DR KOH KHO KING

Another new toy that I gotten today…

Amazing bokeh at such focal length and short shooting distance…the ultimate weapon to shoot macro…

the Nikon AFD 200mm F/4 Micro Lens – the KING of micro photography!

I have done a series of photos varying the aperture from f4 till f32. I shall share later…

Ok, before I go to bed, this is the shot at f32. Bokeh is still very pleasant ad the subject is in sharp focus!

That’s all for today…ja-ne!

If not the sharpest, definitely one of the sharpest!

Original shot

100% cropped (No sharpening, just cropped.).

Bought this lens 2nd hand today, worth every single cent! It has been a long time that I have not enjoy such a high resolutions! Shot on a tripod, every single shot is a pleasant shot!

Lighting is very tricky, as my room is having warm downlight. Very yellowish.

Shot using flash, but if I used Flash White Balance setting, the colour will still be very yellowish. So I choose White Balance Tungsten light instead.

Brand new lens is still worth every single cent, if you used it of course (many bought and keep the lens in the darkness, as they are so used to the convenient of zoom…).

the Cover

the Advertorial…

Phottix Atlas is available at:

	Phottix Atlas All-In-One Transceiver Wireless Flash & Camera Trigger (433 Mhz) (Pocket Wizard Plus II 433 Mhz Compatible!)	RM355.00

Met some new cool friends recently.

After a long anticipation…finally it has arrived!

Elegant packaging! Comes with two pieces of branded Duracell AA batteries!

Phottix Atlas can be purchased at:

http://shashinki.com/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=atlas

See our latest coverage at HWM May 2010!

The cover (really nice 3D hologram ads of Samsung latest 3D TV!)

ShaShinKi Ads and Maha Coverage!

ShaShinKi as Black Rapid Distributor!

We are serious in the business, and we meant it.

See our latest advertisement and promotions at Hardware Magazine (Malaysia) – April 2010 issue! (ShaShinKi advertisement is available in March 2010 issue too, and the many issues ahead!)

Cover

Page 247 (Aperture section in the magazine)

Got some cameras and lenses yesterday, so have my Megumi as model to test the performance.

The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro is really sharp! Shots were taken using Canon EOS 7D and 50D, with 580EX II mounted on it.

Megumi:”hai…”

Megumi:”my fingers tired already…done already or not?”

“wah…”

Look out for great bargains at ShaShinKi Used Corner soon!

http://shashinki.com/shop/-c-26.html

Design is still the same, but with added green colour to the collar and sleeves. Special request to the maker to add the bright Green, took nearly a month to special made.

I don’t have a male model for me to shoot…and my stomach isn’t pretty in the shirt…so only showing female shirt there.

Back side is the same like the previous shirt (picture below is of previous design).

After reading the article update of latest Adobe RAW converter and Lightroom offering and example of processing at dpreview.com:

http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10032402lightroombetaupdate.asp

Nikon D3S, ISO 52,200

Adobe Camera Raw v5.6 (default settings)	Lightroom 3 beta 2 (default settings)
It is obvious that in this file, too, ACR 6.0 is not only better at reducing chroma noise than ACR 5.6, it does so without a significant penalty in color saturation. At default settings, files processed through ACR 6.0 are more detailed, partly because chroma noise isn’t masking pixel-level detail.

It is interesting to see that from the same RAW file, new Adobe software is able to process and deliver cleaner and better quality file output.

If the original image was shot in Jpeg, then this conversion and improvement would not have been possible.

Setup:

• Nikon D200 with Nikon SB-900 mounted on the camera hotshoe
• Tetra Transmitter connect to SB-900 PC Sync Port via sync cable (included)
• Nikon SB-800 on Tetra Receiver
• Transmitter and Receiver set to the same channel

Setup shot:

Now, I grabbed the camera and fired. Take note that SB-800 that connects to the receiver fired as well.

If there are multiple flashes, one can connect to more receiver and get CLS easily without breaking the bank!

Using DSLR auto white balance control will not deliver the correct white balance under tricky lighting condition (or even a simple lighting condition).

A simple test below under Philips warm light tube (yellowish light at the corridor of my house). This is how the corridor ceiling looks like (yes, yellowish. I love warm colour as compared to bluish white at home.)

As a test subject, I use a Photo Clam ballhead packaging box, which has black, gold, blue and red on it. There is also a white sticker on the box with the word “Sample” written. To check if a white balance is correct or not, the first thing to look out for is that WHITE SHOULD BE WHITE.

