<em><span class="s1">Cine High Speed Zoom 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2 lenses begin shipping on December 9 for a retail price of $3999.00 USD</span></em></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1"><strong>New York, NY – October 20, 2016</strong><b> –</b> <a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-e/"><span class="s2"><b>Sigma Corporation of America</b></span></a>, a leading DSLR lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, announced today that <a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-s/"><span class="s2"><b>the Cine High Speed Zoom 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2</b></span></a> lenses will begin shipping on December 9, 2016 for a retail price of $3999.00 USD. Born from the new Sigma Cine family of products, the High Speed Zoom lenses leverage the outstanding optical design of the company’s world-renowned Global Vision still photography lenses. Combined with the 100% new mechanical lens body design, the Cine lenses meet needs of advanced 6k and 8k cinema production with the core optical quality DNA that has defined the Sigma benchmark of imaging excellence.</span></p>
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<p class="p2"><span class="s1"><strong>See the Sigma Cine Family of Products at PDN/PPE 2016 Expo</strong>

Demonstrated for the first time to the public in the United States, attendees to the 2016 PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo (PPE), held at the Javits Convention Center in New York City from October 20-22, 2016, can see first-hand the new Sigma Cine family of lenses:</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-g/"><b>Cine High Speed Zoom Line – 18-35mm T2 and 50-100mm T2</b></a></span><span class="s1">

The high speed zoom line, which is compatible with the Super35 image size standard, offers the constant aperture of T2 throughout the zoom range with superior optical performance that is capable of high-resolution 6K-8K shooting. Delivering the highest image quality in its class, the High Speed Zoom is ergonomically compact and designed for E, EF and PL camera system mounts.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-w/"><b>Cine FF Zoom Line – 24-35mm T2.2 FF</b></a></span><span class="s1">

Compatible with a full-frame image sensor, the FF Zoom’s outstanding optical performance also supports 6K-8K shooting. Because so few lenses cater to the requirements of the latest digital cinema cameras’ image sensors, this line provides a rare option for cinematographers. The FF Zoom is designed for E and EF camera system mounts.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s3"><a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-yd/"><b>Cine FF High Speed Prime Line – 20mm T1.5 FF, 24mm T1.5 FF, 35mm T1.5 FF, 50mm T1.5 FF and 85mm T1.5 FF</b></a></span><span class="s1">

The Cine High Speed Prime lineup features lenses ranging from 20mm to 85mm, with all five touting an aperture of T1.5. Highly compact and compatible with full-frame sensors, these lenses offer superior resolution. They bring a consistent level of light to the production, offering greater consistency to any film’s color, contrast and overall look before it enters post-production. The FF High Speed Prime line is designed for E, EF and PL camera system mounts.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span class="s1">For more information on the Sigma Cine Lenses, please visit <a href="http://sigma.cmail19.com/t/r-l-yhlitrg-dkikkjelh-yh/"><span class="s2"><b>https://www.sigmaphoto.com/cinema-lenses/?link=Sept-M-cine</b></span></a>.</span></p>
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<em>A perfect fusion of technology, design and style</em></p>
<p>Leica Camera has revealed the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’, bringing a brand new, alternative design to its successful, high-performance compact camera, the Leica Q, which features a fixed fast prime lens and full-frame sensor.</p>
<p>In contrast to the discreet black of the body, lens and leather-style trim of the original Leica Q, this stunning new model offers a titanium grey paint finish on the top and base plate and back of the camera, combining the premium look of precious metal with classic black elements.</p>
<p>Elegant, yet extremely durable, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ includes a series of striking design features not found on the standard model. For example, the distance scale in feet and the focal length on the lens are highlighted in red. Furthermore, the colour-coordinated carrying strap supplied with the camera has been manufactured from strong, robust material most commonly used to make climbing ropes.</p>
<p>Offering the same impressive performance and technical specifications of the black Leica Q model, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ features intuitive handling and an exceptionally fast lens. The perfect camera for street, architectural and landscape photography, its Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens makes the Leica Q ideal for available light shooting and has an angle of view that reproduces scenes with natural perspectives and proportions.</p>
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<p>With a 24 MP, full-frame CMOS sensor precisely matched to its lens, the Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ delivers richly detailed exposures with low noise at optimum quality, at ISO sensitivities of up to 50,000. This outstanding camera allows the greatest possible creative freedom for even the most demanding photographic ambitions, enabling the photographer to switch effortlessly between macro, automatic and manual focusing.</p>
