Nikon To Announce 24-70 f/2.8 VR, 24 f/1.8, 200-500 f/5.6 VR

http://nikonrumors.com/2015/07/29/first-pictures-of-nikon-24mm-f1-8g-24-70mm-f2-8e-vr-and-200-500mm-f5-6e-lenses-leaked-online.aspx/#more-95504


Now this is very interesting. We'll have to see how it performs, but this could be Nikon's first good Budget Telephoto option.
And man what a way to break the trend!

Of course IQ could be total crap at 500mm, you never know, but Nikonian Birders are probably vibrating from the anticipation right now.

I have to say, I might be a bit jealous (just a bit. Not too much, more like eating pumpkin pie when the guy beside you has chocolate mousse.)

Nikon Announces 95 Million Nikkor Lenses Produced

HTML:
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that total production of NIKKOR lenses*<sup>1</sup> for Nikon interchangeable lens cameras reached ninety-five million in the middle of July, 2015.</p>
<div class="section">
<p>In 1959, Nikon (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) released the Nikon F, as well as its first NIKKOR lenses for Nikon SLR cameras, including the NIKKOR-S Auto 5cm f/2. The NIKKOR tradition has continued over the many years since those first lenses were released.</p>
<p>Nikon actively releases new NIKKOR lenses that utilize the superior optical technologies it has cultivated over its long history as well as a variety of technologies developed exclusively by Nikon, including its anti-reflection coating, Nano Crystal Coat, PF (Phase Fresnel) lens elements with superior chromatic aberration compensation capability that makes lenses smaller and lighter, fluorite lens elements that offer superior chromatic aberration compensation and make telephoto lenses more compact, and fluorine coat, which effectively repels a variety of contaminants, such as dust and dirt, water, oils, and grease.</p>
<p>Nikon continues its steady success, reaching total lens production—including those produced with expansion of its lineup of interchangeable lenses for Nikon 1, Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses, the first of which was released in October, 2011—of ninety million at the end of October, 2014.</p>
<p>One of Nikon’s lenses released this year is the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, released in January, 2015. This fixed focal length telephoto lens, compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras, was the first NIKKOR lens for which a PF lens element was adopted. Adoption of the PF lens element made the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR the world’s lightest lens in its class*<sup>2</sup>. This makes the lens very portable and easy to handle with hand-held shooting, despite the fact that it is a fixed focal length telephoto lens, expanding possibilities for new forms of photographic expression. What’s more, Nikon has recently released the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and AF-S, NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR, two FX-format compatible super-telephoto lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4 and for which two fluorite lens elements were adopted to significantly reduce their weight, making them the lightest lenses in their respective classes*<sup>3</sup>, as well as the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, a high-performance 5x normal zoom lens compatible with the Nikon DX format. Naturally, the latest optical design technologies and Nikon’s exclusive and highly durable fluorine coat were also adopted for these lenses.</p>
<p><em><span class="marker">*1 </span>Interchangeable lenses for Nikon SLR cameras and Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses</em>

<em><span class="marker">*2 </span>Among 300mm fixed focal length (prime) autofocus lenses compatible with FX-format digital SLR cameras and available as of announcement in Jan 6, 2015. Statement based on Nikon research.</em>

<em><span class="marker">*3 </span>AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR : Among 500mm fixed focal length (prime) autofocus lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4 compatible with digital SLR cameras equipped with a full-size image sensor and available as of announcement in July 2, 2015.</em></p>
<p>AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR : Among 600mm fixed focal length (prime) autofocus lenses compatible with digital SLR cameras equipped with a full-size image sensor and available as of announcement in, July 2, 2015. Both statements based on Nikon research.</p>
</div>

How about Barista portraits?

OK, I met a very nice, sweet and attractive Starbucks barista that had a beautiful face a couple days ago when I got some coffee. I was so captivated that I mentioned it to her and she thanked me. Later I got to thinking that I would love to get some portraits of her. I don't do portraits much and I can always use a reason to improve in that area even if they are just a few quick shots.

