The Vanguard Abeo Pro 283CGH has won a Red Dot Design Award. Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, CEO of the Red Dot Design association, has pointed out that strong design competence and economic success nowadays go hand in hand: “The winners of the ‘red dot award: product design 2013’ are the protagonists of a highly developed design culture and design industry. These days it is becoming more and more difficult to distinguish between well-designed products. It is often only in the details that the special qualities become apparent. However, those product creations that pass the test before the critical eyes of the international red dot jury will not disappear into the crowd and will be able to fend off global competition.”The Abeo PRO 283 CGH tripod kit is the 5th award in a row Vanguard received from the association. The awards ceremony takes place on 1 July 2013 as part of the traditional Red Dot Gala.

Addonics today announced an internal and external reader/writer that allows you to use mSATA SSDs or CFast cards as removable media on any computer. The Addonics External Reader/Writer comes bundled with mSATA and CFast adapters. The adapters convert the mSATA or the CFast media into a 1.8” micro SATA storage device that can be inserted into the open slot of the Reader/Writer. The Addonics Internal Reader/Writer mounts directly in the 3.5” drive bay of any system and connects via the SATA port or SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port. Like the external version, the Internal Reader/Writer comes bundled with two adapters for the mSATA SSD and CFast card and converts the mSATA or the CFast media into a 1.8” micro SATA SSD that can be inserted into the open slot of the reader/writer. A model with two slots is also available to accommodate two media. MSRP starts at $55 for the single-slot internal model with SATA interface.

BlackRapid has teamed up with Tether Tools to create the new TabStrap for tablet users. Comprisign a BlackRapid Metro strap, connector and bracket that integrates with a Wallee tablet case, the TabStrap enables users to comfortably wear a tablet and free up their hands during events such as wireless tethering photo shoots, trade-shows, meetings, educational platforms and more. The system currently supports all iPad models and Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets. The complete TabStrap kit retails for $89.90.

A company called Hink is promising to release an entirely new kind of flash for photographers, which will supposedly “change the way we use flash in our images.” To say details are sparse is an understatement - all we know is that the product is “going to be out before Christmas and in the public eye by June.” The company has set up a teaser page on Facebook to raise awareness of the new brand but hasn’t revealed much about the project except that it’s code-named “Spacefish.” Reacting to reader feedback about the scarcity of tangible information, Hink commented that “[t]here’s not a lot we can reveal just yet without potentially jeopardising our product.”

Spider Holster has just launched the Spider Monkey Holster for photographic accessories. This is a compact yet durable holster clip that easily attaches to any belt or camera bag loop allowing photographers to hang their most-used equipment for quick-draw accessibility. The scalable Spider Monkey accessory system eliminates the need for photographers to carry an added shoulder bag by hanging their most oft-used tools right on their belt. The durable Spider Monkey Base clip and tab are built for long-term use, with the ability to securely hold camera accessories weighing about one pound including flashes, light meters and battery packs. The Spider Monkey Tab attaches to the accessory with a robust adhesive tab (which removes cleanly after use) and an additional Velcro attachment band for ultimate security. Attendees of the WPPI Expo (March 11-13, 2013 MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV) can visit Spider Holster in booth #330 for a hands-on demonstration. The base Spider Monkey system, with holster clip, adhesive tab and the Velcro attachment loop will carry an MSRP of $17.

As the exclusive distributor for Phottix products in the United States, OmegaBrandess has just launched the Phottix Mitros TTL flash for Canon. Functions include built-in IR triggering with Master and Slave modes, AF assist light, 180 degree turn in both directions, auto/manual zooming flash head, high-speed and rear-curtain sync, and “fast recharge times.” The Phottix Mitros TTL Flash includes a USB port for firmware upgrades and a 3.5mm sync port. The E-TTL capable Phottix Mitros has a guide number of 190 (in feet at ISO 100/21°) and runs on four AA batteries. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Mitros TTL Flash for Canon is $349.99.

Lowepro has just introduced the Flipside Sport 20L AW, a lightweight and breathable bag to use during their outdoor adventures. The Flipside Sport 20L AW fits 2 pro SLR cameras with integrated grips (one with attached 300mm f/2.8 lens, 2 extra lenses and a flash, a tablet or laptop, tripod or monopod,, a battery charger and other accessories plus trekking poles and other personal gear. The backpack is available now priced at around $180.

