Canon and Sony News for Oct 2018 (Page 5)
From Tamron:
Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses.
Thank you for using Tamron products and for your continuous support.
We would like to announce that we have discovered issues that some of Tamron Di/Di II series for Nikon mount models may not operate properly on Nikon Z7, which was newly released on September 28, 2018, with Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ.
We are investigating the causes and will make further announcement of the compatibility for every single model once we find the solution.
Skylum's Aurora HDR 2019 is now available for purchase/download. It's $99.00 for first-time users or $59.00 to upgrade (use our coupon code THEDIGITALPICTURE to get a $10.00 discount).
I installed the software earlier this morning and was really impressed with the results I got with the few HDR batches I loaded for testing. Real estate photographers will especially love the realistic results the software can achieve balancing interior ambient light with the exterior window light.
From a processing standpoint, this looks to be a worthwhile upgrade for Aurora 2018 users. My one complaint – Skylum hasn't increased the size of the scroll bars. They're ridiculously thin and hard to click (same as they were in the 2018 version of the software), making the scroll bars practically useless. Thankfully, using a mouse scroll wheel mimics the scroll bars' functionality. [Sean]
From Adobe:
The Elements team is excited to announce the release of Photoshop Elements 2019 & Premiere Elements 2019.
The 2019 release focuses on:
A home screen designed for you
The first thing you’ll notice when opening Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 2019 is the brand-new Elements Home Screen that welcomes you every time you open the apps. The new Home Screen offers a personalized experience by surfacing info on what’s new since your last version of Elements and content suited to your level of expertise.
Auto creations, made just for you
Beautiful photo and video slideshows and collages are automatically created just for you highlighting memorable moments like birthdays and vacations and delivered upon launch in the Home Screen. It’s all thanks to photo and video automation powered by Adobe Sensei AI technology.
Beyond the Home Screen, there are a number of exciting new features and enhancements across Photoshop Elements and Premiere Elements 2019 to help you create stunning photo creations, videos, and movies so that you can then quickly share your memories in print, DVDs, the web and across your social media channels.
So, let’s dig in to what’s new and enhanced.
Redesigned photo collages
In this release we’ve redesigned your photo collage creation experience so that you can create collages with fewer clicks and quickly choose from stylish new templates that look great as Instagram posts and more. You also have the ability to customize your photo collages by adding frames and changing up backgrounds for the perfect finishing touch.
Guided edits
Photoshop Elements 2019 is introducing four all-new Guided Edits, bringing the total to 53 step-by-step photo editing guides to help you quickly edit and create.
- Create amazing multi-photo text: Now you can design visual text that features a different photo inside each letter to make words or names that look great as wall art, invitation cards or scrapbook pages.
- Make fun memes: This Guided Edit walks you through the process of typing in text, adding filters, borders and more to turn your photos into memes that are perfect for sharing on social media.
- Turn part of your photo into a sketch: Make a unique artistic statement by turning part of a favorite photo into a sketch by brushing on the medium of your choice, including colored pencil, old paper, or an aged photo look.
- Add polish with text and border overlays: This new Guided Edit teaches you how to embellish photos with borders and text that make them stand out – whether you plan to print it out or post it online to social media.
Enjoy better performance and HEIF support
The team worked hard to improve your experience with Photoshop Elements, and you’ll notice it right off the bat with a faster download and installation process and improved performance throughout common photo editing tasks. We’ve also added support for importing and editing HEIF images on macOS.
Redesigned Quick Edit mode
Creating your movies is now easier than ever with our completely redesigned Quick Edit mode. The new, user-friendly, editing interface presents you with two options:
- Smart Trim, which automatically finds your best footage and walks you through a series of steps for trimming a video.
- A simplified Sceneline for combining clips, photos, titles, music and more into a unique production that you can then share on DVD, the web or social media.
Guided edits
Premiere Elements 2019 is introducing two all-new Guided Edits, bringing the total to 20 step-by-step video editing guides in Premiere Elements that help you get started.
- Make glass pane effects: This Guided Edit helps you make the action in your scene appear like its taking place behind the glass. You’ll learn how to add a video overlay to create this sleek look.
- Create Luma fade transitions: Add a professional looking dramatic scene transition, which walks you through the process of fading in the colors from darkest to lightest in your video creations.
Enjoy better performance plus VFR, HEIC and HEVC support
Just like in Photoshop Elements, you’ll experience the same faster download and installation process and improved performance on common video editing tasks. We’ve also added support for variable frame rate (VFR), import and editing of HEIF images on macOS and HEVC video on macOS 10.13 and above.
Adorama has Adobe Photoshop 2019 and Premiere Elements 2019 in stock.
Canon USA has Digital Photo Professional v.4.9.20 available for download. [thanks Scott]
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.9.20 for Windows :
- Supports EOS R, PowerShot SX70 HS.
- Added support for HDR PQ of EOS R RAW/CRAW/DPRAW files, and EOS 5D Mark IV RAW/DPRAW files. (64-bit version only)
- The following new lenses are now supported.
