KOH KHO KING

Nikon PC-E Nikkor 24mm and 45mm

Posted on June 30th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Two New Lenses from Nikon?

Together with the D700 rumors, there are two new lenses in the leaked brochure…

• PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D
• PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED

Wait…I think the PC-E 24mm and 45mm are not new news…I have blogged about it before:

http://shashinki.com/blog/2008/01/29/nikon-new-range-of-tilt-shift-lens/

Still…good to see the lenses coming soon…

0 comments.

Rumor? Nikon Nikkor AF-S 100-500mm F/4-5.6G ED IF VR III

Posted on June 23rd, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Saw this rumor in the net at http://www.thaidphoto.com website…looks quite real…

Specifications

• VR III system offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 5.5 stops faster (when used with compatible camera bodies incorporated with Nikon’s O.B. VR technology), or 4 stops faster when used with conventional camera bodies
• Two VR Modes: Normal mode or Active Mode for when taking pictures with extreme movement
• Automatically detects when photographer is panning and compensates
• 5 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements minimizes chromatic aberration and provides higher resolution and superior contrast
• Lightweight Magnesium die-cast construction (approx. 5.2lbs) with tripod mounting foot
• Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance
• Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor enables ultra-high speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction and minimizes ghost and flare
• Rounded diaphragm (9 blades) for natural blur
• New tripod mounting foot design, compatible with Arca style quick-release system
• Compatible with Nikon TC-14E, TC-17E II, and TC-20E II Teleconverters, AF operation only with TC14E II

0 comments.

Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Lens (A09N II with built in motor for Nikon F)

Posted on May 25th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Tamron has recently announced an update version of their very popular 28-75mm F2.8 lens to incorporate built in motor to the lens for the Nikon mount version. This means that the new lens will now be compatible with Nikon D40, D40X and D60 DSLR cameras. Of course, this new version is also fully compatible with all other Nikon DSLRs including the latest D3 and D300. This is a full frame lens, so yes it is fully compatible with Nikon D3…but who on earth that can afford a D3 will want a third party lens on their camera?

The lens is now available at ShaShinKi.com:

RM1,295.00

Lens is directly import from Japan and will be checked/tested before sending to customer.

3 comments.

Nikon Legendary Portrait Lens - AIS 105mm F2.5

Posted on February 28th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family, Photography.

Just bought this lens recently, at quite a good price in Japan.

This lens has been regarded as the best portrait lens by Nikon users for years. Though it is an old lens…but the optically quality doesn’t fade with time.

Here’s some sample tests shots I did few days ago:

Megumi:”Papa…new lens huh?!”

“Hmm…manual focus…old lens…”

Tested on Nikon D200 DSLR. Exif intact so you can check the exposure yourself.

One of the “problem” of using long lens is how to maintain sharpness. For a 105mm focal length in digital, you have to use shutter speed of at least 1/200s in order to yield sharp photo. This is just a rule of thumb…still depends on your hand steadiness.

Here’s a not so sharp photo:

(Megumi taking breakfast)

“ARHM!”

I use flash in all the above shots, to try using flash light to “freeze” the motion. Not always successful.

Worth buying lens? Yes for me, I love manual focus Nikon legendary!

4 comments.

Nikon AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8 G - Available 14th March 2008

Posted on February 27th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon Japan has just announced that AF-S Micro 60mm F2.8 G lens will be available on 14th March 2008.

This is one of my dream lens…but the price is kinda high at around RM2k (street price). Most probably still NOT going to get it…without VR some more…price too close to the AFS 105mm F2.8 Micro VR lens…

0 comments.

Photo Editing Program - my favorite Paint Shop Pro!

Posted on February 8th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Computer / IT, Photography.

I have been using Paint Shop Pro program since version 4…that was more than 7 years ago…and I just love this program.

Why not photoshop? One of the main reason for me to go for Paint Shop Pro during the early days is because it is a FREEWARE. Yes, free to download and use on your computer. That was in version 4 and version 5. Version 9 and later is a paid software, but later Corel bought JASC and the last version from JASC was version 10. Version 9 was later given as a free software together with Lexar professional memory card, which is definitely a very very good value!

How is Paint Shop Pro as compared to Adobe Photoshop? For me, it does everything I needed in photo editing. Curve, contrast, brightness, unsharp mask, crop, border, layers, etc. It also is much easier to use and less resource hungry like photoshop. I can start and use my PSP within 5 seconds after launching, but for PS, I have to wait for 10s or more. Of course, if you have very fast PC, you might not notice the difference.

