Review: VARAVON Slidecam LITE 800 Roller Bearing Slider

Overview : The Varavon Slidecam Lite 800 is designed for shooting video with lightweight digital cameras and smartphones. As your camera smoothly rolls across the slider, you are capturing your subject at various angles. The smooth motion effect adds extra dimension to your video when shooting a static scene such as a landscape or a statue. The Slidecam Lite 800 sits on its own legs or can be mounted to a tripod. It has a 32 inch track with variable tension to control glide. It can support up to 19.8 lbs (optimal load is 6.6 lbs to 13 lbs). So it can handle anything from a compact DSLR such as a Nikon D5100 or a Canon Digital Rebel to a Nikon D800 or Canon 5D Mark III. Great for compact video camcorders and point & shoot cameras. You can mount an iPhone or a Smartphone to it too.

Features :

• Smooth glide action adds motion to static scenes.
• 32-inch slide track can handle up to 19.8 pounds (optimal load is 6.6 lbs to 13 lbs).
• Weighs 3.3 lbs.
• Special steel roller bearing.
• Variable tension allows all directional positioning.
• Fits any camera and can mount on any standard tripod.
• Use for iPhone and Smartphones too.

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Press Release: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED Lens Announcement

Nikon has officially announced the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED lens. The lens will be available on February 20, 2014 for a suggested retail price of $599.95.

You can place your pre-order from: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

Continue reading for full press release.

A wide-angle 35mm fixed focal length (prime) lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with the Nikon FX format

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED, a wide-angle 35mm fixed focal length (prime) lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras.

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED*1 is an extremely portable lens that, when used with a Nikon digital SLR camera, offers the bright viewfinder image of a fast fixed focal length lens and the beautiful blur characteristics of a shallow depth of field.

In addition, adoption of an ED lens element and an aspherical lens element, which ensure superior image quality, and optical design that controls sagittal coma flare*2 for excellent point image formation make the lens capable of maximizing the distinctive characteristics of high pixel-count digital SLR cameras with expression of the finest details.

Releasing the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED responds to a variety of needs by enriching our fast prime lens lineup covering focal lengths from wide-angle to the mid-telephoto range.

• *1When used with a Nikon DX-format digital SLR camera, the effective angle of view is equivalent to that of a lens with a 52.5mm focal length.
• *2A phenomenon with which the edges of pinpoint light sources in photos of night landscapes and the like are not rendered as point images, but appear distorted to resemble the outspread wings of a bird in flight

Nikon considers point-image formation with design of all NIKKOR lenses, utilizing its long history of striving for the ideal of rendering point images as sharp points. The AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, which offers superior point-image rendering from maximum aperture, was another fast, fixed focal length lens developed with this same design concept and released last year. Our lineup already includes the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G, which offers similar characteristics, and we have continued this design concept with the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED.

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED responds to the needs of users looking for a high-performance, wide-angle fixed focal length lens that can easily be taken anywhere, as well as those who want to enjoy capture of more impressive in portraits, night landscapes, photos of starry skies, and the like.

AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Primary Features

• Optical design that considers point image formation for very little sagittal coma flare
• A new optical design utilizing ED and aspherical lens elements for superior optical performance that enables excellent resolution and contrast
• Convenient portability with good balance when mounted on camera bodies
• Smooth blur characteristics that render subjects more impressively
• A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocusing

Press Release: Lexar Announces World’s Fastest Memory Card

New Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card Provides Read Transfer Speeds up to 500MB/s* in Capacities up to 256GB

Fremont, CA, January 6, 2014 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced its technological leadership in the digital imaging market with the immediate sample availability of Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards and the Lexar Professional Workflow CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader for the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution. The CFast 2.0 specification is the next generation of high performance memory cards designed for professional applications in still imaging and video capture.

Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 Card
With capacities available for sampling in 256GB, 128GB, 64GB, and 32GB, the Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards demonstrate new speed thresholds to capture high-quality images and 1080p full-HD, 3D, and 4K video. Designed to maximize the capabilities of the next-generation of high-definition camcorders and high-resolution digital SLR cameras, the new cards provide a read transfer speed up to 3333x (500MB per second)*, which is three times faster than any CompactFlash card.** Additionally, the new Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 cards will support the Video Performance Guarantee (VPG-65) specification for professional-quality video capture, and includes the latest version of Image Rescue software.

Lexar Professional Workflow CR1
The new Lexar Professional Workflow CR1 is a CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader designed for the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution, a four-bay reader hub that allows users to transfer RAW images, high-resolution photos, and HD, 3D, and 4K video files from up to four cards at once. Designed to mix and match reader formats, the Lexar Professional Workflow Reader Solution supports SDHC/SDXC UHS-I, UDMA 7 CompactFlash, XQD, and now CFast 2.0 formats. The readers are sold separately so users can configure the hub into an ideal solution that meets their individual workflow needs.

“The new Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 card will empower future users to break previous speed barriers while offering capacity options that meet the specific needs of professional photographers and videographers,” said Adam Kaufman, product marketing manager, Lexar. “In addition, by pairing this card with our new CFast 2.0 USB 3.0 reader, professionals will experience a dramatically accelerated workflow, cutting down post-production time and getting them back to the business of photography.”

The Lexar Professional 3333x CFast 2.0 card and Lexar Professional Workflow CR1 are currently sampling for future implementation.

You can purchase the new CFast 2.0 from Amazon, B&H Photo and Adorama.

Press Release: Sigma Announces the 50 f/1.4 Art Lens & More

Sigma announced a new ART lens, the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM. This is a completely new designed lens and not really a replacement for the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM. Price and availability to be announced.

Staple lenses in Sigma lineup redesigned as part of the company’s Global Vision Rework

LAS VEGAS– Jan. 6, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the launch of two new Global Vision lenses from the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The improved and redesigned 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses are the latest additions to Sigma’s Global Vision lineup. Both lenses’ availability and pricing have yet to be announced.

“These two lenses are among our most popular, and we’re pleased to reintroduce these products by adding them to our Global Vision lineup,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The 18-200mm, in particular, is an exciting new lens as it now has macro functionality, updated optics and a Global Vision design, making it a fantastic alternative to the kit lens. As has been the case with our recent Global Vision lenses, we expect an array of photographers to gravitate to their technically advanced features and slick new look.”

The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary lens, designed specifically for APS-C DSLRs, is the successor to the 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM, which was launched in 2011. The smaller and lighter lens (15.2 ounces and 2.8×3.4 inches versus 17.3 ounces and 3×3.5 inches) now macro capabilities with a minimum focusing distance of 15.4 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, as opposed to the lens’ earlier minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches and max magnification ratio of 1:3.8. Its minimum working distance is 14.7 inches, which makes the lens suitable for close-up shooting with natural light, keeping shadows of the camera and lens out of the image.

The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Macro has also been updated to incorporate Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements that have a high refractive index and can correct chromatic aberration at the telephoto-end. Moreover, aspherical lens elements, including double-sided aspherical lenses, will ensure a compact size and excellent correction of distortion.

The new Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art has been reengineered and redesigned to set a new standard of performance in the Art line. A staple focal length, the new Sigma 50mm F1.4 Art is a pro level performer for full-frame DSLRs great for many different types of photography including portraits, landscapes, studio work and still-life. It has been updated to include SLD glass and optimized for rich peripheral brightness with improved large aperture performance by positioning wide elements into the front groups. Other updates include an optimized autofocus algorithm for smoother focusing and a floating focusing system to reduce lens movement while focusing. Under the Global Vision line, it features a new matte finish, improved AF on/off switch and guarantees every lens is tested with Sigma’s proprietary modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” measuring system before being shipped. Now with 13 elements in 8 groups compared to the previous 8 elements in 6 groups, it also has improved close focusing at 15.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6

Both lenses incorporate Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) system to produce quiet, high-speed auto focus. In addition, they include Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and to ensure high-quality images throughout the entire zoom range. The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM and 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lenses are also compatible with Sigma’s USB dock and the company’s Mount Conversion Service.

Other recently announced lenses and accessories such as the 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM, 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | ART and USB Dock will be on display at Sigma’s CES booth. Visit Sigma at CES 2014 at booth 10431in Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center from Jan. 7 to 10.

Review: Luma Labs Cinch 2 Camera Strap

Overview : Unlike stock camera straps, Cinch is quickly adjustable. Cinch it down and you can walk around the park, climb a ridge, ride a bike, whatever. Then, when the moment is right, you can easily loosen it to take the shot.

Luma Labs Cinch sliders are made out of a unique carbon-ceramic polymer called Lumidium. They feature a super smooth adjusting action that lets you quickly change the length of your strap, yet they hold tight and secure when under tension. With one slider on each side, you easily and quickly modify the length to suit your current need, whether that’s carrying your camera around your neck, off one shoulder, or across your body. Move seamlessly from one style of carry to the next without missing a beat.

Features :

• Made out of a unique carbon-ceramic polymer called Lumidium
• Constructed from neoprene and elastic webbing assembled with a unique center zig-zag stich
• The Cinch with Plate works with any Arca-compatable quick-release tripod clamp
• Cinch adjusts from a minimum of 34.5in (57.5cm) to 57.5in (146cm)
• Plate is made of the same carbon-ceramic Lumidium that the Cinch sliders are made of and its dovetail is sized to the unofficial standard for Acra-compatible plates. Its overall dimensions are 2.39in (6.07cm) by 1.54in (3.91cm) and it is 0.39in (1cm) thick.