New Arrival: Samyang 24mm F3.5 Tilt Shift Lens

Samyang 24mm F3.5 Tilt Shift

Available for pre-order at B&H: the Samyang 24mm F3.5 Tilt Shift Lens for $999 (click here). The lens was announced at Photokina 2012. The press release:

Samyang Optics is about to release a new lens with the perspective control function — Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC. The official product presentation will take place on September 18th 2012, during international photographic Photokina fairs held in Cologne.

New Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC is a wide-angle, full-frame lens fitted with the perspective control and tilt-shift functions. Its unique optical and mechanical construction makes it an ideal tool for architecture and landscape photography. The product will be also extremely useful when convergence of the lines in the frame is required. Owing to the mechanism of optical axis tilt, focus depth operation brings utterly new quality and possibilities, enabling photographers to shape the image according to their individual needs, both on digital and nalog carriers.

Optical design of Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC comprises of sixteen lenses arranged in eleven groups, including two aspherical lens and two lens made of ED glass with low dispersion factor. Thanks to this solution, the lens perfectly reproduces detailed elements and gives splendid image plasticity, also with the T-S function on. Each optical component of the product was covered with multi-layered, anti-reflective UMC coatings, which provide great light transmission factor, high contrasts and render only natural colors of the photographed scene. With sophisticated optics and developed T-S function, Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC is currently the most advanced lens produced by Samyang Optics and may compete with similar lenses of other brands.

Tilt-Shift function

Tilt-Shift function in Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC allows for smooth and individual adjustment of the focus plane angle by +/-8.5 and enables parallel shift of the optical axis by +/-12 millimeters. To make Tilt-Shift function even more seamless, both the lens mount as well as Tilt-Shift section may be rotated on the optical axis. The Tilt-Shift section may be rotated left by 90 degrees (with 30 degree adjustment), while mount of the lens may be rotated both in left and right direction by 90 degrees, also with 30 degree adjustment.

Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC will be available with mounts for Canon EF, Nikon F, Pentax K and Sony A. We welcome everyone to visit us at Photokina at our booth A025 in the hall 2.1.

Samyang T-S 24mm 1:3.5 ED AS UMC Specifications

Aperture Range F3.5-22
Optical Construction 16 elements in 11 groups / 2 aspherical elements
Minimum Focus 0.2m
Filter thread 82mm
Maximum Diameter 86mm
Angle of view 83.5° (35mm full frame)
Length 110.5mm (Nikon F mount)
Tilt movement +/-8°; rotates 90° relative to shift movement
Shift movement +/-12mm; rotates +/- 90° relative to lens mount

A Bit Of Everything

A Little Bit Of Everything

 

New Underwater Housing For Canon PowerShot G15 (Nauticam NA-G15 )

 

 

Underwater Housing For Canon PowerShot G15

Nauticam will soon release the NA-G15, a new underwater housing for Canon PowerShot G15 (price & specs). Estimated release to the general public on March 1st, 2013, price $1050. Made of aluminum, it weights 1.8lbs (0.82kg) and has a depth rating of 100m. Dimensions:  155mm x 110mm x 106mm.

Canon PowerShot price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Nauticam’s press release:

Innovation Underwater 

Nauticam NA-G15 

Nauticam is proud to introduce the NA-G15 aluminum camera housing for the latest version of Canon’s iconic G series of compact cameras: The Canon Powershot G15. Once again, Nauticam brings the power of professional quality engineering and cutting edge design to those who enjoy the attributes of compact imaging systems. The NA-G15 should prove to be the ultimate housing for fans of Canon’s compact G15 camera. Both camera and housing are loaded with heavyweight features packaged in a lightweight, rugged and easy to operate system.

Underwater Housing For Canon PowerShot G15

Canon Powershot G15

When Canon introduced the Powershot G series many years ago, it quickly established itself as one of the first compact digital cameras to allow shooting in RAW and to come equipped with fast, high quality zoom lenses. In essence, this line of cameras were designed to be a enthusiast’s camera first and a compact second. The newest G15 is designed that way today and has been greatly improved on several fronts.

