Canon and Sony News for Apr 2017 (Page 6)

From the Shutterbug Mag YouTube Channel:

Shutterbug photographer Jordan Matter shares five great tips on how to shoot stunning portraits at night with very little gear.

From Nikon:

April 3, 2017 – Nikon Corporation (Kazuo Ushida, President, Tokyo) announced today that the establishment of the Optical Engineering Division on April 1, 2017. Aggregating all the optical engineering functions distributed in each division is intended to create a synergistic effect and enhance multifunctionality, as well as enabling flexible deployment of resources to the area as necessary so as not to miss any business opportunity.

This new Optical Engineering Division is an organization that aggregates lens, mechanical and system engineering functions related to optical equipment and optical solutions. Superior technology and knowledge with respect to optical engineering maintained in each division will now be accumulated and evolved in the Optical Engineering Division to develop optical products that create new value.

In our restructuring plan, announced in November 2016, we decided to restructure our group companies to enhance manufacturing technology of optical components that are our core competence and a differentiator from our competitors. All the functions related to the manufacturing technology of optical components, which were previously owned by Nikon Corporation and our group companies, have now been brought together at Tochigi Nikon Corporation, our consolidated subsidiary, which started operation on February 1, 2017.

In addition to these advances for manufacturing technology of optical components, the newly established Optical Engineering Division will further improve our greatest strength, optical technology, by aggregating optical engineering functions, thereby helping to maximize our products' competitiveness.

One of the lens aspects I always test thoroughly is autofocus accuracy with consistency being especially important as consistency can be calibrated into accuracy if necessary. And, I generally dread testing 3rd party lens AF accuracy because ... historically, many of these lenses have performed poorly in this regard. It is highly frustrating to spend weeks evaluating a lens and have the AF results reveal a flaw large enough to make people no longer interested in it.

As I shared recently, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens shows impressive sharpness even at its widest aperture. But of course, that sharpness can only be realized if the lens is focused accurately and most of us rely on AF for that task. And, with the relatively shallow depth of field this lens can produce at 200mm and f/2.8, that aspect becomes even more critical.

While I'm not completely finished with this lens evaluation, I have some good news to report. The image shared in this post is a collage of 100% crops taken from 15 consecutive 200mm, f/2.8 autofocused images, each captured with the lens initially de-focused. If I hadn't told you, you might have thought that I simply copied and pasted a single image to create this graphic, but those are indeed 15 different images. That's impressive. And, I have a variety of similar tests showing similar results.

I had a track meet to photograph last week and ... I really wanted to see how this lens would perform in that role. The Tamron 70-200 made it into my hands just as I was leaving and, (I don't recommend doing this, but I couldn't help myself) without any prior testing, I mounted the lens on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and went out the door. I shot the meet solely with this lens. The results from about 1,000 images captured were not perfect (they never are), but they showed this lens' AF system performing quite well. That I photographed this event in low light, including heavy cloud cover and light rain with a post-sunset ending, gives the results added value.

I often notice peripheral AF points not performing as well as the center AF point when using third party lenses, so I have also been testing those. While the peripheral AF performance is again not as good, it is only very slightly less so, delivering a significant majority of in-focus images, including at the mentioned track meet and even in the very low light levels at that event. A high percentage of the results from a portrait session with this lens, including tightly-framed head shots and utilizing only peripheral AF points, were correctly focused.

So, I'm quite impressed with the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens' AF performance.

At this point, this lens is looking like a bargain: B&H has the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens in stock (Nikon mount in stock soon).

From Nikon:

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of a number of commemorative models and goods celebrating Nikon's 100th Anniversary, which falls on July 25, 2017.

Since its establishment (as Nippon Kogaku K.K.) in 1917, Nikon has provided the world with unique value through its optical products based on optical and precision technologies. 100th anniversary commemorative models have been planned and developed with the tradition and advanced technologies, which have always led the times, that Nikon has cultivated over the past 100 years at their foundation, but they also incorporate the thanks and hope we feel looking toward the next 100 years. All commemorative items with the 100th Anniversary logo and special finishes and features that give them an even more elegant look and feel will be released. They are commemorative editions of our two flagship digital SLR cameras, a commemorative edition of the ultimate NIKKOR lens in our series of f/2.8 maximum aperture lenses, a commemorative set of three NIKKOR lenses, and finally, commemorative editions of three binoculars. In addition to the 100th anniversary commemorative models, we are also preparing a special collection of commemorative goods.

See our 100th Anniversary site for further details.

D5 100th Anniversary Edition

The D5 is Nikon's flagship digital SLR camera. It has supported the work of professional photographers in such fields as press, sports, and nature photography, and has also aided in activities related to the study and exploration of space. The D5 100th Anniversary Edition, in which the heritage of a flagship model is embodied, has a dark metallic gray finish and a stamp on the bottom noting Nikon's contribution to the study and exploration of space. An anniversary booklet detailing Nikon's contributions to the study and exploration of space is also included.

