Deal: Davis & Sanford Traverse Carbon Fiber Tripod with Dual Locking Ball Head – $119.99 (reg. $199.99, today only)

Davis & Sanford
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At a glance:

  • Load Capacity: 18 lb
  • Max Height: 68″
  • Min Height: 9.5″
  • Folded Length: 19″
  • Leg Sections: 4
  • Weight: 4 lb
  • Twist Leg Locks
  • Rubber Feet with Integrated Spikes
  • Short Column Included
  • Arca-Type Quick Release Plate

Only for today (8/23/18) B&H Photo has the Davis & Sanford Traverse TR684C-36 Carbon Fiber Tripod with Dual Locking Ball Head on sale at $119.99. Compare at $199.99. Free shipping.

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

Nikon Z6
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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 Z7: B&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.

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Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Review (extreme optical instrument, D. Abbott)

Sigma 105mm F1.4
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Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art at a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • Three FLD Elements, Two SLD Elements
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
  • Weather-Sealed, Protective Front Coating
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Removable Rotating Arca-Type Tripod Foot
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

There are many gear reviewers (and review sites) you can find on the web. Very few take it seriously and make their reviews “real world” related and yet highly professional. One of them is Dustin Abbott, who just posted his review of the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens, a pretty interesting lens in our opinion. It’s dubbed the “bokeh master”. Guess why.

In the conclusion he writes:

Sigma has once again successfully created an extreme optical instrument. Tackling a project like a 105mm lens with a huge maximum aperture of f/1.4 is not for the faint of heart, and yet I see evidence of growing maturation as Sigma manages to get more and more right. There’s no question that the extreme size and weight of the 105 ART will be off-putting to many, but those with a little extra arm strength will be rewarded with an exceptional portrait lens. The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART is not a mainstream lens. It isn’t a general-purpose lens; it is a tool for specialists. A lens like the 105 ART can seriously set your work apart from the crowd, providing images unique to those that a standard 70-200mm f/2.8 lens can produce. And for some photographers, that is worth the extra effort. […] The autofocus works well, the images look fantastic, and the build level is high.

D. Abbott’s reviews always come with a lot of sample photos, and all sorts of analysis. For those in a hurry the 23 minutes Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART video review below should do fine.

The Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art sells at $1,599: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Deal: Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC Lens – $249 (reg. $329, today only)

Rokinon 14mm F/2.8 Deal
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Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC at a glance:

  • Ultra Wide-Angle 14mm Lens
  • Compatible w/ Full Frame & APS-C Cameras
  • Hybrid Aspherical Lenses — Sharp Images
  • Multi-Layer Coating to Reduce Flare
  • Manual Focus Lens
  • Built-In Petal-Type Lens Hood

Only for today (8/22/18), B&H Photo has the Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 IF ED UMC lens for Canon EF mount on sale at $249. Compare at $329. Free shipping. Rokinon lenses are also known as Samyang (or Walimex).

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Leica announces the Leica M10-P, a $8000 Rangefinder Camera That Let You “go unnoticed”

Leica M10-p
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At a glance:

  • 24MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Leica Maestro II Image Processor
  • Optical 0.73x-Magnification Viewfinder
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
  • ISO 100-50000, up to 5-fps Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi
  • Redesigned Shutter, Built-In Level Gauge
  • Stills-Only Operation
  • Built-In ISO Dial & Frame Line Selector
  • Weather-Resistant Brass Construction

Leica announced the Leica M10-P. The Leica M10-P is a rangefinder camera with a 24MP full frame sensor. On the product page Leica touts the Leica M10-P as the camera to “go unnoticed in the street”, which sounds just a little weird given this is a $8000 camera that’s easy to recognise as a Leica.

If you have 8 grands to spend, you can get the Leica M10-P (two color options) at B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon.

Leica press release:

LEICA M10-P: A NEW LEVEL OF UNDERSTATEMENT

With the Leica M10-P, Leica Camera AG presents a further model in the Leica rangefinder camera segment. Based on the M10, the M10-P offers all the technical advantages of the Leica M rangefinder system and, in details, focuses on the characteristic core features that are particularly appreciated by M-Photographers. Exceptionally discreet and concentrating entirely on the most essential camera functions, the Leica M10-P embodies the essence of the M-Philosophy and raises the traditional understatement of the M-Series to a new and even higher level.

The outstanding features of the Leica M10-P are the extremely low noise level of its shutter and the quietest shutter release of all M-Cameras ever built. This makes it the first digital M-Camera that is even more discreet than its analogue predecessors. The discreet sound of its almost inaudible shutter release makes it the ideal tool for capturing authentic photographs from the heart of life itself – especially in situations where peace and quiet are essential. The design of the Leica M10-P is as discreetly unobtrusive and minimalist as the way of working it supports. The camera has no Leica red dot logo on the front and features only discreet Leica lettering on its top plate. Its hot shoe cover in metal merges seamlessly into the design of the top plate.

With its handling concept, the Leica M10-P fulfils everything that discerning photographers expect from a Leica M and, in this traditional concentration on essential functions, follows the lead of all past and present Leica M-Cameras. A new addition is a touch-function that enables faster checking of the plane of focus in Live-View and Review mode, more convenient browsing in Review mode and faster access to all the most important functions. The M10-P also has an integrated levelling aid that enables perfect orientation of the camera and avoids the need for laborious corrections in postprocessing.

All other features, functions, construction materials and the finishing of the Leica M10-P correspond to the same high standards as those of its sister model, the Leica M10.

The Leica M10-P is available from today and is offered in a choice of black chrome and silver chrome finishes.