Nikon News: 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and TC-14E III Teleconverter annonuced

Nikon have recently announced a new fast telephoto lens, alongside an upgraded teleconverter.

AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F/2.8E FL ED VR

AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

 Key Features:

• A super-telephoto fixed focal length (prime) lens with a focal length of 400mm*¹ and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras
• Superior optical performance from a new optical design with which fluorite lens elements (2), ED lens elements (2), and Nano Crystal Coat have been adopted
• A lighter weight from the adoption of fluorite lens elements and components made of a magnesium alloy
• Adoption of a tripod collar ring utilizing bearings
• Equipped with an electro-magnetic aperture mechanism for more stable auto-exposure with high-speed continuous shooting
• Equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) function for camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop*² increase in shutter speed
• Adoption of SPORT VR mode
• Adoption of meniscus protective glass with a fluorine coat, produced using a process exclusive to Nikon for greater durability and superior resistance to water and oils, for the extreme front lens element

*1When used with a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the effective angle of view is equivalent to that of a lens with a 600mm focal length in 35mm [135] format. 
*2NORMAL mode; measured in accordance with CIPA standards.

AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III

AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III

• A 1.4x teleconverter capable of rendering performance close to that of the master lens with shooting at maximum aperture
• Adoption of a fluorine coat, produced with a process exclusive to Nikon, for the extreme front and rear lens surfaces

 

Canon News: 5D Mk III Firmware (1.1.3) released

Canon have launched new firmware for its new 5D Mark III DSLR.  Changes are:

1. Supports the single focal length EF40mm f/2.8 STM lens that is to be released at the end of June 2012.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which an image may become underexposed when using the Auto Lighting Optimizer for continuous Auto Exposure Bracketing (AEB) shooting.
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which the backlight of the LCD monitor may not turn off depending on the camera settings and timing.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera's power may not turn on when a super-telephoto lens (*1) is mounted to the camera with an extender (*2). (*1) The EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses. (*2) The Extender EF1.4x III or Extender EF2x III.
5. Corrects mistakes in the Dutch, Italian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, and Swedish menu screens.

Firmware available here.

Canon News: Clutch of new lenses

Canon have upgraded some of their 'big dog' white lenses, a new 'not-sure-who-will-buy-it' L-series zoom, the two extenders and also a fish-eye zoom too!  They're also on the case updating the 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses too (Due December 2011)...

Canon EF 300 f/2.8 L IS II and 400 f/2.8 L IS II

As a wildlife photographer, these are the most exciting lenses.  I've hired the 300 f/2.8 L IS for trips to the Arctic and Namibia and would struggle to fault its quality.  Well, it's been improved alongside its closest brother, both with new design and materials meaning a welcome weight saving too.

300mm f/2.8L IS II

• 300mm f/2.8 high-performance super-telephoto lens
• Part of Canon’s acclaimed L series
• Durable, rugged and lightweight
• 4 stop Image Stabilizer
• Enhanced image quality with SWC coating
• 3 IS modes
• Quiet and fast autofocus 

More details here 

Due Late August 2011

400mm f/2.8L IS II

• 400mm f/2.8 ultra-high-performance super-telephoto lens
• Part of Canon’s acclaimed L series
• 4 stop Image Stabilizer
• 3 IS modes
• Durable, rugged design
• Enhanced image quality
• Quiet and fast autofocus 

More details here.

Due Late August 2011

Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6L IS USM

• High performance telephoto zoom lens
• Part of Canon’s acclaimed L series
• 4 stop Image Stabilizer
• Two UD elements
• Highly resistant to dust and water
• 8 blade circular aperture
• Quiet & fast autofocus
• Compatible with a tripod collar 

(If this tickles your fancy, you may also want to check out one of the 70-200 L IS lenses (there's a new f/2.8 version, or the f/4 one), alongside a 1.4x extender)

More details here. 

1.4x III and 2x III Extenders

• Extends the master lens focal length by 1.4x/ 2.0x
• Outstanding image quality
• Highly resistant to dust and water
• Improved communication between lens and camera
• Optimised lens coatings
• Compatible with L-Series telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses

 More details here.

EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM

• Circular or full frame Fisheye zoom lens
• Part of Canon’s acclaimed L series
• Durable and rugged design
• Quiet and fast autofocus
• Full-time manual focusing
• Easier lens cleaning 

Due late July 2011.

More details here.

Nikon News: New lens and teleconverter

Nikon have updated their 300mm f/2.8 lens, known as AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II. Details are:

• Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Three focus modes are available — A/M mode is added to conventional M/A and M modes
  
• Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses ghosting and flare for clear images
  
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth and quiet AF operation

Nikon have also introduced a new verion of their 2x teleconverter, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III, with an aspherical element. It will double the focal length of a compatible lens, but two stops of light will be lost.