Today, I download the 30 days trial version of PSP from Corel website. I was already about to BUY already (already in the PayPal page, one click away from paying), but since there is a 30 days trial, I thought why not? I clicked the cancel order button and went back to download the software to try out first. The latest version is Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 and my experience with PSP is mainly based on version 6. I want to see how much improvement it has after Corel bought over JASC, and the US$89.99 is worth spending or not.

What I am expecting from the latest version which I think is lacking in the dated version 6:

• Better noise removal
• Faster processing
• RAW file processing (version 6 can process raw file but loading takes ages…)
• More features on borders, templates, effects…etc.
• Smarter one step photo fix (available in version 6 as well, but I wonder if there is any surprise in the latest version)

Basically, that’s it. I don’t really need a software that has tones of features that I don’t use but burden down my computer.

Now…let’s see some examples that I run through PSPPX2 just now. The photos below are taken using Nikon D200 at IS3200, I set the camera at high ISO the night before and forgot to set it back to low ISO. My wife used the camera the next day to take Megumi’s photos… Originally posted at: 看我笑得见眼不见牙

(Take note that the before images are already of some processing previously…which used automatic batch process…hence the quality still not so good and some sharpness already lost)

Before

After PSP

Before

After PSP

You have to click the photo to appreciate the difference. There is a nice Skin Smoothing command in PSPPX2 which I find it delivers good results. The above is just a quick test…I will have to get some RAW files to test it further, but I think I am definitely going to buy one before the 30 days trial period ends up.

0 comments.

Tamron SP 17-50mm F2.8 for Pentax K mount

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Finally…Tamron announced that the popular SP 17-50mm F2.8 Lens will be available in Pentax K mount from 7th March 2008!

SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II （Model A16）

This is one of the BEST Selling lens at ShaShinKi.com, best budget lens with F2.8 aperture and no compromise in image quality! It sure is going to be of HIGH DEMAND initially…definitely worldwide shortage for stock in the first few months.

Even as of now, Canon and Nikon mounts of this lens are constantly sold out in many places.

Official news:

http://www.tamron.co.jp/news/release_2008/0128_a16p.html

0 comments.

Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Shipping Date - 7th March 2008

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Tamron has just announced the shipping date of Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 which will be available from 7th March 2008.

First available in Canon EOS mount, follow up by Nikon, Sony and then Pentax mounts.

The lens was first announced in March 2007 under development. Using 77mm filter size, removable tripod collar, MSRP at 10万4,790円 (around RM3.2k). Street price should be 70-80% of MSRP, which means the lens is sure going to be a hit!

Tamron is well known for creating good value for money lenses!

2 comments.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Announced today as well…the…

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Not really something that boils my blood again…but VR sure is tempting…and the zoom range looks good as a multi-purpose lens.

If Nikon hoped to have another big sales of this lens like the previous AFS 18-200VR…they are going to be disappointed I believe.

RRP: £429.99/ €642.00

0 comments.

My DREAM LENS! Nikon AFS 60micro!

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Yes, my dream lens! My blood boils when I read the news! Nikon is coming out with an AFS 60mm micro version! Horray!

I am going to buy this lens new! Yes! Best lens for portrait and macro and children photography! Going to be very much fun and great for Megumi!

Will be available in March 2008…hmm…that’s still two months away…

Too bad…no VR…but nevermind. The lens should have constant fixed length, that should be nice.

0 comments.

Nikon new range of tilt shift lens!

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon is going to announce a series of tilt shift lens in year 2008 for its F mount line up, from 24mm to 45mm to 85mm with ED coating.

First view with photo here is the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm F3.5D ED.

No surprise these lenses are the Nikon effort and strategy to strengthen their full frame D3 DSLR “military”. We should be expecting more full frame professional lenses coming from Nikon soon.

1 comment.

Nikon D60 DSLR

Posted on January 29th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Some images of the upcoming new Nikon D60 DSLR…

Highlights:

• 10.1MP
• Anti-dust with airflow technology for dust blowing
• New GUI (graphical user interface)

This camera is meant as the replacement for D40/D40X.

0 comments.

03 January 2008

Posted on January 6th, 2008 by KhoKing.
Categories: Family.

My wife was very busy on 03 January 2008 since early morning.

In traditional Chinese culture, we eat “shou mian”, drumstick and red egg during birthday. Yes, my wife took the trouble to colour the eggs to red.

