From Samyang (translated):
Samyang is proud to announce new lenses that will be available soon – the 35mm f/1.4 Canon AE, 300mm f/6.3 Mirror DSLR and a series of VDSLR lenses: Samyang 10mm T3.1, 12mm T2.2 and 7.5mm T3.8.
The new new 35mm f/1.4 Canon EF mount version will feature AE (Auto Exposure), which has so far been exclusively reserved for lenses with the Nikon F bayonet lens mount. The optical construction of the lens has not changed with excellent image quality and mechanical operation. The Samyang 35mm f/1.4 is designed for use with Canon digital SLR cameras, compatible with full frame and APS-C sensor cameras.
Samyang will also offer a lightweight and compact lens 300mm f/6.3 Mirror UMC CS in DSLR mounts Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A and Micro 4/3. The optical construction has 8 elements in 8 groups. The lenses feature multi-layer coatings (UMC) to minimize glare and increase contrast. A large focal length, exceptionally affordable price and small footprint (lens weighs only 260g) means this lens will become a constant companion for SLR users "in the field".
The Samyang 10mm T3.1 12mm T2.2 Cine and Cine will also be available soon. Samyang VDSLR lenses have aperture and focus rings designed to work with Follow Focus systems. The deeply ribbed rings allow whisper-quiet and smooth changes of these parameters during filming.
The Samyang 10mm T3.1 and 12mm T2.2 Cine lenses feature a nanocrystalline anti-reflective coating (NCS) which provides better light transmission, greater resistance to glare and higher contrast, producing excellent image quality.
Samyang 12 mm version of the photo and film lens, designed for APS-C sensor cameras, fills the need for a wide-angle lens paired with a wide aperture. The lens is designed for cameras equipped with high-resolution sensors (over 24MP). Samyang Optics has earned a reputation of providing excellent quality lenses at an affordable price. The latest set of lenses live up to Samyang's storied reputation. The 10mm and 12 mm, which in terms of mechanical construction and optical capabilities, can successfully compete with the best wide-angle lenses available on the market today.
The product range is further complemented by the Samyang 7.5mm Fish-eye T3.8 Cine lens. This is a film version of the precisely designed fisheye lens, giving a diagonal field of view equal to 180 degrees. Though small in size, Samyang 7.5mm T3.8 Cine can get get unique shots with excellent performance and exceptional visual creativity, and features a minimum focusing distance of just 0.09 meters.
B&H carries Samyang Lenses.
From SmugMug Films:
Joel Grimes is a commercial advertising photographer whose composite portraits stretch the limits of imagination and fantasy. His secret for success in the art and photography world is simple - hard work, passion, and the courage to be yourself, even if it takes sacrifices.
Read our interview with Joel: http://smu.gs/1jCsPcy
See more from Joel at www.JoelGrimes.com.
Just posted: Canon Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 Review
If you have a tripod and a Canon camera sporting an "N3" port, you want a TC-80N3 in your kit.
From Canon Digital Learning Center:
April 24, 2014 – In our new Quick Tips series, you get to watch and learn right from Canon Digital Learning Center experts!
Each video will feature a Canon Technical Advisor offering a helpful imaging tip, sharing a unique product insight, or explaining a key technology. New videos will be added regularly, so check back to keep expanding your Canon knowledge base.
Quick Tips Videos Available
Watch as Chris Newman's drone seemingly malfunctions and gets lost in the Amazon while filming the Treehouse Lodge for Animal Planet.
You can see the final product of their filming efforts on Vimeo.
From SmugMug Films:
Devin Graham's viral videos of the world's largest rope swing (among other jaw-dropping adventures) have garnered over 300 MILLION views since Devin started posting them on YouTube in 2010. All the more amazing when you learn that Devin once broke his back (and leg) while shooting a video. Watch this video profile to get an inside look at what drives one of the world's most popular filmmakers.
Want more? Read our exclusive interview with Devin: http://smu.gs/1bo0hWj
Check out Devin's SmugMug profile or YouTube Channel to see all his exciting videos.
Devin's Essential Gear:
From Tamron:
Cutting-edge eBAND Coating and three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements deliver superior imaging performance, the latest built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) system broadens users' horizons in achieving sharper handheld photographs, and a speedy, precise USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) enables high-speed AF (Autofocus).
April 24, 2014, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the release of the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011), an innovative ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm, for Nikon mount.
Expected Availability
April 30, 2014
B&H has the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD for Nikon available for preorder.
