Echenique dot com » Lenses

Olympus Introduces New Micro Four Thirds Lens

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:42:01 +0000

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras. The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control. In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on [...]

Tamron Announces the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC for Sony NEX

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:47:43 +0000

December 8, 2011, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the introduction of an exciting new lens, the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III** VC (Model B011). The new high-power zoom lens is designed for the Sony E-mount system of its NEX series interchangeable-lens, lightweight and compact digital cameras. Sales in Japan will commence from December 15, 2011. Product Features High-power 18-200mm(*1) lightweight and compact zoom lens weighing 460g with a 62mm filter is designed for the E-mount system of Sony’s NEX series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Equipped with Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto. Striking appearance worthy of the NEX series design. The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver. Stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates Contrast-detection AF and shooting video. * “Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras” are also known as “Compact System Cameras.” **Di III (Digitally integrated design): A designation Tamron gives to lenses engineered specifically for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with no internal mirror box or pentaprism, adopting an optical design that matches the characteristics of [...]

Hasselblad gets festive with half-price lens deal

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:59:34 +0000

Hasselblad is offering customers who buy a new H4D-40 camera with an 80mm lens the chance to buy a second HC/HCD lens of their choice at a massive 50% discount. The exclusive Christmas/New Year deal means that a photographer opting for an HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm zoom lens could save up to GBP 2,397 / USD 3,747 overall on the purchase. Explained Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad Global Sales and Marketing Director: “There has never been a better time to invest in the cutting edge Hasselblad H4D-40. We have just announced excellent free firmware upgrades on all new H4D-40 and H4D-50 cameras including: one-click instant digital focus check, two directional electronic spirit level, an improved high resolution display and a brand new rear display with grip info on the back And from now until the end of January photographers buying an H4D-40 with an 80mm lens can get half price discounts on any H line lens from the HCD 4/28mm wide angle upwards.” Any photographer keen to take advantage of this promotion should visit the Hasselblad website at www.hasselblad.com/h4d-40-lenscampaign or contact their local dealer for more information.

PhotoPlus Expo 2011 Show Report – Part 1

Carlos Echenique — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 14:02:45 +0000

The PhotoPlus Expo 2011 was held once again at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. With the absorption of PMA into the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), PPE has become the last major standalone photography exposition in the U.S. I once again took up my annual pilgrimage to the Big Apple to see what the camera makers had to offer. The Big Three were present with major displays as always, but the show was populated with about a hundred other vendors showing off their new toys. Here are some highlights: Canon Canon’s booth was populated with every existing copy of the newly announced EOS-1DX professional DSLR. I had an opportunity to handle the camera, but as it was a pre-release unit, I was not permitted to use my own memory cards to take sample pictures. The camera felt good in the hand and all of the controls fell naturally into place. The two joystick arrangement works in either the portrait or landscape orientations. Canon’s claim to shot speed, tracking focus, and lowlight capabilities seem to be well founded but I cannot render final judgement until I get to personally test the camera fully. That is going to be [...]

Thai floods hit Japan carmaker output, delay Sony launches

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 13:03:30 +0000

* Unsure when Thai output will be restored - Japan auto group

* Thailand set to miss 1.8 mln unit output target due to floods

* Honda expects to resume some ops at Thai plant in early Nov

* Sony: flooding delays camera and lens launches

Sigma Corporation Announces Availability and Pricing for Updated Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:10:33 +0000

New, stabilized, multipurpose, high-zoom lens offers higher performing glass for landscape, portrait shooters

NEX-7 Delayed to November, Zeiss 24mm to December

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:16:38 +0000

Those of us who hope to soon get our hands on the Sony NEX-7 will have to cool our jets a little more as Sony has pushed back the release date for the highly anticipated camera/lens combo. I just got an e-mail from my dealer who spoke to his Sony rep that the NEX-7 will be delivered in November and the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 lens will not hit the shelves until December. This is at least here in the USA. I must patiently meditate until it arrives. Ohhhhmmmmmmm. Ohhhmmmmmm.