<p>Ensuring the decisive moment is never missed, the Leica Q full-frame compact camera has the fastest autofocus in its class and offers precision focusing almost in real-time. Furthermore, its Leica ultra-fast Maestro II image processor enables continuous shooting at up to ten frames per second at full resolution. Allowing reliable control of subject composition at this speed, the Leica Q also features an integrated viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 MP – displaying even the finest details without any perceptible lag, as soon as the camera is brought up to the user’s eye.</p>
<p>All functions of the camera are clearly laid out and logically placed, making it exceptionally ergonomic to use. The clear and logical menu provides rapid access to all essential functions and also enables photographers to programme their own personalised settings.</p>
<p>In addition, the Leica Q delivers movie recording in full-HD quality. Depending on the scene and subject, users can choose between 30 and 60 full frames per second for video recording in MP4 format. The camera also features an integrated Wi-Fi module for wireless transmission of still pictures and video to other devices, and remote control by WLAN from a smartphone or tablet.</p>
<p>The Leica Q app enabling these features can be downloaded free of charge from the Leica web site. As well as providing a remote release function and display of the viewfinder image, the app also allows the setting of parameters such as aperture and shutter speed from the device employed.</p>
<p>Full product specifications can be found at: uk.leica-camera.com.</p>
<p>Pricing and availability</p>
<p>The Leica Q ‘Titanium gray’ is scheduled to be available from mid-November 2016, at a suggested retail price of £3,800 including VAT.</p>
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<p><strong>October 19, 2016</strong> – With the Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, Leica Camera expands the lens portfolio of the Leica M rangefinder system with the modern reincarnation of a classic Leica lens. First introduced as a screw mount lens in 1955, the predecessor of this new lens is still one of the most compact wide-angle lenses in the Leica M-System and is famed for its characteristic visual signature. The new Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 takes its lead from the classically compact construction of its ancestor and brings the unique, analog look of its pictures into the age of digital photography.</p>
<p>The optical design and mechanical construction of the Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 are identical to those of its predecessor, which was manufactured at the Leitz factory in Wetzlar until 1963. The perfect fusion of the latest optical developments, such as the highest quality finishing and manufacturing techniques, with this classic optical design make this new edition of the Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 much more than a reconstruction of an existing lens. While only slightly modernizing the shape and design of the lens, the new version of the Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 is reduced to the essentials but loses none of the character of its legendary ancestor. Its exceptionally short length of less than two centimeters makes it incredibly unobtrusive, and together with the inherent unassuming nature of a Leica M it is an ideal lens for street photography. The combination of a clearly laid out depth of field scale and long focus throw allow for very precise and easy zone focusing.</p>
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<p>The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups, arranged symmetrically around the iris of the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6, is identical to that of its ancestor. The historic optical design of the original lens has remained completely unchanged. When shot at wide-open aperture, the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 renders subjects with rich contrast across nearly the entire image field. The combination of a large depth of field, natural contrast rendition, excellent resolution of details and a slight visible vignetting create a unique visual signature, and lend pictures a special classic look reminiscent of earlier days of analog photography.</p>
<p>The outward appearance of the new Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 has been harmonized with the contemporary look and mechanics of the current portfolio of Leica M-Lenses. This is exemplified in the Leica M bayonet mount with 6-bit coding, the shape of the focusing lock button, the diameter of the aperture ring and the style of the knurling on the barrel and rings. The style and construction of the lens hood reflects the original, and recalls memories of the beginnings of rangefinder photography. It is machined from solid brass and finished in an elaborate manufacturing process.</p>
<p>As is the case for all other Leica lenses, the Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 was designed and developed by the precision engineers and optical specialists in Wetzlar. As a product made to stand the test of time with enduring value, the lens is made in Germany from only the finest materials, and assembled entirely by hand. The combination of cutting-edge technologies and painstaking manufacturing processes guarantees consistently excellent quality and long-lasting reliability.</p>
<p>Customers wishing to purchase a Leica Summaron-M 28 mm f/5.6 lens must place a pre-order with a Leica Store, Boutique or Dealer. Deliveries will follow according to the sequence in which the orders are received. Due to the strong demand, long delivery times must be taken into account, especially in the first few months.</p>
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<em>More than 20 Year Program Debuts New Members at PhotoPlus Expo 2016</em></p>
