<em>High-performance lens features VC image stabilization, improved AF and weighs just 400g (14.1 oz.)</em></p>
<p><strong>August 6th, 2015, Saitama City, Japan</strong> – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, today announces the introduction of a new high-performance lens that zooms from 18 to 200mm for APS-C DSLR cameras.</p>
<p>The new 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018) is the successor to AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A14), which has been one of Tamron’s best-selling lenses since its introduction 10 years ago. The new 18-200mm VC uses the most modern optical and mechanical design to achieve compactness and high performance.</p>
<p>Incorporating image stabilization, the 18-200mm VC delivers superior image quality and is the lightest zoom in its class. Tamron made full use of its long experience and expertise as a pioneering force in high-power zoom lenses to create an optimal all-in-one™ lens that opens up new photographic possibilities to all DSLR camera users.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>* Among 18-200mm interchangeable lenses for APS-C DSLR cameras with O.I.S. (As of June, 2015. Source: Tamron)</p>
<p>Product name: 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018） For Canon/ Nikon/ Sony*1</p>
<p>Date of Launch: August 24, 2015</p>
<p>The Canon and Nikon mount models will be first simultaneously launched. The launch date of the Sony mount model will be announced at a later date.</p>
<ol>
<li>No need to change lenses—shoot in a wide variety of settings, from true wideangle to telephoto, with a single lens

A zoom range of 18 to 200mm (35mm equivalent: 28-310mm) means there is no need to change lenses even when switching from wideangle shots in tight places to long telephoto shots of distant objects. Ideal for everything from large groups photos, family pictures, portraits, scenery, animals and school events—even for close-up shots (less than 0,5m) of food.</li>
<li>Greater portability at a weight of just 400g—the lightest lens in its class

Covers the focal length range of 18 to 200mm and features Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation)*2, but weighs a mere 400g. Tamron designed the 18-200mm VC to be as user-friendly as possible by emphasizing portability and convenience. Users will appreciate the incredible balance and comfortable feel of this lens—even when used with the newest APS-C DSLR cameras.</li>
<li>Features VC and AF, providing valuable support for DSLR camera novices

Camera vibration is magnified in telephoto shots and when a slow shutter speed is used because of dim lighting. Even beginners can take great photos at long distances, at night, and indoors—and avoid camera shake—thanks to Tamron’s acclaimed VC mechanism. By incorporating a newly designed autofocus drive module with optimal DC motor-gear train integration, the 18-200mm VC also focuses much more quickly and quietly than models with conventional DC motors.</li>
<li>Delivers enhanced imaging performance in a lightweight package

Featuring 16 elements in 14 groups, the 18-200mm VC uses an LD (Low Dispersion) lens element to minimize chromatic aberrations. Although light and compact with VC, Tamron’s new offering also delivers amazing overall optical performance for an all-purpose lens. A circular, seven-blade aperture diaphragm maintains an almost perfectly round shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture, providing desirable and beautiful bokeh with point light sources blurring into naturally rounded shapes.</li>
<li>Works great as an easy-to-use lens for day-to-day use

For added dependability and longer life, Tamron’s new lens features moisture-resistant construction that helps prevent damage caused by accidental exposure to wetness. The lens also comes with a Zoom Lock feature to prevent unwanted barrel extension when users carry their lens and camera body combinations with the lens pointed toward the ground.</li>
</ol>
<p>*1 The Sony mount version does not include VC because Sony DSLR bodies incorporate built-in image stabilization. The name of the Sony mount model is “18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II” without the VC designation.

*2 VC (Vibration Compensation) is Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization mechanism.</p>

Joey Miller, a longtime employee of LensRentals.com has completed his brief review of the upcoming Sony A7R II. I have a lot of respect for Joey, he’s a great shooter and shoots a lot of different cameras and mediums. If you want the opinion of a working photographer, his is worthwhile.</p>
<p>From Joey:</p>
<blockquote><p>I really think Sony nailed it with this one. Maybe I wouldn’t shoot roller derby with it yet, but for pretty much everything else, I think this is going to be my go to camera, especially once the lens line up is filled out more. I absolutely love the Sony FE 28mm. The Sony FE 90mm macro is nice, but it’s slow. I had good luck with M mount lenses, though, with the Leica 90mm APO-Cron and Leica 21mm Lux really knocking it out of the park on this high res sensor. If you’ve been waiting for a better alternative to your big, bulky DSLR, this might finally fit the bill. I’ve been hesitant to say that for the a7S, a7R, and the a7 II, even though I love those cameras, but the a7R II, I think this is the one. Try it out ASAP! <a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/08/sony-a7r-ii-a-brief-review" target="_blank">Read the full review</a></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Sony A7R II Body $3198: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1159878-REG/sony_a7r_mark_ii_digital.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x647086" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/ISOA7R2.html?kbid=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1LhKh5l" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></p>

