A Japanese company called Factron has released a metal iPhone case with a mount for conversion lenses. The Quattro Case for the Apple iPhone is currently only compatible with the iPhone 3G – a modified version for the iPhone 3Gs will be released later this year. The conversion lenses available include two close-up lens, a superwide converter and 2 circular fisheye lens (x0.24 and x0.33).

The case is made of aluminum alloy with a metallic gloss, polished finish and fastened with metal screws.

The case alone costs 19,600 Yen (about US$205). The lenses are available from 1,700 to 5,300 Yen (about US$20 – US$55).

Sample photos on the Factron website, show a significant amount of chromatic aberration.

Nikon, Inc. has introduced a new PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED lens. Perspective Control (PC) lenses correct linear distortion in order to better replicate images as seen by the human eye, including straightening the converging lines of rectilinear objects such as buildings, while also allowing control over depth-of-field. As a medium telephoto lens, the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED can be used for applications that include photographing architecture, nature, interiors, and portraits.

As with other NIKKOR-E lenses, the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED incorporates a rounded nine-blade electromagnetic diaphragm that provides auto aperture control when used with Nikon SLRs that feature an electronically controlled aperture, including the D3, D300 and newly announced D700 camera.

Features

• 85mm telephoto NIKKOR with +/-11.5mm shift and +/-8.5mm tilt capability
• Revolution +/-90º (in 30º increments)
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghosting and flare
• Aperture range of f/2.8 - f/32
• Preview button with electronic aperture control
• Closest focusing distance: 0.39m
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:2
• Bayonet lens hood HB-22 and lens case CL-1120 included

Price and Availability

The PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D ED lens is scheduled to become available at Nikon authorized dealers in August 2008 for a selling price of $1,739.95 (US MSRP).

Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens
Price: USD 1,769.93

5 suppliers – prices from USD 1,749.95

Nikon, Inc. has introduced a new PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED lens. Perspective Control (PC) lenses correct linear distortion in order to better replicate images as seen by the human eye, including straightening the converging lines of rectilinear objects such as buildings, while also allowing control over depth-of-field. PC-E lenses are used for applications that include photographing architecture, nature, interiors, still-life, and product photography.

As with other NIKKOR-E lenses, the PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED incorporate a rounded nine-blade electromagnetic diaphragm that provides auto aperture control when used with Nikon SLRs that feature an electronically controlled aperture, including the D3, D300 and newly announced D700 camera.

Features

• 45mm standard NIKKOR with +/-11.5mm shift and +/-8.5mm tilt capability
• Revolution +/-90º (in 30º increments)
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghosting and flare
• ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to ensure high resolution and contrast
• Aperture range of f/2.8 - f/32
• Preview button with electronic aperture control
• Closest focusing distance: 0.253m
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:2
• Bayonet lens hood HB-43 and lens case CL-1020 included

Price and Availability

The PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED lens is scheduled to become available at Nikon authorized dealers in August 2008 for a selling price of $1,799.95 (US MSRP).

Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED PC-E Micro Nikkor Lens
Price: USD 1,814.30

6 suppliers – prices from USD 1,814.30

One the heals of the very successful Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, Pure Digital Technologies has introduced the Flip Video Mino. With 2GB of on-board flash memory, the Mino allows users to capture up to 60 minutes of high-quality video using the camcorder’s new touch-sensitive buttons to record, play, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete. You can instantly play back video on the Mino’s 1.5-inch anti-glare LCD display. The Mino is smaller (see below) than many cell phones and weighs just 3.3 oz.

The Mino is the first Flip Video camcorder to use an internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The battery provides more than four hours of recording time on a single charge and recharges whenever the camcorder’s USB arm is connected to a computer. Charge times are a minimum of two hours using Flip’s new power adapter or three hours plugged into a USB port.

Flip Video Mino Features

• Weight: 3.3 oz. H x L x W: 3.94″ x 1.97″ x 0.63″
• One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
• Touch-sensitive buttons for instant recording, playback, fast forward, rewind, pause and delete
• Built-in software compatible with PC or Mac:
1. Instant upload to MySpace, YouTube, and AOL Video
2. One-click emailing of videos and video greeting cards
3. Custom editing of movie mixes, with the option to set them to your own music
4. Capture of still photos from video
5. Order DVDs online and have them shipped anywhere in the world
• TV connection for instant viewing (cable included)
• Tripod mount
• Available accessories (sold separately): AC power adapter, tripod, action mount, and pouch
• Available in black or white

What’s the same?

