Canon and Sony News for Jan 2020 (Page 2)
From SIGMA:
Firmware update for SIGMA 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary for Sony E-mount (v02)
Benefit of the update:
- It has corrected the phenomenon whereby the image rarely blurs when using the in-body image stabilization.
To update the firmware, please refer to this link.
* After the update, please remove the battery pack from the camera and put it back in again.
Firmware update for SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount (v1.04)
For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable products listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro.
Benefits of the update:
- It has optimized the operation of Mode 2 in Optical Stabilizer when used in combination with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-21 EF-L.
SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
Firmware update for SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E (v1.29)
Benefits of the update:
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM | Art for SIGMA SA mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.01.
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for SIGMA SA mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.04.
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for SIGMA SA mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.03.
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports for SIGMA SA mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.02.
Just posted: Really Right Stuff MC-34 Monopod Review.
The leg locks are awesome and contribute heavily to making this the best monopod I've used.
The Really Right Stuff MC-34 Monopod is available for order (in stock soon) at B&H.
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From Nikon:
Nikon WT-7 Firmware 1.4
Changes from Firmware Version 1.3 to 1.4
- Added support for the D780.
Download: Nikon WT-7 Firmware 1.4
Just posted: MindShift Gear BackLight 18L Review.
This is a great little backpack for a mirrorless or a small DSLR kit.
The MindShift Gear BackLight 18L is in stock at B&H | Think Tank Photo / MindShit Gear | Adorama | Amazon USA
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Ready to be impressed?
Roger Cicala of LensRentals has shared a teardown of the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens. Below is from the conclusion section:
As you can probably tell from our struggles doing this disassembly, the Nikon Z lenses are very different than their legacy lenses. They’re also different than what we’ve seen from other manufacturers. That suggests Nikon Z lenses, like Canon R lenses, are a completely new optomechanical design, probably done entirely in-house.Check out the full Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens Teardown.The engineering itself is incredible in most ways. The neatly laid out and solidly adhered flexes reflect the careful design. The taping of every possible point that Loctite or anything else could get in the lens does, too. The design is logical and clean; the difficulties in the tear-down were ours. Now that we know our way around, disassembly won’t be bad at all.
From Tamron:
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD Firmware v.4
- This update improves the stability of control signal communication in continuous shooting.
Lens firmware can be updated using TAP-in Console.
It had been two years since I photographed this bull elk and he was #1 on my list of subjects to find on this trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. He didn't let us down.
This year, Mr. Incredibull was a 7x7 (referencing 7 points on each antler) with remarkably long G3s (the third point on each side) and long swords (G4s, the fourth point on each side). This morning found the huge elk in my favorite meadow, with short grass and a clean background ideal for photographing in.
While the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is not the ultimate choice for blurring the background (compared to the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens for example), it's zoom range has very strong benefits. The 600mm prime does not do 500mm, the focal length needed for this image.
This bull was not moving fast and permitted a large number of images to be captured. I chose this one as a favorite in part due to the leg position, showing nice separation and a bent front leg conveying a sense of action.
I like as many tines as possible to show in antlered animal images. With this bull's head tilted up, the tail of the left antler is hidden by the body. However, I'd rather capture the desirable bugling pose and there is not much that can be done about partial missing antler in this situation. One tine is hidden on the right antler but the shadow brings that one to light. Antler shadows are great.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 320
9216 x 6144px
From Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd.:
Tokina atx-m 85mm F1.8 FE worldwide sales date announcement
Jan 17, 2020
The Tokina atx-m 85mm F1.8 FE is the first lens debuting in atx-m series designed to fit Sony E-mount full frame cameras. It is a completely newly designed medium tele photo prime lens in Tokina line-up featuring popular 85mm focal length and fast f/1.8 aperture that is excellent spec combination for shooting portraits, landscapes, street snaps and close up shots.
Sales will commence on February 7, 2020.
High-Lighted Features
- Simple and sophisticated design and high build quality based on anodized semi-satin finish metal and optical glass materials.
- Smooth and beautiful bokeh, comparatively round light points in out of focus area thanks to fast aperture f/1.8, large diameter of front glass element and low light fall-off performance.
- Outstanding resolving ability from corner to corner thanks to 10 glass elements including 1 SD element.
- Effective ghost and flares care thanks to Tokina's exclusive Super Low Reflection Coating with water, oil&dust repellent abilities.
- Quiet, speedy and accurate focusing realized by ST-M focus motor actuation.
- Smooth and precise manual focusing thanks to all-metal made unit and high standard grease materials.
- Complete data correspondence with camera body that provides full advantage of the latest features of the Sony A7 series such as 5-axis image stabilization, MF assist, Face/Eye Priority AF, Real-time Eye AF and the electronic distance scale.
- Developed and manufactured in accordance with Sony-licensed specifications.
