Leica announce new Traveller carbon fibre tripod and two ball heads

Leica has today announced a new carbon fibre Traveller tripod and two new ball-heads. The new lightweight tripod weighs 1.2kg but at the time of posting the firm has not disclosed the packed size or the maximum height. The tripod and heads are available now, with the price of the tripod being £430, and £200 and £330, respectively for the heads.

The firm also announced a new Elmarit-S 45mm f/2.8 ASPH for the S cameras yesterday (it's the equivalent to a 35mm lens in 35mm camera terms). The price, without shutter is £4,650 or £5,500 with (all prices include sales tax). The datasheet can be found here.

For more information, please visit www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

DxO ViewPoint2 special offer

Online readers might be interested to know that from now until 20th October, DxO ViewPoint2 is on a special offer in the UK for just £39. Customers can visit either Park Cameras or WEX to purchase.

A free trial version is available here at www.dxo.com

How to Have Memorable Family Photos

Steps to Make Your Family Photo Stand Out - in a Good Way

Family portraits are an important part of our culture. They help catch our children growing up, our changing families, even our pets through the years. Some family photos turn out hilariously and unintentionally bad. Don't let your family photo be among what a family photo shouldn't look like.

1. Don't wear matching outfits

One of many cheesiest things you can do in a family photo is to dress your family all inside the same outfit. Add some especially bad a part of an outfit, for example an ugly, holiday themed sweater and your loved ones photo gets to be a stale cliché or even a joke. Dressing with some sort of theme, say for example a common color is okay, but ditch the Cosby sweater for some thing natural looking and real.

2. Don't stage your photo

It's one thing to tell an account with your photo, there is however a fine line between that product a staged photo that looks silly and over the top. The best family photos are the ones that look natural. Take a household photo where everyone acts themselves and they are better.

3. Control your background

Going for a family photo using a busy background leaves your offered to be the subject of photo bombers; animals acting like, well, animals, something like that so distracting that it takes away from your photo. If you are taking your photo in your own home, you want to make sure you have a neutral backdrop for photography so that you don't have something in private that you don't want there, like a television or even a window. 

If you take a lot of family photos, you might want to consider getting a backdrop from www.yescomusa.com. That way you have a neutral backdrop that isn't distracting the viewer of the photo from the family.

4. Make sure everybody smiles

This will likely seem like a no-brainer, but nothing ruins a household photo quicker when compared to a surly teenager or crying toddler. Make certain that everybody is comfortable and happy to your family photo so that the photo doesn't always have one person looking miserable while most people are happy.

Taking a family photo mustn't be some staged and cheesy affair. Ditch the matching clothes, busy past and crying children and go instead for a natural and casual vibe. Letting all your family members be themselves are certain to get your the best family photos.


This post is sponsored by www.yescomusa.com.

Images and text, copyright YesComUSA.

Lexar Workflow HR1 Hub and Card Readers, initial impressions

I've been using the new Lexar Workflow HR1 Hub (available to pre-order here) for a few days and I thought I would share some thoughts on it before reviewing it (maybe not here on my site as I'm very busy - it depends on how much interest is shown, I guess).

The first thing to note is that it's a USB 3.0 powered hub, and, if you haven't realized already it doesn't come with any card readers - they're extra, although at $28.41 each the CF and SD (SDHC/SDXC) relatively accessibly priced. If all four bays are used, that's a total of $193.60, and getting on to be pricey. Where things get interesting is of course that the hub is designed to be 'future-proof'. When a new card standard is launched, all you need do is swap out the card readers. And, to prove the point Lexar has announced a card reader for XQD cards, presently only used by the Nikon D4. At $44.99 / 39.95, it's pricier than the standalone Sony XQD Memory Card Reader but slightly lower than the firm's equivalent offering. I'm assuming they're positioning the hub for the new CFAST cards and others in pipe as well, but there's no mention of specifics currently, only a hint.

It shouldn't be a issue, as the card readers themselves can be used as standalone readers, which is neat, and come supplied with a USB 3.0 cable and soft neoprene cover to prevent detritus from enter the card slot. Each card reader slots into a male USB 3.0 connector at the rear of the reader bay, so it's a simple plug and play device. As for transfer speeds I've yet to really put it to the test - my main Mac is USB 2.0 though I will try it with an excellent photo-oriented Chillblast (UK custom-built) USB 3.0 PC that I have in for testing.

 

Previously announced Zeiss 1,4/55 lens on the way?

