ThinkTank Photo announces update to AI laptop sleeves

ThinkTank Photo has announced an update (now at version 3.0) to the popular Artificial Intellgence laptop sleeves. The new seeves are available now (please see links below), priced at $39.75, $49.75, and $59.75, respectively, plus shipping.

Features include:

    •    Removable, cushioned nonslip shoulder strap for all day comfort.
    •    Zippered and gusseted front pocket for full access to small item organizer.
    •    Securable rear document pocket.
    •    Business card slot for identification.
    •    Metal clips and D rings for long life.
    •    Highest quality YKK zippers and materials for long life.
    •    Stores inside Airport Rollers with appropriate Low Divider set, providing locked security with TSA locks.

           The Artificial Intelligence 13 V3.0 V3.0 is sized to hold most 13" laptops and 10-11"netbooks and accessories.  External Dimensions: 9.4" W x 13" x 1.2" D (24 x 33 x 3cm); Weight: 0.7-0.9 lbs (0.3-0.4 kg).

           The Artificial Intelligence 15 V3.0 is sized to hold most 15.4" laptops and accessories.  External Dimensions: 11" W x 15" x 1.4" D (28 x 38 x 3.6cm); Weight: 0.9-1.15 lbs (0.4-0.5 kg).  

           The Artificial Intelligence 17 V3.0 holds most 17" laptops and accessories.  External Dimensions: 11.4" W x 16.3 H x 1.4" D (29 x 41.5 x 3.6cm); Weight: 1-1.3 lbs (0.4-0.6 kg).   

 

Please note the links above take you to TTP's affiliate online shop, if you would prefer to buy from Adorama please note that they carry only a limited range of models.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 in stock, for now

We've had an Olympus OM-D EM-5 in for review for a while and it's certainly one the most convincing cameras of its type for reportage and for documentary use, especially when paired with with the 12mm f/2.0, Leica 25mm f/1.4 and 45mm f/1.8. Perhaps unsurprisingly then the camera is hard to find in stock, especially here in the UK. Jessops are out of stock but it can be found at the internet retailer WEX (Warehouse Express) in black; body only (£999), or c/w with the impressively fast focusing 12-50mm zoom (£1,149).

If you prefer Amazon (UK) try here (chrome body is even harder to find, though there are some with the 12-50mm).

For customers in the US, the EM-5 is in stock at the following retailers:

Adorama

Amazon US

B&H Photo (now out of stock)

Thank you for buying through this site's links, it won't cost you extra.

Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake in stock at WEX

Although only recently announced, WEX, formerly Warehouse Express, has the new 40mm f/2.8 STM in stock at £299.

Sigma announces new 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM zoom

After yesterday's announcement from Nikon of a 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR lens at $999/£850, rival lens maker Sigma has announced a new 18-250mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom (actually an update) featuring offering many of the same features; optical image stabilization (unfortunately not included for Sony and Pentax as the bodies don't support OIS), ultrasonic focus motor, low dispersion glass and aspherical elements for nearly half the price, $TBA / £499. The lens focuses down to 35cm (45cm for the Nikkor) and weighs just 470g as opposed to 830g. The downside? Well it doesn't have quite the same reach (250mm vs 300mm) and it doesn't have sealing around the lens mount, but on paper at least these two lenses are very similar. We'll have to see how they perform optically.

For more information, please visit Sigma UK or Sigma Corp (USA).

Press release

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the announce the new Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM, a compact, high zoom ratio lens, covering wide angle, telephoto and macro photography.

By revolutionizing the optical and structural design of the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM, this new lens achieves a compact size and a minimum focusing distance of 35cm. Sigma’s newly developed material, Thermally Stable Composite (TSC), which maintains its size and structure in varying temperatures, is incorporated into the lens barrel.

Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, this versatile lens covers wide-angle to telephoto making it suitable for many types of photography. Its small size and huge focal-range make it perfect for travel photographers and those who like to keep equipment down to a minimum.

This is the first lens to use Thermally Stable Composite (TSC). This is a unique product that’s been developed in conjunction with a specialist manufacturer. This material is unique to Sigma and has metal like characteristics. Traditionally, Sigma use engineering plastic which is polycarbonate mixed with 20-30% glass. The advantages of this are its high resistance to impact, it’s lightweight and it doesn’t degrade over time. However, the drawbacks are its plastic feel and high dependency on temperature. In differing temperatures it expands and contracts considerably. As a result, a large gap is required between any metal/composite interface to allow for this expansion/contraction in size. The new TSC material has overcome this and is much more stable in varying temperatures. Consequently, a tighter construction can be achieved with thinner and lighter material.

Sigma’s own unique Optical Stabilizer (OS) function is incorporated into this lens. It offers effective correction of approximately 4 stops, overcoming camera shake even in close-up range photography.
※Sony and Pentax mounts are not incorporated with OS function.

One SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element offers excellent correction of color aberration and three aspherical lenses, including a double-sided aspherical lens, prevent and correct all types of aberrations such as astigmatism, achieving high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, ensuring sharp and high contrast images even in backlit conditions. The supplied petal-type hood can be attached to block out extraneous light which has a harmful influence on image rendering.

The close-up capability is improved with a minimum focusing distance of just 35cm throughout the entire zoom range and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. When the APS-C size sensor is taken into consideration, the effective maximum reproduction ratio becomes 1:2.

The lens benefits from a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) to ensures fast and quiet auto-focusing.

