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Image quality test results have been added to the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens page.
 
Here is the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. G1 Lens image quality comparison. Obviously, the camera resolution is quite different in these results, but if you visualize the chart details in the G1 results being enlarged to the G2's detail size, you will likely determine that these two lenses perform very similarly. That they perform similarly is not a surprise.
 
Here are some more comparisons for your entertainment:
 
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC G2 vs. Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro FX Lens (different resolution)
 
The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX
 
Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

From Skylum:
 
We’ve been hard at work on Luminar 3 and we’ve got a significant update to share with you. With Luminar 3.1.0 you’ll find several new improvements for both Mac and Windows. The next generation of Accent AI makes enhancing your images easier than ever before. Plus some performance and usability enhancements will make your editing workflow even faster.
 
Accent AI 2.0. Reimagined.
 
The improved Accent AI filter lets you get natural-looking results in less time. New “human-aware” technology recognizes people in your photos and applies adjustments selectively for more realistic images.
 
With Accent AI 2.0, you can make dozens of adjustments (done quickly) with just one slider. Fix tone, detail, exposure, depth, color, and more thanks to behind-the-scenes AI. In less than a second, your photos can look their absolute best. Make Accent AI 2.0 your go-to filter. (Tip: It can even replace the Develop step for most photographers!) For beautiful photos, rely on Accent AI 2.0 as your starting point.
 
Follow your style.
 
Whether you’re working with the Library to organize your images or using the QuickEdit command, it’s now even easier to get the results you want. Take advantage of image-aware filters and professionally designed Luminar Looks to unlock the best image possible. Once you’ve created the perfect style, apply it to all shots in your series with the improved Adjustment Sync. You can now select multiple photos and apply the same adjustments in just one click. Filters and Looks are transferred in just one click, while image-specific changes like cloning and cropping are ignored.
 
RAW shooters can stay organized.
 
If you capture RAW and JPEG at the same time, it’s even easier to stay organized in Luminar 3. When you import RAW and JPEG pairs, you can decide which files to see. View just RAW or just JPEG for a less cluttered library, or see both and use the JPEG file as a reference while you edit. Edits to JPEG and RAW files are independent but can be easily synced. Use the View menu to control which images are shown for a clutter-free library.
 
Better Sorting.
 
Using the Gallery view to get organized or search for that perfect image? Now when you sort using a method like File Type or Color Label, a second organization is also applied. When you sort your images they are sorted by the new category first and then automatically sorted by date.
 
Trust your editing to Luminar.
 
Thanks to our users for reporting different issues. This version of Luminar offers general stability improvements. We’ve made hundreds of under-the-hood performance improvements based on user feedback. Windows users, in particular, will see tons of new features that bring Luminar for Mac and Windows into close alignment. Improved stability and performance along with robust catalog backups help keep your images and edits safe.
 
Luminar Updates for Windows Users
 
The Windows version of Luminar receives several updates with version 3.1.0 We hope you enjoy this new release of Luminar and appreciate your feedback and reports. New features
 

• IMPORT IMAGES. You can now import images from a memory card or hard drive and copy them to a folder. You can also choose to include subfolders when importing
• SMUGMUG SHARING. The ability to post images to SmugMug has now been added to Luminar for Windows.
• SHORTCUTS. Folders and user albums can be added to the Shortcuts list. Just right-click for a context menu or drag & drop them into the list.
• IMPROVED SELECTIONS. Want to choose a range of photos in the Gallery view? Try the Shift or Ctrl key to select a range or group of images. You can also deselect images from a multiselection by Ctrl+clicking on an image.
• ROTATE IN GALLERY. Images selected in the gallery can be quickly rotated left or right by 90 °increments with no need to switch to edit view. Just use the Image > Rotate menu or just right-click.
• PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS SUPPORT. We’ve added Photoshop Elements support to the Windows platform. Just choose the Install Plugins command if you want to load Luminar as a plugin. For future versions of Luminar, plugin users should switch to Luminar Flex.

Performance Improvements
 
Get additional speed and performance from the Luminar update
 

• IMPROVED HISTORY. Undo a Sync/Copy/Paste adjustments with one step in the History list.
• HIDDEN FILES. Luminar does a better job of filtering hidden folders and photo. Additionally, unwanted items like Backups, History, Previews, and Caches won’t be shown when opening Luminar Catalogs.