Then in the evening, my wife baked a birthday cake for me…

Early stage…

Icing dressing! Yes, must have icing else can’t call birthday cake…

Megumi also join “eye-sharing”. She touched the cake/icing actually “on purpose”.

Wordings…dedicated to…me lah…who else?!

See!

Finally, family photo!

Thank you, dear. Thank God for my lovely and caring wife, my dear megumi and my family back in Malaysia and my sister in UK. In Jesus name I thanked.

———————

Eh…forgot to mention…where is my birthday present? Yes, there is one. My wife asked me long ago…and I make it clear…yes, I want a Nikon D3.

Here come D3…made in Japan by my wife. One and only in the world…

(To ShaShinKi.com customer. Don’t worry, you will not receive the above D3 if you ordered one at ShaShinKi.com…I promised… )

4 comments.

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX

Posted on December 27th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Someone in Thailand has posted images taken with the “not yet released” Nikon Nikkor AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR DX lens!

Below is the full resolution file of the image taken with the lens (click for full resolution image 2.3MB, check the exif using Nikon Capture NX and you will see the lens used!):

Here’s a photo of the lens side by side with Nikon Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm lens:

True or fake? Personally I believe it is true. Consumers have been wanting a low cost normal zoom lens with VR for a long time. Nikon has already released 55-200mm VR, so it is about time for Nikon to introduce VR to the 18-70mm or 18-135mm range, but Nikon always thinks out of the box and out of our expectation (pleasant surprise), so this extra wide angle of 16mm to extra tele of 85mm with VR is sure very interesting! I would get one if it is real. I need VR…badly…

Here’s the side view of the lens:

It is good to see the M/A M switch and VR ON OFF and Normal Active switch! with M/A switch, it means that the lens is fully manual override once you turn the focus ring. Great!

I wonder if the VR motor used is first or second generation as in the 18-200mm VR II…

Original post in Thailand (I can’t read Thai language):

http://www.pantip.com/cafe/camera/topic/O6172432/O6172432.html

0 comments.

Nikon FM2 Lapita Limited Edition (100 units)

Posted on December 24th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Nikon FM2 Lapita Limited Edition, only 100 units made. Rarer than the Nikon year of the dog or year of the dragon or any titanium limited edition.

Special made under the request by a Japanese magazine (小学館) in year 1999, started on sale in year 2000. Only 100 units available before Nikon discontinued the FM2 model.

Very rare…comes with genuine cow leather in orange colour and with a strap with Lapita wording on it.

Below are the photos I saw in an auction website in Japan. No, I did not bid for it…I am not a collector…but it does look tempting. Final auctioned price is less than RM2k or US$570.

0 comments.

Canon EF Lens Work III - The Eyes of EOS

Posted on December 21st, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Canon EF Lens Work III

The Eyes of EOS

• Hardcopy
• Over 232 pages
• Printed in Japan
• Black hard cover with Red colour sleeve
• With almost all Canon lenses information inside
• Stunning photos accompany with each lens
• Optical Technology and Terminology
• MTF graphs for all the Canon Lenses

I used to sell this book at RM50 per copy in year 2004, over 100 books I have sold…long before I started up ShaShinKi.com business. This is such a great book that I wish Nikon has such a book for me to keep and collect. Canon Malaysia doesn’t sell this book, but give away during the promotion time (road show, introduction of products, events…etc.). Every Canon users or even Nikon users (I don’t own Canon system now but I still keep a copy myself) should own and get one of this book. There are PDF downloadable version available in the internet, but nothing beats the real hardcopy book which you can keep on your bookshelf, bring to your toilet, laying on your bed reading before you sleep (hope to catch a good dream?)…etc.

(more…)

0 comments.

Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM

Posted on December 20th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

Saw photos of a interesting lens today, Sony Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm F/2.8 ZA SSM!

Sony DSLR has been of interesting mainly because it inherit the previous very high quality Minolta legendary glass, and of course not forgetting the partnership with Zeiss to specifically produce ZA series of lenses for Sony Alpha mount. Zeiss lenses in autofocus! Something like a dream comes true for many! German glass (Leica, Zeiss, Schneider…etc.) has always thought to be more superior than Japanese glass. How true is it I am not sure, but I sure am interested in this Zeiss if my pocket is deep enough.