This lens incorporates a brass made bayonet mount which has both high accuracy and solidity, the same as the mount of camera bodies. A special treatment to reinforce the strength is applied to the surface to ensure resistance to wear through long-term use.

*Sony and Pentax mounts do not incorporate Optical Stabilisation.

THE SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Aperture        F22                
Minimum Focusing Distance    35cm
Lens Construction        16 Elements in 13 Groups    
Maximum Magnification    1:2.9
Angle of View            76.5°- 6.5°            
Filter Size            62mm
No. of Diaphragm Blades    7 pcs (Rounded)        
Lens Hood            Petal-type
Weight             470g                
SRP                £499.99
Dimensions            Diameter 73.5mm x Length 88.6mm
Available Fittings        Sigma AF, Nikon AF, Canon AF, Pentax AF, Sony AF

Schneider-Kreuznach to introduce Micro Four Thirds lenses

Schneider-Kreuznach has sissued a press release this morning revealing their intention to introduce lenses specifically for MFT cameras. The picture above shows a Super-Angulon 14mm f/2.0 (28mm-equivalent), but there is no further information available at this time. From the photo supplied there's simply no way to tell if the lens has AF or is even 'chipped'. My guess is that it is not AF-enabled but, from the absence of an aperture ring that it might have electronic contacts to convey settings. However, I doubt that has an electronic diaphragm, and suspect this will be a entirely manual, mechanical lens, like the CV lenses.
Update: Some sites are reporting the lens has AF and a price of 1500 Euros, but we can confirm there was no mention of this in the official press release. While not impossible, adding AF to a lens would be a first for Schneider-Kreuznach.
Update: A spokesperson for Schneider-Kreuznach has confirmed to us that the lens will be shown at Photokina, later in the year.

Nikon announces two new zooms, 70 million lenses produced

Nikon has launched to new lenses today, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for APS-C format cameras (such as the Nikon D7000 and D300s) and the AF-S NIKKOR 24–85mm f/3.5–4.5G ED VR (a long overdue update to the slot-drive 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF, as well as the newer AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G lens that was subsequently dropped). Both new lenses will be available by the end of the month, retailing at £849.99 / Euros 1002 for the 18-300mm and £519.99 / Euros 613.00 for the 24-85mm. The re-introduction of the relatively affordable 24-85mm lens will add credibility to the rumors of an impending full-frame camera, replacing the 12-megapixel D700 (pretty much confirmed now as being called the D600 on various rumor sites).

Neither lenses are available to pre-order via Amazon yet, but B&H Photo are taking orders:

24-85mm $599.95
18-300mm $999.95

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR - One for All

RRP: £849.99 / Eur 1002.00
Sales start date: 28th June 2012
 
London, UK, 14th June 2012 – Nikon today announces a new high-powered DX-format zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto reach and Vibration Reduction. Boasting an ultra-high 16.7x zoom ratio and incredibly wide 18-300mm focal range, this new lens is a great all-rounder for photographers with a broad range of interests.
 
Simon Iddon, Product Manager for Enthusiast Products, at Nikon UK says: “This new 18-300mm lens is ideal for photographers looking to travel light – it’s a versatile lens that allows you to capture a whole range of scenes with ease, thanks to its remarkable zoom range.”
 
All in One
With its versatile wide-angle to super-telephoto reach, this 16.7x zoom lens is perfect for travel or for times when you only want to take one lens out with you. The remarkable 18-300mm focal range (FX-format/35mm equivalent: 27 to 450mm) easily covers most commonly used focal lengths, going further than many comparable lenses by offering 300mm reach and a maximum aperture of f/5.6 at the telephoto end of the range. From wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography, this lens will capture it all.
 
Sharp and steady
Complementing the versatile focal range is Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction system (VRII) — that allows substantially sharper handheld images across the zoom range and dramatically reduces image blur, even when taking extreme telephoto shots. Three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements provide high resolution and superior contrast, and the nine blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements blend together smoothly. Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) combines fast and precise auto focus with super-quiet operation.
 
Built to travel 
A practical zoom-lock switch keeps the lens secure when not in use, and it boasts a metal mount with rubber sealing for protection against dust and moisture.
 
This lens comes with a lens case CL-1120 and hood HB-58.

Nikon launches new lens: AF-S NIKKOR 24–85mm f/3.5–4.5G ED VR

RRP: £519.99 / Eur 613.00
Sales start date: 28th June 2012
London, UK, 14th June 2012:   Nikon today announces a new FX-format zoom lens with broad 24-85mm focal range, compact build and Vibration Reduction. With a versatile reach from wide-angle up to telephoto and a lightweight body, it’s a smart choice for FX camera users looking for a multi-purpose lens that doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to image quality.
Hiro Sebata, Product Manager, Professional products at Nikon UK, says: “The new 24-85mm is a high quality, versatile lens that is ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios; from portrait to landscape to low light situations. With a compact build, this new lens perfectly complements Nikon’s FX format bodies to produce stunning results.”
Multi-tasker
Developed to be especially compact for an FX-format zoom lens, this 24-85mm NIKKOR is ideal for people who want a lens that offers the freedom to shoot a wide variety of day-to-day moments and subjects. The versatile 24-85mm range covers most commonly used focal lengths with ease: from landscapes to portraits, you can go fairly wide or zoom into distant objects without needing to change lenses.
Sharp and Steady
Complementing the versatile focal range is Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction technology (VRII) — that allows substantially sharper handheld images across the zoom range and dramatically reduces image blur, especially when shooting towards the telephoto end of the range. VRII also enables you to shoot using shutter speeds up to four stops slower, enabling you to shoot more effectively when shooting in low light.
Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating ensures superb colour reproduction, while Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements help deliver stunning sharpness and contrast, even at maximum aperture.
Good to Go
Well-balanced in terms of size, weight, price and image quality — and boasting a weather-sealed mount — this lens offers a worthwhile combination of precision NIKKOR optics, broad focal range and lightweight build for people on the go. This lens comes with a lens case CL-1118 and hood HB-63.