A new patent showing a EF 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 IS has appeared and we suspect this could be related to the EF 24-105 f/3.5-5.6 IS.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2015-132637</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2015.7.23</li>
<li>Filing date 2014.1.9</li>
</ul>
<p>Example 4</p>
<ul>
<li>Zoom ratio 4.76</li>
<li>Focal length 24.73 55.13 117.60</li>
<li>Fno. 3.60 4.91 5.83</li>
<li>Half angle of 41.18 21.43 10.42</li>
<li>Image height 21.64</li>
<li>Lens length 149.01 170.43 200.01</li>
<li>BF 38.67 61.21 74.86</li>
</ul>
<p>Canon patents</p>
<ul>
<li>Anti-vibration (Group 6)</li>
</ul>

Apparently Leica will introduce a new camera system in 2015, along with a line of autofocus lenses. It’s speculated that this could be a new M mount camera with AF, EVF and an ability to use the current manual focus M mount lenses.</p>
<p>Leica Rumors breaks down what they’ve heard:</p>
<ul>
<li class="amzn_view_checked amzn-taggable-text">Full fame camera with autofocus</li>
<li class="amzn_view_checked amzn-taggable-text">New line of AF lenses</li>
<li class="amzn_view_checked amzn-taggable-text">Very good high ISO performance – probably the best in the industry</li>
<li class="amzn_view_checked amzn-taggable-text">Will be available in stores before Christmas</li>
</ul>
<p>This could turn out to be a very interesting product, one I would definitely be interested in. I currently shoot with a Leica M-P and I love it.</p>
<p> </p>

<p>Amateur Photographer has a great article about aerial photographers that use the EOS-1D X and EOS-1D C to look for physical trouble on the UK’s rail system.</p>
<blockquote><p>Many photography enthusiasts would jump at the chance to combine a hobby with their day job. Aviation photography fan Sean Leahy is lucky enough to do just that. He twins his passion outside work with a full-time job shooting photographs from a helicopter high in the skies over southern England. <a href="http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/photo-news/meet-the-aerial-photographers-who-fly-around-britain-keeping-our-railway-tracks-out-of-danger-58325#9fGIrRShRxdqOYAQ.99" target="_blank">Read the full story…</a></p></blockquote>
<p><em>Photo Credit // Chris Cheeseman</em></p>

<p><strong>THE NIKKOR LEGACY THRIVES: THREE NEW NIKON LENSES PUT PERFORMANCE AND NEW PERSPECTIVES IN FOCUS</strong></p>
<p>MELVILLE, NY (August 4, 2015) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced three exciting new NIKKOR lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers. The new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is the evolution of one of Nikon’s most popular pro lenses, improving upon its versatility and image quality. Nikon has also announced two additional new lens options, including the lightweight AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, a super-telephoto zoom that gives FX and DX-format photographers incredible reach in a compact size. The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED is the latest addition to Nikon’s popular line of f/1.8 fixed focal length lenses and is ideal for those seeking a sharp, fast-aperture prime lens.</p>
<p>“These three very different lenses are representative of the diverse range of Nikon photographers, but they all provide the most vibrant, sharp images and HD video possible; with color and clarity that only genuine NIKKOR optics can deliver,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175033-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8e.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661015" target="_blank">Nikon 24-70 f/2.8E ED VR</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175036-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24mm_f_1_8g.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661012" target="_blank">Nikon 24 f/1.8G ED</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175034-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_200_500mm_f_5_6e.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661016" target="_blank">Nikon 200-500 f/5.6E ED VR</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p><strong>AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

