Monthly Archives: May 2016

Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD review

Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD review

Cameras, , , , , , ,

Introduction

It’s fair to say that third party lens manufacturers have undergone something of a renaissance in recent years. From Samyang’s inexpensive but optically fine manual focus primes through to Zeiss’s premium optics, photographers now have more choice than for many a year.

Tamron-85mm-f18-side

And while they once expected to pay less compared to camera manufacturers’ own offerings, at the expense of noticeably inferior quality, this has now been turned on its head, with innovation and optical quality at keen prices the order of the day, spearheaded by market leader Sigma.

Tamron has long held a close second place, and last year engaged upon a revamp of its premium SP lens line. While clearly inspired by Sigma’s premium line of f/1.4 ‘Art’ primes, the company took an intriguingly different approach by combining a slightly slower f/1.8 aperture with built-in optical stabilisation.
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Read full post here:
https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/reviews/lenses/tamron-sp-85mm-f1-8-di-vc-usd

Best sports watches 2016 : The best GPS watches to buy today

Best sports watches 2016 : The best GPS watches to buy today

Wearables, , , , , ,

While wearables and smartphones are offering more ways to track health than ever, there’s still a place for the powerful and accurate GPS sports watch.

Sports watches are actually learning from the new kit and becoming smarter. Plenty now go beyond GPS location tracking and heart rate monitoring, offering smart notifications from a connected phone too. Designs and builds are also improving with plenty offering looks good enough to leave the watch on all the time.


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Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/fitness-trackers/buyers-guides/136563-best-running-watches-and-gps-sports-watches-for-runners-to-buy

Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS review

Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS review

Cameras, , , , , ,

Fujifilm users have been waiting patiently for a long telephoto zoom, and finally the Fujinon XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR is here. Michael Topham reports on a full day’s testing at the home of British motorsport

As photographers, we all like a challenge, so when I was asked if I’d like to attend the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone in Northamptonshire, to try out the new Fujifilm XF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, I jumped at the chance. However, as I step out of the car into a deep puddle and glance up at dark clouds, I think, ‘This isn’t how I envisaged my day starting’.
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Read full post here:
https://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/reviews/lenses/fujifilm-xf-100-400mm-f4-5-5-6-r-lm-ois-review

Xiaomi Max – Hands on impressions

Xiaomi Max – Hands on impressions

Wearables, ,

Xiaomi launched a new addition to their range of phones with the Xiaomi Max and we have just received one for review. Take a look at this huge screen phone in our hands on impressions.

Xiaomi really did do something a bit out of the ordinary this year and launched the Xiaomi Max. As the name suggests this is a big phone, not only the biggest that Xiaomi have ever made but a whopper of a phone for any manufacturer.

xiaomi max hands onxiaomi max hands onxiaomi max hands on
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Read full post here:
https://www.gizchina.com/2016/05/23/xiaomi-max-hands-impressions/

Single-cab ute comparison Isuzu D-Max v Mazda BT-50 v Mitsubishi Triton v Nissan Navara v Toyota HiLux

Single-cab ute comparison : Isuzu D-Max v Mazda BT-50 v Mitsubishi Triton v Nissan Navara v Toyota HiLux

Cars, , , , , ,

It’s end of financial year time again, and that means that business buyers could be looking at ways to spend some dosh before the taxman nabs it.

Single-cab ute comparison: Isuzu D-Max v Mazda BT-50 v Mitsubishi Triton v Nissan Navara v Toyota HiLux

As such, we’ve assembled five budget-friendly business-minded single-cab-chassis utility vehicles to see which is the best end-of-financial-year bargain. The 2016 EOFY contenders are the Isuzu D-Max SX High-Ride, the Mazda BT-50 XT Hi-Rider, theMitsubishi Triton GLX, the Nissan Navara DX and the Toyota HiLux Workmate.
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Read full post here:
https://www.caradvice.com.au/445149/single-cab-ute-comparison-isuzu-d-max-v-mazda-bt-50-v-mitsubishi-triton-v-nissan-navara-v-toyota-hilux/