Total Production of NIKKOR Lenses for Nikon Interchangeable Lens Cameras Reaches Seventy Million

 

London, UK, 14th June 2012: Nikon today announced that total production of NIKKOR lenses for interchangeable lens cameras reached seventy million at the beginning of June 2012. The figure is up five million since production reached sixty five million in October 2011. Moreover, total production of AF-S lenses equipped with the Silent Wave Motor (SWM), the autofocus motor developed by Nikon, has reached 30 million.

Since 2011 and the 65 million milestone, Nikon has continued to actively develop new products under the NIKKOR brand and has released four 1 NIKKOR lenses with a simple design in various colours for the compact and lightweight Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 AC-IL system cameras – the first two models in the Nikon 1 series. In addition, Nikon launched new FX-format compatible NIKKOR lenses that maximize the potential of high-performance cameras such as the new D4 flagship D-SLR camera, and the 36.3 million pixel D800 and D800E D-SLRs.
 
Thirty million SWM-equipped NIKKOR lenses
 
The Silent Wave Motor, or SWM, is an ultrasonic autofocus motor developed by Nikon. Nikon’s SWM converts ‘traveling waves’ into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables extremely smooth, quiet and comfortable autofocusing. Among the first lenses for which Nikon adopted the SWM was the Ai AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8D IF-ED, released in 1996. Since then, the SWM has been built into a total of 58* different lenses of all types, from ultra-wide-angle to super telephoto DX- and FX-format lenses, zoom lenses, and even Micro lenses. It has been adopted for more than 90% of NIKKOR lenses currently manufactured.
*The total number of NIKKOR lenses equipped with the SWM currently available (as of June 14, 2012). 
 
The NIKKOR brand
 
As the brand name for Nikon lenses, NIKKOR has become synonymous with high-performance, high-quality SLR lenses. The NIKKOR name comes from adding "R", a common practice in the naming of photographic lenses at the time the name was established, to "Nikko", the Romanized abbreviation for Nippon Kogaku K.K. In 1933, the large-format lens for aerial photography was released with the name Aero-NIKKOR.
 
NIKKOR has always been ahead of the times. The OP Fisheye-NIKKOR 10mm f/5.6 fisheye lens for SLR cameras, released in 1968, was the world's first lens to incorporate aspherical lens elements. What's more, NIKKOR lenses for the latest SLR cameras utilize a number of Nikon's own cutting-edge technologies, including Nano Crystal Coat, which virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths.

The current line-up of NIKKOR lenses for Nikon SLR and Nikon 1 system cameras offers a rich variety of lenses, including fisheye lenses, super wide-angle to super telephoto lenses, micro lenses and PC-E lenses.

Canon announce release date for EOS-1D X

Although we've not heard anything officially from Canon UK, the Canon Japan site is today claiming the EOS-1D X will go on sale from June 20, 2012. Meanwhile rumors continue to circulate that Canon will announce an 'affordable full-frame camera' (priced below the current EOS 5D Mk III) and probably using STM technology, a 36 or 48MP replacement for the Canon EOS-1Ds Mk II and a brand new 'mirrorless' entry. We've been told that at least one of these is imminent, though we're inclined to believe that all three are likely to be announced just prior to Photokina (Sept 18- 23, 2012).

Pre-order the Canon EOS-1D X at Amazon.

Apple updates Aperture to Version 3.3

Apple has announced Aperture version 3.3, a 554.9MB update that shares the photo-library with iPhoto (v9.3 or later), views camera-generated previews for faster browsing of RAW files, and features support for AVCHD video and a number of updated tools. Please see below for a full list of the new features. The update is available now for existing Aperture users (from the Apple icon in the main menu, simply select Software update... ).

We've had a chance to update our photo-library, and can report Aperture 3.3 is a significant update to previous versions. Not only has it 'fixed' our mainly broken library (which was the main reason we switched to Lightroom), but it's now also lighteningly fast.

Aperture is available from the Mac App store for $79.99 / £54.99

What's New in Aperture 3.3
    •    New unified photo library for both iPhoto (v 9.3 or later) and Aperture; no import/export required; Faces, Places, slideshows, albums and web sharing work across both applications
    •    Support for AVCHD video has been added
    •    Aperture now lets you use camera-generated previews for faster browsing of RAW files immediately after import
    •    Highlights & Shadows tool has been updated to deliver higher-quality results and work with extended range data
    •    A new Auto Enhance button has been added to the Adjustments panel
    •    White Balance tool now includes Skin Tone and Natural Gray modes to simplify color balance
    •    Auto button has been added to the White Balance tool for one-click color balancing
    •    Set Desktop command has been added to Share menu so you can set a desktop background from within Aperture
    •    A new Manual option allows you to drag and drop projects to customize sort order in the Projects view
    •    New preference allows you to set the background brightness of the full screen browser
    •    Facebook, Flickr, and MobileMe albums are now displayed as thumbnails in the main window when accounts are selected in the source list
    •    Minor terminology changes, including "Original" instead of "Master" and "Info" instead of "Metadata"
    •    Source list includes a new "Recent" section, showing Last Import and recently-viewed projects
    •    Raw Fine Tuning is no longer displayed in the Adjustments panel by default
    •    Faces can now be named by dragging them from the Unnamed Faces browser to existing snapshots on the corkboard
    •    The Faces corkboard now includes a menu that allows you to set the order of face snapshots
    •    Newly designed monochrome source list and toolbar icons
    •    Addresses numerous issues related to overall performance and stability

