Competition news: Fuji announces the new X-PRO-3 and keeps innovating

Today Fuji has announced the new X-PRO3. Here are the things I like and wish Sony would “copy”:

– I really like how Fuji is the only company still using that hybrid viewfinder concept.
– I do like they offer the new X-PRO3  in three different materials.
– I  do like the new gimmick of the small rear screen showing the film simulations

You do not have to agree me with, and you may don’t like some of the things I mentioned. But  we can all agree Fuji is among the few companies that still keeps innovating and trying out new things. I would be glad to see  Sony trying out new  camera designs too!

So here is my question:

Should Sony stick to the classic A7x-A6xxx design or also try to do something else?

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Press release: Tamron Announces the Development of Compact and Lightweight High-Speed Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Tamron Announces the Development of Compact and Lightweight High-Speed Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

October 23, 2019, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the development of a new high-speed telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056). Availability of this new zoom is planned for Spring 2020. The lens will be on display at the upcoming Photo Plus Expo in New York City this week and Salon de la Photo in Paris next month.

Developed under the concept of “making high-speed zoom lenses user-friendly,” Model A056 features a compact and lightweight design, an ideal match for full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The 67mm filter diameter is the same as all other Tamron lenses in this series. The optical design includes several specialized glass elements that contribute to the lens’s superb imaging performance and its very short 33.5 in MOD (Minimum Object Distance) expands overall versatility. The lens adopts Tamron’s newly developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that produces a quiet, quick autofocus drive.

Other features that support a great shooting experience include a Moisture-Resistant Construction helpful for outdoor shooting and Fluorine Coating for easy maintenance. In addition, Model A056 is fully compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF. This new model joins the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) and brings Tamron’s total of F/2.8 zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras to three.

Main features

  1. Comfortably compact (149mm / 5.9 in) and light weight (815g / 28.7 oz).
  2. 67mm filter diameter, same as all other Tamron lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
  3. Superb optical performance and MOD of 5 in. for a broader range of photographic versatility.
  4. Extremely quiet and fast newly developed VXD linear motor focus mechanism.
  5. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating contribute to a comfortable, user friendly photographic experience.
  6. Compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

* Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

Press release: Tamron Announces Three Close-Focusing Prime Lenses For Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Preorders:
Tamron 20mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.
Tamron 24mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.
Tamron 35mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.

Tamron Announces Three Close-Focusing Prime Lenses For Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F050)
24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F051)
35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F053)

October 22, 2019, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of three prime lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras: 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050), 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F051), and 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F053). The 24mm and 35mm lenses will be available on November 20th and the 20mm will be available in January 2020. All three lenses will be available in the USA for approximately $349.

Having already produced award-winning zoom lenses[1] in this mirrorless category, we turned our attention toward prime lenses. When using a prime lens, the photographer must decide the composition based on their distance from the subject. This puts the joy of capturing the image exactly as envisioned and the pure fun of shooting on a different level.

The three new models include a 20mm focal length (Model F050) to fully explore the world of ultra-wide-angles, a 24mm focal length (Model F051) as the perfect general-purpose wide-angle lens, and the versatile 35mm focal length (Model F053) that is ideal for everyday/every subject use. Developed under the concept of “letting as many as possible learn the joy of prime lenses in a more accessible way,” each lens strikes a balance between gorgeous image rendering and superior operation.

We matched the same filter size (φ67mm) for all three prime lenses as well as the two previously launched zooms and achieved our aim of compactness. Furthermore, the 20mm, 24mm and 35mm lenses are all capable of focusing very close, to an unprecedented in this category magnification ratio of 1:2. Other features include Moisture-Resistant Construction (for outdoor shooting) and a Fluorine Coating on the front element for easy maintenance and fingerprint removal.

They also support various camera features offered by certain Sony cameras, such as Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, and offer a multitude of advanced functions to ensure a pleasant shooting experience and fantastic results.

This series of highly practical lenses lets photographers enjoy the photographic expression of wide-angle lenses, often regarded as the sweet spot for most photographic pursuits, plus unprecedented light weight and full-blown performance.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Enhanced close-focusing capability expands lens usefulness and versatility

These prime lenses focus very close. The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) for the 20mm, 24mm and 35mm is 4.3, 4.7 and 5.9 inches respectively. Plus, the maximum magnification ratio for all three is 1:2. This remarkable performance allows users to create compositions that emphasize perspective (closer subjects are larger and distant ones are smaller) and that are unique to wide-angle lenses.

Being able to get in close is one of the most desirable specifications for a wide-angle lens. With dramatic closeup shooting performance for full-frame lenses, the series unleashes an unprecedented level of shooting freedom. Plus, by moving close to the subject, strongly blurred backgrounds are easier to attain.