Website: Lowepro

At the Focus on Imaging trade show, Kenro introduced the Nissin Di700 flash and the Nissin PS 8 power pack. The Nissin Di700 features a zooming flash head with an extended 24-200mm coverage and a guide number of 50 (in metres at ISO 100/21°) at the 200mm setting. The model supports 180° horizontal rotation to the right and left, tilts up to 90° and expands 7° downwards to facilitate close-up photography. Other highlights include a recycle time of 0.1-4.0 seconds, an AF assist light, PC sync, 3.5mm sync and an external power socket that makes the Di700 compatible with the Nissin PS 8 power pack. The new Nissin Di700 will be available for Canon, Nikon and Sony, and is scheduled to be launched April 2013. Pricing details will be available closer to its launch. The PS 8 power pack is available now, priced at £165.

Kenro has launched a new power pack from Nissin, the PS 8 version, with added features to provide more power and faster charging time for flash photography. Compared to its predecessor, the core boosting circuit of the Nissin Power Pack PS 8 has been redesigned in order to reduce heat, and now uses high-strength plastic instead of metal housing for the body. As a result, its size is now more compact whilst not compromising on performance. Another key feature added to the new PS 8 version is its exclusive battery cartridge design, which greatly increases the battery capability whilst also helping to decrease its overall weight to 761 grams including a Ni-MH battery pack. The Nissin PS 8 Power Pack is compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony digital SLR cameras and is available now with a suggested retail price of £165.

Tiffen is now shipping the latest addition to the Lowel Prime continuous studio light series – Lowel Prime LED 800. Available in daylight-balanced or Tungsten versions, the 800 model has almost twice the output of the Lowel Prime LED 400. A trademark feature of the Prime 800 LED is its 50° beam angle that allows considerable light output to be spread across a wider area, reducing the need for additional fixtures to light a set. Like all Lowel Prime Power LED Lights, the 800 model is dimmable, with “tweakable” colourfor critical balancing against other light sources. Also featuring silent fanless air convection cooling, a hanging C-clamp, female Stand Fitting, a rugged all-metal housing and an assortment of light controls. The Lowel Prime LED 800 retails for $3,895.

BosStrap.com has announced a promotion valid on all BosStrap products. The BosStrap system differs in two important respects from other sling straps: the attachment point is the left camera strap lug, not the tripod socket, and with a BosStrap, a shoulder pad is not necessary.  The former feature means that the tripod socket is always available for its intended use, and the camera is carried with less chance of damage to internal seals and tripod thread; the latter feature means that with no shoulder pad, a BosStrap can be worn under a jacket concealing the strap which is great for street photographers, weather protection, and anti theft. New products in the line-up include the BosStrap Generation 3 Sliding Sling Strap (pictured) and the Ultra Light Hand Band. Throughout March, you can save 20% on any BosStrap products order through the website below. The discount will be automatically applied at checkout by entering the code photoblog20.  Do note that a minimum purchase of $17.00 USD is required to take advantage of this offer.

Website: BosStrap

Adata Technology has launched its Premier series SDHC, SDXC and microSDHC / microSDXC memory cards, all of which implement the UHS-I U1 specification. Offered in 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB capacities, the new Premier SDHC and SDXC memory cards are billed as an economical option for those looking to utilise the speed of the UHS-I U1 standard, with price points comparable to older class 10 cards. According to the manufacturer the 64-gigabyte SDXC cards can achieve sequential read and write speeds of up to 50 and 33 MB/second, respectively.

Click through / scroll down for the MSRPs of the Adata Premier SDHC and microSDHC cards.

Sekonic and X-Rite have launched the Litemaster Pro L-478D and L-478DR light meters bundled with the new special edition X-Rite-Sekonic ColorChecker Passport with Sekonic Grey balance Card. Using free software from Sekonic and X-Rite, this new bundle enables photographers and cinematographers to quickly and easily create an exposure profile of their cameras, calibrate their meters and create colour profiles. Incident-only calibration of Sekonic’s Data Transfer System enables creating exposure profiles for precise metering without the need for additional accessories. Incident and Reflected-light calibration requires the L-478 series View Finder 5°, available as a separate purchase, to read the Passport’s Sekonic grey card for calibrated reflected-light readings. Retail pricing is $512 for the Sekonic L-478DR and $438 for the Sekonic L-478D. Current Sekonic L-478D/DR owners can purchase this special edition of the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport with Sekonic Gray Balance Card at the special introductory price of $49.