 

Apple announces updates to MacBook Air, MacBook Pro

Apple has today announced updates to MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, adding faster processors, graphics, memory, flash storage and USB 3 connectivity. Both MacBook models feature the latest Core i5 and i7 processors (up to 1.8GHz on the MacBook Air) and 2.9GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz on the MacBook Pro.

The 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air models feature the new integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000, which Apple claims is up to 60 percent faster than the previous iteration. Flash storage remains either 64/128GB, configurable up to 512GB, but is four times faster Apple add. Both models come with faster 4GB memory configurable to 8GB, and feature a new FaceTime HD camera that delivers high-definition 720p. The 11-inch starts at $999 /£849, 13-inch starts at $1199 / £999.

Meanwhile, a variant of the 15-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 5.1 million pixel 2880x1800 (220ppi) Retina display, all new flash architecture and a 7-hour battery life. Both the 13-inch and 'standard' 15-inch MacBook Pro, however, can be configured with a 1TB hard drive or SSDs up to 512GB that are up to twice as fast as the previous generation, Apple claim. Prices start at $1199 / £999 for the 13-inch, $1799 / £1499 for the 15-inch. The 15-inch with Retina display starts at $2199 / £1799.

The updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.

Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO—June 11, 2012—Apple today updated MacBook Air with the latest Intel Core processors, faster graphics and flash storage that is up to twice as fast as the previous generation.* The current generation 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro have also been updated with the latest Intel Core processors and powerful discrete graphics from NVIDIA. Apple’s popular AirPort Express has been redesigned to include features previously available only in AirPort Extreme.

“Today we’ve updated the entire MacBook line with faster processors, graphics, memory, flash storage and USB 3 connectivity,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “We’ve made the world’s best portable family even better and we think users are going to love the performance advances in both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.”

Available in 11-inch and 13-inch designs, the new MacBook Air features the latest Core i5 and Core i7 dual-core processors and is perfect for browsing the web, making movies and managing photos. The new integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000 is up to 60 percent faster and gives the MacBook Air plenty of power to tackle games and videos.** MacBook Air features flash storage up to four times faster than traditional hard drives for instant-on performance and fast access to your apps and data. Now with 4GB of faster memory, configurable up to 8GB, you can run memory-intensive apps with ease. MacBook Air also features a new FaceTime HD camera that delivers high-definition 720p. 

The 13-inch MacBook Pro features the latest Intel Core i5 or Core i7 dual-core processors up to 2.9 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.6 GHz. The 15-inch MacBook Pro features the latest Intel Core i7 quad-core processors up to 2.7 GHz with Turbo Boost speeds up to 3.7 GHz and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M discrete graphics. Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro can be configured with a 1TB hard drive or SSDs up to 512GB that are up to twice as fast as the previous generation.

MacBook Air and MacBook Pro both feature a high-speed Thunderbolt port and two USB 3.0 ports to easily connect to external displays and a wide variety of high performance peripherals. The 13-inch MacBook Air, and 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro deliver up to 7 hours of wireless battery life, and the 11-inch MacBook Air delivers up to 5 hours. Mac notebook batteries use advanced chemistry and Adaptive Charging technology to provide up to 1,000 recharges.***

The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro ship with OS X Lion. Starting today, customers who purchase a Mac are eligible for a free copy of OS X Mountain Lion when it becomes available. Mountain Lion introduces innovative features including the all new Messages app, Notification Center, system-wide Sharing, AirPlay Mirroring, Game Center and the enhanced security of Gatekeeper. With iCloud built into the foundation of OS X, Mountain Lion makes it easier than ever to keep your content up to date across all your devices. 

Priced at just £79, the new AirPort Express features a completely redesigned compact enclosure and new wireless and connectivity capabilities. Simultaneous dual-band 802.11n Wi-Fi allows users to easily create a network that delivers optimal performance and range. The AirPort Express also features an audio-out port to connect external powered speakers or an A/V receiver and use AirPlay to wirelessly stream from iTunes on your Mac or iOS device. A USB 2.0 port allows you to share a printer wirelessly over your network, and an additional ethernet port lets you connect to other computers and network devices. Setup is built right into OS X and iOS and can be done in just a few simple steps, and with AirPort Utility 6.0 for OS X Lion and iOS you can access a visual map of your network for viewing and reconfiguring devices.

Pricing & Availability
The 11-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.7 GHz processor, 4GB of memory and is available with 64GB of flash storage starting at £849 inc VAT (£707.50 ex VAT), and 128GB of flash storage starting at £929 inc VAT (£774.17 ex VAT). The 13-inch MacBook Air comes with a 1.8 GHz processor, 4GB of memory and is available with 128GB of flash storage starting at £999 inc VAT (£832.50 ex VAT), and 256GB of flash storage starting at £1,249 inc VAT (£1,040.83 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include a 2.0 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, up to 8GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 onboard memory and up to 512GB flash storage. 

