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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

Experience superb zoom range that covers everything from portraiture to event photography with the all-in-one NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens from Nikon. Quick and… Read more

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If you are a Nikon user, your wish might be granted. You can buy the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S S right away at a significant discount. Initially priced at $6,999.95, the lens is now available for $5,996.95 on Amazon and B&H. This 14% discount translates to $ 1,000 in savings.

What We Like in NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

When you imagine the whopping 800mm focal length, the first word that comes to mind is ‘hefty’. Not only are most of these lenses very heavy, but they can also be quite expensive. The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S beats both the odds.

Made from a Phase Fresnel element, the lens reduces the overall weight by 50% and length by 16% compared to its predecessor, the F-mount 800mm f/5.6 lens. It only weighs 5.25 pounds. The marked difference in weight and size makes the lens portable, enabling photographers to take handheld photos. Additionally, it features vibration reduction of up to 5 stops.  The lens also features two customizable Fn buttons, a memory setting button, a control ring, a manual focus ring, and a focus limit switch, ensuring quick focusing. It has a close focusing distance of  5 m and uses stepping motors to achieve quick and accurate focusing.

The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S can produce exceptional images with minimum chromatic aberration and fringing. The lens’s optical design uses 22 elements arranged in 14 groups. The lens features three extra-low dispersion glass elements and one short-length refractive element, and also benefits from having nine Iris blades. Its f/6.3 aperture may feel moderate; however, it is one of the longest focal lengths available in the market. Also, check out our Black Friday Deals page for discounted rates on a variety of other photography products.

Top Features

• Weighs: 5.2 lb / 2385 g
• 1:6.25 Macro Reproduction Ratio and 0.16x Magnification
• Optical design of 22 Elements in 14 Groups
• Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z
• VR: up to 5.0 stops of compensation

Who Is It For

The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is designed for Nikon Z photographers who require extreme reach with portability. It is ideal for wildlife, birds, aviation, and sports photographers. It offers features that will attract not only professionals but also hobbyists.

So if your work or passion demands capturing subjects at a great distance and you value portability and ergonomics, the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S will not disappoint you. Currently, you can buy the lens at a $1000 discount on Amazon and B&H. Don’t miss the chance to get this excellent lens at such a great discount.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

Experience superb zoom range that covers everything from portraiture to event photography with the all-in-one NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens from Nikon. Quick and… Read more

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• Deal @ Amazon

The post Massive $1000 Discount Offered on NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S appeared first on Imaging Resource.

The P1100 updates the legendary superzoom camera with a USB-C charging port. It also features upgraded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, bringing it up to modern connectivity standards.

The P1100 now supports UHD 4K video recording at 30 or 25 frames per second. It also includes a microphone jack and clean HDMI output.

Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Features Retained From the COOLPIX P1000

Like its predecessor, the new COOLPIX P1100 features a 125x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24mm-3000mm in full-frame terms. The camera is equipped with a 16-megapixel sensor and Nikon’s Dual Detect Optical VR, providing up to four stops of image stabilization.

Unlike many superzoom cameras, the COOLPIX P1100 offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end. Optically, Nikon has incorporated extra-low dispersion and super extra-low dispersion lens elements, which it claims help maintain image quality throughout the zoom range.

Price and Availability of the Nikon COOLPIX P1100

The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 will be available in late February 2025 for $1,096.95.

The COOLPIX P1100 is available to preorder now.

The post Nikon Launches New COOLPIX P1100 Superzoom Camera — Details, Preorder, and Price appeared first on Imaging Resource.

In December, alongside the Nikon Z 28-75mm F2.8 lens – which we just reviewed‚ -‚ Nikon announced the development of a new Z 800mm F6.3 VR S super-telephoto prime lens. At the time, details were extremely scarce, but the promise of a ‘compact and lightweight’ 800mm lens was more than enough to excite us, wildlife photography enthusiasts that we are. Keep the hype train rolling because Nikon has fully unveiled its new super-telephoto prime lens, and it looks amazing.

The Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S lens is the longest Nikkor Z lens to date and is approximately 48% lighter and 16% shorter than the Nikon 800mm F5.6E FL ED AF-S VR Nikkor lens. Not for nothing, at $6,500, Nikon’s new Z lens is also nearly $10,000 less expensive. The 800mm F6.3 VR S lens weighs about 2,385 grams (5 lb, 4.2 oz) and is 385mm (15.2 in.) long. The lens’s maximum diameter is 140mm (5.6 in.), and the lens accepts 46mm drop-in filters. For easy reference, Nikon’s 800mm F5.6E lens for F mount weighs 4,590g (just over 10 lb.) and is 461mm (18.2 in.) long.

The Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 VR S Nikkor weighs 2,385 grams (about 5.3 lb.) and is 385mm (15.2 in.) long.

The significant reduction in relative size and weight is due to the 800mm F6.3 VR S incorporating a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element. The lens also benefits from Nikon’s other optical technologies, including a Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) element. The Z 800mm F6.3 VR S Nikkor lens includes a total of 22 elements arranged across 14 groups. The lens includes a trio of ED glass elements and features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat. The lens includes a nine-bladed rounded aperture diaphragm.

‘This 800mm lens is smaller and lighter than ever imagined, which is a true testament to Nikon’s advanced optical expertise as well as the next-generation technology that’s at the core of the Nikon Z system,’ said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. ‘This latest NIKKOR Z lens is not only surprisingly easy to carry, but also gives photographers the fast focus response, intense sharpness and beautiful color reproduction they need to create amazing images from extreme distances.’

Image courtesy of Nikon

To help ensure sharp, steady shots, even with its extensive telephoto reach, the new lens incorporates optical image stabilization. The VR function provides a compensation effect of around 5 stops, although you can achieve 5.5 stops of shake correction when using the Nikon Z9 camera and its Synchro VR function. Steady shots don’t mean much if they’re not focused, and the 800mm F6.3 VR S promises stellar performance thanks to its STM autofocus system. The lens can focus as close as 5m (16.4 ft.) from the focal plane, resulting in a max magnification of 0.16x. This is slightly better close-focusing performance than the 800mm F5.6E lens, which offers 0.15x max magnification.

Image courtesy of Nikon

Beyond the usability improvements offered by lighter weight and reduced footprint, the new 800mm F6.3 VR S lens is also rugged. It’s constructed using a magnesium alloy and includes Nikon’s fluorine coating, helping to repel dirt and moisture from the front element. The lens also includes a Memory Recall function to instantly recall focus positions using an assigned button and four L-Fn2 buttons, and one L-Fn button, which can control various customizable functions, including subject tracking, AF lock, playback and more. The lens’s Control Ring can be used to adjust ISO, aperture and exposure compensation. The lens has a dedicated focus ring and the lens includes focus limiter and AF/MF switches on its barrel.

If you need even more reach, the Nikon 800mm F6.3 VR S lens is fully compatible with Nikon’s TC-1.4x and TC-2x teleconverters, allowing a maximum full-frame focal length of 1,600mm. You can also use the DX crop mode on FX cameras for a 1200mm-equivalent focal length, which is a nice option for the high-resolution Z7 series and Z9 cameras.

If you require more reach, the 800mm F6.3 VR S is fully compatible with Nikon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters

The Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 VR S lens is sure to excite wildlife and sports photographers. You won’t need to wait long for the lens, either, as it will be available starting this month for $6,499.95.

The post Super-light super telephoto: Nikon announces Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S lens for $6,500 appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Canon has announced a pair of new super-telephoto prime lenses for its mirrorless RF camera system that are sure to excite sports and wildlife photographers alike. Joining the existing RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm F4 L IS USM, the new Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM provide Canon RF photographers with even more reach.

Before discussing each lens, let’s look at the shared features between them. Both lenses include two focus presets and the ability to switch between memorized focus distances, which is useful when photographing situations with set positions, like sports. For example, you can photograph the action in a baseball game and then hit a preset button to focus back on the pitcher on the mound instantly.

Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

Both lenses incorporate a circular nine-bladed aperture diaphragm, promising beautiful, soft blurred backgrounds and bokeh.

Further, each lens is built to Canon’s rigorous L-Series standards. The lenses promise high durability and rugged construction, plus dust- and water-resistance and a fluorine coating on the front element to allow for easy cleaning.

Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM

The Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM weighs just 3,140 grams (6.9 lbs), which is very lightweight for a super-telephoto prime. Compare that to the Canon EF 800mm F5.6L IS USM lens, which weighs 4,490 g (9.9 lbs). The new RF lens is slightly shorter at 432mm (17.0″). The EF lens is 461mm (18.2″).

