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Press release: The splendor of full radiance: Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena With an Emphasis on Extreme Peripheral Illumination, the Plena is a New Visual Experience with Dreamy Bokeh, Fast Aperture and Beautiful Compression Melville, New York, September 27, 2023 - Today Nikon Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, an impressively unique lens for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. This new mid-telephoto prime lens bestows astonishingly high resolution, edge-to-edge brightness, incredible sharpness and spectacularly dramatic bokeh, all while elevating the threshold of what’s possible with optical technology. The name "Plena" is derived from the Latin term plenum, which denotes the state of a space being completely full. This name was chosen to reflect the lens’ ability to fulfill the user’s creative vision with superior light gathering capability, beautiful, well-rounded bokeh and outstanding sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Following in the footsteps of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, this distinctively brilliant portrait prime is only the second Nikon lens to be granted a dedicated name, with the hope that it will be highly regarded by users for many years to come. "The Plena is a beautiful lens in every way. From the premium metal exterior to the brightness and image rendering that’s nothing short of breathtaking, this is a lens that needs to be experienced," said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. "This is exactly the kind of incredible optical innovation that our engineers promised was in our future, which could only be developed with the wider diameter and shorter flange distance of the next generation Z mount." This truly special optic is engineered with a focus on superior peripheral illumination, which is the ability to deliver the maximum amount of light to the far edges of the frame. The result is abundant brightness from edge-to-edge, with clear, bright subject distinction throughout. The combination of brightness, bokeh quality and extreme sharpness makes for vibrant images with a mystical pop of three-dimensionality. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is part of the S-Line[1] and takes advantage of the Z mount system’s large-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design, as well as the potential for light gathering. In addition to enhanced brightness, the optical formula and larger rear element helps to realize beautiful, well-rounded bokeh throughout the entire frame, even from maximum aperture. The NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena also affords users outstanding sharpness and clarity, regardless of the shooting distance with a close minimum focusing distance of only 0.82 m/2.69 ft. This enables a fantastic dreamlike expression that combines delicate textures and beautiful bokeh in portraits, landscapes and more. The lens’ luxurious exterior design is intended to match its superior optical performance. Along with the adoption of metal components, the lens features an engraved "Plena" logo similar to the cursive font and yellow color of the Noct logo. Additional features include a fully weather sealed body for durability and the addition of two L-Fn buttons for customization. Primary Features of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Beautiful, well-rounded bokeh is achieved throughout the entire frame, while supporting a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. Eleven-blade diaphragm and larger rear element contribute to exceptionally circular bokeh for dreamlike expression that accentuates the three-dimensionality of the subject with smooth gradation. The large amount of peripheral light at the f/1.8 maximum aperture ensures a consistently bright image all the way to the extreme corners of the frame for a sense of transparency and brilliance in images. The outstanding sharpness and clarity, characteristic of S-Line lenses, enables rendering of the finest textures in hair and skin tones, while excellent point-light reproduction capabilities achieve brilliant night and urban landscape imagery. A multi-focusing system uses stepping motors (STMs) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus drive for still images and video. In addition to Meso Amorphous Coat, the most effective anti-reflection coating in Nikon history that prevents reflections regardless of the direction from which light enters the lens, Nikon’s original ARNEO Coat is also used to effectively reduce instances of ghosting and flaring. Optical construction consists of 16 elements in 14 groups, with four ED elements, one aspherical element and one SR lens element. A design that takes video recording into consideration with quiet operation and stable exposure. The lens body features two lens Fn buttons, to which a wide variety of functions can be assigned. One is positioned on the top of the lens enabling smooth adjustment of settings even when shooting in vertical orientation. The versatile 82mm filter attachment size enables the use of various lens filters designed to satisfy users’ creative intent. Designed to achieve superior dust and drip-resistant performance[2]. Well balanced with a dimension of 3.9"x 5.5", and a weight of 2.2 lbs /995 g. Price and Availability The new NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena will be available in mid-October for a suggested retail price of $2499.