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The History and Science of Lenses

Full list of todays Gold Box deals at Amazon, BHphoto, eBay, Amazon.de, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.fr, Amazon.it, Amazon.es.
Sony A9 focus tracking test (SonyAlphaLab).
Ein Blick in die Vergangenheit: Die Sony Digital Mavica FD88 (Sony Blog).
100mm STF review in Chinese at Techbang.
NAB 2017 Highlights (ALC).
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Review (Mirrorlessons).
How to Pick a Focal Length for Macro Photography (Explora).
Sony 12-24mm FE tested at DC.watch.

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On top of the new $100 discount you also get free extras on the A7II sold by BHphoto, Amazon and Adorama. And you get up to $300 credit if you trade-in your old camera at Adorama, Bhphoto and BuyDig.

New Camera savings:
$200 off and free extras on the A7rII at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$200 off on the A7sII at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$100 off on the A7II at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$100 off on the A7 at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.

New Lens and accessory savings:
$100 off on the 16-35mm f/4.0 Zeiss lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 24-70mm f/4.0 Zeiss lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 24-240mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$25 off on the Sony 28mm FE lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony 28-70mm FE lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 28-135mm PZ lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 5omm f/1.4 lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony 50mm FE f/1.8 lens at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera.
$50 off on the Sony 50mm macro at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon.
$100 off on the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 70-200mm G lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 70-300mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 90mm macro lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony Fisheye Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony Ultra-Wide Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the LA-EA3 A-mount adapter at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the LA-EA3 A-mount adapter at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the HVL-F43M at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$100 off on the HVL-F60M at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony VGC1EM Vertical Grip at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony VGC2EM Vertical Grip at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony ECM-CG60 at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony RX100 underwater housing at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.

Spencer Pablo explained at Alphauniverse what gear he is using to shoot the US Eclipse. Check it out! He also has a nice advice:

If you find that you’re getting hung up on your gear and the eclipse is seconds away, stop. Use those solar glasses and enjoy the show with your own (protected) eyeballs. It’s better to experience the eclipse than it is to get frustrated trying to photograph it and missing the entire event.

Yes please…don’t forget to enjoy the moment :)

There is also a long list of tutorials on that special Bhphoto eclipse page.

Since last week you can preorder the new Laowa 15mm f/20 FE lens at Venuslens.net (Click here). It’s the yet fastest wide angle lens for E-mount.

Christopher Frost just tested it:

The winners of the 2017-2018 EISA award have been announced (eisa.eu/awards/photography/). And Sony took the prize in many categories:

Sony celebrates record haul of seven categories at the 2017 EISA awards

Sony has been recognised by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) for delivering inspiring products to its customers that are redefining the boundaries of what is possible in the imaging and home theatre markets. This year, Sony was honoured with a record seven awards, more than any other manufacturer and more than Sony has ever won in a single year.

With 53 expert magazines from 25 countries across the globe, EISA represents the largest editorial collaboration in the world of consumer electronics, and has been celebrating the very best products for over 35 years.

EISA CAMERA OF THE YEAR 2017-2018: Sony α9 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

The Sony α9 is a groundbreaking mirrorless camera that in many ways surpasses traditional DSLR rivals. Thanks to an innovative design, the 24.2 million pixel full-frame image sensor captures up to 20 frames per second in full resolution with no EVF blackout and offers completely silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 1/32,000th second. The new super-fast autofocus system, with 693 phase detection AF points covering 93% of the image area, ensures that even fast-moving subjects are in focus. The 5-axis image stabilisation allows a 5-step slower shutter speed. The oversampling process and full-frame pixel read-out result in excellent 4K movie quality.

EISA PROSUMER COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA 2017-2018: Sony α6500 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

The α6500 is a very small compact system camera offering professional performance. Whether you are a 4K video or stills photographer, the α6500 offers excellent image quality with its 24.2 million pixel Exmor CMOS APS-C sized sensor, high speed and great choice of lenses. The 5-axis image stabilisation works with Sony E-mount lenses as well as A-mount lenses with adapters. The 425 phase detection AF points cover almost the whole picture frame, while the 3in tiltable touch screen lets you choose focus points with your finger. The camera supports up to 11 frames per second shooting with continuous AF and metering with a buffer that supports up to 269 pictures in one sequence.

EISA COMPACT CAMERA 2017-2018: Sony RX100 V (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

The Sony RX100 V is a high-tech masterpiece in a very compact body. Like its predecessor, it offers a 1.0-type sensor and an excellent retractable OLED electronic viewfinder. The new 20.1 million pixel Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, in conjunction with the fast BIONZ X image processor and a new front-end LSI, made it possible for Sony to shorten autofocus response time to 0.05sec and speed-up continuous shooting to 24 frames per second – with AF/AE tracking so that in a series of a moving subject, every picture stays in focus with the correct exposure. Besides the ability to shoot 4K videos, the RX100 V offers super slow motion up to 1000 frames per second, silent shooting and a multi-function control ring for personalised use.

EISA SUPERZOOM CAMERA 2017-2018: Sony RX10 III (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

At just 1095g, the Sony RX10 III is the perfect camera for sports, nature and wildlife photographers looking for an easy to carry all-in-one solution. The stunning ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600mm lens provides a 25x zoom range with a fast f/2.4-4 maximum aperture, while the Exmor RS 1.0-type sensor, super-fast autofocus and Optical SteadyShot ensure sharp images free from camera shake. In addition to its incredible focal range, the RX10 III can shoot macro from as close as 3cm from the lens, while the silent shutter means you won’t disturb sensitive nature subjects. The RX10 III isn’t just great for stills – it also shoots 4K video and there is also the option to shoot at 1000 frames per second for a dramatic 40x slow motion effect.

EISA COMPACT SYSTEM LENS 2017-2018: Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

This 100mm telephoto prime lens offers the outstanding resolution of the G Master series, combined with STF (Smooth Trans Focus) optics for breathtaking bokeh. This lens has been designed to produce extraordinarily smooth, natural bokeh without vignetting. It also features fast, precise, and quiet DDSSM autofocus, and is capable of shooting 0.25x magnification close ups. Built-in Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation minimises any blur caused by camera movements during long shutter times. The Sony FE 100mm F2.8 STF GM OSS upholds the premium G Master concept in all respects.

EISA PROFESSIONAL COMPACT SYSTEM LENS 2017-2018: Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS (Amazon, B&H, Adorama, eBay)

The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS is an impressive lens covering the most popular angles for sports and action photography. Sharpness is extremely high and evenly distributed with almost no visible fall-off towards the edges. Sharpness is retained across the zoom range, even with tele-converters. It features a floating focusing system, implemented in an α zoom lens for the first time, that contributes to an impressive minimum focusing distance of merely 0.96m. The 11 rounded aperture blades ensure a beautiful bokeh, while the autofocus speed is super quick, in particular with the very fast Sony α9. Finally, the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS is built for heavy use under all weather conditions.

The 16-35mm GM lens is back in Stock at BHphoto (Click here).

And of course at BHphoto you also get all the newy discounted Sony stuff:

New Camera savings:
$200 off and free extras on the A7rII at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$200 off on the A7sII at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$100 off on the A7II at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.
$100 off on the A7 at Adorama, BHphoto and Amazon.

New Lens and accessory savings:
$100 off on the 16-35mm f/4.0 Zeiss lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 24-70mm f/4.0 Zeiss lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 24-240mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$25 off on the Sony 28mm FE lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony 28-70mm FE lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the 28-135mm PZ lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the Zeiss 5omm f/1.4 lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony 50mm FE f/1.8 lens at Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon, Focuscamera.
$50 off on the Sony 50mm macro at BHphoto, Adorama and Amazon.
$100 off on the Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 70-200mm G lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 70-300mm lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
$100 off on the 90mm macro lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony Fisheye Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the Sony Ultra-Wide Conversion Lens for FE 28mm F/2 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto.
$50 off on the LA-EA3 A-mount adapter at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the LA-EA3 A-mount adapter at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the HVL-F43M at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$100 off on the HVL-F60M at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony VGC1EM Vertical Grip at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony VGC2EM Vertical Grip at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony ECM-CG60 at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.
$50 off on the Sony RX100 underwater housing at Amazon, Adorama, Bhphoto.

Stefan Immes from Meyer Optik launched a new Kickstarter project for the 75mm f/1.5 Biotar lens. This lens will be available for E-mount too and is actually manufactured by Tokina and will start shipping in Summer 2018.

Here is the full press text:
–

Global All-Star Team Forms to Resurrect Famous Biotar 75/1.5

Biotar Project Launches Today on Kickstarter

(Koblenz, Germany) Dr. Stefan Immes, who revived the Meyer Optik brand three years ago, is joining with two prominent lens designers and Japanese lens maker Kenko Tokina to resurrect the Biotar 75mm f1.5 lens, the famous Carl Zeiss lens that was produced in small batches up until 1960.

The collaboration to bring the Biotar 75 back to the market is independent of Meyer Optik and will operate under the brand name Oprema Jena and fall under the umbrella of the German firm net SE, which is led by Dr. Immes. Oprema Jena is introducing the lens today through a Kickstarter project.

The Oprema Jena team includes famed designer Andre de Winter, who has won awards for the mechanical design of the Leica Summicron-M 35mm ASPH lens and the Leica Summilux-C lenses. Also on the team is Wolfdieter Prenzel, a leading expert in the field of optical design of classic lenses. Prenzel, who worked for the original Meyer Optik, is the designer who created modern versions of several classic Meyer Optik lenses, including the legendary Trioplan and Primoplan lenses.

The Tokyo-based Tokina will handle the production of the new Biotar 75, which Dr. Immes says was a key part of the plan to revive the Biotar as it means the project won’t impact the production of Meyer Optik’s own brand of art lenses.

The Biotar 75 was designed in 1938 by Willy Merté for Carl Zeiss. The lens is known for its famous swirley bokeh at f1.5, along with an extreme center sharpness. Photographers also rave about an almost 3D-like effect with the center-focused subject seemingly separated from the background.

When the aperture is stopped down to f5.6 or 8, the lens becomes extremely sharp and contrasty, especially taking into consideration that it is a design dating back to the early part of the last century.

“We are excited to see this lens come to life and very happy that we have been able to land Wolfdieter, Andre and Tokina for this exciting revival,”Dr. Immes said. “This is not a one off but the beginning of a collaboration that will also bring back the Biotar 58, as well as the famous Flektogon lenses. The team has a great spirit and we think those lenses should not be forgotten.”

Dr. Immes has already revived Meyer Optik Goerlitz back to life in large part through several successful Kickstarter campaigns. Meyer Optik lenses are finding an ever-growing community of photographers throughout the world. The Oprema Jena project, which pays homage to the city where the Biotar was born, will operate independently of Meyer Optik.