One of the more interesting aspects of the RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM is its minimum focus distance of only 2.6 meters (8.5′). This results in a max magnification of 0.34x, which is superb and will help wildlife photographers fill the frame with small subjects. Compare this to the older EF 800mm lens, which has 0.14x max magnification. That’s a significant improvement. If you want even more magnification, it’s 0.49x with the RF 1.4x teleconverter and 0.71x with the RF 2x teleconverter. Both are fully compatible with the RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM, including with autofocus. These teleconverters provide effective focal lengths of 1,120mm (F8) and 1,600mm (F11), respectively.

Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

Autofocus is provided by Canon’s USM low-speed drive (Ring USM) AF technology, and the lens supports full-time manual focusing. You can select from three different manual focus speeds using a switch on the lens.

Optically, the RF 800mm includes 26 elements in 18 groups. Special optics include two fluorite elements, one Super UD lens and one UD lens element. The lens includes Super Spectra Coating and ASC, in addition to fluorine coating. ASC stands for Air Sphere Coating and it further reduces flare and ghosting due to internal reflections.

As evidenced by the ‘IS’ designation in its name, the RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM includes built-in image stabilization. The optical stabilization system is rated for up to 4.5 stops of shake correction and includes three IS operation modes. Mode 1 is for general shake correction, mode 2 is for correcting during panning and mode 3 is for correction only during exposure.

Canon RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM

The RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM includes a dual-function manual focus ring/Control Ring, rather than a dedicated Control Ring like some RF lenses (but not the RF 400mm and RF 600mm) include. As a focus-by-wire lens, there’s no built-in focus scale on the RF 800mm lens either.

The Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM will be available in late May for an estimated retail price of $16,999, which is $4,000 more than the EF 800mm F5.6’s current price.

Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM

While the RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM is a redesigned version of an existing lens, the RF 1200mm F8L IS USM is all-new. Yes, Canon made an EF 1200mm F5.6L USM lens, which was an absolute monster of a lens, the new RF 1200mm F8L IS USM trades a slower aperture for a much more user-friendly form factor. The RF 1200mm F8, despite its massive focal length, weighs just 3,340g (117.8 oz.). The lens is 537mm (21.1″) long, but with a weight about the same as the RF 600mm F4L IS USM lens, it shouldn’t prove difficult to handle. The lens includes IS and promises four stops of shake correction with the same three IS modes as the RF 800mm lens.

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

Like the RF 800mm lens, the RF 1200mm lens is also fully compatible with the RF 1.4x and RF 2x teleconverters, including with autofocus on all current EOS R-series cameras. The lens becomes a 1,680mm F8 and 2,400mm F11, respectively. The minimum focus distance is 4.3m (14.1′), which delivers 0.29x maximum magnification. With the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, max magnification is 0.41x and 0.6x, respectively.

Autofocus is provided via a Canon USM low-speed drive (Ring USM) and full-time manual focusing is possible. Like with the RF 800mm F5.6, you can switch between three manual focus speeds with a switch on the lens. The manual focus ring also acts as the Control Ring when this setting is enabled on the attached camera.

Canon RF 1200mm F8L IS USM

The optical design of the RF 1200mm F8L IS USM lens includes 26 elements in 18 groups. Among these elements are two fluorite elements, a Super UD lens and a UD lens. The lens includes Super Spectra Coating, ASC and fluorine coating.

The Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM lens will launch in late May for a suggested retail price of $19,999.

The post Canon announces pair of super-telephoto lenses: RF 800mm F5.6L IS USM and RF 1200mm F8L IS USM appeared first on Imaging Resource.

After announcing the development of the Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S in October, alongside the Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S and 24-120mm F4 S lenses, Nikon has fully revealed its new exotic super-telephoto prime lens, including release details, pricing and specs.

The Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S is well-suited for sports, action and wildlife photography, making it a perfect, albeit pricy, companion to Nikon’s new flagship mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z9. ‘Nikon’s engineers continue to bring new and exciting advancements to image creators and working professionals. Immediately following the extraordinary response to the Z 9, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens features the latest technologies resulting from our expertise in optical engineering,’ said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. ‘The customers for this lens often find themselves in situations where there is no second chance to get a shot; this lens takes full advantage of new technologies made possible by the Z mount and gives professional shooters an edge to capture the decisive moment with remarkable image quality, under any kind of light.’