  1. A compact, lightweight 67mm filter diameter system offering excellent portability

Weighing in at 7.8 oz for the 20mm (Model F050), 7.6 oz for the 24mm (Model F051) and 7.4 oz for the 35mm (Model F053), the lenses are exceptionally light, allowing photographers to enjoy shooting comfortably without hesitating about whether to carry the lens. All three lenses combined weigh under 1.5 pounds! Meanwhile other lenses in Tamron’s lightweight full-frame mirrorless series such as the 28-75mm F/2.8 (Model A036) standard zoom or 17-28mm F/2.8 (Model A046) ultra-wide-angle zoom make the perfect companions to broaden the range of shooting possibilities.

As testament to their compactness, all three new models feature the same 67mm filter diameter as Tamron’s zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This significantly reduces cost and packing space when working with PL, ND and other filters. Even the front lens caps are the same size, eliminating the hassle of sorting caps when switching lenses. These features combine to produce a highly convenient and mobile system that adds more fun to photography.

  1. Superb high-resolution performance that matches the latest high-resolution image sensors

The sophisticated optical formula created with the latest lens design technologies boasts exceptionally high rendering performance from edge to edge thanks to the optimal arrangement of LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (glass-molded aspherical) lens elements. Any remaining minor distortions sometimes common in wide-angle lenses are corrected using in-camera functions.

Additionally, Tamron’s legendary BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare. With excellent resolving power achieved through uncompromising optical performance and camera-based distortion correction, these lenses can be used with complete confidence for a wide range of applications from casual family snaps to serious professional photography.

  1. Consistent 64mm (2.5 in) overall length facilitates ease-of-use

All three lenses are the same length: 2.5 in. Achieving excellent balance with Sony E-mount cameras, these compact lenses employ a front element extension system but are designed to maintain the same exterior length during focusing operations. Therefore, there is less chance of an extended front element accidentally coming into contact with a subject during closeup shooting. And optional manual focusing is easier because the focus ring is positioned toward the front of the lens within natural reach of the thumb and index finger.

  1. Silent autofocus driven by OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) DC motor

The AF drive system employs an OSD to ensure quiet operation. In comparison to conventional AF types with built-in DC motors, Tamron was able to greatly reduce the drive noise as well as vastly improve AF performance and speed. The lower ambient noise level is sure to be appreciated by video shooters.

Overall, this prime lens series provides superlative AF precision for exact focus even when shooting moving subjects, as well as outstanding accuracy and tracking capability. Additionally, this prime series supports various AF features offered by certain Sony cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) to ensure a pleasant shooting experience.

  1. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating

Environmental seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.

Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance. These protective features are keenly important for lenses that allow you to get in close to a subject.

  1. Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions[2]

All three of Tamron’s new prime lenses are compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to certain mirrorless cameras. These include the following:

-Fast Hybrid AF
-Eye AF
-Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
-In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
-Camera-based lens unit firmware updates

[1] 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) standard zoom and 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046).

[2] Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details. As of September 2019

New Camrote APP 1.2.0 released

Camrote has been updated to version 1.2.0. What’s new:

In this version we bring you some exciting (And widely requested) new features!

– Spanish localisations.
– Support for zooming*.
– Support for BULB based timelapse**.
– iOS 13 support.
– Adds a double-tap gesture to disable all Touch AF points.
– Many bug fixes and UI/UX tweaks!

*Zoom is only available on certain camera models.
**Only supported on cameras which support BULB shooting.

Sony Tidbits…


NFL with an A7R IV & 600mm f4

Hands-On Review: KIPON Lenses (Allan Weitz).
This Laser-Shooting Camera Can See You From Around the Corner (MirrorlessRumors).
Feiyu Releases the New AK4500 Handheld Gimbal with an Underslung Handle (Explora).
α7III + Oplarex 5cmF1.9 + RareAdapters OPL Foca M36 Screw Mount test by Toru Sawamura
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DN (Sony FE): First Look (Dustin Abbott).
When fast-ish is fast enough: in praise of F1.8 lenses (Dpreview).

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

Join the new Sony Alpha Camera Facebook group.
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This week SAR readers photos selection


Samuel Lee‎
Didn’t find the Holy Grail but I got some pictures with my a5100 and 16-50mm kit lens
#sonyalphagallery

1) You can submit one single picture per week only.
2) To submit your picture for the weekly readers roundup post you can choose one of the following three options:
Instagram: Follow @sonyalphagallery and tag us on your picture to give us the permission to repost your image on the instagram gallery and on SAR (we will credit you)
Facebook: Submit your picture on our group: facebook.com/groups/sonyalphacamera. Please add the hashtag “#sonyalphagallery ” to grant the permission for reposting on SAR. Without the hashtag we will not add your picture!
Forum: Submit your picture on the SonyAlphaForum image section and add the hashtag “#sonyalphagallery
3) Like and comment the pictures from other readers here: instagram.com/sonyalphagallery, facebook.com/groups/sonyalphacamera and on SonyAlphaForum.
4) A selection of most liked pictures by the community and by me SAR admin will be posted weekly on SAR.

Note: When sending a pic feel free to also add a link to your site to promote yourself! And please do share one single picture per week only. Do not spam :)

 

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