23 May 2014

New Canon EF 16-35 Lens

Canon has announced a new EF 16-35 f/4 L IS USM lens. This new wide angle zoom can be viewed as the successor of the EF 17-40 f/4 L USM and boasts up to 4 stop image stabilisation (a first for a professional grade Canon wide angle lens!). It is also going to be a welcome alternative to the EF 16-35 f/2.8 L II USM as it is likely going to be cheaper whilst still only losing one stop of light (it's not much lighter though; 615g compared to 640g).

Pricing and delivery dates are not yet announced. (but we have come to expect that from Canon…).

Lens specs:

Optical features/specifications
Angle of view (horizontal, vertical, diagonal)98° - 54°, 74°10′ - 38°, 108°10′ - 63°
Lens construction (elements/groups)16/12
No. of diaphragm blades9
Minimum aperture22
Closest focussing distance (m)0.28
Maximum magnification (x)0.23x (at 35mm)
Distance InformationYes
Image stabilizer4.0
AF actuatorRing USM
Physical specifications
Dust/moisture resistanceYes
Filter diameter (mm)77
Max. diameter x length (mm)82.6 x 112.8
Weight (g)615
Accessories
Lens capE-77 II
Lens hoodEW-82
Lens case/pouchLP1219
Rear capLens Dust Cap E
Magnification w/ Extension Tube EF12 II0.63-0.36
Magnification w/ Extension Tube EF25 II1.12-0.80
Extender CompatiblityNot Compatible
Other AccessoriesClose-up lens 500D, tele only - 0.07 to 0.28x
Gelatin Filter Holder IV for full telephoto only

17 May 2014

New Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens and Nikon AF-S TC-14E III teleconverter

Nikon recently announced a new version for its 400mm f/2.8 super tele. This new version is lighter and more rugged than its predecessor, and uses a fluorine coated front meniscus glass element to protect the optics. Optics that make use of two fluorite and two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to ensure minimal chromatic aberration.

Next to the new AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, Nikon also announced a new version of the 1.4 teleconverter. This new Nikon AF-S TC-14E III is slightly smaller and has improved optics when compared to the previous TC II version.

See below for a comparison of the old and new models of the lens and teleconverter.

While the new teleconverter will be available at basically the same price ($500/€550), the new 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will be (much) more expensive than its predecessor (±$12,000/€12,500).

Old and new versions of the 400mm lens compared

FeatureNew: AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VROld: AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
Focal length400 mm400 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Lens construction16 elements in 12 groups (Including 2 fluorite and 2 ED glass elements plus meniscus protective glass and Nano Crystal coat). 2 aspherical lens elements, and lens elements with a Nano Crystal Coat.14 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED glass elements and one Nano Crystal Coat) and one meniscus protective glass element
Angle of view6°10'
(4°00' with DX-format camera)
6°10'
(4°00' with DX-format camera)
Minimum focus distance2.6m from focal plane2.9 (AF), 2.8 m (MF)
Maximum reproduction ratio1/6.91/6.3
No. of diaphragm blades9 (rounded)9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size40.5mm (drop-in)52mm (drop-in)
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)Approx. 159.5 x 358 mmApprox. 159.5 × 368 mm
WeightApprox. 3800 gApprox. 4620g
Supplied accessoriesSlip-on front lens cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HK-38 Lens Hood, 40.5 mm screw-in NC filter, CT-405 Lens Case, LN-2 Strap, Monopod collarSlip-on Lens Hood HK-33, Trunk Case CT-404, 52-mm screw-in filter, Strap LN-1, Monopod collar

Old and new versions of the TC1.4 compared

FeatureNew: TC1.4E IIIOld: TC1.4E II
Lens construction7 elements in 4 groups5 elements in 5 groups
Minimum focus distanceSame as that of a prime lensSame as that of a prime lens
Maximum reproduction ratioApprox. 1.4x that of a prime lensApprox. 1.4x that of a prime lens
Diameter x length (distance from camera lens mount flange)64 x 24.5mm66 x 24.5mm
Weight190g200g

13 May 2014

Firmware updates for the Nikon D800/D800E and UT-1 communication unit

Nikon just released a new firmware for their D800 and D800E digital cameras as well as an accompanying update for the Communication Unit UT-1. The list of changes is quite impressive though focus is mostly on small usability improvements.

You can download the new firmwares from the Nikon support sites:
  • Nikon D800 Firmware A 1.10 & B 1.10: EU / USA
  • Nikon D800E Firmware A 1.10 & B 1.10: EU / USA
  • Nikon UT-1 Firmware 2.0: EU / USA

Complete list of changes for the D800/D800E: