I love the picture you get from an OLED TV. It reminds me of the paintings on black velvet that I used to see at roadside stands in the 1970s. Don’t get me wrong, there are some excellent LCD TVs out there, especially those employing quantum dots, but that’s a topic for another time—along with LCD lifespans.
The story here is that my infatuation with OLED is mitigated by the fact that OLED elements, being organic after a fashion, have a lifespan. HDR will reduce said lifespan, though by how much, vendors aren’t saying. Fortunately, other folks in the business were willing to talk.
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Read full post here: https://www.techhive.com/article/3239350/will-hdr-kill-your-oled-tv.html
As is the rest of the world, we at MO are excited to be one prototype closer to the U.S. release of the 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R. KTM chose the Sardinia, Italy stop of the KTM Adventure Rally June 20-22 to release a prototype version of the 790 Adventure R, piloted by none other than extreme enduro guru, Chris Birch. Chris rode the prototype for the duration of the rally and his quote is what we are all hoping for:
“I’m honestly blown away by the new KTM 790 ADVENTURE R. Naturally, I’ve got a lot of experience on enduro bikes and the awesome ability of the big KTM ADVENTURE models, and this just feels like the perfect combination of them both.”
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Read full post here: https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/ktm/first-look-2019-ktm-790-adventure-r.html
This morning Samsung sent invites to the Galaxy Note 9 event set to take place on the 9th of August, 2018. In that invite, they included a part of the Galaxy Note 9’s latest S Pen. That S Pen was also shown in a video released by Samsung in South Korea, where it was put in motion. In that video, we’re able to see two key elements that make us confident the Galaxy Note 9 will be a significant upgrade this year – if only because of this singular built-in accessory.
The BlackBerry KEY2 is an brand new phone trying to coexist with an old-school form-factor, and struggling all the way. When it comes to capturing nostalgia, TCL – which has been licensing the BlackBerry brand for smartphones since 2016 – has done an excellent job. Problem is, there hasn’t been quite as much success in making a must-have smartphone.
Indeed, the KEY2 reviews are in – ours included – and the general consensus is that, while physical keyboards have a certain charm, that doesn’t really mesh with 2018’s priorities. Like the KEYone last year, there are some inherent compromises you simply have to accept when you decide to squeeze a full set of QWERTY keys onto the fascia of your candy bar phone.
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Read full post here: https://www.slashgear.com/blackberry-key3-should-be-a-physical-keyboard-slider-27535864/
This afternoon we’re having a look at the wide world of expectations we have for the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 now that the device’s announcement event was revealed. Samsung sent invitations to the press for a Samsung Unpacked event which will take place on the 9th of August, 2018. At that event we expect the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 to be revealed – and probably not a gold-encrusted salmon with Bluetooth, but who knows?!
This fast 2.5-inch SSD is warrantied for 10 years and an ocean of writes, but you pay a hefty premium for the peace of mind.
G Series Professional SSD SV-GS48 (480GB)
A very good performer, the 2.5-inch Sony SV-GS46 Professional SSD is also warrantied for 10 years (most others top out at 5 years) and is rated for 2.5TBW (TeraBytes Written) for every 1GB of capacity. Reassuring, but the drive also costs twice or more than the average 2.5-inch SSD.
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Read full post here: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3276444/sony-g-series-professional-ssd-review.html
The Dell S2719H has the same super-thin bezels and small Dell logo at the bottom as even the more expensive models.
We are hot off the heels of our Dell S2719DM review and on to another Dell monitor review. This time Dell sent us the Dell S2719H full HD monitor with integrated speakers. While it’s a little lower resolution than the S2719DM, it’s also a little bit friendlier on the wallet. Wallet savings is one thing but can the Dell S2719H deliver value for that lower price? Read on for the full Dell S2719H review!
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Read full post here: https://techaeris.com/2018/06/27/dell-s2719h-review/
Whether you’re looking for a part-time seven-seater or a car to carry that many people on a regular basis, check out which ones to go for – and which to avoid
If you need a car with seven seats, an MPV might seem like the only choice. But plenty of SUVs are also worth considering, especially if you won’t be carrying seven on a daily basis.
Before deciding which model is best for you, it’s important to consider whether you’ll need a large boot on occasions when all seven seats are in use, whether you prefer the raised driving position of an SUV or something more saloon-like and whether you want something that’s not only practical but also fun to drive.
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Read full post here: https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-seven-seat-cars-2018-and-the-ones-to-avoid/n2344#1
Last year, Qualcomm took a big step into the world of kids’ wearables with the Snapdragon 1200 platform, which was aimed at enabling a generation of fitness trackers for children. This year, Qualcomm is aiming to something bigger: smartwatches.
The Snapdragon Wear 2500 is built with a couple of things in mind: extended battery life, a sensor hub with optimized algorithms, low-power location tracking, a new fifth-generation 4G LTE modem, and an optimized version of Android for children.
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Read full post here: https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/qualcomm-snapdragon-2500-kids-smartwatches-2018
Apparently the Galaxy Note 9 is coming with a new S Pen, one that’s advanced beyond the past several generations of the smartphone. It’s not 100% clear what’ll be going on here, but we’ve had a couple chats with insiders (who shall remain anonymous) who’ve given us a couple clues as to the nature of this upgrade. We’re fairly confident now that this new S Pen in the Galaxy Note 9 will have its own battery, and that it’ll be charged whilst docked in the Note.
