Nikon News (Page 17)

Just posted: Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review

Image quality test results from a second lens (Sample 2) are now available. The second lens performs similarly to the first.

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Order the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

From Sigma Corporation of America:

SIGMA Announces Development of 65mm T1.5 FF CINE Prime and 65mm T2.5 FF CINE Classic Prime Lenses, Plus Individual Purchase Option of All CINE Classic Prime Lenses

New lenses to debut at IBC 2022

Ronkonkoma, NY – September 7, 2022 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the development of the 65mm T1.5 FF CINE Prime lens, an addition to the SIGMA CINE LENS Full Frame Prime line, as well as the 65mm T2.5 CINE Classic Prime lens. With the addition of these new 65mm lenses, SIGMA now offers a total of eleven full-frame compatible prime lenses in each line ranging from 14mm to 135mm, covering the full range of standard cine focal lengths.

Additionally, effective with the introduction of the 65mm T2.5 FF CINE Classic Prime, lenses in this line may now be purchased individually. Prior to this announcement, the FF CINE Classic Prime lenses were offered exclusively for purchase as a ten-lens bundled kit.

Pricing and availability of the 65mm T1.5 FF CINE Prime will be announced at a future time. Pricing and availability of all individual CINE Classic Prime lenses will be announced at a future time.

Both new lenses will be on display at SIGMA Booth 12.C35 at IBC 2022, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 9th to 12th, 2022.

Development of FF High Speed Prime Line 65mm T1.5 FF Announced

SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce its development of the FF High Speed Prime Line 65mm T1.5 FF, an addition to the offering of SIGMA CINE LENS interchangeable lenses for movie production. The 65mm T1.5 FF is a FF High Speed Prime Line lens that is compatible with large format digital cinema cameras. This is a prime lens that incorporates an optical system specially designed for cinema lenses to meet the stringent demands of this audience. As one of the few options compatible with the latest digital cinema cameras with large image sensors, it further expands the possibilities of movie production in the digital age. With the addition of the 65mm T1.5 FF, SIGMA will have a total of eleven 35mm full-frame compatible prime lenses ranging from 14mm to 135mm. The 65mm T1.5 FF announced at this time will be exhibited at IBC 2022, which is scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 9th to 12th, 2022.

FF High Speed Prime Line
65mm T1.5 FF
Launch: TBD
Accessories: Cap, Lens Support Foot (SF-31) supplied
Lens Mounts: PL (/i Technology compatible), EF and E-mount

* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.
* /i is a registered trademark of Cooke Optics Limited used with permission.
* For detailed specifications, please refer to the product specifications.

#SIGMA #SIGMA65mmT15FF #SIGMACINELENS

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

Model Name 65mm T1.5 FF
Product Line FF High Speed Prime Line
Edition Number 023
Lens Mount PL Mount (/i Technology compatible), Canon EF Mount, Sony E-Mount
Focal Length 65mm
Aperture T1.5 – T16
Diaphragm Blades 9 (rounded)
Close Focus *1 0.65m / 2'2"
Magnification Ratio 1:7.9
Image Circle FF f43.3 mm
Front Diameter f95mm / 3.7"
Filter Size M 86 x 1.0mm
Length *2 PL Mount (/i Technology compatible): 120.6mm / 4.8"
Canon EF Mount: 128.6mm / 5.1"
Sony E-Mount: 154.6mm / 6.1"
Weight *3 TBD
Angle of View FF *4: 31°
S35 *5: 21.4°
APS-C *6: 20.7°
Lens Support Foot LENS SUPPORT FOOT SF-31

* 1 Close focus distance is measured from the image plane
* 2 Front to mount flange
* 3 Without lens support foot
* 4 Horizontal angle of view for a full-frame camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.5, dimensions 36mm x 24mm / 1.42" x 0.94")
* 5 Horizontal angle of view for a super 35 digital cinema camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.8, dimensions 24.6mm x 13.8mm / 0.97" x 0.54")
* 6 Horizontal angle of view for an APS-C camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.5, dimensions 23.7mm x 15.7mm / 0.93" x 0.62")

