If you purchased Adobe CS5.5 during the CS6 upgrade promotion between March 25th and May 6th, you are now eligible to receive your free upgrade to CS6.
 
You should have received a one-time use code that allows redemption for your free CS6 upgrade in an Adobe email newsletter sent to qualifying customers on May 15th. If you qualify for the free upgrade and have not received your coupon code, contact Adobe (or check your spam folder).

From Induro:
 
Induro Announces Extended Warranty and Bonus Warranty Program
 
New 10 year warranty program now available on all Induro purchases
 
North White Plains, NY – (May 18, 2012) – Induro www.indurogear.com, makers of the finest tripods, heads and accessories, announces today it has extended its standard warranty and added a new bonus warranty program to help protect photographer’s and videographer’s investments in Induro support gear.
 
This new warranty bonus extends the newly increased 5-year limited warranty from the date of any Induro product purchase another 5 years for a total of 10 years. This new extended warranty policy and bonus warranty, open to all U.S. customers, is available immediately when customers register their Induro purchase online. For more information please visit: http://www.indurogear.com/support/registr.asp
 
B&H carries Induro Products.

Through 3/20, B&H is having a SanDisk Memory Card Sale.
 
Something for everyone is avaialble - CF, SDHC and SDXC cards ranging in capacity from 16GB to 128GB are available at nice discounts. Prices range from $17.99 to $608.95. (thanks Sean)

Adobe Photoshop Elements 10 and/or Premier Elements 10 are featured as today's Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day. Prices are over 50% off - starting at $47.00 shipped.

For your email address, PhotoShelter will send you their latest guide: What Buyers Want from Photographers: 2012 Survey.

RackSpace will be performing maintenance on the site's database server tonight (Thu, May 17). Due to this maintenance, the site will be mostly unavailable between the hours of 10:00 and 11:00 CDT (approximately). The forums should remain unaffected.
 
I complained about the near-peak hours of site use being chosen for this process, but I'm apparently not important enough to have any impact on the RackSpace-chosen times. They will give consideration to my request for the next planned maintenance downtime.
 
Sorry for the inconvenience!

Adorama has released a nice new, clean-looking search results page design.

It only took me 8 months to process and post pictures from my September 2011 Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Park photo trip. Better late than never. I had more time in Glacier and the Glacier gallery reflects this.
 
Images were selected because I liked them - or wanted to share something about these incredible parks. Many images have tips and information shared below them.
 
The first Glacier image is my favorite:
 
Glacier National Park Image Gallery
 
Waterton Lakes National Park Image Gallery

Amazon.com has the SanDisk Extreme 32GB 45MB/s SDHC Flash Memory Card for $34.99 shipped at Amazon.com (compare at $42.00).

Use promo code KTCJQ12 to save $10 on a Kelby Training annual subscription.
 
KelbyTraining.com: "Learn Photography Online with the Pros - It's Like Having Your Own Personal Instructor!"

Update: Price just dropped $40.00. eBay has the Apple 2nd Generation 64GB Wi-Fi iPad as a Daily Deal for only $529.99 shipped.

ISO 12233 Resolution Chart results have been added to the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Review page.

One day only: BuyDig has the Sandisk Ultra 64GB 30MB/s UHS-I Class 10 SDXC Memory Card for $43.95 shipped.

PocketWizard has revealed their firmware release plan for support of new products (primarily DSLRs).

eBay is featuring the Apple iPad 3rd Generation (16GB, Wi-Fi + 4G, Black/White, New) for only $599.00 shipped (compare at $629.00) as a Deal of the Day.

Adobe has announced that Creative Cloud is now live. Sign up by August 31st and get introductory pricing of $29.99 per month for the first year.

B&H is having a one day SanDisk memory card sale.
 
With 14 different SDHC/SDXC and CompactFlash memory cards included in the sale and with capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB, something is available for everyone.

Nikon has posted their Fiscal Year 2012 Financial Results.