Anker isn’t the company you think of if you want a new speaker to add to your home listening station, and that’s fine. The company has carved out a niche for itself by making its products as inexpensive as possible, resulting in a few of the most reliable “cheap” audio products you can get. If you didn’t want to spend the cash on a pair of Beats earbuds for the gym, Anker was there to give you 80 percent of the experience at a fraction of the cost. And the company stuck with that approach for one of their newest Bluetooth speakers dubbed the Soundcore Flare.
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Read full post here: https://www.soundguys.com/anker-soundcore-flare-review-17712/
The Wisenet Smartcam D1 video doorbell delivers one of the best pictures we’ve seen, but it’s not without its faults.
If you’re considering buying a video doorbell, the Wisenet SmartCam D1 should be on your shortlist.
The image is sharp, clear, and comparable to the Nest Hello,TechHive’s current top doorbell pick. It’s relatively good at ignoring passing cars and other spurious movement, but I found one of its key detection features—facial recognition—had a difficult time catching visitors.
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Read full post here: https://www.techhive.com/article/3278015/wisenet-smartcam-d1-video-doorbell-review.html
Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10 is a Chrome OS-powered tablet that’s cheaper than Apple’s iPad, but it’s far from perfect
Amidst the plethora of gaming-focussed devices announced at this year’s Acer conference, the firm launched something particularly special. No, this isn’t one of those high-end 144Hz UHD gaming monitors, nor is it the super-beefy Helios 500 gaming laptop. What really caught my attention was Acer’s brand new tablet, and it’s finally here.
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Read full post here: https://www.expertreviews.co.uk/acer/1407235/acer-chromebook-tab-10-review-the-first-chrome-os-tablet-is-no-ipad-killer
The Google Pixel 2 XL is still one of the best Android phones you can buy, but it’s not perfect. Things can always improve. With that in mind, here we’ll go over what we want from the Google Pixel 3 in 2018. Changes we want to see, or exciting and neat new features when it debuts with Android P later this year.
If Google follows its usual schedule, we’ll get a new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL in September or October. Or, maybe even a Pixel 3 XXL. And while rumors have already started, we have a little longer to wait.
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Read full post here: https://www.gottabemobile.com/google-pixel-3-xl-5-features-we-want-next/
Zebronics is trying to fit in their Orion gaming headset somewhere around the lower and mid-range. Comfort is clearly the top priority here considering the suspended headband design, usually seen on higher-end headphones which are now making their way to the lower segment. The outer frame is made of metal using two pipes with the headband between them. The headband has some cushioning under it which could have been better. It’s flexible enough to accommodate big head sizes. The earcups are made of plastic with a glossy and metallic finish. Overall, the headset has a mediocre build quality and the cushioning will ensure you can wear the Orion for long gaming sessions.
Audio performance is average on the headset. The soundstage is narrow and the sound signature is close to neutral but not as good as the HyperX Revolver S. We weren’t really impressed with the bass response as it lacks the punchy and heavy feel. This makes the sounds of explosions, gunshots and vehicles a little underwhelming in games. There’s one area where the Orion shines and that’s mi-
crophone performance. Vocals sound natural without any audible enhancements. Zebronics could have made it much better by including some noise cancellation and a pop filter.
Considering all the shortcomings and interesting aspects, at this price we would recommend the ASUS Cerberus V2 over the Orion. Not only do you get a similar performing microphone but better audio reproduction in the drivers and modularity.
PROS
Volume control pod
Comfortable for long usage
Brilliant microphone quality
CONS
Glossy design
Non-removable, non-retractable mic
Zebronics Orion: Detailed Review
Gaming headsets are made to fulfil one specific use-case and that is operating as a fully functioning communication device while gaming. All you need is an acceptable bass response to make in-game sounds immersive while delivering clear vocals using the microphone. On the lower price spectrum of gaming headsets, the audio performance is generally the same in the entry-level to mid-range. It’s at the high-end side where you can actually feel the difference in audio reproduction and get handy little features. When we first used the Zebronics Orion, we felt this is just another headset trying to be fancy. However, the microphone performance was surprisingly amazing, something we hardly get to see in this range. We’ll be taking a closer look at how does the Orion fare in other the aspects of audio performance.
Build and design
Most gaming headsets in the budget category tend to incorporate the slider mechanism for the headrest. Even though they can be implemented well, they aren’t really a universal solution for different head sizes. A better way is the suspended headband design where the headband adjusts according to the size of your head. The elastic headband can be stretched in the metal frame of the headset. It’s more comfortable to wear for long hours. A similar design is followed on the Orion with a two metal pipes in the frame and an elastic headband with some foam installed. Even though the foam isn’t of good quality, they are comfortable. The headset is flexible enough to withstand rough usage while wearing. It has a braided cable ending to the USB connector. So, you can’t use the headset with your smartphone or consoles.
The earcups have a glossy and metallic finish over them. It’s made of plastic and there’s LED lighting at the centre. Most of the earcup is illuminated by the LED lights that can change through seven colours. Even though they state that this is RGB lighting, you can only enjoy seven colours out of the million combinations possible in true RGB lighting. Over the LEDs, there’s a grilled layer attached just for aesthetics. Since the headset follows the suspended design, the earcups don’t swivel on its axis. You can place it around your neck but it won’t be comfortable.
Cushioning is favourable on the earcups. We had them on for hours and didn’t have any problem. Removing the cushions is easy but attaching them back is a little difficult. Over the drivers, a sponge filter has been glued down. Sometimes, you could achieve a different sound signature by removing or replacing these filters. However, you will have to rip out the existing one if you want to add a different filter or remove it.
The microphone design is something we don’t expect to see in gaming headsets at this age. Having the option to remove or retract the mic makes it convenient when you don’t want to use the mic since you aren’t only going to play games with your headset. It’s a good thing that the stem of the mic is flexible enough to not return to its original position after some time.