- RF24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, RF28-70mm f/2 L USM, RF50mm f/1.2 L USM, RF35mm f/1.8 MACRO IS STM, EF600mm f/4L IS III USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, EF-M32mm f/1.4 STM
Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens page. You are going to like these results.
There is a rather long story behind why test results from this lens' are showing up on the site at this time. I'll try to make this brief while filling in some blank space for you.
We first began testing Nikon lenses many years ago using a D3x. As imaging sensor resolutions increased, I felt the need to re-test Nikon lenses with the latest model, highest resolution Nikon camera available at that time. That was the D810. Not long after begining the D810 lens testing project, we ran into a number of bad lens copies that cost us significantly and I placed Nikon lens testing on the backburner. At the same time, many requests were coming in for Sony lens testing and thus, we moved Sony lens testing to a higher priority.
As we worked through the Sony full frame lens reviews, the Nikon lens testing project was rising on the priority list and now, the significantly higher-resolution D850 is available. I decided that we needed to acquire a D850 before investing further in Nikon lens evaluations (our like-new, lightly used D810 is for sale).
Then a few things happened, aligning the stars, so-to-speak. For over a year, I've had an elk photography trip booked at a private ranch in Idaho. Then Canon announced the replacement for my wildlife-go-to Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. While the image quality promised to be similar (extremely good), the weight savings on the III is incredible. The difference is game-changing – and it feels even more significant when holding the II and III at the same time. I placed an order for the 600mm f/4L IS III the minute preorders opened. BTW, the 400 f/2.8L IS II and III weight difference feels just as major.
Back to the Nikon story: it seemed wrong for someone who reviews cameras and lenses to take a being-replaced lens for primary (almost exclusive) use on a big photo trip. Then a Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens in 9+ condition showed up in B&H's used department.
With the D850 closely approaching the resolution of my Canon EOS 5Ds R and boasting a much-faster 9 fps frame rate with the MB-D18 grip and EN-EL18c battery installed, I decided that I would sell my current 600 f/4L II to fund the III and use the Nikon 600 f/4E to challenge the D850 in the interim. The elk photo trip would be an especially great opportunity to get to know this gear (and I always love figuring out new gear).
While I am not often a proponent of buying used gear, buying used gear from B&H is relatively safe and I thoroughly tested the lens upon arrival. I was especially wary because, years ago, we tested a number of Nikon supertelephoto lenses that ... didn't perform very well. After AF calibrating the lens and giving it some initial testing, I had a close black bear and cubs encounter in heavy fog that proved out the functionality and capabilities of this setup. The gear worked great on my trip and ... my photo processing backlog has been greatly increased.
Photographing, evaluating gear and image processing – I can pick 2 of those right now and opted to narrow down and process images later, perhaps over the winter. I have spent a lot of time behind cameras and lenses this summer and fall and have a lot to share over the following months.
Back to the Nikon D850 results: note that, after careful consideration, we have increased the standard sharpness setting of the Nikon D850 results from "0" to "1" (using Nikon software for RAW conversion). Evaluating highly magnified images shows very slight sharpening halos present at this setting, but comparatively, we think "1" is the right number to go with. The Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens vs. Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens at f/5.6 shows the two lenses appearing similarly sharp with their respective high resolution cameras behind them (Nikon D850 vs. Canon EOS 5Ds R).
Also note that we remain committed to evaluating Canon gear as our highest priority (our primary kits are Canon) and will bring additional brand camera and lens test results and reviews as time and resources permit.
The excellent Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
Rent the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens from Lensrentals.
You've got the space, but do you have the gear necessary to make it a functional photography studio? Watch as photographer Daniel Norton goes over the must-have gear for any studio.
Product Links:
Sandbag 25 Pound - Adorama (Full) | Amazon (Empty)
Sandbag 15 Pound - Adorama (Full) | Amazon (Empty)
Cable Cuffs - Amazon
Black Flags - Adorama | Amazon
Step Ladder - Amazon
From Benro:
Today, Benro announced the availability of Tripster, a reverse folding travel tripod that also converts to a monopod. Currently available in three sizes, three colors (Black, Blue and Titanium) in your choice of aluminum or carbon fiber, this travel friendly tripod is well suited for smaller mirrorless and action cameras up through full frame DSLRs.
Tripster easily converts from a tripod to a full size monopod by combining one of the legs with the center column. The Arca-Swiss style ballhead is attached via a 3/8"-16 stud which can easily be removed. A 1/4"-20 mount on the tripod shoulder is ideal for attaching additional accessories. A Carrying bag is included.
"Whether you’re heading to your closest hiking trail or traveling overseas, there’s really no better option than a compact travel tripod. And for capturing the night sky or long exposures, the end results are worth it. We designed the Benro Tripster to be the go-to travel tripod with usability in mind," says Brian Hynes, Benro USA Brand Manager.
Features & Benefits:
- Reverse folding legs – Allows for maximum compactness when traveling
- Converts to Monopod - The center column connects to the tripod leg to form a full size monopod.