Through May 23rd, use coupon code PXGD1010 (PXGD1010L for leather) to save 35% on 10x10" Photo Books at AdoramaPix.

BuyDig has the Sandisk Ultra 64GB 30MB/s UHS-I Class 10 SDXC Memory Card for $45.99 shipped.

BuyDig has the Sandisk Extreme 32GB 60MB/s CompactFlash Memory Card for $79.99 shipped. (thanks Kirill)

Lens vignetting, distortion and measurement results have been added to the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review page.
 
Flare testing is on hold pending a clear sky.

Head over to Lensrentals.com to see their new site. Looks great.

Firmware Update A 1.12, B 1.10 is now available for the Nikon 1 V1 (USA | Europe) and Nikon 1 J1 (USA | Europe).
 
Modifications enabled: "An issue that caused some frames to be duplicated in slow-motion movies recorded at a Frame rate setting of 1200 fps has been resolved."

Adorama is having 1-Day SanDisk memory card sales all week. All cards feature free shipping.
 
Here is your SanDisk memory card deal planner for the week:
 
Monday
 
SanDisk 16GB Extreme Pro 90MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $74.95
 
SanDisk 32GB Extreme Pro 90MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $139.95
 
SanDisk 64GB Extreme Pro 90MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $329.95
 
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO 100MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $599.95
 
Tuesday
 
SanDisk 16GB Extreme PRO 95MB/s SDHC Memory Card - Sale Price $49.95
 
SanDisk 32GB Extreme PRO 95MB/s SDHC Memory Card - Sale Price $77.95
 
SanDisk 64GB Extreme PRO 95MB/s SDXC Memory Card - Sale Price $144.95
 
Wednesday
 
SanDisk 16GB Extreme 60MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $52.95
 
SanDisk 32GB Extreme 60MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $87.95
 
SanDisk 64GB Extreme 60MB/s Compact Flash Memory Card - Sale Price $174.95
 
Thursday
 
SanDisk 16GB Extreme 30MB/s SDHC Memory Card - Sale Price $18.95
 
SanDisk 32GB Extreme 45MB/s SDHC Memory Card - Sale Price $38.95
 
SanDisk 128GB Extreme 45MB/s SDXC UHS-I Memory Card - Sale Price $144.95
 
Friday
 
SanDisk 16GB Ultra 30MB/s SDHC UHS-I Memory Card - Sale Price $16.95
 
SanDisk 32GB Ultra 30MB/s SDHC UHS-I Memory Card - Sale Price $25.95
 
SanDisk 64GB Ultra 30MB/s SDHC UHS-I Memory Card - Sale Price $46.95

The Apple iPad 2 16GB in White or Black is featured as an eBay Deal of the Day - only $359.00 shipped and "You'll earn $7.18 in eBay Bucks". I'm not familiar with seller "go4computers".

Adorama has Tiffen Dfx Essentials Digital Filter Software (37 filters with hundreds of presets, Full Version, for Win/Mac) on sale for $10.95 shipped (reg $39.95).

Adobe Photoshop Camera Raw 7.1 Release Candidate is now available for download.
 
Camera support in Camera Raw 7.1 RC includes:

• Canon EOS 1D X
• Canon EOS 5D Mark III
• Canon EOS 60Da
• Canon PowerShot G1 X
• Nikon D4
• Nikon D800

Lightroom Journal has more information.