Having hardware buttons for volume control is always a must in a gaming headset. Yes, you might have volume control in your keyboard but as a standalone product, a gaming headset should be a complete audio system in itself. The Orion has a control pod that allows you to increase or decrease and mute the volume, and you also get additional buttons for muting the mic and lighting control. The LED button lets you change the colour of the LED on the earcups where one of the modes include a colour wave lighting effect.
Audio performance
Performance on the drivers is tested with a few sound samples and some music playback. Our objective is always to find out whether the headset performs well on an overall basis rather than just in video games. The reference gaming headset we use for our testing is the HyperX Revolver S because of its close to neutral sound signature. On the Zebronics Orion, we found the signature to be around the neutral signature too. However, the drivers don’t have a wide soundstage. This is why the instruments and vocals sound squashed together and their sound isn’t clearly audible. Essentially, you’d have a hard time trying to distinguish between the different sounds in the music.
After music, we got down to its primary use-case which is gaming. The bass isn’t punchy enough so we did find it lacking during FPS games. Sounds of gunshots and explosions didn’t offer the immersive experience we expect. However, these sounds are nowhere close to flat and you will be able to notice the difference in-game. Although the soundstage is narrow, you won’t be at a disadvantage. Open world games will still feel immersive with audio coming in from all the directions. This also means that positional audio is satisfactory on the headset. We were able to distinguish the direction of vehicles and gunshots by their sounds. Coming to 7.1 virtual surround sound, we haven’t come across any headset that can achieve a favourable experience with just two drivers. It was the same on the Orion and we would suggest you skip this. Enabling the mode only made the audio louder when the virtual speakers were moved closer to the subject and did nothing to improve immersion.
While listening to songs and playing games with the headset, there wasn’t any extraordinary feature that stood out. That was until we started using voice chat and players on the other side started noticing good quality vocals from our end. At this price, the Orion offers a brilliant microphone that performs better on some aspects that even a few premium headsets out there can’t offer. The mic is able to reproduce almost a flat voice signature that sounds natural without any enhancement. We think there’s no noise cancellation implemented since all the background noise was picked up. So, if there are people speaking or there’s music playing around you, all of it will be picked up by the mic. Your voice tends to pop if the mic is kept close to your mouth but if you put it away from the volume also goes down. We installed a pop filter from a different mic and the problem was solved. Only if the mic had a pop filter over it and some noise cancellation incorporated, it would have scored a perfect score in microphone performance.
Software
Headphones that don’t pack many features don’t really require software support. They usually tend to offer the same level of control that can be achieved with the default Sound app under Windows. Additionally, you get to enable and play around with the equaliser to tune it to your listening preferences. With 7.1 surround sound, manufacturers will either give you a button to enable or disable it. Some will go the extra mile to provide you with a software to tinker around with the distance between you and the virtual speakers. The Orion’s software is pretty basic and it includes several tabs for menus that can be accessed with a right-click. Apart from the general options to change the sample rate, equaliser and environmental effects, you’ll find some additional options to tweak including 7.1 surround sound. Once enabled, you can edit the location of the virtual speakers around to attain your preferred sound. Although there are seven virtual speakers or drivers present (excluding the woofer), changing the location of only the “L” and “R” drivers actually made difference. Moving around the others didn’t affect the sound at all or was hardly noticeable. Hence, if you want to play around with the virtual soundstage, you should move only the left and right drivers to whatever suits you best.
The software also packs in a few more effects for fun. Under Xear SingFX, you can change the pitch of the audio and also eliminate the vocals from a song while affecting the music too. Xear Surround Max boosts the audio and it can only be enabled along with 7.1 surround. Similar effects are available for the microphone. Here, the Xear SingFX allows control over echo and four presets of voice emulation called Magic Voice. Everything is easy to use in the software but the design is too old school.
TVs are getting slimmer by the day and the biggest compromise is on sound quality coming from the TVs built-in speaker. With the slim profile of most TVs today the best you get are 2 10W down firing speakers. Its safe to say that apart from watching news and some generic TV, most TVs today (especially budget TVs) don’t offer the audio experience you deserve when watching a blockbuster movie on your brand new flat screen.
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Read full post here: https://www.digit.in/reviews/audio-video/jbl-2-1-soundbar-review-132874.html
No one would blame you if you thought Mitsubishi no longer sold cars in the United States. After being a major player in the sport compact segment during the ’90s and 2000s, the automaker just sort of faded away from the vehicle zeitgeist. While its profile was almost nonexistent in the United States in the past few years, in Europe, the company’s Outlander Plug-In Hybrid (starting at $34,595) has been a huge hit.
Now the hybrid SUV is available in the United States, and I got a chance to see what all the hype is about. What I discovered was a vehicle that nearly hits all the checkmarks for an electrified vehicle that surprised me with its comfort and puzzled me with its infotainment system.
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Read full post here: https://www.engadget.com/2018/06/26/2018-mitsubishi-outlander-plugin-hybrid-review/
Walking into my closet can sometimes feel like visiting Narnia. There are beautiful, whimsical friends in there, alongside a dizzying array of outdated pieces and random monstrosities from the early aughts. I’m someone who would benefit from Amazon’s Echo Look, a stand-alone camera designed to snap photos of your outfits of the day and recommend clothes that suit your style. Aside from the chance to get reacquainted with my clothes, I also relished the excuse to take full-length selfies every day, all in the name of improving my already excellent taste.
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Read full post here: https://www.engadget.com/2018/06/26/amazon-echo-look-review/?guccounter=1
Aston Martin has whipped back the sheets on its latest “Super GT flagship,” the achingly handsome 2019 DBS Superleggera. Bringing the DBS nameplate back from the history books once more, the lightweight grand tourer couples it with the storied Superleggera badge reserved for the most spritely of Aston Martin’s vehicles.
Today we’re going to make sense of moves predicted for Apple in the year 2018 with special regard for the iPhone X and your wallet. In the year 2017, headlines that dominated Apple’s iPhone event of the year centered on the price of the iPhone X. It was surprising to find an iPhone cost more than the top-tier devices of the past several years. In 2018, Apple may appear to pull a fast one with iPhone X and iPhone X Plus, much like they did with the newest version of the iPad.
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Read full post here: https://www.slashgear.com/apple-will-confuse-your-wallet-in-2018-26535646/
Audi wants a taste of the luxury SUV market that stablemates Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini have been enjoying, and the 2019 Q8 is how it plans to get it. Promising to combine cabin accommodations that rival a Cayenne, with levels of technology that could make a Bentayga blush, the Q8 also shoulders the responsibility of ushering in a dramatic new age of Q-series styling.
The Q7 goes luxe
Audi isn’t short on luxury cars – the 2019 A8 is an excellent example of its particular recipe of comfortable cabins paired with all the high-tech trimmings – and its Q7 SUV isn’t exactly shabby inside.
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Read full post here: https://www.slashgear.com/2019-audi-q8-eight-things-to-know-26535698/
After being revealed at WWDC 2018 and going through a few rounds of developer testing, the iOS 12 public beta is officially here. Though most iPhone and iPad users will receive the update when it officially launches later this year (likely in September), there are quite a few reasons to check out the newest version of iOS today. iOS 12 actually seems to be one of the most exciting iOS releases we’ve had in a while, but here we’ll highlight just a few of the reasons to try it.
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Read full post here: https://www.slashgear.com/ios-12-public-beta-released-4-reasons-to-try-it-26535629/
The all-new 2019 Audi Q8 flagship SUV is not merely Ingolstadt’s answer to the BMW X6, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Range Rover Sport. Audi’s push further into the upper echelons of luxury transportation, it will also serve as the foundation of the automaker’s new design language for its future Q-product line up. And, though “four-door coupe” may still sound like an oxymoron to some, an unexpectedly extended drive in the new Q8 proved to me that this is more than just a new badge.
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Read full post here: https://www.slashgear.com/2019-audi-q8-first-drive-review-26535497/
Intel’s 8th-gen Core i7 Coffee Lake H is a monstrously good CPU that’s finally worth an upgrade
Oh Internet, we know you’ve been throwing shade at Intel’s 8th-gen 6-core Core CPUs since they were announced. In fact, we bet you’re snidely commenting in YouTube or Reddit right now that the CPU is just another re-badge of the “same old thing.”
Earlier this year, Facebook announced something called Oculus TV, a new entertainment platform for watching television in VR. Now it’s available to download for free and use on the Oculus Go, the company’s new wireless headset.
First of all – yes, Netflix, Hulu and others already had streaming apps for VR, and if you own a VR headset, chances are you’ve had a go at watching some 360-degree videos, maybe a TV show or, heck, even a movie.
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Read full post here: https://www.wareable.com/vr/oculus-tv-review-6373
In this guide we’ll explain how to sideload and install apps on Android 8.0 Oreo now that Google recently changed it. This lets you safely install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store, like from APKMirror or Amazon.
Previously, all you had to do was enable the install from “unknown sources” setting on your phone, then install apps from anywhere. This was convenient, but not very secure. That’s gone in Android 8.0 Oreo on all phones and replaced with something safer. Here’s what you need to know.
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/XIl9wPRYdEU”]
How to Install Apps on Android Oreo Without “Unknown Sources”
Basically, if you want to install apps from somewhere other than the Google Play Store, you have to follow these steps. With Android 8.0 Oreo (and the upcoming Android P) Google replaced the allow from unknown sources setting with “install permissions” for each individual app.
Download an app (APK) on your Android phone or tablet
Once the download finishes, tap Open or Install on the file
You’ll get a popup saying this app (or phone) doesn’t have permission to install apps from an unknown source. Tap Settings to grant it permission
Now flip to switch to ON where it says “allow from this source”
Hit back to restart the process, and select Install to get started
If you go to a website and download an app (also known as an APK) with Google Chrome, you have to grant Google Chrome permission to install it. If you use a different browser or a 3rd party app, you’ll have to grant it permission too. This way apps and websites can’t sneak malware onto your device. This makes it so one master setting doesn’t leave your device completely vulnerable.
Other Details
This new opt-in method should keep phones safer, a lot less vulnerable, and stop those fake Fortnite APKs from causing problems on Android phones and tablets.
Then, you can revoke access if you change your mind, or if you want to keep your phone as secure as possible once you’re done installing an app. Just go to Settings and search for install unknown apps” and you’ll be able to revoke access in a “Special Apps Access” section. This way it’ll ask if anything else tries to install something to your device.
It’s that simple. Personally, this is just as easy as before, if not easier, but it could potentially make a big difference for security. While you’re here, take a look at our Android 7.0 vs Android 8.0 Oreo what’s new walk-through. Or, see what’s coming later this year in Android P.
Here, we round up the 10 best scoring Pentax lenses to date that we’ve reviewed.
If you want to, you can purchase/find more information about each lens listed by clicking the green Amazon buttons featured below each product. It doesn’t cost you anything extra when you press our Amazon buttons but by using our Amazon Affiliate links when ordering anything online, you are supporting the site – thank you. If you’re outside the UK, clicking on the ‘Buy on Amazon USA’ link will take you to the relevant Amazon page for your country.
