Nikon has introduced a new 2x teleconverter, the AF-S TC-20E III, the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element. It is provides a fit with the Nikkor range of compatible telephoto lenses.

The device attached seamlessly between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length twice without affecting closest focusing distance. It also doubles the lens’s maximum reproduction ratio while maintaining closest focusing distance.

The magnification is accompanied by reduction of the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III reduces aperture by two stops. For example, when it is attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.

Its completely new optical design allows for class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography. The AF-S TC-20E III consists of seven elements arranged in five groups. An aspherical lens element in is included into its optical construction to allow for brilliant image quality.

Moreover, the device is completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, so the cooperation between your Nikkor lens and to this teleconverter will broaden your shooting experience.

The teleconverter comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use. The teleconverter, which goes between the body and the lens, causes a 2-stop light loss but of the lens while.

Nikkor AF-S TC-20E III Teleconverter - Specifications:

• Max/Min Aperture: Reduces by 2 Stops
• Lens Construction: 7 Elements in 5 Groups
• One Aspherical Lens
• Closest Focusing Distance: Same as That of a Prime Lens
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: Double That of a Prime Lens
• Supplied accessories: Teleconverter Cap BF-3A, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0715
• Diameter x Length: 66 x 46mm/2.6 x 1.8 in.
• Weight: 330g/11.6 0z
• Sales start date: 29th January 2010
• Average price: $500

According to PhotographyBlog.

Nikon announced a new super telephoto lens to replace the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The new AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED is its VR II version, which means that it features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology. The lens is targeted at professional photographers.

The new VRII system offers approximately four stops of compensation, thus enabling shooting handheld in lower light conditions, which is essential to news and wildlife photographer.

Another new feature is the A/M focus mode that enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. This makes the lens an excellent choice to for sports and action photographers.

In other respects the AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. It features a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 and  consists of eleven elements in eight groups, with three ED glass elements to correct for all types of chromatic aberration and Nano Crystal Coat included. Its autofocus system is equipped with a built-in silent wave motor to prevent your from disrupting the action.

This lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing you to keep shooting regardless of weather conditions. It is comparatively lightweight for this type of lenses, measuring 2,900g. Its compact dimensions allow you to shoot handheld even if it is used with a teleconverter.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II – Specifications:

• Focal Length:300mm
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Lens Construction: 11 Elements in 8 Groups
• 3 ED Glass Elements
• Picture Angle: 8◦10’
• 9 Diaphragm Blades
• Rounded Aperture
• Closest Focusing Distance: 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
• Filter/Attachment Size: 52mm
• Built-in Silent Wave Motor
• Sealed from Dust and Moisture
• Diameter x Length: 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
• Weight: 2,900g
• Online Price: $5,899.95

Technology is the sphere of digital camera production is advancing rapidly, and now Aptina, a global provider of CMOS image sensors, creates a high performance 1.4-Micron image sensor with 14 Megapixels of resolution, high speed snapshot and HD video modes as well as flexible interface and pre-processing options.

Aptina MT9F001 image sensor is the right solution for high performance digital cameras in terms of sensitivity, hot pixel count, and manufacturability. Moreover, Aptina has overcome crosstalk for photon collection that small pixels face when front side illumination (FSI) is used. Now the results are the same as with BSI (back side illumination) namely lower noise and more accurate color reproduction.

“This sensor puts into practice Aptina’s latest technology, including Aptina™ A-Pix which maximizes the light gathering of each pixel,” says Sandor Barna, General Manager for Aptina’s Camera Business Unit.

For high-speed performance the MT9F001 sensor incorporates a four-lane HiSPiTM (High Speed Serial Pixel Interface) technology which was developed by Aptina. It allows for high speed and low power consumption data transfer as well as high still image quality and video performance. Thus the sensor can capture full HD video (1080p) at a speed of 60fps.

“Aptina is clearly focused on continuous improvement to meet the severe demands of the consumer digital camera market,” said Mr. Toshinobu Haruki, General Manager in the DI Division at SANYO.

The sensor also enables such necessary end-user feature as support for Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).

Aptina MT9F001 SMOS Image Sensor – Features:

• High Resolution of 14 Megapixels
• Pixel Size: 1.4-micron
• Front Side Illumination (FSI)
• High Speed Snapshot
• Full HD Video (1080p/60fps)
• Flexible Interface
• Pre-Processing Options
• Support for Electronic Image Stabilization
• Availability: 2010