Luminar Updates for Mac Users
 
Several performance improvements, as well as new features, await Mac users. We hope you enjoy this new release of Luminar and appreciate your feedback and reports.
 

• PROGRESS BAR. Keep better track of what’s happening when working with Luminar. You’ll see a progress bar when using tools like Erase or when running Luminar as a third-party filter.

How to Update
 
Updating your Luminar software is easy. Be sure to also rerun the plugin installer if using Luminar as a plugin for Photoshop or Lightroom Classic.
 
Mac – Please, launch Luminar 3, then in the Top Menu Bar choose Luminar 3> Check for updates.
 
Windows – Please, launch Luminar 3, then in the Top Menu Bar choose Help > Check for updates.
 
We hope you enjoy these improvements. We’re hard at work on more performance updates and features
 
Use coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE to save $10.00 on a Luminar 3 purchase.

From Sigma:
 
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
 
We would like to share results of our investigations regarding the operating conditions of the Sony “a6400 (ILCE-6400),” released by Sony Corporation on February 22nd, 2019, and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Sony E-mount.
 
With the SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Sony E-mount, both the AF and the AE work inter-connectedly, and they are compatible with the in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function:“Lens Correction” (“Peripheral illumination correction”, “Chromatic aberration of magnification correction”, “Distortion correction”). *SIGMA 19mm F2.8 DN | Art, SIGMA 19mm F2.8 EX DN, SIGMA 30mm F2.8 DN | Art, SIGMA 30mm F2.8 EX DN, and SIGMA 60mm F2.8 DN | Art are not compatible with the Fast Hybrid AF.
 
In addition, we found some phenomena particular to some products listed below. Regarding these phenomena, we are going to release a firmware update for improvement. The availability of the firmware will be announced on a later date.
 
Furthermore, the operating conditions of SIGMA’s SIGMA GLOVAL VISION (SGV) lenses via the MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 are currently under investigation. After completing it, we are going to make an announcement.
 
Applicable products
 

• SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 105mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount
• SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount

Confirmed phenomenon
 
The stop position may vary when the shutter button is repeatedly half-pressed on the AF toward the same subject.
 
Applicable product
 

• SIGMA 40mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art ??for Sony E-mount

Confirmed phenomenon
 
With a6400 and cameras incorporating DMF mode, it automatically displays a magnified view as it gets in focus, when using the AF while the MF assist function is turned on.

 
In this video, photographer Lindsay Adler demonstrates three techniques for using V-flats for beauty lighting.
 
Relevant Gear
 

• V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat Kit (Black/White, 2-Pack)
• Profoto D2 500Ws AirTTL Monolight
• Profoto Deep White Umbrella (Large, 51")
• Profoto Umbrella Diffuser (Large)

From Tamron:
 
April 25, 2019, Commack, NY - Tamron announces the launch of a new zoom lens, the 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043), for full-frame DSLR cameras. Photographers everywhere, especially those who enjoy photographing people, can add wider range to their creative expression with the new Model A043 that extends from 35mm to 150mm and offers a fast F/2.8 aperture at the wide-angle end while maintaining a bright F/4 at the telephoto end. The lens will be available May 23 in Nikon mount and June 20 in Canon mount at approximately $799 at authorized Tamron USA retailers.
 
The zoom range incorporates the 85mm focal length (often regarded as optimum for portrait shooting) and covers everything from full-body shots that include the surrounding environment to head-and-shoulders shots that stand out from a natural defocused "bokeh" background for which Tamron is renowned. The compact Model A043 is designed for fast handling and easy transport, measuring only 4.9 in long and perfectly balanced. On the technical side, three optimally placed LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements and three hybrid aspherical lenses quash various optical aberrations. Autofocus is exceptionally quiet with improved precision and speed thanks to the OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) DC motor. Furthermore, the Model A043 incorporates the Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) system, which strikes the perfect balance between AF performance and effective vibration compensation. For close-focusing, the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 17.7 in across the entire zoom range. Providing greater flexibility when used outdoors, a Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction deliver extra measures of protection. The new 35-150mm portrait zoom is the most useful and most creative lens a portrait photographer can own.
 