Phase One and Schneider Kreuznach Announce Innovative New Lens Designs

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:14:27 +0000

Phase One, medium format market leader and precision lens maker Schneider Kreuznach today announced a series of new lenses. Building on two years of intense collaboration including delivering four new lenses to market, the companies have now designed another four superior quality lenses for professional photographers.

Sony Unveils the SLT-A77 and SLT-A65

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:16:08 +0000

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2011 – Blazing speed, enhanced image quality, high resolution and incredible performance are just some of the features advanced amateurs and photo enthusiasts will find in Sony’s newest alpha cameras, models SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65). Sony’s latest refinements to its Translucent Mirror Technology make these new cameras the fastest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class, as well as set new performance benchmarks that even professional DSLRs have yet to achieve. The α77 and α65 both feature a newly developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution, as well as the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder. The sensor teams with the next generation of Sony’s BIONZ® image processing engine to handle huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor, enabling unprecedented response times and flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. “We feel that these cameras are not only a significant evolution of our breakthrough Translucent Mirror Technology,” said Mike Kahn, director of the alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. “They’re also a revolution in terms of redefining how this unique technology can be put to use by enthusiasts.” The much anticipated [...]

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012”

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:52:56 +0000

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012” by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Photo Awards. In April of this year, Sigma’s 70-200mm also won the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) “Best Expert Lens” award for its Optic Stabilization (OS) system, and its HSM function that provides smooth and silent auto focusing. KEY LENS FEATURES EISA honored Sigma’s large aperture, telephoto zoom lens for its outstanding image quality, light weight and ease of operation. Two FLD glass elements, super multi-layer lens coating, and it is extremely compact, measuring only 7.8 inches in length. Sold by authorized Sigma dealers for a MSRP of $2,470.00. SUPPORTING QUOTES According to EISA, “Sigma has produced a telephoto zoom lens that offers professional features and exceptionally good image quality at a very reasonable price … this lens is a perfect choice for both demanding amateurs and professional photographers.” Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America: “The 70-200MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is very versatile, and is popular among photographers of all skill levels. The 70-200mm focal range is often the second most important lens to own after a strong standard lens or mid-range [...]

LEICA CAMERA AG APPOINTED AS A MEMBER OF THE COMITÉ COLBERT

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:01:24 +0000

Solms, Germany (July 5, 2011) – Leica Camera AG announces that it has been inducted into the renowned French Comité Colbert as a European member in June 2011. The economic alliance, founded in 1954, represents French premium enterprises and is aimed at creating a deeper understanding of the values manufacturers in the premium segment share in France, Europe, and worldwide. These shared values include a sense of tradition, modernity, craftsmanship, creativity, history and innovation. Many members of the Comité Colbert have been pioneers in their field and can look back to a proud decades- or century-long history of their brands. French brands such as Chanel, Baccarat, Bollinger, Château Lafite-Rothschild, Dior, Hermès, Lacoste, Lancôme, Longchamp and Louis Vuitton are members of this exclusive alliance. Since 2010, selected manufacturers from other European countries have been invited to participate. In addition to Leica Camera AG, Montblanc has become a new member from Germany. “Leica can look back to more than 150 years of long tradition and has always been, and still is, the pioneer in developing optical devices of highest quality,” said Alfred Schopf, Leica Camera AG’s Chairman of the Board. “Engineering ingenuity, technical know-how and craftsmanship applied during the whole manufacturing process [...]

Sigma Corporation 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro now available

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:16:27 +0000

Upgraded, large-aperture, medium-telephoto macro lens enables high-performance, close-up, handheld photography

Sigma Corporation’s New, Optically Stabilized 120-300mm F2.8 Now Shipping in US

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:10:58 +0000

sigma,lens,press release RONKONKOMA, N.Y., June 1, 2011 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, has announced that its updated 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM is now available for purchase in the U.S. for the MSRP of $4,700.00 The upgraded version of the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG OS APO HSM will replace its predecessor as the essential Sigma lens for sports and wildlife photographers. The fast, fixed-aperture telephoto zoom will now feature some of the company’s new “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements and a splash-proof design which protects from “water spattering” as buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealing connections to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body. It also boasts Sigma’s proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) system, which will enable handheld photography and the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. "This lens is a must-have for sports and wildlife photographers," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. "Think of this as a prime 300mm F2.8 in terms of its ultra-high resolution, with the added bonus of it [...]