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 2.5 GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of memory and 500GB hard drive starting at £999 inc VAT (£832.50 ex VAT), and with a 2.9 GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of memory and 750GB hard drive starting at £1,249 inc VAT (£1,040.83 ex VAT). The 15-inch MacBook Pro is available with a 2.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 4GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, and 500GB hard drive starting at £1,499 inc VAT (£1,249.17 ex VAT); and with a 2.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of memory, Intel HD Graphics 4000 and NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M, and 750GB hard drive starting at £1,799 inc VAT (£1,499.17 ex VAT). Configure-to-order options include faster quad-core processors up to 2.7 GHz, additional hard drive capacity up to 1TB, up to 8GB of memory and solid state storage up to 512GB. 

The updated MacBook Air and MacBook Pro are available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com/uk), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorised Resellers.

Canon 40mm f/2.8 available for preorder at Jessops

Jessops the UK retailer has the new 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake listed here for pre-order at £229.99. The full-frame lens was announced last week and provides full-time AF during video capture on the new APS-C format EOS 650D. Note, the camera was launched with the EF-S 18-135mm IS STM - you will need a STM enabled lens to use AF during video-capture.

Jessops also has the new image stabilized 28mm f/2.8 listed at £729.95 but for special order only - the 24mm f/2.8 is currently out of stock . Neither are STM enabled (they're USM instead).

Samyang announces 8mm f/2.8 Fisheye for Sony NEX, Samsung NX

Samyang Optics has announced a 8mm f/2.8 fisheye lens specifically for Sony NEX, and Samsung NX cameras. The new lens features 10 elements arranged in 8 groups, and includes one asphere and two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements. With an angle of view of 180-degrees, and mimimum focusing distance of 0.3m, the manual focus Samyang 8mm 1:2.8 UMC Fish-eye is due for release early July 2012 with an expected street price of £279.99 / Euros 349.99.

Construction

 

MTF

Note the MTF above displays 10 and 30 lp/mm.

For more information, please visit Samyang.

Fujinon XF60mm f2.4 R Macro samples

The Fuji XF60mm f/2.4 R Macro is a light-weight and compact fixed focal length lens, the equivalent of a 90mm in angle of view, which was announced alongside the Fuji X-Pro1. Although billed as a macro, with a minimum working distance of 26.7cm and maximum magnification of 0.5X, the 60mm can be thought of as a highly versatile short-tele for portraits and occasional close-ups. Before we publish a full review of the XF60mm f/2.4R Macro and Fuji X-Pro 1 camera, we've posted a few uncropped samples of what this lens is capable of. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Butterfly World Project for allowing unrestricted access to their beautiful butterflies and gardens.

1/800 sec at f/2.8, ISO 200 (handheld).

1/500 sec at f/2.4, ISO 200.

1/100 sec at f/4, ISO 800 (handheld).

1/640 sec at f/4, ISO 800 (handheld).

Links

B&H Photo $649 (world-wide shipping available including the UK).
Adorama $649
Amazon US $603 (price in cart)

Wex UK (£599 inc VAT)
Jessops UK (£599.95 inc VAT)

Nikon AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 best wide-angle zoom for Nikon D800?

Introduced at the same time as Nikon's first digital SLR the APS-C format D1, the Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8 was made not only to replace the earlier AF 20-35mm f/2.8D IF but to compete with and out-perform the rivals. Nikon may be slow in producing top-quality lenses, at times, but they look closely at competitive offerings before announcing new models that can out-do their rivals optically and mechanically.

Such is the case with this particular optic, and is still available today in spite of the more recent and impressive AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G and 16-35mm f/4G VR models. Both are said to be mighty fine performers (I have no personal experience of the 16-35mm f/4 VR) but I've not been inclined to replace the 17-35mm f/2.8. First, the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8 is large and heavy, especially on a pro-body but it''s still a handful on a D700/D800, while the 'compact and affordable' alternative, as Nikon claim the 16-35mm f/4 VR to be, just doesn't seem to be as compelling as the 17-35mm f/2.8. Not only can it serve as a formidable landscape lens, which the 14-24mm can not (due to the wildly convex front element and lack of a front filter thread) but because of the manual aperture ring, will also be of immense interest to those using video.I don't need to tell Canon users that Nikkor lenses can be fitted (courtesy of an adaptor), and, indeed, are favored for their manual aperture rings, along with Nikon's reputation for low chromatic aberration (especially on wide-angle primes and zooms).

Like Canon EF lenses, Nikon's newer G-series lenses (such as the 14-24mm / 2.8 and 16-35mm f/4 VR) lock out rival maker's bodies and the one or two Canon to Nikon G-series adaptors that are available commercially (we use a high quality Novoflex version) don't allow you to select a particular aperture. There is no aperture readout in the cameras' viewfinder as the lens adaptors simply operate a lever opening and closing the diaphragm (albeit steplessly, which is a plus).

