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July 28, 2008: Sony will expand its Alpha system of accessories with the addition of a new flash unit, a new Carl Zeiss telephoto zoom lens and three new Carl Zeiss filters.
The HVL-F58AM flash (RRP $699), which is due for release in September, features an innovative Quick Shift Bounce system that enables the flash head to pivot 90 degrees left and right on a horizontal axis in addition to the conventional up and down vertical adjustment. With this system, the camera and flash unit can keep the same orientation for both portrait and landscape shooting, providing more flexibility when arranging the direction of the light. A built-in bounce card is provided for portrait photography.
Offering a maximum guide number of 58 at 105mm and ISO100, the HVL-F58AM flash unit boasts a five-second recycle time plus quiet recharging. A large easy-to-read LCD screen and an intuitive control layout are provided and the new flash has wireless auto flash control, allowing it to be operated off-camera. It can also control the ratio of lighting from up to three off-camera flash units. Flash output ratios can be adjusted automatically and a modelling flash is available to preview flash effects before taking the picture. A mini-stand is supplied for greater wireless freedom.
A sophisticated zoom control automatically adjusts illumination angles for either APS-C size or 35mm full frame sensors to minimise light ‘fall-off’ at the periphery of images. An advanced white balance compensation system gathers colour temperature data to compliment the white balance reading of the camera and provide better colour accuracy when the main unit is in auto white balance mode. Other features include high-speed synchronisation at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000 of a second, ADI flash metering, manual flash and zoom (six levels) and multiple-flash.
The new SAL70300G – 70-300mm F4.5-5.6 G SSM Carl Zeiss telephoto zoom lens (RRP $1399) is available in retail stores now. Combining high performance with portability, it features extra-low dispersion glass elements for clear and sharp edge-to-edge description and reduced chromatic aberration. A high-torque Super Sonic wave motor smooth ensures silent AF operation and a circular aperture provides beautiful defocusing effects. The SAL70300G includes a focus hold button and focus range limiter and has a minimum focusing distance of about 1.2m throughout the zoom range.
Sony has worked with Carl Zeiss to develop three new filters that come in three different sizes to suit the Alpha range of lenses. All new Carl Zeiss filters use professional quality T* coating. All three filters are available now with prices reflecting the area of glass utilised.
– MC Protector filter (RRP $99-$139) protects the front element of the lens from damage and filters UV light to give a more saturated and crisper image.
– Circular Polariser filter (RRP $159-$279) eliminates glare and reflections and increases saturation, especially in blue sky.
– ND filter (RRP $129-$139) blocks light by a given amount of stops, which is useful in bright light and for special effects such as blurring moving objects.
For more information on Sony’s Alpha range, phone Sony Australia on 1300 720 071 or visit www.sony.com.au.
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