Nikon announce new AF-S 200-400mm f/4 VRII

Nikon has announced the upgrade to the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 ED VR, originally launched alongside the Nikon D2H in 2003. The enhancements include four-stop VR II, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and a new A/M mode to improve handling during AF operation.

I reviewed this lens for Digital Photographer magazine in the UK and it's outstanding, indeed it's so popular Canon is introducing a similar version to stop people switching systems to buy it. Please follow the links to buy from Adoroma ($6,999.00) in the US, or Jessops (£4,987.95 inv VAT) in the UK.


Read the full press release:

ULTIMATE VERSATILITY WITH NIKON’S NEW AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II LENS

RRP: £6249.99 / €7400.00 /$6,999
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.



In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Leica intro new V-Lux 20

Leica has introduced a new digital compact camera. The 12.1 megapixel V-Lux 20 boasts a 12x optical zoom, the equivalent of a 25-300mm f/3.3-4.9, 3-inch 460k dot LCD and built-in GPS geo-tagging. The suggested retail price in the UK is £495 and it's expected to be available from next month (May).

More information can be found here.

As a side-note, it's always interesting to see the EXIF data from press shots. Most leave it in unintentionally. We've seen Olympus use the (Nikon) D3x recently with their E-PL1, Nikon using a Phase One P20, and now Leica using their sadly discontinued R8 with DMR digital back. At least they're using their own products...*

Canon's agency carefully strip their EXIF data, so we've no-idea what they use (Phase One, most likely), still if there's a manufacturer who'd like to know how to remove this revealing info before publication, please contact me.

* I had a spokesperson from Leica contact me today about this, and they intend to use the new S2 for future press material. However, although you can't really tell the quality from a web image like this, I can say the original files were superb quality. Times move on, but I guess, in a round-about way, I was applauding the use of the DMR.

Leica announce firmware update for S2

Leica has announced a firmware update for their ultra-high end S2 and S2P. The headline news here really is the addition of exposure correction in the viewfinder, which was an oversight, but all the other tweaks will be welcomed too.

Press release from Leica UK:

Firmware update for LEICA S2

22 April 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced a firmware update (v.1.0.0.16) for the LEICA S2 and S2-P, which will be downloadable from today under the Leica Owners’ Area on the Leica web site at:
https://owners.leica-camera.com/en/login

Below is the full list of improvements provided by this firmware update:

Extended camera functionality

· Additional HMI white balance preset added (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide lamps)
· Additional viewfinder information: exposure correction
· Custom setting for depth of field preview button
· Selectable OLED screen standby time
· Control element lock (shutter speed and aperture dials can now be locked to prevent inadvertent shifts)
· Extended user-defined button programming (the stop-down button can now also be programmed)

Improvements in existing functionality and handling

· Consistent, continuous image numbering
· Accelerated data transfer speed for computer-tethered shooting
· Increased compatibility with memory cards not formatted in the camera
· Improved handling for selection of exposure modes
· Compatibility with new Leica Summarit-S 35mm and 120mm lenses
· Improvement in JPEG image quality
· Automatic detection of interchangeable focusing screens
· Improved image viewing on the camera display
· Simplified image review selection

All new LEICA S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the updated firmware.

More details are available at: http://www.s.leica-camera.com/

Lauren,

Leica S2 with Summarit 70mm f/2.5 at f/11,

processed in Aperture 3

Adobe release Lightroom 2.7

Adobe has released the final versions of Lightroom 2.7 , Photoshop Camera Raw 5.7, and DNG converter 5.7. Adding raw support for nine new cameras including the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i / Kiss x4 Digital, Sony A450, Panasonic G2 and G10, and the Olympus E-PL1, the updates are available for immediate download here. The updates are free to Lightroom 2 customers.

More information on Lightroom can be found here.

Canon add further models to rebate scheme

After the news earlier in the day about the rebates on the popular PowerShot G11 and S90, Canon UK has announced the cash-back scheme will be applicable to more models in the range. Starting from today through to 22 June 2010, purchasing the PowerShot SX210IS, SX120 IS, SX20 IS and the SX1 IS (shown above) will attract rebates of £30/€35, £20/€25, £40/€45 and £50/€55 respectively.

See here (UK) or here (Ireland) for more details.

Canon offers rebates on S90 and G11

Starting from the 21 April, through to 22 June 2010, Canon UK has announced £30 / €35 rebates on their popular PowerShot G11 and S90 models .

