Patent: A new 16-35 f/2.8 or Faster Concept?

Improved Canon ultrawide for full frame?
The world is waiting for Canon to release a top end performing ultra wide lens for full frame cameras. While I think the 17-40 f/4L is a bargain of a workhorse and the 16-35 f/2.8L II is a very solid performer, I think the line is still lacking that standout ultra wide zoom lens. I have heard numerous photographers say they’d pay “anything” for a top notch lens in that segment.
Below are 3 patented optical formulas for new ultrawide angle lenses for Canon.
A 16-35 f/2.8, a 17-35 f/2.8-4 and a 16-35 f/2-2.8. There seems to be a decent amount of f/2 patents appearing on zoom lenses from Canon, it could be time for such a lens to make it to market.
Patent Publication No. 2012-63568

• 2012.3.29 Release Date
• 2010.9.16 filing date

Example 2

• Zoom ratio 2.06
• 24.00 – - 33.95mm f = 16.48 focal length
• Fno 2.90 – 2.90 – 2.91
• 42.03 – - 32.51deg 52.70 angle of view.
• Image height 21.64mm
• 170.87 – - 172.62mm 178.10 full-length lens
• BF 40.00 – 48.45 – 61.71mm
• Lens Construction 12 group 17 sheets
• Three three aspherical surface
• 2 UD lens sheet

Example 4

• Zoom ratio 1.94
• 24.01 – - 33.98mm f = 17.51 ​​focal length
• Fno 2.91 – 3.21 – 3.86
• Image height 21.64mm
• 174.18 – - 175.92mm 178.81 full-length lens
• BF 41.60 – 48.49 – 60.70mm
• Lens Construction 12 group 17 sheets
• Three three aspherical surface
• 2 UD lens sheet

Example 6

1. Zoom ratio 2.06
2. 24.02 – - 33.99mm f = 16.49 focal length
3. Fno 2.15 – 2.46 – 2.94
4. 42.02 – - 32.48deg 52.69 angle of view.
5. Image height 21.64mm
6. 171.08 – - 172.88mm 176.23 full-length lens
7. BF 39.26 – 46.99 58.75mm
8. 18 sheets 13 group lens configuration
9. Three three aspherical surface
10. 2 UD lens sheet

Canon’s patent

• 4-group zoom lens of a positive negative positive and negative
• Inner Focus
• Optimized so as to reduce the field curvature of the wide-angle side

Source: [EG]

Canon EOS-1D X Delayed Again? [CR2]

From around the watercooler
I have heard from a couple of places that the Canon EOS-1D X may be delayed, yet again. The latest we’re hearing is that arrival of the camera body won’t be until June, 2012.
We’ve also heard allocation to stores is based on preorders from CPS members. In other words, CPS members will get to the front of the line for 1D X preorders.
This isn’t confirmed by Canon yet.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Firmware 1.1.1

Most won’t need this one.
Canon has released a firmware update for the EOS-1D Mark IV.
Affected Product

• EOS 1D Mark IV

Firmware
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following change.

1. Optimizes the camera’s exposure accuracy when using EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses, which are scheduled for release in June 2012. If these lenses are used with an EOS-1D Mark IV camera that has not been updated with the new firmware, the image may be overexposed depending on the subject and shooting scene.

The new Firmware Version 1.1.1 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Lightroom 4.1 Release Candidate Now Available

Adobe has made release candidates of Lightroom 4.1 available for download in Adobe Labs.  These versions add RAW file support for the Canon 5D Mark III and corrects issues reported from the initial Lightroom 4.0 release.
Release notes include the following fixed issues.

• Lightroom 4 did not properly open external applications when using the “Edit In” functionality.
• Point Curve adjustments made in Lightroom 3 have been restored.
• Addressed performance issues in Lightroom 4, particularly when loading GPS track logs, using a secondary monitor, and the controls within the Develop module.
• Ability to update DNG previews and metadata for more than 100 photos has been restored.
• This update allows for improved viewing of subfolders and stacks in folders with a large number of photos.
• It was possible that a layout of a saved book could be lost after quitting Lightroom 4.

Adobe gave props to its community for quickly identifying problems and reporting them through its feedback channels:

Adobe encourages the community to provide feedback so it can ensure the highest quality experience for customers working on diverse hardware and software configurations. Special thanks to all community members who provided feedback via the community powered feedback site: feedback.photoshop.com.

Remember, this is a release candidate, which means it has been pretty well tested and Adobe thinks it is ready for full release; however, it’s recommended that you keep production work to a prior version until the official releases drop.  Given some of the problems with the 4.0 release, this release candidate may be a necessary upgrade for some users. Expect the full version update to come soon though.  Release candidates mean that the final versions are just around the corner.

