Check back here for this month's freshest photographic kit and accessory releases. Updated regularly

Op/Tech Rainsleeve Mega

Op/Tech has added to its rainsleeve family with the Rainsleeve Mega, a rain protection sleeve that features an eyepiece opening for pressing the eye to the camera’s viewfinder. The Rainsleeve Mega can be used in both handheld and tripod shooting, and can be adjusted to accomodate for configurations that include longer lenses. The elastic drawstring enclosure with barrel locks will fit any camera/lens configuration up to eight inches (20.3 cm) in diameter and up to 25 inches (63.5 cm) long. www.optechusa.com

MindShiftGear rotation180º Panorama backpack

A new rotating backpack from MindShiftGear, the rotation180º allows quick access to gear through a rotating section that can be brought quickly around to the front without removing the bag. Primarily designed for hikers, the bag can be adapted to better suit photographers by purchase of the Panorama Photo Insert, which provides extra carrying capacity specifically for camera kit. www.mindshiftgear.com.

Hähnel ProCube charger

The ProCube charger is an on-the-go product for photographers who have high battery usage, compatible with the Canon E6 and E8 and the Nikon EL14 and EL15. It is capable of charging two DSLR lithium-ion batteries simultaneously, and also features an extra tray for charging four additional AA batteries. There is a built-in USB charging facility for charging tablets and mobile devices. The estimated charge time for a single DSLR battery is 1.5 hours, and 2-3 hours for two. £59.99, www.hahnel.ie.

Sigma 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM

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Sigma’s new zoom lens covers the shooting range of a 35mm full-size image sensor, from wide to mid-telephoto, with a constant aperture of f/4. It is part of Sigma’s’ ‘Art’ line, designed for users who value a great degree of artistic expression and creative, dramatic images. It suppresss chromatic aberration heavily at the telephoto end and, Sigma says, overcomes the low peripheral brightness common to lenses of this specification. Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and a Hyper Sonic Motor offers silent, high-speed AF. Filter size 82mm, minimum aperture f/22, 19 elements in 14 groups, min focal distance 45cm. www.sigma-imaging-uk.com.

Manfrotto Advanced Bags

Manfrotto has launched the new Advanced bag range. Photographers can choose from a range of styles, including shoulder bag, holster or sling. The Gear Backpack is a single-compartment bag designed for just camera equipment, with padded dividers for separating cameras, lenses and accessories. The Active Backpackis a bulkier model for storing everyday essentials as well as camera equipment. The Tri Backpack, similar size to the Gear, is so named because it can be worn in three ways: with the straps on the shoulders, the straps crossed over the chest or with a single strap in sling style around the body. www.manfrotto.co.uk.

Nissin Di700 flashgun

The new Nissin Di700 flashgun is available to fit Nikon and Canon. It supports 180º horizontal rotation, upward tilt of 90º and downward tilt of 7º. On the rear is a colour LED display panel. The Di700 has a recycle time of 0/1-4 seconds, a flash duration of 200-1500 flashes, colour temperature of 5600K and an AF-assist beam with an effective range of 0.7-6m. It also features an external power socket, and its synchronisation supports up to 1/8000sec shutter speeds. www.kenro.co.uk.

MindShift Gear Tripod Suspension Kit

This new kit from MindShift Gear allows for hands-free transport of tripods and monopods. Aluminium hardware attaches tripods and monopods to backpack shoulder harnesses, and the two adjustable straps can also be customised to hold the weight of additional kit, even pro-camera bodies and telephoto lenses. www.mindshiftgear.com.

Lowepro StreamLine Bag Series

The Lowepro Streamline 150 and 250 are messenger-style bags with separate, individual compartments for tablets, cameras, smartphones and other items. Both feature padded zip pockets at the front and an expandable main pocket. Also available is the LowePro StreamLine Sling, a lightweight sling bag designed for CSCs. The 150 and 230 are available for £33 and £37 respectively, the Sling for £41. www.lowepro.com.

Zeiss Otus 1.4/55

Zeiss is embarking on a new family of lenses with the Otus 1.4/55, a 55mm prime that promises to almost eliminate chromatic aberrations and excel in low light. The lens features 12 elements in 10 groups. Full story here. www.zeiss.com.

HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8ED WR lens


Pentax’s new HD zoom lens, £399.99, features weather-resistant construction, a 5.5 times zoom ratio and superior HD coating. Full story here. www.ricoh-imaging.co.uk.

Manfrotto 190 Tripod Series

Manfrotto has launched a new series based on its popular 190 tripod. The 190 series features a newly designed central column that can tilt 90º with a touch of a button, allowing for both shooting versatility and increased portability. A new Quick Power Lock system allows for quick, easy extension of the four-section legs. The four models in the new series are available in aluminium and carbon fibre, priced from £184.95 to £359.95. www.manfrotto.co.uk.

Reflecta RPL 306 LED Studio Lighting Kit

 

New from Kenro, this Reflecta lighting kit is supplied ready to use straight out of the bag. The two heads each feature 306 dimmable LED lights that Kenro says will run cooler and last longer than conventional studio lights. The units are kept lightweight (1200g each) by the external power adapters, and come with a carrying bag for transportation. Stepless dimming control is available, and the units produce a colour temperature of 6500K. See www.kenro.co.uk for more information.