The Mino’s resolution is still 640 x 480px and the lens (2x zoom) is the same as in the Ultra Series. Still no SD/MMC card expansion slot. Still, a lot of fun nonetheless.

Price and Availability

In the USA, the Flip Video Mino camcorder will be sold at Amazon.com, Bestbuy.com, Circuit City, Sears, Walmart.com, and TheFlip.com at a suggested retail price of $179.99.

Flip Mino Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)
Price: —

15 suppliers – prices from USD 68.50

The Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 is one of two macro lenses offered by Pentax. Unlike it’s predecessor (FA 100mm f/2.8 macro), the Pentax SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro has been designed specifically for digital cameras. It utilizes curvature and positioning of optical elements to virtually eliminate flare and ghosting. This versatile lens features Pentax’s acclaimed multi-layer coating to lower surface reflection, reduce ultraviolet rays, and deliver clear, high-contrast images.

On current dSLRs with APS-C size sensors, the field-of-view is equivalent to about 150mm (35mm format). The SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro sports a plastic lens barrel which doesn’t feel quite as durable as the previous metal construction. The obvious advantage of the new design is a lower weight. The inner lens tube extends when focusing towards short focus distances which is typical for most medium tele macro lenses.

Specifications

• Lens Type: macro lens
• Mount Type: Pentax K
• Magnify Power: 1/1
• Special Functions: macro
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Focal Length: 100 millimeters
• Minimum Focus: 11.8 inches
• Focus Type: auto-focus, manual-focus
• Filter size: 49mm (non-rotating)
• Hood: barrel-shaped, snap-on type (supplied)
• Real Angle of View: 24.5
• Weight: 12.2 ounces
• Diameter: 2.7 inches
• Length: 3 inches

The SMC-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro offer a maximum magnification of 1/1 (life size), producing impressive, well-defined macro images. Resolution is very good especially at f/4 to f/5.6 apertures. Distortion is well-controlled while there is very slight vignetting at f/2.8 (K10D). Chromatic aberrations (purple-fringing) are nearly non-existent.

Most retailers are offering this lens at discounted prices.

Still using a 50mm f/1.7 lens? Then it’s time to step-up! Pentax’s classic 50mm f/1.4 lens is now available at bargain prices.

With the 1.5 crop of the Pentax digital SLRs, this lens is slightly telephoto (75mm equivalent) — perfect for people shots at parties and outdoor events. The greater depth-of-field (DOF) control means butter smooth bokeh while isolating your subject from the background. Not-to-mention, the large maximum aperture also means blazing fast autofocus. Want tack sharp photos? Just stop this gem down to f/2.8 or more.

Specifications

• Type: Standard
• Mount type: Pentax
• Focal length: 50mm
• Minimum aperture: f/22
• Maximum aperture: f/1.4
• Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
• Angle of view: 47 degrees
• Focus drive: AF and manual
• Minimum focus: 1.5 feet
• Filter diameter: 49mm
• Fully automatic diaphragm
• Length: 1.5 inches
• Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Warranty, parts: 1 year, labor: 1 year

Any downside? Like it’s f/1.7 cousin, the SMCP-FA 50mm f/1.4 uses a plastic housing. However, it’s solid and rugged. No lens hood (RH-RB49 or 34021) is supplied. So you’ll have to source that separately.

As an example, here’s the deal that you can find at Amazon.com:

List Price: $330.99
Sale Price: $189.00
You Save: $141.99 (43%)

The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens, well-known for it’s macro capabilities, is often ignored by portrait photographers. Rather than calling it a ‘macro’ lens, this lens is better classified as a telephoto macro lens or a tele-macro lens.

A recent write-up in Shutterbug extols the virtues of this lens for outdoors portrait photography: “The reasons are simple'limited angle of view to get rid of distracting backgrounds; wide aperture to throw said backgrounds way out of focus; pleasing perspective; and the telephoto compression effect caused by substantial distance from the subject. It's a combination that's hard to beat. And, when combined with all the other variables that make up a good image (lighting, posing, exposure, brightness range, etc.) the resulting images can be quite impressive.”