Sony A65 & A77 Firmware Update 1.05

Sony has issued firmware updates for the Sony A65 and the Sony A77 digital SLT cameras. Version 1.05 adds several enhancements to both models, including faster auto review response, shortened power-off times, improved front/rear control wheel response, enhanced auto focus accuracy in high-contrast situations and improved AF speed with the new Sony 500mm f/4 lens. Additionally, both cameras can now intelligently correct vignetting, lateral chromatic aberration and distortion for a total of 11 A-mount lenses. Click through / scroll down for the download links.
Sony Press Release
Firmware update sharpens camera responses for α77 and α65 cameras from Sony
29 March 2012
Latest firmware version 1.05 also supports aberration/vignetting compensation for additional lenses
A new firmware update further boosts operability of the α77 and α65 Translucent Mirror cameras from Sony.
Available for free download from 29 March 2012, firmware version 1.05 adds several enhancements to both cameras. Alongside heightened responsiveness, it improves operability of both cameras with a wider choice of A-mount optics by Carl Zeiss and Sony.
Shading and aberration compensation
Both cameras can now intelligently correct vignetting, lateral chromatic aberration and distortion for a total of 11 A-mount lenses, including a further six models that are now supported:
  * SAL-24F20Z (Carl Zeiss)
  * SAL-85F14Z (Carl Zeiss)
  * SAL-135F18Z (Carl Zeiss)
  * SAL-70300G (G Lens)
  * SAL-35F18
  * SAL-50F18
Improved responses
Operability of both cameras is further improved with a number of refinements that facilitate smoother, faster handling.
  * Auto review responses are now quicker, without a ‘processing’ message being displayed
  * Time between power switch operation and power off has been shortened
  * Front/rear dial responses are improved
Autofocus responses and precision
Autofocus accuracy is now improved when focusing on scenes with wide contrast difference between objects. In addition, AF speed is improved when using both cameras with the recently-announced SAL500F40G 500mm F4 G SSM super-telephoto lens by Sony. You’ll be able to focus faster on athletes, wildlife and other distant subjects with this bright, high-magnification lens that is available exclusively to order.
Firmware version 1.05 for the α77/α65 Translucent Mirror cameras by Sony is available as a free download to registered owners from 29th March 2012 at:
A77 for PC: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A77/downloads/FW_A77_V105_WIN
A77 for MAC: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A77/downloads/FW_A77_V105_MAC
A65 for PC: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A65/downloads/FW_A65_V105_WIN
A65 for MAC: http://www.sony.co.uk/support/en/product/SLT-A65/downloads/FW_A65_V105_MAC

Ricoh CX6 Firmware Update 1.24

Ricoh has released a firmware update for the Ricoh CX6 digital compact camera. Version 1.24 fixes a bug that sometimes caused parts of the live view feed to momentarily turn purple upon a half-press of the shutter release in “Toy Camera” and “Miniaturise” modes. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.
Website: Ricoh CX6 Firmware

Panasonic GF5 announcement on April 5th

GF5 leaked on Instagram by the Hong Kong model Angelababy

Digicame-info is reporting that the announcement of the Panasonic GF5 camera is expected on April 5th, 2012. Shipping will start on April 26th. The G5 model will be released later. Here again are the rumored GF5 specs:

• 12MP sensor
• Improved SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) - comparable to the Panasonic G3
• Maximum ISO of 12,800
• Very fast AF (0.09 seconds)
• New 920k dots touch screen LCD
• New touch screen interface

Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm f/3.5 SL II lens is now discontinued

Voigtländer APO-Lanthar 90mm f/3.5 SL II lens for DSLR cameras ($549) is now listed as discontinued on Cosina Japan website. I guess this lens did not sell that well because it was announced "just" two years ago. Curious to see if Voigtländer will announce a replacement at Photokina.

Canon Patent Describes a New 2.8x Teleconverter

There may soon be a new member of the Canon Extender EF lens family. A recently published patent filed by Canon describes a new 2.8x teleconverter. A 400 f/2.8L IS II would become a 1120mm f/8 lens with the teleconverter attached, though Canon will have to restore f/8 autofocus to its top-of-the-line cameras before that combo would become useful.
(via Egami)

Tubos de extensión Kenko con autoenfoque y control de lo exposición

Kenko pondrá a la venta el mes que viene, dos nuevos tubos de extensión para el sistema micro4/3 y para la serie NEX de Sony, de 10mm y 16mm a 216 euros cada uno.