1. Pentax SMC DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM –
This lens scored an excellent 5 out of 5 star rating. It’s a weather sealed professional quality super telephoto lens that has a silent focusing motor and full time manual focus override. It has almost no distortion, low CA levels, is light weight and features fantastic build quality, making it a great lens for anyone who wants the best quality in a longer reach lens.
2. HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR –
This lens was released as the second lens in a line of the new standard zooms for the Pentax K-1 body. It’s a full frame lens and uses the SDM (Supersonic Direct Motor) system, making zooming fast and silent. It’s also weather sealed to prevent ingress of water and dust. Made from 17 elements in 12 groups, the lens has 3 ED (Extra Low Dispersion) elements and one anomalous dispersion element. It was awarded our Highly Recommended rating for its even sharpness, smooth bokeh and excellent flare resistance.
3. HD Pentax DA 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR –
This standard zoom lens has weather-resistant construction and a field of view equivalent to 24-130mm in 35mm terms. With great quality build, this lens has excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range and is capable of fast, close focusing making it very versatile. It handles well and is very resistant to flare making it a top choice.
4. HD Pentax-D FA* 70-200mm f/2.8 ED DC AW –
As a Pentax FA* lens, expectations are high regarding the quality of both the build and optics and this lens doesn’t disappoint. It features a HD multi coating plus an SP (Super-Protect) coating on the front element to repel water, grease and dirt. An aero bright coating II layer promises great resistance to flare. The lens is quite heavy but balances well on DSLR bodies like the Pentax K-1. The lens earned our Highly Recommended rating for its high and even sharpness, smooth bokeh, fast silent AF and excellent flare resistance.
5. HD Pentax D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 ED SDM WR –
This full frame wide angle zoom is a chunky and bulbous lens that offers HD multi-coating and SP coating on the front to repel water, grease and dirt. The lens earned itself our Highly Recommended rating for low distortion considering it’s an ultra-wide lens, smooth bokeh, fast and silent AF and weather resistance.
6. HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 ED DC WR –
This standard zoom lens is the lightest and most compact lens of the original batch of full frame zoom lenses to be released in line with the K-1. The lens has 8 seal points, to prevent the ingress of water and dust. We awarded the lens a Highly Recommended rating for its well controlled CA levels, excellent flare resistance, fast and silent Autofocus and smooth bokeh.
7. Pentax HD FA 150-450mm f/4.5-5.6 ED DC AW –
This super telephoto zoom lens covers a zoom range that fills a gap in the Pentax lens line-up. It has silent focusing, weather sealing and HD anti-reflective lens coatings. Focus is performed internally and the 86mm filterthread doesn’t rotate, making it ideal for use with graduated filters. The lens has very good sharpness, full-time manual focus override and low falloff and distortion.
8. Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR –
The Pentax-D FA 100mm f/2.8 Macro WR has a fast maximum aperture and is capable of life-size magnification at its closest focusing distance. It has an aluminium weather resistant and dust resistant construction. It has a quick shift focusing system, and low levels of CA, distortion and falloff. It’s a great performer with sharp results right from maximum aperture.
9. SMC Pentax-FA 77mm f/1.8 Limited –
This is a hand assembled lens that was designed for film cameras, but works just as well with modern DSLR cameras. The lens has accurate and fast AF, making it ideal for fast moving subjects. It is excellent to handle and gives a superb image quality. It is capable of producing lovely skin tones so is also ideal as a portrait lens.
10. SMC Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.4 AL –
This 35mm prime lens is a modern version of the traditional standard lens. It has a wide max aperture of f/2.4, making it great for bokeh and shallow depth of field work. We gave the lens a highly recommended rating for its high-quality optics, compact design, good price and the quality of build.
11. SMC Pentax-FA 31mm f/1.8 AL Limited –
The FA 31mm is the widest lens in the set of 3 FA lenses launched in 2011. All were designed for film cameras, and are hand assembles to the highest standards. There are 9 elements in 7 groups including a moulded glass aspherical element. it’s compact and not overly heavy. It was awarded our Highly Recommended rating for its impeccable quality in manufacturing, robust construction, fast maximum aperture and full frame design.
12. Pentax 16-45mm f/4 SMC DA ED AL –
This standard zoom lens offers a moderately bright f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range. It’s made from high-quality plastics that make it feel robust and rigid. It’s lightweight for a lens of its type. Focus is powered by the screw driven motor in the camera and is quick to obtain a lock in a wide range of conditions. We gave it a highly recommended rating for its good sharpness, low distortion, low CA and excellent value as well as build quality.
13. Pentax DA* 50-135mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM –
This lens is a Pentax premium optic with a fast f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. It has good sharpness in the centre of the frame at maximum aperture, and has good build quality. We gave the lens 4.5 stars for its very good sharpness in the centre at maximum aperture, weather and dust resistant construction and silent focusing.
14. Pentax Q 01 Standard 8.5mm f/1.9 –
This standard prime lens is for Q mirrorless camera and is really compact, weighing only 36g. It features SMC coating and SP (Super Protect) grease resistant coating on the front element. We awarded the lens our Highly Recommended rating for being compact and light, as well as offering excellent sharpness, low distortion, and a bright f/1.9 aperture.
15. Pentax SMC P-DA 12-24mm f/4.0 ED/AL (IF) –
The Pentax SMC P-DA 12-24mm scored 4.5 out of 5 stars in our review. This is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens that has a constant aperture of f/4, and is a premium lens. Build quality is extremely solid and focusing is performed internally. There is a minimum focusing distance of 30cm. This lens features outstanding sharpness and has very fast focusing.