Development of FF Classic Prime Line 65mm T2.5 FF Announced

SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the development of the 65mm T2.5 FF from the SIGMA CINE LENS "FF Classic Prime Line". The Classic Prime Line 65mm T2.5 FF adopts an optical system designed exclusively for the 65mm T1.5 FF cinema lens, but like the previously released FF Classic Prime Line lenses, the optical system is centered upon uncoated lenses. This configuration makes it possible to achieve both the high resolution that SIGMA CINE LENS is known for, as well as classic image expression with low contrast and beautiful flaring and ghosting effects. With the addition of the 65mm T2.5 FF Classic Prime Line lens, SIGMA now offers a total of 11 of these expressive 35mm full-frame prime lenses ranging from 14mm to 135mm. Both new 65mm cine lenses announced at this time will be exhibited at IBC 2022, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 9th to 12th, 2022.

FF Classic Prime Line
65mm T2.5 FF
Launch: TBD
Accessories: Cap, Lens Support Foot (SF-31) supplied
Lens Mount: PL (/i Technology compatible)

* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.
* /i is a registered trademark of Cooke Optics Limited used with permission.
* From conventional cine lenses, it is not possible to apply for the Mount Conversion Service for this "FF Classic Prime Line".

#SIGMA #SIGMAClassicPrimeLine #SIGMACINELENS

[ SPECIFICATIONS ]

Model Name 65mm T2.5 FF
Product Line FF Classic Prime Line
Edition Number 023
Lens Mount PL Mount (/i Technology compatible)
Focal Length 65mm
Aperture T2.5 – T25
Diaphragm Blades 9 (rounded)
Close Focus *1 0.65m / 2'2"
Magnification Ratio 1:7.9
Image Circle FF f43.3 mm
Front Diameter f95mm / 3.7"
Filter Size M 86 x 1.0mm
Length *2 120.6mm / 4.8"
Weight *3 TBD
Angle of View FF *4: 31°
S35 *5: 21.4°
APS-C *6: 20.7°
Lens Support Foot LENS SUPPORT FOOT SF-31

* 1 Close focus distance is measured from the image plane
* 2 Front to mount flange
* 3 Without lens support foot
* 4 Horizontal angle of view for a full-frame camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.5, dimensions 36mm x 24mm / 1.42" x 0.94")
* 5 Horizontal angle of view for a super 35 digital cinema camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.8, dimensions 24.6mm x 13.8mm / 0.97" x 0.54")
* 6 Horizontal angle of view for an APS-C camera aperture (aspect ratio 1:1.5, dimensions 23.7mm x 15.7mm / 0.93" x 0.62")

Announcement of the Start of Individual Sales of FF Classic Prime Line

SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce that the FF Classic Prime Line, the latest lineup of SIGMA CINE LENSES will be available for sale individually. The FF Classic Prime Line will be exhibited at IBC 2022, scheduled to take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from September 9th to 12th, 2022.

LAUNCH: TBD

#SIGMA #SIGMACINELENS #SIGMAClassicPrimeLine

[ Common Specifications ]

Lens Mount PL Mount (/i Technology compatible)
Diaphragm Blades 9 (rounded)
Image Circle FF f43.3 mm
Front Diameter f95mm / 3.7"

Get your Sigma Cinema Lens at B&H.

DJI just introduced the Avata FPV Drone. Check it out at B&H.

Image quality test results are now available on the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens page.

This lens is considerably sharper at f/1.4 than Sigma's first 20mm f/1.4 Art lens.