The Canon G15 utilizes the same 12.1mp Canon 1/1.7” CMOS sensor and Digic 5 processor as the hugely popular Canon S110 and is a proven performer. While the zoom lens equivalent focal length of 28-140mm with Intelligent Image Stabilization is the same as on the G 12, what really impresses is the fast variable aperture of f/1.8-2.8. This is fast by any camera standard, but remarkable on a compact camera. These kind of apertures open up interesting possibilities in low light conditions and shallow depth of field close ups.

The G15 maintains a lot of direct access controls and a very useable ISO range of 80 to 12,800. A 920k dot PureColor II 3.0” G Screen provides easy viewing, while the latest Canon processor serves up impressive burst rates of 10 fps without flash. Video is a proper 1080p @ 24FPS and 720p @30FPS in H.264 format with mini HDMI out on the camera. G series shooters will be thrilled with the addition of a dedicated movie record button on the G15. Aside from the extra fast lens, the other real headline with the Powershot G15 is a substantial jump in autofocus speed and accuracy. 53% faster according to Canon – that makes the G15 the fastest focusing Canon compact ever and should give fans of this venerable model line another reason to celebrate. No wonder these cameras have had such an avid following both above and below the water.

Underwater Housing For Canon PowerShot G15

Nauticam NA-G15 for the Canon Powershot G15

Nauticam designs and builds aluminum housings for compact cameras with the same uncompromising attention to detail and ergonomics as its acclaimed DSLR housings. That dedication to excellence shows in every aspect of the NA-G15. The Canon G series represents some of the most popular underwater compact camera systems of all time. Nauticam knew it had to meet the demands of an extremely devoted market segment and is pleased to have exceeded all expectations with this new housing.

All Nauticam products are constantly evolving and improving. Many of the industry leading features found on previous Nauticam housings are clearly evident on the new NA-G15. The comfortable and secure locking rotational latch, rugged machined aluminum case and 100 meter depth rating are now the base line. The rear mounted housing o-ring adopted from recent Nauticams makes maintenance easy and the progressive shutter release provides the best “feel” in the business. Like every Nauticam, the NA G-15 has controls ergonomically placed and clearly labeled just the way Canon does. The NA-G15 takes advantage of Canon’s excellent control set on the G15 and provides an extremely easy interface – even with gloves on. Programmable front and rear command dials are readily available to forefinger and thumb while never releasing grip. The mode dial is quickly accessed at any moment. Manual aperture and shutter speed adjustment is intuitive and thanks to the G15s unique exposure compensation dial – so is EV control.

Video functions are more easily engaged than on the G12 because of the new dedicated record button. Nauticam has provided a flash deployment lever and a window to allow for monitoring Canon’s indicator LEDs showing power, ready to shoot, flash activation status and a “cannot focus” warning. This housing is designed and field-tested to capitalize on the considerable potential from both camera and photographer alike.

Nauticam includes a 67mm port thread for mounting optional wet lenses as standard and they precisely engineer the optical glass port specifications for optimal wide angle accessory lens compatibility. This critical design criterion allows the NA-G15 to be the first Canon G series housing ever to be truly wide-angle wet lens compatible. The new Inon UWL-S100 ZM80 Wide Conversion Lens Is the perfect wide angle companion for the versatile NA-G15 (Inon adapter required) and will provide approximately 100° FOV when the camera lens is zoomed to an 80mm focal length. Even more exciting is the option to add the Inon Dome Lens Unit II for UWLS100 ZM80 for a stunning 150° FOV. Finally a true fisheye option for Canon G series underwater photographers!

Of course a good close up wet lens is always popular with compact macro shooters and the use of Nauticam’s new 67mm Flip Lens Holder makes this type of macro work easier than ever on the NA-G15.

For those underwater photographers who want classic performance, outstanding image quality and world class compact durability: Your housing just arrived – The NA-G15

Nauticam Build Quality

Only the finest materials and cutting edge manufacturing processes are used to make Nauticam housings.  The housing body is machined from solid aircraft grade aluminum, then hard anodized making it impervious to salt water and provides an impressive 100 meter depth rating. The large acrylic LCD window is treated with an anti-reflective, scratch resistant coating.