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Unlike Nikon’s most recent 400mm F2.8 telephoto lens for the Nikon F mount, the 400mm F2.8E FL ED VR AF-S, the new Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S lens includes a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, like the Nikon 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR AF-S, which increases its focal length to 560mm with a still-fast F4 maximum aperture. This extra reach will be a boon for wildlife photography, in particular. It’s also very convenient to increase the focal length with the flip of a switch, rather than needing to attach a separate teleconverter. The lens does accept Nikon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, by the way, extending the maximum reach to 784mm and 1120mm, respectively.

With the flip of a switch, you can turn the Nikkor 400mm F2.8 TC VR S lens into a 560mm F4 prime.

Despite building in a teleconverter, the Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 is the lightest lens of its type. It weighs 2,950 grams (6.5 lbs), which is about two pounds lighter (20%) than the aforementioned 400mm F2.8E FL ED VR lens. The lens is 380mm (15″) long, and its max diameter is 156mm (6.2″). The lens accepts 45mm filters using the slip-in filter holder.

The 400mm F2.8 TC VR S incorporates two fluorite elements to keep its weight down. In total, the lens features 25 elements in 19 groups, including 2 ED glass elements, a super-ED glass element, and an SR lens element. The lens body is constructed with a magnesium alloy body and includes robust weather sealing around its movable parts and the rubber gasket.

The new 400mm F2.8 TC VR S is 28mm longer than the most recent F-mount 400mm F2.8 lens, but the new Z lens weighs 20% less. The lens also includes a new Fn Ring, seen to the right of the Nikkor S branding on the barrel.Â

The lens also includes a newly developed Meso Amorphous Coat, which Nikon says offers the best anti-reflection performance in Nikkor lens history. Nikon says, ‘Regardless of the directions of incident light, this advanced new coating offers an anti-reflection effect that’s superior to that of Nano Crystal Coat, greatly suppressing ghosting and flaring caused by incident light from various directions.’

That isn’t the only technology making its debut in the Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 lens. The lens also includes the new Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM), enabling high-speed, accurate autofocus performance with nearly silent operation. The new system is designed to move large lens elements with greater precision. The SSVCM works with a new guide mechanism that allows the lens elements to move smoother and more accurately.

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The lens has built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) that promises up to 5.5 stops of compensation, even when using the built-in teleconverter. Synchro VR is available when the lens is paired with the Nikon Z9. The lens also includes a control ring, in typical Nikkor Z fashion, and a new Fn Ring that allows the user to recall a focus position using the Memory Recall function quickly.

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The Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S lens will be available in late February for a suggested retail price of $13,999.95. This is $2,000 more than the Sony 400mm F2.8 G Master lens and the Canon RF 400mm F2.8, although neither of those lenses incorporate a built-in 1.4x teleconverter and the Canon lens uses the same optical formula as the most recent Canon 400mm F2.8 lens for the EF mount.

All images courtesy of Nikon USA

The post Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S announced: $14,000 high-performance super-telephoto lens includes new anti-reflection and AF technology appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Canon has announced three high-end prime L-series lenses for its mirrorless RF mount. The shortest of the three primes is the RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens. The other two lenses are RF-mount versions of two existing super-telephoto lenses, the RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM.

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM

Taking the lenses in turn, let’s start with the new macro lens. It is the first Canon RF lens specifically designed for macro photography. Further, a key feature that sets the new RF macro lens apart is that it’s Canon’s first medium telephoto macro lens with a maximum magnification of 1.4x.

The impressive magnification is greater than most full-frame macro lenses, which typically offer 1x max magnification. At 1.4x magnification, the minimum focusing distance is 10.2″ (0.26m), and the working distance is 3.4″ (8.6 cm). At 1x magnification, the focusing range is 11″ (0.28m), and the working distance is 4.4″ (11.2 cm).

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM

Autofocus is driven by a high-speed Dual Nano USM system. Canon promises quiet autofocus and reduced focus breathing. With built-in optical image stabilization, Canon also promises a steady lens. The optical stabilization offers up to 5 stops of shake correction. The optical IS can also be combined with in-camera image stabilization to deliver up to 8 stops of shake correction (as tested on a Canon EOS R5). The hybrid IS system helps compensate for angular and shift camera shake during macro shooting as well.

The RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM has 17 elements in 13 groups. The lens includes Super Spectra Coating, and there’s a fluorine coating on the front element. The lens is 5.8″ (148mm) long without its included lens hood and has a maximum diameter of 3.2″ (81.5mm). The lens weighs 25.8 oz. (730g).

Like other RF lenses – save for the new RF 400mm and RF 600mm lenses – the RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens includes a control ring for making immediate changes to settings including exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture or ISO. The lens is also dust- and weather-resistant, thanks to weather sealing at the lens mount, focus ring, control ring, SA control ring, switch panel and switches.

Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM

The RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM also includes a second control ring, the spherical aberration (SA) control ring. Canon states this the SA control ring “allows users to change the character and appearance of the bokeh and obtain a softer focus effect with a simple turning of the ring to the desired result.” At the neutral setting, bokeh is as users expect. However, if you rotate the SA ring to the + setting, bokeh is more bubbly and includes harder edges. On the other hand, rotating the SA ring toward -, the image is softer and has less pronounced edges.

The SA control ring allows the user to adjust spherical aberration. Rotating the ring moves an internal floating lens element, which changes the look of the bokeh. The impact of the SA ring depends upon the focus distance. At the closest focusing distance, which results in a 1.4x max magnification, the SA ring doesn’t impact the look of bokeh.

The SA control ring is not like the APO filter in the RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM DS lens. Instead, the SA control ring moves the floating lens element. The effect of the SA control ring and the amount of change in spherical aberration vary significantly as focus distance changes. For example, at 0.26m, when maximum magnification is 1.4x, the SA ring has no effect. Per Canon, the largest impact is at focusing distances between 0.38m and 1m.

The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens has a detachable tripod foot

The Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is expected to arrive this July with an estimated retail price of $1,399 USD.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM

The RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lenses are essentially the same as their EF counterparts, the EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4 L IS III USM. The new RF lenses, which are targeted at pro wildlife and sports photographers, feature the same design as the EF lenses save for the mount. Per Canon, the change in mount doesn’t result in any noticeable change to image quality or autofocus performance. Still, by using a native version, the overall setup is more reliable and durable. It stands to reason that by eliminating the need for a lens adapter, the overall kit is more structurally sound and includes better sealing. Especially considering that super-telephoto lenses are large and heavy, Canon argues that it’s better to eliminate the need for an adapter.

Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM

While there’s no change in the optical design, there is a very slight change in weight for both the RF 400mm and RF 600mm compared to their adapted EF counterparts. The RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM weighs 6.37 lbs. (2,890g) versus 6.5 lbs. (2,950g) for the EF version with the EF-EOS R mount adapter. The RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM weighs 6.81 lbs. (3,090g), whereas the adapted EF version weighs 6.97 lbs. (3,160g). It’s worth noting that because Canon has changed only the mount for the new RF super tele lenses, they are the first RF lenses not to include a control ring.

While the design is identical, there is a minor cosmetic change with the new lenses. The EOS R system has extended lens mounts, which are dark silver. To create a coherent visual identity, RF lenses include silver at the mounting area as well. The RF 400mm f/2.8 and RF 600mm f/4 lenses include silver at the mounting area to keep this look consistent. Other than this, the EF and RF lenses are practically indistinguishable. This means that the RF lenses also include infrared reflective pigments with high reflectance and titanium oxide lens barrel coating with silica, providing UV resistance and heat reduction. Put another way, the RF super tele lenses have the classic light gray ‘Canon’ color.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Both lenses include Canon’s Super Spectra Coating (SSC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to minimize ghosting and flare. The electronic focusing ring is customizable and includes manual focus capability during Servo AF. There are focus preset buttons, focus range limits, and optical image stabilization mode switches on each lens. Each lens includes dust- and water-resistant construction.

The RF 400mm f/2.8 and RF 600mm f/4 lenses are compatible with Canon’s RF 1.4x and RF 2x extenders. The RF 400mm f/2.8 becomes a 560mm f/4 lens with the 1.4x extender and an 800mm f/5.6 lens with the 2x extender. The 600mm f/4 lens becomes an 840mm f/5.6 and 1200mm f/8 with the 1.4x and 2x extenders. In each case, autofocus and IS functionality remains possible, even in the case of the 1200mm f/8.

Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM

The RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and 600mm f/4 L IS USM lenses have identical specifications to their EF counterparts. The RF 400mm f/2.8 has a minimum focusing distance of 8.2′ (2.5m), which results in a 0.17x maximum magnification. The lens has 17 elements in 13 groups, including two fluorite lenses and one super ultra low dispersion (UD) lens element, which Canon says significantly improves optical performance and controls chromatic aberration. To deliver smooth bokeh performance, the lens includes a rounded nine-blade aperture diaphragm.

Canon RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM

Autofocus is provided via a ring-type USM autofocus system. The lens includes optical image stabilization, which provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. The RF 400mm (and RF 600mm) do not coordinate with in-body image stabilization to provide improved image stabilization performance, something the new RF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens offers.

The RF 400mm f/2.8 has a minimum length of 367mm, which is, of course, increased when using the included ET-155 lens hood. The maximum diameter is 163mm. The lens includes a 52mm drop-in filter holder, which comes with the lens and includes a standard protective filter. The lens also includes a detachable tripod mount, which can be replaced with an optional smaller monopod mount. Additional optional accessories include a shorter lens hood and a drop-in circular polarizing filter.

The Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM ships with a long lens hood and a tripod foot, shown here. A shorter lens hood and smaller monopod foot are also available as optional accessories.

The RF 600mm f/4 is a bit longer, with a minimum length of 472mm. The lens is also slightly larger and has a maximum diameter of 168mm. Optically, the RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM also includes 17 elements in 13 groups, including a pair of fluorite elements and a single super UD element. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 13.8′ (4.2m), which results in a max magnification of 0.15x.

This close-up image shows the controls on the RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens. The lens includes stabilizer modes, focus preset settings, different manual focus speed settings when using the electronic focus ring, a focus range limiter and more.Â

Like the RF 400mm f/2.8, the RF 600mm f/4 has a ring-type USM autofocus system and includes optical image stabilization, which promises up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. Also, like the 400mm lens, the 600mm super tele has a nine-bladed rounded aperture diaphragm.

The RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM lens also includes a 52mm drop-in filter holder and comes with a tripod foot and lens hood. The RF 600mm f/4 also has an optional monopod foot accessory, and a shorter lens hood is available. Both lenses come in a soft lens case.

The RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM comes with the longer lens hood (bottom), but a shorter lens hood (top) is also available. The same is true of the RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM. Both lenses ship in a soft lens case and include a 52mm drop-in filter holder with a proective lens filter.Â

The Canon RF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM has the same suggested retail price as the latest EF version, which is $11,999 USD. Likewise, the RF 600mm f/4 L IS USM has the same price as its EF counterpart, at $12,999. Canon expects both lenses to be available starting in July.

The post Canon announces three RF lenses: 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS, 400mm f/2.8 L IS & 600mm f/4 L IS appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Sigma has used Photokina as a platform for expanding exposure for its Global Vision Line of optics by announcing not one, not two, but three new lenses! Not only are they highly varied, as you’ll see below, but they are also compatible with full-frame sensors. Speaking on behalf of the announcement, Sigma Corporation of America’s president Mark Amir-Hamzeh says, “We are thrilled to announce three state-of-the-art additions to the Global Vision line.”

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

First up is the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, “the ultimate portrait lens.” The optic has been engineered to provide great performance on the highest resolution sensors on the market and has been purpose-built to provide beautiful bokeh. On the focus side of things, a re-engineered autofocus system has resulted in 1.3x the torque of its predecessor and full-time manual focus override, even when the lens is utilizing continuous AF.