<p><strong>MELVILLE, N.Y., October 19, 2016</strong> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to announce the addition of two new photographers to its renowned Explorers of Light program, Stephanie Sinclair and Jeremy Cowart. These new members add to the already impressive ranks of Canon’s program, expanding to align with a wide range of talented professionals that impact imaging culture and influence the way their audiences see the world. These new Explorers of Light will be on hand at the Canon Booth (#121) at PhotoPlus Expo 2016, October 20-22 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City. For a full schedule of events in the Canon booth, please visit <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/photoplus2016" target="_blank"><b>usa.canon.com/photoplus2016</b></a>.</p>
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<p>Stephanie Sinclair is a New York-based photojournalist who has gained international acclaim for her attention to human rights issues. Through her photography and her Too Young to Wed foundation, she has shone a spotlight on issues such as child marriage, female circumcision, war and polygamy. “Throughout my career, I’ve used the power of images to tell stories that weren’t being told,” Sinclair remarked. “I’m honored to join Canon’s Explorers of Light program and eager to get more involved in speaking to the next generation of photographers to teach them how to do the same.”</p>
<p>Jeremy Cowart is an accomplished portrait photographer who has captured iconic images of some of the world’s biggest celebrities. In addition, his humanitarian work has taken him to places such as Rwanda and Haiti where he has created photo essays that helped tell the stories of those whose lives had been ravaged by war and tragedy. “I’ve always been passionate about teaching, because it is my belief that art can change the world,” said Cowart. “I’m so proud to join the Explorers of Light program and be part of such an amazing team of professional photographers who share my enthusiasm for spreading the joy of imagery.”</p>
<p>“For over 20 years, the Explorers of Light program has enabled Canon to align with amazing professional photographers that use the power of the image to educate and inspire, and Jeremy Cowart and Stephanie Sinclair will help us to do both in new and impactful ways,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.</p>
<p>Since the creation of the program in 1995, Canon’s Explorers of Light have been leaders in their respective fields, garnering awards and accolades for their work. These individuals work with Canon extensively as representatives, ambassadors, educators, and role models for aspiring creative artists. They participate in workshops, seminars, gallery showings and personal appearances throughout the United States.</p>
<p>For more information about the Explorers of Light program, visit: <a href="http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/explorers_of_light/eol_home.shtml" target="_blank"><b>http://www.learn.usa.canon.com/explorers_of_light/eol_home.shtml</b></a></p>
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<p>A patent showing curved sensor development, this one deals with using a magnetic system to deform the sensor. The translation below isn’t the best, but it should give you an idea of the technology.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2016-173496 (<a href="http://egami.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2016-10-19">Google Translated/Egami</a>)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2016.9.29</li>
<li>Filing date 2015.3.17</li>
<li>However, generally a dark current is generated by the image sensor, especially since the time of or during long exposure sensitivity is sometimes noise due to dark current are noticeable, various noise reduction process is performed. On the other hand, the imaging surface imaging element is curved in the imaging element curved dark current generated by the imaging device is known to be reduced by the tensile stress at the time of the.</li>
<li>Curving the imaging surface drive means</li>
<li>Driving means magnetic force</li>
<li>Curvature of dark current noise is reduced</li>
<li>Curvature priority to the correction of the curvature of field aberration</li>
</ul>
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<em>Extraordinary Next-Generation AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Sets a New Standard for Pro Telephoto Workhorse Lenses, While New PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is Nikon’s Widest Ever Tilt-Shift NIKKOR Offering</em></p>
<p><strong>MELVILLE, NY (October 19, 2016 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) </strong>– Today, Nikon Inc. has announced two exciting FX-format additions to the storied NIKKOR lens lineup, designed to achieve amazing optical performance for the most demanding professional and enthusiast photographers. An evolution of one of Nikon’s most versatile and popular pro-zoom lenses, the newly redesigned AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sports an updated optical formula capable of amazing image quality, while optimized for high-speed shooting. Also introduced today is Nikon’s widest perspective control lens to date, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED tilt-shift lens, which helps photographers effortlessly control perspective when capturing architecture, interiors, fine art, product photography and landscapes.</p>
<p>“Nikon continues to raise the bar of optical excellence, and our newest FX-format NIKKOR offerings provide experienced photographers with powerful tools to help ensure brilliantly sharp images, whether capturing a high-speed photo finish or creatively framing an architectural marvel,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “While the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR builds upon the success of its predecessors to offer a true all-around NIKKOR optic, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will provide fantastic perspective control for a variety of challenging wide-angle applications.”</p>
