OL: Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 Review – A Rather Surprising Performer


Viltrox 56mm f/1.7:  Amazon / B&H Photo

Optical Limits published its full review of the Viltrox 56mm f/1.7 which is an excellent performer and value. You can read the full review here or check out the excerpt below:

The Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 X is a rather surprising performer…. The lens is pretty sharp at f/1.7 and great at f/4. Image distortions are non-existent and CAs are negligible. Vignetting is on the high side at large aperture settings although not dramatically so. If you want to get rid of it you have to do so manually because there’s no profile correction available. The quality of the bokeh is impressive as well. Highlights are nicely rendered and the background blur is very smooth. Even LoCAs are on the low side. A bit of a hiccup are focus shifts towards the rear when stopping down. At very close focus distances this might be an issue. It’s worth noting that the lens isn’t really aligned to close focus scenes anyway.

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TAMRON Lens Utility 3.0 Released


TAMRON announces update of TAMRON Lens Utility™ and TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile™
The lens customization software expands the possibilities of still photography and video shooting

May 30, 2024 – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shogo Sakuraba; Headquarters: Saitama City, Japan; “TAMRON”), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces updates of the TAMRON Lens Utility, dedicated computer software, and the TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile, dedicated application for Android*1 OS compatible smartphones and tablets. This update will provide additional functionality for greater convenience in the field and expands the possibilities of still and video photography. The software versions will change from the currently released Ver.2.0 to Ver.3.0, and the updated version will be available for download starting May 30, 2024.

APPLICATION NAMETAMRON Lens Utility™
TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile™
DATE OF LAUNCHMay 30, 2024
COMPATIBLE OSAndroid 6-14*2

* To use TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile, you will need to update the firmware of a compatible lens. To perform lens firmware updates, please use the TAMRON Lens Utility for computers.
* When using the mobile version, the dedicated TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) is required.
* Information on lens firmware updates is posed to the “Support” page as needed. In addition, check a “Compatible Lens List

Product Overview
October 2021 marked the release of TAMRON Lens Utility, a dedicated computer software that allows users to customize the functions of various TAMRON lenses according to their photographic and video shooting styles. In November 2022, we released TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile for Android OS, as we received many requests for the ability to customize lens functions in the field. In pursuit of even greater convenience, TAMRON has upgraded existing functions, added new functions for both the computer and mobile software, and added a new function exclusively for TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile.

We plan to further expand and enhance functions to make video production more friendly to our customers.

Product Features

Delay Time Start (upgrade to an existing feature)
This feature delays activation of a focus shift after the Focus Set Button has been pressed to activate. This is used to avoid shaking or button noises to be recorded when the Focus Set Button is pressed, and action starts.
* In addition to the Focus Set Button on the lens, this can also be used with the Remote Set Button with the TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile.

Focus Stopper (new feature)
This feature fixes the focus range when manual focus is operated during video shooting. This will prevent the user from over passing the focal point.
* The stopper will automatically be released when switching to AF mode.
* In addition to the Focus Set Button on the lens, this feature could also be controlled from the Remote Set Button featured in the TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile.

Astro Focus Lock (Astro FC-L) (new feature)
This feature fixes the focus on stars, which is useful for astrophotography. The focus is shifted to infinity and operation of the focus ring will be disabled (locked). Locking the focus ring prevents the focus from slipping through inadvertent operation.
* In addition to the Focus Set Button on the lens, this can also be used with the Remote Set Button with the TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile.

Digital Follow Focus (DFF) (new dedicated feature only for TAMRON Lens Utility Mobile)
This feature allows you to fix a focus range between two points and perform focus operations from your smartphone screen, just like follow focus techniques. The direction of rotation of the aperture and focus rings, units indicated, and EV steps can also be changed.
* Aperture ring control and EV step configuration is not supported on Nikon Z mount lenses.

Note:
1 Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
2 Only compatible with Android devices fitted with USB Type-C ports.

To learn more, please check the page introducing features of the TAMRON Lens Utility Here.

Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

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DPR: Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki Interview – Innovation Can Mean Many Things


Sigma’s CEO Kazuto Yamaki sat down for an interview with DPR which you can read in full here or find a summary of below:

  • All manufacturers have to be innovative, but customers might benefit more from lightweight bodies with greater portability or some other spec.
  • Last year wasn’t bad for the camera market and it might have been the bottom of the market because the market has been growing since.
  • Photographers are still switching from DSLR to mirrorless, but once the switch is complete the market could fall again
  • Cameras and lenses going up in price could lead to the camera market further contracting.
  • Sigma is still trying to keep its prices down
  • Young people primarily take photos with smartphones and the high prices might turn them off.
  • Cameras are gaining impressive technical capabilities that photographers may not need or want.
  • More user-friendly features might make cameras more attractive
  • Innovative lenses like the Sigma 500mm f/5.6 were designed to meet customers’ needs by matching Canon/Nikon lenses that customers wanted in a more compact lens by using one SLD and three FLD elements.
  • Sigma is often the first to use lens elements thanks to its advanced manufacturing, but once they do something new others quickly copy them.
  • Sigma still polishes lenses and they have a very high yield rate of about 90%
  • Companies hesitate to innovate using new glass elements because they can’t predict the yield rates
  • Companies watch what Sigma does and if Sigma can successfully use a new glass element then others will try to copy Sigma’s success
  • Pushing the limits of glass is in Sigma’s corporate culture and it can be seen from telephoto lenses to astrophotography lenses
  • It’s Sigma’s mission to develop niche products to continue advancing photography as a whole
  • Most lenses are better than photographers need, but astrophotographers are never satisfied because star images are the most challenging subjects, especially on the edge of the frame where you can see a variety of aberrations
  • Kazuto Yamaki is personally interested in creating great lenses for astrophotography
  • Full-frame and APS-C shooters are similar, but APS-C shooters tend to live in cities and carry all their gear around in a bag.
  • There are no aperture rings coming for APS-C lenses anytime soon
  • Sigma will be competitive in the Full Frame and APS-C space

Sigma lenses can be found at Amazon and B&H Photo

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Instax Wide 300 From Shortage to Discontinuation


Instax Wide 300: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Last month Fujifilm made an announcement about Fujifilm Instax Wide production issues. Now the camera is listed as discontinued almost everywhere, but Adorama claims it will have stock soon. If true it could be your last opportunity to by an Instax Wide 300 camera. The camera is also listed as discontinued everywhere overseas too.

  • Kitamura Camera: Discontinued products
  • Map Camera: Discontinued products available for order
  • Bic Camera: Production discontinued
  • Yodobashi Camera: Discontinued

via asobinet

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Sigma Price Increases Announced Overseas


Sigma announced price increases to multiple lenses overseas.

Thank you for your patronage of Sigma products.

Starting Wednesday, May 29, 2024, we will be revising the shipping prices of some of our mirrorless camera lenses.

We have decided to implement this revision in light of the recent external environment, which has led to rising raw material costs, manufacturing and logistics costs, etc.

Scheduled date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Please see below for a list of eligible products.

Thank you kindly look forward for your understanding.


via Sigma

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Fujifilm Savings Sunday Memorial Day Edition


Memorial Day Savings
Amazon
Adorama
B&H Photo
Vi Vante Memorial Day Savings

Fujifilm GFX Savings
Fujifilm GFX100S Save $1,600:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujifilm GFX50SII Save $1000:
B&H Photo / Amazon  / Moment / Adorama

Fujinon GF Discounts
Fujinon GF80mm f/1.7 Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF 110mm F 2 R LM WR Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF20-35mm f/4 Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon /Adorama
Fujinon GF100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR Save $500:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon X-Mount Fixed Focal Length Lenses
Fujinon XF18mm f/1.4 R LM WR Save $100:
B&H Photo / Amazon /Adorama
Fujinon XF23mm f/1.4 R LM WR Save $100:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR Save $100:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon XF56mm f/1.2 R WR MKII Save $100:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Fujinon X-Mount Zoom Lenses
Fujinon XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR Save $100:
B&H Photo / Amazon  / Adorama
Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM WR Save $200:
B&H Photo /Amazon / Adorama
XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR Save $400:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
XF 150-600mm f/5.6-8 R WR Save $400:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

Newest Camera
Fujifilm X100VI Silver and Black:
B&H Photo / Amazon (Silver : Black) / Moment / Adorama

Fujifilm X-T50
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon XF 16-50mm F/2.8-4.8
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

Fujifilm X-T5 Black:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujifilm X-T5 Silver:
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama

Fujifilm GFX100SII
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama
Fujinon GF 500mm f/5.6
B&H Photo / Amazon / Moment / Adorama


Third Party Lenses
Venus Optics Laowa 17mm f/4 GFX (Save $200):
B&H Photo

Venus Optics Laowa 9mm f/2.8 Zero-D (Save $100):
B&H Photo / Amazon

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Save $80):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Save $75):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama
Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary (Save $90):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Samyang AF 12mm F2 X (Save $150):
B&H Photo / Amazon

Tokina SZ 33mm f/1.2 (Save $150):
B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Other Deals
Memory Card Savings
Power Banks

Battery Banks
PowerCore+26800 PD
other more affordable options



New Apple M2 Ultra: B&H Photo / Amazon
New Apple M3: 
B&H Photo / Amazon
New Apple Mac Pro:
 B&H Photo
New Apple iPad Pro and More: B&H Photo / Adorama
New Apple MBP: B&H Photo / Amazon
MacBook Pro (Savings still available): B&H Photo

Airpod/Airpod Pro/Max Savings: B&H Photo / Amazon

Limited-time iPad Pro Savings
iPad Pro Bundles: 
B&H Photo

Software Deals
Luminar Neo & Aurora HDR 2019 (Savings code FUJIADDICT)
ON1 Photo RAW 2024
ON1 PhotoKeyword AI
ON1 Sky Swap AI
ON1 Photo Resizer AI
ON1 NoNoise AI
ON1 Portrait AI
ON1 HDR
Picktorial
TopazLabs
Capture One

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