AOC C3583FQ Review

AOC C3583FQ Review

Computers & IT, , , , , ,

Introduction

The BenQ XR3501 was the first monitor to offer the rather unconventional combination of steeply curved 35” VA panel, 144Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1080 resolution. It was and still remains quite a controversial combination given the much higher pixel density offered by many displays now on the market. It was also criticised for its high price and lack of any sort of variable refresh rate technology. The Acer Z35 addressed some of these criticisms with the inclusion of Nvidia G-SYNC. It also added support for up to 200Hz, although that doesn’t come without a negative impact on image quality. The AOC C3583FQ combines this 35” VA panel with Adaptive-Sync (and hence support for AMD FreeSync), whilst also supporting up to 160Hz and coming in at a significantly lower price than the aforementioned competing models. We put this monitor through our usual set of tests to see how it all plays out in practice.
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Read full post here:
https://pcmonitors.info/reviews/aoc-c3583fq/

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens Gets DxOMarked

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 Lens Gets DxOMarked

Cameras, , , , , , ,

DxOMark published their test results for the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 fast prime lens for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras which is currently priced for $1,250.

Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 lens test results shows the lens score of 39 points and performed an excellent optical performance. The lens tested on Sony A7R full-frame E-mount camera.
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Read full post here:
http://www.dailycameranews.com/2016/05/zeiss-batis-85mm-f1-8-lens-dxomark/

Sony Xperia X review

Sony Xperia X review

Phones, , , , , , , , ,

1. Introduction

There’s a shift of command in the house of Xperia. The Sony Xperia X and its two siblings are taking over from the Xperia Z. A dynasty has come to an end. We hear the C and M families are being put out to pasture as well, soon it will be all X top to bottom.

Sony Xperia X review

So, what’s the new face of Sony like? The Xperia X, which will likely form the backbone of the new lineup, persists with the angular aesthetics that debuted with the original Xperia Z back in 2013. It has a metal back, but no more waterproofing (that’s exclusive to the Xperia X Performance). Sony’s trademark sonic experience however lives on with the on-board stereo speakers and High-Res audio. Another Sony staple, the camera, is more than robust but has an uncomfortable question to answer.
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Read full post here:
https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_x-review-1441.php

Ducati Scrambler Icon vs. Triumph Street Twin vs. Yamaha FZ-07 - COMPARISON TEST

Ducati Scrambler Icon vs. Triumph Street Twin vs. Yamaha FZ-07 – COMPARISON TEST

Cars, , , , ,

There are many criteria for deciding which motorcycles to include in a comparison test. Most are formulaic, having to do with market segment and engine size, but some are less tangible. One wouldn’t normally include the Ducati Scrambler Icon, Triumph Street Twin, and Yamaha FZ-07 in the same shootout because they’re so obviously different, but they do have two things in common: price and number of cylinders. Each of these middleweight twins is among the least expensive streetbikes in its manufacturer’s lineup. They’re not the cheapest, however, and that’s why the real question here isn’t how much but rather how much you get for your money.

Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Street Twin, and Yamaha FZ-07 group action…
Read full post here:
https://www.cycleworld.com/ducati-scrambler-icon-vs-triumph-street-twin-vs-yamaha-fz-07-motorcycle-review-comparison-test

HP Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock - Full Review

HP Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock – Full Review

Wearables, , , , ,

Docks aren’t usually fashion-statement accessories, and once you purchase one, it usually languishes under a laptop or monitor, never to be seen again. The $209 HP Elite Thunderbolt 3 Dock’s clean, two-toned design makes it handsome enough that you’ll be proud to have it sitting on your desk. It’s pricey and doesn’t offer the widest variety of ports, but it supports two 4K monitors over Thunderbolt 3 without a hitch — that is, as long as you have an HP laptop that works with it.
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Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/accessories/hp-elite-thunderbolt-3-dock

Canon Filed Patent for Impressive EF 28-560mm f/2.8-5.6 Lens

Canon Filed Patent for Impressive EF 28-560mm f/2.8-5.6 Lens

Cameras, , , ,

Canon has patented a new optical design for an impressive EF 28-560mm f/2.8-5.6 super zoom lens.