So my question to those of you that shoot "Street & City" shots of strangers and the general public is... Would starting a "Post your favorite Baristas!" thread be a good idea? How does this sound? Is it creepy? Or does it sound interesting and fun?

And assuming that it's a good idea, share some tips for how to best approach a Barista to ask them? I guess it doesn't have to be that awkward but it never hurts to have some advice ahead of time.

Sony RX100 Mark IV - New Review and Fascinating SD Card Info

DPR has published a new review of what could well be the most advanced truly pocketable quality camera there is, the Sony RX100 Mark IV.

What I found most interesting about this review is what they say about the cards that it can take, and how that choice affects the camera performance etc.

Because so many of the RX100 IV's features produce large amounts of data, you can only use all its features if you use specific SD cards. The main limitation isn't just one of speed, it's the size of file that the card can cope with. Only one of the five cards in the picture below allows the full use of the camera's capabilities (and it's not the fastest).

You can read more here:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/sony-cybershot-dsc-rx100-iv

Eurotrip - Porsche Road Trip

I have moved this front the sports section as Craig was kind enough to set up a new travel thread. :)

Recently I went on a two week eurotrip. The following is an editorial piece written by Jack Fordyce that gives a brief description of the trip and the photographs were taken by me. The article can be found in an upcoming article in the UK version of Porsche Post.

Kit used: 5DMKIII, 16-35mm L F2.8, 24-70mm L F2.8, 70-300mm F4-5.6 L

The photographs are a selection suited for the article, roughly 70 out of 770. There are a lot more that I will post in due time.

Enjoy!

Four Porsches and a Zed – a Euro Road Trip
by Jack Fordyce, Photography by Tom Scott

Car club and forum camaraderie was a strong catalyst in creating this touring group, as some transitioned into Porsche ownership from much loved BMW Z4s.

A potential 2,500 mile route through Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Italy was agreed. Cars consisted of a 991 50th Anniversary, a 997 Targa 4S, a 997 Carrera S, a 981 Boxster S and a Z4M roadster. Drivers include Scots, English based in Scotland, English surnamed Scott, and Scots and Dutch based in England, making for a bar room joke bereft of a good punch line, with plenty banter potential.

Baden Baden & Stuttgart Factory Tour
Arriving via Eurostar or ferry to Amsterdam, meeting up for an autobahn blast to Baden Baden, coincided with a birthday so as you do we “took the waters”.

Porsche 911s Port of Tyne, Northshields, by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group meet up just off the autobahn in Baden Baden by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Petrol Stop, Netherlands by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A Porsche Factory Tour required a 5-30am start for a dawn assault on “The Route 500” with a photo stop at Mumelsee where pro photographer Tom, put us amateurs to shame with some fabulously composed and exposed shots. The route climbs steeply over near deserted roads, round high speed, tightening bends in magical early morning light before an equally challenging descent.

Porsche 911 and Boxster, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911s and BMW Z4M, Route 500 stop, Mumelsee, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Navigational debate followed, assisted by four versions of OEM Porsche Sat Nav, a Tom Tom, a Garmin and a well-thumbed route map with detail only visible to the very young. We arrived in Stuttgart in good time though, scanning the underground car park for anything interesting.

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The factory tour (cameras and phones prohibited) provides almost hands-on insight, urged along by our very knowledgeable guide. Witnessing the marriage between chassis, bodywork and engine was fascinating, as was a privileged peek at a collection of GT3 RS models. Task timing within the production line was admirably precise, with workers seeming remarkably stress free.

Hopefully scoring brownie points, three of us sported Porsche GB Club tops and with Club Cards ready, secured free museum entry - a nice touch. The afternoon was spent at the Museum, gift shop and restaurant where we could each do our own thing, largely involving rubbing noses against expensive glass.