16. HD Pentax-DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited –
This is a compact macro lens that provides life size magnification at its closest focusing distance and is a premium lens. It’s lightweight and balances well with the camera. The lens controls distortion well, features outstanding sharpness and can focus very fast at normal distances, a great lens for close up macro work.
17. HD Pentax-DA 70mm f/2.4 Limited –
This is a very compact lens that has an angle of view equivalent to the classic 105mm focal length. It’s also a premium lens and weighs only 147g. It’s only 26mm long, and is great for use with more compact K-mount bodies. It has a sturdy build and is fast focusing, making it ideal for those that want a more compact all round lens for shooting all sorts of subjects.
18. SMC Pentax-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited –
This lens was the first to be released of 3 Limited lenses aiming to give the highest manufacturing and optical standards. Its a compact lens that weighs only 155g despite its metal construction. It has a very high standard of finishing, with beautifully rendered engraving. We gave the lens a highly recommended rating for its high-quality construction, compact design, fast maximum aperture and built-in lens hood.
19. SMC Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 –
This classic Pentax lens from 1991 has been given a new lease of life thanks to the full-frame Pentax K-1. It’s one of the few full frame lenses still available from the film era. It has a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and the focusing scale can be found through a plastic window. We gave the lens a Recommended rating for high sharpness levels, low central CA, low flare and excellent colour.
20. SMC Pentax-DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR –
This 18-135mm zoom is weather resistant and compact, sporting the latest DC motor. It’s constructed with 13 elements in 11 groups, and the 7 blade diaphragm ensures a virtually round aperture for enhanced bokeh. The lens also has Quick Shift enabled a feature whereby after AF is acheived the focus point can be tweaked manually. We gave it a recommended rating for its superb handling, close focusing and silent DC motor.
21. Pentax HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited –
This pancake lens is a flagship optic. With a bright maximum aperture of f/2.8, it’s only 15mm thick making it a super compact option. It features newly developed HD coatings which promise to greatly reduce internal reflections the can cause ghosting and flare. It weighs only 89g. We gave the lens a Recommended rating for its excellent sharpness from maximum aperture, thin and lightweight built and fast focusing.
22. HD Pentax-DA 21mm f/3.2 AL Limited –
This wide-angle lens is a member of the Pentax Limited premium range and as such has excellent build quality. Auto focus is screw driven, and locks onto subjects quickly and accurately. We gave the lens a recommended rating for its outstanding sharpness when stopped down, compact style, very good build and fast focusing.
23. Pentax SMC DA* 55mm f/1.4 SDM –
This lens has a bright maximum aperture of f/1.4 and silent SDM focusing. It’s weather sealed and generally well made. Then lens controls flare and ghosting well, only appearing in extreme image conditions. We gave the lens a recommended rating for its excellent optical quality, fast focusing, weather sealing and low distortion and CA.
24. HD Pentax-DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited –
Another Pentax Premium optic, this Limited lens sports fantastic build quality. it’s compact and weighs only 212g. Manual focusing action is smooth and well damped, and the lens has the quick shift focusing ability, meaning adjustments can be made after the lens has autofocussed. We gave the lens a Recommended rating for its excellent sharpness in the centre of the frame, good build quality and fast focusing.
25. Pentax SMC DA 50mm f/1.8 –
This standard 50mm lens sports a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture and weighs only 122g. High-quality plastics have been used for the lens barrel and focusing is performed internally. There is a minimum focusing distance of 45cm and we awarded it a Recommended rating for its fast focusing, excellent sharpness and lack of CA and distortion.
26. Pentax SMC P-D FA 50mm f/2.8 Macro –
This is a lightweight 50mm macro lens that offers life-sized magnification at its closest focus distance. Despite the focus being screw driven, it locks onto subjects fairly quickly for a macro lens. We gave it a recommended rating for its outstanding sharpness, decent build quality and good value.
27. Pentax HD DA 55-300mm f/4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE –
The Pentax HD Da 55-300mm is an APS-C lens that offers a retractable construction. It is weather resistant and is capable of producing excellent bokeh. It offers low flare, very good sharpness and great value, not to mention that it covers a very useful focal range.
Can these sub-Php 1K/$19 earphones get the job done?
As the headphone jack is ditched by phone brands one by one, the more practical option to a headphone jack-less future is wireless earphones. People may be thrown off at the idea as they are most of the more expensive than wired earphones.
However, brands like Gadgetverge like to prove that one does not need to spend much for a good pair of wireless earphones. In fact, their wireless offering retails for Php 899/$17, making it one of the most affordable ones out there. Is it a worthy buy?
What is it?
It is a wireless Bluetooth earphone from Gadgetverge, a brand who is making their mark in creating affordable audio products. Priced at Php 899/$17, the brand wants to make wireless earphones affordable to the public.
How’s the fit?
Pretty good if you ask us. Aside from the silicone ear tips, the Gadgetverge Audio comes with several sets of ear clips for the best fit. In addition, there’s also an adjustable strap so that it fits well around your neck, and magnetic clips to securely place the Gadgetverge Audio around your neck when not in use.
Aside from the flexible fitting, the Gadgdetverge Audio is sweatproof, making them a good choice for those to listen to music while jogging or while working out.
Does it deliver good sound quality?
Yes and no. The overall sound of the Gadgetvege Audio really depends on the type of music you listen to. If you are more into electronic or bass-heavy hip-hop music, the Gadgetverge Audio’s lows do well.
