Macphun is now Skylum, and our discounts on Luminar and Aurora 2018 are still live

Skylum
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Macphun changed to the new name Skylum.

To celebrate this, Skylum has prepared special exclusive bonuses and freebies which are included to every purchase of Luminar 2018 or Aurora HDR 2018. Moreover, you get $10 discount by using our code “WATCH” at checkout. Offers expire Feb. 26, 2018. Trail version are available for both Luminar 2018 and Aurora HDR 2018.

The freebies you get:

LUMINAR 2018

Current users of Luminar may upgrade for $49 ($39 with coupon code “WATCH”), new users can purchase Luminar 2018 for $69 ($59 with coupon code “WATCH”). Bonuses: 2 eBooks “The Creative Photographer” and “Mastering Exposure”. Ultra Violet LUTs. Ultra Violet Preset Pack. Futuristic Preset Pack – click here

AURORA HDR 2018 (named best MAC app 2017)

Current users of Aurora HDR may upgrade for $59 ($49 with coupon code “WATCH”), new users can purchase Aurora HDR 2018 for $99 ($89 with coupon code “WATCH”). Bonuses: “Accelerate Your Photography”. Deep dive Video Tutorial. Warm & Beautiful Preset Pack (15 presets) – click here

Canon recognised for six IF Design Awards 2018 (EOS 5D Mark IV, M5, 70-30mm IS II, more)

iF Design Award 2018Canon got six iF Design Awards 2018. And produced the shortest press release I ever saw coming from Canon.

Canon got iF Design Awards for the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (), the EOS M5 (), the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II lens (), PIXMA G series printers (), i-SENSYS Laser MFP series (), and for radiology products ().

Canon press release:

Canon designs recognised with internationally renowned iF Design Awards for 24th consecutive year

London, UK, 14 February 2018 – Canon, world leader in imaging solutions, announced today that six Canon designs were recognised by iF International Forum Design GmbH and received prestigious 2018 iF Design Awards.

Established in 1953, the iF Design Awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious awards within the field of design, with outstanding industrial designs chosen from all over the world. This year, 6,402 entries from 54 countries and regions were judged by internationally renowned design experts across seven categories. These included product, packaging, communication, interior architecture, professional concept, service design/UX and architecture.

This year marks Canon’s 24th consecutive year of winning iF Design Awards. Encouraged by the recognition of the company’s design excellence, Canon will continue striving to realise products that combine the highest levels of performance and design.

iF Design Award 2018

Lens baby announce Burnside 35mm f/2.8 lens with variable vignetting

Lensbaby Burnside 35
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The Lensbaby Burnside 35 is already in stock at $499.95 at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Press release:

Lensbaby Delivers a Modern Take on Classic Lenses with the Burnside 35

Portland, OR (February 15, 2018) – Lensbaby—makers of award-winning creative effects lenses, optics and accessories—announces the launch of an entirely new kind of creative effects lens, the Burnside 35.

The first ever wide angle adaptation of the Petzval lens design, this 35mm f/2.8 lens creates images with a large, bright central area of sharp focus and striking color rendition surrounded by variable, swirling bokeh and vignette. It also features an effect slider that operates as a second internal iris that changes the shape and amount of swirl in the bokeh; all while adding or removing vignette and center brightness.

Burnside’s 35mm focal length lets you capture a scene at a normal-wide perspective with a dimensionality that makes your subject jump off the page. This lens opens up a new world of creative possibilities for those shooting street photography, landscapes, environmental portraits and more.

“The Burnside 35 is one of the most versatile Lensbabies we’ve made,” said Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder Craig Strong. “It gives you the ability to have a strong or subtle creative effect in a single lens, a lens you might just keep on your camera all day long.”

Adding to the Burnside 35’s versatility is the radical, new effect slider that can be used to add center brightness, in-camera vignette and adjust bokeh detail. You can toggle the gold-anodized effect slider on the barrel of the lens to create variable balance and harmony between center brightness, bokeh and vignette. The effect slider features a four-stop range of vignette and bokeh enhancement so you can dial in the exact look that appeals to you.

Burnside 35 joins Lensbaby’s lens lineup as an all-metal, non-tilting lens similar to their bestselling Velvet series. Made specifically for full frame and crop sensor cameras, this lens is compatible with Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K, Micro 4/3, Sony E, Fuji X and Samsung NX.

Burnside 35 Product Specs:

  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-16
  • 6 blade internal aperture
  • 8 blade secondary internal aperture for the effect slider
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 6 inches
  • Maximum Focus Distance: Infinity
  • 62mm filter threads
  • Focus type: Manual
  • Size/ Weight: 13.2 oz (374.21g)
  • 6 multi-coated glass elements, in 4 groups

The Burnside 35 is now available for purchase on lensbaby.com and select Lensbaby-authorized retailers for $499.95.

Off Brand News: Fujifilm X-H1 Announced, new X series flagship

Fujifilm X-H1
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Fujifilm X-H1 at a glance:

  • 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III Sensor
  • X-Processor Pro Engine
  • 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
  • Internal DCI 4K Video and F-Log Gamma
  • 0.75x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
  • 3″ 1.04m-Dot 3-Way Tilt LCD Touchscreen
  • 325-Point Intelligent Hybrid AF System
  • 1080p at 120 fps; Flicker Reduction Mode
  • 1.28″ Sub-LCD Top Screen
  • Weather-Sealed Body; Two UHS-II SD Slots

The Fujifilm X-H1 can be pre-ordered at $1,899: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon (worldwide)

Press release:

Fujifilm launches new mirrorless digital camera X-H1, the highest performance camera in the X Series

Combining a robust, durable body with superior image quality and easy operation, the FUJIFILM X-H1 is the first camera in the series to include 5-axis 5.5 stops* in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and the new ETERNA Film Simulation feature, for outstanding video reproduction.

