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Image from dpreview.com

I’m really tempted by this lens, I’m just waiting to see it’s performance when it comes out, the aperture is not that impressive but it does have VR and it should be fairly lightweight and cheap.

I’ve been looking for a 70-300mm lens for some time, I tried out the Sigma 70-300mm with 1:2 Macro function (between 200-300mm) but found it stiff and rather hard to hold still at 300mm.

I guess this should only be a few hundred more, if the optics are as good as my 18-70mm kit lens I’ll be happy indeed!

Full spec from Nikon:

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced features.

The lens features Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII) to ensure the best images. Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.

The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is suitable for various telephoto shooting opportunities, particularly in sports, nature and wildlife photography. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.

SLR Advanced Nikon engineering has given rise to a compact lightweight lens design that offers outstanding optical performance and excellent handling characteristics.

The new Nikon Vibration Reduction (VRII) system enables users to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower* than would otherwise be possible. For VR shooting, users can select two VR modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal Mode primarily reduces camera shake in handheld shooting, detecting panning automatically. Active Mode can compensate for vibration when shooting from, for example, a moving vehicle.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED also incorporates the Silent Wave Motor, an outstanding feature that offers fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation. The two ED glass elements provide higher resolution and high-contrast images.

Together with the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, the new lens gives Nikon digital SLR owners a focal-length range from a wide 18mm to super telephoto 300mm (the picture angle is equivalent to 27mm to 450mm of 35mm format).

The price is quoted as £399.99 which seems kind of expensive for a f/4.5 aperture lens.

It works out to about RM2779. If it really comes out at that price, I’d prefer to pay double and get the 70-200mm f/2.8 unless the performance of this lens is fantastic.

Another option is the 70-200 f/2.8 VR with a 2.0 TC! Or the famous Nikon 1.7x TC.

It’s about time they upgraded the 80-400mm VR aswell, that’d be fantastic.

Argh it’s all money.

Great Eastern “Life is great!” Photo Contest 2006

Download the form here.

Not surprisingly Canon is coming up with a competitor for the recently released Sony Alpha A-100 and the Nikon D80.

The all new Canon EOS 400D (Or Rebel XTi).

The specifications will be as follows:

• A 10.1 MP CMOS sensor (3888 x 2592 pixels)
• APS-C (1.6x) format, EF-S lens compatibility
• 2.5″ LCD screen
• 9 point AF system
• ISO 100-1600
• RGB histogram
• 30-1/4000s shutter
• 1/200s sync speed
• 3fps continuous shooting
• buffer for 10 RAW images
• ultrasonic dust removal for sensor
• high precision focusing with lenses f2.8 and faster
• picture style modes
• 0.2s startup time
• Digic II processor
• compatible with BG-E3 grip
• LCD turns off when eye is at viewfinder
• small, lightweight (plastic) body
• USB 2.0 interface
• $799 for the body only, $899 with the 18-55 kit lens.

Leaked from the Canon China site.

It’s good to see another manufacturer taking up the anti-dust sensor treatment, I hope Nikon invests some research in it soon too!

To assure fine photo results, Canon employs dust-resistant materials and structures to dramatically reduce dust generation within the EOS 400D DIGITAL. Measures also are taken to prevent dust from adhering to the sensor due to static electricity. A remarkable new function is the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit that actually vibrates the low-pass filter to remove dust particles from it. Additionally, by targeting image data for leftover dust after cleaning, the Dust Delete Function within the bundled software can be used after shooting to remove dust spots that may remain on the captured image. For photos that are consistently distinct and clear, this dust reduction system is essential.

There’s isn’t all that much difference from the previous Canon 350D, 2 megapixels more, the buffer size has been increased, the LCD size is larger, there are more AF points, an RGB histogram mode has been added as have picture styles.

Many people have often approached me and asked me how I do my product and close-up studio shots. In actuality, I use a very simple DIY solution…

You can put one or two layers of tracing paper on the cartons and also line the insides of it with foil. For light source, you can use strong daylight (4200K) lamps or flashguns (if you have the budget). I use 2 flashguns commanded wirelessly via an infrared commander which I can control the lighting ratio. For backdrops, you can buy fancy artboards from the artshops or use satin from Kamdar. The white board on top is to ensure there are no light leaks through and from above.

Some results with this setup (with some variations)…