Pricing

Perhaps that's the reason why the 17-35mm f/2.8 continues to be made and is available from US retailers for about $1,770 (with USA warranty) or around £200 less as an (gray) import. Part of the reason that this lens is expensive can be attributed to lower production volumes now the newer models exist but there are other reasons as well. This lens has two large precision ground aspherical elements (the front element, for instance), one composite asphere and two ED glass elements, instead of the usual one (if you're lucky). Due to thermal expansion characteristics, this lens focuses beyond the infinity mark.

Performance

Abbey Altar. St Albans. England. May 2012. Nikon D800 with 17-35mm f/2.8 @ 17mm f/4, ISO 6400

Nearly of the reviews I've read about this lens make some reference to the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 as result of there being only DX camera bodies available at that time but things have moved on and there is renewed interest in the 17-35mm f/2.8 with FX bodies, especially now that the D800 has been introduced. However, if you're using a DX camera (and as of now that means either the D7000 or D300s) and have no intention of buying a full-format (FX) model, then between the two you should choose the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8. Besides the extra range and disproportionately lower price, it's close in both AF performance and optical quality, color, and sharpness. That said, I still prefer the contrast and drawing style of the 17-35mm f/2.8. Images from the AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8G, in my experience, look excellent on a technical level but appear somewhat sterile (and I have both).

The 17-35mm is less prone to flare, but it's not impervious to it as I was reminded only recently when a shot taken using a D800 directly facing the sun coming through a window just above the subject caused some veiling glare. Like most modern Nikkors, the 17-35mm has a nine blade diaphragm to produce attractive circular highlights and improve bokeh. Few zooms have attractive out of focus planes and wide-angles less so (in any-case, strongly out of focus backgrounds and foregrounds are far easier to achieve with longer focal lengths, such as a 50mm or short tele) but the 17-35mm f/2.8 has none of the harsh double-edged effects seen in less capable optics and is quite acceptable. Longitudinal CA (sometimes refereed to as purple fringing, most noticeable at wider apertures) is low on the Nikon D800 but there is some lateral CA, though this is easy to remove in post (using Lightroom 4) There's also some vignetting at the maximum aperture, but this too can either be removed in-camera (on JPEGs) or in software later. It's not unexpected and no worse than rival offerings. As you can see from the picture above, there's some barrel distortion but it's reportedly lower than the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 VR (I've not tested that model but I've seen sample photos of distortion).

Mechanical Quality

Ford. Redbournbury. England. May 2012. Nikon D800 with 17-35mm f/2.8 @ 17mm f/4, ISO 6400

If you're familiar with Nikon's older manual focus lenses then you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the 17-35mm f/2.8. The only really noticeable difference between them is that this lens, like others of the same period, has a plastic aperture ring though it is engraved still thankfully. This is an autofocus lens, however, so there are no brass helicoids, but the focus ring is smooth and not too highly geared, allowing large but precise adjustments. Auto-focus is very fast, near-instant and, unlike others that adopt a silent wave motor (SWM), practically noise -free.

The outer barrel is made from heavy-duty aluminum alloy and has the same durable construction that can only bee seen today in Nikon's top pro-quality super-telephotos, such as the AF-S 400mm f/2.8. If there's a shortcoming it's that there's no weatherproof sealing, and no rubber seal at the lens mount. The lens comes supplied with an old-fashioned rigid lens-case, pinch front and rear caps.

While well-made, the case isn't much use, to be honest. I prefer the soft, draw-string pouches but even those can be a pain to work from, so they're best used for storage. The supplied (HB-23) hood is really the only disappointment out of the whole package, and I rarely use it. It is the same one that's supplied with the 12-24mm f/4G and 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D lenses. Nearly all Nikon hoods appear to be made by a third-party, and can all be characterized by fitting too tightly (the exception to this is the huge hood for the AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 (28-70mm equivalent) for DX cameras). Fortunately, the hood bayonets onto the outer barrel so it can't do any damage as it might to the extending barrels of lesser lenses. Still, it can be recommended to protect the front element, to a degree.

Shrine of St Alban. St Albans. England. June 2012. Nikon D800 with 17-35mm f/2.8 @ 17mm f/5.6, ISO 6400

Of course, now Nikon has the 36-megapixel D800 and D800E variant, interest in a suitable high-quality wide-angle zoom is paramount. For photojournalism and human interest / documentary work, the fast-focusing AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8 is the obvious choice. This lens performs remarkably well even at maximum aperture the centre has high sharpness and good contrast, meanwhile the low chromatic aberration and easily correctible barrel distortion make it equally suitable for landscapes, interiors and architectural photography alike.

Links


The Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S is available from:

B&H Photo (USA warranty) $1,769.00

Adorama (USA Warranty) $1,769.00

Amazon (in-cart price) $1,719.95 (USA warranty)

Amazon UK £1,495.25

Canon announces 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lens

Canon has announced a new 40mm f/2.8 'pancake' lens for full-frame cameras. The 40mm has a electro-magnetic diaphragm (EMD - a feature of all EOS lenses) which is said to have 'full control' over the diaphragm - presumably step-less control as per cine lenses, but we're waiting for confirmation. The new lens also features a stepper motor (STM) particularly favored for use with CD AF systems, permitting 'smoother' AF during video capture than previous ring-type or ultrasonic motors.

Indeed this suggests Canon thinks a new motor type is necessary for CD AF systems to work effectively during video capture and has released the new EOS Rebel T4i / 650D with a hybrid CD/PD-AF system (located on the CMOS imaging chip). Although Canon has also intoduced a EF-S 18-135mm STM zoom to accompany the new camera, the 40mm f//2.8 is a full-frame lens, so we can expect to see a new full-frame video-enabled camera from Canon with a hybrid CP/PD AF system in the near future. Could this be the mirrorless camera Canon is rumoured to be launching this year?