Test Results

Nikon D200 Auto White Balance:

(Yellow cast. Will be of some headache to correct it in photoshop later.)

Nikon D200 Pre-Set White Balance calibrated using Phottix White Balance Cap (77mm):

(Perfect white balance as if shot at daylight condition. White balance correction is not needed.)

How to Pre-Set in Camera?

The difference is obvious. WB Pre-set is easy, can be done within a few seconds. Below is the steps on WB pre-set on Nikon D200.

1. Set the camera to Manual Focus mode.
2. Press the WB button on Nikon D200.
3. Turn the back back wheel on the right to select WB to PRE (means Preset).
4. Press the WB button again for 3 seconds, word PrE is blinking now.
5. Put Phottix WB Cap to the front lens of your camera. Point the camera / lens to the subject you want to shoot.
6. Take a shot. D200 will show if the WB preset shot is Good or no Gd. If Good, then it will be used as the new Pre-set WB setting. If no Gd, repeat step 4 and 5 again.
7. Done and enjoy the perfect WB shots under the same lighting condition!

Phottix White Balance Cap

At only RM25.00 (US$7.94), you get the perfect white balance! Don’t judge the product by its price…it does the job, it is just a plastic cap.

http://shashinki.com/shop/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=phottix+white+balance

Showcase of Maha products by one of our dealer – Elite Photo (Penang).

Elite Photo
255C, Penang Road, 10000 Pulau Pinang.
Tel: 04-2508080, 04-2508088 Fax: 04-2508086

Maha PowerEx has been the professional choice of battery and charger solutions for photographers around the world for many years. Joe Mcnally, a reknown professional photographer is USA is using Maha PowerEx batteries as well, and his is well known for creative lighting techniques by using lots of Nikon speedlights in creating the light he wants.

Maha PowerEx products can also be bought online directly from ShaShinKi at:

http://shashinki.com/shop/maha-powerex-m-13.html

DCM March 2010 issue got a nice freebie…Free 65 Pages Booklet of Canon 20 Essential EF Lenses for Better Photography. Still same price at RM9.00 per issue. Going to be very hot selling and fast sold out I guess…

The Cover…

The Free Gift…

Yes, you can find ShaShinKi’s advertisement inside the magazine too!

There is an interesting write-up on Maha charger in the NewGear section!

I found one…then I found a bunch! I found Photo Clam, then a series of professional ballhead!

Photo Clam – A name not to be forgotten in the photography industry. They create ballheads, GREAT ballheads! They are new, started in year 2007, but quickly gained their good name and reputation in the internet due to their product quality.

Know the Naming System

Photo Clam use ball diameter as the model naming / number of their ballhead. Photo Clam PC-33NS means that it has 33mm diameter ball, PC-36NS means it has 36mm diameter ball, PC-54NS means that it has 54mm diameter ball. I find this naming system to be very easy to remember and easy to differentiate the size and capability of each ballhead, since Photo Clam has quite a wide range. Some ballhead has same load capacity, but if the ball is bigger than the other, then it will have smoother operation when a same load is being carried.

N or NS?

You might notice that some Photo Clam ballheads have N ending at the model name, while some have NS ending at the model name. The difference / meaning is simple. The NS means with spirit level built in, while N has no spirit level built in. ShaShinKi imports all Photo Clam ballheads with spirit level built in (except PC-33N which there is only one offering without spirit level by Photo Clam).

Arca Swiss Quick Release System

All Photo Clam ballheads use Arca Swiss Quick Release System in the ballheads design. This is the professional preferred system due to the security it offers. All Photo Clam ballheads have safety pin on the Arca Swiss QR system, to prevent the quick release (QR) plate from being fall off accidentally. The safety pin can catch and stop the plate from sliding out in both direction.

In the picture above, I have actually loosen up the knob of the clamp, and the plate stop sliding forward and caught by the safety pin.

Below below shows an QR plate attached to the bottom of a camera.

This is a general purpose plate, Photo Clam PC-52-UP2, which can be used for camera or lenses. The good thing about the design of Photo Clam plate is that the screw has a coin accessible thread, which can be used to lock and unlock the plate easily! The plate attached firmly to the camera once locked.

There are two dovetails on Photo Clam plates, which can be used as hole for hand strap to tie over it. Handy!

