Author: Ian Burley

Mitakon 200mm f/4 Macro unveiled by Shenyang Zhongyi Optical

Mitakon 200mm f4 macro
Mitakon 200mm f4 macro

DPNow quick summary:

Designed for full-frame cameras and available in Sony FE, Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Nikon F, Fuljifilm G, Leica L, and Hasselblad XCD mounts, this latest release from Shenyang Zhongyi Optical is a 200mm f/4 is a (manual) close-focusing (0.48m, or working distabce of 25.6cm) medium telephoto lens, with an integrated Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount foot. It weighs 1.3kg. Price is $499.

Press Release

To Be Released on 21st July 2023

Introducing Mitakon 200mm f/4 Macro Lens: Zoom In from Afar – The Power of a Unique Focal Length

Shenyang China, 21st July 2023 – Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics), the leading Chinese manufacturer of camera lenses, proudly unveils the Mitakon 200mm F/4 Macro Lens, poised to redefine the realm of macro photography with its exemplary features and exceptional capabilities.

Explore the beauty of the macro world with the Mitakon 200mm F/4 Macro Lens! This manual focus lens exhibits an exceptional working distance, boasting a reproduction ratio of 1:1. Prepare to delve into the intricate details, capturing life-size reproduction of subjects on the camera’s image sensor.

Behind the lens lies a meticulously crafted assembly of 11 elements organized into seven groups. Among them, three Extraordinary Dispersion (ED) lenses, three ultra-high index elements, and a single extra-high transmission lens. Together they work in unison to eliminate chromatic aberration, delivering true-to-life colors and impeccable image quality. The refined nine-bladed aperture diaphragm ensures smooth bokeh, adding a touch of magic to your every shot.

Key Features

A Unique Focal Length Providing Unmatched Telephoto Capabilities

The Mitakon 200mm F/4 transcends the boundaries of macro photography, transforming into a potent 200mm telephoto lens that breathes life into distant subjects. Witness breathtaking clarity and remarkable background separation as your compositions come alive.

Exceptional Working Distance

The Mitakon 200mm F/4 was designed to offer an exceptional working distance of 25.6cm (10.08 inches), providing photographers with the freedom to explore new perspectives. From stealthy wildlife shots to exquisite close-ups of delicate insects, our lens offers the unique ability to capture subjects in frame magnificently from a distance, ensuring minimal disturbance.

Every Detail Matters

The 1x magnification captures small objects in intricate details with precision and allows for life-size reproduction of subjects on the camera’s image sensor. The Mitakon 200mm F/4 ensures that no detail goes unnoticed.

Advanced Apochromatic (APO) Technology

The Mitakon 200mm F/4 lens is equipped with advanced apochromatic (APO) technology which easily eliminates the dreaded chromatic aberration, or in other words, purple fringing. Experience true-to-life colors and pristine image quality!

Arca Swiss Lens Support

With the Arca Swiss Lens Support, photographers can achieve superior stability and secure mounting of the Mitakon 200mm F/4 lens. The support system is designed to seamlessly integrate with Arca Swiss-compatible tripod heads and quick-release plates, ensuring a firm and reliable connection between the lens and the camera setup.

Pricing and Availability

The Mitakon 200mm f/4 Macro Lens is available at an exceptional price of just USD 499, making precision macro photography accessible to all. It will be available for purchase through Zhong Yi Optics’ official webstore as well as authorized resellers. Customers can place their orders immediately, as the product is ready to ship. (https://zyoptics.net/)

 

Specifications

Name Mitakon 200mm F/4 1x APO
Sensor Size Full Frame
Aperture F/4-F/32
Elements/Groups 11 Elements in 7 Groups
Aperture Blades 9
Angle of View 12.5°
Minimum Focusing Distance 1’7” (0.48m)
Maximum Magnification 1x
Filter Thread 67mm
Size (Diameter* Height) ~ Φ3” x 7” ( Φ75mm*186mm )
Weight ~2.86lbs (1300g)
Mount F, EF, FE, RF, Z, GFX, L, XCD
Focus Mode Manual

 

About Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics)

Shenyang Zhongyi Optical and Electronic Company (ZY Optics) is a leading Chinese camera lens & adapters manufacturer. We currently manufacture and distribute lenses and lens turbo adapters under the brand name of ‘Mitakon’ & ‘Zhongyi’.

Introduction Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdcF_28ZeD4

Product Page:

https://zyoptics.net/product/mitakon-200mm-f-4-1x-macro-lens/

For more information about ZY Optics and  our  product information, visit

https://zyoptics.net/

 

SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 rugged high-performance external SSD

SanDisk Professional PRO-G40TM SSD

DPNow quick summary:

SanDisk has produced a family of high-speed, rugged, lightweight portable SSD drives, the PRO-G40 series. High-performance NVMe SSD flash memory is at the heart of the Pro-G40. The drives are available in 1, 2, and 4 terabyte capacities. Connection is via USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 is supported. Up to 2500MB write and 3000MB per second transfer speeds are achievable, according to SanDisk. The drive enclosure is IP68 dust and splash-resistant, and it’s designed to withstand a drop of up to 3 metres. It’s also crush-resistant and keeps cool thanks to an aluminium core construction.