Optional Rubberized Ergonomic Handles

The optional Nauticam Flexitray or Easitray provide a lightweight, compact mounting solution for strobe arms and the NA-G15 housing. Nauticam uses a sophisticated over-mold process to produce extremely comfortable rubberized ergonomic handgrips.  The soft feel and comfortable design make the housing easy to grip and minimize hand fatigue on long dives.  Both single and double handle configurations are available for complete customization, and each handle can be adjusted laterally allowing the user to dial in perfect fit. A hand strap is also available for those wishing an even smaller profile.

Optical Flash Connectors for Inon S-TTL, and Sea & Sea DS-TTL

Reliable automatic flash exposure is available with the NA-S110 and a variety of optically fired flashes. The Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, Sea & Sea YS-110 Alpha, YS-01 and YS-D1strobes provide automated lighting, precisely reproducing the camera’s onboard flash at a proportionally greater intensity.  This system yields accurate automatic TTL flash performance – even in manual mode – with no electrical sync cables to flood! The NA-G15 comes fiber optic ready and accepts standard Sea & Sea style bushing connections.

Strobes can be attached to the housing via optional strobe mounting balls secured to the handles of the Nauticam accessory tray systems or a single strobe mounting ball location on the housing. The housing also features a cold-shoe mount for a focus light or other accessory mounting options.

Specifications

  • Depth Rating:  100m
  • Dimensions:  155mm x 110mm x 106mm
  • Weight: .82kg (1.8 lbs.)

Model Number:  17310
MSRP: US$1050
Estimated Shipping Date: 1 March 2013 

USA Dealer List:

http://www.nauticamusa.com/nauticam-dealers/

Dealer Inquiries Outside of North & South America:

[email protected]

International Dealer Listing:

http://nauticam.com/dealer.htm

Artists Portraits Shot With The Original Canon EOS 5D

Original Canon EOS 5D
Image credit: Mike Kobal

Photographer Mike Kobal posted a series of portraits he shot using the original Canon EOS 5D (still on sale on eBay). As you probably know, the EOS 5D was a game changer, the first affordable full-frame DSLR. Lots of professional photographers were excited by the possibility offered by a full-frame sensor. Sure, it was not a perfect camera, it was a new kind of tool. As Mike Kobal writes:

A craftsman is only as good as his tools. Certainly a true statement, one could add, a good craftsman knows the limits of his tools. The 5D was the first affordable full frame camera, very exciting break through and the sensor beat pretty much anything out at the time except for a few medium format offerings. I loved mine because it was compact, I could easily pack two. I did not have to take out a loan either, all I had to do was sell my 1Dseries bodies. Af was not as good, well, it sucked but I found a way to work with it. Buffer, when shooting raw, wasn’t great either and neither was the LCD. But what mattered to me most was there, a full frame sensor, producing very sharp files thanks to a weak AA filter and it was damn good in low light compared to anything else available. Color depth and dynamic range weren’t great and it was a problem in underexposed beauty shoots.The answer to that was to not underexpose. The 5D was great for my type or work. As a sports photographer I would have never touched it. 12mp was plenty for most publications.

Check out Mike's work on his site.

A lot happened in the evolution of full-frame sensors since the days of the original Canon EOS 5D (it was 2005 when the original Canon EOS 5D was released). Digital sensor technology made leaps forward, and the tech is getting cheaper. Take the Canon EOS 6D (price & specs) for instance, Canon's entry level full-frame DSLR which is selling good and is becoming highly popular. DPreview published their in-depth review of the EOS 6D just a few days ago.

Canon EOS 5D Mark II price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USACanon EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USACanon EOS 6D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Original Canon EOS 5D
Image credit: Mike Kobal

 

Canon Warranty May Be Honored For Purchases Made From Non Authorized Dealers

Interesting question posted by a user in the Canon USA forum:

Does Canon honor the USA warraties if its purchased from a non authorised dealer?

If I buy a new 5D MKIII from a non authorized dealer do I have a Canon 12 month warranty or not?

Forum moderator Naomi answered:

As long as the EOS 5D Mark III was purchased New, In box, you should have the same warranty coverage.  To help you out, we’ve included a link to the Service and Support page on our website for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III camera.  Click “Warranty Terms” under “Service & Repair”, and you’ll find a link to the full camera warranty on this page.

http://bit.ly/ZCIMZn

Although there is no official statement by Canon about this issue, it appears that Canon is indeed honoring such warranty claims.

[via The Digital Picture]