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
 
Superb optical performance meets requirements of high-resolution 50+ megapixel DSLRs
Chromatic aberration and other imperfections that can diminish and degrade resolving power are thoroughly controlled by an optical design that combines three high-performance LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements with three hybrid aspherical lens elements aligned in perfect balance. The result provides the high levels of sharpness and contrast that today's high-resolution digital cameras require. Tamron's exclusive formula is optimized for exceptional performance around the mid-zoom 85mm range because that focal length has long been regarded as the preferred choice for portrait shooting. True to its designation as a "portrait zoom," the Model A043 leverages Tamron's optical technologies across the entire zoom range from wide-angle to telephoto to assure the finest experience at any setting. Making full use of the controlled depth-of-field properties only fast-aperture lenses can provide, Tamron employed proprietary simulation technologies to maximize the soft and natural "bokeh" defocused blur it has cultivated over many years. As a result, in-focus areas are rendered sharp and crisp down to the fine details that makes the subject stand out against a gently and beautifully blurred background. This technique is highly prized by portrait photographers and is potent for virtually every other type of photography.
 
Outstanding performance even in strongly backlit situations
Tamron's legendary BBAR (Broad-Brand Anti-Reflection) Coating works in harmony with an optical design that suppresses internal lens reflections to significantly reduce all traces of ghosting and flare. Because portraits are often shot under backlight conditions for impact, Tamron uses these advanced technologies to preserve high image quality even when strong sources of light-including the sun-are in frame.
 
High-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system delivers fast and highly responsive autofocus performance plus outstanding vibration compensation
 

• Silent autofocus driven by OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) DC motor - The OSD DC motor debuted in the 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD (Model A037) with favorable response. OSD technology reduces drive noise significantly (compared to previous DC motor-equipped lenses) while boosting autofocusing precision and speed by a wide margin. This eliminates noisy distractions during portrait shooting. Furthermore, the superior AF precision also provides more accurate tracking when locked on moving subjects.
• Outstanding VC (Vibration Compensation) - Tamron's original VC system is enhanced in the A043 with an independent MPU dedicated to image stabilization without detracting from AF processing functions. Consequently, the VC (Vibration Compensation) achieves 5 stops*, according to CIPA Standards. This is highly beneficial when shooting at the telephoto end where camera movement is magnified. It's also very valuable when shooting at slow shutter speeds in dim lighting conditions.

* CIPA Standard Compliant. For Canon: EOS-5D MKIII is used. For Nikon: D810 is used.
 
MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 17.7 inches across the entire zoom range
Close focusing, the A043 delivers an MOD of 17.7" at all focal lengths thereby expanding versatility and creative freedom. This allows portrait photographers to get in close to capture expressions and smaller details and allows them to adjust camera-to-subject distance with greater control. Even when shooting indoors where movement is restricted, users can make use of this feature to find the perfect shooting position and angle.
 
Next-generation design is consistent with brand identity and is ergonomically superb
Tamron has applied magnificent craftsmanship to a beautiful, intuitive design to produce a zoom with superior look and feel. From the outer contours of the lens, to the deftly worked Luminous Gold brand ring, the quality of this lens is second to none. Even details like the shape of the switch box and the precision and stability of the metallic mount reveal a commitment to functionality as well as design.
 
Moisture-Resistant Construction
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain to provide Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature affords an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
 
Fluorine Coating
The surface of the front element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The front surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance.
 
Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM, an optional accessory
The new Model A043 is compatible with the TAMRON TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product that provides a USB connection to a personal computer for easy updating of the lens's firmware as well as customization of features including fine adjustments to the focus position of AF and VC control.
 
Covers a broad range of diverse scenarios when combined as a set with the 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD (Model A037) ultra-wide angle zoom
For the discerning travel photographer who wants to pack light while maintaining excellent image quality, the new 35-150mm zoom pairs perfectly with Tamron's 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD (Model A037) wide-angle zoom. The two lenses together cover 17mm to 150mm affording creative and versatile capture of landscape, street scenes, architectural details, food, street portraits and more, at a total weight of just 44.1 oz* with fast F/2.8 at the wide ends and F/4 at the tele end of each.
 