Porsche 911 Turbos, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 918, Porsche Museum, Stuttgart by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A 550km drive to Savognin, near St.Moritz next, detouring to allow an eastwards group drive of the Susten Pass. A Swiss tunnel cacophony of sports exhausts merited several repeat performances.

Porsche 991, 911 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Z4M Tunnel, St.Moritz, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Convoy, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Boxster, St.Moritz to Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Whilst light rain affected the Susten, an amusing lay-bye liaison with a large pair of furry marmots ensued, before another spirited session, keeping a healthy pace despite conditions.

Braving the mountain’s drizzly elements, suitably attired in T-shirt, shorts and plimsolls, Tom captured some fabulous stills of the red Carrera S, some feeling guilty for rushing him.

Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Convoy, Stein Glacier, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 lineup, Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911, Sustens Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Susten Pass, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ready for the green light, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Scenic mountain pass road, Tiefencastel to Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A thrilling spar with the 991 50th on roads south from Tiefencastel to Savognin, highlighted the Boxster’s stunning composure and grip levels, assisted by LSD and PTV options, a fabulous end to a long day, ensuring the Cube Hotel’s cold beer tasted even sweeter. Cool digs these, with a petrol-head barman and the option to ride your mountain bike from a third floor room, down the ramped stairwell, straight out the lobby - sadly no MTBs on this trip.

Two father and son teams leave now for an all-day dash to Calais. The Z4M driving the entire route, roof down, including autobahns – respect.

Modena
The remaining trio continued towards Modena, via lunchtime pizza in the pretty town of San Pellegrino, over the intimidating San Marco Pass, signed “closed” at one mightily high end where approaching drivers advised the pass was open. A single track road lay ahead, tight as two coats of paint, with frequently coned off landslide sections, so we’re surprised to find the top awash with cars, ice-cream shop and a popular sunbathing spot, most arriving from the much more accessible, southern side.

Scenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 lineup, Scenic road, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

San Marco Pass, North side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Dirty Porsche 911s, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Group pic, San Marco Pass, South side, Bergamo Alps, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Harly Davidson Police Bike, San Pelegrino, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Our Modena hotel pool boasts a cool “spring break” atmosphere with live band. The manager clearing the hotel frontage, to allow group parking alongside a blue BMW M4, we later learn is on “European collection” from its’ Calgary bound Canadian owner. Our chat follows a pre breakfast jet wash session, armed with microfibers, wheel cleaners, detailing sprays etc. Cars look good again unlike an earlier Julier Pass, dirty photo stop.

Porsche 911 and BMW M4, Valet Sports car Parking, Best Western, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ferrari, Pagani & Lamborghini
Both Ferrari Museums are great fun, our preference being the Enzo museum - a Ferrari filled pleasure dome, with wonderful photo opps and importantly, well priced strong coffee. We’re in awe at the boat, the forging of exhaust pipework, polished cylinders, engine displays and the gift shop prices.

ARNO XI Hydroplane, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

La Ferrari, Enzo and F50, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

La Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari Museum, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A short tour of the Pagani factory leaves us thrilled to spot Horacio Pagani personally hosting customers. Our charming guide stresses the bespoke nature of “every car is a customer’s” so no photos again, as we clearly resemble some major industrial spies, though handling some carbon fibre samples is a rare treat. An opportunistic photo of a Huayra leaving the gates, with the Targa in shot is bagged.

Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Zonda F interior, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Zonda F and Zonda R, Pagani Factory, Modena by Tom Scott, on Flickr

A tentative approach through the Lamborghini factory gates sees us as swiftly encouraged to leave, as we are warmly welcomed, with iced coffee at a nearby cafe, where our Porker’s colours contrast well with the “Test Drive a Lambo” offerings.

Lamborghini Aventador, Lamborghini Factory, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan, Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Lamborghini Huracan and Porsche 911 Targa, Lamborghini Factory, Super car Rental, Modena, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Garda, Stelvio, Bernina, San Bernardino & Grimsel

Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

At Malcesine, Lake Garda, we lunch beachside, amusing diners and sunbathers with our incessant photography. We split again, with Targa occupants Bolzano bound and Carrera and Boxster to Basecamp Stelvio at Trafoi.