Photo Clam PC-52-UP2 has 4 pieces of rubber on the plate, making sure that the plate does not rotate once tighten.

Photo Clam PC-36NS

I took a Photo Clam PC-36NS ballhead for reviewing. It is the middle size in Photo Clam ballhead series (smallest ballhead is PC30N, biggest is PC-74NS), which is a very popular model.

the Size?

A ballhead that is able to withstand 30kg load…Let’s see the size of the PC-36NS sitting next to a Canon EOS 40D camera.

Smaller than the size of my palm.

Using it?

I am not sure if there is a black and white manual telling one how to use a ballhead. Not that I have read any, but below is how I prefer to put my ballhead as.

Plate knob underneath the camera on the right, while ballhead lock / unlock knob on the left. Pan lock knob pointing towards the photographer. With this orientation, I can have my right hand on the camera, composing the camera and finger ready to press the shutter release, while my left hand on the lock / unlocking knob.

Some might prefer the following orientation, no right or wrong I guess, just your own preference.

Friction Control

Notice a little tiny screw on the big locking knob in the ballhead (photo below)? That is friction control Friction control on Photo Clam PC-36NS ballhead allows adjustment of the “tightness” of the ball even when the locking knob of the ballhead is set to loose (Zero on the red marking). Photo Clam use a highly visible red labeling for their friction control marking, which is definitely a thoughtful design. What’s the marking for you may asked. Personally I find it handy as if I knew that I can lock my Canon EOS 40D with 18-55mm lens at turning till 5 marking, then I don’t have to turn till 7 every time. If I knew that an EOS 40D with 70-200mm F2.8 lens would need to turn to 8 to lock it tight, then I won’t turn till 5 and stop there. Different practice for different people, some might not even look at the numbers…but I think it is good to have rather than missing it.

When a heavier load is being carried, friction control will allow precise adjustment to ensure that the ball does not loose up too much (dropped) or too tight.

Panning Base

There is a separate screw that is being used to lock / unlock the panning base of Photo Clam ballhead. Photo Clam call it Panning-fix knob.

Once locked, the base will not move. It locks securely and firmly. This is extremely useful especially when you lock your equipment onto the ballhead and carry the whole system on tripod over your shoulder. You would not want the panning base to loosen up and turn, causing your equipment to hit something. Kudos to Photo Clam for creating a secure panning base.

Spirit Level

I have seen many ballhead makers put a spirit level on the top of the quick release system, which I find inconvenient to use. Once your camera or lens is on the QR system, you can’t see the spirit level anymore. Again another thoughtful design of Photo Clam to put the spirit levels (yes, s because it is plural with 2 spirit levels) at the side of the Arca Swiss Quick Release System.

The Ball?!

This should be one of the most important part in a ballhead. The BALL!

There is NO OIL on Photo Clam ball. Yes, oil free and no greasy thingy on your fingers when you accidentally touched it. I didn’t get the technical data of Photo Clam technology, but I believe they use Teflon coating on the ball or / and the housing to ensure smooth while still oil free operation. You won’t believe how smooth it is until you have tried one.

See the ball above! Matted colour ball with no oil, not a single drop. (Warning: Do not outsmart and drop oil onto the ball!)

Conclusions

There are similar quality products in the market, but is either too expensive or / and with some weakness. Photo Clam, being the latest professional ballhead in the market, founder who is a photographer himself, created Photo Clam to offer professional quality ballhead to the general consumer to be able to enjoy the fun of tripod + ballhead photography without breaking the bank!

If you have not tried one, loan one from your friend! If you have not owned one…what are you waiting for?!

Where to buy?

Where else? Your online camera shop! ShaShinKi is the distributor of Photo Clam in Malaysia, bringing Photo Clam directly to you at an affordable price!

http://shashinki.com/shop/photo-clam-korea-m-154.html

Just to show how much difference it is from 16mm to 35mm, taken on a Canon EOS 40D camera, handheld, no flash.

@ 16mm

@ 35mm

Tested using an used unit lens that I just bought.

http://shashinki.com/shop/used-canon-1635mm-f28l-autofocus-zoom-super-wide-angle-lens-excellent-condition-p-5377.html

ShaShinKi is proud to be the official sole distributor of Photo Clam products in Malaysia!

Continuously bringing quality photographic equipment to you at affordable price!

