Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Officially Announced

tamron sp 15-30mm

Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Three LD and Three Aspherical Elements
  • AX, eBAND, BBAR, and Fluorine Coatings
  • Ultrasonic Silent Drive Autofocus Motor
  • VC Image Stabilization
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Rear Drop-In Gel Filter Holder
  • Compatible with TAP-in Console

The Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 sells for $1,299, pre-orders are open at Adorama and B&H Photo. Shipping is expected around mid October 2018.

Press release:

New advanced, super high-quality, fast, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens

SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041)

August 31, 2018, Saitama, Japan–Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of a new high-speed ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041), for full-frame DSLR cameras.

With a well-established reputation for ultra-high-quality wide-angle zoom lenses with its Model A012, Tamron carries on the tradition of high optical performance with the new SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041). By incorporating an XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element, as well as multiple LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements, the distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations so common in wide-angle shooting have been greatly minimized. Furthermore, a newly developed AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) Coating has been applied to reduce ghosting and flare more thoroughly than ever before. The optical performance in this high-speed F/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with a focal length starting at 15mm is outstanding. In addition, the built-in Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) enables vastly improved AF speed and precision, and image stabilization. This is a next-generation super high-quality, high-speed ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with first-rate optics and a wide range of features that serve to revitalize the shooting experience. With the release of this model, three* of Tamron’s high-speed F/2.8 zoom lens with VC (Vibration Compensation) are now G2 (Generation 2).

PRODUCT NAME: SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041)

DATE OF LAUNCH

  • The Nikon mount model: September 21, 2018
  • The Canon mount model: October 12, 2018
Click here to open the rest of the article

Nikon’s new Z mount technology and benefits explained by the engineer who designed it

nikon z6

Atsushi Suzuki, Nikon Optical Engineer and Technical Liaison, illustrates the structure and design of the new Nikon Z mount system. The Z mount is featured on Nikon’s brand new full frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7.

Canon is also rumored to introduce a new mount type on their upcoming full frame mirrorless cameras.

Lucie Technical Awards introduce “Chuck Westfall Technical Education Award”

chuck westfall
Chuck Westfall © Harris Fogel

The Lucie Technical Awards aim to honor the large and small companies, as well as the individuals, who have advanced the photographic industry in a given year. The Lucie Technical Awards are an initiative of the Lucie Foundation, and a sister program of The Lucie Awards. The Lucie Awards are hosted at Photo Plus Expo 2018.

For the first time the Lucie Technical Awards will present the “Chuck Westfall Technical Education Award“, named after the late Chuck Westfall, a Canon legend and the company’s most prominent spokesperson and “technical educator” for the masses. And a very nice person. Chuck Westfall passed away in March 2018.

Press release:

Los Angeles, CA—The fourth Lucie Technical Awards, an annual initiative of the Lucie Foundation and sister program of the Lucie Awards, will take place in New York City. The awards will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018, during the PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. There will be a 5:30 p.m. reception followed by the 6:30 p.m. awards presentation.

Held just prior to the Lucie Awards weekend, the Lucie Technical Awards embraces a large and critical segment of the photographic community. The awards honor the large and small companies as well as the individuals that have advanced the photographic industry in a particular year. All-inclusive, these awards intend to encompass items such as cameras, lenses and lighting as well as accessories, printers, software and more.

Fourth Lucie Technical Awards Feature Chuck Westfall Award

In addition, this year for the first time, the Lucie Technical Awards will be presenting the Chuck Westfall Technical Education Award. The award is named in honor of the late legendary Canon spokesperson who was a “teacher of technology” to journalists and industry members for more than 35 years.

Despite his long battle with cancer, Chuck Westfall remained a transcendent, authentic spirit who loved photography and the photo industry. This distinguished honor is bestowed on an influential voice in the photographic industry who displays an extraordinary commitment to as well as love for the art and technology of photography.

Moreover, the recipient will have demonstrated a tireless effort to share their extensive knowledge with others, either through interactions with the media, written or published documents, as well as public appearances and presentations.

“For the fourth year in a row, we spotlight an ever-growing segment of our beloved photographic community by embracing those whose penchant for the technological lifts up the talented image makers. Many of whom we honor just a few days later at the Lucie Awards,” said Hossein Farmani, the founder of the Lucie Technical Awards. “It is also with great pleasure that we add the Chuck Westfall Technical Education Award, to the festivities.”

The 16th Annual Lucie Awards will follow on Sunday, October 28, at Zankel Hall in New York City’s Carnegie Hall.

Click here to open the rest of the article

Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS announced (Canon EOS M System)

Samyang MF 85mm f/1.8

Samyang (aka Rokinon, and other brand names) announce the Samyang 85mm f/1.8 UMC CS lens for mirrorless camera systems, Canon EOS M included. The Samyang 85mm f/1.8 will be available in September 2018.

Press release:

Samyang unveils the MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C crop sensors

Samyang Optics launches a new manual-focus lens for mirrorless shooters: The MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is designed for use with APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras in the following mounts: Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon M, and Micro-Four-Thirds. It is competitively priced and light-weight. This medium telephoto lens inherits the renowned image quality of Samyang’s manual focus series and also boasts beautiful out of focus bokeh and availability for a variety of cameras.

Ideal portrait lens, with a fast, bright maximum aperture

This manual-focus 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens is a medium telephoto lens, with a similar angle of-view to a 135mm lens when compared to full-frame cameras. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS is designed with 9 lens elements in 7 groups and it delivers high resolution from the centre to the corners of the image. A high-refractive and an extra-low dispersion element, along with Ultra Multi-Coating (UMC) help minimise chromatic aberrations and deliver clear, vibrant images. This lens is ideal for portraits, with beautiful bokeh from its floating-element system. Its low-light performance and shallow depth-of-field are especially useful features.

Wide range of uses, with crystal-clear resolution

The compact and light-weight design offers the portability and comfort needed for a long day’s shooting. This lens would be the ideal choice for keen photographers who want to capture everyday moments in high-resolution. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS has a host of features including its outstanding optical performance. Its wide range of uses include portraits and other close-ups such as food, as well as landscapes and many other situations.

More fun with Manual Focus lenses

The MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS lens is perfect for shooters who want to have more involvement and express their own characteristics through their images. The Samyang MF 85mm F1.8 ED UMC CS weighs in at just over 300g and measures approximately 8cm long (without the hood and lens caps). Photographers can expect superb, emotional and unique images from this compact companion.

 

Here are the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 full frame mirrorless cameras (officially announced)

nikon z6

After many leaks and a series of teaser videos, Nikon eventually announced the company’s first full frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6.

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95 for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95 SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95 SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95 SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit.

Hands-on and first impression reviews:

Nikon Z7 first impression review at Photography Blog. Nikon Z lenses hands-on at DPReview. Nikon Z7 first impression review at DPReview. Hands-on by CameraLabs.

You will soon be able to preorder the new Nikon FF MILCs:

Nikon Z6: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon   –   Nikon Z7B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon






Nikon press release:

Nikon Introduces the New Nikon Z Mount System, and Releases Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras: the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of the full-frame (Nikon FX–format) Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 mirrorless cameras, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses, featuring a new, larger-diameter mount to enable the next generation of ultimate optical performance.

Mirrorless Reinvented

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.951. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter “Z” represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.

Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.

Click here to open the rest of the article