Sony Alpha

Sony 500/F4 G lens at WPPI 2012

by Brian Smith on February 20, 2012

in Gear

Sony Alpha Product Manager Kenta Honjo holds the new Sony 500/4 G Lens

Personally, I would have gone all Louis Vuitton on the case - can we talk Brian Smith Edition?

Here it is Sony users, at long last it’s here the Sony 500/F4 G lens for Sony A-mount SLT and DSLR cameras. This is one SWEET LENS! Great balance, all-hand assembled just like all G- Glass – its a beauty! Think of it as the Ferrari of Alpha lenses and for a Ferrari, $13,000 is practically a steal…

Here are the Factory Specs:

* Longest-ever focal length G Lens from Sony
* Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces for flawless still images and HD video
* Bright F4.0 aperture for superior light gathering
* Compatible with SteadyShot INSIDE featured in all α cameras
* New SSM drive circuit for quick, accurate autofocus
* Rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design: ideal partner for SLT-A77
* Enhanced handling and operability

Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.

The SAL500F40G is ideal for wildlife, sports and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with un-compromised optical performance.

The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether you’re shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, you’ll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.

Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. It’s the first G Lens from Sony to feature an advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections drastically. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood that’s lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.

The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when you’re shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (α77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly rugged performance.

Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that’s featured in every α Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, you’ll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation that’s equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.

In a year that is filled with major sporting events, the razor-sharp autofocus performance of the SAL500F40G makes it ideal for capturing the true essence of athletic emotion as the worlds’ eyes look on. Complemented by α systems that deliver up to 12 frames per second (fps) stills shooting and 50 fps in full HD video mode, wildlife photographers now have the tools to capture and share every nuance of their chosen subject.

The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with significantly faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.

Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. They’re complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for slick operation when you’re shooting under pressure.

Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available beginning April 2012.

Tagged as: lens, Sony 500/F4 G, Sony Alpha, telephoto

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ASK BRIAN: Using Pocket Wizards on Sony Alpha?

by Brian Smith on March 8, 2011

in Gear

Q: Hi Brian, First time I met a pro working with a900 Sony Body. I own one too and happy with it. Just might be a little bad when in low light … I saw your using PW, which one are u using and How do you connect both body and flash ? What about Elinchrom ?
asked by danysimon

A: Yes Dany, I’m using PocketWizard Plus II Transceivers with my Sony a900. All you need is an adapter like the Sony FA-HS1AM Hot Shoe Adapter to convert the Sony shoe to standard. Many of the Profoto strobe packs I use have built in PocketWizard circuitry . I trigger the packs that don’t using a PocketWizard Plus II Transceiver with PocketWizard Miniphone to Monoplug cord.

 

Tagged as: PocketWizard, Sony a900, Sony Alpha

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Schneider-Kreuznach new tilt-shift lenses at Photokina 2010

by Brian Smith on September 17, 2010

in Gear

Schneider-Kreuznach is launching new tilt-shift lenses for digital single-lens reflex cameras with full-frame image sensor: Super-Angulon 2.8/50 mm HM and Makro-Symmar 4.0/90 mm HM in mounts for Sony A-Mount, Nikon, Canon and Pentax K-Mount at Photokina 2010. A third T/S lens the  APO-Digitar 5.6/120 mm HM Aspheric will be available for Mamiya/Phase One medium-format systems.

Schneider 50mm/2.8 PC-TS Super-Angulon is a great lens for architectural photography

Schneider 50mm/2.8 PC-TS Super-Angulon

Schneider 90mm/4.0 PC-TS Makro-Symmar is a great lens for portrait and architectural photography

Schneider 90mm/4.0 PC-TS Makro-Symmar

Put me on the list for the 50mm/2.8 PC-TS. I love the look of a normal lens with some tilt to throw the plane of focus and you know that Schneider glass will be SWEET!

Tagged as: Architectural Photography, Canon, lenses, Nikon, Pentax, Photokina 2010, Schneider, Sony, Sony Alpha, tilt-shift

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X-Rite Video Salute to Burlesque

by Brian Smith on June 23, 2010

in Interviews

HUGE THANKS to Ab “Scorsese” Sesay of the MAC Group for this fantastic behind-the-scenes look of my shoot with Burlesque dancers Angie Pontani, Amber Ray, Gal Friday,  Jo Boobs Weldon, Peekaboo Pointe, Darlinda Just Darlinda and Bunny Love the latest additions to my Legends of Burlesque project which dates back to a 1993 shoot of Burlesque Legend Dixie Evans.

Great to see Angie, Darlinda and Jo again. Last June, we shot Angie rockin’ her Tiara as the reining Miss Exotic World and Darlinda as half of the fabulous Schlepp Sisters sporting rollergirl chic. Great to have a bit of one-on-one time with Jo since normally when I see her, she’s always working and I was always shooting, and she did a great job wrangling all our dancers. Gal Friday was glitterrific. Special thanks to the one-and-only Satan’s Angel for sending lovely Amber Ray our way!