NAB 2011: Carl Zeiss introduces new mounts for Compact Prime CP.2 lenses

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:28:41 +0000

OBERKOCHEN, Germany — March 30th, 2011 – During the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas from April 9-14, 2011, Carl Zeiss will present two new mounts for the Compact Prime CP.2 lenses: the E mount and the MFT mount. The MFT mount is particularly suitable for the new corresponding professional camcorders, while the brand-new E mount is perfect for the new Sony cameras like the Super 35 mm NXCAM camcorder. The MFT mount has been available since March. The new E mount is expected to be available beginning in June. Exactly a year ago, Carl Zeiss introduced the Compact Prime CP.2 series during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. They are the first lenses with interchangeable mount developed specially for filming with HDSLR cameras. Since then, there has been significant demand for these lenses among cinematographers and still photographers adding new video services. Carl Zeiss is now adding a new chapter to its Compact Prime CP.2 success story. “With these new mounts, we respond to many of our customers’ wishes asking to use the lenses on these new HD video cameras,” said Holger Sehr, Product Manager for Cinematography lenses at Carl Zeiss AG, Camera Lens Division. “Thanks to the interchangeable mounts, now [...]

Leica Camera offers a new LEICA S lens firmware update and a new Image Shuttle software version

Carlos Echenique — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 19:05:52 +0000

Allendale, NJ (February 18, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest S lens firmware update and a new Image Shuttle software version. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware and software updates from the “Leica Owners Area” on the Leica website and take advantage of new, improved features. Available for LEICA SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 35mm ASPH., the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 70mm ASPH., the LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 1:2,5 / 120mm and the LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 1:3,5 / 180mm, the new S lens firmware update optimizes the lens’ performance due to an initializing sequence when turning on the camera and attaching the lens. Users are invited to download the instructions manual prior to updating their lens. Leica Camera’s new Image Shuttle software update optimizes the compatibility with the current S2 firmware, in addition to improving stability. Furthermore, it allows Quick View to display images in a separate, scalable window immediately after capture when shooting tethered. The S lens firmware update, the software update and instructions manuals will be available for download to registered S customers starting February 18, 2011 at http://owners.leica-camera.com/.

PDN PhotoPlus 2010 Show Report

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 15:50:14 +0000

Another PDN PhotoPlus show has come and gone and, once again, I slogged my way through the amassed crowd of photographers, photo buyers and journalists to bring you highlights from the show. This year’s report will be separated into two sections: Cameras & Lenses/Accessories. But first, as always, an Animoto video of the show highlights. Cameras PENTAX – First on my list of booths to visit was Pentax. There I met Ned Bunnell, President of Pentax Imaging USA, and we discussed at length (such as can be had at a trade show) the new to USA/Europe Pentax 645D medium format digital camera. The 645D is modeled very closely on the venerable Pentax 645N film camera and is compatible with all of the 645N’s lenses. This was a very smart move on Pentax’s part. As a whole new line of digital lenses are being developed for the 645D (only the 55 mm f/2.8 prime is available at launch) photographers can tap into a vast array of compatible lenses right away, many of which are available at reasonable prices (for now) on the used market. When the 645D launched in Japan, it was a runaway success. I think this took Pentax [...]

