Nikon launches the new AF-S 35mm f1.4

Nikon today has continued to bulk up their line of prime lenses with the addition of a new AF-S 35mm f1.4. Key Features: UPDATE: Now available to pre-order from B&H Full Press release and more photos after the break. Nikon UK, 15 September 2010 – Nikon today announces a completely new, fast-aperture NIKKOR lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G. This is the third f/1.4 prime NIKKOR lens to be developed in the past six months further extending creative opportunities for professional photographers. Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G sets …

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Meet the Nikon D7000

The big news of the day is the launch of another camera in Nikons prosumer lineup. Nikon’s popular D90 will live on in its current form, the D7000 is just joining the ranks. Standout features include dual SD card slots and a 100% viefinder. At the price point they are aiming it, this will be going head to head with the new Canon 60D. The 60D has a swivel screen and the D7000 does not, but the D7000 has a 100% viewfinder while the 60D only has 96%. The 6oD is 18MP and the D7000 is 16MP. Its going to …

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Meet the new Nikon SB-700 flash

As well as the camera and lens announcements, Nikon has also released a new flash, the SB700. More photos and full press release after the break. Nikon UK, 15 September 2010 – Nikon today is pleased to announce a new Speedlight – the SB-700. Packed with features, this is an easy-to-use, yet sophisticated flash in a compact body. It will be a welcome addition to anyone looking to develop their lighting skills and explore the options of the Nikon Creative Lighting system. Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe BV says: “SB-700 offers users the opportunity to …

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Canon G12 becomes official

We have know the specs of this camera for quite some time after technology website CNET accidentally leaked them during the launch of some other Canon products. Today Canon have finally made it official. Due to their ability to shoot RAW images, lots of pro photogs carry the G series cameras around when they need something a little smaller for everyday use. The new G12 keeps the same form factor of the G11, but adds HD video recording at 720p. Last week Nikon launched the similarly equipped P7000 point and shoot camera which looks set to be the G12’s main …

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Elinchrom Quadra review and comparison to Ranger RX

For the last three years I have been using the Elinchrom Ranger RX for the majority of my strobed work. Sometimes I use some Nikon speedlights for fill, but the Ranger is my key light. I have used it in the rain, in blizzards, in -32 degrees Celsius and it has traveled around the world to Alaska, Japan, New Zealand twice and everywhere in between. I can depend on this strobe, and it has never let me down. I have the RX version which is slightly lighter weight than the RX Speed. For me, recycling time is not such a …

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Panasonic finally launches the AG-AF105 (AF100) Four Thirds video camera

Panasonic launched the AG-AF105 Four Thirds video camera today in Japan. Originally the camera was show as a prototype at NAB. What we do know is that it is coming in December . Pricing was initially rumored to be about $10,000 but now it seems that it could be as little as half that. I will update when more info is available. Confusingly it seems in Japan it will be called the AF105 , in Europe the AF101 and in N.America the AF100.

The F-Stop Loka backpack is nearly here!

Just a quick note today to say that the long awaited F-Stop Loka backpack is now on its way.  The first shipment is in transit from the factory and those that pre-ordered early enough will be getting theirs shipped out to them very soon!  I have been a part of F-Stops pro Faction team for a few years now and alongside the designers, permanent staff members and other pro team members we have spent a long time pooling our ideas and experiences to get this pack together.  I am posting a few photos of the black Loka below and I …

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Did the iPad just become a viable travel tool for photographers ?

A few months back I wrote an article about how the Aple iPad can be used by photographers. The biggest disadvantage of the iPad has always been it’s limited internal storage and inability to connect external drives for additional storage. Today though, Sanho has announced a new version of their excellent Hyperdrive UDMA (which I reviewed last year) which can successfully be used as an external drive on the iPad when connected via the camera connection kit. This is some pretty huge news for photographers that want to travel with the absolute minimum of gear.  You can download your images …

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Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS II review & comparison to 70-200 f4 L IS

The 70-200 lens is a staple in most pro photographer’s diet. The photographic possibilities with that focal are wide ranging and Canon has a 70-200 to suit almost everyone’s needs, 4 different versions in fact. The previous image stabilized version was brought out in 2001 and quickly became the new standard for such lenses. In 2010 Canon introduced the new MKII version of the lens featuring an improved 4-stop image stabilization and theoretically improved image quality. How does it stack up to the previous version and how does it compare to the 70-200 f4 L IS ? Read on to …

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Whistler Blackcomb ad campaign – Part 1

As winter gets a little closer every day, the ski magazines begin to hit the shelves again. Always an exciting time of year for me as I begin to see the fruits of my labor from last season. The first one I’m posting up here was just published in Powder Magazine (though Australian readers may have seen it a few months ago in some mags over there too). This is the first in a series of ads that I shot in the spring time for the ski resort Whistler Blackcomb. Some of you will recognize Whistler as one of the …

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Canon 60D Vs 7D

Browsing some websites and forums this morning I noticed a lot of discussion about the new Canon 60D and how it compares with the 7D. I can understand this, at first glance it might seem like the 60D has made the 7D somewhat obsolete but that really is not the case. A closer look at the specs reveals a camera that more carefully fits into the “advanced amateur” category than previous XXD line cameras because of course the 7D did not exist when the 50D was released. The camera that is best for you will depend partly on your budget …

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Canon annouces 60D and 4 new lenses – The wrap up

Today is a pretty huge day for Canon shooters with the announcement of the new 60D and 4 new lenses as well as new teleconverters and information on even more lenses to come in the future! I have posted detailed information and my thoughts on all these announcements but as there were so many I am doing a summary here for those who just want to bare minimum info. If you want to read the full posts then scroll down or click the links! Whew! Big day and also new traffic record for my website so thanks to all those …

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