The following information was provided by Adobe:
 
Adobe CS6 Launch

• Upgrade versions will only be available on Adobe.com for US, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Australia!
• Design Premium and Web Premium is becoming a single product for CS6 "Design and Web Premium"
• CS6 Ship Date (English, Americas, and European versions): May 7, 2012
• CS6 Ship Date (Rest of the world): May 10, 2012

The following products are now available in version CS6 with pre-orders beginning today:

• CS6 Design & Web Premium
• CS6 Design Standard
• CS6 Master Collection
• CS6 Production Premium
• After Effects CS6
• Adobe Audition CS6
• Dreamweaver CS6
• Fireworks CS6
• Flash Professional CS6
• Illustrator CS6
• InCopy CS6
• InDesign CS6
• Photoshop CS6
• Photoshop CS6 Extended
• Adobe Premiere Pro CS6
• SpeedGrade CS6
• Creative Cloud Membership
• Adobe Muse
• Adobe Story Plus -- Not available for pre-order

Order your CS6 upgrade at Adobe.com

ISO 12233 resolution chart results have been added to the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review page.
 
I have two of these lenses right now. Unfortunately, the first lens I received needs to go back.
 
After spending 10 hours or so completing testing the lens on the ISO chart, it became clear that the lens was not working properly at the longer focal lengths. Image quality was unacceptable at 70mm. Tamron confirmed that the results were not as they expected.
 
The second lens performs much better optically. These are the results now presented on the 24-70 VC review page.
 
Before making your purchase decision, I encourage you to wait for me to spend more time evaluating the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens' AF performance. Neither of the two lenses I have autofocus accurately on the test chart using a Canon-calibrated EOS 1Ds Mark III. I will minimally test the second lens behind a second calibrated 1Ds III and a 5D III.
 
Stay tuned for more information.

From Redrock Micro:
 
Redrock Micro Launches New ultraCage & ultraBase for Video-Capable DSLR Cameras
 
Awesome Additions Reflect New Generation of Support for a New Generation of Video-Enabled Cameras
 

 
Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-level cinema accessories, today launched the new ultraCage DSLR and ultraBase support for video-enabled DSLR cameras. The ultraCage DSLR has been called an essential accessory for converting the DSLR camera body into a movie-making production powerhouse.
 
Next Generation Support for the New Generation of Video DSLRs
 
Video DSLRs have arrived as legitimate filmmaking tools. Groundbreaking cameras like the Canon 5D MKIII and the new Nikon D800 deliver advanced movie features and outstanding results. However, the form factor of DSLRs severely limits the stability of shots and the ability to adapt accessories that are commonplace for high-quality filmmaking. Redrock products have evolved along with DSLRs and now offer the best solutions for shooting high quality movies with DSLR rigs.
 
Professional-level Support and Stability
 
The ultraCage DSLR delivers rock-solid support and stability for DSLR cameras. The ultraCage secures the camera body at three points: screws into the camera base, fastens to the top hot shoe and locks the camera in place with the anti-rotation pin. The ultraCage supports a wide variety of DSLR bodies and has been tested with the Canon 60D, 7D, 5D MKII, 5D MKIII, and Nikon D800/ D800e camera bodies. You will not find a support cage anywhere that is more stable, functional or reliable.
 
The ultraCage DSLR adds industry-standard 15mm bottom rails for accessories such as a mattebox, follow focus or lens support. The built-in 15mm top rail support is great for adding accessories you want to keep with your camera on every setup, such as camera-top monitors or remote focus motors.
 
The cage surrounds the camera with 22 mounting holes (standard 1/4" and 3/8") that are perfect for attaching and positioning virtually any other accessory available. The ultra Series of accessories from Redrock can extend the ultraCage with extended top and bottom rails, triple the mounting points and additional mounting plates for advanced accessories such as external batteries, external recorders, audio units and remote focusing.
 
In addition, the powerPack Universal accessory delivers a powered cage option so all camera-top accessories and the camera itself can be powered from a single, long-lasting source using an external battery.
 
The ultraCage DSLR and ultraBase are ideal for the following types of users:

• Professionals using DSLRs for filmmaking
• Enthusiasts looking to get better results from video DSLRs
• Amateurs who want something they can start simple with and grow
• Steadicam, riggers, camera/jib operators needing rock-solid support and stability
• Anyone looking for better support for their video DSLR

Slim, Contoured Design Molds to DSLR Body, Adds Features Without Bulking Up
 
Unlike other offerings, the ultraCage curves with the camera's contours and doesn't make it any larger than absolutely necessary. All doors and features are completely accessible, and the cage is unobtrusive enough to stay on the camera even when shooting stills. The precision-machined aluminum housing and available carbon fiber rods keep things light without sacrificing strength.
 