Claims must be received by 26th July 2010.

For further details please visit here (UK), or here (Ireland).

Carl Zeiss announce primes for Canon video DSLRs

Not your usual common-or-garden SLR lenses, the newly announced Compact Primes from Carl Zeiss offer full-frame (35mm) coverage on video-DSLRs, notably Canon EF mount with Nikon F to follow. See here, for more details (look for Compact Primes).

Pentax 645 available for pre-order

Specialising in Japanese products for export, Japan Trend Shop, has announced the availability of the new Pentax 645D (in Japan only, at this time). It's expected to be in stock from Thursday 20th May, and is available for pre-order now at $10,450, body only. Shipping is just $25 extra.

If you want the newly announced, weather-resistant, DFA 55mm f/2.8 lens to go with it , be sure to select the box below (on their site). It will add another $1,254, but seems like good value to me when compared with the Leica S2.

Link to Japan Trend Shop.

Tiffen sponsor new Filter Forum

Press release:

TIFFEN SUBSIDIARY THE LONDON FILTER COMPANY SPONSOR ONLINE FILTER FORUM

Given the important role that filters play in photography, it is perhaps surprising that the average snapper doesn't appear to know their grads from their fogs. As an example, many DSLR users who may have 'switched codes' from film, are happy to continue employing skylight or UV filters as lens protectors. These filters have an adverse affect on a DSLR's auto white balancing systems and the only way to ensure an accurate reading is to go through the process of employing a gray scale card, which may be time consuming and inconvenient.

This is just one of the filter confusions from photographers and enthusiasts that Tiffen dedicated filter subsidiary The London Filter Company find themselves dealing with on a daily basis.

The answer to the lens protection issue, is to employ an optically pure filter from a leading brand, such as the Tiffen's ranges of Digital Ultra Clear filters, which will provide valuable protection but not require auto white balance compensation.
To provide a one stop filter knowledge base for photographers of all levels, The London Filter Company has announced that it is sponsoring the recently launched independent filter forum.

Sigma 50-500mm f/5-6.3 arrives

Sigma's new 50-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM has now arrived in the UK, with a suggested retail price of £1399.99. The tele-zoom is available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon fittings. Pentax and Sony will follow shortly.

Information on stockists can be found here.

LensCoat for Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS review

I've been intrigued by the LensCoat neoprene covers for lenses for a while now, especially as I've been very impressed with the neoprene Gimps (made by Crumpler) web bought for our old 12-inch PowerBooks and 15-inch MacBookPros. If you're a wildlife shooter then the camouflage LensCoats are a no-brainer, especially if you're using one of Canon's white lenses, but they're equally attractive as a protective covering.

If you thought the closed-cell (non-water absorbing) neoprene coat was solely for wildlife photographers, think again; LensCoat make covers with a raft of patterns as well as in two solid colors; white and black. I guess the white covers could be used in snowy conditions but also if you're looking to preserve the temperature reducing effect (from thermal gain) of the original off-white color of Canon's telephoto lenses in hotter climes.



I was sent the Forest Green (woodland) pattern cover fitting the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS (see above) by the UK distributor and e-tailer, WarehouseExpress. The kit consists of five rather small pieces of neoprene, all neatly cut to fit the painted areas of the lens while keeping the zoom and manual focus rings free.

The fit is very snug; it's certainly worth making sure the lens body is free of any grit or dirt lest the paint is scratched during the fitting. I should point out the lens' controls for image stabilization and focus operation are covered by a fairly supple plastic window (as is the focus distance scale), however as the cover isn't waterproof as such (water can work its way in between the cover and lens barrel), the idea behind this is to provide some protection from scuffing. The window makes it more difficult to operate the sliders, but it's a fair trade-off in my opinion. Still, I rarely switch between the settings.

There's no doubt if you use a super-telephoto lens regularly, before long it will start to pick-up the inevitable scrapes and scratches, and that's true to a slightly lesser extent of smaller lenses as well. While covers for the shorter focal lengths are bordering on pricey, with only a small premium for the super-telephotos, LensCoats are absolutely excellent value and an essential purchase in my view; the price will be easily recovered when the time comes to sell-on or upgrade your lens.

Visit

Lenscoat

Warehouse Express (UK retailer)

Adorama

Adobe announce Lightroom Beta 3 update

Press release:

Adobe Delivers Lightroom 3 Public Beta Update


Adobe today released an update to its Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta software, available immediately through Adobe Labs. Building on the success of the first Lightroom 3 beta, which was downloaded by more than 350,000 photographers, Lightroom 3 beta 2 incorporates feedback from the first iteration of the beta while offering users several new features and greatly improved performance throughout the application.

