Tuesday 27 April 2010

David Suchet and The Bluebell Railway 50th Anniversary Appeal

David Suchet
photo: Phil Chambers

"As a Patron of the Bluebell Railway I am very proud to be here talking to you about this very important appeal.

The Bluebell Railway is very important to me because over the years I have actually filmed down on the stations, on the platforms and inside the trains as my alter-ego, Hercule Poirot.
Bluebell Railway
I have filmed many times at the Bluebell Railway and every time I visit I feel a certain sense of nostalgia and I am aware that there are so many people of all ages coming to the Bluebell Railway Line to enjoy the unique experience, a very special experience of actually travelling on a steam train. The volunteer-run Bluebell Line was the UK’s first standard gauge preserved passenger railway line reopening part of the Lewes to East Grinstead line of the old London/Brighton and South Cost railway in 1960. Since then it has developed into one of the largest tourist attractions in Sussex. Yet it still remains true to its objectives of the preservation of posterity of a country branch line with its steam locomotives, coaches and goods stock, signalling systems, stations and operating practices.

The line currently runs between Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The Bluebell Railway is currently in the middle of a huge fund-raising initiative to raise the £4million needed to complete the final mile of the Bluebell Line to the historic town of East Grinstead.

This is a very important project. It will, when completed, bring travellers from afar to the town, eager to experience the evocative sounds and romance of a gentler age. We will be able to travel again on these wonderful steam trains as they make their way through beautiful countryside to East Grinstead and finally bring a long-held dream of so many to life. Can you please help us to complete that final mile by making a generous donation to the Bluebell Railway Appeal?
Thank you very much."
David Suchet OBE

DONATIONS

Please make cheques payable to the:
‘Bluebell Railway Trust, 50th Anniversary Appeal’
Sheffield Park Station
East Sussex TN22 3QL

Telephone: 01825 720800 (office hours, inc. Weekends)
Email: 50appeal@bluebell-railway.co.uk
Website: www.bluebellrailwaytrust.org.uk
The Bluebell Railway Trust is a registered charity, No.292497

This article was taken from the current issue of the Nikon Owner magazine (issue #30).

Become a subscriber today and you'll receive the quarterly publication of the Nikon Owner magazine plus many other great benefits.

Nikon's New AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens

AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens


RRP:
£6,249.99
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Specifications










Focal length200-400mm
Aperturef/4
Lens construction24 elements in 17 groups
Picture angle12°20´- 6°10´ (8°- 4° for Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance2.0m/6ft. (AF); 1.95m/6.4ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size52mm
Diameter x lengthApprox. 124 x 365.5mm
Weight3,360g

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.

In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Great Discount off Heather Angel's Wildlife and Natural History Workshop

Nikon Owner subscribers get a £60 discount off two one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor, East Grinstead, West Sussex, England

Saint Hill Manor

This is the 14th Annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop presented by Grays of Westminster.

Heather Angel, the internationally renowned wildlife photographer, has been the recipient of a large number of awards and prizes from all over the world for her widely acclaimed lectures, writing and workshops. In addition she is a regular contributor to the worldwide photographic press and the distinguished author of over 50 books.

Heather Angel

Heather Angel is an enthusiastic tutor of wildlife and nature photography, and these hugely popular one-day workshops on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th July 2010 at Saint Hill Manor are perfect for both the newcomer and experienced photographer alike. The schedule for each day includes lectures, demonstrations and the chance to handle and use a large range of new Nikon camera equipment and the range of Think Tank camera bags. Her workshops regularly attract visitors from all over the U.K., Europe and throughout the world.

Schedule for the day

09.15 - Registration with coffee and tea served on the terrace of the Manor

10.00 -11.15
- Heather Angel - What makes a memorable image?

Pictures of the natural world which transcend language barriers and create an instant rapport are rare. It may be high-speed action, amazing behaviour, dramatic lighting or an intriguing design that arrests the eye. If you rely on coming across them by chance, the odds of achieving many in a year will be slim. But by conceiving the essential ingredients, you can reduce the odds of being successful. Drawing both on images taken over time as well as recent unseen ones, Heather will show some thought-provoking images which she hopes will stimulate a lively discussion.

Copies of Heather's books - including Wild Kew, which is the basis of the 2010 summer exhibition at Kew Gardens - will be available this weekend.

11.15 - Break for mid-morning refreshment: tea, coffee, mineral water on the Terrace.

11.45-12.45 - Nikon Total Imaging System - John Clements

13.00
- Lunch: an elegant lunch overlooking the beautiful gardens of Saint Hill Manor and a wooded lake

14.00 - onwards there will be a choice of four sessions. You may attend them all or be selective. The sessions are outlined here with details of each below.
  • 14.00 - 16.15 Practical Macro session with Heather Angel inside and in the garden
  • 14.00 - 16.15 Outside Practical session with John Clements
  • 14.00 - 16.30 Photoshop Techniques with Giles Angel*
  • Outside Practical session with Flying Falcons and Julian Ford - time to be announced
* Please note that Giles Angel's Photoshop session will be aimed at different levels as the afternoon progresses

16.15 - Afternoon Tea and Coffee or cool drinks served on the Terrace.

16.45 - Practical Session with Heather Angel outside

17.00 - Workshop closes

18.30
- Dinner at the Manor. A special complimentary thank-you dinner to all those attending our workshop has been organised by Grays of Westminster and the staff of Saint Hill Manor. This must be arranged in advance.

Please note that Nikon cameras and lenses will be available for you to try out during the day; in fact these workshops are an excellent opportunity to handle and try out Nikon equipment before making a purchase. However, please bring your own kit - macro lens, long lens, flash and tripod - to get the best from the practical sessions.

For more details on this workshop please visit www.graysofwestminster.co.uk

Booking details:

The ticket for either day includes refreshments, lunch and the evening meal, and costs £245.00 (£185.00 for Nikon Owner subscribers) per person for the day.

The workshops start at 9.15 a.m. and run until 5.00 p.m., followed by dinner. Make your choice of day, Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th July and Book online here! or call Gillian Greenwood, Events and Training Coordinator between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. on or 0207 828 8971 Monday to Friday if you are not a current Nikon Owner subscriber to find out how you can receive the £60 discount.