D500 100th Anniversary Edition

The D500 is a model that offers both agility and highly precise rendering. With its metallic gray finish and commemorative logo, the 100th Anniversary Edition combines an elegant look and feel with practicality. It comes with an exclusive metal case that has a plate on which the commemorative logo and serial number are engraved. The case contains a commemorative body cap and a commemorative leather strap embossed with the commemorative logo.

NIKKOR 70-200E 100th Anniversary Edition

This is the 100th anniversary edition of the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, a fast telephoto zoom lens that has been well received for its ability to offer both superior agility and excellent optical performance since its release in 2016. The commemorative lens comes with the individual glass elements that make up the internal workings of the lens, as well as a special stand and case for displaying them, providing those who purchase and use the lens with a sense of just how the lens achieves its characteristic rendering.

NIKKOR Triple F2.8 Zoom Lens Set 100th Anniversary Edition

NIKKOR lenses have become synonymous with Nikon's optical technologies. The NIKKOR Triple F2.8 Zoom Lens Set 100th Anniversary Edition is a set of three f/2.8 maximum aperture zoom lenses that best represent the NIKKOR name. The set is comprised of the wide-angle AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, the normal AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, and the telephoto AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. The same commemorative serial number is engraved on all three lenses.

WX 7x50 IF and WX 10x50 IF 100th Anniversary Editions

The WX 7x50 IF and WX 10x50 IF 100th Anniversary Editions are commemorative editions of models in the new ultra-wide field of view WX series (WX 7x50 IF, WX 10x50 IF), which offer incredibly wide fields of view with sharp and clear viewing all the way to field edges. The special commemorative logo is printed on the bottom of the binocular's central shaft, and an exclusive serial number is stamped on the top of the central shaft. What's more, in addition to the usual strap supplied with the binoculars, the 100th anniversary commemorative models also come with a WX leather strap embossed with the commemorative logo. Sales of these 100th anniversary commemorative models will be limited to a total of one hundred (7x50 and 10x50 combined).

8x30 E II 100th Anniversary Edition

This is a commemorative edition of the Nikon 8x30E II, a binocular with an orthodox and classic design used and loved by many over the years since its release. Its 63.2° apparent field of view is realistic, and the application of a multilayer film coating to all lens and prism surfaces ensures that the field of view is bright and clear. The commemorative edition has an exclusive metallic gray finish, and the commemorative logo is printed on it. In addition, it comes with a special strap and case. Sales of this 100th anniversary commemorative model will be limited to a total of four hundred.

100th anniversary commemorative goods

Nikon 100th Anniversary Crystal Creation Nikon Model I

This is an elegant and beautiful crystal reproduction* created by Swarovski, the world's leading crystal manufacturer, in commemoration of Nikon's 100th anniversary.

Nikon 100th Anniversary Pin Collection

This collection of lapel pins representing Nikon's most historic and popular products, as well as the corporate logo, looks back at Nikon's 100-year journey through light.

Nikon 100th Anniversary Premium Camera Strap

This premium camera strap is made entirely of the best Italian leather that only improves with use and age.

Nikon 100th Anniversary Miniature Nikon F Camera

The historic Nikon F, Nikon's first flagship model and the camera that set the standard for single-lens reflex cameras around the world, is faithfully reproduced with this 1/2-scale model.

More information will be available in June. See our 100th Anniversary site for further details.

* Decorative model does not have photographic capabilities.

From Breakthrough Photography:

New Depolarizing Filter from Breakthrough Photography Enhances Glare for Artistic Imagery

April 1, 2017 – San Francisco, CA – To expand the creative possibilities of today's photography professionals, Breakthrough Photography is proud to introduce the world's first depolarization filter, the X4 with variable Glare Enhancing Technology (GET). Based on the company's ultra high quality circular polarizer filters, the X4 Depolarizer includes existing Breakthrough Photography brand technologies such as SCHOTT B270 optical glass, MRC16, and nanotec nano coatings paired with an all new titanium-brass alloy knurled frame for the ultimate in handling, durability, corrosion resistence and jam prevention.

Glare Enhancing Technology

For the first time ever, photographers now have the ability to increase visible glare for the ultimate in creative expression. Through the use of triple laminated SCHOTT glass elements with split prism microparticle film, Breakthrough Photography's patented Glare Enhancing Technology allows photographers to not only increase existing visible glare in a scene, but select the precise amount of additional glare desired.

“We’re really excited to bring the X4 Depolarizer to the photography community on Kickstarter first. We’ll be offering a one-time launch sale price of up to $50 off, in limited quantities,” says Clark. “If this Kickstarter campaign proves successful, the X4 Depolarizer will be available for purchase on Amazon Prime, B&H and Adorama directly following the Kickstarter campaign.”

X4 Depolarizer Key Features

• Critically sharp SCHOTT B270 Optical Glass
• American-made Split Prism Microparticle Film
• Nanotec Nano Coating layers repels elements
• Rugged, Ultra-slim, Weather-sealed Titanium-Brass Alloy Traction Frame
• 25 Year Support

X4 Depolarizer Size & Retail Pricing:

• 39mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm for $149
• 67mm and 72mm for $159
• 77mm for $169
• 82mm for $179
• 95mm for $209
• 105mm for $229

You can order the BreakThrough Photography X4 Depolarizer via Kickstarter.