(Using real 18k Gold in the Pro Gold II QR model)

Photo Clam is a professional ballhead brand from Korea. Their products are of very high precision and quality, definitely one of the best ballhead product in the market. You can read some great reviews online on Photo Clam ballheads.

Eg.

• http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/816993
• http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/756837/
• http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/797485
• http://photography-on-the.net/forum/…d.php?t=756768

About Photo Clam

Photo Clam is a division of Kyung-IL Company, which was established in 1993. Kyung-IL began manufacturing compressors, and expanded its operations from BC Tractor Air Compressors in a partnership with Sony in 1995. In 2005 the Photo Clam division was formed, and in 2006 the company patented the safety pin technology in China and Korea. Photo Clam ball heads are sold worldwide, including Canada and USA. Now it has enters Malaysia!

Photo Clam Ballhead

Key Selling Points

• Made in Korea (high precision quality)!
• Photo Clam ballhead is able to lock both the ball and the panning base firmly.
• Photo Clam has huge range of selections. With over 20 different models to choose from, at very competitive price even for the entry market! (ShaShinKi imports 9 most popular models at the moment). Photo Clam cheapest ballhead starts at RM675.00 (SRP).
• 3 Years Warranty! All Photo Clam ballheads come with 3 years manufacturer’s warranty!

Price and Purchase at:

• http://shashinki.com/shop/photo-clam-korea-m-154.html

Photo Clam products brochure

Many have asked about Cokin filters, how to use it…which one should I buy…what are the needed items…etc.

Here I have decided to write a short blog on Cokin filters. Some of the info are obtained from Cokin websites.

The Types

From small to big: Cokin A Series, P Series, Z Series and the latest X-Pro Series.

A Series – 36mm to 62mm

Recommended for lenses between 36 and 62mm in diameter with a focal length over 35mm. Cokin square filters fit into a holder and are attached to a lens via an adapter ring, the photographer has a number of immediate advantages:

a) there is no need to duplicate filters to fit different size lenses,
b) up to three filters can be used at once to create unique effects,
c) the photographer has control over the positioning of the effect on the photograph.

How the Cokin System works

1. Screw the adapter ring onto your lens. System “A” rings come in the following diameters; 36/37/39/40.5/41/42/43/43.5/44/46/48/49/52/54/55/58/62mm and Hasselblad special rings.
2. Slide the filter holder on the adapter ring until it snaps in place. The filter holder is now solidly attached to the lens, yet it can rotate both left and right.
3. Slide the filter into one of the filter holder slots. The one closest to the filter holder housing is the narrowest; it allows the use of round filters with notched edges (polarizer, star filters..). The two central slots are intended for square filters. The outer slot can be used either for an additional filter or for a coupling ring.

Most popular filters – There are over 140 filters to choose from in the range.
The most popular are:

1. Polarizers – Designed to eliminate unwanted reflections and darken skies.
2. Graduated – Add colour to a scene by using a Cokin graduated filter to enhance a dull sky, or use a Sunset filter to add warmth.
3. Pastels and Diffusers – Ideal for portraits, still life and landscapes, to create a moody atmosphere and a softer effect.
4. Warm-up Filters – Add warmth to a portrait shot, giving improved skin tones.
5. Colour Filters – Colour correction filters are available, as are Neutral Density filters and filters specifically designed for use with black and white film.
6. Optical effects – There is a wide range of filters available to add special effects to photographs, such as Starbursts, Multi-image, close-up, Rainbow, Double exposure etc.

P Series – 48 to 82mm

For larger diameter lenses up to 82mm. Recommended for focal lengths from 28mm onwards(35mm format). A wide range of adaptor rings, including dedicated Hasselbad® B50/B60/B70, Rollei® VI as well as a Universal Ring and numerous dedicated accessories (Holder Cap, Ring Cap, Universal Ring, Coupling Ring, Wide Angle Holder, A/P & Z/P Adaptors, Modular Hood, Modular Bellows, Wallet & Storage Boxes, etc.).
P Filter-Holder
The P Filter-Holder is the ideal Filter-Holder to avoid vignetting on 35mm format lenses. Up to three filters can be used to create a unique effect.

P Wide-Angle Holder (BPW-700) P299:
This extra slim holder helps to eliminate vignetting down to 20mm focal length. Can hold 1 filter (can be a polarizer) and allows the use of filters with super wide lenses (focal lengths under 20mm) 35mm format.