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Boxster S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Boxster S, 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Malcesine, Lake Garda, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Meeting up next morning, despite a booking blunder, we highly recommend Hotel Madatsch for panoramic views, quirky owner and resident St. Bernard.

Trafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Trafoi, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Initially, Stelvio Pass was predictably busy with motor-bikes, cyclists and drivers resisting others’ attempts at enjoying the challenge, but space is soon found and some relatively decent movie footage, the best probably rearwards facing, is in the can.

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The top of the Stelvio has a near carnival atmosphere and we retrace our steps for another photoshoot where Tom probably takes the tour’s best shots. The descent down the southern side is fabulous with smooth surfaces, well sighted sweeping bends and motor bikes that unusually, we pass!

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche Line up, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Targa, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche 911 Carrera S, Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Stelvio Pass, Italy by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Onwards to the fast flowing Bernina Pass with Swiss chocolate box alpine views of lakes and mountain trains, returning to Savognin following afternoon tea in St.Moritz. We enjoy a Savognin ski lift ride for some fine views before pressing on. Another split, this time where the Carrera heads to BMW Welt, Munich, re-grouping in Cologne.

Scenic fuel Stop, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Piz Forbesch, Oberhalbstein Alps, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Ski lift, Panoramabahn, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

Porsche line up, CUBE, Savognin, Switzerland by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Efficient Dynamics, Vision, BMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

BMW Welt, Munich, Germany by Tom Scott, on Flickr

The Targa and Boxster are joined by a German 911 cab for the sublime San Bernardino Pass, where at the summit, even the coffee bill at the Ospizio fails to spoil the sheer joy of the twistier approach sections. Early traffic on the Furka Pass clears, allowing a swift ascent of this high and tight pass in a James Bond (in the wrong car) style. A passing group of German Lotus & Caterham 7s heading up the Grimsel Pass wave, before our arrival in Meiringen for the night, followed by a visit to the stunning Reichenbach Falls, via funicular rail and a decent hike.

11110895_10153675348532018_3730109217398758588_o.jpg


11742808_10153675349552018_3431752830022531576_n.jpg


Last lap
A sweltering morning drive is rewarded with a swim in chilly Lake Lucerne, then a final group meal, below Cologne’s Cathedral before our homewards ferry completes a mind blowing trip with great company, the purest highlight of which might be the simple opportunities to stretch both driver and vehicle.

Roll on the next one and for anyone swithering – book it !

Tom Scott

A Candid Interview with Masaya Maeda

HTML:
An interview with Masaya Maeda by Neil Matsumoto<strong><em> </em></strong>has appeared on the EOSHD forum, Maeda is unusually open and frank with his answers about future products and features we can expect from Canon in regards to video. Below are the answers we think are the most interesting.</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>HDVP: </strong>Happy to see that the C300 Mark II is offering 4K. On that note, what sort of future does the C500 have?</p>
<p><strong>Masaya Maeda: </strong><em>There isn’t anything I can say about the C500 at this point. We’re currently investigating to see if we can take this product to the next level. We’re looking into that now.</em></p>
<p><strong>HDVP: </strong>When you say “next level,” could we be seeing a more traditional digital motion-picture camera, like the ARRI ALEXA or the Sony F65?</p>
<p><strong>Maeda:</strong> <em>Yes, we’re looking into this.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>We’ve been hearing for quite some time that <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/02/whats-next-from-canon-nab-and-beyond/" target="_blank">Canon would directly compete with Alexa in the future</a> and it looks like that may just happen.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong>HDVP:</strong> One criticism of your DSLRs for video capture is the lack of a neutral or flat color profile. Will Canon Log ever be offered on your DSLRs?</p>
<p><strong>Maeda:</strong> <em>Yes, we’re considering that, although I can’t tell you what level that will be incorporated. In the future, we would like to bring that into our DSLRs.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>This would make a lot of 5D Mark IV customers happy.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote><p><strong>HDVP:</strong> We’ve seen the success of the Sony a7S and Samsung NX1 mirrorless cameras. Do you think there’s a market for a Canon mirrorless 4K camera that doesn’t fit in the Cinema EOS line?</p>
<p><strong>Maeda:</strong> <em>I think that’s a promising product, but we don’t like to imitate others, so I think it would be a slightly different product if we release something like that.</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Sometimes imitation isn’t a bad thing. :) You can read the <a href="http://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/9047-interesting-canon-interview-with-masaya-maedya-on-c500-future-xc10-mirrorless-4k-future-dslr-log-option/" target="_blank">entire interview over at EOSHD</a>.</p>