Listen to acoustic or alternative music, and it’s a different story: the Gadgetverge Audio struggles in delivering those mids and highs with clarity. As for rock music, it’s more of a hit-or-miss affair in delivering those guitar riffs or those details from the snare and kick drums.
Can it last me a workout sesh?
It depends on your listening volume. On our tests, the Gadgetverge Audio’s battery life ranges from 3 hours (at maximum volume) to 5 hours (at 50% volume). It’s below the average life of wireless earphones, but at its price, it’s hard to complain.
Charging is done via a MicroUSB port hidden behind a flap. On our tests, it takes around an hour to fully charge the Gadgetverge Audio using a conventional charger.
We test the finest and final example of Chevy’s iconic C7 supercar before the all-new C8 arrives
What we liked:
• Massive straight-line grunt
• Staggering grip, great balance
• Everyday usability
Not so much:
• Rear wing compromises boot access
• Eight-speed auto not the cleverest
• Incessant droning/rumbling of V8
Chevrolet’s current-gen Corvette will be joined in about 18 months by the all-new C8, which is based on a tradition-shattering mid-engine architecture and will be sold in Australia, but the C7 isn’t quite done just yet. Want proof? Here it is – the just-released top-dog ZR1, backed by performance stats that should send a shiver or two down the collective spines of the boffins at Zuffenhausen, Maranello and Sant’Agata Bolognese. Chevrolet quotes a 0-100km/h time of about 3sec (0-60mph in 2.85sec), 0-160km/h in 6sec and a top speed of 341km/h with the standard Low Wing set-up. The company also claimed the production-car lap record at Virginia International Raceway earlier this year, but it’s yet to announce a lap time for the 20.8km Nurburgring Nordschleife, although the Chevy team has reportedly been at the circuit with the car in recent months and there are rumours of a sizzling 7:12sec lap. Yes indeed, the C7 Corvette will be a hard act to follow.
Blown sky-high
The 2019 ZR1 is only the fourth Corvette to wear this hallowed alphanumeric suffix (the first one was the C3 generation, produced over 1969-71), but the newbie is by far the fastest, angriest to date, thanks primarily to its ‘LT5’ 6.2-litre V8, which packs a massive supercharger (it’s 52 per cent bigger than the one on the current Z06).
In fact, the blower is so large that it protrudes beyond the top of the bonnet – hence the central cut-out in the latter to accommodate the ‘shaker’.
The LT5 also features a dual fuel system (it comprises a combo of direct injection and port injection), a stronger crankshaft and larger throttle body.
It adds up to towering outputs of 563kW of power at 6300rpm and a bewildering 969Nm of torque from 4400rpm, channelled to the chunky rear rubber via either a seven-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed auto.
motoring.com.au managed to get its hands on this ZR1 (a pre-production car) within weeks of its international launch at Road Atlanta and, as evident from the accompanying images, it’s the top-shelf convertible variant, equipped with the optional ZTK Performance Package and Sebring Orange Design Package.
The ZTK pack brings a Le Mans racer-mimicking adjustable ‘High Wing’, a thrusting carbon-fibre front splitter, ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and tweaked suspension settings with Magnetic Ride Control.
Tick the box that says ‘ZTK’ if regular track days are on the agenda, as the aero addenda is said to add up to 430kg of downforce. The flipside is that this limits top speed to ‘only’ 320km/h.
Ready to rumble
Firing up the big V8 via the silver ‘Start’ button on the dashboard, there’s no getting away from the ZR1’s Yankee muscle-car roots.
The supercharged 6.2-litre unit settles into a lumpy, burbly idle – a bit like King Kong gargling gigantic nuts and bolts immersed in engine oil. There’s none of the quad-cam, multi-valve sophistication of the latest breed of Euro twin-turbo V8s. Just good ol’ fashioned pushrods and two valves per cylinder here.
Despite its gargantuan outputs, the ZR1 is surprisingly docile when driven normally. One factor here is the long-travel throttle. You have to really flex your ankle to get through its full range, and the juicy stuff is only uncorked in the lower half of throttle travel.
The ZR1’s massive grunt is unleashed in highly linear fashion (as reflected by the fact that peak torque doesn’t come on tap until 4400rpm), so it doesn’t squash your organs in the way that a Porsche 911 Turbo does, even though its outright performance is lineball.
Despite its huge quota of torque, the Corvette’s traction is exceptionally good and, even with the electronic safety net deactivated, it takes a determined stomp on the gas to unstick the rear-end.
In some ways this is a good thing, as the ZR1 never feels like an unruly monster that’ll spit you off the road at the first opportunity.
A lot of credit here obviously goes to the fat rear Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 gumballs. The ZR1 with the ZTK pack wears 335/25 ZR 20 boots at the rear and 285/30 ZR19s at the front.
That said, our test car’s rubber is almost completely devoid of tread after having been thrashed non-stop at a media track night a week or so earlier. Nevertheless, this doesn’t seem to compromise their leech-like grip.
It takes a while to tap into the ZR1’s dynamic envelope as its limits are so staggeringly high that you need to gradually work up to them. Its cornering capabilities border on neck-straining as grip levels are seemingly endless.
The C7 Corvette features electrically-assisted power steering and, although it could do with a tad more feel, this set-up is meaty and accurate.
It takes a bit of elbow grease to properly manhandle the ZR1 as the steering weights up to almost Schwarzenegger-esque levels as cornering loads escalate. This isn’t something you rag with one hand on the wheel – you need both paws on the tiller.