Let’s see the two photos I saw in PhotoMalaysia forum (original source unknown):

A few things I found interesting in this lens.:

1. SSM

SSM in Sony means silent wave motor, which means the lens has built in motor, which is great! First in Zeiss!

2. 24mm

Yes! Latest zoom lens in this focal length in Canon and Nikon and now Zeiss has gone wider to 24mm! Great!

3. Full frame lens

Yes, this is a full frame lens. Very possible that Sony will come out with a full frame DSLR soon. Rumors that Nikon D3 full frame sensor is co-design with Sony, so very possible Sony will use the same 12.1MP full frame sensor in their full frame professional DSLR. Minolta has a 9 series professional SLR in their range, Sony will definitely utilize the technology and design from Minolta. My prediction is that we shall see full frame professional DSLR from Sony within year 2008 before Beijing Olympic.

4. Boxed

Yes…if you notice the box in the photo above, which means that the lens should already been in production or available to some! (if the photo is genuine).

5. F2.8 Aperture

Yes, F2.8 constant aperture. I just love fixed aperture lens, which immediately shout to you: PROFESSIONAL GRADE!

I must admit that the design and look of the lens is very sleek and clean. It looks simple, fat but clean. No busy badge or sticker here and there. I wonder how long will the lens extend from zoomed, it would be a dream lens if the length of the lens remain constant during zooming, which I hate in Nikon and Canon similar lenses.

If only Zeiss can make AF lenses for Nikon, that would be my dream lens to get!

3 comments.

Nikon Prediction for Year 2008

Posted on December 17th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I read some predictions in the net on what Nikon will update or comes out in year 2008…really can’t agree with some of those predictions or rumors…so I decided to write my own one here.

I have been using Nikon system since year 2000, following every Nikon news and was (probably still am) crazy of Nikon stuff.

Here’s what I think in Nikon DSLR department:

Nikon D40 / D40X

I don’t know about others, but personally I never like and will never recommend my customers or friends for this camera. The fact that it can only use lens with built in motor really is a limitation and disadvantage. It can’t even use the very popular and good value Nikon AFD 50mm F1.8 lens!

I believe Nikon will discard this model in year 2008 and comes out with a Nikon D60 for it that is able to focus with “normal” lenses. Probably still 10MP. D40 will be discontinued.

Nikon D80

Time for it to get some boost up in order to create another sales frenzy. Call it D90.

Main features:

• 12.1MP 1.5X FOV CMOS sensor with self sensor cleaning ability
• Uses MB-D90 battery pack
• 3″ LCD with 900k dots (same as D300)
• unable to meter with manual lenses
• Live View

Will we see another DSLR from Nikon? Some rumors say that there will be a D3X. I really doubt so. I don’t think there is a need for X or H model differentiation from Nikon in their professional DSLR anymore. I have told many…and my firm believing is that there should only be one TOP model at one time from Nikon. Previous D1X, D1H and D2X, D2H are needed due to the limitation and lacking in technology, so Nikon has to push out two different DSLR for different market needs. Now, with the advancement and maturity of sensor and processor technology, one camera is capable of doing both X and H jobs. No need to separate into two again.

So in year 2008, we will see Nikon DSLR range of:

• D60 (replacement of D40/D40X)
  
• D90 (replacement of D80)
  
• D300 (D200 will discontinue)
• D3 (D2Xs and D2h will discontinue)
  

How about Lenses?

There will definitely be some lenses update from Nikon, the question is which?

Here’s my prediction:

AFS 300mm F/4 VR N

• Time to add VR to this lens. In my opinion, everything that is longer than 200mm should have VR inside. This AFS 300mm F/4 lens has been in the market for quite some time. Nikon will update this lens to AFS 300mm F/4 VR N in year 2008.

AFS 85mm F1.4 N

• Yes, time to update this legendary portrait lens to AFS motor and add nano coating to it.

AFS 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 (IF) VR

• This kit lens will have VR added to it in order to make it more attractive for general consumer. It will be the standard bundled kit lens for D90.

AFS 17-55mm DX G VR

• Time to update this lens to boost the sales and market of DX users. Though not very likely, but still a possibility.

AFS 200mm F/4 Macro N

• This legendary macro lens from Nikon has been around for ages. Time for Nikon to update it to AFS motor and nano coating.

AFS 60mm F/2.8 N

• Similar to 200macro, but as 60mm macro is more affordable to the general consumer, so the urge to update it should be higher than the 200macro version.

Besides the above, how about some wild thought and dream from Nikon?

