Nikon reveals 800mm prime lens

 
AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR primary features
 

Nikon today launches a new super-telephoto, single-focal-length lens with dedicated teleconverter; the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR with AF-S TELECONVERTER TC800-1.25E ED.

The new lens uses high-end components and advanced technologies to lower weight, improve handling, and enhance image quality. It’s the first NIKKOR lens to use sophisticated technologies and materials such as electromagnetic diaphragm control and fluorite lens elements, alongside tried-and-tested features like Vibration Reduction and Nano Crystal Coat.

Boasting the longest focal length in the NIKKOR range, this premium lens is an ideal choice for professional sports and press photographers. When moving nearer to the subject is not an option, the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR delivers the extra reach that brings the subject closer to the camera.

“This lens has been developed with the demands of the most discerning professional photographers in mind,” says Hiro Sebata, Product Manager, Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon UK. “Not only is the lens lighter than most other super-telephoto lenses, it is packed with new NIKKOR technologies and features a custom-tuned teleconverter to extend the lens’s focal length and ensure that it rightfully occupies the flagship role in our super-telephoto lens lineup.”

Nikon announced the development of the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR in the summer of 2012. Prototypes of the lens were displayed at Photokina in Cologne and tested at major sporting events, where they received highly positive reactions.

Lightweight body with fluorite elements

For a lens that delivers such extreme reach, the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR is surprisingly light and well-balanced. This has been achieved by manufacturing the body from a lightweight, rugged magnesium alloy, and by crafting an improved optical construction that includes two fluorite elements.

The optical system contains a total of 20 elements in 13 groups, including two fluorite and two ED elements. Using fluorite for the front two elements makes the lens’s front portion lighter, and shifts its centre of gravity to the rear, ensuring comfortable handling and stable operation. The fluorite elements also deliver superior optical performance, achieving high transmission rates with minimal chromatic aberration and much lower dispersion properties than even super ED glass. Nikon’s antireflective Nano Crystal Coat is employed to ensure clear images with minimal flare and ghosting.

The lens also includes a curved meniscus protective glass, and is supplied with a 52mm NC filter. There’s even a convenient slip-in 52mm filter holder located at the back of the lens.

Highly accurate electromagnetic diaphragm control

The electromagnetic diaphragm reliably achieves highly accurate aperture control with an extremely low incidence of errors. This precise mechanism also provides enhanced stability in auto exposure control during continuous shooting, and increased accuracy—especially when the lens is used with its teleconverter, requiring double aperture linkage.

To improve stability, the VR (Vibration Reduction) mechanism provides compensation equivalent to a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. Normal and Active VR modes deliver stable shooting for different amounts and rates of camera movement, while automatic tripod detection reduces vibration from shutter release when the camera is mounted on a tripod. The AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR also has an integrated tripod foot for improved balance when attached to a tripod.

The lens incorporates SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, accurate focus acquisition. Three focus modes are employed: A/M (autofocus with manual override, AF priority mode), M/A (switch from autofocus to manual operation in any AF mode instantly), and M (manual).

Dedicated teleconverter

Every AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR is supplied with an AF-S TELECONVERTER TC800-1.25E ED—the first teleconverter to employ an ED glass element to correct chromatic aberration, an issue to which long focal length lenses are especially prone.

Developed exclusively for use with the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR (not sold separately), each teleconverter is custom-tuned with the individual lens in order to maintain its superior optical performance, while extending the lens’s focal length to 1,000 mm.

The lens and its dedicated teleconverter are supplied in a hard carrying case (TC-801) for convenient, safe transportation.

Specifications

– Focal length: 800 mm
– Max. aperture: f/5.6
– Min. aperture: f/32
– Lens construction: 20 elements in 13 groups (plus one protective glass)
– No. diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded)
– Closest focusing distance: 5.9 m (19.4 ft) in AF mode; 5.8 m (19.0 ft) in MF mode
– Filter/attachment size: 52 mm
– Diameter x length: Approximately 160 x 461 mm (6.3 x 18.1 in.)
– Weight: Approximately 4,590 g (161.9 oz) or 4,725 g (166.7 oz) with the teleconverter attached
– Remarks: Dedicated AF-S TELECONVERTER TC800-1.25E ED supplied

 http://www.europe-nikon.com

 

Picture Compete competition…….Uninhabited Buildings

Photo: Josef Kissinger

Uninhabited buildings can be found in every city and in every rural area in every country in the world. These structures once were homes, warehouses, barns, or shops. PictureCompete is seeking images that creatively capture these abandoned sites.