El alto precio obedece a que tienen la propiedad de mantener el autoenfoque y controlar la exposición, siendo los primeros en ofrecer esta prestación. Son apilables y sirven - en caso no lo sepan - para incrementar la distancia mínima de enfoque (macro), ya que alejan al objetivo del plano focal del sensor.

5D Mark III & Lens Combination Issues?

The Bugs
No camera these days is going to launch issue free, and a very noticeable one has shown up with the 5D Mark III is used in combination with the EF 200 f/2L IS. The issue being an odd and rather loud noise from the what seems to be the image stabilizer. I have noticed this first hand while using the combination in AI Servo mode.
Others have noticed it, and there’s a thread on the FredMiranda forums about it.
I will be testing the following lenses tomorrow with the 5D Mark III to see if the issue is isolated or not.

• 300 f/2.8L IS
• 300 f/2.8L IS II
• 400 f/2.8L IS
• 400 f/2.8L IS II
• 400 f/4 DO IS
• 500 f/4L IS
• 600 f/4L IS
• 800 f/5.6L IS (this came out the same time as the 200 f/2L IS)

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Finally Ready? [CR2]

Official announcement soon.
I’m told we’re going to see an official announcement for the Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x lens soon. I’m told once production (availability in May) of the EF 500 f/4L IS II & EF 600 f/4L IS II are going strong, the new zoom will be officially announced.  Expect stock to arrive fairly quickly after the announcement.
Expected retail price is around $11,000 USD.
EF 24-70 f/2.8L II
I’m still hearing a release date of April 17, 2012 for the new version of a classic. Everything I have been told about this lens has been unbelievably positive. I’ve heard “best zoom Canon has ever made”, “fastest focusing” & “unbelievably sharp” on numerous occasions.
Preorder the Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II at B&H & Adorama for $2299.
EF 24 f/2.8 IS & EF 28 f/2.8 IS
Both are still slated for the end of June.

TrekPak Camera Bag Insert Adjusts with Pins Rather Than Velcro

TrekPak is a new padded camera bag insert that does away with the annoyances of velcro by introducing a new pin system for adjusting dividers:

What makes TrekPak really unique, is that you won’t find any Velcro. When you try to adjust a normal gear bag while out in the field, you know how frustrating it can be. The Velcro sticks where you don’t want it to, is hard to pull apart, and just looks messy and cluttered. Our patent pending system uses anodized aluminum pins and durable padded dividers to offer limitless organizational options. The TrekPak pin system is much easier to adjust, very secure, and straight up, it’s slick.

They’re starting with inserts for Pelican camera bags, but are planning to release generic inserts and inserts designed for other bags as well.

Here’s a quick introduction:




The 3-person team behind the TrekPark is currently aiming to raise $15,000 on Kickstarter for the launch of the product. A $23 pledge will preorder you a set of inserts for a small Pelican case.
TrekPak (via OhGizmo via Gizmodo)

Patent: Canon EF 2.8x Teleconverter

Patent Time
A patent showing a new teleconverter has made an appearance. It appears to be a 2.7 or 2.8x TC. What effect woud it have on aperture? A 400 f/2.8L IS II would become 1120mm at f/8. All well and good, but the missing f/8 autofocus on the 1D X makes this one a bit strange with the current line of camera bodies.
Patent Publication No. 2012-47869

• 2012.3.8 Release Date
• 2010.8.25 filing date

Example 1

• -83.98mm focal length
• Expansion rate β = 1.996
• Lens Construction 5 group nine

Example 3

• -41.91mm focal length
• Expansion rate β = 2.779
• Lens Construction 5 group nine

Canon’s patent

• Rear converter is to increase the focal length, F number, the residual aberration
• When doubled, twice the lateral aberration, longitudinal aberration is 4 times greater rate of expansion, because the F-number is also double, longitudinal aberration is twice per depth of focus
• Rear converter configuration consisting of three groups of positive and negative positive
• Reduce the aberration of the rear converter itself