There are over 140 filters to choose from in the range. The most popular are:

1. Polarizers – Designed to eliminate unwanted reflections and darken skies.
2. Graduated – Add colour to a scene by using a Cokin graduated filter to enhance a dull sky, or use a Sunset filter to add warmth.
3. Pastels and Diffusers – Ideal for portraits, still life and landscapes, to create a moody atmosphere and a softer effect.
4. Warm-up Filters – Add warmth to a portrait shot, giving improved skin tones.
5. Colour Filters – Colour correction filters are available, as are Neutral Density filters and filters specifically designed for use with black and white film.
6. Optical effects – There is a wide range of filters available to add special effects to photographs, such as Starbursts, Multi-image, close-up, Rainbow, Double exposure etc.

Z Series – 49mm to 96mm

Aimed at the professional and enthusiast photographer, the Z-PRO series total over 80 different filters including coloured, centre spots, pastel/ diffusers to graduated and neutral density filters.
Z-PRO filters are available in two different sizes. The plain filters, i.e. coloured, centre spots and pastel/diffusers measure 100x100mm in size and the graduated filters 100x150mm. All Z-PRO filters are manufactured from high quality CR39 organic glass and fit the Cokin Z-PRO holder system.
There are 2 x Z-PRO kits available: ND-Grad and ND/Blue/Tobacco. A selection of adapter rings from size 49mm through to 96mm, plus Hasselblad B60 and B70 and Rollei V1 are also available.

• Standard Filters 100x100mm or 4 x 4”
• Graduated Filters 100 x 150mm or 4 x 6”

X-Pro Series – 62mm to 112mm

With a 170mm x 130mm filter size, the Cokin X-PRO series has been created to offer the professional photographer a comprehensive range of filters that can be used on medium and large format camera systems, as well as extreme wide angle lenses used by photographers, videographers and broadcasters.

The X-PRO system makes vignetting a problem of the past and with over 60 filters in the range.
Holders: made of lightweight material, the holder has a exclusive Ring Locker System . Developed by Cokin, the system ensures that the holder can be secured in a certain position and that the filter is kept parallel to the lens. If the photographer requires the filter to be rotated, this can also be achieved.
Adapter rings: available in sizes from 62mm to 112mm and will fit diameters of lenses up to 118mm with a 4-point universal ring. Aimed at the professional and enthusiast photographer, the X-PRO series total over 80 different filters including coloured, centre spots, pastel/ diffusers to graduated and neutral density filters.

* 170mm x 130mm
* Excellent optical transmission
* Eliminates the problem of vignetting
* Fits many different types of lenses
* Choice of over 60 filters
* Wide range of adapters

In Short, if you are using 135 format or 35mm format, you should get Cokin P series. If you want to use on Ultra Wide Angle lens (below 28mm in 135 format), you need the X-Pro Series, which is the latest series from Cokin for digital wide angle photographers.

What You Need?

First thing you need to do is to select the suitable series to your needs. Take note that filter from different series are not interchangeable. You can use P filter on A holder nor vice versa.

Cokin Filter System consists of the 3 most basic items: Filter + Filter Holder + Adapter Ring. Additional accessories are like Hood (to shade sunlight and reduce reflection or ghost), filter holder (can hold few pieces of filters in a holder), etc.

(In the picture above, from left to right: Filter + Holder + Adapter Ring + Lens + Camera)

Filter – The most basic filters that one can try out are:

Cokin H250A ND Graduated Filter Kit P Series, with Filter Holder & Graduated ND Filters #121L, 121M, 121S

RM185.00

Cokin H210 Landscpe Filter Kit-1 P Series (Filter Holder, Warm 81-EF #37, B2 Gradual Blues Soft #123S, Sunset 1 #197)

RM165.00

Holder – To hold the filter, maximum 3pcs for P holder and to connect to adapter ring.

Adapter Ring – Comes in different sizes. If your lens filter diameter is 77mm, then you should buy the 77mm adapter ring. If you have another lens with 52mm filter size, just purchase an extra 52mm adapter ring. You do not need to purchase two set of filter, just change the adapter ring will do.

Markins ballhead – A Korean company that has been the the reference of professional ballhead nowadays! Using Arca Swiss quick release system, it can hold load firmly and securely.

In Oct 2008, I have the chance of bringing a Markins Q-Ball Q3 Emille Ballhead (Black) for my photo trip to Angkorwat, Cambodia. A 6 days photo trip and tripod + ballhead is a must. I have the chance to use the Markins Q3 ballhead “extensively” during my trip.