  • Poll Poll
Short Telephoto Lenses

Whats the most popular short telephoto focal distance?

  • 85mm

    Votes: 25 47.2%
  • 100mm

    Votes: 15 28.3%
  • 135mm

    Votes: 13 24.5%

Got into a bit of an argument, would like some ammunition. ;D.

I don't care about the aperture only the focal length. Note the question isn't what is your favourite focal length, it is which one is most popular, that is which one do most photographers have.

Also does anyone know a good Nikon site where I could post the same sort of Poll? I want to try and eliminate brand bias from the answer. The only difference in the question would be that I would use 105mm instead of 100mm.

My Old Canon EF 600 MM L IS MK I---The Price have been increase---Ha, Ha, Ha.

Dear Friends.
My Happy day is to day, When I check the Price of my Old Lens Canon EF 600 MM. L IS USM and Find out that The Amazon sell the High price (Price: $20,600.00 & FREE Shipping.) The Price have been increase 180% 5 years ago, when I buy---May be Canon do not make it anymore = "THE CLASSIC"---Ha, Ha, Ha.
I tell my wife that---SEE !!!!!---Invest in Canon Lenses are better than buy the Stocks----Ha, Ha, Ha, Or buy Her Diamonds.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-600mm-Super-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009R6X9/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1438106313&sr=8-8&keywords=Canon+600+Mm+Lens

Enjoy.
Surapon

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The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Coming in at 24mp? [CR2]

HTML:
<p>Little bits of information about the upcoming EOS-1D X Mark II continue to come in, though nothing that shows a completed product has arrived in our inbox.</p>
<p>We’re told that the EOS-1D X Mark II will sport a 24mp sensor and shoot “faster than 12fps”, though the exact framerate was unknown.</p>
<p>We’ll pass on more information as soon as we receive it.</p>

Travel forum header

I was just wondering if there is a Travel section?

It would be really useful, I'm a travel photographer and a lot of my posts are wasted as they are put under categories that don't fit. Recently had a really good 2 week road trip across 5 countries which will be appearing in a couple of UK magazines. But I had to put it under sports.

I also traveled across South america, including the amazon etc for 2 months, North america for 3 months and about to embark across africa for 4 months and don't really have anywhere specifically to post the images. Most come with a breadth of editorial from x,y and z magazine as they aren't worldwide publications.

Just wondering if its possible to add a travel section or any advice on where is best to post.

Cheers

New Zeiss Otus Coming in September [CR1]

HTML:
We’re told that Zeiss will announce a new wide angle Otus in September of this year.</p>
<p>While we assumed a 35mm Otus lens would be announced, we’re told it’s actually going to be wider and likely 24mm, but could be announced as a “25mm” lens. The exact speed of the lens was unknown, but the previous two Otus lenses, the 55mm and 85mm are both f/1.4.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>
<p> </p>

The Kirkstone Pass Inn, in the Lake District, Cumbria, UK

This place is not a city nor town. It does have a road so I guess "street" is the closest word I could find to catalogue this topic. :)

Last week we went to The Kirkstone Pass Inn. It is in the Lake District, UK. It is a lovely place. Look up http://www.kirkstonepassinn.com/. It has lovely scenery, lovely outside, lovely inside, wonderful people and wonderful food. The Inn is said to be about 519 years old. As you can imagine, I took a number of pictures and then I ate. The food was great with service to match. Although we were over 45 minutes past the "last order time" when we realized that we wanted dessert, the folks obliged very happily. I had the Stake and Ale pie. It was delicious! Here is a link to the album https://flic.kr/s/aHskgS4cT3 and below are the pictures.



