm has a couple that are worth mentioning here.

The small focal length range does at times feel a bit limiting. You’re always going to be at a wide angle shot, whereas something like the Nikon 10-24 will get you closer to your subject without swapping lenses.

As I mentioned the Tokina is built like a tank, and as such, is quite large (550g) which does make it cumbersome to take with you on longer hikes. Not saying that it’s not doable, just that smaller is better when you’re packing for a trek and it’s worth considering.

Overall I haven’t noticed too many problems with the lens, but the one I have, does get a little finicky when trying to focus in low light situations. It’s not always a problem, and by no means a deal breaker for me, but it is something to be aware of.

So what kind of photographs can you take with this lens?

As with any lens the photographs you make are only limited by your creativity when it comes to subject matter. That said, dramatic sunset photographs, or dynamic seascape scenes are the bread and butter for this lens.

lazyphotographer

ISO 100 | f/14 | 11mm | 2.5 seconds

improve-photography-self-critic-5

ISO 100 | f/11 | 11mm | 6 seconds

On top of these, if you’ve wanted to capture a silky smooth waterfall photograph, this lens will certainly get it done, and I’ve used it many times photographing the numerous waterfalls of New England.

show and tell-6

ISO 100 | f/14 | 16mm | 3 seconds

As mentioned above, having that constant f/2.8 aperture gives you the ability to capture great night sky photography. Pair it with a modern DSLR capable of shooting at relatively high ISOs and you’ll be able to capture some great shots of the stars, or create star-trails if that’s more your thing.

p2077635047-4

ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 11mm | 30 seconds

startrailphoto

ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 11mm | 30 seconds (~150 exposures)

Finally, even though this is a wide angle lens, you don’t have to get caught up in capturing these massive scenes to get something out of it. Sometimes you can make it work for a subject as simple as a dragonfly watching the sunset. So it really is limited only by your creativity.

Dragonfly-Watching-Sunset-518x650

ISO 3200 | f2.8 | 16mm | 1/1250

Do you already own the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8?

Tell us your own thoughts on the lens and share some of your favorite shots taken with it in the comments below. Do you have a different favorite lens? See what dPS writer Andrew S. Gibson considers his favorite here.

The post Going Wide With the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 by John Davenport appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Tokina officially announces image stabilised 70-200mm F4 telezoom

16 May

70-200-f4-520news.png

Tokina has officially announced its first optically-stabilized lens – the AT-X 70-200mm F4 PRO FX VCM-S telephoto zoom. Designed for use with full frame SLRs, it has a ring-type ultrasonic motor for autofocus, and the voice coil motor-driven IS system promises three stops of stabilization. When used on APS-C / DX format SLRs, the lens will offer a 105-300mm equivalent zoom range. It will initially be available in Nikon mount, and will go on sale in Japan at the end of May for ¥150,000.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina announces Sony Alpha-mount version of 11-16mm f/2.8 II

27 Nov

11-16-sony.png

Tokina has announced that its highly-regarded AT-X PRO 11-16mm f/2.8 DX II fast wideangle zoom for APS-C SLRs will be available in Sony Alpha mount from the start of next year. The ‘type II’ version adds improved coatings compared to the previous model of the lens. The design is otherwise unchanged, with the same optics and useful ‘one touch’ focus clutch mechanism. Click through for full details.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kenko Tokina enters cine lens market with 16-28mm T3.0 wide zoom

23 Sep

1628cine.png

The ever-increasing video capability of digital SLRs has seen manufacturers such as Canon, Samyang and Zeiss make video-optimised versions of their conventional lenses, and now Kenko Tokina is getting in on the act. The Tokina 16-28mm T3.0 is a manual focus version of the AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX wideangle zoom, with a redesigned barrel that features the usual refinements for video work, including geared focus, zoom and aperture rings, and scales designed to be read from the side of the camera. It’ll be made in Canon EF and Arri PL mounts, with a suggested retail price of ¥580,000 – almost 5 times that of lens it’s based on.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tokina offers US pricing for AT-X 12-28 F4 lens

07 Jun

tokina_12_28dx_270.png

Tokina has announced a US price of $ 599 for its AT-X 12-28 F4 lens. Soon to be available in both Canon and Nikon mounts for APS-C bodies, this lens was announced at the CP+ tradeshow back in January and will replace the company’s existing 12-24mm F4 wideangle zoom for APS-C cameras. 

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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