New features in this release include tethered shooting support for select Nikon and Canon cameras, the ability to import and manage video files from DSLR cameras for a streamlined workflow and additional behind-the-scenes architecture enhancements for faster importing and loading of images. The addition of luminance noise reduction to the color noise reduction options already available in the beta helps photographers achieve overall exceptional image quality from high ISO images. The import experience and watermarking functionality have also been modified to reflect feedback received from the Lightroom community during the first beta period.

The input from the photography community has been extremely valuable and Adobe would like to thank everyone who has participated in the beta program. Adobe encourages photographers to test this new selection of features and provide the product team with feedback so they can produce the highest quality final product.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution, helping serious amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, perfect and showcase all their images in one intuitive application.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta 2 is available as a free download to anyone on a Macintosh or Windows platform and is available in 12 languages. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom3/ to learn more and download the second beta. Feedback can be submitted on the Lightroom forums: http://forums.adobe.com/community/labs/lightroom3/.

Reach out to us on the Lightroom Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/lightroom or on Twitter www.twitter.com/lightroom.

Lastolite get handle on Ezybox

Lastolite has introduced a new hand-holdable extending pole for the Ezybox, a lightweight and highly portable softbox. For more information please see the press release below:






Press release:

The new handle extends from 73cm to 221cm (2ft 5” to 7ft 3”) and weighs only 700g. Featuring two sponge grips for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for the photographer when positioning their off camera light source. The top of the handle includes a standard spigot connector making it easy to fit the Ezybox hotshoe, the tilthead hotshoe, the tilthead spigot or the TriFlash brackets.

More information can be found at the UK distributors site, here.

US readers can buy Lastolite products including the Exybox HS long handle, from our affiliate retailer B&H Photo, here.

Olympus Pen E-P2 Unboxing

The Third & The Seventh

If you like architecture (as I do) and enjoy the photographic art of creating moving pictures as much as stills, then your in for a treat. Kick-back, watch it in HD, full-screen and make sure you listen to the score, either with some good speakers or a decent set of headphones /earphones. I would also ignore the comments, it'll only spoil it.

Photojournalist David Honl outs New Products to Honl Photo Line

Press release:

Michigan City, IN (PRWEB) January 9, 2010 -- Photojournalist David Honl has added 3 exciting new products to his well-respected line of Honl Photo professional lighting accessories for small flash users.


The David Honl: Light DVD
The David Honl: Light DVD is an entertaining introduction to Honl's small, quick, and nimble lighting setups. Joining him is his partner, actress Claudia Christian, along with actor Bill Mumy (Lost in Space), actress Pat Tallman (Night of the Living Dead), and a 40th Anniversary portrait for the Planet of the Apes. With a total of 10 dynamic lighting setups, David takes you through each quick 5-minute session, followed by explanatory lighting diagrams in David's studio. David insists, "When it comes to lighting, I've found most people are quite intimidated by it. To spread the word that there should be no fear in studio-quality lighting, and show that it can actually be quite fun, Claudia and I filmed several of my shoots this past year . We shot everything from a gourmet food shot, a cat headshot, and a glamour shot with a Frederick's model"
David Honl: Light DVD retails for $39.95

Honl adds 2 new filter kits to his lighting system line.

The Honl Photo Autumn Filter Kit includes 5 new colors including Rust, Medium Blue-Green, Egg Yolk Yellow, Dark Salmon, and Chocolate. The Honl Photo Hollywood Filter Kit includes Steel Green, Rose Purple, Follies Pink, Pale Lavender, and Smokey Pink. Both kits attach to the Honl Photo Speed Strap and can be used in conjunction with Honl Photo Speed Grids, Speed Snoots, and Speed Gobos. "Adding a splash of color to a portrait is a great way to create drama a depth to a portrait, and I'm thrilled to offer these new filter colors to my lineup- I hand picked them from some of my favorite shoots this past year" says Honl.

Each kit contains 2 of each filter and retails for $19.95 each

Honl Photo is a family business founded by photojournalist David Honl, and is run by his brother Ryan, and father Charles. Honl Photo products are available through the company's website at www.HonlPhoto.com and through camera dealers worldwide.

