As we wait for this winter to finish and the thaw to begin, we're getting news of new photo products that will be available this spring. And the trend seems to be longer zoom ranges in both lenses and cameras. Exhibit #1 is this lens introduced by Tamron for cropped sensor DSLR's with a range of 16-300mm (let's go the press release...)
"Responding to consumers’ demand for expanded focal lengths both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron has begun developing a completely new all-in-oneTM zoom lens design that provides an impressive focal length range extending from 16mm true wide-angle to 300mm super-telephoto.
Highlights of this lens include a further expansion of the imaging range. With a minimum focal length of 16mm (35mm film equivalent: 24.8mm) at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, and a maximum focal length of 300mm (35mm film equivalent: 465mm), this remarkable new lens provides a zoom ratio of approximately 18.8X. Responding to requests from consumers who wanted to be able to photograph subjects with a wider viewing angle than is possible with conventional high-power zoom lenses, Tamron has begun developing a unique lens with a minimum focal length of 16mm. At the telephoto end, the maximum focal length has been increased to an impressive 300mm. Users of this new lens can enjoy unprecedented framing flexibility by easily adjusting the angle of view using the convenient zoom ring.
Also highlighted is a superior, reliable image quality with a universal lens.
The lens construction features 16 elements in 12 groups. This includes three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one Hybrid Aspherical element, two LD (Low Dispersion) elements, one XR (Extra Refractive index) glass element, and one element of UXR (Ultra-Extra Refractive Index) glass, which has greater refractive index than XR. The full use of specialized glass elements in the design contributes to thorough compensation of optical aberrations. In addition, the use of the latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting and assures sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.The latest optical technology has been used to provide an expanded zoom range (compared to the B008) at both the wide-angle and telephoto ends.
This new lens provides a minimum focus distance of 0.39 m over the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. This makes it possible to get right up close to the subject of the photo to enjoy easy, stress-free macro photography.The PZD (Piezo Drive), an advanced standing-wave ultrasonic motor system, delivers faster, quieter, more precise AF action when the autofocus is engaged. There is enhanced support for contrast-detection AF capabilities, and focusing when in live-view mode has been made smoother. The new lens also features full-time manual focus, a function that was not provided by B008, making manual focusing more convenient.
Finally, Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism is incorporated into the new lens.VC reduces image blur caused by camera shake to deliver significantly sharper images even when shooting handheld at long telephoto settings".
Price and availability has not been determined yet but it will be available in Canon,Nikon and Sony Alpha Mount (The model for Sony will not have VC, as the stabilization is built into the body.)
And exhibit #2 is a camera just introduced this morning by Nikon, replacing the popular P520 that pushes the range of built in zoom to 60! (again, let's go to the press release...)
" Pushing NIKKOR optics to great lengths, the new COOLPIX P600 boasts an impressive 60x optical zoom from a wide-angle 24mm to an unbelievable 1440mm (35mm equivalent) range with the capability to reach even further using 120x Dynamic Fine Zoom*. Lens Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization is also incorporated to help reduce the effects of camera shake, allowing users to capture clear photos from incredible distances. With built-in Wi-Fi? connectivity1, users can show off these amazing photos with family and friends immediately by transferring images to a compatible smart device and uploading them to their social networks.
In addition to photographing from a distance, the P600 also lets the user compose the ideal photo or video from any angle with help from a high resolution (921k-dot) 3.0-inch (7.5cm) Vari-angle LCD display. Users can shoot above a crowd at a sold-out concert or get low to capture a baby’s first steps. With a 16.1-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, the COOLPIX P600 is capable of capturing detailed photos and Full HD 1080/60i video, even in challenging lighting conditions. The P600 also sports advanced features that appeal to serious photographers including full manual controls (P, S, A, M), an electronic viewfinder and an improved battery life that allows up to approximately 330 shots per charge. What’s more, the new Moon and Bird Watching Scene modes make it easier than ever to enjoy the extreme zoom range. The COOLPIX P600 will be available in late February 2014 in Black and Red (shown above) for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $499.95**.
Wow! When it comes to cameras or lenses with extreme zoom ranges, we're a little skeptical as to their quality but we've been surprised before when the Canon SX50HS came out last year so we'll be eager to get these item in our hands and test them as soon as they come in. Wanna pre-order the P-600? Give us a call!
(Images courtesy Of Tamron & Nikon USA)