Wild dreams?

Just some dreams…might not happen in year 2008…but dream for the future!

FD3A

Digital version of the mechanical manual version of FM3A. M stands for mechanical, which is impossible for digital camera to function without electric power, so remove the word M and replace it with D (digital). Rewind crank will still remain, must advance the crank before pressing the shutter release.

Main features:

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV 1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed from 8s to 1/4000s with B mode
• Manual mirror lock up possible
• Fully manual mode, no autofocus
• Price (street) = US$1.2k-1.3k

SP Digital

Reintroduction of the rangefinder system from Nikon that bring new life to their S series rangefinder! Using Nikon S mount, compatible with all previous Nikon S mount lenses.

Main features

• 12.1MP CMOS sensor (FOV1.5X)
• ISO100-6400
• 2.5″ 700k dots LCD
• Shutter speed 8s to 1/8000s with B mode
• Fully mechanical
• Price (street) = US$5.5k

3 comments.

My wife said “anytime”…

Posted on December 3rd, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I have the chance to try out a Nikon D3 yesterday. Yes, this is the currently hottest and most anticipate DSLR in the market. Stock is so limited that everybody is searching for one.

Thank God I managed to get one unit for my customer from Japan, else I would be in trouble.

The camera is so heavy…but feel good in hand. Grip can be hold firmly. LCD is big and bright, viewfinder is bright and large! All buttons are nicely laid out…I asked my wife to hold it for a second…she said dare not.

I checked the condition, took 2 frames of test shots, then put the camera back into the box. Yes, my standard procedures of checking the DSLR as requested by customers. This is to make sure that the camera received by my customer is in perfect order instead of them having to send the camera back to me only realizing it is defect upon arriving. Still, D3 as the professional DSLR from Nikon should have very high quality control and check. Made in Japan man…

After putting the D3 back to the box and packed it, I asked my wife when can I get one for myself? As a dealer of Nikon in Malaysia, I can get pretty good price of the D3 for myself. Of course not now as I still have many customers in my waiting list…guess what my wife answered?

Anytime!

I guess she is not serious at all… :’(

3 comments.

Olympus E-3 AutoFocus - WOW!

Posted on November 26th, 2007 by KhoKing.
Categories: Photography.

I have the chance to try out Olympus E-3 professional DSLR today in DEODEO electronic superstore in Japan. That was a surprised actually, as my main purpose going there wasn’t for the E-3 (didn’t expect they have one) but Nikon D300.

I spent some time checking out Nikon D300, while finding subjects to focus…I spotted the E-3. After fiddling the D300 for an extra minute, I went to take up the E-3 and ON the power.

I remember Olympus users talking about E-3 having the world’s fastest Autofocus system…I thought that was just a marketing gimmick until I tried it out myself just now.

Just how fast is it?

LIGHTNING FAST!!!

I test the E-3 by focusing to close and then to far subjects, making sure that the camera and lens have to travel some “long” distance in order to get focus. The result is just amazing! The lens snap into focus almost instantly!

I can’t remember which lens was mounted on the E-3, if I am not mistaken, it should be the “12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD” (confirmed the lens, just update with photo). The lens extend quite long (almost double the original length after zoom to telephoto).

Bare in mind that I was just testing the D300 with AFS 18-200mm lens before trying out the E-3. If I can explain the speed of E-3 AF better…it is like the sound of Zop while D300 is like ZOoooop. Yes, the difference is very obvious. On the viewfinder of E-3, you can see the focus change is instantly. You don’t see from blur to sharp in progress…but instantly change!

To be honest, I must say I am impressed with the E-3 AF system. Definitely deserves the title of “among the world’s fastest AF” if not already the world’s fastest!

On the side note of E-3 physical built, the camera does feel good in hand with firm grip design. It is definitely a very big size camera as compared to the E-510 or other E-DSLR. There are lots of buttons at the back of the E-3…which I am not familiar of, so I didn’t try it out. The Flippable LCD screen actually makes the E-3 looks a bit cheap…discount the professional feel of the E-3 in my humble opinion. Of course, this is just my personal feel, in terms of practical use, it is definitely better than those fixed LCD. Yeah, imagine shooting from above your head or on the ground.

That’s all from my few minutes try of the E-3. If I got the time, I will go try it out again. By the way, I notice the price of E-3 is around RM1k cheaper than Nikon D300, so it is definitely a very good competitor to the Nikon system.

3 comments.

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