Canon has released their Q1 FY2014 financial results. The presentation material is usually our preferred method for getting the information
Related Article
Canon nudges up 2014 profit forecast as office equipment sales grow; Q1 profit up 51 pct
From SmugMug Films:
Water photographer Sarah Lee (http://www.vivantvie.com/) loves the unpredictability of nature and creates art that captures the interplay of people, water, and light. Unlike other forms of photography, where pixels are painstakingly crafted, Sarah embraces what she can't control and uses her photography to find beauty in the chaos.
Her work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Daily Mail, Marie Claire and more.
Want more? Read our exclusive interview with Sarah: http://smu.gs/1fWN4PT
Get water photography tips from Sarah Lee: http://smu.gs/1dqNUtz
From Nikon:
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the addition of four new photographers to the Ambassador Program, a collective initiative dedicated to recognizing the most influential leaders in modern photography. The four additions include commercial shooter Blair Bunting; wedding and portrait photographer Bambi Cantrell; wedding photographer Doug Gordon; and lifestyle and family photographer Tamara Lackey.
“These four photographers are an exciting addition to the program and bring with them a collective energy as well as a diverse range of talents and shooting styles,” said Mike Corrado, NPS manager, pro relations and product marketing, Nikon Inc. “They embody the essence of the Ambassador Program, which is to act as inspirational leaders and educators to other professional photographers, and those looking to further their craft.”
The addition of these accomplished photographers further expands the styles and photographic disciplines represented in the program. Already considered mentors, they exemplify the founding ideology of Nikon’s Ambassador Program, which is to empower photographers through education and inspiration, and work directly with Nikon to communicate the needs of an evolving photo industry.
The new additions to Nikon’s Ambassador Program include:
To learn more about Nikon’s Ambassador Program, please visit the website at nikonusa.com/ambassador.
Nikon Japan posted this video a few days ago. I get the feeling I've seen it before – but maybe it just reminds me of Sigma's promotional manufacturing plant videos (video 1, video 2). Either way, enjoy this brief look into the production of NIKKOR lenses!
From Sigma:
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that the “SIGMA Mount Conversion Service” and “SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM/ SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO HSM” won TIPA Awards 2014.
SIGMA Mount Conversion Service
Name of Award: TIPA Awards 2014 Best Photo Service
While photographers might be attracted to a new format or different brand camera, the ownership and investment in legacy lenses of a specific mount may stop them from exploring new options for their image making. The SIGMA Mount Conversion Service offers the opportunity to change the mount on a specific set of SIGMA brand lenses, regardless of the mount, to Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Micro Four thirds and Sony E-mount. Pricing depends on the type and focal length of the original lens. Service details are handled by the local SIGMA representative or distributor within each country, worldwide, and takes from two to four weeks to complete.
SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM/ SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO HSM
Name of Award: TIPA Awards 2014 Best Entry Level DSLR Lens
The amazingly compact (2.8 x 3.4 inches) and affordable 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM (27-300mm equivalent) lens is exclusively for APS-C sized sensors. It is smaller and lighter than the previous version and offers a closer focusing distance to boot. It also has a newly incorporated SLD glass element plus 3 aspheric elements among its 16 elements, 13 groups construction. The lens incorporates an optical stabilizer (OS) system for those cameras that do not have OS built-in, with automatic panning detection to shift the OS to one axis. It has a close focusing range of about 1.5 feet throughout the focal length range, making it extremely versatile for close-up photography.
Note: Sigma also received a "Best Design" award for its dp Quattro camera lineup.
B&H carries the Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM lens.
From Tamron:
Incorporating Tamron’s cutting-edge eBAND Coating and three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements, the Tamron 150-600mm delivers superior imaging performance, while the latest built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) system broadens users' horizons by achieving sharper handheld shooting.
April 23, 2014, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the innovative ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm, SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011), has been awarded the TIPA 2014 Best Expert DSLR Lens Award.
BEST EXPERT DSLR LENS Award:
Reason for winning TIPA award (from original statement)
The Tamron 150-600 mm lens, for full-frame and APS-C DSLRS (with 1.5Xmagnification factor) incorporates VC (Vibration Compensation, Tamron’s image stabilization technology), a fast USD (ultrasonic silent drive), and eBAND (extended bandwidth and angular dependency) coating, for flare and ghosting reduction. The lens employs 20 elements in 13 groups, with the front group containing 3 ED glass elements. The circular, 9-bladed diaphragm provides exciting bokeh effects and maintains the circular shape even at 2 stops down from maximum aperture. The included SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron uses optical data to correct any distortion, light falloff and chromatic aberrations.