The Foundation for Any Shooting Style, from Handheld to Studio
 
The ultraCage DSLR can be used to create any type of rig, from handheld to full studio. Redrock offers pre-built bundles for handheld, shouldermount, and studio setups based on the original ultraCage. Using Redrock's family of 400+ cinema accessories and building blocks, virtually any rig can be created to fit your shooting style and budget. With the ultraCage DSLR, your camera can now take advantage of Redrock's ultra Series of advanced support accessories for sleek, sophisticated camera setups.
 
The ultraCage DSLR Advantage
 
The Redrock ultraCage DSLR and ultraBase are the only professional-level camera support to deliver all these key advantages:

• Superior support and stability for DSLR cameras
• Form-fitting and lightweight contoured design promotes small, fast shooting style
• Top & bottom 15mm rails and 22 mounting points for accessories
• Retains access to all DSLR buttons and doors
• wireLock protects and converts HDMI output to full size HDMI supported connector
• Cage provides 360 degrees of protection for your DSLR
• Build any rig you want with Redrock's family of ultra Series and cinema accessories
• Can be used for handheld, studio or rigging, and can fast-change between setups.
• Confidence in gear that comes with lifetime warranty and is made in the USA.
• Incredibly affordable professional-level gear - starting at $595.

For More Information
 
Product details can be found on the ultraCage DSLR and ultraBase at store.redrockmicro.com/Catalog/ultraCageHandheldRigs/ultraCage-DSLR
 
Pricing and Availability
 
ultraCage DSLR and ultraBase are shipping starting mid-May, and are available from Redrock direct at store.redrockmicro.com and from authorized Redrock Micro resellers worldwide. ultraBase starts at $299, ultraCage DSLR starts at $595.
 
B&H carries Redrock Micro gear.

Amazon.com has the Manfrotto MB SSC3-1BB AGILE I Sling Bag (Black) for $39.99 shipped (Compare at $51.16) as a Gold Box Lightning Deal (3 hours only).
 
Check back a bit later for deals on the AmazonBasics Wireless Remote Control for Nikon and Kingston Digital Secure Digital Class 10 Value Card.

To celebrate Mother's Day, Canvas People is offering $50 off or a free 8x10 canvas (just pay shipping).
 
As I've said before, the feedback from Canvas People print quality has been quite positive. And as I've also suggested before, great pictures of the kids make justifying new camera gear with the spouse an easier task. ;)

Amazon.com has the Lowepro Fastpack 250 Backpack (Black) for only $67.80 shipped (compare at $115.95).

B&H now has a Nikon rebate page live on their site featuring $100.00 - $300.00 instant savings on the Nikon D7000, D3100, D5100 and the new D3200 when purchased with specific lenses. Rebates expire May 26th.

eBay has the Nikon D90 Digital SLR Camera Body with a 3yr warranty featured as a Deal of the Day - Only $749.00 shipped (compare at $849.00). Ships "On or before Wed. May. 09"

Adorama is having another one day only SanDisk sale:
 
SanDisk 64GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed - $46.95 (Reg $59.95)
 
SanDisk 32GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed - $25.95 (Reg $29.95)
 
SanDisk 16GB Ultra SDHC UHS-I Memory Card, 30 MB/s Read Speed - $16.95 (Reg $17.95)

From Think Tank Photo:
 
Three Travel-Specific Backpacks Coming Soon!
 

 
In May, we will release the Airport™ series, a new line of travel-specific, high-capacity camera backpacks designed with maneuvering through airports quickly in mind. The three backpacks – the Airport Accelerator, Airport Commuter, and Airport Essentials -- integrate quick access pockets for both laptops and iPad, a top pocket for boarding passes, and three robust handles to ensure easy placement and retrieval from overhead bins.
 
