Nikon Introduces the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II

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Posted on 10th December 2009 by admin in Lens reviews

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Johannesburg, South Africa, December 10, 2009 Nikon today announces a new super telephoto lens to replace the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for sports, action and wildlife photographers. This lens is designed for those who are serious about photography.

Ryan Pearman, Product Manager, Nikon South Africa says: ”The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II’s comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconvertor. The new VRII system offers four or more stops of compensation, and makes this a really practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer”. The evolution of the NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and it strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images

The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8 G VR II features the second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.

Built for any environment

This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won’t disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features,, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

Specifications

Focal length 300mm
Max/min aperture Min f/22 Max f/2.8
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups
Picture angle 8◦10’
No. diaphragm blades 9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size 52mm
Diameter x length Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight 2,900g

Nikon Introduces the AF-S TC20E III

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Posted on 10th December 2009 by admin in Lens reviews

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Johannesburg, South Africa, December 10, 2009 Nikon is launching the new AF-S TC20E III, the world’s first teleconverter with an Aspherical lens element. With a completely new optical design it is designed to offer class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography in a compact form factor.

Ryan Pearman, Product Manager for Nikon South Africa says: “For many photographers using a 2x teleconverter has meant sacrificing image quality for practicality.” He adds, “The ground breaking optics in the new AF-S TC20E III are designed to offer photographers great images when they need to extend the reach of their NIKKOR telephoto lenses.”

World’s first teleconverter with Aspherical lens element

The AF-S TC20E III is the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element, which delivers brilliant image quality in an easy to handle package. Completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, the AF-S TC20E III is a ‘must have’ addition to any sports or wildlife photographer’s kit.

Built for professional demands

The new AF-S TC20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use.

About teleconvertors

Teleconvertors are attached between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length without affecting closest focusing distance. This magnification factor comes at the cost of reduced light transmission which reduces the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S TC20E III reduces aperture by two stops. So when attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.

Specifications

Max/min aperture Reduces by 2 stops
Lens construction 7 elements in 5 groups (one Aspherical lens)
Closest focusing distance Same as that of a prime lens
Maximum reproduction ratio Double that of a prime lens
Supplied accessories Teleconverter Cap BF-3A, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0715
Diameter x length Approx. 66 x 46mm/2.6 x 1.8 in.
Weight Approx. 330g/11.6 0z

Pentax releases weather-resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro

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Posted on 9th December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Pentax has launched a weather resistant 100mm F2.8 Macro lens. The lens, which is designed to work with both digital and film SLRs, features weather-resistant construction to match the company's environmentally-sealed K-7 mid-level DSLR. It also features an aluminium body in the style of the company's 'Limited' prime lenses and offers full-time manual focus override.

Just posted – Sony Alpha 550 review

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Posted on 9th December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Just posted! Our in-depth review of Sony's mid-range SLR, the Alpha DSLR-A550. The A550 is part of a new range that sits between the A200/A300 and the high end A700, and offers an interesting combination of features (including in-camera automatic HDR, 7 fps continuous shooting and Sony's excellent live view system) whilst retaining the Alpha line's emphasis on friendly ease of use. Find out how we got on with the Alpha 550 after the link...

DxO Labs launches DxO Optics v6.1 for Windows

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Posted on 9th December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

DxO Labs has updated its DxO Optics Pro raw converter to version 6.1 for Windows. New features include support for the Nikon D3000 and Canon Powershot G11 and EOS 7D, plus a full screen display mode. The software is available for immediate download from the company's website.

Sigma stabilizes 17-70mm fast normal zoom

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Posted on 4th December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Sigma has added its Optical Stabilization system to its popular 17-70mm fast standard zoom lens. The 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM will be available in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts. The latest version offers a slightly wider aperture at the long end of the zoom though gains weight and length and has a slightly reduced maximum magnification ratio. Adding image stabilization to a lens that already combines a comparatively fast maximum aperture range is likely to make it an even more tempting replacement for the kit lenses supplied with most DSLRs.

Pentax releases K-x firmware v1.01

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Posted on 2nd December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Pentax has issued updated firmware for its entry-level DSLR, the K-x. Firmware V1.01 adds to the camera's 'cross-processing' feature and allows it to be assigned to the camera's 'green' button. It also promises to improve the accuracy of the battery meter as well as 'improved stability and performance'. K-x owners can download the latest firmware from the Pentax website. (Link now added)

DxO Labs launches DxO Optics v5.3.6 for Mac

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Posted on 2nd December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

DxO Labs has issued a Mac update for its DxO Optics raw converter with a Windows version to follow. The latest Mac version, V5.3.6, includes support for fifteen new cameras and provides support for the Snow Leopard operating system (OS 10.6). The update is based around the inclusion of the cameras covered in DxO Optics 6 for Windows, but without the version 6 interface, a Mac version of which will be introduced in early 2010. A Windows update including support for the Canon G11, EOS 7D and Nikon D3000 will follow by 'mid December.'

Capture One gains Panasonic G-series support

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Posted on 2nd December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Phase One's Capture One software now offers support for Panasonic G Micro series cameras as well as the Olympus E-P2. In addition to support for the G1, GH1 and GF1, version 5.0.1 offers a series of bug fixes and promises image quality improvements for a series of digital backs and the Olympus E-P1. The update can be accessed via Capture One's update feature for existing users or is available as a free 30 day trial.

Beginners Guide to HD Video in digital cameras

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Posted on 1st December 2009 by News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) in Syndicated Press

Just posted! A beginners guide to HD video in digital cameras. One of our many side projects here at dpreview.com is an expansion of our 'Learn' section, and this is the first in a series of technology and technique articles we're hoping to make a regular feature on the site during 2010. This one is designed to give absolute beginners a quick overview of the video modes on digital stills cameras (and more specifically on the HD shooting capabilities of the latest SLRs and hybrid cameras). Check it out after the link or visit the Learn section using the menu on the left.

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