Starting today photographers living in the UK and Ireland can claim cashback on a range of Canon products including DSLRs, lenses and accessories, compacts, camcorders and printers. The amount of cashback ranges from £20/€25 on the PowerShot S110 camera (pictured) to £235/€300 on the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses. To take part in the offer and check the terms and conditions, visit the website below.

Fotodiox today introduced the RhinoCam, a camera/lens adapter system designed to put “the power of a full-size 645 medium format back into the hands of virtually any photographer.” Via an interchangeable lens mount, the RhinoCam couples either a Pentax 645, Mamiya 645, or Hasselblad V medium-format lens with a Sony NEX series camera. The lens remains firmly in place while the RhinoCam’s moving platform positions the NEX sensor for multiple precisely-positioned exposures. The built-in Composition Screen enables photographers to preview the composed shot. After the capture process, it takes seconds to merge the multiple exposures into one larger image using automated stitching functionality built into recent versions of Adobe Photoshop and other software offerings. RhinoCam also mounts directly onto a 4x5 board to open up additional possibilities with wider angle lenses, tilts, shifts, bellows systems and more. The RhinoCam precision system is priced at $499.95 (excluding camera and lens) and available for order today from the website below.

The Fresh Awards have named the Hitcase Pro - a waterproof, mountable case that transforms the iPhone into a POV camera - “one of the most innovative new consumer technology products of 2013.” As part of the premier channel event Distree EMEA, the Fresh Awards provide a first look at new technologies, giving distributor, retailer and e-tailer delegates access to new and innovative products about to hit the market in the European, Middle Eastern and African regions. Award winners are selected by Distree executives and the Sightline Group, a technology consulting group that soecuakuses in emerging companies. Hitcase Pro is a waterproof, shockproof case that includes a built-in wide-angle conversion lens that allows the phone to capture an angle of view of 170°. A patent-pending ShockSeal design protects the phone from the elements while shielding it from shocks and drops. The Hitcase Pro’s Railslide system makes it easy to mount the case to just about anything with its auto-locking functionality and one-button trigger release. The case is available for $129.99.

Manfrotto and Kata have launched two new promotions in the UK. Running between the 3rd and 31st March 2013 and applicable to all products purchased on the Manfrotto UK website - including tripods, LED lights and a host of other accessories -, the Manfrotto promotion allows customers who enter the coupon code focus2013 to receive a 15% discount. The same promo code is also valid on purchases made through the Kata UK website in the same period. These promotions are valid for United Kingdom residents only and apply with a minimum purchase of GBP £20.00 inc. VAT per order.

OmegaBrandess has been appointed as US distributor for JAG35’s line-up of HDSLR stabilisation products. The range includes complete camera rigs, follow-focus devices, camera supports, extension rods, handles, crimson supports, articulation arms and rail accessories.

The Think Tank Photo Low Rider Strap enables photographers to haul two bags - a shoulder bag and a roller bag - with a low and stable centre of gravity. With the Low Rider Strap photographers simply slip the split pad design over the handle of their rolling luggage and tighten the side straps. This approach is easier than stacking one bag on top of another. This counterbalanced, low-set load keeps bags balanced and prevents sloshing and sliding. The Think Tank Photo Low Rider Strap is available for $29.75,

Think Tank Photo has launched a limited edition of their popular Pixel Pocket Rocket CompactFlash memory card wallet.  Made of two-tone rip-stop nylon, the Limited Edition Pixel Pocket Rocket ($18.75) holds 10 CF cards while keeping them safe and organised. This CF card carrier was manufactured in a one-time production run and will be discontinued once inventory runs out. The company has also released a Pro DSLR Battery Holder ($17.50, pictured); a soft, compact case for photographers carrying two pro-size camera batteries for either Canon or Nikon bodies.