* Weight applies to the model with the Nikon mount.
 
B&H has the Tamron 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD Lens available for preorder.

Canon has released its financial results for 1Q 2019. You can download the results, presentation material and speech summary here.
 
It seems that the camera market decline is occuring at a higher rate than Canon initially projected.
 

Here's what Canon had to say about the numbers:

In the first quarter, sales of interchangeable-lens cameras were down 19% to 850 thousand units. This reflects the combined impact of accelerated market contraction for DSLRs, in particular entry-level models, and economic slowdown in China, which is a sizeable market for interchangeable-lens cameras.
 
The habit of capturing images with smartphones with improved cameras has become a part of daily lives of consumers. As a result, the market for entry-level DSLRs is contracting at a pace that exceeds the outlook we had at the beginning of the year. That said, we expect the user base of professionals and advanced-amateur, people who value the image quality and expressive possibilities afforded by cameras with large sensors and an abundance of interchangeable-lenses to remain. For the market overall, however, we expect the trend of market contraction to continue for some time.
 
In light of these circumstances, we decided to reexamine our full-year projections for the market and our own unit sales. We now expect the market and our own unit sales to decline 17% to 8.6 million units and 4.2 million units, respectively.
 
Mirrorless cameras, known for being small and lightweight, are increasing their presence in the market. Amid this situation, we will steadily shift our focus from DSLR to mirrorless cameras with the aim of maintaining our overwhelming competitiveness, which we have built upon DSLRs.
 
In the first quarter as well, we grew our unit sales of mirrorless cameras at a pace far exceeding the overall market, thanks to such new products as the EOS M50 and EOS R. Additionally, at the end of the quarter, we further enhanced our lineup, with the launch of the EOS RP, a smaller and lighter mirrorless camera equipped with a full-frame sensor and the same new mount found on the EOS R. Additionally, we plan to release six new models of RF lenses within the year. Users have not only praised the performance of these bodies and lenses, but also expressed their high expectations for the R system overall having felt our sense of urgency in strengthening our lineup over a short period of time. We will work to maintain sales growth of the EOS RP, which got off to a flying start, while also successively launching new RF lenses as we work to further stimulate sales of our strengthened mirrorless lineup.
 
From a profit perspective, in the full-frame sensor category where particularly high growth continues, even among mirrorless models, we will work to improve our product mix, actively expanding sales of both R System products. Additionally, for lenses with high profitability, we will not only promote sales of RF lenses, but also continue to promote the appeal of our broad range of EF lenses. Furthermore, we will work to expand automation initiatives not only to other products, but also other processes, raising our cost competitiveness and linking this to a recovery in profitability.

At the very least, it appears that we have six new RF lenses to look forward to before the close of 2019.

From Zeiss:
 
The Telephoto Lens.
 
With its new Otus 1.4/100, ZEISS has expanded the tried and tested Otus family to include a new telephoto focal length. The ZEISS Otus 1.4/100 is one of the best lenses in its class due to its low sample variation, outstanding imaging performance, and superior build quality.
 
With the same uncompromising performance that makes all Otus lenses stand out, the ZEISS Otus 1.4/100 is a truly exceptional lens. A lens that is a reflection of the comprehensive expertise and extensive experience of ZEISS.
 
Although developed for 35 mm full-frame cameras, the Otus 1.4/100 gives you the quality and look of a medium-format system.
 
Whether in the studio or on location, this lens stands out in every situation thanks to its high resolution and excellent sharpness – even at the maximum aperture of f/1.4.
 
Whether portrait or product photography, the bokeh will impress you. The apochromatic lens design with aspherical lenses and special glass prevents almost all conceivable aberrations. In addition, the high-quality coating keeps the contrast high, even when shooting against the light, and minimizes lens flare.
 
Apochromat
Because this lens is an apochromat, chromatic aberrations (axial chromatic aberations) are corrected with elements of special glass with anomalous partial dispersion. The chromatic aberrations are therefore significantly below the defined limits. Bright-dark transitions in the image, and especially highlights, are reproduced almost completely free of color artifacts.
 
The ultimate in image contrast
Aberrations caused by extreme differences between shadows and highlights are particularly obvious in images captured at night. Thanks to the outstanding correction of lateral chromatic aberration, the floodlit facade is reproduced with absolute perfection.
 
