Tamron 28-75mm Di III RXD FE Announced

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 22, 2018


Tamron announces the development of a high-speed standard zoom lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras

28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036)
February 22, 2018, Commack, New York – Tamron announces the development of a new high-speed standard zoom lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036). This signals Tamron’s plans to further expand and improve its lens lineup for full-frame mirrorless cameras, in addition to its lenses for DSLR and other mirrorless camera formats.

Model A036 delivers superb optical performance, including both outstanding image quality and beautiful background blur effects (bokeh). Photographers may enjoy dynamic wide-angle expressions like never before thanks to a minimum object distance of 7.5 in at the wideangle zoom setting. Usefulness and versatility are enhanced by its compact size and light weight, measuring only 4.6 in and weighing 19.4 oz. Model A036 incorporates an all-new high-speed and precise AF driving system. The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit operates with remarkable quietness, making it perfect for video use. The lens also features Moisture-Resistant Construction that is helpful in outdoor photography, plus hydrophobic Fluorine Coating that is highly resistant to fingerprints and debris. In addition, A036 is compatible with the “Direct Manual Focus (DMF)” system feature of Sony cameras, enabling this new zoom to take full advantage of the advanced functions that ensure comfortable user experiences.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Superb optical performance, including both outstanding image quality and beautiful background blur effects (bokeh), provided by fast F/2.8 aperture.

2. Comfortably light weight (19.4 oz.) and compact (4.6 in).

3. Close-focusing; Minimum Object Distance: 7.5 in at wide-angle setting and 15.3 in at the telephoto position.

4. All-new “RXD” stepping motor AF unit is extremely quiet and therefore perfect for video capture.

5. Exciting next-generation design keeping the brand consistency that is ergonomically superb.

6. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for weather protection.

7. Compatible with the “Direct Manual Focus (DMF)” feature that enables Sony cameras to instantly switch between autofocus and manual focus.

* Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice. Read More »

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Tokina FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF Updated Coming May

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 22, 2018


Tokina will make an autofocus version of its Tokina FiRIN 20mm f/2 FE MF first available March of last year.

Overview
FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF is the long-awaited autofocus version of the existing FíRIN 20mm F2 FE super wide angle lens for full-frame Sony E-mount. Adopting the same optical design as in MF model, now we offer two options for end-users to choose according to the purpose and style of shooting.

Optical performance
Being optimized for full size camera sensors in terms of size and resolving ability, the optical design adopts 2 aspherical elements and 3 lenses molded from Super-low Dispersion glass to significantly reduce any type of aberration including spherical aberration, distortion and chromatic aberration while assuring high resolution and stunning performance even at wideopen aperture.

Functionality
Keeping along with the basic development concept of the previous model FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF is made compatible to autofocus and other functions of the camera providing perfect functionality and usability for the photographer.

Ring-shaped ultrasonic autofocus motor
For AF drive system FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF adopts quick responsive and silent ring-shaped ultrasonic motor. Coupled with GMR sensor AF performs fast and accurate focusing.

Full compatibility to AF system
FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF is fully compatible with Fast Hybrid AF system and all AF function settings, providing the same AF performance as with common E-mount AF lenses. Fine manual focus adjustment is also possible.

MF Assist function
Accurate focusing is supported by compatibility to MF Assist function, when fine focusing adjustment is operated by manual rotation of the focusing ring with the simultaneous interlocking with image enlarging function and bar distance display on the monitor.

Optical correction
Due to the data transmittance ability via electric contacts the camera obtains necessary data from the lens chip to correct shading, distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations. Optical corrections can be done by the camera as well.

Image Stabilization
By transmitting focal length data FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF is able to get maximum use of In-Body Image Stabilization function of the camera.
* When in-built camera flash is used vignetting may occur. Please use external flash.

About sales release:
Sales release in Japan: end of April, 2018 (tentative)
Sales release worldwide: end of May, 2018 (tentative)

A prototype of Tokina FíRIN 20mm F2 FE AF will be displayed at CP+2018
Kenko Tokina booth location: Exhibition Hall(1F), booth # G-57

via Photorumors

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Tamron 28-75mm Di III RXD FE Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 21, 2018


I received a tip about the new Tamron 28-75mm Di III RXD FE from a reader today.

“Tamron will release a new Sony FE mount lens on Thursday the 22nd. It will be a 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD lens (RXD being a new stepping AF motor).

Thanks and keep the tips coming

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New Sony HVL-F60RM Coming Soon

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 21, 2018


okishita is reporting that a new Sony HVL-F60RM flash is coming soon. This flash should have radio control features.

via Nokishita

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Sony a7RIII Weather Resistance Explored At Last

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 20, 2018


Lens Rentals has some of the best data/experience available for camera/lens durability around and they finally did a Sony a7RIII tear down once and for all proving that Sony did indeed improve the weather resistance of the Sony a7RIII in some fundamental ways while making some surprising mistakes. Below are some of the major improvements.

Sony did a very good job covering every button, joystick, and even scroll wheel with enhanced weather sealing, but the bottom of the Sony a7RIII was not improved from previous generations. It seems the bottom of the Sony a7RIII lets all the water in during weather resistance testing.


Lens Rentals also points out one more issue with the bottom of the Sony a7RIII. The tripod mount is designed in a way that it can be punched out by a tripod base plate, which leaves a piece of metal rolling around within the camera. If that happens to you Lensrentals teardown guide will help you remove the metal piece so your camera won’t short out.

The Lens Rental tear down is a lengthy one, but in summary:

Sony spoke truly. Except for the bottom this camera has thorough and extensive weather sealing, as good as any camera I’ve seen. (Before you Pentax guys start, I have not taken apart a Pentax so it may be completely sealed in a super glue matrix for all I know.)

That being said, the bottom of the camera is not protected worth a damn. If you’re out in a sprinkle or shower, this probably doesn’t matter; water hits the top first. But if you’re in severe weather, near surf, or might set your camera down where someone might spill something, you need to be aware of that. If I knew I was heading out in such conditions, honestly I’d tape up the bottom of the camera or encase it in plastic taped all around the body. Yeah, battery changes will be a pain, but the new battery is supposed to last a lot longer.

You can also go over Lensrentals old Sony a7R teardown here and see how the camera has improved their design. Spoiler alert: quite a bit…

Join our Sony a7 Owners Group and Sony a7 Page, also follow SonyAddict on Facebook and Twitter.

Sony a7RIII: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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Bob Martin is Using The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS at The PyeongChang Winter Olympics

By Louis Ferreira | Published: February 19, 2018

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfPcWUNFny7/

Photographer Bob Martin was the one spotted with the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS at the Winter Olympics last week and now his Instagram is filling with photos with the hashtags #400mm and #alpha9. It sounds like he used the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS quite a bit with and without the 2x teleconverter to capture his images at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics this year.

Instagram isn’t the best place to view photos, but you can follow him on Instagram and check out his website for higher resolution photos later. He already has some winter Olympics photos posted there, but nothing matching his Instagram soo far.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfLmeQUlKIt/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfQ3n3KFCAj/

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