Compared to the Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens

Compared to the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens

Compared to the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

Compared to the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens

Order the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Note that these cards are reasonably priced and currently on sale. From Lexar:

LEXAR UNVEILS THE WORLD’S FASTEST CFEXPRESS TYPE B CARD DIAMOND SERIES

Key Features:

• Superior performance with transfer speeds of up to 1900MB/s, write speeds up to 1700MB/s and minimum sustained write speeds of 1600MB/s¹
• With read speeds of up to 1900MB/s¹, dramatically accelerating your post-production workflow from start to finish
• Features blazing-fast write speeds of up to 1700MB/s¹ to capture smooth 8K RAW video. It is also compliant with VPG 400 video class
• Features PCIe Gen 3×2 and NVMe protocols for smooth, high-speed recording of high-quality images and 8K video
• Backwards compatible with select XQD® cameras²
• Lifetime limited warranty³

San Jose, USA, August 24th, 2022 – Lexar, a leading brand of flash memory solution, proudly unveils the world’s fastest Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series, designed for professional filmmakers and content creators.

Unleashing blazing fast speeds of up to 1900MB/s read and 1700MB/s¹ write, you can experience the unmatched performance of the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series. With minimum sustained write speed of 1600MB/s¹, dramatically accelerate your post-production workflow for enhanced productivity.

Featuring PCIe Gen 3×2 and NVMe high-speed protocols, the Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series allows you to capture the highest quality RAW, ProRes, and 8K video with ease. This card also supports VPG 400 specification for professional-quality video, enabling seamless and sustained performance when content is written to the card.

For added versatility, the DIAMOND Series is backwards compatible with select XQD® cameras², enabling existing devices with next-generation performance. And, the cards are designed to be shock and vibration-proof, and resistant to extreme temperatures* for added durability.

“Lexar has a long history of providing industry leading memory solution for professional users and we are excited to continue this tradition with the world’s fastest Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series. This card will dramatically help professionals speed up their workflow while providing the quality, performance and reliability they’ve come to expect from Lexar.” said Joel Boquiren, General Manager of Lexar.

Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B Card DIAMOND Series will be available in this month for purchase online at an MSRP of xxx:

Availability and Introductory Sale

Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B DIAMOND Series Cards are in stock and on sale at B&H.

Notes

1 Up to 1900MB/s read transfer, write speeds lower. Speeds based on internal testing. Actual sustained speed may vary depending on host device.

2 Compatible with firmware enabled CFexpress™ cameras

3 Limited lifetime warranty is limited to 10 years from purchase in Germany and regions not recognizing lifetime warranty

*Shock resistant (1500G, duration 0.5ms, Half Sine Wave) and vibration resistant (10~2000Hz, 1.5mm, 20G, 1 Oct/min, 30min/axis(X,Y,Z)). Based on internal testing. Actual performance may vary.

Temperature-proof: Withstands operating temperature range from 14ºF (-10ºC) or 158ºF (70 ºC) and non-operating temperatures from -13ºF (-25ºC) or 185ºF (85 ºC).

CFexpress™ Type B cards are only compatible with devices that support the CFexpress™ format. Highest transfer speed achieved only when used with a CFexpress™ Type B reader, indicated by a boxed USB logo on the product. Contact your device manufacturer for details.

Lexar is not liable for any loss of data or images.

Actual usable memory capacity may vary. 1GB equals 1 billion bytes.

Check out the new mid-sized Robus RTH-1030 Triple Action Ball Head at B&H.

The Robus brand offers excellent quality for a reasonable price.

Learn more about the new SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE Enterprise-Class USB 3.2 Gen 2 External Hard Drives and preorder at B&H.

Thanks to suggestions and comments, clarifications and additional information have been added to the Does an APS-C Format Imaging Sensor Increase Reach? EOS R7 vs. R5 Comparison article.

Let's talk about "reach", which I'll loosely define as the number of pixels remaining in the desired composition, rendering a subject large when the image is viewed at 100% resolution. Longer focal lengths are the ideal method for accomplishing "reach" with any camera, but the term "reach" is usually reserved for when the longest available lens focal length is not long enough for the desired composition.

This article evolved from its conception, and with crop factors, focal lengths, extenders (teleconverters), pixel density, and reach in the discussion, I take on the challenge of omitting confusion.

To get started, I'll share the original purpose behind this article. A friend is on a mission to obtain sharper, higher-resolution images of distant birds. He is using an EOS R5, currently Canon's highest resolution mirrorless camera, with a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens and EF 1.4x III Extender mounted.

The primary question is, will the Canon EOS R7 and 600mm F4 lens provide better final image quality than the R5, 600mm F4 lens, and 1.4x extender combination? I'll answer that specific question while providing more widely relevant information.

An important clarification is that an APS-C imaging sensor's smaller size does not provide more "reach" than a full-frame imaging sensor. Instead, it crops away a portion of the image circle. While the cropping provides a significant 1.6x narrower angle of view, simulating better reach in the viewfinder, a higher pixel density on the imaging sensor is what provides reach. That most APS-C imaging sensors have a higher pixel density than the full-frame camera models means that photographers touting APS-C cameras as having a reach advantage are usually right, regardless of why they think that.

Mounting a 1.4x extender behind the lens on a full-frame camera makes up for much, but not all, of the full-frame vs. APS-C angle of view difference just discussed. That comment addresses the final framing available but not the reach. When focal length limited, the max available framing is often less important as cropping is likely still necessary. Again, for this article's primary purpose, we are looking for the option that affords the most reach.

For reach, high pixel density is paramount.

A simple way to measure pixel density is to view the pixel size spec. For example, the EOS R5 has a 4.39µm pixel size, and the Canon EOS R7's spec is 3.20µm. Modern image sensors are gapless, so a smaller pixel size correlates to a higher pixel density, and in this example, the R7 has a significantly higher pixel density than the R5.

Interesting is that the R7 pixels are 1.37x smaller than the R5 pixels — creating R7 reach nearly equivalent to that of the R5 with a 1.4x mounted behind the same focal length. The full-frame camera will provide a wider angle of view (1.4x vs. 1.6x) and will provide more pixels overall (45 MP vs. 32.5 MP). Still, when the images are zoomed in to a 100% pixel level view, individual subjects are contained in approximately the same number of pixels from both options. Crop both images to the same composition within the APS-C angle of view, and the images will be nearly identical — assuming that the pixels from both solutions have equivalent quality.

Pixel-level image quality can vary from factors that include low pass filter strength (or lack of this filter), processing applied to the base RAW image, etc.

Another important clarification is that global statements about extender performance must be carefully crafted, as every extender model performs differently with every lens it is mounted behind. Magnifying the image circle of a lens that barely out resolves the imaging sensor may push it past that resolving point, resulting in some amount of blur imparted in an image.

I've long wanted to create an exhaustive extender comparison, but that means testing every camera, lens, and extender combination available, an unrealistic endeavor that is sure to have results impossible to describe concisely. Testing only the lens manufacturer's latest extender models with each lens test provides relevant, valuable results.

When comparing reach, the pixel-level image quality matters, and the R7 and R10 are both excellent in this regard. Always true is that extenders magnify lens aberrations. However, so do higher density imaging sensors.

Another universal truth is that 1.4x extenders reduce the maximum aperture, the focal length to entrance pupil diameter ratio, by one stop (and a two-stop reduction comes with 2x extenders). That one stop is approaching the difference in the amount of light captured by an APS-C sensor vs. the full-frame variant — before any cropping.

Extenders can impact geometric distortion. For example, the Canon RF 1.4x Extender introduces modest barrel distortion. Barrel distortion magnifies the details in the center of the frame more than those in the periphery. In that case, is the 1.4x rating is from the center of the frame (with the periphery magnification something less), or is the magnification rating an average over the entire frame?

Extenders impact AF performance.