No colour fringing
Sources of light located in front of or behind the plane of focus present particular challenges to every lens. In the case of the ZEISS Otus, longitudinal chromatic aberration is so low that practically no colour fringing occurs.
 
The medium format look
Thanks to its exceptional sharpness, the ZEISS Otus exploits the full potentials of contemporary high-resolution sensors and rewards photographers with images characterised by breathtaking rendition of even the finest details.
 
Aspherical design
The aspherical lens design ensures consistent imaging performance throughout the entire focusing range as well as sharpness to the periphery of the image. The asphere's more complex surface profile can reduce or eliminate spherical aberration and also reduce other optical aberrations compared to a simple lens.
 
Technical Specifications
 

Focal length	100 mm
Aperture range	f/1.4 – f/16
Camera mount	Canon EF-Mount* (ZE) | Nikon F-Mount* (ZF.2)
Format compatibility	Full Frame
Focusing range	1,0 m (39.4") – 8
Free working distance	0,83 m (32.7") – 8
Angular field** (diag. | horiz. | vert.)	24° / 20° / 14°
Diameter of image field	43 mm (1.69")
Coverage at close range (MOD)**	206 x 309 mm (8.11 x 12.17")
Image ratio at minimum object distance	01:08.6
Lens elements | groups	14 / 11
Flange focal distance	ZE: 44 mm (1.73") | ZF.2: 47 mm (1.83")
Entrance pupil position (front of image plane)	35 mm (1.38")
Filter thread	M86 x 1.00
Rotation angle of focusing ring	315°
Diameter max.	ZE: 101 mm (3.96") | ZF.2: 101 mm (3.96“)
Diameter of focusing ring	ZE: 90 mm (3.54?) | ZF.2: 90 mm (3.54?)
Length (with lens caps)	ZE: 152 mm (6.00") | ZF.2: 150,1 mm (5.91")
Length (without lens caps)	ZE: 129 mm (5.07") | ZF.2: 127 mm (4.98")
Weight	ZE: 1405 g (3.10 lbs) | ZF.2: 1336 g (2.95 lbs)

The lens is expected to be available for preorder at B&H and Adorama.

 
From the Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:
 
In this Photoshop Magic Minute, Meredith Stotzner uses the Refine Edge Brush to pull in edge details like fur and hair.
 
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

B&H has the Leupold 10x25 BX-1 Rogue Compact Binocular available for $64.99 with free shipping. Regularly $99.99.
 
Product Highlights
 

• BAK4 Reverse-Porro Prisms
• Fully Multi-Coated Optics
• Nitrogen-Filled, Water and Fogproof
• Large Center Focusing Wheel
• Twist-Up Rubber Eyecups
• Lightweight: 13 Ounces

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Davis & Sanford ProVista Tripod with FM18 Fluid Head available for $99.99 with free shipping. Regularly $159.99.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 31-78" Height Adjustment
• 18 lb Payload
• 3-Section Legs, Geared Center Column
• Extra Stable Dual-Strut Top Leg Section
• Two Adjustable Pan Handles
• Center Brace with Lock
• Pivoting Rubber Feet for Any Surface
• Self-Aligning Metal Snap Leg Locks
• Bubble Level
• Padded Carry Case Included

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals for excellent savings opportunities.

Today, Amazon is featuring select PC Components and Accessories as a Gold Box Deal of the Day.
 
Discounted products include processors, power supplies, RAM, fans, computer cases, wireless routers, mice, keyboards and portable hard drives (like the SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD, an especially good deal).

From Nikon:
 
Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.15 to 1.20
 

• The camera can now connect via Wi-Fi to devices running SnapBridge. For more information, see the “Addendum to the User’s Manual” in which this feature is described. Before using this feature, upgrade to the following version of the app:
• SnapBridge version 2.5.4 or later
• Fixed the following issues:
• The camera sometimes had trouble focusing on subjects in the focus points at the edges of the frame.
• The camera would sometimes stop responding during shooting in continuous high-speed (CH) release mode.
• The camera would sometimes not turn off after the power switch was rotated to “OFF”.

Download: Nikon D500 Firmware v.1.20