B&H is taking preorders for the Tokina atx-m 85mm f/1.8 FE Lens for Sony E.
From the Adorama YouTube Channel:
A textured wall in your studio could well be the perfect background for your portrait photos. Even a slight texture can add the feeling of depth and interest to a portrait that a plain wall often can't. Of course not many photographers have the space of a permanently textured wall, so in this video Gavin Hoey walks you through a shoot in his small home studio, where he plans to replace a simple, smooth fabric background with some texture.
After the shoot, Gavin takes you into Photoshop where he passes on some simple tricks to add a gentle texture over the original portrait. He then goes on to blend everything togther by means of a quick color toning technique.
If you're looking to enhance a smooth background with a small amount of texture, this technique opens up a whole new world of background styles.
From Nikon:
ViewNX-i v.1.4.1
Changes from Version 1.4.0/1.4.0a to 1.4.1
- Added support for the D780 and COOLPIX P950.
- Ended support for Windows 7.
Download: ViewNX-i v.1.4.1
Capture NX-D v.1.6.1
Changes from Version 1.6.0/1.6.0a to 1.6.1
- Added support for the D780 and COOLPIX P950.
- Fixed an issue that caused Capture NX-D to crash when opening pictures edited in Capture NX2.
- Ended support for Windows 7.
Download: Capture NX-D v.1.6.1
IPTC Preset Manager (Mac) v.1.1.1
Changes from Version 1.1.0 to 1.1.1
- Added support for macOS Catalina version 10.15.
- Ended support for macOS Sierra version 10.12.
Download: IPTC Preset Manager (Mac) v.1.1.1
Distortion Control Data Version v.2.018
Unfortunately, detailed information regaring this update was unavailable, but it's likely that new camera or lens profiles were added.
Download: Distortion Control Data Version v.2.018
From Canon USA:
The Only Company in the World to be Ranked in Top Five for 34 Years
MELVILLE, NY, January 15, 2020 – Aligning with its mission of empowering innovations, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce that its parent company, Canon Inc., was granted 3,548 patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office and maintained its third place ranking for patents granted in 2019 according to IFI CLAIMS Patent Services, a leading producer of global patent databases. With this year’s ranking, Canon has become the only company in the world to have ranked in the top five for number of patents granted for 34 consecutive years. Additionally, Canon has once again ranked first in patents among Japanese companies for the 15th consecutive year.
These patents continue to demonstrate Canon’s contribution to science and technology which are used to develop fundamental technologies designed to drive innovation and support customer and business needs.
“As technology continues to evolve, we too will continue exploring new areas and future innovation opportunities,” said Seymour Liebman, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and general counsel, Canon U.S.A. Inc. “Canon is proud to be in the top three patent holders as it reflects our dedication and commitment to delivering innovative ideas and solutions to meet market and customer demands.”
Just posted: Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens Review.
This lens is a great addition to Sony's lineup.
The Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
Like most wildlife photographers, I'm opportunistic. Photographing moose wasn't the primary plan for this trip but when this bull showed up, our group didn't question what we were going to photograph next.
I most often encounter moose just before dark and the wide aperture of the Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens was very welcomed this evening. The working distance this lens provides is another benefit for photographing moose. Moose are one of my least-trusted North American animals and this one had just locked focus on me.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 2500
9504 x 6336px
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From Schneider Kreuznach:
B+W Filter introduces new T-Pro filter range
The filters in the new T-Pro range from B+W are designed with a thinner profile in response to the trend towards ever-compacter camera equipment. The filters are suitable for all focal lengths, including wide-angle and telephoto. The titanium-colored finish gives the T-Pro filters a unique appearance. They are manufactured to the highest standards with minimal tolerances. Brass is used as the base material for the filter ring for high stability and a long service life.
T-Pro filters have a precision glass contact surface; the filter is bonded flat, without any tension, using state-of-the-art adhesive technology. The special functional coating has good sliding properties to make it easier to screw the filter on and off.
The T-Pro filter range starts with the high transmission protection filters 007 Clear and 010 UV Haze. Both are excellently suited to providing mechanical protection and helping prevent any damage to the expensive front lens. The filters also protect the lens against dust, sand, water, fingerprints and scratches. The UV Haze filter additionally reduces unwanted UV effects and tones down the associated blue haze.
T-Pro filters have an exclusive, premium MRC nano coating, B+W’s highest quality broadband coating. This is applied on both sides to enhance the optical imaging properties. As a result, the filters achieve uniform, increased transmission properties across the light spectrum with only a physical minimum of residual reflection (Ø 0.5%). With all-around nano protection on the glass, the filter has a long service life. T-Pro filters have high scratch resistance for good durability, and effective dirt-, water, and oil-repellant properties for simple and fast cleaning. The T-Pro Filter line will be available as of January 15th 2020. The list price starts at 64,90 Euro.
B&H is taking preorders for the B+W T-PRO Filters.
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