Here is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, ready to be pre-ordered (hands-on & first impression videos, specs, more)

eos 6d mark ii
Canon EOS 6D Mark II

EOS 6D Mark II at a glance:

  • 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor
  • 45-Point All-Cross Type AF System
  • Full HD Video at 60 fps; Electronic IS
  • 3.0″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • Native ISO 40000, Expanded to ISO 102400
  • 6.5 fps Shooting; Time-Lapse & HDR Movie
  • Built-In GPS, Bluetooth, & Wi-Fi w/ NFC
  • Dust and Water Resistant; SD Card Slot

Now it’s official. The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is here, and it’s what we told you it would be. Sample pictures shot by DPPreview with a pre-production EOS 6D Mark II are here. An introduction to the EOS 6D Mark II is here. Canon Japan’s sample photos and videos are here.

Below: Rudy Winston introduces the EOS 6D Mark II

Pre-orders USA:

Pre-orders UK:

World-wide EOS 6D Mark II pre-order links (not all listed retailers may have it in offer yet):

[shoplist 46185]

Below: Canon Explorer of Light Rick Sammon introduces the EOS 6D Mark II

 

Press release:

EOS 6D Mark II and EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Cameras Provide Photographers with Improved Features over Predecessors

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 29, 2017 – In celebration of the innovation behind today’s generation of high-quality digital SLR cameras on National Camera Day, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the new EOS 6D Mark II and EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR cameras designed for advanced-amateur and entry-level photographers, respectively. The EOS 6D Mark II camera is ideal for budding photographers looking to take their creative DSLR photography skills to the next level by shooting with a Full-frame CMOS sensor DSLR camera to capture beautiful high-quality portraits and striking landscapes, even in low-light situations. The EOS Rebel SL2 is a small, light, and compact camera with high-performance capability that allows users to get creative when capturing their special family moments or travel experiences.

“It seems fitting that today, a day set aside to commemorate the invention of a tool that forever changed how we view the world, we introduce two new DSLR cameras to the Canon family,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A. “In an industry where choices are abundant, providing consumers with the photographic tools that match their developing skill levels as they continue to embrace their passion for photography is a long-standing goal of Canon and stands at the core of our research and development. The new EOS 6D Mark II and EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR cameras are the result of Canon’s dedication to providing a wide range of camera choices for photographers of all skill levels, whether it’s someone taking their first picture or video with a DSLR camera or those looking to make the jump to a Full-Frame sensor camera.”

“After just one day in Yellowstone National Park with the EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera, it was clear that the camera is greatly improved over its predecessor,” said acclaimed nature photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Adam Jones. “Landscape and nature photographers will be very happy. The new and improved autofocus is way ahead of the previous generation and performed extremely well, even in very low-light situations.”

EOS 6D Mark II DSLR Camera

Designed with enthusiast photographers in mind, Canon’s popular and versatile EOS 6D DLSR camera historically served as the gateway for enthusiasts to step-up to Full-Frame DSLR cameras. The EOS 6D Mark II DSLR camera features several enhancements over its predecessor model, and its benefits include:

  • 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
  • Optical Viewfinder with a 45-point All Cross-type AF System1
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection & Full HD 60p
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor, ISO 100-40000
  • Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
  • Built-in Wi-Fi®2, NFC3, Bluetooth®4 and GPS technology
  • High-speed Continuous Shooting at up to 6.5 fps
  • Dust- & Water-resistant

Below: DPReview’s first look

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Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 Lens announced (1:2 macro)

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8
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Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 at a glance:

  • Short telephoto portrait-length lens is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however it can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 136mm equivalent focal length.
  • Bright f/1.8 maximum aperture affords greater control over depth of field for working with shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques, and also benefits working in low-light conditions.
  • Inspired by classic portrait lenses from the mid-20th century, this lens is designed to produce an ethereal glowing quality with soft, smooth tonality that is well-suited to portraiture.
  • Softness can be controlled by stopping-down the lens: when stopped-down to f/16, the image exhibits a smooth quality with greater central sharpness.
  • A working distance of 9.5″ along with a 1:2 reproduction ratio suits working with close-up subjects.
  • Manual focus design with a smooth, dampened focusing movement is complemented by engraved focus distance indicators.
  • A 12-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh quality that is ideal for selective focus imagery.

A new and interesting lens is available for those looking for a fast and classic portrait lens wich can also be used for some macro photography, the Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8.

The Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8 is available at Adorama and B&H Photo for $499.95.

Dan Mandell posted his first impression of the new Lensbaby, he writes:

I could justify buying it simply because of its increased situational versatility. While you have the option to go full artsy with this lens, you can dial it down or season to taste if you prefer. It would have been interesting to really see how this lens works in even more diverse scenarios. Off the top of my head, I can think of a few things. There are probably ways to exploit what the lens does to create more targeted areas of effect. Using spotlights or fresnels, you could literally paint in or pinpoint areas of light that would receive the effect. Even light painting or long exposure shots have interesting possibilities here.
I’m happy to see Lensbaby making some moves in this direction. I look forward to more and more interesting entries into the market from them.

