Mar 162012
 

OBERKOCHEN, 16.03.2012. – Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography.

PI 0021 2012 1 dl

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Sep 152010
 

 

MELVILLE, N.Y. (September 15, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D-SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies.

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Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D-SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.

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Jun 082010
 

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 08.06.2010.

Wide-angle lenses capture a large depth of field:

A dragonfly that lands on a water lily while you can clearly make out the numerous blossoms behind its shimmering body; rocks, moss and cracks which create designs and formations extending to the horizon.

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 lens from Carl Zeiss can create such unusual perspectives—in more than just nature photography. Now this popular and time-tested wide-angle lens is also available in a ZF.2 version for single-lens digital reflex cameras with F bayonet. With its very small focal distance, this newcomer to the ZF.2 lens series offers all the creative possibilities of manual focusing in photography. The ZF.2 has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever).

Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is therefore ideal for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images alongside the comfort of automatic exposure control. You no longer have to manually set the data for focal length and speed in the cameras menu because the lens passes on these parameters to the camera. In addition to standard data such as lens manufacturer, date and metering mode, lens data such as the correct aperture value is also automatically saved. Thus, the ZF.2 lens is easy to use, even under tough situations. Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager for the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG explains: “Often, you’ll find that you’re pressed for time to capture that perfect shot, for example when photographing animals. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 enables the photographer to hold on to just the right moment and take unique shots with confidence each time.” 

The new Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is available at a retail price of 755,46 € (excluding VAT). The ZF.2 lenses come in eight additional focal lengths, 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/28, 2/35, 1,4/50, 1,4/85, and the two macros 2/50 and 2/100. For more information, visit  www.zeiss.com/photo.

Feb 172010
 

Cosina Voigtlander introduced today the fourth lens in its SL-II DSLR lens lineup. The CV APO-Lanthar 90mm F3.5 SL-II Close Focus lens brings a short-telephoto/macro lens to their ever growing stable of fine DSLR lenses.

Specifications

  • Focal length / 90mm
  • Maximum Aperture / 1:3.5
  • Minimum Aperture / F22
  • Lens / 5 groups of 6 elements
  • Field of View / 27 °
  • Number of diaphragm blades / 9
  • Minimum focusing distance / 0.5m (with close-up adapter / 0.5 ~ 0.32m)
  • Maximum magnification / 1:3.5 (with close-up adaptor / 1:1.8)
  • Maximum diameter (Ai-S mount) / 63mm
  • Filter Size / 52mm
  • Overall length (Ai-S mount) / 48.2mm
  • Weight (Ai-S mount) / 320g
  • Type mount / Ai-S (CPU chip), KA / EF
  • Other / special close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood

Retail price (without tax)
Nikon mount (Ai-S) ¥ 55,000 (~$600 USD)
Pentax mount (KA) ¥ 55,000 (~$600 USD)
Canon mount (EF) ¥ 58,000 (~$640 USD)
Only close-up lens comes with a dome-shaped hood.

Expected delivery date: march 2010

Feb 022010
 

Last year, Cosina’s Voigtlander division introduced a new lens in it’s SLVoigtlander COLOR SKOPAR 20mm F3.5 SL II Aspherical (for Nikon Ai-s) II lineup: the Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm/3.5 Aspherical SL II. This tack-sharp 20mm wide angle lens produces stunning results and is a very good addition to any enthusiast’s lens collection.

Disclaimer: this review was made with a lens purchased from Cameraquest. No vendor/dealer attribution was involved in this review. All images except for the product shots were taken by the author using a Nikon D700 DSLR. All images shot RAW (12-bit NEF) and were developed using either Lightroom 2.5 or Aperture 2.1 on a Mac Pro (Jan 2008 edition) with 8-cores and 12GB of RAM running the latest version of OS X “Snow Leopard” at the time. All product images copyright 2010 Stephen Gandy All Rights Reserved and used with the author’s permission.

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Nov 172009
 

Once again, New York City and the Javits Center played host to the PDN PhotoPlus Expo. This year’s show had a very good turnout in spite of the fact that major players like Adobe, Panasonic, & Pentax were not in attendance.

I attended (and I spotted some of my fellow bloggers there as well) and came across several interesting tidbits I’d like to share with you after the jump.

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Nov 162009
 

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.11.2009.

Optics specialist Carl Zeiss today announced its introduction of a newPI_0192-2009.jpg series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU), these new ZEISS lenses support all- important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need to set the parameters manually. These quicker and faster handling capabilities of the ZF.2 lenses are especially useful under hectic shooting conditions.

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Oct 142009
 

Nikon Once Again Redefines Possibilities with D-SLR Photography with Six-Figure ISO Sensitivity for Stills and Video While Enhancing Overall Performance

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the FX-format D3S D-SLR, providing professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high speed performance inherited from the groundbreaking D3. The D3S enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. Additionally, expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible.

The Nikon D3S builds upon the success of the Nikon D3—the professional digital SLR that set new standards for D-SLR performance and utilizes a newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that also integrates its amazing low-light ability to High Definition (HD) video, creating a uniquely capable multi-media tool to meet the needs of a changing imaging landscape.

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Aug 272009
 

This shot was taken from the balcony of my friend’s condo on the 29th floor. Shot handheld using my Nikon D700 and Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom in 12-bit NEF and processed using Apple Aperture 2.1.3.Collins Ave at Dusk

This condo happens to be the tallest building in Miami Beach with total of 48 stories right on the beach. Amazing place.

This shot will be part of my collection going on display in early October of this year in Coral Gables, FL. I will post more details as they become available.

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