- Removable Ballhead - The ballhead is attached via a 3/8"-16 stud and can easily be removed.
- Telescoping 2-Section Center Column - The column can be extended for additional height.
- Accessory Mount - A 1/4"-20 accessory mount is located on the shoulder for attaching additional accessories.
- Arca-Swiss style camera plate - This camera plate will work with most other Arca-Swiss style heads.
Benro Tripster is currently available online and through camera stores nationwide from $99.00 up to $279.00.
B&H carries Benro Tripster tripods.
From Sigma:
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
We are pleased to announce that a new firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E and EF-E is now available.
This firmware makes the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 compatible with the latest firmware of SIGMA interchangeable lenses. For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro by connecting it to a computer using the supplied USB Cable. Before updating the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to ver. 1.4.1 or later for Windows, and ver. 1.4.0 or later for Macintosh.
Applicable product
- SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E / EF-E
Benefits of the update
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports.
- It has become compatible with the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art (For SIGMA: Ver.1.03, For Canon: Ver.2.02).
From Sigma: Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
We would like to announce that a new firmware update for the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for SIGMA, Canon and Nikon is now available
This firmware update improves the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition.
For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable product 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.1.4.1 or later for Windows, and Ver.1.4.0 or later for Macintosh.
Applicable product
- SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for SIGMA, Canon and Nikon
Benefit of the 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.
From ZEISS:
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF bridges the gap in the ZEISS Batis family lineup
OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2018-09-27 – With a 40 millimeter fixed focal length, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF (Close Focus) is the latest addition to the product family. This standard lens in the ZEISS Batis family features a quick autofocus and an extremely short minimum focus distance. Delivery will start in November 2018. "The focal length on the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, something customers have been eagerly awaiting. The lens bridges the current gap between the ZEISS Batis 2/25 and the ZEISS Batis 1.8/85," says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Category Manager for Imaging at ZEISS. The ZEISS Batis family was developed specifically for mirrorless full-frame cameras from Sony (Alpha 7 and Alpha 9 series). The lenses are compatible with all E-mount cameras and cover a total of five focal lengths ranging from 18 to 135 millimeters. Together with these cameras, the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF ensures a lightweight, easy-to-use, high-performance system that delivers outstanding image quality, a minimum shooting distance of 24 centimeters for close-up shots and a magnification ratio of 0.30x. "With the launch of the ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF, we now offer a focal length that falls between the standard 35 and 50 millimeter lenses people love to use. We have made the entire ZEISS Batis lens family even more attractive by offering the complete range of focal lengths," says Pollmann.
The most versatile lens in the ZEISS Batis family
The ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is able to tackle various photography challenges thanks to its special 40-millimeter focal length. From portrait and street photography to landscape and architecture – anything is possible with this high-resolution fixed focal length. "The lens is excellent for applications requiring normal focal lengths as well as common photographic situations where a bit more of a wide angle is needed. Our customers will enjoy a truly versatile lens which, thanks to its proven ZEISS look, and an outstanding image quality, is also ideal for close-ups. If you're traveling light and decide to opt for just one lens, then this would be it," says Pollmann.
Thanks to its high micro contrast and initial aperture of f/2, the lens can perfectly capture individual objects. Features like floating lens design for consistently high image quality across the entire focus range, the ZEISS T* coating for fewer reflections and weather and dust sealed housing and splash protection ensure maximum image quality in almost any situation. For creative work, the innovative OLED display on the ZEISS Batis shows the distance and depth of field, ensuring a perfectly adjusted focus range.
The price of the new ZEISS Batis 2/40 CF is 1,299 € (incl. German VAT) or 1,299 US$ (excl. local taxes).
Preorder:
ZEISS Batis 40mm f/2 CF Lens - Adorama
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From Sigma:
Operating condition of Nikon “Z7” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount
Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
We would like to announce that we have confirmed that SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for Nikon mount in the current lineup do not have any issues with general operation when they are used on the “Z7”, released by Nikon Corporation, via their “Mount Adapter FTZ”.
In addition, please note the information below when using the following lenses.
- Interchangeable lenses that do not incorporate an AF drive motor will operate only in manual focus.
- Some interchangeable lenses shipped out before November 2013 that are not compatible with the latest DSLR cameras will not operate.
We will continue verification and provide updates on the operating conditions including discontinued models.
A new Canon RF Lens Information page has been added to the Canon Lenses section of the site.
The new RF lens mount is a key feature of the new Canon EOS R mirroress camera and RF lenses. To reduce overlap in the various upcoming EOS R-series camera and RF lens reviews, I opted to create the Canon RF Lens Information reference page to explain why the RF mount was developed and the benefits it brings to the Canon EOS system.
Please let us know if you have suggestions for additional information appropriate for the page.
Preorders
Canon EOS R Camera
Canon EOS R (Body) - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon EOS R with RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon RF Lenses & Adapters
Canon BG-E22 Battery Grip for EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM Macro Lens - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
Canon Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R** - B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Wex
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