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January 2008
Tamron has announced the development of a new lens, the update of three lenses for Nikon mount cameras, and the launch of a lens from last year's PMA. First is a new ultra-wide angle lens for APS-C format sensors, the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF). The lens improves in both range and aperture from the existing SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) while keeping a relatively compact size. The lens is being developed for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony mounts but no release information is available at this time.
With this week's announcement of the new AF-S Micro Nikkor 60 f/2.8G ED, I've decided to post some images from my AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D.
Nikon has introduced three new Nikkor lenses just in time for PMA 2008. The first is a new Perspective Control (PC) lens, the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED. The second is an updated Micro Nikkor lens, the AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED. Last is an all new DX "walk around" lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.
Nikon has introduced the D60, their latest compact D-series camera. The 10.2 megapixel D60 shares a lot of similarities with last year's D40X, but now utilizes some of the technology seen in the D3/D300 including the EXPEED processor and Active D-Lighting. The camera also features a new take on dust reduction: a sensor shake dust reduction system, and the new Airflow Control System that blows dust away from the sensor with every shot. The D60 will come paired with the relatively new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G VR, and should hit shelves this February. Pricing is not yet available.
Perhaps just in time for the Superbowl, Think Tank Photo has introduced the Hydrophobia 300-600. This new rain cover is designed to fit any large telephoto lens (300mm f/2.8 to 600mm f/4) and mounts on the end of the lens, staying out of the way until it starts raining. Once the bad weather appears, the rain cover rolls back on to the lens and body quickly and securely. It also has two sleeves which allows access to all of the camera and lens controls. The Hydrophobia 300 - 600 is available now directly from Think Tank or any of their retailers for $150 plus $35 for the eyepiece corresponding to your camera.
Accurate white balance is an important part of digital photography. Getting a correct white balance can save you from spending an unnecessary amount of time color correcting. Even though the auto and preset white balance functions in today's cameras are very sophisticated, they sometimes produce inconsistent results. This is especially true when shooting in mixed lighting conditions. That's where the ExpoDisc can save you a considerable amount of time.
Canon has introduced two new super telephoto lenses for PMA 2008. The first is the EF200mm f/2L IS USM. Being a full stop faster than the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, this lens should prove to be very popular among sports and portrait photographers. The second is the longest EF lens to feature Image Stabilization, the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM. While it's physically longer than the current 600mm f/4L IS USM, it actually weighs two pounds less. This should be a hit for wildlife and nature photographers always looking for more reach.
The lenses will cost an estimated $5,999.00 and $11,999.00 respectively, and should be available this spring.
Canon has introduced the EOS Digital Rebel XSi, the latest in their entry level line of digital SLRs. The Rebel XSi has a variety of upgrades from its predecessor, the Rebel XTi including an all new 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, Live View Functionality, a 3-inch LCD monitor, and (finally) spot metering. The Rebel XSi also includes an improved autofocus system, faster 3.5 fps burst rate, and switch to Canon's DIGIC III processor. The camera also has an all new battery grip (BG-E5), battery (LP-E5), and (surprisingly) has switched from CF Cards to SD/SD-HC cards.
The Rebel XSi will be available in April 2008 body only for $799.99 or with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS for $899.99.
I had a chance this weekend to shoot with both the Nikon D3 and D300. Here are a few of the photos.
"The leading international conference and trade show, PMA 08 hosts retail entrepreneurial memory makers from around the world, encouraging the discovery of more opportunities, professional development, and the inspiration to act on emerging trends. PMA members help people everywhere create, keep, display and share memories through pictures."
- Photographic Marketing Association
One of my favorite techniques for landscape photography is shooting infrared. Digital cameras lend themselves very well to infrared photography because the imaging sensors are very sensitive to infrared light. Most camera manufacturers place what's called a "hot mirror" over the sensor to filter undesirable wavelengths of light, including infrared, so it does not ruin regular photos. Even though this hot mirror blocks infrared light, it is still possible to shoot in this unique light spectrum. This tutorial will explain my process of shooting infrared photography.
Here are some photos from a recent visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom.
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