Cash prizes:

• First Place: $200 (USD)

• Second Place: $75 (USD)

• Third Place: $50 (USD)

All winners will receive:

• Winner’s gallery exhibition

• Social media exposure

• PictureCompete™ newsletter exposure

Entry Deadline: March 14, 2013

Entry Fee: $10.00

Website: http://www.picturecompete.com/

Picture Complete Competition…..Uninhabited Buildings.

Photo: Josef Kissinger

 Uninhabited buildings can be found in every city and in every rural area in every country in the world. These structures once were homes, warehouses, barns, or shops. PictureCompete is seeking images that creatively capture these abandoned sites.

Cash prizes:

• First Place: $200 (USD)

• Second Place: $75 (USD)

• Third Place: $50 (USD)

All winners will receive:

• Winner’s gallery exhibition

• Social media exposure

• PictureCompete™ newsletter exposure

Entry Deadline: March 14, 2013

Entry Fee: $10.00

Website: http://www.picturecompete.com/

 

Giottos present their new Silk Road Series – YTL tripods

New Silk Road Series – YTL tripods

The revolutionary New Silk Road Series – YTL tripods have arrived.  Unlike your current tripod this range will not only give you the stability you need to take the perfect picture but the unique (patent pending) Y-Tube centre column design is 30% more compact when folded compared to a similar sized tripod.  No longer will you be leaving the tripod at home or in the car.  Whether it be an aluminium or carbon fibre  you will have a lighter more compact tripod that you can easily carry to your chosen location.

The New Silk Road  – YTL tripods range consists of 2-way vertical only centre columns and models with a versatile 3-D centre column. There are three weight capacity brackets – 5kg, 8kg and 10kg with either 3 or 4 leg sections depending on the model.  Therange is available in aluminium & carbon fibre, with the carbon fibre being constructed with – 8X multi-layer carbon fibre tube technology to increase strength and reduce weight.

In addition you can expect some key features across the YTL tripod range that provide real benefits to compliment your kit:

• Graduated Leg Markings – on the lower leg sections to ensure when set up the tripod will be level
• QEL – Quick Easy Lever leg locking system, lets you extend or shorten a leg without taking your eyes off your subject.
• Leg Angle Adjustment  Locks – 3 positions so the tripod can be operated at low level.
• Bubble Level – Available on vertical columns tripods only
• Tripod Thread  – used to join your tripod and head can be swapped from 3/8″ to ¼” making it compatible with alternative tripod heads.
• Short Centre Column – included with YTL 93/83 tripods, for use in their lowest position. Ideal for low level macro photography.  Optional short column will be available  for YTL 92/82

Creativity with a twist; Canon unveils the PowerShot N

Canon today unveils the PowerShot N – a totally new type of camera that offers a different approach to capturing creative, spontaneous photos and sharing them instantly with social networks. The unconventional square design, innovative zoom and shoot operation lens rings and tilting touch screen encourage people to capture their world from a fresh angle, whilst the new Creative Shot mode automatically generates a selection of unexpected creative treatments with every shot taken. The perfect smartphone companion, the PowerShot N has been designed to simplify image sharing with intuitive Wi-Fi connectivity allowing a new generation of high-quality, artistic images and Full HD videos to be shared in near real-time¹.

Inject every shot with artistic flair
Thanks to the new Creative Shot mode, anyone can impress their friends and followers with unique, creative images that offer a different perspective on a typical scene or subject. When an image is captured in Creative Shot mode, the PowerShot N intelligently analyses the scene and determines which of a host of creative elements could enhance the scene or offer a different creative angle. Multiple variables including composition, exposure, point of focus, white balance, gradation and contrast are considered before five alternative versions of the original shot are automatically generated, which can then be shared at the touch of a button.

Alternatively, a creative edge can be added to a single shot with Canon’s creative modes, including Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome. Users can also add drama to a movie clip with Super Slow Motion Movie mode.