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com. [1] The S-line is a grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that demonstrate outstanding optical performance, adhering to a high standard of design principles and quality control. [2] Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions. *SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Press release: BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY: CANON ANNOUNCES THE CANON EOS R6 MARK II HYBRID FULL-FRAME CAMERA New RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens and Speedlite EL-5 Flash Unit Also Announced MELVILLE, NY, November 2, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the launch of the new EOS R6 Mark II camera body, Canon’s new hybrid full-frame camera, and the first EOS R series full-frame mirrorless to take the step into the second generation. In addition, Canon is also introducing the new RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM mid-telephoto portrait lens and Speedlite EL-5 flash unit. Ideal for advanced amateurs and featuring user-friendly functions, the EOS R6 Mark II camera is a high-performance hybrid camera that’s designed to capture decisive moments in both photo and video formats. It will satisfy a wide range of needs including professional production, vlogging, still pictures, filmmaking, and more. The camera is also well-suited for various photography subjects such as portrait, landscape, sports and wildlife. With the EOS R6 Mark II camera, creativity has virtually no borders. As the market share leader for mirrorless cameras in the United States through Q3 of 2022, Canon continues to strengthen its innovative EOS R lineup with the new EOS R6 Mark II camera. The EOS R6 Mark II offers enhanced video and photo functions, such as in-body Image Stabilization, as well as specifications that can satisfy video production needs, such as controlled focusing. “As a filmmaker who is always on the move, I need a camera I can trust in a multitude of environments as well as keeping up with my fast paced style of shooting and the new Canon EOS R6 Mark II does just that.” said Canon Co-Lab Creator, Sam Newton. In addition to its compact size and ease of use, the EOS R6 Mark II camera also features: 24.2 megapixels, full-frame image sensor 4K 59.94p video recording External 6K RAW video recording / Internal 4K video recording oversampled from 6K High-speed burst shooting Canon Log 3 maximizing dynamic range Autofocus (AF): highly accurate subject detection with human, animal, vehicle and automatic settings Horses, trains, and airplanes are newly detectable through the use of deep learning technology Continuous movie recording that exceeds 30 minutes Up to 12 frames per second mechanical shutter Up to 40 frames per second with electronic shutter In-body Image Stabilization as effective as up to 8 stops faster shutter speed Alongside the new camera body, Canon has announced a new addition to its growing line of innovative RF lenses – the RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM. This is a fixed focal length mid-telephoto portrait lens that is compatible with any EOS R-series camera. The RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM achieves beautiful and generous bokeh with the large-diameter F1.8 and comes equipped with in-lens Image Stabilization. The coordinated control of this IS coupled with the in-body IS present in the EOS R6 Mark II camera and other EOS R equipped IBIS cameras helps reduce camera shake and empowers photographers to express a feel of motion when shooting in dark areas with slow shutter speeds. “The image quality and super smooth bokeh out of the new RF135mm F1.8 L IS USM lens is absolutely spectacular and superior to the EF version.” said Canon Explorer of Light, Vanessa Joy. Additionally, Canon has announced the new Speedlite EL-5 flash unit, designed for superior compatibility with the new EOS R6 Mark II. The Speedlite EL-5 is Canon’s first flash product compatible with the new multi-function shoe present in the EOS R6 Mark II, EOS R3, EOS R7 and EOS R10 cameras. “The new Canon Speedlite EL-5 flash will give that magical kiss of light that brings a picture to life and illuminates your creative vision.” said Canon Explorer of Light, Bob Davis. Price & Availability The Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera body only and kits with either the Canon RF24-105 F4 L IS USM or the RF24-105 F4.0-7.1 IS STM USM lens will be available in late November 2022 for estimated retail prices of $2499.00, $3599.00 and $2799.00 respectively*. Notes ¹ As of November 2 2022, the MC-N10 Remote Grip is compatible with the Z 9, Z 7II, and Z 6II. Be sure to update camera firmware to the latest version. ² When two 1.2 V AA rechargeable Ni-MH batteries are used. Battery endurance may vary depending on batteries used, operating environment, usage conditions, and storage conditions. ³ Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.