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<p><strong>The Ultimate Workhorse Lens for Seasoned Photographers</strong></p>
<p>Long considered an essential lens in the bag of professional photographers, this updated AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sets a new benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, taking image quality and handling to the next level. An indispensable and powerful tool for nearly any photographic scenario, the NIKKOR 70-200mm remains the professional’s choice with a wide f/2.8 constant aperture that is ideal for capturing sports, weddings, stunning portraits and more, even in low-light.</p>
<p>The next generation design of the lens helps ensure the very best in image quality, speed and low-light performance, while offering balance and handling that is nothing short of superb. Nikon’s new 70-200mm provides up to four stops<sup class="green">1</sup> of Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, an improvement from its predecessor that helps users to eliminate blur and camera shake even when shooting handheld or in challenging light. During burst shooting, the lens takes advantage of an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent auto-exposure control. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-fast and quiet AF operation with seamless manual focus override. Discerning photographers will also appreciate assignable function buttons on the lens barrel that offer customization, perfect for engaging pre-set autofocus or other focusing options.</p>
<p>A new optical formula consisting of six ED elements, one Fluorite element, a high refractive element and Nano Crystal Coat helps make for a lighter and more versatile lens, while reducing chromatic aberration and helping to all but eliminate distortion, ghosting and flare. Ready for even the most rugged of assignments, the magnesium alloy lens barrel features superior weather-sealing that achieves anti-dust and waterdrop-resistance, while Fluorine coating on both the front and rear glass facilitates easy cleaning. Whether shooting with a camera like the Nikon D5, D810, D750 or D500, capturing sports or weddings, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a fantastic lens choice for experienced photographers.</p>
<p><strong>Seamlessly Control Perspective with the New Super-Wide PC NIKKOR Lens</strong></p>
<p>Also new from Nikon is the latest perspective control lens (designated PC) in the NIKKOR lens lineup, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED, a tilt-shift offering that will help photographers master perspective and depth-of-field. For storytellers who yearn to capture optically-challenging subjects like cityscapes and architecture, interiors or unique landscapes, this lens offers 97° of coverage – the widest focal length of any PC lens in the NIKKOR family. Tilt the lens to sharpen focus throughout a scene or create a miniature effect, or shift<sup class="green">2</sup> to adjust perspective in-camera, create panoramas or eliminate converging lines. For the first time with a NIKKOR PC lens, the direction of tilt operation can be made parallel or perpendicular to shift, offering users nearly unprecedented ability to control perspective, focus and depth-of-field, without having to lock and unlock to make adjustments.</p>
<p>Sporting a super-wide 19mm focal length, the lens provides a unique perspective ideal for shooting horizontal or vertical panoramas, or even filmmaking. With this ultra-wide angle in mind, the latest FX-format NIKKOR offering was crafted with three ED and two aspherical elements that help combat distortion and glare, while virtually eliminating chromatic aberration and coma, even at the widest aperture settings. The lens also features core NIKKOR technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat to combat ghosting and flare, an electromagnetic diaphragm for fast auto-exposure control, as well as a Fluorine coat that helps resist dirt, water spots and smudges. Ready for a variety of challenging ultra-wide applications, the PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED is a powerful tool for discerning photographers looking for full creative and perspective control. It joins three other Gold Ring Series PC lenses in Nikon’s line-up; the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED, PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D.</p>
<p><strong>Price and Availability</strong></p>
<p>Both the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED will be available starting in November 2016 for suggested retail prices (SRP) of $2,799.95<sup class="green">*</sup> and $3,399.95<sup class="green">*</sup>, respectively. For more information on these new Nikon products and pricing for optional accessories, please visit <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/">www.nikonusa.com</a>.</p>
<p><span class="green"><em>1</em> <em>Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position. </em> </span></p>
<p><span class="green">2 <em>Depending on combination of shift and rotation, operation may be restricted by mechanical interference between the lens and camera when used with certain Nikon cameras.</em></span></p>
<ul>
<li><span class="green"><em>Models that can be used without any limitation: D5, D4 series, D3 series, D810 Series, D500</em></span></li>
<li><span class="green"><em>Models that can be used with some limitations: Df, D800 series, D750, D610, D600, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100</em></span></li>