</strong>Look into the bag of nearly any Nikon-wielding pro and you will find Nikon’s iconic 24-70mm f/2.8, and with good reason; this lens’ versatility and image quality has made it an essential workhorse lens for every type of shooter. The new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR improves upon its respected predecessor in nearly every aspect, adding the best Nikon lens technologies to create an essential optic. An exciting evolution to come to this lens is the much-anticipated addition of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. With up to four stops of image stabilization<span class="green">*</span>, the new 24-70mm f/2.8 VR is ready to tackle the challenging light of a wedding ceremony or on-the-spot news, while Tripod Mode helps to banish blur for landscape shooters. VR is also a huge benefit to filmmakers shooting handheld or on a rig who already appreciate the lens’ depth-of-field control and precise sharpness.</p>
<p>The new NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8 utilizes Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture control, which allows for consistent exposures during high speed bursts of shooting. This lens also improves upon image quality with new optical construction to provide clarity and consistently sharp images, and is ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes and weddings. For nearly any assignment in any kind of light, the combination of a fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and useful zoom range make this lens the choice of many professionals. A first for NIKKOR lenses, a new Aspherical Extra-Low Dispersion (ASP/ED) element is paired with traditional aspherical, ED and High-Refractive Index (HRI) elements for a thrilling new level of optical precision. Photos and videos take on a beautiful balance of sharpness and subtle blur effects, virtually free of flare, ghosting, coma and chromatic aberration throughout the frame. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat is also employed to further reduce instances of ghosting and flare.</p>
<p>The new lens construction enhances durability and image quality, while retaining the overall balance and handling that made this a favorite of photographers in the first place. The lens is sealed and gasketed against the elements, and now features a fluorine coating on the front and rear element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. The optical formula consists of 20 elements in 16 groups, while a 9-blade diaphragm helps to create a pleasing, natural out of focus area with beautiful bokeh. Additionally, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR features a new filter diameter of 82mm and will accept the new Nikon CPL2 Circular Polarizer and 82mm NC (Neutral Color) filters.</p>
<p><strong>AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

</strong>The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is an exhilarating new lens option, giving enthusiast FX and DX-format photographers the ability to go further with amazing zoom power and tack-sharp clarity. This compact super-telephoto zoom is ideal for bringing distant subjects closer, including birds, sports, wildlife and motorsports. This lens opens the doors for a fresh new perspective; with a maximum reach of 500mm on FX-format Nikon cameras and a staggering 750mm equivalent reach on DX-format cameras. With a maximum aperture of f/5.6, photographers have the ability to fill much of the frame with their subject and create a pleasing background blur, even in challenging light. This lens also features Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture for consistent exposures, as well as VR with 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Additionally, the VR features Sport Mode, which is well-suited for capturing vibrant, sharp images of distant subjects at high frame rates or when panning with fast-moving action. The lens also lets users focus as close as 7.2 ft. throughout the entire focal range, for when a decisive play comes closer than expected, or capturing intricate details of nature.</p>
<p>Whether spending all day at an air race or in the field, the new NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 is surprisingly lightweight at only 5 lbs 1.2 oz. (2300 grams) including the tripod collar, making this lens easy to use handheld for extended periods. Photographers looking for even more reach can increase the zoom power using an optional compatible Nikon 1.4x, 1.7x or 2x E series Teleconverters<span class="green">**</span> to capture even the most distant subjects.</p>
<p>The new AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR’s optical formula features three ED elements to enhance sharpness and minimize chromatic aberration. A 9-blade aperture provides a desirable, smooth bokeh, while Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology helps to quickly and quietly achieve critical focus. The filter diameter of the new 200-500mm lens is 95mm, and Nikon will also offer optional 95mm NC (Neutral Color) and the 95mm Circular Polarizer CPL2 filters.</p>
<p><strong>AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED

</strong>The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED is the latest addition to the exceptional system of NIKKOR f/1.8 primes, and provides enthusiast photographers with a fast wide-angle prime lens that’s both lightweight and affordable. This new lens lets photographers immerse viewers into landscapes, interiors and architecture with amazing clarity and minimal distortion, while a fast maximum aperture delivers superb bokeh and excellent low-light ability. Whether a photographer’s passion is capturing environmental portraits or the delicious details of a meal, this lens creates a dramatic separation between subject and background.</p>
<p>The new NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8 complements Nikon’s high-resolution DSLRs and provides amazing image quality thanks to Nikon lens technologies including Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. Additionally, this compact lens features ED and Aspherical lens elements for extreme sharpness while minimizing ghosting and flare.</p>
<p><strong>Price and Availability

</strong>The new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR will be available in late August for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2399.95<span class="green">***</span>. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR will be available in mid-September for the SRP $1399.95<span class="green">***</span>. The new AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED will be available in mid-September for the SRP of 749.95<span class="green">***</span>.  For more information on these new NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175033-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8e.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661015" target="_blank">Nikon 24-70 f/2.8E ED VR</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175036-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24mm_f_1_8g.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661012" target="_blank">Nikon 24 f/1.8G ED</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175034-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_200_500mm_f_5_6e.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x661016" target="_blank">Nikon 200-500 f/5.6E ED VR</a></strong></p>

<p>According to PhotoRumors, Sigma is working on 2 versions of the 12-24mm lens. One will be an Art series lens and the other a Contemporary series lens, this is the same sort of thing they’ve done with the new 150-600 lenses.</p>
<p>Sigma currently makes a 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM II, and a constant aperture Art version of such a lens would be very sought after if they continue with their aggressive pricing.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>