Press release: Cooke Optics launches S8/i FF spherical lenses for full frame production New lens series is a state-of-the-art statement for the future Leicester, UK – 16th March 2022 – Cooke Optics has announced the launch of the S8/i Full Frame (FF) series of seven lenses for full frame production with an all-spherical design and T1.4 throughout, these currently include 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm focal lengths. A further nine lenses will join the range from late 2022. The S8/i are a cutting edge, state-of-the-art high-speed full frame lenses motivated by feedback from cinematographers wanting to create more realistic and film-like images with spherical lenses for digital motion capture. An evolution of the Cooke Look®, S8/i produces breathtakingly beautiful images with an almost organic feel and a clean bokeh. To achieve this, Cooke has focussed on optimising the contrast performance for the S8/i. Good resolution is, of course, vital with a modern lens. Crucially, human perception of resolution is tied to contrast, so an observer will perceive a sharp image due to the synergy and balance of both. Creating film-like images and the Cooke Look®, requires the optimisation of contrast. Cooke’s design team - and Academy Award® winning designer Iain Neill, Chief Optics Advisor at Cooke - undertook a huge study to ensure S8/i’s contrast performance is maximised to suit the actual resolution of digital cameras (today and indeed for many years into the future). Under the body, S8/i is an all-spherical design which produces a near telecentric output of the light rays which is efficient for sensors. It is characterised by smooth, spherical bokeh and minimal colour fringing, enabling cinematographers to create sensitive and emotional images with a high degree of dimensionality. FasterWith a maximum aperture of T1.4 across the focal range, the new S8/i FF lenses are amongst the very fastest produced lenses for larger than full frame capture. They also offer greater control over depth of field and flare characteristics, whilst still providing excellent low light performance without graining.LighterCompact and light, agile and easy to use, the new S8/i FF lenses have been created for a wide variety of situations and today’s compact cameras. Being lighter, however, has not compromised strength, durability, or their exceptional image quality.SmarterDesigned from the ground up to incorporate Cooke’s very latest intelligent /i technology, the new S8/i FF lenses include: • /i data focus and iris position• /i motion inertial data• /i maps factory calibrated shading and distortion dataTim Pugh, CEO, Cooke Optics, said, “We are very proud to reveal the new S8/i FF series, built as always with cinematographers in mind. The lenses have been designed and produced in a smart way using an all-spherical design which provides an organic, filmic aesthetic to accompany the latest digital film cameras.” The S8/i FF series is now available to order in the following focal lengths: 25mm, 32mm, 40mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, and 135mm.Selected focal lengths will be available to view at BSC Expo in London in March and NAB in Las Vegas and Micro Salon AFC in Paris in April. Features in production or recently shot with Cooke lenses include: The Water Man, We Are Lady Parts, Mayday, Birds of Paradise, The Sixth Reel, No Loss//No Gain, The Marksman, Fugitive Dreams, Supernova, I Still Breathe, Legacy of Lies, I Know This Much is True, Pinocchio, Onward, Toy Story 4, Birds of Prey: and the Fantabulous Emancipation of Harley Quinn, Motherless Brooklyn, Sweetheart, Vice, Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star Is Born, Venom, Call Me By Your Name, Motherless Brooklyn, Stan and Ollie, Darkest Hour, Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House. Television shows in production or recently shot with Cooke lenses include: King of Boys: The Return of the King, Star Trek: Discovery, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, Kevin Can F**K Himself, Meet Your Master, Below Zero, Fate: The Winx Saga, Behind Her Eyes, Barb and Star go to Vista Del Mar, A Suitable Boy, The Mess You Leave Behind, Flight Attendant, The Chosen, The Great, HALIFAX: Retribution, The Luminaries, Lost in Space, Star Girl, Dead to Me, Save Me Too, Insecure, Dark Crystal, Star Trek: Picard, Peaky Blinders, Osmosis, Top Boy, David Makes Man, Catch-22, The Perfection, Ozark, Gentleman Jack, Free Rein, Skam France, Doctor Who, Fleabag, Kevin (Probably) Save the World, The Crossing, The Crown, Westworld, Poldark, Game of Thrones, Midsomer Murders, Orange is the New Black and Fargo.