The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is available from 15th June 2012, priced at $199 / £229.99/Euro 279.99 RRP incl. VAT.

Pre-order from Adorama at $199

Pre-order from B&H Photo

Amazon ($199)

From the press release:

EF 40mm f/2.8 STM – super-slim, high image quality

The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is Canon’s first EF pancake lens with a fixed focal length of 40mm and wide f/2.8 aperture, making it ideal for photographers who want a versatile, compact and lightweight lens for portrait, reportage, travel or landscape situations. Precision control over the circular, seven-blade aperture is enabled by the EMD, producing a beautiful bokeh effect and an aspheric lens with Super spectra coatings ensures optimal image quality from the centre of the lens to the periphery for stunning shots of practically any subject.  

UK retailer Jessops issues 2011 results

In what appears to be an effort to counter the recent rumor reported on several sites claiming Canon UK provided £10m for equity in the UK retailer, after allegedly citing a downward trend in sales and profit to online retailers, high-street retailer Jessops has today released "encouraging" results from the company's 2011 accounts.

Press release

Jessops 2011 Accounts

Jessops is delighted to announce its results for the 52 weeks to 1 January 2012.  In a very challenging year that saw the devastating Japanese Tsunami in March and the Thai floods in October causing severe product supply challenges, I am pleased to announce that Jessops grew sales by 3% to £236.8m with like for like sales growth of 1.3% against a digital camera market backdrop of (7)% decline.

Sales growth was accompanied by margin improvement and strong cost control resulting in an increase in EBITDA from £4.0m in 2010 to £5.7m in 2011.

Jessops has continued to drive market leading shares in the DLSR, CSC, Lens and Accessories categories and saw significant growth in the DSC category too.  Jessops experienced 13 months of consecutive market share growth in the Total Digital Still Cameras Sector*.

Growth has been delivered as a result of significant investment in staff training and knowledge, a commitment to invest in the refurbishment of the store portfolio and further development of the online platform.

During the year a further 20 “black” store refurbishments were completed and 6 new stores were opened.  The refurbished and relocated stores delivered an uplift of over 20% on pre-refurbishment sales.  The new stores have widened Jessops appeal, retaining existing customers and attracting more younger, older and female customers to the store.  Customer dwell time and visit frequency has also improved.

Jessops online business grew by 79% in the year following growth of 100% in 2010.  Online now accounts for 32% of total business with 70% of online customers choosing to collect their products in store.  This provides Jessops with an opportunity to build strong customer relationships and attach the appropriate accessories and photo services to camera purchases.

Jessops continues to drive innovation in its photo business making it more accessible to a broader customer base with initiatives such as our order online and collect at store, in-store large format printers enabling wall art to be produced within an hour, photobook design services, iPhone and iPad apps, a range of high quality instant gifts and UK and International passport photo services.  Our Photo Legacy service will land in June, enabling customers to safely scan, store and reprint old negatives and images and our cloud storage service will be available in the last quarter.

Trevor Moore, CEO, Jessops commented “2011 was a difficult year for retailers and 2012 is expected to remain challenging.  Jessops will continue to develop its knowledge and service based proposition by investing in its people.  We will work to optimize our store portfolio and invest in a further 25 store refurbishments.  The online platform will be evolved to include a new mobile and integrated photo platform.  Jessops will continue to work closely in partnership with its suppliers to present new technology and innovation to the market with the aim of being the best channel to market for our suppliers and the first choice destination for all our customers imaging needs.  We remain cautiously optimistic in the outlook for 2012.”


* According to the GfK Photo Panelmarket April 2011 to April 2012 in value terms, compared to the same period the previous year. Total Digital Still Cameras is the aggregation of DSLR, CSC and Compact

Panasonic secure equity bid in Olympus Corp

According to reports from an Asian news agency, Panasonic is said to have secured an equity stake in Olympus Corp to the tune of $635 million, after the investment loss scandel that wiped millions off the share price of the camera and endoscope maker earlier in the year. The company already supplies Olympus with sensors in the PEN and OM-D series cameras but, while this may bolster the camera divisions of both companies, the report concludes Panasonic is looking to enter the lucrative medical instruments and healthcare industry after falling profits. An additional report states Olympus is set to announce up to 2,500 lay-offs from the loss-making camera division later this week.

Sony announces Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 with Nikon 1 format sensor

Sony has announced a new large sensor compact, the RX-100, using the same 1.0-inch type size sensor (13.2x8.8mm) as the Nikon 1 series. The new Sony has proprietary 20.2-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor but uses a non-interchangeable lens; a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.6x optical zoom. Although the rival Nikon cameras are reported to use an Aptina sourced chip, the appearance of this sensor suggests that we may soon see an update to the Nikon V1 and J1 series cameras (and would certainly explain the current round of rebates on offer on both sides of the Atlantic). There's no mention of a hybrid AF system (CD/PD -AF), but that's not to say there's a derivative in the pipe, it seems too much of a coincidence. Apart from the zoom and lack of an EVF, where this camera scores highly, in my opinion, is in the size or lack thereof; it's seriously small (about the same size as the Canon Powershot S100).

