 SHAKE AND TAKE
Canon
has added another lens to its growing line of
Image Stabilization (IS) optics: a 70-200mm f/2.8
USM zoom that boasts a new stabilization mechanism
claimed to deliver a three-stop improvement over
non-stabilized optics, up from the previous two
stops. The lens also has four ultra-low dispersion
elements, improved moisture and dust resistance,
and a removable tripod mount. Close-focusing to
4ft 7in (1:5.8), it takes 77 mm filters, weighs
3 lb 7 oz, and comes with removable lens hood
and case. Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but
you're probably going to need image stabilization
to qualm the sticker-shock shakes. (Canon USA,
One Canon Plaza, Lake Success, NY 11042; 516-488-6700;
www.usa.canon.com).
 WHITE-LIGHT
FLASH LIGHT
Most
light sources used by do-it-yourself printers
for viewing test images in the darkroom cast
yellowish tungsten or incandescent light. Final
images, however, are often viewed under normal
daylight color temperatures. This discrepancy
can lead to problems, especially in color printing.
CMG Equipment's LED Infinity Task Lights produce
light in seven different color temperatures
including daylight-balanced, red, and infrared
light, settings which can assist darkroom workers
analyzing print quality or color balance. Like
similar mini-lights, the 3 1/4-in long Infinity
comes with a lanyard and hat clip for convenient
totage. The still smaller "04" Mini
Task Light ($16, shown) is said to cast a 12-foot
beam of white light, and its polycarbonate housing
is claimed to be waterproof up to 10 feet. Look
for CMG flashlights in EMS (Eastern Mountain
Sports) and REI stores (Recreational Equipment
Inc.) nationwide. (CMG Equipment, 811 W. Evergreen,
Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60622; 888-699-0622 www.cmgequipment.com).
KENKO
BREAKS THE 3X BARRIER!
 We've
seen 1.4X teleconverters and, of course, 2Xers.
But these focal-length boosters haven't broken
the 3X barrier-until now. Kenko's PRO 300 3X
fits between your lens and camera to convert,
say, a 300mm tele to a 900mm monster tele. A
50mm f/1.8 lens can double as a 150mm f/5.6
moderate tele, and take a nice portrait, too.
Kenko's 300 PRO 3X works with 50mm or longer
zoom or prime lenses, though Kenko recommends
lenses in the 100-500mm range. Like all teleconverters,
it diminishes light transmission, and will probably
disable a 35mm AF system when used with lenses
slower than f/2.8. The Pro 300 is 2 5/8 inches
long (exclusive of mount), 2 5/8 inches in diameter,
and it weighs 7 ounces. So far available in
fully AE/AF-dedicated Canon and Nikon mounts
($250, estimated street price), a Minolta version
is also in the pipeline. (THK Photo Products,
2360 Mira Mar Ave., Long Beach, CA 90815; 800-421-1141;
www.thkphoto.com).
 PACK
TO THE FUTURE
Tamrac
has two heavily foam-padded carryalls that are
equally suited for laptops or smaller camera
systems. One is a ballistic nylon backpack that,
thanks to a top handle for easy hand-toting,
thinks it's a briefcase (the X Pack, shown,
$129, list). The second is a briefcase made
of a leather-like material that, thanks to stowable
shoulder straps, thinks it's a back pack (the
Jet Pack; $149)! Both are available in a number
of colors, have rain resisting flaps surrounding
all zippers and pockets, and are guaranteed
defect-free for life. You won't find these backpack/briefcase/camera
bags in luggage, camera or computer stores.
Look for them exclusively on-line at www.authentictraveler.com.
Don't have Internet access? Call Tamrac at 800-826-7221.
(Tamrac Inc., 9240 Jordan Ave., Chatsworth,
CA 91311; 800-662-0717).
GET
LOST STUFFBAK
 What's
more upsetting than having a camera stolen?
Leaving it somewhere: in a taxi, on a train,
or at a restaurant. Enter Stuffbak Lost and
Found Services. Stuffbak aluminum tags attach
to your gear and offer Good Samaritans a reward
and a toll-free number to call to reunite you
with your stuff. The tags are as claimed to
be "virtually indestructible," are
small as toothpicks or as large as credit cards,
and may be glued on, ironed on, or attached
to your gear with supplied metal rings. You'll
find the tags in kits at Staples, Sports Authority
stores, or online (www.stuffbak.com)
selling from $8-$70, depending on the number
and type of tags. (Stuffbak, 7960 Niwot Rd.,
Bldg., B12, Niwot, CO 80503; 800-800-8257).
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