Strength

Markins ballhead are made professionally with Teflon coating on the ball that gives ultra smooth turning and no grease appearing on the ball.  When lock down, it is really lock down. You can’t move the head at all! Some ballhead when lock down will still move a little, especially downwards. When using a long lens (which is the case where tripod is a often needed), even a 1mm movement cause the composition run off big. Markins Q3 has no such issue.

Weakness

One thing I found and dislike about the Markins Q3 is the pan base. It can’t be lock firmly, and will still rotate slightly when you turn it. This is especially obvious when I carry my camera and lens mounted on the tripod and ballhead, where I can see that it is not very secure.  I searched the web and found that many photographers have the same complaint on the pan base, where the lock is not secure and not strong/firm.

Summary

Pan base lock should not prevent you from buying Markins, unless if you really need the pan lock a lot. Markins ballhead is able to firmly and securely lock down your equipment at whatever angle / position.

Is there any other ballhead that is as good as Markins but better pan base? I heard of one…but let me test it out before I mentioned it here.

 It has 180 degree of view and 13.5cm closest focusing distance! My wife was shouting why go so close to her!

Megumi was just very curious about it and tried to touch the lens and grab it!

To balance out the family feel…I sacrificed myself to be the subject as well…

All taken using Nikon D200. It would have been more interesting if taken using a full frame camera then.

Available at:

	Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye Autofocus Lens (Canon EOS)	RM3,250.00

ShaShinKi Christmas & Annual Dinner

Staffs corner…

Family…

There is even a Santa Claus coming…

First dish…

No time to photograph others dishes…an enjoyable dinner.

Today I have the chance to test out Phottix external battery pack on my Nikon SB-800 and Canon 580EX II.

To be surprised, the recycling time of both flashes shorten by over 100%!

Nikon SB-800

• Batteries = Maha Imedion AA x 4pcs
• Manual 1/1 Full Power Fire
• Recharge Time (from pressing the fire button to the red light ready button) =  5.5 seconds (none scientific count)
• Use together with Phottix External Battery Pack (Maha Imedion AA x 6pcs)
  • Recharge Time = 2 seconds!

Canon 580EX II

• Batteries = Maha Imedion AA x 4pcs
• Manual 1/1 Full Power Fire
• Recharge Time (from pressing the fire button to the red light ready button) =  5 seconds (none scientific count)
• Use together with Phottix External Battery Pack (Maha Imedion AA x 6pcs)
  • Recharge Time = 2 seconds!

Yes, I tested on two different flashes, and the performance seems similar! Take note that for each type of flash, the battery pack is different with different plug. At only RM225 as compared to original manufacturer product that costs over RM500, Phottix Flash External Battery Pack is a bargain and deliver the job well!

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Canon 580EX II Speedlight / Speedlite

RM225.00

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Nikon Speedlights (SB-900, SB-800)

RM225.00

Phottix Flash External Battery Pack (takes 6 AA batteries) for Sony HVL-F58AM Speedlight / Flash

RM225.00

I was too busy in the last few days, so don’t have time to follow up with my “first impression” write-up of the Tamron SP 17-50mm VC lens.

I have asked Futuromic to loan me a sample to test, but no news from them. Nevermind, one of my customer has requested me to test his lens, so I did some tests and share the results here. All lenses were handled with extreme care.

The Old and the New

I have the Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 lens myself (First Generation, screwdriver type), so I were able to compare it to the new VC version side by side. The new VC lens is significantly larger – fatter and longer. Good solidly built, which I am quite impressed with.

The VC lens is made in Japan, which is normally an assurance of good quality control (but not all the case). At least is better feeling to owner.

Vibration Correction

How does it works? Nikon has VR (Vibration Reduction), Canon has IS (Image Stabilization), Sigma has OS (Optical Stabilizer), of course now Tamron has VC. All works similarly by having one of the lens element inside the lens moves in up and down / left and right position to correct for the shake of the lens and making sure that the image that hit the sensor is always sharp and stable. The good thing about lens optical correction as compared to sensor stabilizer is that you can see the effect immediately through the viewfinder, and the degree of shake correction is better.

I still remember the first Tamron VC lens that I have tested is the 18-270mm VC, which has an annoying TICK TICK sound whenever the VC hits in. The new VC in this Tamron 17-50mm lens does not has such sound anymore, and is actually a great improvement!