RPT_9962
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9963-Pano
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9972
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9973
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9974
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9975
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9977
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9978
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9979
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9981
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9986
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9987
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9988
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr


RPT_9989
by Rustom Taraporevala, on Flickr

5DS Output Uncompressed Video on HDMI?

Canon released a firmware update for the 5DM3 that included the ability to output uncompressed video on the HDMI port. Does anyone know if the 5DS outputs uncompressed video? I've wanted an external monitor for occasional use with DSLRs and ran across the Black Magic Design Video Assistant. It is 5" touchscreen monitor and includes video recording in multiple formats to high-speed SDXC cards. Not bad for a $500 product. I'm primarily shooting with a 5DM3 and 5DS right now and was wondering about the 5DS' output. Canon says nothing about it on their US site or in the manual that I can find.

Canon Profits Drop 16% in Second Quarter

HTML:
FROM REUTERS:</p>
<p>Japan’s Canon Inc cut its earnings outlook for the full year and reported a 16 percent fall in quarterly profit as consumers, increasingly in the habit of taking photos with their smartphones, bought fewer compact digital cameras.</p>
<p>The world’s largest camera maker said on Monday its second-quarter net profit fell to 68 billion yen ($552 million) compared with 81 billion yen a year earlier. Analysts on average expected 65 billion yen, according to Thomson Reuters data.</p>
<p><a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/2015/07/27/us-canon-results-idUKKCN0Q10FD20150727" target="_blank">Read more at Reuters</a></p>

Nikon to Announce 200-500mm Lens?

HTML:
<p>A few patents showing optical formulas for a 200-500mm lens from Nikon have appeared.</p>
<p>Nikon Rumors reports that Nikon will indeed announce such a lens, though at present, the speed of the lens is unknown.</p>
<p>Canon is also <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/05/canon-developing-a-new-slower-supertelephoto-lens-cr2/" target="_blank">rumored to be developing a supertelephoto lens</a> with an aperture slower than f/4, it’s unknown if the development includes a zoom.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>

Lensrentals MTFs for telephoto lenses

Lensrentals, whom I much admire, and Brandon, who is clearly very smart, have posted MTFs for telephoto lenses http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/07/supertelephoto-mtf-curves They had to modify their equipment for the longest lenses, 300mm and 400mm and use a lash up. The sagittal and tangential values for the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR III E are very perturbing as they are significantly different from each other at the centre of the lens for 20-50 lp/mm. Brandon explains this by the discrepancy being caused by a combination of tilt and decentering, which hasn't averaged out over the five samples. I don't want to push this further on their site, and this thread might be a more suitable forum.

Lensfreaks have published data from the Hasselblad factory equipment on the Canon 300mm f/2.8 II that the MTFs for 20 lp/mm are close to flat (~0.92-0.88) as are those at 30 lp/mm (~0.82-0.75) http://www.lensfreaks.com/lens-reviews/canon/canon-ef-300mm-f28-l-is-ii-usm-review-a-nice-little-beast/ which disagree with those from lensrentals, which have serious downward curves for 20 and 30 lp/mm. OK, Hasselblad measured only one and lensrentals several more than five, but the discrepancy is huge. However, I have spent 50 years as a scientist staring at data from very expensive equipment that has been pushed to the limit, and I worry about discrepancies and surprising results - a paranoia that has kept me in good stead and kept my measurements relatively clean of error.

