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PMA 2010 Report: Page 3

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February 2010

 

Sony         top

Sony Alpha DSLRs

Sadly, Sony doesn't do trade shows right. When I walked up to the Sony booth, the guy trying to help show me the Alpha 850 and Alpha 900 had no real idea of what they were, and didn't care enough to try to find someone who did. It was as bad as a bad retail store. This is weird, at a trade show, usually everyone there knows everything about everything, but not at Sony. The same thing happened last year.

Anyway, I'm intrigued by the Sony Alpha A850, which for $2,000, seems like a very competent DSLR, which just happens to be full-frame, 24MP, and with a slew of available Zeiss lenses.

If I was starting from scratch and wanted a DSLR for nature and landscape, I'd have a hard look at the A850.

 

Sony Mock-ups         top

Sony

Toy model.

 

Sony

Toy model.

 

Sony

Toy model.

Locked in a case, Sony showed some mock-ups (toy models) of potential future copies of the Olympus E-P1 and Panasonic GF1 micro 4/3s cameras.

These little cameras are the future of digital. Big SLRs will still stick around for action, news, and sports, but for most of us, micro 4/3 is it. This kind of camera is half the size of old-fashioned mechanical DSLRs, with a complete range of interchangeable lenses.

 

Sony SLR Lenses         top

Zeiss 24/2

Toy model of a Zeiss 24mm f/2 for Minolta Maxxum and Sony DSLRs.

 

Sony 500mm

Toy model of a Sony 500mm f/4 for Minolta Maxxum and Sony DSLRs. bigger.

 

Locked in the same case, Sony also showed mock-ups (non-working toys) of a Zeiss 24mm f/4 and a G 500mm f/4. Neither has IS or VR, but that's Sony's sales pitch: IS and VR are in the camera body, not the lens.

It's sort of weird to have a 24mm f/2. Pro 24mm lenses are f/1.4, and you can get them from Nikon (since 2010), Canon (since 1979) and Leica (since 2008). Stopping at f/2 seems pretty wimpy; Nikon has made a 24mm f/2 AI-s since 1977. f/2 isn't professional grade today; for f/2, you may as well keep your f/2.8 zoom.

The 500mm looks like a copy of Nikon (focus ring) and Canon (switch panel) lenses. It has some fun acronyms and functions on it, like DMF and F time. I love F Time!

 

Tamrac         top

Tent Pole Tripod

Tamrac pod

Tamrac ZipShot tripod. extended.

Tamrac introduced an ultra lightweight, near full-size tripod. It uses three corded aluminum tent poles for legs, with a small, smooth ball head on top.

It's rated for only three pounds, but it held my Nikon D3, 55mm AF Micro-NIKKOR and SB-400 flash thusly:

D3 on pod

Don't do this at home. stupider.

Even though it easily held five pounds, you don't want to do this because any gust of wind will take it down. Wind will take down lighter cameras, too, but you'll care less when they get smashed.

This is the tripod to take when you don't take a tripod. It is exceptional because it sets up immediately. Simply unhook the two red cords, shake it as you do tent poles, and it likewise springs to life!

Be careful, it is spindly. Push it too hard and you'll damage it, just like tent poles.

 

Specifications: ZipShot

Weight: 11 oz (312g).

Length: 15" (38cm) folded.

Height: 44" (1.1m) when open.

 

Think Tank         top

Think Tank, maker of the world's best pro bags, celebrates their fifth anniversary.

Retrospective

New today are their "Retrospective" Soft-sided Camera and Lens Shoulder Bags.

THink Tank Retro

Think Tank Retrospective bags. more capacity.

These bags come in black, or soft, dark green cotton canvas.

The camera bags are the usual messenger style bags.

The lens bags come in two- (as shown) or three- lens sizes. They sling over your shoulder, and hold large pro zooms for easy access.

They all feature the ability to "turn off" the Velcro, so you can open them without making any noise.

The camera bags feature:

• Carries a pro size DSLR with zoom lens attached

• Accommodates up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens (hood reversed)

• Front pockets hold pro size camera bodies (without lenses attached)

• Organizer pocket built into main compartment for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.

• Seam sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements

• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad

• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag

• Side pockets and side webbing loops carrying for additional accessories

• Clear business card holder and removable carrying handle

 

The lens bags have very little padding, and don't need it. They feature:

• Lenses carried in separated compartments for rapid access while changing

• Carries two or three lenses plus small accessories

• Accommodates up to a 70-200 f2.8 lens (hood reversed)

• Organizer built into rear pocket for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.