"While it’s apparently less than was the case with EF-mount tele extenders and AF, there’s a designed-in reduction in actual AF drive speed of a lens with extenders mounted. This isn’t a design flaw, but rather a feature to ensure consistent AF, and ability for the AF drive to stop at the precise point of sharpest detected focus. Obviously, there’s also the issue of light loss with extenders, and while modern R-series cameras can technically AF at effective max apertures down to f/22, it’s clear that any modern AF system performs better with more light hitting the AF sensor, or image sensor in the case of mirrorless cameras." [Rudy Winston, Canon USA]

As a generalization, smaller pixels create a lower signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and show more noise visible at a 100% resolution view. While that aspect does not distinguish between full-frame and APS-C imaging sensor sizes, APS-C imaging sensors often have higher pixel densities. This means that 100% view comparisons typically show full-frame models outperforming APS-C models.

Because of its larger size, a full-frame format (35mm) imaging sensor captures over a stop more light than an APS-C format sensor, with equivalent output size reflecting that difference in noise levels.

If cropping the full-frame image to the APS-C angle of view or narrower, the sensor size advantage evaporates, and in that case, f/4 is twice as wide as the f/5.6 max aperture of the 600 F4 + 1.4x combination.

Higher density imaging sensors show the effects of diffraction more readily, with slight effects beginning to show at about f/5.2 for the R7. However, those photographing long-distance subjects with long telephoto lenses likely want the widest aperture available, avoiding diffraction issues.

Should I get a higher pixel density camera or a longer focal length lens is a legitimate question. When getting to the long telephoto focal lengths, with reach as a goal, the camera option may be smaller, lighter, and less expensive.

A variation of that decision and the specific comparison investigated by this article is: should I get an EOS R7 or a 1.4x extender for a full-frame camera? Both options meet the same need.

When focal length limited with the highest resolution full-frame camera model, moving to a longer focal length lens with equal or better image quality is the ideal solution. However, such a lens is not always available, and it may be extremely expensive if it is — potentially far more costly than the R7.

In the case of the Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens, Canon offers longer lenses, but with integrated 2x extenders, the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lenses do not have equivalent image quality and they are extremely expensive.

Let's take a look at a single APS-C vs. full-frame plus 1.4x comparison.

Note that I am testing the RF versions of the 600 F4 and 1.4x as they are what I currently have. The RF 600mm F4 and EF 600mm F4 III lenses have the same optics, and the RF 1.4x has only a slight optical advantage over the EF 1.4x III.

The images below were processed identically to the samples in the image quality test tool, with the low contrast neutral picture style and a very low sharpening value selected. However, the target was photographed at the same distance for both cameras and framed from farther than the standard framing distance.

Here is the R7 vs. R5 resolution comparison using the proper chart framing.

Numerous other camera combinations can be tested, but with the densest imaging sensor available, the R7 will rule all of them at this time, slightly besting the M6 II and the 90D.

Back to the promised test images:

The R7 image appears to have very slightly better resolution, and the R5 result's details are slightly larger, though I doubt these slight differences will be noticed in real-world images. The R5 image has more pixels and a modestly wider angle of view, but the R5 + 1.4x and the R7 have about the same reach.

When composed and cropped identically, the background blur created by 600mm f/4 should be similar to that of the 840mm f/5.6. At the same APS-C or wider angles of view, the R7 should take some high ISO noise advantage from the wider aperture enabling a lower ISO setting, and the R7 should avoid the (minor) AF performance penalty imparted by the extender.

Obtaining a sharp image requires all subject details to remain within the indivdual pixels capturing them during the entire exposure. In other words, motion blur is created by subject details crossing into adjacent pixels while the shutter is open. As imaging sensor pixel density increases, so does the shutter speed required to avoid camera and subject motion blur. The image brightness effect from increasing the shutter speed will often be offset by increasing the ISO setting, which increases noise.

However, increasing the focal length has the same effect. So in the end, the option with the most reach will have the highest shutter speed requirement.

Sometimes the camera settings required for a situation include a shutter speed sufficient for stopping motion at the lowest-noise ISO setting, making this point irrelevant.