Canon Announces Google Cloud Print Support for Select Pixma Printers

Canon U.S.A. today announced that the Canon Pixma MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless Photo All-In-One inkjet photo printers now support Google Cloud Print. This service allows users to print from Gmail and Google Docs on a mobile device and from the Google Chrome browser for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome devices. A third printer, the Canon Pixma MX892, is also scheduled to provide the same support in May.
Canon Press Release
CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES GOOGLE CLOUD PRINT™ SUPPORT FOR SELECT PIXMA PRINTERS
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 27, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that the PIXMA MG8220 and MG6220 Wireless1 Photo All-In-One (AIO) inkjet photo printers now support Google Cloud Print™ 2 allowing users to print from Gmail™ and Google Docs™ on a mobile device and from the Google Chrome™ browser for Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome devices. With Google Cloud Print, you can print from wherever you are, from applications you use every day. You can even share your home and work printers with anyone you choose.  The PIXMA MX892 Wireless Office AIO inkjet printer is also scheduled to provide the same support in May.
“We are excited to work with Google on the addition of this connectivity feature on our PIXMA printers,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. “In today’s world, we understand that consumers are always interested in additional connectivity options to print their important photos and documents and we are more than happy to be able to deliver this new feature to our users today.”
“We designed the Google Cloud Print service to make it easy to print to a home or work printer directly from any app or device that you use every day,” said Mike Jazayeri, Product Management Director at Google. “It’s exciting to see that the latest range of Canon printers are Google Cloud Print ready, offering people a seamless printing experience.” 
For further details on Google Cloud Print™ and the compatible PIXMA printers, please visit
http://www.usa.canon.com/cloudprint
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.                                   
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $45.6 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2011† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2012. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting http://www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Custom SLR Launches M-Plate

Custom SLR has today launched the M-Plate universal camera tripod plate. Billed as the world’s first universal tripod plate to offer built-in Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss connections as well as attachment points for accessories, the M-Plate enables quick release from virtually any tripod head. “Crafted in the USA from aerospace grade aluminium, the M-Plate is sturdy, steady and lightweight, and works with any camera strap system including the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount, BlackRapid,  Spider Holster, Sun Sniper, Cotton Carrier and virtually any system that would typically occupy the camera tripod socket,” the company claims. The M-Plate is available starting today for a MSRP of $74.95. You can buy the M-Plate through the website below.
Website: Custom SLR
Press Release
Custom SLR Launches M-Plate Universal Quick-Release Camera Tripod Plate
Available Today, Crowded-funded Custom SLR Offers an Ergonomic Camera Tripod Plate
Enabling Quick-Release to Any Tripod and Strap System;
Custom SLR is the First Kickstarter Team to Deliver Three Projects to Backers
SAN JOSE, C.A., MARCH 27, 2012—Custom SLR, a design company creating products that improve the shooting experience for photographers, has announced the immediate availability of the M-Plate universal camera tripod plate. The M-Plate is the world’s first universal tripod plate to offer built-in Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-Swiss connections as well as attachment points for accessories. Produced with appreciation from the support of more than 400 Kickstarter backers and designed by a team of seasoned photographers, the M-Plate enables quick release from any tripod head and can attach multiple camera accessories into a single plate.
Crafted in the USA from aerospace grade aluminum, the M-Plate is sturdy, steady and lightweight, and works with any camera strap system including the Custom SLR C-Loop strap mount, BlackRapid,  Spider Holster, Sun Sniper, Cotton Carrier and virtually any system that would typically occupy the camera tripod socket. When using the M-Plate in conjunction with the C-Loop camera strap mount, photographers will find the additional benefit of a perfectly balanced camera for increased comfort and quick access. The ergonomic design of M-Plate relocates the tripod socket making it easier to shoot portrait shots. Designed as a part of a modular system, the built-in M-Link Port™ will connect with future photo and video attachments, including flash brackets and video rigs that are currently in development. A Kickstarter first, the M-Plate is the Custom SLR team’s third project funded successfully through the crowd-funding website.
“While connecting with real photographers that use the C-Loop, we heard over and over that they also wanted something to connect with their tripod. That was the inspiration for the M-Plate but what grew from that inspiration is a system that will work with any strap system and any tripod – improving the shooting experience for all photographers,” said Ivan Wong, Chief Operations Officer, Custom SLR. “We started Custom SLR as a means to solve our own problems and it’s amazing to be able to help so many of our fellow photographers as well. Thank you to all of our Kickstarter backers for help bringing the M-Plate to life.”
The M-Plate comes in a black anodized finish for durability and a sleek, seamless profile when attached to the camera’s tripod socket. An impact absorbent and textured layer between the aluminum and camera ensures a snug fit and eliminates scratching. Additionally, the M-Plate features an optional hand strap attachment accessory.
The M-Plate is available starting today, March 27 for a MSRP of $74.95. Photographers can purchase the M-Plate through CustomSLR.com or through many authorized dealers worldwide.

 

About Custom SLR
Custom SLR was started by a passionate group of photographers, Anne, Ben and Ivan, who like to design useful and innovative products. The company launched in 2010 with its first product, the C-Loop camera strap mount backed by funding provided via Kickstarter, the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. The ergonomic camera straps, Split Strap and Glide Strap, followed in 2011. With a constant focus on research and development, Anne, Ben and Ivan are always working on finding new solutions to improve the shooting experience for photographers. Custom SLR is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and for more information, visit http://www.customslr.com.