The RX100 will be available in mid July 2012 at $650

Pre-order the RX100 at B&H ($648)

Product Highlights

Cyber-shot™ RX100 from Sony with world’s first1 1.0-type 20.2 effective megapixel sensor and bright F1.8 lens

    •    Capture crisp detail with 1.0-type (13.2 x 8.8mm) approximately 20.2 effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor and F1.8 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 3.6x optical zoom lens
    •    Get low-noise handheld shots in low light with high sensitivity up to ISO 256002
    •    Intuitive operation with Control Ring for creative photo shooting
    •    Powerful features packaged into sleek, compact styling in aluminum body, thanks to newly developed AA (Advanced Aspherical) lens
    •    Shoot Full HD movies with extremely low noise and full creative control
    •    Auto Portrait Framing, Creative Style and Picture Effect modes

Nikon recounts design and introduction of the Zoom-Nikkor 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8P IFED

Image courtesy of Nikon Corp.

Nikon USA has added an interesting and candid introspective on the development of the Zoom-Nikkor 1200-1700mm f/5.6-8P IFED. The company describes how a 'competitor' (Canon) had introduced a 1200mm f/5.6 specifically for shooting pictures from the photographers' seats at Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture in Japan and that the Zoom-Nikkor 1200-1700mm had been built in direct competition.

Interestingly, Nikon refer to the Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 optic has having a built-in (1.4x) teleconverter (operated by a lever), in effect offering a 1700mm f8 option (actually 1680mm f/8), but Nikon wanted to outdo Canon and offer a zoom covering the same range.

What's interesting? Well apart from the fact the Nikon zoom was a manual focus lens and the Canon was a AF lens, I don't recall the Canon having a built-in converter at all and I've seen one up close with a camera attached (though, admittedly, I didn't have the opportunity to actually take pictures with it).

Second, I've not heard that version of the events before. Indeed, I heard the lens was introduced for the 1992 Olympics (with the lens going on 'sale' in 1993 for approximately $78,500 - just think how many affiliate links you would of seen if the net and the rumor sites existed back then), but that doesn't appear to be the case, at all.

Ironically, several Canon-equipped picture agencies (including Reuters) bought the lens and adapted it for use with Canon cameras (it was a MF lens after all). But, Nikon may be having the last laugh now, as I had heard Reuters were using 'the beast', as they call it, with the Nikon D3X*. As one of only two-or-three AI-P lenses (as opposed to the earlier AI-S type), the 1200-1700mm was equipped with a CPU and corresponding electrical contacts for multimode operation (Tv, Av and Program exposure modes). Even now the D3X, D800 and D4 would work perfectly with it, albeit without AF of course.

*Amendment: 02 October, 2012. I've heard from a friend of mine at Reuters, and he says that while they did some in-house testing with the D3X and D4, they continue to use the Canon EOS-1D Mk IV, and now the EOS-1D X with Novoflex converters citing workflow reasons (they are a Canon-based agency after all).

Nikon UK announce cashback on Nikon 1 kits

NIKON LAUNCHES NEW CASHBACK – NIKON 1
 
London, UK, 31st May 2012: Nikon UK today launches a new Nikon 1 promotion offering £50/󌍬 cashback on Nikon 1 J1 and V1 kits purchased before 31st August 2012 (inclusive).
 
Customers purchasing any Nikon 1 J1 or V1 camera or lens combination are entitled to claim £50 /󌍬 cashback. The promotion runs from 31st May - 31st August 2012 (inclusive) and all claims must be received by the 30th September 2012 in order to qualify.

For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback

Buy Nikon 1 kits

Jessops
WarehouseExpress (WEX)
Amazon

Adobe releases ACR 7.1, LR 4.1 adds support for Fuji X-Pro1

Adobe has introduced ACR 7.1 and LR 4.1 adding support for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Fujifilm X-Pro1, Nikon D800, Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus OM-D E-M5. (Lightroom 4.1 was released as RC2 but didn't have support for the Fuji X-Pro1 Raw (.RAF) files).

Other features of Lightroom 4.1 include;

The ability to process HDR TIFF files. (16, 24 or 32-bit TIFF files)
Additional Color Fringing corrections to help address chromatic aberration.
Save photobooks created in the Book Module to JPEG
Publishing photos to Adobe Revel is now accessible via a Publish plugin
Corrections for issues introduced in previous versions of Lightroom.

The update is free to existing users and can be found here (page down to the bottom).

Buy Lightroom 4.1 from Amazon.

List of new cameras supported:

    •    Canon EOS 1D X
    •    Canon EOS 5D Mark III
    •    Canon EOS 60Da
    •    Canon PowerShot G1 X
    •    Fuji FinePix F505EXR
    •    Fuji FinePix F605EXR
    •    Fuji FinePix F770EXR
    •    Fuji FinePix F775EXR
    •    Fuji FinePix HS30EXR
    •    Fuji FinePix HS33EXR
    •    Fuji X-Pro1
    •    Leaf Credo 80
    •    Leica M Monochrom
    •    Leica X2
    •    Nikon D4
    •    Nikon D800
    •    Nikon D800E
    •    Olympus OM-D E-M5
    •    Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5
    •    Pentax K-01
    •    RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5
    •    Samsung NX20
    •    Samsung NX210
    •    Samsung NX1000
    •    Sony Alpha NEX-F3
    •    Sony Alpha NEX-VG20
    •    Sony Alpha SLT-A37
    •    Sony Alpha SLT-A57