Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Schneider-Kreuznach to Make Micro Four Thirds Lenses

By

Schneider-Kreuznach has announced that it will develop lenses compatible with the Micro Four Thirds system (e.g., Panasonic GH2, Olympus E-PL2, etc.).  No word on when the first batch of lenses for these cameras will be announced or what the prices might be, but one would expect that we’ll see something (at least a concept) by CliQ 2011.

Zeikos Battery Grip for Canon 60D Now Available

By

For those Canon 60D owners out there looking for a cheaper battery grip, the Zeikos grip for the Canon 60D just arrived at B&H Photo.

While I haven’t tested the Zeikos grip with the Canon 60D, I compared the Zeikos and Canon grips for the 5D Mark II.  There isn’t as much of a price disparity between the 60D grips as there was with the 5D Mark II grips; however, at $100, the Zeikos for the 60D is still almost half the price of the Canon version.

Panasonic Announces Prices for Lumix GF2 and New Compact Cameras

By

Panasonic has announced pricing on some of its recently-introduced Lumix digital cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix GF2 will carry a retail price of $499.95 for the body only.  The GF2 and 14-42mm lens kit will retail for $599.95, while the GF2 and 14mm prime lens kit will retail for $699.95.  The Lumix GF2 should be available later this month.

You can check on availability for the Panasonic Lumix GF2 at B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com.

All of the new Lumix compact cameras will be available in March 2011, with prices and retailer availability links below. [Read more…]

Benro Travel Flat Tripod Series Introduced

By

Benro introduced its new Travel Flat tripod series at CES 2011.  As the name implies, Benro’s new tripods are built with the traveling photographer in mind and “feature an innovative, patent pending design that changes the traditional tripod model of triangular profiles, adopting instead a flat unified “spider” or connecting hub, which contributes to its compact size and ultra portability when folded.”

Two big advantages for travelers are the tripods weight and size.  Aluminum models range between 2 and 3.1 pounds, while carbon fiber models weigh in at 1.5 to 2.4 pounds.  Folded heights for all models are around 16-17 inches – and, of course the lay-flat design aides in the compactness.

Even though the tripods are designed to conserve weight and overall dimensions, they still own some professional specs in load capacity (ranging from 13-26 pounds) and maximum height (ranging from 61-66 inches).

Aluminum models carry retail price tags between $107 and $169, while carbon fiber models range between $286 and $406.  You can find the Benro Travel Flat series at B&H Photo.