Press release: Samyang adds 135mm T2.2 to its VDSLR MK2 cine lens line-up Exclusively distributed in the UK and Ireland by Holdan, the new VDSLR 135mm T2.2 MK2 is a compact, telephoto cine lens designed for filmmakers using DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Manchester, United Kingdom – Thursday 28th October, 2021, Holdan, a specialist distributor to the professional video, broadcast and photography sector, has today announced Samyang’s completion of its VDSLR MK2 cine lens line-up with the new VDSLR 135mm T2.2 MK2 lens. It is exclusively distributed by them in the UK and Ireland. Expansion of compact cine lens set with 6 most-used focal lengths The VDSLR MK2 set now comprises 6 of the most-used focal lengths: 14mm T3.1, 24mm T1.5, 35mm T1.5, 50mm T1.5, 85mm T1.5 and 135mm T2.2. Fast T-stop values, beloved image quality and enhanced user-friendly features come in 6 different mounts such as Canon EF and Sony E, with full frame coverage. Inheriting the renowned image quality of the original Samyang VDSLR series, the updated MK2 series is developed to be the foundational cine lens set for filmmakers. Samyang pioneered the entry-point cine lens line-up by launching its VDSLR range back in 2014 and it has been a staple set for independent filmmakers and low-budget project directors to broaden their horizons of creativity. During those 6 years, Samyang has worked in partnership with the market and introduced the updated VDSLR MK2 series, with useful new features. Main Features Compact professional cine lens covering full-frame sensor size The compact size of Samyang's VDSLR lenses makes them perfect for hand-holding and gimbal shooting. The new VDSLR 135mm T2.2 MK2 is only 12.2cm in length and weighs just 866.4g. In contrast to their compact size, the VDSLR MK2 lenses cover full frame sensors (36x24mm) and are ready for the high-quality video making environment. Most popular focal lengths - available in 6 different mounts The VDSLR MK2 range now has 6 focal lengths: 14mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 135mm. These are the essential and most popular focal lengths for any creative or commercial projects. All 6 lenses are available and fully compatible with 6 different mounts: Canon EF, Sony E, Nikon F, Canon M, Fuji X and MFT. They are suitable for both DSLR and mirrorless systems and ready to support all types of filmmakers around the globe. Long Focus Throw and De-Clicked Aperture Ring Even though the VDSLR MK2 series is compact in size, it is fully-featured, with de-clicked aperture and focus gear rings. The long focus throw of over 195° enables cinematographers to focus precisely on their subjects, creating a more professional feel to video footage than with autofocus photo lenses. Fast Aperture for Low-Light Situations For independent filmmakers, a versatile lens saves time and budget. The Samyang VDSLR MK2 series has fast T1.5 apertures across 24mm, 35mm, 50mm to 85mm, T3.1 for 14mm and T2.2 for the new 135mm. This benefits filmmakers and allows them to concentrate more on the scene and creativity, without having to concern themselves about image quality, even in low-light situations. Also, the shallow depth of field available blurs out the background and highlights the subject, adding depth to the story. New Feature #1: Weather Sealing The new VDSLR MK2 series includes a weather-sealing feature to protect the most vulnerable gap between the lens and camera mount and prevent dust, light rain and snow from penetrating. It provides the ability to capture stunning images in less than perfect conditions. New Feature #2: 9 Aperture Blades for exceptional Bokeh and Starburst effects This series is updated with 9 aperture blades across all 6 focal lengths, to provide unified smooth and circular bokeh. It adds a three-dimensional quality and pleasing effect to out-of-focus backgrounds. 18-ray starburst highlights can also be created by stopping down to small apertures. New Feature #3: Updated design with Side Scales The Samyang VDSLR MK2 models have a sleek new design: Black and matte finish boosts usability and professionalism on the set. They are lightweight but sturdy and fully equipped for numerous projects. The distance scales are readable from both sides, as are the focal lengths. These features support focus pullers and assistant cinematographers to operate more intuitively.