Lens News

Sigma 180mm F2.8 Macro Lens
The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens boasts the company’s proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology and a wide f/2.8 aperture. The OS feature is said to allow the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible, enabling handheld, close-up photography. Three “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have a performance equal to fluorite glass, are included to provide excellent correction for color aberrations, and an inner focusing system enables this lens to photograph objects precisely throughout the entire focusing range. Overall length does not change during focusing.

Equipped with the Super Multi-Layer Coating feature, the APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens reduces flare and ghosting, and delivers sharp and high-contrast images, even in backlit conditions. The incorporation of Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet and high-speed autofocus, as well as full-time manual focus override capability. The macro lens has a rounded nine-blade diaphragm to create an attractive blur to the image’s out-of-focus areas. At 1:1 magnification, this lens has a focusing distance of 18.5”, which is a greater working distance than shorter focal length macro lenses, making it advantageous when taking pictures of highly sensitive subjects. It is also compatible with Sigma’s 1.4x EX DG APO and 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters. The lens is available for a price of around $1699.

Contact: www.sigmaphoto.com.

Rosco LitePad Loop LED Ringlight
Crafted from lightweight, shatter-resistant plastic, the LitePad Loop ringlight measures over 9” in diameter with a 4.4” center hole. It has LEDs on the inside and outside perimeters for maximum brightness and can be dimmed with the aid of the LitePad Single Fader Dimmer (sold separately). The LitePad Loop’s mounting assembly threads onto the bottom of the camera using a 1/4-20 bolt and has a 15mm rod support system that lets the device move backward, forward, and vertically so the lens can be positioned in the center of the ringlight. The LitePad Loop attaches to the mounting assembly with high-powered magnets so it can be quickly and easily attached or removed.

Contact: www.omegabrandess.com, www.rosco.com/LitePadLoop.

Arca-Swiss R-Series RotaMount And VariFind Viewfinder
The Arca-Swiss RotaMount is a rotating back created for use with the Arca-Swiss R-Series digital or film back and F and M Line view cameras. This device allows you to easily switch from landscape to portrait format in seconds. The VariFind R-Series variable focal length optical viewfinder has been enhanced with the addition of masks that can be shifted independently on both the “X” and “Y” axes. It can be used in landscape and portrait modes.

Contact: (773) 248-2513; e-mail: arcaswiss@aol.com.

Calumet Quad Plus 2.4GHz Wireless Trigger Kit
Calumet’s 2.4GHz wireless radio-triggering system lets you synchronize your camera and external flash units without the aid of cords and has a range of up to 500 feet. The Quad Plus can place the flash units into four groups and four channels so you can isolate or combine different groups of flash units, meter each flash individually or combined, or change light setups instantly. The radio-enabled circuitry prevents the flash from being triggered by other flash units. The transmitters feature a TTL pass-through hot shoe that allows TTL mode to be used with camera-mounted flash.

The receivers trigger manually and have a flash wake-up function on compatible camera/flashes. Both units have power-saving on/off switches and screw-down locks for secure mounting. There are systems for Canon, Olympus, Sony, and Nikon cameras.

Contact: www.calumetphoto.com.

Pelican ProGear Urban Backpacks
Pelican ProGear Urban Backpacks have either a Pelican hard case or rigid compartment for tablet computers, readers, or laptops and other small electronic devices. The crushproof U100 Elite Laptop Backpack ($299.95, MSRP) can accommodate a 15.6” laptop and 17” Apple products and has a rubber over-molded handle. The U140 Elite Tablet Backpack ($259.95, MSRP) is great for tablets, notebooks, netbooks, and tablet keyboards. It features a rubber over-molded handle and padded lumbar storage area. The U105 Laptop Backpack ($139.95, MSRP) is durable, lightweight, and features a rigid polyethylene compartment for a 15.6” laptop and a ventilated back panel.

Contact: www.PelicanProGear.com.

Discovered easyCover Camera Case
Discovered is offering a slim, heavy-duty silicone camera skin that protects your D-SLR from bumps, scratches, sand and dust damage while offering a secure grip. Great for use outdoors, it protects your camera but does not get in the way. The easyCovers are made to fit all of the current Canon and Nikon D-SLR camera models and two LCD screen protectors are included.

Contact: www.discovered.nl.

Topaz photoFXlab v1.1
The updated photoFXlab v1.1 from Topaz Labs simplifies setup and has new features that have been added for a streamlined workflow with instant access to Topaz plug-ins, a searchable effects library, a layered workflow, IntelliColor technology, built-in masking, and more. You can instantly explore and apply presets; use the convenient selective adjustment brush with edge detection technology; use the layered workflow with the intuitive edge aware masking tool; and optimally balance color and tonal adjustments.

Contact: www.topazlabs.com/photofxlab.

To submit information for Roundup, please contact our New Products Editor by e-mail at: Cynthia.Boylan@sorc.com or regular mail at: Shutterbug Magazine, 1415 Chaffee Dr., Ste. #10, Titusville, FL 32780.