A new Zeiss lens will be introduced shortly, I can reveal. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment, but I'm sure I won't be upsetting the firm by saying I believe it's for Canon and Nikon DSLRs, meaning a ZF.2 or ZE mount retro-focus model. My own guess is that's the previously announced 1,4/55 lens (shown above). The firm previously said in an 'development statement' that the model will be available at the end of 2013. I believe we may hear more as soon as next week, and I also expect one or two carefully selected review sites (in the US mainly) to publish their initial findings on the day of the announcement...

For more information, please visit the Zeiss blog here.

DxOMark posts video AF comparison between Canon EOS 70D and Sony SLT-A77

I'm not going to reveal the outcome, please visit the site here.

Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 for Alpha going back tomorrow

I have been using the Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 with the SLT-A99 for the past week or so for review in one of the magazines I contribute to. It's going back tomorrow, so if there any readers who would like to ask me questions about it, feel free.

Think Tank TurnStyle 20 sling-bag initial impressions

I'm reviewing the above bag for one of the magazines I contribute to, and I thought I would share some initial impressions. Firstly, it's one of the best sling bags I've seen and it has become a firm favorite of mine which will likely replace my Lens Taxi as my most used pack. However, there are couple of shortcomings.

The first is the overly petite haul loop; it's so thin and weedy* I can't trust it when the bag is full of heavy gear. It would be almost better if it didn't have one (it may be an idea to cut it off - it would also make it impossible for some to grab it from behind). Second, the rear pouch is supposed to take a iPad. It does, but if you have a case for it (I have a very slim Hard Candy case for protection) it won't fit. The TurnStyle 20 easily holds my current review kit: Sony Zeiss 1,4/50 T*, SLT-A99, X-Pro1 and Zeiss Touit 2,8/12 T* and XF-55-200mm f/3.5-4.8R LM OIS., but there's not much room for anything else.

You can buy the TurnStyle 20 direct, here. (Actually this link takes to the range of TurnStyle models).

* This is most unlike Think Tank, their gear is usually close to indestructible

Olympus reveal new 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom, pro E-M1 body

Olympus has revealed the long rumored E-M1 and 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom. It sounds like the E-M1 uses the same excellent panel as the VF-4 (for the PEN E-P5). Prices start at £1299.99 for the body only, £1499.99 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens kit and £1949.99 for a kit that includes the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens.

While the E-M1 seems like a good step up from the E-M5 and PEN E-P5 (both sitting on my desk right now) for stills. the limited 1080/30p video (with a max 24Mbps bit rate) will not give Panasonic GH-3 users any cause for concern, even with the 5-Axis IBIS (which is one of the best for handheld video). Olympus really need to offer 60/50/30/25/24p and IPB and All-I compression and MOV (H.264), MP4 and AVCHD formats. Lets also hope the focus peaking isn't like that found on the E-P5 (it's okay, but nothing like that on the Sony A-99).

ThinkTank Photo unwrap Apple carry cases

ThinkTank Photo, one my favorite camera bag maker's has announced a range of cases, desigbned specifically for Apple iPads and MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops up to the 15-inch model.

For more information, please visit here.

DxOMark compares Nikon and Canon 500mm and 600mm f/4 super-telephoto lenses

DxOMark has published their first comparison between Canon and Nikon telephoto lenses. In the article they compare the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR with the latest Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, and new Sony 500mm f/4 G SSM for the Alpha SLTs. As a bonus, they've also included a head to head with Nikon's premier super-telephoto the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR and the Canon equivalent EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM.

To read the article please visit the DxOMark site.

Nikon D5 and Canon EOS 1DX S DSLRs to feature optional EVFs?

With the introduction of the Leica M sporting both an optical (actually coupled rangefinder) and the option to fit a EVF that works very well together, and with rival Sony offering electronic finders in their SLT cameras, what can Nikon and Canon do with future pro oriented models? Easy, should on-sensor phase detection AF (such as that found on the new Canon EOS 70D) become fast and reliable enough I can think of several solutions. But the one that appeals to me most is a return to the interchangeable finders of their film-era cameras. While the maker's primary concern will be the ingress of dust, how difficult could it be to offer a single body with the option of optical and electronic finders?

The reflex mirror and focusing screen could be retained for the optical (pentaprism) finder and finder based PDAF systems*, and be simply locked up when the electronic finder is attached. You wouldn't be able to switch seamlessly as you can with the Leica M, but that's inherent with the CRF design (and ocular occupying one corner), however it would instantly quash detractors of either system and allow the user to choose the appropriate finder for the job in hand. It's not a new idea, I've been thinking about this for a while but was reminded recently when using my Nikon F5 and again when reviewing the new Hasselblad H5D (pictured above) for a magazine. I've not seen this mentioned anywhere else in print or online, and don't like to make such thoughts generally known on the net, so remember where you read it first.