Combining creative flexibility with point-and-shoot ease of use, the PowerShot N features new Hybrid Auto mode which records the four seconds before every shot in 720p resolution, before using Canon’s acclaimed Smart Auto technology to determine the best settings to capture the perfect shot. At the end of each day, the four-second clips are merged into one to tell the “behind-the-scenes” story of the day’s images – perfect for adding new context to an online album.

Shoot and share in an instant
Making it the ultimate mobile companion, the PowerShot N features integrated Wi-Fi and one-touch connectivity to smartphones or tablets, thanks to the Mobile Device Connect Button. Users can upload images or movies to social networks such as Facebook® and YouTube™ just moments after they’ve been captured, no matter where they may be. Once home, the best shots can be printed wirelessly or transferred to a PC thanks to the swift, reliable connection. The GPS via mobile feature, using the free Canon smartphone app, can also add location information from a GPS-enabled smartphone or tablet to an image, allowing users to share the exact location of their fun with friends.

Revolutionary design, ‘Any Way Up’ operation
The unusual, eye-catching design of the PowerShot N sets this model apart from every other – just like the images it captures. The compact, symmetrical design, tilting touch screen and an innovative system of lens rings – the twist lens ring can be turned in either direction to operate the zoom function, while a second ring is used as the shutter release – allow the camera to be used any way up, even upside-down, unleashing the ability to view the world from a completely different perspective.

The advanced capacitive 7.1 cm (2.8”) touch screen also allows users to control essential functions, such as focus or the shutter, with a simple touch, and review their images with familiar, intuitive gestures. Available in white or black, the square, metal body is dominated by a 28mm, 8x optical zoom lens, making it easy to shoot groups and landscapes. Thanks to Canon’s advanced ZoomPlus technology, which provides detailed, full-resolution shooting with up to 16x zoom, users can also get even closer to the action or frame a subject tightly for compositions with impact.

Measuring just 78.6 x 60.2 x 29.3 mm when the screen and lens are closed, the PowerShot N’s extremely compact dimensions allow it to be slipped into any pocket and carried anywhere, so scenes, subjects and situations that might usually be missed can now be immortalised in the superb quality offered by Canon’s advanced compact imaging technology. USB charging also provides added convenience, allowing the camera to be charged quickly and easily on the move.

Canon signature image quality
Despite its compact size, the PowerShot N inherits much of Canon’s latest imaging technology to deliver superior, Canon-quality images and movies. Combining a high-sensitivity 12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and an advanced DIGIC 5 image processor, the HS System featured in this camera supports a maximum ISO of 6400 to produce sharp and clear images in challenging low-light conditions.

The powerful 8x optical zoom lens is supported by Intelligent IS, which automatically applies the most appropriate image stabilisation for smooth video and crisp stills. Complementing the artistic still images, Full HD video (1080p) can also be recorded.

PowerShot N key features:

Creative Shot

Unique design

8x zoom, 28mm lens; Intelligent IS

HS System: 12.1 MP CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5

Wi-Fi; GPS via mobile

Mobile Device Connect Button

Any Way Up operation; Tilt-up touchscreen

Full HD video capture

Hybrid Auto; Smart Auto (58 scenes)

Super funny camera video…..enjoy

Thought this clip was hilarious and well deserved to be shared with others…Brilliant

Entries to the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2013 competition are open!

Now in its fifth year, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition and exhibition continues to showcase some incredible images from amateur astrophotographers all around the world, showcasing beautiful objects from within our solar system and far into deep space. Find out about the prizes, judges and how to enter here.

There’s still time to see the winning images in the free exhibition at the Royal Observatory Greenwich – the last day is 17 February 2013. Find out how to get here.

Winner

M51 – The Whirlpool Galaxy by Martin Pugh (UK/Australia)

19 June 2012

What the photographer says:

‘I was always going to be excited about this image given the exceptional seeing conditions M51 was photographed under and the addition of several hours of Ha data has really boosted the HII regions.’

Planewave 17-inch CDK telescope; Software Bisque Paramount ME mount; Apogee U16M camera

What it shows:

M51 or the Whirlpool is the archetypal spiral galaxy and for centuries astronomers have studied it in order to understand how galaxies form and evolve. Here the photographer has made use of exceptionally stable atmospheric conditions, minimising the twinkling or ‘seeing’ caused by air turbulence to produce a sharp, clear image in which every detail of the galaxy is visible.