SanDisk Professional PRO-G40TM SSD
SanDisk Professional PRO-G40TM SSD

PRESS RELEASE

The SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 SSD

The SanDisk Professional PRO-G40TM SSD sets a new standard in physical data protection. Its turbocharged speeds of up to 3000MB/s read and 2500MB/s write1 via ThunderboltTM 3 and 1050MB/s read & 1000MB/s write1 via USB 3.2 Gen 2 are combined with an ultra-durable, ultra-rugged build through its IP68 water and dust resistance rating.

This rating is key in determining the PRO-G40’s capabilities. The first number denotes the device’s resistance to object intrusion. In the case of the PRO-G40, a rating of 6 indicates the device is completely resistant to all objects, including the finest molecules of dust, mud, glass, and other disruptive materials.

As for the second number, this indicates the level of resistance to water, specifically. For the PRO-G40, this stands again at a score of 8, meaning the device is protected against complete, continuous submersion in water below depths of 1m3.

Crush resistance of up to 1.8 tonnes is a key capability too. To put that into context, that means the PRO-G40 SSD can comfortably handle two adult male polar bears on top of it1 or – for IT aficionados – 5 MB of data in 1956.

David Newton, SanDisk Professional Team Member at Western Digital added: “The form factor of the SanDisk Professional PRO-G40 is fantastic because it fits in a bag and offers bundles of incredibly fast storage for backing up photos and videos on the road. When you’re travelling, size and weight are key, so small and light really helps.

Not only that, being so fast it cuts down the time I spend in front of a computer backing up which, after a long day with a lot of data, is a godsend.

The final piece of the puzzle is durability – I can be on the go away from base and my main storage for 1 or 2 months at a time, so I have to know that the drives where my data is stored are rugged and able to handle life on the go.

It also just looks great – solid and purposeful – I always get people asking me about it whenever I’ve got it plugged in.”

The PRO-G40 SSD is built with a cooling aluminium core to sustain ultra-fast speeds under its heaviest workflows.

SanDisk Pro -G40 data sheet

Smaller Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap system for more compact mirrorless cameras

Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap for mirrorless cameras
Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap for mirrorless cameras
Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap for mirrorless cameras

DPNow quick summary:

Mirrorless cameras, and lenses, can be significantly smaller and lighter than their DSLR counterparts. Many photographers prefer a hand strap arrangement to a neck strap. Peak Design has produced crafted DSLR hand straps with a removable tripod plate for nearly ten years. They have now come up with a mirrorless camera version, the Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap. Here’s Peak Design’s own video on the product, followed by their official press release:

 

New: Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap designed for mirrorless

Press release

2023-07-14 13:42Transcontinenta UK Ltd, introduces, as distributor Peak Design for the UK and Ireland, the new Peak Design Micro Clutch hand strap for mirrorless camera’s.

In 2014, Peak Design reinvented the camera strap with the Slide and Clutch, and used Kickstarter to share them with the world. Both the Peak Design Slide and Clutch offered new and better comfort for DSLR owners. This year, through another Kickstarter campaign, they launched an improved solution for mirrorless camera owners, the Peak Design Micro Clutch.

Peak Design developed the Micro Clutch for two reasons:
“Cameras have mostly got smaller, but hands have mostly stayed the same stupid size. These facts cannot coexist peacefully without some sort of tool to bridge their contradictory nature. That is why we created the Micro Clutch”.

The first of its kind. The Peak Design Micro Clutch is a hand strap designed specifically for small mirrorless camera bodies. The Micro Clutch is perfect for any activity where drop protection and comfort are essential, whether it’s run-and-gun street photography, active outdoor shooting or an extended portrait session in the studio.

A beautifully low-profile, machined aluminium baseplate conceals a hidden attachment tool, making battery access a breeze. Micro Clutch also includes a removable tripod plate for use with Capture, PD tripods and third party Arca-Swiss compatible tripods. A built-in Anchor attachment point allows use with any PD camera strap.

BEAUTIFUL, LOW-PROFILE DESIGN

This first-hand strap is designed specifically for smaller mirrorless cameras, and it perfectly complements the aesthetics of your camera. Unlike traditional DSLR wrist straps that press your palm against the camera body, the Hypalon finger loop accommodates 2–4 fingers for total security. The axial strap attachment allows the strap to conform to the shape of your hand, and the microfibre wicking pad ensures all-day comfort. Micro Clutch offers safety, stability, and comfort in one beautifully designed package.

The unique design of the Peak Design Micro Clutch gives you a delightful combination of superior grip and enhanced comfort without restricting your access to your camera’s front, back and top controls.