Testing out some uncommon infrared lenses

Recently I received my 6D back from LifePixel converted to infrared (OK, 590nm - so purists won't consider this true infrared) and I decided to try out a few more uncommon lenses to see how well they handled.

Below are a few of the photos, but here are my rough findings.

200-400/1.4x I had problems getting AF to catch, so I had to use MF. Not really a big deal. The lens seems to handle fine and I used this for the heron shot below.

MP-E 65 The jury is still out in terms of diffraction. It seems like it might be a bit worse but my MT-24EX ran out of batteries before I could stress it out much. The ant shot below is with this combo.

100/2.8 IS Macro This lens handled fine. However, this is one lens I have used with an unconverted camera + 720nm filter and with that combo I saw banding except at apertures 2.8-4. I'm not sure if this is an artifact with the longer exposures or with the infrared bandwidth, but at 590nm I am not seeing problems. The bee below is with this combo.

70-200/2.8 II This is another lens that performs poorly with a 720nm filter, but performed fine with the 590nm 6D.

24-70/2.8 II Similar to the 70-200/2.8 II. Works fine with the 590nm converted 6D, but just OK with the 720nm filter. In particular there is extreme flaring if the lens is pointed anywhere near the sun (which does not happen in visible light). Note that I have yet to test the converted 6D with the sun in the shot.

8-15 fisheye Works fine with the converted 6D. Of course I cannot test with the filter.

11-24 Works fine with the 590nm 6D. Could not test with the filter.

16-35/4 IS Have not tested yet with the 590nm 6D, but I doubt there will be any problems. This is one of the few lenses that works without issues with the 720nm filter.

TS-E 24 II With the 720nm filter this lens works fine as long as I don't shift it. I haven't tested it with the converted 6D yet.

I also have a TS-E 90 and TS-E 17 that I have yet to test.

Bee Story by Joseph Calev, on Flickr

On the Edge by Joseph Calev, on Flickr

Waiting by Joseph Calev, on Flickr

Tried out some Zeiss lenses this week (has turned into a focus screen thread)

I am extremely impressed. More so blown away by the image quality; the ability to blow images up to 200-300% looks a lot better on the two i used (21mm and 85mm) than any canon lenses I've used before.

Pros:
Image quality
Sharpness
Lighter weight

Cons:
No AF; was a little difficult to focus through the viewfinder (I'm assuming this would be easier with a Film body?)

Overall...they're worth it if you're not shooting sports.

What lenses have you used that have stood out as super clear and sharp?
uJUnMyb.jpg

^Zeiss Distagon T* 21mm 1/100 @ f/4.5

EOS 5DS Live view

I have some very specific questions on the live view functionality of the 5DS that I am hoping someone with a 5DS can answer for me.

1) Can you view the image on the PC without any camera menus?
2) Any idea on the frame rate sent to the PC? I assume live view uses a fixed HD resolution?
3) Can you crop the cameras image before it is sent it to the PC and if so by how much?
4) If you can crop the image, is there any means of selecting the area that is cropped before it is sent to the PC?

I know there are all strange questions but my hope is with the hi resolution sensor I might be able to digitally zoom around the image with a PC and use the setup as a sort of low magnification microscope. From doing some calculations with the sensors resolution and a 100mm Marco lens, I know the camera would be perfect for my needs IF the cameras firmware will allow it.

Thanks very much for any relative information.

Another Sigma ART Lens Coming in 2015? [CR1]

HTML:
We’re told that Sigma will announce at least one more ART series lens in 2015. It’s expected we’re going to see an 85mm f/1.4 ART at some point, as well as an ultra wide ART zoom.</p>
<p>Availability may not come until 2016, but Sigma will continue down their aggressive product development cycle.</p>
<p>Their most recent lens, the 24-35mm f/2 ART has been met with a mix of feelings, but all the early reviews say it is continuing the ART series level of performance.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>
<p> </p>

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