Inside the new lens are two special low dispersion (SLD) glass elements and a glass element “with a high rate of anomalous partial dispersion and refraction.” Including these highly-specialized elements, there are a total of 14 elements in 12 groups, which currently has a “to be determined” total weight. Its dimensions have been given, however, and it has a 3.7-inch diameter and is 5 inches long. The lens’ minimum focus distance is 33.5 inches and it utilizes nine blades to create a rounded diaphragm. On this topic, the Nikon mount version includes a brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens will be arriving in late October with a recommended street price of around US$1,200 for Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, and purchase links can be found below.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art

If you’re looking for something wider, Sigma’s new 12-24mm f/4 lens may be for you. This ultra-wide angle zoom, like the 85mm lens above, is designed for high-resolution sensors and according to Sigma includes the largest aspherical glass mold in the industry. Offering a reported “virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting,” the optic is designed for the discerning photographer. The brand new Sigma AF system is included in this 12-24mm lens as well, including the 1.3x torque boost.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 Art

The lens has an unspecified number of elements constructed with “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, which Sigma states is “equivalent to calcium fluorite” in performance. Unfortunately, full tech specs aren’t available for the 12-24mm f/4 Art lens, but we do know that it’ll have a minimum focus distance of 9.4 inches at the 24mm focal length and will come in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts, with the Nikon mount (as previously noted) including an electromagnetic diaphragm. The lens will be arriving in late October with a street price just under US$1,600. (Purchase links below.)

Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport

The only non-Art lens in the new trio is a lens that photographers have been eagerly awaiting in the Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sport. This lens replaces Sigma’s previous 500mm f/4.5 EX DG APO HSM lens, which was getting a bit long in the tooth. This flagship super telephoto prime lens is aimed squarely at sports and wildlife photographers. Knowing full well that sports and wildlife photo opportunities sometimes take place in harsh conditions, Sigma has designed the lens with magnesium alloy components, a carbon fiber lens hood, a front element which is resistant to water and oil, and a dust and splash proof construction. The lens is also compatible with Sigma’s exclusive LPT-11 protector, which is sold separately.

Like other large diameter telephoto lenses, the new 500mm f/4 has a drop-in rear filter slot. Inside the lens we find one SLD element and two FLD elements in addition to optimized power distribution which is said to result in minimized spherical and axial chromatic aberrations. The optics have also been designed to reduce transverse chromatic aberration, an issue that is particularly prevalent in traditional telephoto ranges of lenses. In total, the 5.7 x 15-inch lens has 16 elements in 11 groups and nine diaphragm blades. The minimum focus distance is 137.9 inches (a maximum magnification of 1:6.5). Weight is still to be determined. Unsurprisingly, the lens has also been engineered to work well with Sigma teleconverters.

Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport

Additional features include Sigma’s two-mode optical stabilizer and a customizable AF “return” function for returning to a preset focus distance. The 500mm f/4 Sport will be available in late November for Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts with a recommended street price of roughly US$6,000. The Nikon version, like the above two lenses, includes an electromagnetic diaphragm.

In case you’re curious how that very reasonable price stacks up against the competition, Sigma’s price point is $3,000 less than the equivalent Canon offering and over $4,000 less than Nikon’s latest FL-equipped 500mm f/4 optic (although the older VR version sells for only $800 more than Sigma’s new lens). Despite not offering the new Sigma in a Sony mount, astute readers may notice that the Sigma costs nearly $7,000 less than the equivalent Sony offering.

Sigma USB Dock and Sigma’s lens testing

All three new lenses are fully compatible with Sigma’s Optimization Pro software and Sigma USB dock, which allows users to update and customize the lenses on their computer.

Sigma has also taken this opportunity to discuss their “industry leading” optical testing. They utilize a 46-megapixel Foveon direct image sensor to test their Global Vision lenses using an A1 proprietary MTF measuring system. Every Global Vision lens is A1-tested, analyzed and approved before leaving Sigma’s factory. You can read more about their testing here.

Where to buy the new Sigma lenses

You can help support our site by preordering the new Sigma lenses through our trusted affiliates below. Additional purchasing links will be added as they become available.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art

Canon: Adorama, B&H

Nikon: Adorama, B&H

Sigma: Adorama, B&H

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 Art

Canon: Adorama, B&H

Nikon: Adorama, B&H

Sigma: Adorama

Sigma 500mm f/4 Sport

Canon: Adorama, B&H

Nikon: Adorama, B&H

Sigma: Adorama

The post From 12mm all the way to 500mm: Sigma announces trio of Global Vision lenses at Photokina appeared first on Imaging Resource.

We’ve talked about rare and expensive camera equipment before, but this latest lens is unlike anything I’ve yet seen before. Jim Headley, founder and owner of Old School Art and Camera in Nebraska, is selling his 1000mm f/4.5 lens.

This Birns and Sawyer Omnitar telephoto lens was commissioned by NASA in the 60s and was built in Germany by Astra.

Headley came into possession of the lens 20 years ago when he traded multiple view cameras for it at Rainbow Photo in Wyoming. The lens came with its original case, a rolling tripod and NASA tags. Headley made a Canon EOS mount adapter for the lens and tested it on a Canon EOS 40D.

Jim Headley with his Birns and Sawyer Omnitar 1000mm f/4.5 lens attached to a Canon 40D.

If you’re thinking, “Wow, a 1000mm f/4.5 lens? That must be heavy!” You’re right, it’s heavy, weighing in at a back-straining 70 pounds. Including its large lens hood, the lens is four feet long and has a maximum diameter of ten inches. More details on the lens can be found on Headley’s dedicated webpage.

The lens will be placed up for auction by New Hampshire-based auction house RR Auction. If you’re interested in the lens, you can contact Jonathan Siefken at 603-732-4280 for more information.

Jim Headley is a Shutterbug reader and reached out to them about his lens after seeing their post about a recently-published Canon patent for an EF 1000mm f/4.5 DO super telephoto lens. As you may recall from earlier Canon DO lenses, the DO designates diffractive optics which allow for the creation of relatively smaller and lighter lenses.

The 70-pound lens is around four feet long, and thankfully comes with an included rolling tripod.

The patent was originally seen on Egami and then discussed on Canon Rumors earlier in June. The patent, which may or may not result in a new 1000mm f/5.6 lens making it to production, was filed in 2014 before being published on June 2nd. The patent describes a lens that is nearly 20 inches in length. Which, while large, is still much smaller than the 1000mm f/4.5 lens seen above.

Technology sure has come a long way.

(Seen via PetaPixel)

The post A one-of-a-kind monster optic: NASA-commissioned 1000mm f/4.5 lens going up for auction this year appeared first on Imaging Resource.

Fuji fans have been waiting for a super-telephoto offering for their X-mount bodies for a long time! It was more than two years ago that Fuji teased us with the promise of a “Super Telephoto Zoom Lens” to be coming at some point perhaps in 2015, and there have been many of us patiently awaiting its arrival ever since.

In January of this year we were finally alerted to the existence of the Fuji 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6, and a few months later were treated to a sample by the kind folks at Fujifilm. Elated, I paired it up with our X-T1 sample complete with battery grip and headed out for a long weekend of shooting to see what I could reel in with the generous 152-609mm equivalent zoom range.

(Spoiler alert: I hope they don’t ask for it back!)

Fujinon XF 100-400mm WR O.I.S as seen on the Fuji X-T1

Head over to our Fuji 100-400mm Initial Impressions report for all the details.
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1/500s / f/5.6 / ISO 800 / 357mm eq

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1/500s / f/5 / ISO 800 / 370mm eq

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1/2000s / f/5 / ISO 800 / 412mm eq.

- Fuji XF 100-400mm: Initial impressions and real world gallery images –
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The post Fuji XF 100-400mm WR: Initial impressions and real world galleries from Fuji’s first super-telephoto zoom appeared first on Imaging Resource.

We’ve covered reviews of some pretty weird lenses in the past, but this latest one from Christopher Frost really takes the cake. Frost reviews a Soviet era MTO 1000A 1,100mm f/10.5 mirror lens, which he has attached to his Canon 6D and 60D cameras.

It can be difficult to wrap your head around just how long 1,100mm is in practice; we’re talking about a field of view of 2.5 degrees. In a masterpiece of understatement, Frost calls this a “specialist” lens and says that you’ll need a sturdy tripod to get good use out of it.

The fixed aperture of f/10.5 limits the lens’ utility somewhat. Add in the fact that it’s manual focus only, and any hopes of using this optic for typical wildlife photography essentially goes out the window. However, with patience and skill, you might be able to photograph some stationary or very slow-moving wildlife in good light.

Watch the video above to see sample images and hear Christopher’s thoughts on the lens. It is definitely not for most photographers, nor is it a lens for every type of photography. However, it’s interesting and not too expensive: You can find them on eBay for around $200 USD.

To learn more about mirror lenses, check out this article from Photozone.

(Seen via Reddit /r/photography)

The post Soviet-era 1,100mm f/10.5 mirror lens provides a lot of reach without breaking the bank (or your back) appeared first on Imaging Resource.