News
Event Report: INON UK Demo Day
INON UK held an equipment demonstration day at Ocean View Diving Services in Lancing on Sunday 29th January. The idea was for dealers and customers to get their hands on the very latest INON underwater photography equipment and have a look at what was due for release soon.
One of the highlights of the event was that Takuya Torii from INON Japan had travelled over to the UK to give the very latest news to the group who attended. He has worked at INON for 15 years and there is no one who knows the products better.
The day started with him introducing some of the new products that will be out in the coming weeks. There is some exciting stuff including a new macro lens (UCL-67) for those who love to get very close indeed! The magnification of this lens is impressive, as is the quality. It is the equivalent of a +15 diopter, giving 2.7 magnification when using the Nikon 105mm lens. It will have a 67mm screw thread or bayonet mount and will also soon be compatible with many flip adapters. There will also be an accessory that allows to you add another macro lens to increase magnification further. So if super macro is your thing….
There is a new adapter for the latest Sony 4K action camera that will allow for a wide angle lens to be added to restore the 140 degree field of view whilst underwater. Inon have also developed a way for you to be able to take the live view screen underwater and for the wi-fi to work so that it can be used whilst you are diving. You can even add a macro lens to boost the size of the screen by 20% too, so you will be able to see what you are shooting! This is a great addition to the already available GoPro and Olympus TG4 systems.
There are two new lights being released in a few months too. We loved the new focus light, LF1300-EWF, which is packed with innovative features. It has a dome lens to give a wide spread of light, and comes with a hood to help direct light, as well as a red filter. It is small, compact, easy to use and takes AA batteries. The best bit – it has a sensor that turns the light off when you fire your strobes. This feature can be disabled if using it as a video light, and there are strobe users nearby who may trigger it. It is also the quickest to come back on (0.2 sec) on the market. The new 3100 lumen video light looks good too and follows the same idea as the focus light, with a dome front to give a wide (more than 100 degree) spread of light. It will have the same accessories as the focus light as well as the ability to use AA batteries.
Takuya then also showed the group, who filled the room at Ocean View, some of the existing INON range, including more lenses and equipment for action cameras, the bug eye lens for SLR users, telescopic arms and floats, and there was even a hint at a new INON tripod in development. There was plenty of time to then get your hands on the equipment, ask questions and chat to the INON team.
Ocean View Diving Services have their own pool on site, and so, in the afternoon, those that wanted to try out the equipment could put all the INON gear through its paces. Caroline jumped in for a quick go with the new close up lens, the Sony action camera with video lights and the focus light too. The INON UK team had brought a number of small artificial reefs and plastic marine life for everyone to practise on.
This was a really good event for both the dealers, who could see what was coming out in 2017 and try it out before customers starting asking about them, and also for the underwater photographers who turned up to see what goodies they might want to invest in next. The fact that all the equipment was also available to try in the pool was fantastic. We very much hope to be able to do full reviews of all of this new INON equipment once it becomes available. Watch out for more information here on Scubaverse.
For more from Nick and Caroline visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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