I did some test shots at 1/4 second, F/8 at 50mm focal length and found the image to be quite acceptable. Though not extremely sharp. Without the VC ON, the hand shake is obvious.

This is my test subject:

VC ON

VC OFF

Ok, VC does helped but at 1/4s, it is kind of a bit extreme…

Sharpness?

The Tamron 17-50VC is a very sharp lens, which I am quite impressed with.

Test Subject

100% crop

Another full view

100% crop

As compared to the first generation version that I have, I found that mine is slightly sharper…not a scientific test so don’t take it as a definite answer. When you turn the VC OFF, I find the photo to be sharper as with VC ON.

I also notice that VC is less successful with shooting at 1/15s, which is a critical shutter speed that is very much affected by camera mirror bounce.

Auto Focus Speed?

There are 3 versions of Tamron SP 17-50mm lens for Nikon mount.  First is the screwdriver type, Second is the built in motor type, and now the Third version is the VC lens.

In terms of AF, the built in motor type is the slowest, really slow that I feel throwing the lens away and you can fee how lame the lens is in AF when you first use it. The screwdriver type is fast and the VC version is similar speed as compared to the screwdriver type. This is a great improvement in Tamron for the 17-50mm lens considered that the VC version is using built in motor as well!

How does it compared to Nikon AF-S 17-35mm? Not near and not even close. The Nikon AF-S 17-35mm is extremely fast and you can feel the difference immediately once you tried it. This can be partly due to the fact that Nikon AF-S 17-35mm is shorter in range as compared to Tamron 17-50mm. Sorry, I do not have the Nikon AF-S 17-55mm ready in hand to compare. While the Tamron 17-50mm VC has improvement in AF speed, it still can’t compare to the Silent Wave technology I believe.

Not forgetting that the S lens is extremely quiet, while the Tamron is slightly noisier (not disturbing).

Conclusion

I wonder why Nikon and Canon does not implement VC into their 17-55mm and 16-35mm or 17-35mm f/2.8 lenses, is it because it might reduce the overall sharpness of the lens or is it because it is not needed in such wide angle?

While the screwdriver version (first generation) of the Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 lens is no longer available, and only the built in motor version and the VC versions are available now, I would suggest to get the VC version for the improvement in focusing speed in Nikon mount (Take note that Canon version has built in motor from day 1, and is fast like the Nikon screwdriver version.).

A recommended lens for those who do not want to spend 2-3 times the money of the Tamron for Nikon or Canon counterparts, and is definitely a nice addition to have VC to play with when you needed it.

Glad to see Fotolah.com having 500 registered members now!

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Just a month old,  Fotolah.com is growing steadily and we now have 7 staffs including myself.

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Have the chance to play with this lens today…

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR DI-II VC (Vibration Compensation) LD Aspherical (IF) Zoom Lens for Nikon Digital DSLR

Did some comparison to my own Tamron SP 17-50mm (without built in motor…

and also Nikon AFS 17-35mm f/2.8.

I am really tired today…will continue tomorrow…

My old spectacle is having problem…the leg is almost broken. I made that one in Japan, age only around 1.5 years and costs me quite a lot.

No choice, have to do a new one…as I am a “no spec can’t see” person…very high degree in far sight.

Went to a nearby spectacle shop last week to do my spectacle. Don’t want to spend much initially, but then can’t find one that I am happy with.

Test tested the Nikon frame, quite nice and is quite light (not heavy). It is a spring type, so is comfortable to wear and should be more lasting. The frame is made out of titanium (yeah…as if I am going to put it through test…). Anyhow, RM420 for the frame and I swipe my card…

The nose resting design is quite special. Simple and quite comfortable. Take a closer look at you will see Nikon wordings on it too.

The side frame has Nikon wording too and the spring design is not thick.

Together with 1.67 slim multicoated lens, it costs me RM610. Ok…way above what I have planned initially but since it is going to be my daily Nikon…no choice lah…better than any other Nikon items that I have bought but only use occasionally.

Fotolah 第一个摄影比赛。。。希望可以得到大家的踊跃参加。

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 标题：
我们的节日！
（相关于马来西亚的节日庆典 – 中秋节， 国庆日， 华人新年， 圣诞节。。。）

重要日期
参赛截止日期：31日10月2009年
投票日：1-7日11月2009年
成绩公布： 8日11月2009年

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2. Maha Imedion AA rechargeable batteries 2100mAh (4pcs)

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