What better way to show of how well the new X-Rite Color Checker Passport handles skintones, huh?

CREW:
Stylist: Fazia Ali
Assistants: Ryan Brooks and Melanie McLean
Video: Alejandro Gomez and Kirby Ferguson
Photographer: Brian Smith
Director: Ab “Scorsese” Sesay

EQUIPMENT:
Sony a900 Cameras
Sony Zeiss 24-70/2.8
Sony Zeiss 85/1.4
Sony Zeiss 135/1.8
Profoto Pro-8A packs
Profoto Pro Flash Heads
Profoto Giant Umbrella Silver 7’
Profoto Zoom-Spot
Profoto Ringflash
X-Rite ColorChecker Passport
X-Rite i1 Xtreme
Eizo CG241W Display
Apple 13.3″ Macbook Pro Laptop Computer

LOCATION:
Industria Studio 5

Tagged as: Amber Ray, Angie Pontani, Brian Smith, Bunny Love, Burlesque, Color Checker Passport, dancer, Darlinda, Gal Friday, iOne, Jo Boobs Weldon, Peekaboo Pointe, Profoto, Schlepp Sisters, Sony a900, Sony Alpha, X-Rite

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Sony NEX-5: This Small Camera is going to be HUGE!

by Brian Smith on May 21, 2010

in Gear

Sony NEX-5 with 18mm/2.8 lens

I finally got my hands on the new Sony NEX-5 digital camera this morning, when FedEx showed up with a pre-production model. Though I saw prototypes at PMA this year, it’s shocking to hold it your hand and try to figure out how Sony was able to fit an APS sensor into such a small a package. The NEX-5 has the same size sensor that’s in Sony and Nikon APS-C DSLRs and it’s actually larger than sensor in Canon 7D, yet it easily fits into the palm of your hand like a cybershot – making it the smallest and lightest interchangeable lens camera in the world and the first APS-C camera in the world to offer Full HD video recording with continuous auto-focus.

I love this camera because it’s small enough that I can carry around all the time. It won’t replace my DSLRs, but I can keep it with me all the time for a grab shot that I might have otherwise missed. Best of all, for street photography it allows you to shoot without attracting attention. This camera really raises the game.

Sony NEX-5 with 18-55/3.5-5.6 zoom


Next-5 Skull Candy Remix

Next-5 Skull Candy Remix

Tagged as: digital camera, Sony, Sony Alpha, Sony NEX

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Ritz University Special Event – Dallas – May 15, 2010
Celebrity Portrait and Location Portrait Photography

by Brian Smith on May 11, 2010

in Talks

Photographing People with Sony Artisan of Imagery Brian Smith this Saturday, May 15th in Dallas, Texas. Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Brian Smith has been photographing with the famous and infamous faces of celebrities for magazines and advertising for the past 25 years.

Ritz University Special Event
WHERE: Embassy Suites – DFW Airport North
2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, TX 76051
(972-724-2600)

Space is limited Sign up early!
Cost: $25 Per Person, Per Session
Visit any the Ritz/Wolf Camera & Image to register
No phone registrations – You must register in person.

Session one: Saturday, May 15, 2010 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
THE CELEBRITY PORTRAIT: 15 MINUTES WITH FAME
Smith will share his favorite celebrity portraits and the stories behind them and he will discuss the importance that lighting, styling, hair & make-up and location play in adding production value in producing better environmental portraits that can make your work stand out. Smith will show how photography can give everyone their 15 minutes of fame whether they are famous or infamous globally or just famous in your world.

Session Two: Saturday, May 15, 2010 (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
PORTRAITS ON LOCATION: CAPTURING PERSONALITY AND PLACE
Great environmental portraits capture both personality and place. Brian photographs noteworthy and notorious celebrities in the locations where they live, work and play. Smith will show how he photographs subjects on location so that the environment adds another dimension to the shoot citing examples of how he approaches shooting on location whether it’s a large production shoot of a famous subject or simply the someone he runs into on the street while traveling. The seminar will discuss location lighting and tips on selecting the best location to add visual interest to your photographs.

Whether you are a professional photographer or just want to shoot like one, join us for either of both of these informative seminars.

Tagged as: Brian Smith, Celebrity Portrait Photography, Dallas, environmental portraits, Location Portrait Photography, Portraits on Location, Ritz University, Sony, Sony Alpha, Sony Artisan of Imagery, Special Event, Texas, The Celebrity Portrait

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COOL GEAR: What’s in the Bag

by Brian Smith on August 25, 2009

in Travel Photography

Traveling lighter than normal on our trip to Nepal and India with all my gear packed in a ThinkTank StreetWalker HardDrive Backpack. I’ve been using ThinkTank bags for a few years now and they have the best working design and construction in the market. But for this trip I wanted something smaller, so this backpack was just the ticket.

