Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon

The Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens (Model A09NII) is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens for Nikon and compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras featuring a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range. The lens enables the user to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography by boldly exploiting attractive out-of-focus effects peculiar to the fast maximum aperture in portraiture or using high shutter speeds.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm

Main Features

1.  Lightweight, fast standard zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary XR technology
The optical system designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements has realized the compactness while effectively compensating for various aberrations. Four hybrid aspherical elements placed at ideal positions ensure high depictive performance while contributing to downsizing the overall length. In addition, three LD (low dispersion) glass elements deliver high quality images.

2.  Minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range for 1:3.9 maximum magnification
The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in the class. With Tamron’s conventional SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 zoom lens, the minimum focus distance changes (0.5m at 28mm/105mm but 0.44m in the 70-85mm range). However, the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di retains the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range thanks to improvements in its optical and mechanical designs. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily.

3.  Mechanical design improvements for downsizing the maximum diameter while minimizing changes in zooming torque
By the employment of various improvements in its mechanical design, Tamron has successfully packed the complicated lens configuration into a compact body for downsizing the maximum diameter of the lens. In addition, the improved mechanical construction minimizes changes in zooming torque for enhancing operational ease. Hidden improvements are also made from the perspective of manufacturing engineering to enhance the accuracy of parts, realizing the light weight and increasing durability.

4.  Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.

5.  Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.

6.  Form and texture appealing "high performance and the feel of high accuracy" worthy for the name "SP" – Outer design matching the new generation lens
1) Two gold-colored metal rings are placed at a key portion of the lens in order to enhance the visibility of the symbol of Tamron’s "SP" series.
2) The rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been changed to a pattern that is denser than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens.
3) Typefaces on the lens have been changed for better visibility.
4) Delicate matt-finish painting is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance high quality image.

Olympus PT-E05 Underwater Case for the E-520

Olympus have announced an underwater casing for its new E-520 Digital SLR camera. The PT-E05 is waterproof up to 40m, and constructed of semi-transparent poly carbonate. The required, optional lens ports allow the use of lenses from the 8mm fisheye through the 50mm macro for spectacular underwater photography.

Olympus PT-E05 Underwater Case

Press Summary

The PT-E05 underwater case has been specially customized for Olympus E-520 and is waterproof up to a water pressure equivalent to a depth of 40 metres.

With its durable, high quality polycarbonate construction, it protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.

As a genuine advantage to the underwater photographer, he can make use of the Live View function and use the large 2.7"/6.9cm LCD instead of the viewfinder.

The flash connectors allow optional use of up to two UFL-2 underwater flash units.

Five interchangeable lens ports allow the optional use of 14-42mm, 14-45mm, 11-22mm or 14-54mm, 7-14mm, 8mm Fisheye and the 35mm as well as the 50mm Macro lens.

External flash necessary.
The PT-E05 will become available in summer 2008.
 

Canon EOS 40D Review at DP Review

DP Review has reviewed the Canon EOS 40D a 10.1 megapixel (CMOS sensor) DSLR with 6.5 frames per second shooting, a new Autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, DIGIC III image processor, EOS integrated cleaning system, Spot Metering, and a larger, brighter view finder and quieter mechanism than it’s predecessor.

They write – “When I first started using the EOS 40D a simple description came to mind: that this is a ‘well sorted camera’. It feels well rounded – the result of years of evolutionary improvement, it delivers in almost every area, and it inspires confidence. From a usability point of view the viewfinder feels larger, ergonomics are good, the user interface is clear and easy to learn, there are no in-use performance issues, metering and auto-focus show good consistency and the results speak for themselves; colorful (yet accurate) detailed images with low noise even at high sensitivities.”

Canon EOS 40D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon EOS 40D

Sony Alpha A200 Review at Trusted Reviews

TrustedReviews has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “..the A200 is a definite improvement over the A100. As with most DSLRs the A200 starts up in well under a second, and shuts down again almost instantly on power-off. The AF system is now much faster and more accurate, and is noticeably better at locking on quickly to low-contrast or poorly lit subjects… It ticks all the right boxes, with an attractive and easy-to-use design, brisk performance and good picture quality. Its feature set will leave advanced amateurs and semi-pros wanting more, but that’s pretty much the idea of an entry-level camera. For the price it offers a comprehensive package for the first-time user with very few problems.”

Sony Alpha A200

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A200

Sony Alpha A350 Review at Imaging Resource

Imaging Resource has reviewed the Sony Alpha A350 a 14.2 megapixel (CCD) DSLR with a 2.7 inch tilting LCD and live view.

They write: “ISO 3,200 is good as well, despite the early noise suppression in RAW that many enthusiasts will distrust. The printed results at 3,200 are good enough for a good 5×7, which is what most consumers will want. That’s pretty rare from any camera… the Sony A350 is easy to recommend to just about any consumer photographer wanting higher quality in their images. Using the Sony A350 is a convenient and easy way to learn more about photography, and get great shots of the family to boot.”

Sony Alpha A350

Get a price at Amazon for the Sony Alpha 350 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A350

Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi Review at Outback Photo

Outback Photo has reviewed the Canon Digital Rebel XSi / EOS 450D which features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor, DIGIC III Image Processor, 3.5 fps continous shooting, 9-point AF system, 3.0 inch LCD with Live View, and optical image stabilization.

They write: “ISO 100-200 very smooth with hardly any noise. ISO 400 is very good too. ISO 800 shows a bit more noise but still excellent. Even ISO 1600 it looks like most digicams at ISO 100-200. With this excellent noise behavior we wonder why Canon left ISO 3200 out”

Canon EOS 450D

Get a price at Amazon for the Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Canon Digital Rebel XSi / Canon EOS 450D

Sony Alpha A200 Review at CNET

CNET has reviewed the Sony Alpha A200 an entry level digital SLR camera featuring a 10.2 megapixel (CCD) APS image sensor, 2.7 inch LCD Clear Photo LCDTM screen (230,000 pixels), and ISO range of 100 to 3200, built in super steady shot and a burst mode of 3 frames per second to the full capacity of the card that it is using when shooting in JPEG (and for a burst of 6 frames in RAW).

They write: “The good: In-body image stabilization; supports wireless flash. The bad: Loud; Sony doesn’t have a stable of inexpensive lenses for consumers; oddly located, proprietary USB connector. The bottom line: The Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 is a solid entry-level dSLR that doesn’t really stand out in its very competitive field.”

Sony Alpha A200

Get a price from Amazon for the Sony Alpha A200K 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Read more about the Sony Alpha A200

Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ5 Review at Photoxels

Photoxels have reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 a 9.1 megapixel (CCD) digital camera with 10x optical zoom (28mm – 280mm), 3.0 inch LCD with 460,000 pixel resolution and 20 megabytes of internal memory.

They write: “Performance is very good for an ultra zoom: startup and shot to shot times are about 2 sec. With a contrasty subject and good lighting, there is no practical shutter lag and autofocus is quite fast and precise…. If you are looking for one digital camera that has pretty much everything you need for snapshooting, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a well-designed ultra zoom digital camera that will make many point-and-shoot photographers happy ”

Panasonic Lumix TZ5

Get a price at Amazon for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K 9MP Digital Camera

Read more about the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5