Check out Bryan's full review of the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for more information.
From Canon:
TOKYO, April 23, 2014—Three Canon camera products and one Canon technology were recognized with "Best Photo and Imaging Product" awards by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 29 photo and imaging magazines from 16 countries across five continents. The four award-winners are: the EOS 70D digital SLR (DSLR) camera, the PowerShot G1 X Mark II digital compact camera, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x super-telephoto zoom lens, and Dual Pixel CMOS autofocusing technology.
Best DSLR Advanced: EOS 70D
Named "Best DSLR Advanced" by the TIPA jury, the Canon EOS 70D features an APS-C-size approximately 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5+ image processor, making possible a fast continuous shooting speed of up to approximately 7 frames per second and a maximum standard ISO of 12800,1 which can be extended up to ISO 25600. The camera is also equipped with a 19-point all cross-type AF system. Earning special praise, however, was the EOS 70D's Dual Pixel CMOS AF, which the judges called a "breakthrough." The innovative autofocusing technology makes possible improved tracking capabilities when shooting video to ensure smooth focusing performance similar to that achieved by video camcorders, and fast autofocusing performance when capturing stills during Live View shooting. Other features mentioned by the TIPA jury were the camera's Vari-angle touch-screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II, which offers approximately 1.04-million-dot resolution, and built-in Wi-Fi, which allows image-sharing via CANON iMAGE GATEWAY as well as the transfer and saving of images to a smartphone using the EOS Remote application.2
Best Expert Compact Camera: PowerShot G1 X Mark II
Crowned "Best Expert Compact Camera," Canon's flagship-model PowerShot G1 X Mark II features a 1.5-inch approximately 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, a fast f/2.0-f/3.9 lens with 24-120 mm (35 mm film equivalent) 5x optical zoom, and a variety of custom functions and handling features. The TIPA judges noted that the camera offers a host of shooting and recording modes that, in addition to JPEG images, allow users to record 14-bit RAW data, and delivers fast and accurate autofocusing performance through the inclusion of 31 AF points. The G1 X Mark II's Dual Control Rings on the lens barrel let users easily change exposure compensation and other parameter settings while the 3.0-inch tilt-type touch panel LCD provides enhanced composition options. The jury also noted that the camera makes possible Full HD video recording, includes built-in Wi-Fi and built-in NFC (Near Field Communication) for quick and simple pairing to a compatible Android device,3 realizes a focusing range that begins at just 5 cm, and makes available full-time manual focus.
Best Professional DSLR Lens: EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x was granted the "Best Professional DSLR Lens" title by the TIPA judges, who highlighted the merits offered by the super-telephoto zoom lens's built-in 1.4x extender, which lets users instantly change the lens's zoom range from 200-400 mm to 280-560 mm with the single flip of a switch.4 The feature is particularly beneficial in shooting situations where it is not possible to quickly change lenses and also enables users to protect their digital SLR camera equipment by not having to expose the camera image sensor and other delicate interior components to the risk of dust or high humidity. The lens incorporates one fluorite lens element and four UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements, and employs a 9-blade circular aperture. The Power Focus mode facilitates smooth and quiet focus shifts, an essential feature for filmmaking, while the lens's construction makes it highly resistant to dust and water.
Best Imaging Innovation: CMOS sensor enabling Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Earning TIPA's "Best Imaging Innovation" honors was the CMOS sensor that supports Canon's Dual Pixel CMOS autofocusing technology. Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a phase-difference AF technology on the image sensor plane, employs a CMOS sensor on which all of the effective pixels are able to perform both imaging and phase-difference AF.5 Compared with the AF systems employed in previous EOS-series models, Dual Pixel CMOS AF makes possible dramatically improved AF performance during Live View shooting and when shooting video. The jury noted that the technology achieves "greatly enhanced" AF performance in terms of speed and smoothness because Live View shooting can be used in a manner similar to using the camera's viewfinder. Featured in the EOS 70D digital SLR camera, Dual Pixel CMOS AF supports outstanding AF performance with 103 models6 of Canon EF lenses (including earlier models and models available outside of Japan). The TIPA judges also expressed their expectations that Dual Pixel CMOS AF would “allow for future development of even more responsive image capture and processing capabilities."
Relevant Reviews: EOS 70D | EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x