<li><span class="green"><em>Models that are not compatible with PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED</em>: D2 series, D1 series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70 series, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras, Nikon 1 series with FT-1</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span class="green"><em>*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.</em></span></p>
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<strong>MELVILLE, N.Y., October 18, 2016</strong> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that their service operation in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey has relocated to 125 Chubb Ave., Suite 100N, Lyndhurst, New Jersey. The new Professional Service & Support Center is geared toward industry professionals and photo enthusiasts and is designed to support the imaging community in the New York metropolitan area. This facility will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM on a walk-in basis with no appointments needed.</p>
<p>At this new location, Canon will showcase many of its latest imaging products in the professional products showroom with a Canon technical expert on-site to demonstrate product features and answer questions. The state-of-the-art facility also offers repair and maintenance operations for Canon’s extensive lineup of professional Cinema and Broadcast lenses, EF series photography lenses, Cinema EOS and EOS Digital SLR cameras, and high-definition camcorders. Repair operations at the facility include six state-of-the-art lens and camera adjustment rooms, Canon’s most advanced adjustment and calibration equipment, spare parts inventory, and experienced repair staff.</p>
<p>“The new facility in Lyndhurst will provide an inviting location for Canon’s existing customers as well as new customers looking to learn more about our products,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This move also continues the expansion and improvements of our 100 percent U.S.-based service and support network.”</p>
<p>The Lyndhurst facility is one of three service facilities that Canon has made available to professional clients, joining the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology & Support Center, located in Hollywood, California, and the Chicago Professional Service & Support Center, located in Itasca, Illinois. These facilities provide local support to key markets and deliver an average repair process time of less than two days for CPS customers.</p>
<p>Additional camera and lens service facilities for both professional and consumer clients are located in Jamesburg, NJ, Costa Mesa, CA and Newport News, VA.</p>
<p>For an exciting video tour highlighting the features of the new facility, please visit: <a href="http://www.pro.usa.canon.com/lyndhurst">www.pro.usa.canon.com/lyndhurst</a></p>
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<strong>TOKYO, October 18, 2016</strong>—Canon Inc. announced today the successful development of the world’s first<sup>*</sup> indium phosphide (InP) immersion grating.<sup>†</sup> Strengthening its lineup of immersion gratings, which includes gratings made from germanium (Ge) and cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe), Canon is contributing to even greater progress in cosmological observation by expanding the range of observable infrared frequencies.</p>
<p>In order to retrieve information contained within light emitted from space, astronomical telescopes and man-made satellites are equipped with spectroscopes—devices that incrementally divide light by its different frequencies—that play a vital role in cosmological observation. Compared with typical reflective elements, immersion gratings enable spectrometers that are smaller in size and realize higher levels of performance. With the addition of an InP immersion grating to Canon’s lineup, spectrometers could be reduced to approximately 1/27th the volume of those equipped with typical reflective elements that cover the same frequencies. Overcoming restrictions on size and weight, which, until now, made it difficult to launch man-made satellites equipped with high-performance spectrometers, is expected to further expand the possibilities of cosmological observation. What’s more, the application of this grating to next-generation large ground-based telescopes, which face the problem of ever-increasing sizes, could lead to reductions in size without sacrificing performance.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-27131" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e-728x239.jpg" alt="20161018_01e" width="728" height="239" srcset="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e-728x239.jpg 728w, http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e-768x253.jpg 768w, http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e-610x201.jpg 610w, http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/20161018_01e.jpg 973w" sizes="(max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /></a></p>
<p>With the addition of an InP immersion grating, Canon’s immersion grating lineup now covers light from near infrared to far infrared, enabling observation of almost the entire spectrum of infrared frequencies used in the field of astronomy (from 1 to 20 μm<sup>‡</sup>). Infrared light can be captured from much farther distances than visible light, making detection of matter in space possible on a molecular, and even atomic, level. As such, the new InP immersion grating could facilitate research into not only the origin of life and planets, but also the origin of the universe itself, contributing to even greater developments in space science.</p>