M51 has been drawn and photographed many times, from the sketches of astronomer Lord Rosse in the 19th century to modern studies by the Hubble Space Telescope. This photograph is a worthy addition to that catalogue. It combines fine detail in the spiral arms with the faint tails of light that show how M51’s small companion galaxy is being torn apart by the gravity of its giant neighbour.

What the judges say:

Melanie Grant says: The depth and clarity of this photograph makes me want to go into deep space myself!  A breath-taking look at the Whirlpool Galaxy.

Will Gater says: This is arguably one of the finest images of M51 ever taken by an amateur astronomer. It’s not just the detail in the spiral arms of the galaxy that’s remarkable – look closely and you’ll see many, very distant, galaxies in the background too.

Runner-up

Simeis 147 Supernova Remnant by Rogelio Bernal Andreo (USA)

11 April 2012

What the photographer says:

‘Most images I’ve seen of this faint and large object deprive us from viewing the many other things happening around it. My goal was to produce an image that visually documents not only the main object, but also more of what’s around it.’

Takahashi FSQ-106 EDX telescope; Takahashi  EM-400 mount; 385mm f/3.6 lens; SBIG STL 11000 camera

What it shows:

Straddling the constellations of Auriga and Taurus, Simeis 147 is a supernova remnant, the expanding debris of a massive star which exploded around 40,000 years ago. As the wreckage continues to spread out into space it collides violently with the dust and gas between the stars, sculpting it into the glowing shells and filaments which have earned Simeis 147 the nickname of the ‘Spaghetti Nebula’.

Highly commended

The Perseus Cluster – Abell 426 by Robert Franke (USA)

13 November 2010

What the photographer says:

‘I chose this composition because I like the left- to right-flow and wide variety of galaxies.  Although this is no Hubble Deep Field, over a thousand galaxies are visible.’

RCOS 12.5-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescope; Paramount ME mount; SBIG STL-11000 camera; 15-minute exposure

What it shows:

The harder you look, the more you see in this astonishing view of deep space. The points of light are relatively nearby stars in our own Milky Way galaxy. Far beyond them, at a staggering distance of almost 250 million light years, lie the myriad galaxies of the Perseus Cluster, also known as Abell 426. The cluster contains thousands of individual galaxies. Some are spirals like the Milky Way while others are giant, smooth elliptical systems. Together they form one of the largest structures in the Universe.

• 

  How to photograph deep space objects

  Long-exposure photography is the best way to see and capture colour views of our distant neighbourhood.

  

Highly commended

NGC 6960 – The Witch’s Broom by Robert Franke (USA)

9 September 2010

What the photographer says:

‘This synthetic colour image was created with Ha and OIII filters.  These narrowband filters greatly increase the detail while giving a reasonable representation of the nebula’s colour. The Veil Nebula is located in the constellation Cygnus, at a distance of about 1400 light years.’

RCOS 12.5-inch Ritchey-Chrétien telescope; Paramount ME mount; SBIG STL-11000 camera; 15-minute exposure

What it shows:

Part of the Veil Nebula, the ‘Witch’s Broom’ is the glowing debris from a supernova explosion – the violent death of a massive star. Although the supernova occurred several thousand years ago, the gaseous debris is still expanding outwards, producing this vast cloud-like structure.

Highly commended

Sharpless-136: ‘Ghost’ in Cepheus by Oleg Bryzgalov (Ukraine)

16 July 2011

What the photographer says:

‘The constellation Cepheus is very rich in a variety of astronomical objects. Spooky shapes seem to haunt this starry expanse, drifting through the night. Of course the shapes are cosmic dust clouds faintly visible in dimly reflected starlight. To shoot this image I had to drive 1000 kilometres to reach the mountains of the Crimea where the sky was dark enough.’

Newtonian 10-inch reflector; WS-180 mount; 1200mm f/4.7 lens; QSI-583wsg camera; 10-minute exposure

What it shows:

Dust clouds like these are an important component of the Milky Way Galaxy, filling huge volumes of space between the stars. The dust consists of tiny grains of minerals and ices and is an important building block for the formation of future stars and planets.

