Photo Accessory News

Pro-Optic’s Affordable Fisheye
Pro-Optic has announced the 8mm Pro-Optic Fish-Eye lens, featuring a breakthrough in optical design for the first affordable fisheye lens designed for D-SLRs that have APS-sized sensors. Most fisheye lenses are designed for cameras with 35mm-sized sensors and when placed on an APS sensor, the edges of the image are cut off. Not so with the Pro-Optic Fish-Eye lens. The new lens is designed for sensors that range from 20.7x13.8mm to 28.7x19.1mm, and the multiplication factor will range from 1.5 to 1.6x.

The manual focus lens features a built-in lens hood and a sturdy, locking lens cap to protect the large front element from damage when it’s stored. Exclusively available from Adorama, the lens has a price of $289.95, and is available in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony/Minolta mounts.

Contact: Adorama Camera, Inc., 42 West 18th St., New York, NY 10011; (800) 223-2500; www.adorama.com.

The Camtrol Stabilizing Platform
The Camtrol is a stabilizing platform designed for use with D-SLRs and video equipment. It features an ergonomic action control grip with a space that can accommodate any remote for quick and easy access. The sturdy Camtrol is crafted from T-6 aluminum and features a cushioned platform that prevents camera slippage and unwanted vibration. The three ball joints rotate 360? and can be easily adjusted to a wide variety of configurations. The retail value is $399.99.

Contact: Camtrol, Inc.; (888) 226-8765; www.camtrol.com.

Makaw’s VideoPerch
The VideoPerch is an inexpensive, easy-to-use device that weighs just 1.8 lbs but is durable enough to safely support a wide variety of equipment, including digital cameras, video cameras, and spotting scopes. Its innovative design allows you the freedom to mount the VideoPerch just about anywhere and set it vertically, horizontally, or even at an angle. It features a built-in level and has a suggested retail price of $69.99.

Contact: Brandess-Kalt-Aetna Group, Inc., 701 Corporate Woods Parkway, Vernon Hills, IL 60061; (800) 621-5488; www.bkaphoto.com.

M-ROCK’s Acadia 638 Bag
The Acadia 638 bag was designed to accommodate all models of ultra-compact point-and-shoot digital cameras or other small electronic devices such as a cell phone or MP3 player. Crafted from spongy neoprene to provide protection against impact, it features reinforced plastic panels, a belt loop, and an adjustable armband. The Acadia is available in five two-tone color combinations and has an MSRP of $20.

Contact: M-ROCK, 21055 NE 37th Ave., Ste. 2002, Aventura, FL 33180; (800) 773-7067; www.m-rock.com.

Induro’s Tripods And Monopods
Induro has redesigned their popular line of tripods and monopods. The Induro Carbon Fiber 8X CT-Series tripods are lightweight and said to be up to 60 percent stronger than other brands. The AT-Series Aluminum Alloy tripods are made from the highest grade alloy for greater durability. The tripods feature three-position dust- and moisture-resistant leg locks, a reversible center column, interchangeable rubber feet, a spring-loaded weight hook, and a five-year warranty. The monopods offer half-turn dust- and moisture-resistant leg locks, a reversible tripod head mounting screw, and a wrist strap.

Contact: MAC Group Induro Division, 8 Westchester Plaza, Elmsford, NY 10523; (914) 347-3300; www.indurogear.com.

To submit information for “Roundup,” please contact our New Products Editor by e-mail at: Cynthia.Boylan@sorc.com or regular mail at: Shutterbug Magazine, 1415 Chaffee Dr., Ste. #10, Titusville, FL 32780.