Lensbaby Velvet 85mm f/1.8

[via Mirrorless Rumors]

Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD officially announced ($649)

Tamron 18-400mm

Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD pre-order at $649: Adorama | B&H Photo

At a glance:

  • World’s first 22.2x ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens
  • 620mm full-frame equivalent telephoto reach
  • VC for confident telephoto shooting
  • HLD means quick, accurate and quiet autofocus
  • 1:2.9 Max. Mag. Ratio for versatile close-up capability
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction
  • Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product

Tamron press release:

Introducing the world’s first*1 ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens with an extended range that covers 18-400mm

Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)

Dramatic extended range achieved by combining cutting-edge optical design and other new breakthrough technologies including a redesigned cam structure

June 23, 2017, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the new 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028), the world’s first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras, which covers a focal length range of 18-400mm. Since the 1992 launch of its AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), Tamron has dominated the all-in-one zoom category and has produced many lenses that cover wide-angle to telephoto zoom ranges. Tamron has now developed an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom that extends to 400mm (35mm equivalent of 620mm) and a 22.2x zoom ratio. Packed in a light, compact body (121.4mm/705g)*2 is Tamron’s accumulated knowledge and experience for all-in-one zoom lenses, including the most advanced optical and mechanical designs, an HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) for the AF system and the Vibration Compensation system. Photographers can now enjoy wide-angle to ultra-telephoto photography using one lens, which is ideal for travel photography and eliminates the need to carry extra lenses. The new Model B028 lens enables a wide variety of ultra-telephoto images including everyday casual scenes.

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Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 officially announced ($1999)

Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4

At a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Five Low Dispersion Elements
  • Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
  • Anodized Metal Barrel, Rubber Focus Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

After the leaked picturs ahead of the announcement, now Zeiss has officially announced the new Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 lens. The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the ZEISS Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is €1,999/$1,999. You can download sample photos here.

Pre-order links for the Milvus 35mm f/1.4: B&H Photo | Adorama

Zeiss press release:

ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/1.4 Camera Lens for DSLR Cameras

The tenth lens in the ZEISS Milvus series for DSLR cameras already shows its many benefits at full aperture

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2017-06-21.

ZEISS has launched a new lens for full-frame DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon on the market: the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35. Now the tenth lens in the Milvus family, the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is particularly suitable for portrait photography thanks to its speed. “The high maximum aperture enables the subject to stand out clearly against the background, and the photographer can achieve creative combinations of focus and blur,” says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS. “The manual focus enables very exact focusing, and the creamy bokeh provides an excellent image look. And even at full aperture the image quality leaves nothing to be desired.” The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is also perfectly at home in landscape photography: “The 35-millimeter focal length is a genuine all-rounder.” Like all lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, it is protected against dust and splashes and, according to Casenave, even bad weather is no problem. The metal barrel gives the lens its robust and durable character.

Practically no chromatic aberrations thanks to a new optical design

With aspherical lens elements, special glass materials and advanced correction, ZEISS has given the lens a completely new optical design. “This means the photos are practically free from chromatic aberrations,” says Casenave. Thanks to their excellent edge-to-edge imagery the ZEISS Milvus lenses are designed for high-performance digital cameras. “The resolutions of camera sensors are constantly becoming higher, and this also increases the demands made on the lenses. For ZEISS Milvus lenses this is no problem. They are a solid investment in the future.”

Also suitable for filming

The ten lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, ranging between 15 and 135 millimeters, are also suitable for film productions: the manual focus with a large rotation angle can be operated with the aid of a ZEISS Lens Gear with a follow-focus system. The de-click function allows the aperture to be set continuously in the version for Nikon3 cameras. A further benefit for filming: ZEISS has matched the color characteristics of the ten lenses. Filmmakers can therefore switch between the focal lengths and still have a uniform color look. “This facilitates editing enormously,” says Casenave.

Price and availability
The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the ZEISS Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is 1,999 euros.
You can find further information at www.zeiss.com/photo/milvus1435

Canon ready to take next step into space business, will launch own microsatellite on Friday June 23, 2017

Ce-sat-i
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In the past we reported about Canon’s efforts to step into the space business. The company built a “mini-rocket” together with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency. The launch, which happened at the beginning of 2015, was a failure. The rocket exploded.

At the end of 2016 we got news about Canon building its own miniature satellite (equipped with Canon EOS 5D Mark III cameras). The launch of this miniature satellite was scheduled for January – March 2017. There have been delays.

Latest news have it that Canon will start the company’s miniature satellite (named CE-SAT-I) on Friday June 23, 2017, from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, southeastern India.

Nikkei Asian Review reports:

The CE-SAT-I will be put into orbit 500km from the ground, where it will conduct tests for two years to verify technologies that will be the foundation of the company’s planned space business. The launch of the rocket was initially planned for January but was delayed by the Indian Space Research Organization.

The CE-SAT-I has drawn attention due to the adoption of advanced technologies Canon Electronics has accumulated based on office equipment and cameras, and it is the starting point of the company’s two pillars for its space business model, although details are still sketchy.

As one pillar, Canon Electronics will photograph the surface of the earth via satellite, analyze the pictures and sell them as value-added data to corporate clients. Such data is called remote sensing, and it is seen overseas as a promising business.

Read the report at Nikkei.