Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

New Canon Lenses Availiability Postponed

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Canon has released a statement in which it apologizes for the postponement of recently announced lenses.  The EF 8-15mm f/4L, EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II, and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II were all scheduled to be released in March 2011.

However, the recent earthquake in Japan caused damage to its manufacturing plants and, as a result, the availability of these lenses is currently unknown.  Canon stated that it will provide an update on the availability of these lenses once that date becomes clear.  Note that B&H Photo has listed an approximate availability date of May for the 8-15mm and 400mm lenses (see above links).

[via Canon]

 

Lensbaby Sweet 35 Optic

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Lensbaby has taken the wraps off of its new Sweet 35 Optic, which works in conjunction with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System.  As the name implies, the Sweet 35 Optic is a 35mm lens and features a 12-blade adjustable aperture.  The aperture controls is manually adjustable between f/2.5 and f/22 by rotating the front dial on the Sweet 35 Optic unit.

The Sweet 35 Optic is available for $180 from B&H Photo and Amazon.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

2011 Samsung NX Series Lens Line Up Unveiled

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Samsung has unveiled its plans for five new lenses for its NX system to be available later this year.  All of the new lenses will be i-Function lenses and will be staggered in their release beginning in May.  The new lenses are as follows:

  • 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 ED OIS (available in May)
  • 16mm f/2.4 (available in July)
  • 60mm f/2.8 Macro ED OIS SSA (available in August)
  • 85mm f/1.4 ED SSA (available in October)
  • 16-80mm f/3.5-4.5 OIS (available in December)

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Pentax Announces Silver K-5 DSLR and Lenses

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Pentax has announced a limited edition of its K-5 DSLR, along with three prime lenses: (1)  the DA 12mm f/3.2 AL; (2) the DA 40mm f/2.8 and (3) the DA 70mm f/2.4.

The limited edition Pentax K-5 has a silver body and a revised grip.  It will cost $1700 for the body only and should be available in April.

Pentax has not provided info on the availability or pricing for the limited edition lenses (also silver in color) other than that they are TBA.

Schneider-Kreuznach to Make Micro Four Thirds Lenses

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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.

Year-End Camera Deals at Amazon.com

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Amazon is serving up several year-end deals on a number of products – including cameras and photography gear.

Lots more deals can be found on Amazon’s dedicated page for year-end camera deals.

New Canon EF 1.4x and 2x Teleconverter Availability

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The new “version III” 1.4x and 2x Canon teleconverters, which were announced back in August, should be available very soon.  B&H Photo has them available for pre-order, which is synonymous with “they should be in stock any day now.”

Check availability on their respective product pages below.

Canon EF 1.4x III Teleconverter at B&H

Canon EF 2x III Teleconverter at B&H