The patent application describes a 20x optical formula super zoom optic designed for Canon full frame DSLRs.  and this patent is also a possible replacement model for this one.

Canon’s current super zoom lens is the EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS and the rumor mill has known for some time that Canon was working on a replacement to this model and this could be it.

Canon EF 28-560mm f/2.8-5.6 Lens Patent

Canon EF 28-560mm f/2.8-5.6 Lens Patent
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Read full post here:
http://www.dailycameranews.com/2016/05/canon-ef-28-560mm-patent/
Meizu m3 note Hands On : It’s like the Redmi Note 3 all over again…

Meizu m3 note Hands On : It’s like the Redmi Note 3 all over again…

Phones, , , ,

Meizu’s been launching a few phones this year, and one of them happens to be the new, budget focused m3 note.

The phone comes with a decent set of specs for a device costing just 799 Yuan in China (for the 2GB version, which we’re testing as well; check international pricing here). Now that we’ve had a chance to play with it for a few hours, we can tell that it doesn’t just look good, but is fairly well made as well.

If you’ve ever held a Redmi Note 3 in your hands, the m3 note will ring a few bells. To not put it mildly, it is eerily similar… almost creepily.

That said, Meizu loyals will argue that it was the Redmi Note 3 ripped off the MX5 in the first place. Ugh.
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Read full post here:
https://www.gizchina.com/2016/05/20/meizu-m3-note-hands/

Which is the best movie streaming box for under £100/$150? Apple TV vs Fire TV vs Chromecast 2 and more

Which is the best movie streaming box for under £100/$150? Apple TV vs Fire TV vs Chromecast 2 and more

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

Video streaming has been one of the fastest growing areas of entertainment technology over the last few years, but it has never been as accessible or enjoyable as it is today.

Not only do we have swathes of different streaming services, each offering thousands upon thousands of hours worth of movies and TV shows to watch on demand, but there are plenty of standalone set-top-boxes to play them through.


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Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/buyers-guides/apple/127636-best-tv-streaming-device-top-rated-streaming-boxes-sticks-and-media-players-to-buy

Fujifilm announces the FUJINON XF2X TC WR Teleconverter

Fujifilm announces the FUJINON XF2X TC WR Teleconverter

Cameras, , , , , ,

Fujifilm has announced the FUJINON XF2X TC WR teleconverter which will be added to the mirrorless digital camera X-Series interchangeable lens line-up in June 2016.

The Fujinon XF2X TC WR is a new 2x teleconverter extending the telephoto reach of two X-mount lenses, the Fujinon XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.

Fujifilm announces the FUJINON XF2X TC WR Teleconverter…
Read full post here:
http://www.dailycameranews.com/2016/05/fujifilm-xf2x-tc-wr-teleconverter/

How to Get Android Notifications on Windows 10

How to Get Android Notifications on Windows 10

Computers & IT, Phones, Tablets, , , ,

Windows Insiders get to test out many of the platform’s upcoming features, and the latest build allows you to receive notifications from an Android device on the desktop. There’s need to worry about notification overload, as you can set it up to only send alerts for the apps you want.

screenshot (41)

All Windows 10 users will have access to updates from Android devices when the Windows 10’s Anniversary edition upgrade is released this summer, but for now you can sign up for the Windows Insider Program. Insiders will need to be on the Windows Update Fast Track in order to get Windows 10 build 14342, which introduces this feature.
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Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/get-android-notifications-windows-10

Nubia Z11 Mini Review – my new daily driver

Nubia Z11 Mini Review – my new daily driver

Phones, , , , , , , , ,

nubia z11 mini review

If you had already read those post then you will already know that I was pretty impressed with the phone so far, so what are my opinions on the Z11 Mini overall? Find out in the full Nubia Z11 Mini review below.