• Seam sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements

• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad

• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag

• Clear business card holder under front flap

• Convenient carrying handle

 

Specifications:

Retrospective 10
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 12” W x 9.5”H x 6.0”D (30.5 x 24 x 15.2 cm)
OD: 13” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (33 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.0 lbs (1.4 kg)
PRICE: $149.00 (US)

Retrospective 20
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 12” W x 11.75” H x 6.5” D (30.5 x 29.8 x 15.2 cm)
OD: 13” W x 12.5” H x 7” D (33 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
PRICE: $159.00 (US)

Retrospective 30
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID: 15” W x 9.5” H x 6.0” D (40.6 x 24 x 15.2cm)
OD: 16” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (43.2 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
WEIGHT: 3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
PRICE: $179.00 (US)

Retrospective Lens Changer 2
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID (each lens section): 4.75” Diameter x 10” H (11.5 x 25.5 cm)
OD: 10.25”W x 11.25” H x 5”D (26 x 28.5 x 12.5 cm)
WEIGHT: 1.6 lbs (0.7 kg)
PRICE: $99.00 (US)

Retrospective Lens Changer 3
Colors: Pinestone & Black
ID (each lens section): 4.75” Diameter x 10” H (11.5 x 25.5 cm)
OD: 15” W x 11.75” H x 5” D (38 x 30 x 12.5 cm)
WEIGHT: 2.2 lbs (1.0 kg)
PRICE: $119.00 (US)

 

Expanding Zoom Holsters         top

THnk Tank expansion

Think Tank expanding holster.

An interesting feature of Think Tank's holster bags is that they expand to hold a short zoom one day, or your longer zoom. Clever, those Think Tank people.

 

Hydrophobia         top

Think Tank's Hydrophobia rain covers came out at Christmas, and I've already reviewed them.

Thnk Tank Hydrophobia

Think Tank Hydrophobia. Full review.

 

Logistics Manager         top

Think Tank also introduced their Logistics Manager, a huge roll-about intended more for hauling lighting gear than cameras.

Think

Think Tank Logistics Manager. even bigger.

Logistics Manager offers a three-tier security system:

A TSA combination lock to secure the main zipper.

A rear security cable and combination lock allow the roller to be locked to immovable objects.

A Security ID Plate with online plate registration allows lost gear to be identified and returned to the owner.

Its additional key features include:

Extendable handle for easy transport and maneuverability and replaceable wheels within protective housings for greater longevity.

.Attachment points on both sides for tripods or light stands

A stretchable lower pocket in front that expands for cords, reflectors, and other grip items.

Upper front pocket with built-in organizer and key loop.  

An organizer side pocket for secondary storage.

Clear interior pockets for accessories.

"No Rhetoric" lifetime warranty.

 

Specifications:

External Dimensions: 15.75”W x 30”H x 11.5”D (40 x 76x 29 cm)

Internal Dimensions: 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25-10”D (35 x 70 x 21-25.5 cm)

Weight: 16 - 24.5 lbs (7.3 – 11.1 kg) depending on accessories used

List Price: $599.00

 

Tokina         top

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 FX

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 (mock-up). bigger.

 

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 (mock-up)

Tokina showed a mock-up (hollow model) of their proposed 16-28mm f/2.8 lens, which covers FX. It won't take filters; the front is a globe similar to, but much smaller than, the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8.

AF is the standard screw-driven mechanical AF, not AF-S.

 

Hoya HRT Polarizers         top

Hoya HRT Polarizer

Hoya HRT Polarizer.

Hoya, the parent company of Tokina, is the world's largest maker of optical glass, filters and filtering material. They make more kinds of filters than I can imagine.

Hoya introduced the premium HD line of filters last year.

This year we see the same premium, low-loss polarizing material as used in the HD filters offered in the HRT (High-Resolution, High Transparency) filter line.

The benefit of the HRT polarizers is that they cost a lot less than the HD filters, and offer the same high quality polarizing material. The benefits of this special high-transparency material is that it transmits about a stop more light than other polarizers, which just gave you an extra stop of ISO at no charge. The polarization effect is just as strong.

The HRT line costs less because the glass isn't coated, which for polarizers, makes no difference.

I hope to have a detailed review one of these days of the HRT polarizers. These are probably the best deal going in polarizers.

 

Kenko Binoculars         top

Kenko is also part of Hoya, the world's largest maker of optical glass.

Kenko binoculars have been around in other part so the world, or sold under different brand names like Minolta in the USA, for a long time.

What is new is that Kenko for the first time will start selling binocular in the USA under the Kenko brand.

 

The End         top

 

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Thanks for reading!

Ken

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