It corners too
The ZR1 inspires a lot of confidence as the chassis has great balance – the transaxle layout is a factor here, contributing to perfect weight distribution over front and rear axles – and everything happens progressively.
There are no nasty surprises, even though General Motors Executive VP (and former Holden boss) Mark Reuss was caught out while pedalling the ZR1 pace car at the recent Detroit IndyCar Grand Prix.
The result was a nose-crumpling shunt with the wall, but that can obviously happen in a rear-wheel drive car packing 563kW and 969Nm if you overcook it.
For the record, Reuss has driven the pace car for the Detroit IndyCar event on numerous previous occasions without incident.
The C7 uses transverse leaf-spring suspension at the rear – a layout that dates back to the 1963 C2 Corvette – but this set-up is still remarkably effective.
The Magnetic Ride Control also smooths out ride quality to the extent that the ZR1 is never jarring – it’s a realistic daily driver as far as comfort and overall drivability is concerned.
Behind the wheel
The seating position is excellent, and the only aspect that begins to grate after a while is the incessant droning of the V8 at cruising speeds and lumpy burbling at idle.
Don’t get me wrong. I love a good exhaust note, but the ZR1’s soundtrack is notable more for its quantity than quality – it doesn’t sound too bad at full beans, or when popping and crackling on the overrun, but the rest of the time it’s remarkably truck-like.
The GM-built eight-speed auto gets through upshifts and downshifts smoothly enough, but it’s not even a patch on the brilliant 10-speed unit fitted to the latest Camaro ZL1.
The latter transmission has a psychic ability to pre-empt whatever you’re just about to do, so you can leave it to its own devices even when you’re thrashing across a twisty road. In fact, it comes into its own here, as it downshifts the correct number of gears with whip-crack urgency for whatever cornering you’re braking for.
This isn’t the case with ZR1’s eight-speeder, which is a bit slow-witted. It’s fine for normal driving, but in max-attack mode the best bet is to take charge manually via the shift paddles.
Unfortunately, these are also disappointingly plasticky, and tugging them imparts a mouse-click feel, rather than a satisfying sensation of being mechanically connected to the transmission.
No complaints about the mighty Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, which pull up the ‘Vette with a greater sense of urgency than almost anything else I’ve driven.
They’re positively Herculean, wiping off speeds of 250km/h-plus with utter disdain. The brake pedal is a bit sensitive, but there’s a satisfying meatiness and progression to it after the first couple of millimetres of travel, and the stoppers remain fade-free even after a sustained pounding.
Around town
What about the more practical day-to-day aspects? On the whole, the ZR1 is a doddle to drive.
Lateral and rear visibility are limited (especially with that XXL rear wing), but there’s a great view out front as you peer over the protruding supercharger and curvaceous front fenders.
However, the low-riding front splitter that comes as part of the ZTK Performance Pack means you need to baby the car over speed humps and out of driveways to avoid scraping it.
The almost 2m width of the car and extra-long snout also require a brief period of familiarisation to get used to.
The cabin is a bit basic for an offering at this price point, and much of the switchgear and plastic trim betrays the ZR1’s blue-collar origins.
The fastest, most powerful production Corvette ever – the 755-horsepower 2019 ZR1.
Granted, the leather/microfibre seats look and feel decent and likewise the flat-bottom steering wheel, which has grippy Alcantara inserts on the side quadrants and shiny carbon-fibre at the top and bottom.
The only problem is the carbon-fibre bits reach finger-scalding temperatures if you leave the car standing in 42-degree heat for an hour or two. This can make manoeuvring out of carparks an ouch-filled exercise.
It almost goes without saying in a low-slung supercar but clambering in and out of the ‘Vette isn’t the most effortless exercise as your derriere is nestled so low in the seat that have to really heave yourself out of the car.
And, while we’re on the gripes, that absurdly large (yet aero-functional) rear wing makes access to the boot exceptionally awkward.
But for the most part, the ZR1 is easy to live with and driving it isn’t too much more challenging than pedalling a Toyota Camry, at least at sedate speeds. That said, unleashing its full potential calls for a skilful steerer.
The verdict
Weighing against the ZR1 is the fact that badge snobbery is obviously very much a thing when you start getting into this price bracket.
The ZR1 is priced from $160,000 in the US, but one could extrapolate that it would cost between $250-300K were it offered here, putting it squarely in Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-AMG GT, Audi R8 and Jaguar F-TYPE SVR territory.
The ZR1 has the performance to eclipse all these competitors, but it’s a dead cert many buyers in this segment would opt instead for the cachet (and residual values) of one of the Euro sportsters.
That said, there are no doubt at least some out there who could just as easily be wooed by the brawny appeal of this Kentucky-built thumper.
As far as point-to-point blasting against the stopwatch, there’s no doubting the ZR1’s efficacy – it’s undoubtedly the fastest production car the US has produced to date.
Chevrolet’s current Corvette spearhead is ruthlessly efficient, but perhaps just a fraction lacking in its ability to stir the emotions.
When it comes to outright performance, however, there’s no doubt the mid-engined C8 Corvette – which is coming to a Holden dealer near you post-2020 – has mighty big shoes to fill.
How much is the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1?
Price: Coupe from $US119,995 ($A158,665); Convertible from $US123,995 ($A163,954) On sale: N/A Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8 Output: 563kW/969Nm Transmission: Seven-speed manual, eight-speed automatic Fuel: 15.6L/100km CO2: N/A Safety rating: TBC
![smc DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR](https://www.ephotozine.com/articles/top-26-best-pentax-lenses-2017--25685/images/1000-pentax18135mmalwrjpg_1287675575.jpg "smc DA 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED AL [IF] DC WR")