Design

nubia z11 mini review

The Z11 Mini looks a little like a Sony Xperia and even an iPhone in some ways. The dual glass panels and full CNC alloy chassis give the phone a quality look and feel.
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Read full post here:
https://www.gizchina.com/2016/05/15/nubia-z11-mini-review-new-daily-driver/

Hands-on Review : Android Wear 2.0 --- First look at the upcoming OS overhaul

Hands-on Review : Android Wear 2.0 — First look at the upcoming OS overhaul

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Android Wear 2.0 has dropped and it’s a huge change to everything you think you know about Google’s wearable operating system. While updates to messaging, standalone apps, fitness and the user interface don’t sound like much, it’s a clear difference to the older version.

Android Wear 2.0: First look

It won’t be out until later this year but developers can get their hands on it to start tinkering away now. The developer previews are also only available on Wear watches: Huawei Watch and the LG Urbane Watch 2 LTE.

We’ve already listed out everything about Android Wear 2.0 but this is what it’s like to play around with it.
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Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/android-wear/android-wear-2-review

Dell Latitude 15 3570 Review

Dell Latitude 15 3570 Review

Computers & IT, , , ,
  • Pros

    Strong multitasking performance; Powerful audio; Long battery life with optional 6-cell; Durable chassis

  • Cons

    Uncomfortable keyboard; Dull display ; Chunky with optional battery; Bottom runs hot

  • Verdict

    The Dell Latitude 15 3570 is a 15-inch business notebook with excellent audio and great battery life, but a stiff keyboard and dull screen give us pause.
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    Read full post here:
    https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/dell-latitude-15-3570

Omate's Wherecom S3 smartwatch wants to keep senior citizens safe

Omate’s Wherecom S3 smartwatch wants to keep senior citizens safe

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

Omate, the company behind the K3 smartwatch for kids, is now turning its attention to the other end of the age spectrum with the Wherecom S3 smartwatch.

Much like the K3, the S3 is an Android powered, 3G packing smartwatch that works untethered from your smartphone. It also doubles as a GPS tracker.

The concept is very similar to the kids smartwatch where Omate is partnering with Monitorlinq to offer advanced location and alert services so you can keep a closer eye on the senior and more vulnerable members of your family.

Features on the skinned version of Android are kept to a minimum with a dialler, message hub and alarm reminder to alert users about taking medication included. There’s also a built-in pedometer and a one-click SOS button, which will notify contacts over Wi-Fi or 3G about the GPS location of the user.

Triangulating a location takes advantage of the onboard GPS, 3G and Wi-Fi hotspots to ensure it delivers the most accurate positioning.

Elsewhere, the S3 has a 1.54-inch 320 x 320 colour display and is powered by a dual-core 1Ghz MediaTek CPU with an Mali-400 MP GPU. That’s accompanied by 512 MB of RAM and 4 GB of storage. Battery life is slated as up to two days on a single charge.

The Omate S3 is set to be priced at €149 and will be available unlocked in France and Spain from September. The Monitorlinq services will start rolling out before the end of the year.

(wareable.com, http://goo.gl/i1La6L)

Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo vs Galaxy J5 - what's the difference?

Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo vs Galaxy J5 – what’s the difference?

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Let’s face it. Trying to decipher Samsung’s various smartphone names is almost as mind-boggling as trying to work out its TV model numbers. Most people know the Galaxy S series – that’s Samsung’s premium smartphone range, the latest of which is the Galaxy S7 andS7 Edge. You’re probably also familiar with its high-end phablet phones, the Galaxy Note series, although the latest entry in the series, the Galaxy Note 5, never actually made it to the UK.

But what about all the others? You’ve got the premium mid-tier A series such as the Galaxy A3 2016, and there’s also the slightly more budget-orientated J series. Then, below that, you’ve got the Core Primes, the Youngs, the Fames and the Aces to name just a few.

Samsung Galaxy J5
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http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/mobile-phones/1404686/samsung-galaxy-s5-neo-vs-galaxy-j5-whats-the-difference