Extreme Photography: Winners of the Carl Zeiss Nano Image Contest Now Chosen

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:20:15 +0000

After an exciting finish the winners of the first Carl Zeiss Nano Image Contest have now been selected. The winners of the four categories will each receive a pair of cinemizer Plus video glasses from Carl Zeiss. OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 30.09.2010. After a two-week final stretch the winners of the first Carl Zeiss Nano Image Contest have now been chosen. The winners are Heinrich Badenhorst from the University of Pretoria, South Africa (category Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)), Norman Hauke and Arne Laucht of the Walter Schottky Institute of Munich Technical University, Germany (category CrossBeam (FIB-SEM)), Dr. Emile van Veldhoven of the TNO Research Institute in Delft, Netherlands, (category Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM)) and Dr. Andrey Burov of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Saratov in the category Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The Managing Director of Carl Zeiss NTS, Dr. Frank Stietz, is very pleased at the excellent response to the contest with over 120 entries: “The broad spectrum of application topics, the technical quality and the artistic composition of the nano images are fascinating. We would like to thank all participants for their entries and extend our congratulations to the winners.” Bizarre landscape made of graphite: the winning picture of Heinrich [...]

Phase One Offers Unique New-Product Investment Protection Plan

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:39:28 +0000

COPENHAGEN, September 29, 2010 – Phase One, a leading provider of medium format digital camera systems, today announced an unprecedented new-product investment protection plan. Effective immediately, Phase One is offering customers security when they buy a Phase One product. Now customers are guaranteed first class investment protection should they wish to upgrade to future Phase One innovations as new products are launched over the coming years. Eligible customers who have purchased their products from an authorized Phase One partner and wish to upgrade to a new product within 6 months of its official launch, are guaranteed to receive: 90 percent of their original purchase price against any new Phase One digital back launched at a higher price within 18 months of the original purchase date. 50 percent of their original purchase price against any new Phase One camera body launched at a higher price within 24 months of the original purchase date. 50 percent of their original purchase price against any new Phase One or Schneider Kreuznach lens for the Phase One 645 camera platform launched at a higher price within 24 months of the original purchase date. “Engineering and development is Phase One’s biggest investment,” said Henrik O. Håkonsson, [...]

Hasselblad Marketing Frenzy at Photokina 2010

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 05:17:23 +0000

Hasselblad marketing went into overdrive today with six major press releases and two backgrounder releases. They announced everything from a new entry-level H4D-31 system priced at €9,995, a limited edition Ferrari H4D, two new lenses, a new digital back for the V System, a preview of a 200Mpx (you read that right) sensor, an H4D firmware update, three new versions of Phocus including versions for the iPhone/iPad and a light version called Phocus Quick. Here is a Flickr slideshow with all of the press images. The full press releases will be after the jump. Hasselblad expands its H4D line with the new H4D-31 The H4D-31 – the perfect digital medium format alternative for 35mm DSLR photographers and for V-customers who are ready to transition to digital. Following the enthusiasm with which the H4D-40 has been embraced, Hasselblad was inspired to offer photographers the H4D-31, bringing the ultimate in image quality to high end 35mm DSLR photographers who want to step up to medium format. At the same time, Hasselblad wanted to offer its V-System customers a digital alternative by bundling the H4D-31 with a CF-lens adapter for mounting V-System lenses. The H4D-31 delivers the same superior image quality that is the [...]

New CP.2 Lenses from Carl Zeiss – Compact Prime CP.2 50 mm/T2.1 Makro and CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:10:56 +0000

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 09.09.2010. - Carl Zeiss has expanded its popular Compact Prime CP.2 lens series with two new focal lengths: the 50 mm with macro and 100 mm with close focus function. These lenses have been specially developed for filming with HDSLR cameras and will be presented for the first time at the IBC in Amsterdam (September 10-14). Product delivery is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 2010. Retail price starts at EUR 3.700 excl. VAT. The CP.2 100 mm/T2.1 CF is based on the Planar design and is the longest focal length in the Compact Prime CP.2 lens series so far. It extends the series by adding a very fast telephoto lens with a close-up focusing range of 0.7 meters. The CP.2 50mm/T2.1 Makro is based on the Makro-Planar design and allows close-up shots to be taken with the object at a distance of just 24 centimeters. This responds to the wishes of many filmmakers. All Compact Prime CP.2 lenses come with interchangeable mounts, guaranteeing maximum flexibility now and in the future, in every situation, and for various camera platforms. Thanks to the lenses’ aperture of T2.1, they are perfectly suited to filming in low-light situations. The macro lens allows [...]