Canon, Nikon and Sony News for Mar 2019 (Page 3) Report News & Deals  ►

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Rokinon 50mm T1.5 AS UMC Cine DS Lens available for $369.00 with free shipping. Regularly $549.00.
 
Discounted models include:
 

• Canon EF
• Nikon F
• Sony E
• MFT

Product Highlights
 

• Aperture Range: T1.5 - T22
• One Aspherical, One Hybrid Asph. Element
• Manual Focus and Aperture
• Geared Focus and Aperture Control Rings
• De-Clicked Aperture Control Ring
• Lateral Aperture and Distance Markings
• UMC Lens Multi-Coating
• Minimum Focus Distance of 1.5'

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

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Apple 12.9" iPad Pro (Mid 2017, 512GB, Wi-Fi Only, Gold) available for $749.00 with free shipping. Regularly $1,149.00.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 12.9" Multi-Touch Retina Display
• 2732 x 2048 Screen Resolution (264 ppi)
• Apple A10X 64-Bit SoC + M10 Coprocessor
• 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2
• Front 7MP FaceTime HD Camera
• Rear 12MP iSight Camera
• Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
• Lightning Connector, Smart Connector
• iOS

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

As usual, this gear is being sold to fund new gear for review. Check the updated list to see if anything fits into your kit. Most items are like new.
 
Bryan's Used Gear for Sale
 
Brands available include Canon, Nikon, Sony, Really Right Stuff and more.
 

B&H has the Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder available for $79.99 with free expedited shipping. Regularly $99.99.
 
Note: When paired with a lav mic like the reasonably priced and tiny Polsen PL-5, this audio recorder can be slipped into a pocket for recording remote dialogue (for wedding or video advertising use).
 
Included Free
 

• Marantz Professional Audio Scope SG-5BC Battery-Powered Short Shotgun Microphone with 3.5mm Plug

Product Highlights
 

• Lightweight and Compact
• WAV and MP3 Recording
• Records up to 24-Bit/96 kHz
• Uses microSD and microSDHC Cards
• Integrated Microphones and Speaker
• Intuitive Controls
• 3.5mm Stereo Mic/Line Input
• Peak Reduction and Limiter
• USB 2.0 Port
• Battery or USB Power

B&H has the Lensbaby Spark 50mm f/5.6 Selective Focus Lens for Nikon F available for $39.95 with free shipping. Regularly $89.95.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 50mm Lens with Fixed f/5.6 Aperture
• Sweet Spot Selective Focus Lens
• Multi-coated Optical Glass Doublet
• Compatible w/ Lensbaby Optic Swap System
• Compatible w/ Lensbaby 37mm Lenses
• Focus from 13" to Infinity
• Manual Focus
• Fits Nikon F-Mount DSLRs

B&H has the Glyph Technologies StudioRAID Enterprise Class 8TB 2-Bay USB 3.0 RAID Array available for $349.00 with free shipping. Regularly $449.00.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 2 x 4TB 3.5" Enterprise Hard Drives
• 2 x 3.5" Drive Bays
• USB 3.0 | FireWire 800 | eSATA
• RAID 0, 1, JBOD, & SPAN
• RAID 0 Transfer Speeds of up to 360 MB/s
• Hardware RAID Controller
• Intelligent Quiet Fan
• Preformatted for Mac
• Windows Compatible with Reformat

From Loupedeck:
 
New integration with Final Cut Pro X Marks First-Ever Apple-Developed Compatibility with Loupedeck+
 
HELSINKI, Finland – March 14, 2019 – Loupedeck, the custom photo and video editing console built with an intuitive design that makes editing faster and more creative, has announced Final Cut Pro is now available integration as the first Apple-developed suite made compatible for Loupedeck+, alongside additional integration with Adobe Audition.
 
Following the successful launch of the Loupedeck+, and its initial integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Audition integrations are the next step in delivering an increasing level of functionality and flexibility the video and audio editing communities require with the Loupedeck+.
 
Final Cut Pro users using Loupedeck+ will be able to:
 

• Utilize faster and more intuitive video editing and color correction; all basic tools for color grading are simply labelled on the console
• Total flexibility to create their own configurations to fit their workflow
• Export/import an editor’s personal Loupedeck configuration setups and easily transfer them to another computer
• Use Color Wheel workspace compatibility for color grading
• Leverage flexible timeline navigation, content trimming and clip adjustment
• Have the option to customize console buttons to preferred Final Cut Pro shortcut demands or use preinstalled functions
• Take advantage of 400+ additional functions available

Adobe Audition users using Loupedeck+ will be able to:
 

• Create a faster and more intuitive workflow
• Create analogous use with digital project
• Create and manage single track and multitrack projects
• Use more accurate track control and navigation
• Use all edit tools including trim and nudge
• Use volume adjustments for all channels
• Add Fades and Effects to projects

“Our customers have been eager for Apple-integration with the Loupedeck+ since it was launched,” said Mikko Kesti, Founder and CEO of Loupedeck. “Final Cut Pro X was the logical choice given its wide adoption in the editing community and we felt it was an important next step for us as we look to continue our mission of delivering a well-rounded experience for users and helping to improve their workflows. Not only will they get the benefits of Loupdeck+’s intuitive design and approachable tools, they’ll get increased functionality across the range of video editing products they might be using.”
 