Main Features

• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Lens Construction: 16 Elements in 12 Groups
• Focusing System: Internal Focusing (Hyper-Sonic Motor)
• Angle of View: 16.4 degrees
• Number of Diaphragm Blades: 9
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 15 in (38cm)
• Maximum Magnification: 1:1
• Filter Size (diameter): 72mm
• Lens Hood: Petal-shape bayonet-type hood
• Diameter: 3.1in (79.6mm)
• Length: 5.4 in (137mm)
• Weight: 31.6 oz. (895g)

Tele-Converters

It is also possible to use this lens with the Sigma 1.4x EX and 2x EX APO Tele-Converters. The tele-converters convert the lens to a 210mm F4 AF tele-macro lens or a 300mm F5.6 MF tele-macro lens, respectively.

Sale Price

The Sigma APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM lens is currently on sale at Amazon and other retailers for 30% off the list price. See the links below.

Sigma has announced a new version of their popular 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC Zoom Lens. The new version is equipped with Sigma’s own unique technology OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology. The OS function uses two sensors inside the lens to detect vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and works by moving an optical image stabilizing lens group, to effectively compensate for camera shake. It also automatically detects movement of the camera and compensates for camera shake when shooting moving subjects – essential for sports photography.

Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and three aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 17.7 inches at all focal lengths, and has maximum magnification of 1:3.9, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using circular polarizing filters. A petal-type lens hood is supplied.

Features

• Unique OS (Optical Stabilizer) technology
• SLD glass and three aspherical lenses
• Super multi-layer coating
• Aperture: 7 blades
• Minimum focusing distance of 45cm/17.7 in.
• Maximum magnification of 1:3.9
• Dimensions: 3.1 in. × 3.9 in.
• Weight: 610g / 21.7 oz.
• Mounts: Sigma AF, Canon AF, Nikon AF-D

Price and Availability

The new Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS Zoom Lens will have an estimated MSRP of $865 and be available in the April/May timeframe.

New Canon EOS bundles have begun appearing at retailers in the USA. These camera and lens combinations are different from new Canon Photo Kits that have been announced in Europe. In Europe the Photo Kits include straps, grips, chargers, etc. In the USA, retailers are offering simple camera/lens ‘bundles’.

A closer look at the EOS 30D bundle prices vs buying the items separately shows savings in the 1-2% range. Not much when you consider possible add-on charges (that can differ between retailers) such as shipping, sales tax, local tax, etc. Still, some savings is better than none and there’s the convenience of having the camera and lens arrive together.

The EOS 5D bundle prices are another story. It’s actually cheaper to buy the items separately from Amazon.com. Although additional charges could eat into the savings.

New Canon EOS 30D Bundle

Includes 8MP Canon EOS 30D body plus new Canon EF-S 28-135mm IS f/3.5-5.6 lens.

Price Comparisons:

New Canon EOS 5D Bundle

Includes 12.8MP Canon EOS 5D body plus Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens.

Price Comparisons:

Reference Links

The new Canon EOS 30D bundle at Amazon.com.
The new Canon EOS 30D bundle at Adorama.
The new Canon EOS 30D bundle at Best Buy.

The new Canon EOS 5D bundle at Amazon.com.
The new Canon EOS 5D bundle at Adorama.
The new Canon EOS 5D bundle at Best Buy.

Tamron has just announced the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO Zoom lens. It is a lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom lens designed for digital SLR cameras with full-size image sensors. The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO is an f/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for full-size format SLR cameras. It inherits the product concept of the award-winning SP AF28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di standard zoom lens that is highly acclaimed for its compactness and speed, which lets photographers enjoy a high cost to performance uniqueness.

While overall dimensions are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens is packed with features that allow stress-free photography: a versatile MFD (minimum focusing distance) of just 0.95m (37.4) over the entire zoom range; an excellent maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm; and an advantageous internal focusing (IF) system. The new tele-zoom lens enables the user to cover a desirable focal length range of 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm telephoto when mounted on full-size format SLR cameras and a focal length range from 109mm to 310mm equivalent* ultra telephoto (7°59′ angle of view) when mounted on a digital SLR camera with an APS-C sized sensor.

*The ratio Tamron uses to convert from full-size to APS-C focal length is 1.55X.

Main Features

• 0.95m (37.4) MFD over the Entire Zoom Range for 1:3.1 Maximum Magnification Ratio
• Soft Out-of-Focus Effect and Sharpness Depiction
• Lightweight, yet fast f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
• Internal Surface Coatings Minimize Ghosting and Flare
• One-touch AF/MF Switchover mechanisms (for Canon and Nikon only)
• Detachable Tripod Grip Ring
• Flower-shaped Lens Hood

Specifications

**Values given are for Nikon AF-D cameras.

Pricing and Availability

Available in Canon, Nikon, and Sony mounts.