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<p>While the benefits of fabricating immersion diffractive gratings were realized long ago, because the transmissive semiconductor materials suited to the infrared frequencies used in the field of astronomy (from 1 to 20 μm) are particularly brittle, achieving a surface of virtually perfect regularity with grooves measuring only a few nanometers<sup>§</sup>proved difficult. Canon applied its own ultra-precision processing technology, cultivated through the manufacture of precision components, using only machining processes to successfully develop immersion gratings even with such brittle semiconductor materials. The resulting InP immersion grating realizes an arrangement of 990 steps at 47 μm intervals.</p>
<p>Diffractive elements for use with high-dispersion infrared spectra ordinarily have an absolute diffraction efficiency<sup>¶</sup>of 50–60%. Canon’s InP immersion grating, however, achieves an absolute diffraction efficiency of approximately 75%. With its high-efficiency performance, enabling superior light capture even amid low light intensity, it will enable small telescopes to achieve high precision measurement, and large telescopes to measure infrared light from much farther distances in space.</p>
<p>Canon will host a presentation on its indium phosphide immersion grating at the International Conference on Space Optics 2016, to be held from October 18 to 21, 2016, in Barritz, France.</p>
<table class="nobdr notice mgnb30">
<tbody>
<tr class="padb10">
<td class="center">*</td>
<td>Among immersion gratings made from indium phosphate. According to a Canon survey.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>†</td>
<td>Indium phosphide immersion grating refers to a spectrographic optical element capable of covering the indium phosphide transmissive frequency range of the infrared spectrum between approximately 1.5 and 8 μm. Compared with conventional reflective diffractive gratings, immersion gratings make possible higher dispersion relative to the refractive index (approx. 3.2 for InP).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>‡</td>
<td>1 μm (micrometer) is one-millionth of a meter (or one-thousandth of a millimeter).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>§</td>
<td>1 nm (nanometer) is one-billionth of a meter (or one-thousandth of a micrometer).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>¶</td>
<td>Absolute diffraction efficiency is the ratio of the diffracted light intensity to the incident light intensity, specifically, at the precise point of the strongest diffracted light intensity. In the case of Canon’s InP immersion grating, the theoretical absolute diffraction efficiency limit is said to be 85%.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Setting sights on medical and communication applications</h3>
<p>Going forward, Canon intends to develop an immersion grating from materials suitable for frequencies close to visible light (0.8–1.2 μm), and with the successful development of its InP immersion grating, the Company is one step closer to achieving that goal. By developing a lineup of immersion gratings using a variety of different materials, users can choose the optimal grating based on the frequency range it will be used with to make possible a wide range of applications in the field of infrared spectroscopy. Canon anticipates applications in the fields of medicine, communication and, of course, astronomy.</p>
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<p>Every so often we hear things about Canon’s longer prime lenses, but nothing ever comes to fruition. There is an expectation we’re going to see new 50mm and 85mm lenses in the next year or so, though we haven’t heard anything we’d consider definitive.</p>
<p>We’re told that an EF 135mm f/2L II prototype currently exists internally at Canon, but hasn’t yet been given to photographers for field testing.</p>
<p>Development of an “L” lens can take years and we don’t doubt that this lens is on the upgrade cycle. However, we’re not sure it’s coming in the <em>near</em> future.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>
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PhotographyBlog has completed their review of the recently announced and soon-to-be-released Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II. It looks like the new lens is a big upgrade over its predecessor, which is something we’re getting used to with Canon.</p>
<p><strong>From the review:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>The Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM is an excellent standard zoom lens that, as you’d perhaps expect, is much better than the 10-year-old Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM that it replaces, which incidentally is one of Canon’s most popular lenses.</p>
<p>It offers a very versatile focal range whilst being tack-sharp from 24mm to 50mm, both in the centre and at the edges of the frame. Sharpness at 70-105mm isn’t quite as good when shooting wide-open at f/4, but overall the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM delivers excellent sharpness across the frame. Vignetting at wide-open apertures and some barrel distortion at 24mm are the only other real optical issues of note. <a href="http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/canon_ef_24_105mm_f4_l_is_ii_usm_review/">Read the review</a></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

</strong><em>Shipping in late October, 2016</em><strong>

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<ul>
<li><strong>USA </strong><em>$1099</em><strong>:</strong> <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1274709-REG/canon_ef_24_105mm_f_4l_is.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/2bpjIRq">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/CA241052.html?KBID=64393">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/2bIZnYi">Canon Store</a> | <a href="http://mpex.com/canon-ef-24-105mm-f-4l-is-ii-lens.html?acc=3">Midwest Photo</a></li>
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