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is delighted to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM X-H1, the highest performance mirrorless digital camera in the X Series known for its superior image quality created by Fujifilm’s proprietary color reproduction technology.

The X-H1, with a newly-designed robust and durable body, incorporates a range of extremely useful features that support shooting in various scenarios demanded by professional photographers and videographers. The X-H1 is the first X Series model to include the latest 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which has a maximum of 5.5 stops*. The superior image quality with the memory color will be achieved in the various scenes in addition to easy operation. It is also mounted with the flicker reduction mode which enhances the quality of indoor sports photography. In addition, The X-H1 is the first camera in the X Series to include ETERNA mode, a new film simulation mode ideal for shooting movies.

The camera is also compatible with a range of other interchangeable lenses which are scheduled for release later this year. These include the MKX18-55mmT2.9 and MKX50-135mmT2.9 professional cinema lenses incorporating the X mount which are scheduled for release in May 2018. The XF200mmF2 R LM OIS WR, a wide aperture single-focus telephoto lens, and XF8-16mmF 2.8 R WR, designed to meet the needs of scenery or landscape photographers are also included, both of which are scheduled for release by the end of 2018. The new camera and lens combinations will provide outstanding image production and will be ideal for shooting a moving subject in sports photography.

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Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART lens on display at WPPI 2018

Sigma 14-24mm F/2.8
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Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • 3 FLD, 3 SLD, and 3 Aspherical Elements
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Weather-Sealed Brass Bayonet Mount
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 10.2″

Sigma is going to showcase their latest, exciting lens, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART, at WPPI 2018. My guess is, this will be another best seller lens by Sigma. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 ART is not available for pre-order yet, but you can get notified when it is at B&H Photo.

Sigma press release:

Sigma Debuts the 14-24mm F/2.8 Art Lens at WPPI 2018
Attendees are invited to the Sigma booth to test out the newly announced wide aperture zoom, join in on conversations with Sigma Pros and win prizes

Las Vegas, NV – February 14, 2018 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, will showcase the latest addition to its robust line of Sigma Global Vision and Cine lenses – the 14-24mm F/2.8 DG HSM Art lens – at the 2018 WPPI Expo held at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV from February 26-28. The 14-24mm DG HSM Art is the perfect lens to help wedding and event photographers capture grandiose scenes with crystal clear wide-angle shots. Not only will attendees have the opportunity to test-drive Sigma’s full line of SGV lenses at booth 810, but also interact with seasoned Sigma Pros. Furthermore, attendees can enter for a chance to win a 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens and a host of other photography accessories and special prizes!

Highlighted – Full Line of Gear on Display at the Sigma Booth at WPPI 2018:

Brand New Wide Aperture Zoom: Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art
The newest arrival on the Sigma Global Vision scene, the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art lens is designed for 50-megapixel plus cameras and achieves the legendary Art lens optical quality with three FLD glass elements, three SLD glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements, including one 80mm ultra high precision molded glass aspherical element. With near zero distortion (less than 1%) and minimal transverse chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting, the new Sigma 14-24mm offers constant F2.8 brightness throughout the zoom range and delivers optimal image quality at every focal length and shooting distance. The high-speed, high-accuracy autofocus allows photographers to capture incredible, in-the-moment images. Additionally, the 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art incorporates the Sports line level dust- and splash proof design, allowing for the lens to be used during varying weather conditions.

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Canon USA Named One of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” of 2018

canonCanon press release:

Canon U.S.A., Inc. Named One of the 2018 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” by the Ethisphere Institute

MELVILLE, N.Y., February 13, 2018 – As a testament to the company’s strong standing as a good corporate citizen and its proactive approach to corporate social responsibility initiatives, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, has been recognized as one of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices. This recognition is based on a variety of factors including: measuring and improving culture, leading with integrity and committing to transparency, diversity and inclusion. In 2018, 135 companies were recognized across 23 countries and 57 industries.

“I’d like to thank the Ethisphere Institute for this honor, which Canon takes great pride in,” said Kenneth Sharpe, Vice President, Corporate Audit, Ethics and Business Consultation, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “To be named as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies is a true reflection of the values, culture and leadership that drive our organization. This distinction speaks to the integrity that is present throughout every level of our organization and represents the hard work and dedication of our cherished colleagues who work to meet this high standard every day.”

“While the discourse around the world changed profoundly in 2017, a stronger voice emerged. Global corporations operating with a common rule of law are now society’s strongest force to improve the human condition. This year we saw companies increasingly finding their voice. The World’s Most Ethical Companies, in particular, continued to show exemplary leadership,” said Timothy Erblich, Chief Executive Officer of Ethisphere. “I congratulate everyone at Canon U.S.A., Inc. for being recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies.”

The World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment is based upon the Ethisphere Institute’s Ethics Quotient® (EQ) framework, which offers a quantitative way to assess a company’s performance in an objective, consistent and standardized manner. The information collected provides a comprehensive sampling of definitive criteria of core competencies, rather than all aspects of corporate governance, risk, sustainability, compliance and ethics. Scores are generated in five key categories:

  • Ethics and compliance program (35%)
  • Corporate citizenship and responsibility (20%)
  • Culture of ethics (20%)
  • Governance (15%)
  • Leadership, innovation and reputation (10%)

Research by the Ethisphere Institute has found that, when indexed, companies listed among the “World’s Most Ethical” outperformed the U.S. Large Cap Index over five years by 10.72 percent and over three years by 4.88 percent. Ethisphere refers to this as the Ethics Premium.

The full list of the 2018 World’s Most Ethical Companies can be found at www.worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees.

For more information on Canon U.S.A., Inc., please visit www.usa.canon.com.

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