David Honl is a photojournalist with over 2 decades experience, his photography published by Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, and countless others. His work has brought him to Iraq, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Jordan and he continues to develop new products while on assignment. His photography can be seen at www.DavidHonlPhoto.com

UK readers can find out more, including prices and availability, here.

Sony add A450 DSLR to range

This was a very soft release, timed to coincide with the CES 2010, in Las Vegas.

UK Press Release


London - 5th January 2010


Simply better pictures with the α450
Sony’s new DSLR camera is a versatile easy to use choice for step-up photographers
14.2 effective megapixels Exmor™ CMOS sensor
Up to 7 fps continuous shooting
Manual Focus Check Live View
Auto HDR
1,050 shot battery stamina (CIPA measurement)
SteadyShot INSIDE

The newest addition to the Sony α family of DSLR cameras teams flawless imaging with generous creative options and is ideal for consumers new to DSLR photography who want the best possible image quality.

Powerful yet easy to use, the DSLR-A450 is a perfect all-rounder when you’re ready to take your passion for great pictures to the next level. Ideal for active shooters, it’s at home in any shooting situation, from relaxed portraits to fast-moving sports action.

Inside the α450 is a high-resolution 14.2 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ processor to deliver highly detailed, ultra-low noise images. Sensitivity extends right up to ISO 12800, allowing you to capture beautifully natural handheld images in low light without flash.

With a generous 95% field of view, the bright optical viewfinder makes framing and composition a pleasure. As an extra refinement, Manual Focus Check Live View previews clear, bright full-resolution images on the 6.7cm (2.7”) Clear Photo LCD screen. With selectable 7x/14x on-screen image enlargement it’s ideal for confirming pin-sharp focus with portraits, still life, macro and architectural scenes.

The powerful BIONZ image processor enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (maximum – approx. figure). In Speed Priority mode (with AF and AE set at start of burst) this increases to an amazing 7 fps (maximum – actual speed depends on shooting conditions and media card). More than enough to catch sports and fast-moving action with ease.

Creative options are enhanced with Auto HDR mode that accommodates bright highlights and dark shadow details in a single frame. Two successive frames shot handheld at different exposure values are merged automatically by the camera. The result is a detail-packed High Dynamic Range image – with no need for a PC image editor and specialist skills. In addition to fully automatic operation, the exposure difference between frames can be manually set up to 3EV, in 0.5EV increments.

Featured right across the DSLR line-up by Sony, SteadyShot INSIDE™ offers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with the full range of 30 α lenses and two teleconvertors, as well as compatible A-mount optics by Konica-Minolta.

The α450 also offers the most impressive shooting stamina of any DSLR camera by Sony to date. The high-capacity battery allows up to 1,050 shots between charges* - plenty for a busy weekend’s sightseeing.

Slots for Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.

Connect the α450 to any HD Ready TV for a breathtaking big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD optimises still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models, while BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions using your TV remote.

Supplied software includes Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR; and PMB (Picture Motion Browser) for easy image management. The α450 is also compatible with the wide range of high-quality DSLR accessories by Sony, including flashes, carry cases, batteries and chargers, GPS and more.

The DSLR-A450 digital SLR camera by Sony is available from the beginning of February 2010.

* when using optical viewfinder (CIPA measurement)

Canon announce new 70-200mm f/2.8 IS

As expected, pre-CES 2010, Canon has updated its professional workhorse, the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. The new zoom now boasts a tougher construction, new improved optical formula with UD and fluorite elements (the older version had four UD elements but no fluorite glass) and an enhanced IS system. Read the press release below for the full details.

Press release:

The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Canon’s essential, high-quality, telephoto zoom lens for professionals

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. This new lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use
As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Pricing and Availability
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is available from the end of February 2010 priced at £2,799.99 / €3,199.99 RRP inc. VAT

Samsung officially unwrap NX

Ahead of CES, Samsung has announced the final specification of the DSLR-like NX. Following in the footsteps of the Micro FourThirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, the NX dispenses with the usual reflex mirror and pentaprism (in favour of an EVF), allowing for a much smaller and lighter body.

Unlike rivals though the Samsung NX is the first of its type to feature a APS-C size sensor - much larger than Pens' and little Lumix cameras, so we can expect perhaps to see improved high-ISO performance over those models.

The only real downside to this is that the NX lenses will have to have a larger image circle to cover the larger sensor, so they won't be as compact as the mFT optics. All the same the NX is is a welcome addition to the range cameras available.

More information, including the US press release, can be found at maccreate.com.