Some images from Project— Sinful Games by Glyn Ridgers

Sinister by Glyn Ridgers

Cards and Chips by Glyn Ridgers

Poker Face by Glyn Ridgers

Handy reflection… by Glyn Ridgers

Hi All,

Here are some images from a project I am working on titled Sinful Games..

It is about a collection of images that are based around adult games that are considered dark or devilish but they can make for some interesting images…

I will be adding more as time goes on and would love to get your feedback guys…

Many Thanks

Glyn

Hasselblad Studio opening in Central London

Hasselblad is opening up its popular central London photographic studio to photographers using any camera brand.

The new move comes as the fully-equipped, 2000 sq. ft Hoxton Square N1 studio also changes its name to ‘Hasselblad Pro Centre Studio’.

Explained Mark Witney, Hasselblad Marketing and Communications Supervisor: “We wanted to open up the world of Hasselblad, and the studio in particular, to Hasselblad camera owners and non-owners alike. Our owners still get a fully equipped studio and non-owners now have a great opportunity to book a central London studio space with the option to include a Hasselblad and Broncolor lighting as part of the booking.

Photographers can now hire the studio through the nearby Pro Centre at a very competitive rate of just £390 per day (ex VAT) and a Hasselblad-trained member of  the  Pro Centre staff will be on hand at the studio to help – as part of the studio booking.”

He added: “There’s an extra plus for customers too. Equipment hired from the Pro Centre will be delivered to and collected from the studio free of charge. Additionally, all Hasselblad and Broncolor rental equipment, when hired for use at the studio, will now be supplied at a
20% discount against the Pro Centre’s regular rental price list.”

The Pro Centre’s ‘Didgeridoo’ digital production company will also be working closely with the new studio set-up, providing customers with digital operators, assistants and shoot support including backups, light retouching, styling and troubleshooting.

For more information:

Email info@procentre.co.uk or visit www.hasselbladstudio.com or call 0207 729 8822.

Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition 2013

Run by The Royal Observatory of Greenwich in association with Sky at Night Magazine, the Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition is an international search for images of the cosmos.

2012 Overall and Deep Space winner: M51 – The Whirlpool Galaxy by Martin Pugh (UK/Australia)

 

Eligibility: 

International. Entrants may submit up to five photos per month. Group entries are permitted. Unnatural, digitally enhanced, composites are eligible for entry to the competition but the judging panel may ask about your processing method if your photo is shortlisted for a prize.

Categories and prizes:

Overall winner – Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2013

Prize: £1500

Earth and Space

This is for photos that include landscape, people and other ‘Earthly’ things. Your picture should also include an astronomical subject – for example the stars, the Moon, or near-Earth phenomena such as aurora.

Winner: £500

Runner-up: £250

Highly commended entries: £125

Our Solar System

This is for photos of our Sun and its family of planets, moons, asteroids and comets.

Winner: £500

Runner-up: £250

Highly commended entries: £125

Deep Space

This is for photos of anything beyond our Solar System, including stars, nebulae and galaxies.

Winner: £500

Runner-up: £250

Highly commended entries: £125

Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year

This is the competition category for under-16s.

Winner: £500

Runner-up: £250

Highly commended entries: £125

The judges will also award three special prizes:

People and Space

This is for photos that include people in a creative and original way.

Prize: £350

Runner-up: £125

The Sir Patrick Moore Prize for Best Newcomer

This is for photos taken by people who have taken up the hobby in the last year and have not entered an image into the competition before. The judges will give special consideration to those using simple and inexpensive start-out kit so please update your photo’s description to say what you’ve used.

Prize: £350

Robotic Scope

A robotic telescope is considered to be one that is operated remotely, via the internet, and publicly available to all. This special prize will only be awarded for images captured in this way and processed by the entrant.

Prize: £350

Prizes will be payable in Pounds Sterling by cheque. All winners will also receive a one year subscription to Sky at Night Magazine.

Each category will have one overall winner, a runner-up and three highly-commended awards.

Deadline: 13 June 2013

Website: http://www.rmg.co.uk/visit/exhibitions/astronomy-photographer-of-the-year/