The Final Cut Pro and Adobe Audition integrations are available starting today across all regions. Loupedeck is available for purchase from B&H Photo and Amazon.com for $249.

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens Review.
 
As with the 55mm Otus, this is the lens upon which the others are compared. We've updated our test results to the highest resolution camera available, making comparisons with other 5Ds R-tested lenses easier.
 
I'll get your comparisons started:
 
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Tamron 85mm f/1.8 VC Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 Lens
 
Save nearly $900 on this lens – buy it used with a variety of options available at B&H and at Adorama.
 
The Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
 
Rent the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.

Update: The code has been sent to the first person who emailed the site.
 
We recently received a Trade-In Bonus voucher from B&H for up to $400.00 off a Nikon Z 7 / Z 6 purchase and we're giving it away to the first person who emails us at info@the-digital-picture.com requesting the code (stipulations apply, see below).
 
The Trade-In Voucher coupon code can be used for any single item listed below (discount varies depending on item purchased):
 

Item	Voucher Code Discount Value
Nikon Z 7	$400.00
Nikon Z 6	$200.00

To qualify for the Trade-In Bonus voucher/coupon code, you must promptly use our B&H link to make your purchase. That's it! If the code is not used within 24 hours after being sent, it'll go to the next person who emailed the site requesting it.

From Sigma:
 
Firmware update for SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for CANON EF mount
 
Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We would like to announce that a new firmware update for SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for CANON EF mount listed below is now available.
 
This firmware allows compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function to enable correction matching the optical characteristics of each lens. It also corrects the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when the function is enabled. In addition, it improves the functionality. Furthermore, there is an improvement to the phenomena particular to some lenses when they are used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”. This was previously reported in our announcement of January 16th, 2019.
 
For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable products listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro. Before updating the firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK, please ensure to update SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver. 1.5.0. or later..
 
SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• It has ensured compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function, which enables correction matching the optical characteristics of the attached lens. *
• It has corrected the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is enabled.
• It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is used with Live-View mode.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has become compatible with EOS R’s “1.6x (Crop)” to be set automatically as well as with “Scene Intelligent Auto Mode”.

SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby restarting the camera does not work when the lens is taken off the camera while the lens’s OS function is in operation.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may stop the focus driving from infinity to closer focus distance while shooting video with AF.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F8 while shooting.

SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby restarting the camera does not work when the lens is taken off the camera while the lens’s OS function is in operation.

SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• It has ensured compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function, which enables correction matching the optical characteristics of the attached lens. *
• It has corrected the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is enabled.
• It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is used with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E.

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• It has improved the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition, thanks to the updated control algorithm of the Optical Stabilizer.

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update
 

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F8 while shooting.

* Compatible Canon camera models:EOS R**, EOS-1DX mark II, EOS 5Ds,EOS 5DsR, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 6D mark II, EOS 80D, EOS 8000D(EOS Rebel T6s, EOS 760D), EOS 9000D(EOS 77D), EOS Kiss x8i(EOS Rebel T6i, EOS 750D), EOS Kiss x9i(EOS Rebel T7i, EOS 800D), EOS Kiss x9(EOS Rebel SL2, EOS 200D)
 
** When the Digital Lens Optimizer is switched [OFF], but "Peripheral illumination correction", "Chromatic aberration correction" and "Distortion correction", located within the in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is switched [ON], the appropriate corrections can be achieved in accordance with the optical characteristics of each lens.
 

---

SIGMA Mount Converter MC-11 EF-E Update
 

• It has optimized the peripheral illumination correction data when it is used in combination with the SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary for Canon EF mount.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.00.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.03.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.00.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.02.
• It has improved the compensation effect when it is used in combination with the Sony a9, Sony a7III and specific lenses*, and their in-camera image stabilization adjustment is set to AUTO. It has been set to achieve the same effect as when it is adjusted manually.
• It has improved the accuracy of exposure when it is used with dedicated flashes manufactured by SONY.

---

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for NIKON F Mount Update
 

• It has improved the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition, thanks to the updated control algorithm of the Optical Stabilizer.

Download: SIGMA Optimization Pro
 
B&H carries the Sigma USB Dock.

 
Watch as Julieanne Kost demonstrates three color toning methods in Photoshop CC.
 
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Lensbaby:
 
Portland, OR – Lensbaby – makers of award-winning lenses, optics and accessories announces today the availability of its new wide angle tilt lens. The Composer Pro II with Edge 35mm Optic is available for use on Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, and Micro 4/3 interchangeable lens cameras. The Edge 35mm Optic is also available separately for anyone who already owns a Lensbaby Composer Pro or Composer Pro II lens body. Fans of this style of selective focus photography have been requesting a wider option beyond the company's existing 50mm and 80mm lenses.
 
The Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic is a 35mm f/3.5 tilting lens designed for those looking for a wider focal length to create unique in-camera shots with a slice of tack-sharp focus and detail. By tilting this lens, users can place a slice of sharp focus through objects in both the foreground and background of an image at the same time, bordered by smooth blur. This in-camera effect helps artists tell their story in an uncommon way.
 
“Over the past 15 years, we’ve made optical tools to help you discover unique ways of seeing your world. A 35mm tilt lens, despite being our most requested new product offering since we introduced the Edge 80 in 2012, has been elusive and the results of our efforts have paid off in a lens that is far better than we thought possible when starting our design process. It was worth the wait,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder.
 
The Composer Pro II swivels and tilts on a smooth metal ball and socket design, providing a fast and intuitive way to switch between traditional straight lens photos and tilt photography. Tilting the lens up or down results in a horizontal slice of focus; left or right a vertical slice; diagonally for a diagonal slice. After setting the tilt, rotating the focus ring moves that slice of focus through the image, from one side of the frame to the other.
 
“The Edge 35 has changed my traveling & portrait sessions for the better. I'm able to get into tight spaces and buildings and still be able to show the whole aspect of the story I'm trying to create,” said renowned portrait, travel and lifestyle photographer Stephanie DeFranco. “I find the wider slice of focus makes it easier to find the area I want to draw the viewer’s eye toward. With its 35mm focal length, this optic lets me create the same dreamy feel as the Edge 50 and Edge 80, but because of the wider slice of focus, also allows me to include more of a scene in the story.”
 
The Composer series of lenses are lenses that tilt to move a spot or slice of focus anywhere in the frame. They feature Lensbaby’s Optic Swap System. Users can simply purchase one lens, made up of a lens body with an included optic, for their camera system, then, swap out the optic that it came with for a new optic to completely change the effect and focal length of their Lensbaby lens.
 
The Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic will be available in April for $449.95, and by itself as an Optic for those who already own a Composer series lens, for $249.95.
 
Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic Product Specifications
 

• 35mm focal length
• f/3.5 - f/22
• Focuses from 7” from the front element to infinity
• Compatible with Full Frame; APS-C; and 4/3rds Sensors
• Manual Focus
• Internal 8-blade aperture
• Up to 15 degrees of tilt
• Dimensions: to come
• Weight: to come
• Mounts: Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3

B&H has the Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic available for preorder.

Through midnight tonight Eastern Time, B&H has the Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-PX Series Light Meter for Phottix Strato II System available for $199.00 with free shipping. Regularly $399.00.
 
Note: Be sure to read the reviews to understand which precise triggering system(s) this light meter is compatible with. You can use this light meter with any radio triggering system, you simply need the system trigger to initiate a reading. With that in mind, this is an excellent price for a highly capable light meter.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Wireless Radio Triggering
• Incident Metering for Ambient & Flash
• Range: -2 EV to 22.9 EV at ISO 100
• Cine Modes: Frame Rate & Shutter Angle
• 2.7" Color Touchscreen LCD
• Flash Analyzing Function
• Filtration Compensation Mode
• Illuminance/Luminance Measurements
• Contrast Function & Memory Mode
• Custom Exposure Profiles & Calibration

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

Adobe has released Photoshop CC (v.20.0.4) which fixes the issues found below. You can initiate the update using the Creative Cloud app management console.
 
Photoshop CC March 2019 (version 20.0.4) Release
 

• Photoshop crashes when trying to use Perspective Warp
• Select and Mask workspace freezes while making a selection or painting on an image while zoomed in
• Program error when pasting over a selection in the Timeline panel
• When working on a layer with the mask disabled, using Undo enables the mask
• Photoshop crashing frequently
• (Windows-only) Content-Aware Fill workspace freezes on releasing a pen stroke with Microsoft Surface Pen or Wacom pen

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

There is plenty of excitement for the new Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens, but ... where is it? The press release stated that it was "... scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 ..." That date is long past, but this lens remains unavailable.
 
As questions in this regard continued to roll in, it was not hard to understand that I was not the only one wondering what was going on. My first research contact was with a technical rep at Canon USA who assured me that the lens was indeed actively shipping. That a friend received theirs confirms this. Canon USA did indicate that the initial quantities were limited and, based on the number of 600 IIIs shipped to date by a large retailer, I would add "very" to the front of "limited".
 
Those of us who have been around the camera and lens industry remember when one had to preorder newly-released camera gear immediately after the announcement to get the item anytime soon after it hit the streets. Some were ordering the gear immediately and selling it on eBay for a sometimes-significant markup until the demand resolved. Initial supply has been meeting initial demand far more frequently in recent years but obviously the 600 III is taking us back in time.
 
One more data point is that Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental on 3/21.
 
While this information may not be terribly enlightening, Canon USA (unsurprisingly) recommends placing your preorder now to get in line and your lens will indeed arrive as the preorder queues are resolved. If you want this amazing lens <subliminal message> you do </subliminal message>, that advice is indeed logical.
 
The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for preorder at B&H ("Coming Soon") | Amazon ("Currently unavailable") | Adorama ("On Backorder")