UPDATE:

* The pedants among you will know that the finder-based PDAF systems are for the most part based in the mirror-box (and use a secondary silvered mirror slung below the main reflex mirror to direct the light to the AF sensor). But it's common to call it a viewfinder based system, as that's how the user perceives it.

Nikon Nikkor 60mm f2.8 D or G version?

If you're a Nikon macro photographer and are looking to buy a 60mm, you have a dilemma. The latest AF-S Nikkor 60mm f2.8G is a fine performer optically and can achieve 1:1 without extension tubes, just like the earlier "AF-D" type version. However, the earlier iteration is preferred by those who want to combine it with the various Nikon PK11A, PK12, PK13, PN11 extension tubes for magnifications greater than 1:1- the latest "G" type model has no aperture ring for manual control. The AF Macro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D (pictured above) is no longer made and while it is very hard to find it is still available new as a "grey import" from Adorama at $429. 

It begs the question, do Nikon realize the shortcomings of not upgrading their extension tubes? With lenses achieving 1:1 already (without the extension tubes) they think there're no need.  It was understandable before, with the lens coupling used on "D" series lenses, but now as the roll-out of AF-S type lenses is well underway there's really no excuse.

Amazon UK have 5 in stock as of the day of posting (6th June) at £354.

Fuji X-E1 and X-Pro1 savings when buying additional XF lenses

Fuji are slashing prices on lenses for the X-E1 and X-Pro1 at $200-$300 a lens. See the B&H site here for details. Click on "Savings Available" A 2% "reward" is also being offered.

Details of the savings for the X-Pro1 can be found here.

DxOMark test score for Sigma 35mm f1.4 released

DxOMark has published their test results on the new Sigma 35mm f1.4 DG HSM. Tested on the Canon EOS 5D MK III for the time being (with more camera bodies to be tested) DxOMark concludes the new Sigma outperforms the Carl Zeiss 35mm f1.4 and Canon's own aging 35mm 1.4L. Data on the new Nikkor 35mm f1.4 AFS will likely follow when the Nikon mount version of the Sigma becomes available.

To read the review please follow the link here.

Nikon D600 kit special at B&H this weekend

B&H Photo are selling the D600 complete with the 24-85VR for just $1,996.95 for this weekend only (it must be some kind of over stock). The deal includes an Oben monopod, 32GB Sandisk SDHC card, Lowepro Rezo 170AW and off-brand spare battery.

Please click here to buy (note this site receives a small commission on sales, but at no additional cost to you).

Fuji X-Pro1 lens offer

Fuji UK has announced an enticing offer on the X-Pro1, if you buy one with a lens, you will receive either a 18mm or 35mm for free. Terms and conditions apply of course* (the offer runs through to the end of December 2012), please see here for details.

*If you're a UK or ROI resident, the only online dealer supporting this promotion is Amazon UK.

Canon EOS 6D available this weekend in UK

Canon UK have just announced this morning that the eagerly awaited full-frame EOS 6D will be available at retailers this weekend.


Two kit versions will also be available:
EOS 6D + EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM £2,519.99
EOS 6D + EF 40mm STM £1,959.99

The cameras will be available through Jessops, and Wex. Amazon are not listing it at the time of posting.

Cyber-Monday deals at Adorama

Available for today only from Adorama:

Canon EOS 5D Mk III c/w 25-105mm L $3,899 (saving $400)

Sony Alpha DSLR SLT A77 c/w 18-135mm $1398 (saving $300)

Sigma DP Merrill $849 (saving $150)

Fuji X-Pro 1 body $1399 (was $1699)

Nikon D5200 announced, no new DX lenses

Nikon UK invited journalists to see the 24-megapixel D5200 yesterday in London but despite it being a well-balanced DSLR spec-wise (it includes the AF system from the D7000) it's no D300s replacement and nor were there signs of any new DX lenses. My guess is we will see a D7000 replacement that will also appeal to those looking to upgrade from the D300s (i.e. it will have a metal outer shell, 8fps or thereabouts and adopt the same 24MP sensor . What AF system it will have is anyone's guess). But for now the D5200 isn't it.
The body only price is £720, Eur 900 (and probably a lot cheaper in the US). It will be available during September.

Press release: