Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Galactic Boot” by Nickolas Warner. Location: Lone Pine, California.

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Nikon today announced a versatile new zoom lens for its DX (APS sensor) Z system cameras, the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. The compact zoom is ideal for photographers who want to carry a single lens, with an equivalent focal length range of 27-210mm.

At the widest end of the range, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of just under 8 inches for close-ups and landscape compositions with prominent foreground objects. It includes optical Vibration Reduction for up to 5 stops of image stabilization.

The lens is also a good value, priced at $599. You can preorder now at B&H, with availability expected in November. For additional details, see the press release below.

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THE NIKKOR Z DX 18-140MM F/3.5-6.3 VR IS A HIGH-POWER DX-FORMAT ZOOM LENS FOR Z SERIES MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

MELVILLE, NY (October 13, 2021) – Today, Nikon Inc. has announced the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, the latest NIKKOR Z lens compatible with APS-C size (Nikon DX-format) mirrorless cameras.  

The NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a 7.8x high-power zoom lens that is extremely compact and easy to carry, with a total length of approx. 3.6-inches (90mm) and weight of approx. 11.2 oz (315g). Its wide focal-length range makes the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm ideal for capturing a variety of subjects, from travel to daily snapshots and everything in between.

The lens achieves consistently high resolution, regardless of focal length or shooting distance, making it a great choice for both still shooting and video recording. Its short minimum focus distance of 0.2m at the maximum wide-angle position lets users capture dynamic close-up shots such as shooting flowers or tabletop photography. The lens also realizes high vibration reduction (VR) performance with an effect equivalent to a 5.0-stop¹ increase in shutter speed for more stable and sharp photos even during telephoto shooting or in low-light situations where vibration is likely to occur.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR:

• Covers a focal-length range of 18mm to 140mm (27mm-210mm, 35mm angle of view equivalent), convenient for capturing stills and videos of a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes to portraits.
• The short minimum focus distance of 0.2m (at max wide-angle) is optimum for close-up shots.
• The maximum reproduction ratio of 0.33x at the maximum telephoto position enables rendering of subjects in large size.
• Equipped with an optical VR mechanism that provides camera shake compensation equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed.
• High resolution achieved consistently across the entire zoom range, from maximum aperture.
• Ideal for shooting video, with effective reduction of shifting of focus when zooming in/out and shifting of angle of view when adjusting focus.
• Select functions can be assigned to the control ring for stills and video.
• Fast, precise and quiet AF operation is attained with the employment of an STM (stepping motor).
• Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistant performance.

Pricing and Availability:

The NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR telephoto zoom lens will be available starting in November (US) for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $599.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including this new NIKKOR Z lens and the entire Nikon Z series cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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Sony today announced the first “Mark II” in its premium G Master lens series, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II. The new lens incorporates Sony’s latest lens technologies into one of the most popular zoom ranges for nature photographers.

Several upgrades from the first-generation FE 70-200mm G Master are featured in the Mark II, including a new optical design with the first ED aspherical element in an E-mount lens. A new 11-blade circular diaphragm (aperture) is employed, which Sony states will provide exceptional bokeh when shooting wide open. The lens is capable of focusing as close as 15.7 inches at the wide end of the range and 32.3 inches at 200mm. It’s also compatible with Sony’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters.

Another big upgrade in the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is its autofocus system, approximately four times faster and with significantly better tracking capabilities compared to the earlier model, enabling it to keep up with Sony a1’s 30 fps continuous shooting.

The new lens is also 20 percent lighter than the Mark I, weighing about 2.3 pounds, which Sony positions as the “world’s lightest” 70-200mm. It’s not yet available for preorder, but availability is expected in December, with a list price of $2,800. For additional details, see the press release below.

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Sony Electronics Continues to Redefine Excellence in Imaging with the Introduction of the new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​

 Sony’s Newest G Master Lens Features Superb Resolution and Bokeh with Next-generation AF Performance in the World’s Lightest^[i] Large-aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens

• Constant aperture F2.8 70-200mm telephoto zoom
• Fast, precise quiet AF (autofocus) and continuous AF tracking capabilities
• Advanced features for video creators
• World’s lightestⁱ 70-200mm large-aperture telephoto zoom lens, approximately 29% lighter than the previous model
• Up to approximately four times[ii] faster AF, with focus tracking while zooming improved by approximately 30% when compared to the previous modelⁱⁱ
• Professional-level control and reliability

SAN DIEGO, CA – October 13, 2021 – Sony Electronics Inc. announced the newest lens in their G Master lineup – the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​, which delivers an extraordinary combination of resolution and bokeh as well as unequalled AF (autofocus) performance known to Sony’s G Master design.

“Sony is always listening to our customers. Thanks to feedback from users around the world, including leading professionals, Sony continues to develop and evolve the G Master lineup,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is lightweight and offers outstanding handling in any shooting situation. The newest addition to our G Master series will make a perfect telephoto zoom addition to any creator’s kit who is looking to maximize their gear potential for both stills and video.”

Designed to perfectly pair with Sony’s E-mount camera bodies, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ not only offers outstanding optical quality and advanced AF performance, but it is the lightestⁱ F2.8 70-200mm zoom in the world and allows for unprecedented shooting freedom and flexibility. Sony continues to strengthen the Alpha system with this newest addition to the broadest selection of mirrorless lenses on the market as the 65^th lens in its E-mount lens lineup.

New Levels of Performance

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ delivers outstanding image quality with high resolution and clarity. Users can expect a clean and clear image from corner to corner throughout the entire zoom range, even when the aperture is wide open. Thanks to the two aspherical lens elements, including one XA (extreme aspherical) element manufactured to 0.01-micron surface precision, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ effectively controls distance-related aberration variations to ensure outstanding resolution throughout the image area.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also employs two ED (extra-low dispersion) spherical glass elements and two Super ED spherical glass elements to significantly reduce chromatic aberration without color bleeding. This lens also includes an ED aspherical element for the first time in an Alpha system lens, which simultaneously suppresses chromatic and spherical aberration, common issues in other telephoto lenses.

Smooth, beautiful bokeh is made possible by a large F2.8 maximum aperture and a newly developed 11-blade circular aperture unit. In addition, the lens’ advanced optical design including an XA element thoroughly suppresses the unwanted ‘onion ring’ effect, further enhancing the bokeh. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also offers excellent close-up performance with deep bokeh. The minimum focusing distance is just 15.7 inches (0.4 meters) at 70mm and 32.3 inches (0.82 meters) at 200mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.3x.　Moreover, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ can be easily paired with Sony’s high-performance 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter^[iii] to extend the lens’ focal length to 400mm[iv] at an F5.6 aperture, all while maintaining its G Master quality.

To avoid any unwanted flare and ghosting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II produces a uniform anti-reflection coating on the surface of the lens. In addition, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​’s optical design also effectively suppresses internal reflections to improve clarity.

Industry-leading Autofocus

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​’s state-of-the-art lens technology brings out the best in the advanced camera body it is paired with. The new lens uses four Sony-original XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors for extraordinary fast and precise AF, making it up to approximately four times fasterⁱⁱ and with focus tracking improved by 30% when compared to the previous modelⁱⁱ. When paired with Sony’s flagship Alpha 1, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is capable of high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps[v]. Superb AF tracking is also available even when using a teleconverter. For video, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ offers smooth and quiet AF to reliably lock in focus and track fast-moving subjects, even while zooming, so the user can leave the focusing to the camera.

Advanced Features for Video

With its constant F2.8 maximum aperture, astounding AF performance, versatile control, and solid reliability, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is a perfect choice for video. The new lens was designed to dramatically reduce focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming so that there is minimal unwanted image movement and angle of view variations.

For easy video-use operation, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ features independent control rings for focus, zoom, and aperture (iris), allowing precise manual operation. The aperture ring also has a click ON/OFF switch. Additionally, Sony’s Linear Response MF ensures responsive, low-lag manual focus control. The supplied lens hood also features an opening that allows convenient operation of circular polarizing filters or variable ND filters for more creative flexibility.

Designed for Professionals

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is the world’s lightestⁱ F2.8 telephoto zoom lens and is approximately 29% lighter than the previous model, weighing just under 37 oz (1,045g). In addition to its light weight, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ was designed for professionals to offer an ideal balance without front-heaviness, ensuring that the lens’ center of gravity falls directly above the tripod mount. It also features internal zoom to keep the center of gravity constant.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ has been specifically designed for professionals based on their direct feedback. The new lens includes focus functions to support the user’s professional needs such as Full-time DMF, natural and linear manual focus response, and a focus-range limiter switch. The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ also includes three customizable focus hold buttons that are provided 90° apart for easy access and convenient control when shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation, and nearly any angle.

The FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ features both a click ON/OFF switch and an iris lock switch for quick, flexible aperture control. The aperture ring click stops can be turned ON to provide tactile feedback when shooting stills, or OFF for smooth, silent aperture control when shooting movies. In addition, the zoom ring torque is optimized and now includes image stabilization with MODE 3^[vi] for moving subjects.

Based on feedback from professionals, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ is designed to be reliable in even the most challenging environments. It features dust and moisture resistance^[vii], equal to the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and FE 600mm F4 GM OSS. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants, while making it easier to wipe off any contaminants or fingerprints that may become attached to the lens surface.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II​ will be available in December for approximately $2,800.00 USD and $3,500.00 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

[i] As of the October 2021 product announcement, compared to full-frame F2.8 70-200mm telephoto zoom lenses that support autofocus. Sony survey.

[ii] When attached to the Alpha 1, compared to SEL70200GM. Sony test conditions.

[iii] Maximum aperture with the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters is F4 and F5.6, respectively.

[iv] 2.0x teleconverter can realize 400mm focal length. 1.4x teleconverter can realize 280mm focal length.

[v] Sony test conditions.

[vi] A software update may be required. See Sony’s support page on the web for camera compatibility info.

[vii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

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