Did you notice the diffraction softness showing in the R7 f/8 result vs. f/5.6?

Usually, a lens produces better image quality in the center of the image circle than in the periphery. APS-C imaging sensors utilize only the optimal center of the imaging circle. However, extenders magnify the center of the image circle, also utilizing the sweet spot. Thus, both options avoid the worst aberrations.

Here is a periphery comparison from the test described above:

These results tell a story similar to the first results.

Hopefully, the mix of information presented in this article was helpful. A conclusion from this discussion is that the Canon EOS R7 (or another high-density APS-C format camera) is a viable alternative to a 1.4x extender on a full-frame model when significant cropping (APS-C angle of view or smaller) will be required. That's just in case you needed an excuse to get this high-performance camera.

Just posted: Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW Review.

The Powder 500 AW is a great ultralight multipurpose photography backpack.

Order the Lowepro Powder Backpack 500 AW from B&H | Adorama | WEX

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Just posted: ProMediaGear GKJRC Katana Gimbal Head Review.

I borrowed this awesome-looking gimbal head along with the ProMediaGear GKC Katana Gimbal Head to test the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens. The reviews of the same product type from the same manufacturer will read similarly.

The GKJRC Katana is the smaller, lighter, and less expensive option.

Order the ProMediaGear GKJRC Katana Gimbal Head from ProMediaGear | B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

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Just posted: ProMediaGear GKC Katana Gimbal Head Review.

I borrowed this gimbal head along with the ProMediaGear GKJRC Katana Gimbal Head Review to test the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens. The reviews of the same product type from the same manufacturer will read similarly.

The GKC Katana is the larger, heavier, and more expensive option. Few tripod heads are as strong and rigid as this one.

Order the ProMediaGear GKC Katana Gimbal Head from ProMediaGear | B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

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Tamron's 2nd Quarter FY2022 Financial Results are showing positive trending, including an increased forecast.

Also shared was "Planned to launch total of about 5 new models in 2022," including the already announced 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC VXD (Model A067) and 17-70mm F/2.8 VC RXD (Model B070) for FUJIFILM X-mount lenses.

"Capture One 22 (15.3.2) is a service pack containing several bug fixes, along with additional camera and lens support."

Notably, the Canon EOS R7 and EOS R10 are now supported.

Get the full details of this update in the release notes.

Order Capture One Pro at B&H.

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• SanDisk 64GB - 1TB Extreme PRO UHS-I SDXC Memory Cards – only $14.99 - $209.99 after up to $190.00 instant savings
• Zhiyun-Tech WEEBILL-2 SE Combo Kit with 2 Mini Tripods & Fabric Case – only $299.00 after $190.00 instant savings
• Venus Optics Laowa 24mm f/14 Probe Lens for Canon EF – only $1,249.00 after $350.00 instant savings
• & more!

See today's full list of B&H Deal Zone Deals.

Also check out the just-launched Deals of the Week

Some standout deals include:

• Rode Wireless GO II 2-Person Compact Digital Wireless Microphone System/Recorder 2.4 GHz, Black – only $262.00 after $37.00 instant savings
• Rokinon 24, 35, 50, 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens Bundle – only $1,576.00 after $770.00 instant savings
• DJI Air 2S Fly More Combo Drone with Smart Controller – only $1,499.00 after $250.00 instant savings
• Wacom Intuos Pro Creative Pen Tablet Small – only $199.95 after $50.00 instant savings
• Many more deals from Manfrotto, Lenovo, Microsoft, Samsung, WD, and more!

A huge range of additional items are available, and most deals include free shipping.