The Airport™ series makes life easier for the traveling photographer. All meet international carry on size requirements. The two smaller bags, the Airport Commuter and the Airport Essentials, are designed to fit under-seat in regional commuter planes.
 
Their light, adjustable, contoured harness provides comfort along with lumbar support. The air mesh paneling keeps backs cool. The height-adjustable sternum strap allows for the perfect fit. A removable waist belt, side water bottle pocket, tripod/ monopod mounting system and seam sealed rain cover extend their versatility.
 
Adding even more functionality, these backpacks can be used with Think Tank’s Pro Speed Belts for additional support and capacity by adding component pouches and cases from the company’s Modular Rotation Component System.
 
The three sizes allow photographers to select the best fit for their needs.
 
Airport Accelerator accommodates two pro size DSLRs, six to eight standard zooms, a 500 f/4.0, iPad, and up to a 17” laptop. The largest of the three, this one has a padded removable waist belt.
 
Airport Commuter accommodates a pro size DSLR, four to six standard zooms, (increased depth holds a 400 f/2.8), iPad and 15” laptop.
 
Airport Essentials accommodates a standard DSLR, four to six standard zooms, iPad, and up to 13” laptop.
 
Features include:

• Bottom hinge opens bag completely for quick and unencumbered access.
• Cable lock and locking YKK zipper sliders for added security.
• Laptop and iPad stored in a separate locking zippered compartment.
• Light, comfortable and contoured harness system.Tripod/monopod mounting system.
• Top zippered pocket for boarding pass.
• Removable waist belt for additional stability when walking, running, etc.
• Easily accessible front organizer pocket.
• Seam sealed rain cover included.

Specifications
 
Airport Accelerator
 
Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 20.5” H x 9” D (35.6 x 52.1 x 22.9cm)
Interior Dimensions: 12.5” W x 18.8” H x 6.8” D (31.6 x 47.8 x 17.3cm)
Laptop: 12.3” W x 17.5” H x 1.5” D (31.2 x 44.5 x 44cm)
Weight: 4.8-5.5 lbs (2.2-2.5 kg)
MSRP: $279.95 (U.S.)
Product Page URL: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-accelerator.aspx
 
Airport Commuter
 
Exterior Dimensions: 12.5” W x 18” H x 8.5” D (31.6 x 45.7 x 21.6cm)
Interior Dimensions: 11.5” W x 16.3” H x 6.8” D (29.2 x 41.4 x 17.3cm)
Laptop: 11” W x 16” H x 1.3” D (27.9 x 40.6 x 3.3cm
Weight: 3.6-4.2 lbs (1.7-1.9 kg)
MSRP: $199.75 (U.S.)
Product Page URL: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-commuter.aspx
 
Airport Essentials
 
Exterior Dimensions: 11.5” W x 18” H x 7” D (29.2 x 45.7 x 17.8cm)
Interior Dimensions: 10.6” W x 16.3” H x 5” D (27 x 41.4 x 12.7cm)
Laptop: 10” W x 15.5” H x 1” D (25.4 x 39.4 x 2.5cm)
Weight: 3-3.6 lbs (1.4-1.6 kg)
MSRP: $175.75 (U.S.)
Product Page URL: http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/airport-essentials.aspx

Buydig.com has the Sandisk Ultra 64GB UHS-I 30 MB/s Class 10 SDXC Memory Card for only $47.95 shipped. This is a "12 Hour Sale" - and limited quantities are available.

Sigma has a lens rebate program in effect through May 31, 2012 (links are to B&H):
 
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG HSM Lens - Save $75.00
 
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens - Save $100.00
 
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Macro Lens - Save $200.00
 
Sigma 18-200mm f/2.8 II DC OS HSM Lens - Save $100.00