Compatible with Mirrorless Cameras

The Peak Design Micro Clutch fits a wide range of mirrorless camera bodies. Choose the L-plate model for mirrorless cameras with a pronounced grip, and the I-plate model for cameras with little or no grip. For DSLR cameras, we recommend using the original Peak Design Clutch hand strap. Check the Camera Compatibility Chart to see which Micro Clutch is the perfect match for your camera.

Unique features
  • Full access to front, back and top camera controls
  • Strap easily adjusts to fit your hand or camera size
  • Magnetically integrated removal tool for quick and easy battery access
  • Low profile anodized aluminium baseplate
  • Included tripod plate for compatibility with Capture, PD tripods and 3rd party ARCA tripods
  • PD Anchor attachment points for compatibility with all PD straps
  • Sustainably built
  • 100% carbon-neutral
  • Made from recycled aluminium
  • Lifetime guarantee
Availability and prices

The Peak Design Micro Clutch is now for sale at the Peak Design retailers in the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The recommended retail price for the Peak Design Micro Clutch L-plate and I-Plate is £65.99 for the UK, and €74.99 for Ireland.

 

Shutterstock Launches The Vault, One of the Largest Photo and Video Archive Collections in the World

Shutterstock has been very busy. They recently took a strategic decision to become a player in the 3D imaging market and now they have launched an archival collection of premium media assets including 50 million photographs and video. It’s called The Vault and here is the press release:


NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2021 – Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), a leading global creative platform offering full-service solutions, high-quality content, and tools for brands, businesses and media companies, today announced the launch of The Vault, Shutterstock’s archival collection with over 50 million assets across photo and video, covering royals, film, music, sports, wars, politics, and celebrities, making it one of the largest photo and video archives in the world that provides a comprehensive chronicle of the 20th Century.

The physical location of The Vault is in an Iron Mountain facility in London, with a significant number of photographs digitized and made available on Shutterstock Editorial. The Vault houses archival content through a rich blend of Shutterstock-owned collections, as well as strategic alliances with world-class global partners, including AP, Associated News, and ITV.

“For the first time in six years, we are delighted to open The Vault, officially providing Shutterstock’s customers with unparalleled access to the best historical content across a wide range of categories,” said Jamie Elden, Chief Revenue Officer at Shutterstock. “Archival photography and footage not only preserve our history, but it adds color and credibility to storytelling in an authentic and cost-effective way, providing immense value, and a wide range of new stories to be told for documentary, film, and television producers.”

The Vault is managed by Greg Watts at Shutterstock, who leads a team of archivists that catalogue and preserve the content. “I started my career 29 years ago at Rex as a filing clerk in the physical archive in East London, and I am incredibly excited to make this very special collection accessible to the wider Shutterstock community,” said Watts. “There are images that have not been seen for nearly 20 years, waiting to be discovered — it’s truly an A-Z of more than a century of world events and stories.”

The Vault’s offering includes The Rex Features Collection, which chronicles historical moments, including iconic images of the British Royal family, Ronald Reagan’s transition from film star to politician, as well as Dezo Hoffman’s archive, who photographed musical icons, such as Sinatra in the recording studios, and Marvin Gaye appearing on “Ready Steady Go.”

Additionally, Shutterstock houses the ITV archive, and is the exclusive distribution partner for its enormous catalogue of TV stills, including classics such as Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Spitting Image, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds and Upstairs Downstairs.

Other Shutterstock-owned collections include:

  • The Berliner Archive: Founded in 1973, covering celebrity events in Los Angeles, New York and Las Vegas.
  • The Picture Library: For 50 years, Alan Davidson, the photographer behind a number of iconic images, from Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger dancing, to a teenage Lady Diana Spencer, captured some of the world’s most prolific people, and memorialized countless historical moments.
  • The Harry Myers Collection: Starting his career in the 40s and shooting for almost six decades, Myers took photographs of arguably every major film star at London film premieres.
  • The Art Archive: A rare and extensive offering from the world’s leading fine art galleries, museums and private collections covering every aspect of the creative arts and world culture — from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics dating back to 2500 BC, to Buzz Aldrin’s first steps on the moon.

Open The Vault.

ABOUT SHUTTERSTOCK

Shutterstock, Inc. (NYSE: SSTK), is a leading global creative platform offering full-service solutions, high-quality content, and tools for brands, businesses and media companies. Directly and through its group subsidiaries, Shutterstock’s comprehensive collection includes high-quality licensed photographs, vectors, illustrations, videos and music. Working with its growing community of over one million contributors, Shutterstock adds hundreds of thousands of images each week, and currently has more than 350 million images and more than 20 million video clips available.

Headquartered in New York City, Shutterstock has offices around the world and customers in more than 150 countries. The Company also owns Bigstock, a value-oriented stock media offering; Shutterstock Studios, an end-to-end custom creative shop; Offset, a high-end image collection; PremiumBeat, a curated royalty-free music library; and Shutterstock Editorial, a premier source of editorial images and videos for the world’s media.

For more information, please visit www.shutterstock.com and follow Shutterstock on Twitter and on Facebook