From Tamron:

Development Announcement

TAMRON Announces Development of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile^TM for Android^TM1 OS

Users can tune lens features in the field via a smartphone

August 3, 2022, Commack, NY - Tamron announces the development of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile^TM, a dedicated application for smartphones and tablets running the Android OS² that provides convenient use in the field and expands the possibilities of video and still photography. The application is the mobile version of the TAMRON Lens Utility dedicated PC software that has earned praise from many TAMRON lens users since its release in October 2021 and was developed in-house by TAMRON. The Tamron Lens Utility Mobile is expected to launch later this year.³

Summary of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile

October 2021 marked the release of TAMRON Lens Utility, a dedicated PC software that enables the customization of various functions of select TAMRON lenses to match the video and still photography style of the lens user. Since then, we have received feedback regarding improved convenience from customers wishing to make lens function customizations when shooting in the field. As a result, we have developed TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile for Android OS (compatible OS Android 6-12⁴). Using the optional TAMRON Connection Cable⁵, an Android smart device can be connected to a lens to easily configure lens customizations without requiring a computer.⁶

A new function that enables lens operations to be controlled from a smartphone has also been added. For example, the A-B Focus function that smoothly shifts the focus from one preselected subject to another can be setup without touching the lens.

Expansion of functions in the future is possible to make users even more comfortable to try out video production.

Functions of TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile

Tethered remote control

• Dedicated features developed for the smartphone can be configured to perform tethered control. (Features that can be configured with the Remote Set Button in the application)
• A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B
• Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single tap of the Remote Set Button⁷

Customizing the Custom Switch or Focus Set Button (Normal functions available with the PC version)

• A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B⁷
• Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single press of the Focus Set Button⁷
• Select AF/MF: Select AF and MF function using the Focus Set Button
• Switch Focus Ring Function (Focus/Aperture): Switch Focus Ring Function from focus adjustment to aperture adjustment
• Assign function from the camera: Assign custom functions from the camera body to the Focus Set Button

*The function of the Focus Set Button can be cleared.

Customizing the Focus Ring

• MF Ring Rotation: Change the rotation direction of the focus ring
• MF Method: Choose the method of focus operation when using the focus ring

*As the application is still under development, the screenshots are subject to change without notice due to design evolution or other factors.

1. Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
2. This application is designed for Android OS. Please note that iOS is not supported at this time.
3. Release date is subject to change depending on development conditions.
4. Compatible with Android devices fitted with USB Type-C ports only.
5. TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type C to Type C) (Model CC-350) is sold separately.
6. Lens firmware updates are not supported with the Mobile version. Performing firmware updates requires the TAMRON Lens Utility for PC and a computer.
7. With the Mobile version, the focus travel time can be specified in 0.1-second increments. With the PC version, there are eight possible speed levels.

Based on the release date, this is some slightly old-dated info from Tokina that is now hitting the news:

About price revision and renewing of Tokina brand lenses

Jun 17, 2022

Dear Customers,

We sincerely thank you for your continued support of Tokina lenses.

Due to recent cost hikes of raw materials and components, our production costs have been greatly increased. We have been making every effort to absorb the cost hike.

However, regrettably, we are not able to bear all the cost increase any further and we need to revise the price of all Tokina lenses. In line with this revision some of our Tokina lenses will be discontinued and renewed respectively as below. The global shipment of renewed models is scheduled to start from June, 2022.

Tokina lens to be renewed

The below models will be renewed. The renewed models will be marked with the "PLUS" sticker on the package and will come with Tokina branded microfiber cleaning cloth. The technical specifications remain the same.

Package design

The renewed models will be marked with the "PLUS" sticker on the package (on all sides).

Seal design and size can be changed without prior announcement. Seal position on the box can be slightly different from real product.

Tokina branded microfiber cleaning cloth included in the box.

Following the renewing the Tokina lenses, the following products will be discontinued.

We would appreciate your kind understanding and cooperation.

Check out the brief Canon EOS R7 Auto Level Feature Demo on the updated review page.

This is a valuable feature.

"Capture One 22 (15.3.1) is a service pack containing new camera and lens support, bug fixes, and quality of life improvements."

Get the full details of this update in the release notes.

Purchase Capture One Pro at B&H.