Nepal Camera BagNepal Camera BagNepal Camera Bag

Here’s what’s in the bag:
Sony a900 Camera
Sony Zeiss 24-70/2.8 lens
Sony Zeiss 85/1.4 lens
Sony Zeiss 135/1.8 lens
Sony HVL-F58AM Flash
Sony NP-FM500H Batteries
 13″ Apple MacBook Pro 2.53 Ghz with 500gb hard drive
500gb LaCie Rugged Hard Drives
8Gb SanDisk Extreme IV Compact Flash cards
Gepe Card Safe Extreme Watertight Case
SanDisk Extreme FireWire CF Card Reader
Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
Sony HDR-SR11 60GB Hybrid HDD High Definition Camcorder
Giottos Large Rocket Air Blower
Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly
Delkin Sensor Scope
(16) AA Batteries
Voltage converters, chargers and plugs

Sony BCTRM ChargerThe coolest little space-saver was the Sony BCTRM charger that I picked up when I was in New York before heading off to India and Nepal. It’s  the perfect travel charger for the Sony Alpha cameras.  It’s barely the size of the batteries, so it fits in any bag with a minimum of space. Though I bought it for my trip, it’s staying in my camera bag from now on.

Tagged as: Brian Smith, Charger, India, Miami Photographer, Nepal, Sony, Sony Alpha, Travel Photography, Travels

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Hideki Matsui

by Brian Smith on May 28, 2009

in Athletes

Last week I was in New York riding the subway uptown with a train filled with Yankees fans which reminded me of a shoot I did last year of Hideki Matsui at spring training.

Covering Hideki is really quite a scene. Hideki is Japanese Elvis. There are more photographers following Hideki than covering the rest of the Yankees combined. Fortunately, they are all very, very well behaved.

For this shoot of Japanese baseball players in the U.S., I used a Sony a700. Sony was in developing their full-frame Sony a900 they were looking for feedback from professional photographers. I was sent a Sony a700 and told to take it out and give it a beating to see how it held up under the conditions pros really use their gear. So I decided to give it a trial under fire by using it on a few jobs.

I was set-up for environmental portrait of Hideki in the Yankees Spring Training stadium, Legends’ Field in Tampa when the Yankees PR came up to say Hideki was doing the interview now and we might not get him later.

Rather than tearing down the lights from our big set-up and dragging everything across the stadium, I simply grabbed the Sony Alpha 700 and the Zeiss 85/1.4 and Zeiss 135/1.8 lenses. This series was shot in open shade under the stadium with the 135mm wide open at 1.8 at 1/60 handheld at ASA 100 using the camera’s built-in image stabilization to keep every shot razor sharp.

Hideki Matsui of the New York YankeesHideki Matsui of the New York YankeesHideki Matsui of the New York YankeesHideki Matsui of the New York Yankees

I like these Zeiss lenses a LOT. The Zeiss glass reminds me of the medium format lenses that I’ve used for years. Sony definitely has the right idea. It’s ALL about the glass. The Zeiss 16-35mm/2.8, Zeiss 24-70mm/2.8, Zeiss 85/1.4 and Zeiss 135/1.8 are all razor sharp, but what’s hard to quantify is that not only are they sharp, but they have a great “look” that I’ve only seen from medium format glass.

The good news is that we eventually got the environmental portrait of Hideki that we were after, so the tight portraits were a nice bonus and when it comes to magazine photography, there’s no such thing as having too many options.

Hideki Matsui of the New York Yankees

At this year’s PMA in Las Vegas I found out that Phil Lubell of Sony is a huge Yankees fan, so Mark Weir and I hooked Phil up with a 36″x54″ print of this photo for his office. If you can make a razor sharp 36″x54″print from a 12.2 mp Sony a700, you can imagine how great the prints look from the 24.6 mp Sony a900.

Here the trick to making really big prints:

First – Always shoot RAW if possible – the more information there is in your file the better.

Second – The best time to uprez is in RAW processing, so try to do it at that stage if possible.

Third - Choose an appropriate print resolution for the print size. Epson printers can interpolate from any print resolution, but they have sweet spots at 180, 240, 360 and 480 dpi. So for a relatively small print I’ll print at 480 dpi, but for a large print like this, I’ll use 180 dpi to minimize the need to uprez.

Now go out and do something Big!

Tagged as: Baseball, environmental portrait, Hideki Matsui, Japanese, New York Yankees, Sony a700, Sony Alpha, Sony Alpha 700, Zeiss 135mm/1.8, Zeiss 24-70mm/2.8, Zeiss 85mm/1.4

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