Canon News Report News & Deals

For a limited time, DigitalRev has the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens available for $379.00. Compare at $649.00.

Amazon has the SanDisk Ultra Plus 256GB SATA 6.0 Gbps SSD (Solid State Drive) available for $159.99.

B&H has the Bower 24mm f/1.4 Wide-Angle Lens available for $499.00 with free shipping. Compare at $599.00.

For a limited time, DigitalRev has the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM (Art) Lens available for $449.00. Compare at $499.00.

The inventory at the Canon Store has diminished because of the current 15-50% off refurbished DSLR Cameras, Lenses and Flashes promotion. However, the following items were still in stock as of this morning.
 
Refurbished DSLR Cameras:

Item	Orig. Price	Savings	Sale Price
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body	1,759.20	263.88	1,495.32
Canon EOS 7D + EF-S 18-135 IS	1,439.20	215.88	1,223.32
Canon EOS 7D Body	1,199.20	179.88	1,019.32
Canon EOS 60D + EF-S 18-135 IS	959.20	143.88	815.32
Canon EOS Rebel T4i + 18-135 IS STM	919.20	183.84	735.36
Canon EOS Rebel T4i + EF-S 18-55 IS	719.99	144.00	575.99
Canon EOS 60D Body	719.99	108.00	611.99
Canon EOS Rebel T4i Body	639.99	128.00	511.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3i + EF-S 18-55 IS	519.99	104.00	415.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3i Body	439.99	88.00	351.99
Canon EOS Rebel T3 + EF-S 18-55 IS	399.99	100.00	299.99

Refurbished Lenses & Flashes:

Item	Orig. Price	Savings	Sale Price
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM	919.20	137.88	781.32
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM	319.99	48.00	271.99
Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro	239.99	36.00	203.99
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM	479.99	72.00	407.99
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM	687.99	103.20	584.79
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM	639.99	96.00	543.99
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM	479.99	72.00	407.99
Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS	399.99	200.00	199.99
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II	239.99	36.00	203.99
Canon Speedlite 430EX II Flash	239.99	36.00	203.99
Canon Speedlite 270EX II	135.99	20.40	115.59

Roger Cicala from Lens Rentals has published a how-to guide for removing dust from the following lenses:

1. Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 AF-S (Many Nikon “D” primes)
2. Canon 17-55 f/2.8 IS (Canon 24-105, 24-70 f/4 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 II)
3. Canon 85mm f/1.2 L
4. Canon 85mm f/1.8 (Canon 100m f/2)
5. Canon 70-200 f/2.8 NON IS (Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS I and II)
6. Canon 100-400 IS L (Canon 28-300 IS L)

From LensRentals Blog:

"I [Roger] get asked about 15 times a week, 'How can I get the dust out of my lens?' The right answer is you don’t. All lenses have dust in them and it doesn’t affect the images at all 99% of the time. Even if you clean it all out, it will be back after you use the lens a few times.
 
There are occasionally times that large dust specs very near the rear element are visible in an image, though. There also is the very real issue of resale value; a dusty lens tends to bring a lower price than one without much dust. The right answer in these cases is “send it in for factory service, they’ll disassemble it and clean it.” Doing it yourself is risky.
 
After I give all of those answers, a lot of people tell me they have an old lens no longer under warranty, not worth the cost of sending it in for factory cleaning, and they are really handy and want to do it themselves. For those people, we’ve put up this post showing how to get dust out of some fairly easy to reach locations."

See Roger's full guide for cleaning your lens. Be sure to read all the warnings carefully before trying this yourself.

From Adobe:
 
Camera Raw 8.1 and DNG Converter 8.1 Release Candidates are now available. This release includes support for HiDPI capable displays, bug fixes, new camera support, and new lens profiles.
 
Photoshop CS6 customers traditionally have received camera updates through Camera Raw 7.x releases. This is the first time that we are providing camera support through a version of the camera raw plug-in that is a whole version number greater than the version of Camera Raw that shipped with a specific version of Photoshop. (Photoshop CS6 shipped with ACR7 and now we’re providing support to CS6 with ACR8.) As mentioned here, this change allows us to be consistent with our past policy of providing raw support for currently shipping products. However, when ACR8 is hosted by Photoshop CS6, it will not offer any of the new features described in Photoshop CC marketing materials for ACR8.
 
New Camera Support in the Camera Raw 8.1 Release Candidate

• Hasselblad H5D-60
• Olympus PEN E-P5
• Olympus PEN E-PL6
• Phase One IQ260*
• Pentax Ricoh GR
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LF1

* denotes preliminary support
 
New Lens Profile Support in the Camera Raw 8.1 Release Candidate

Lens Name	Lens Mount
Canon PowerShot G1 X	Canon
Canon PowerShot G15	Canon
Hasselblad HCD 4.8/24	Hasselblad
Nikon Coolpix A	Nikon
Nikon Coolpix P330	Nikon
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR	Nikon
HD Pentax-D FA645 Macro 90mm F2.8ED AW SR	Pentax
HD Pentax-DA 560mm F5.6ED AW	Pentax
Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC HSM A013	Canon, Sigma
Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM C013	Nikon
Sigma 19mm F2.8 DN A013	Olympus, Sony
Sigma 30mm F2.8 DN A013	Olympus, Sony
Zeiss Apo Sonna T* 2/135 ZE	Canon
Zeiss Apo Sonnar T* 2/135 ZF.2	Nikon
Zeiss Touit 1.8/32	Sony
Zeiss Touit 2.8/12	Sony

Release Notes
 
Camera Raw 8.1 RC includes support for HiDPI capable displays.
 
Getting Started

1. Download the Camera Raw 8.1 and/or DNG Converter 8.1 release candidates
2. Quit out of Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Bridge.
3. Open the download file and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Ask questions or share your feedback in the Camera Raw forum

Download
 
Camera Raw 8.1 Release Candidate - Windows | Macintosh
DNG Converter 8.1 Release Candidate - Windows | Macintosh
 
B&H carries Adobe Photoshop CS6.

From Think Tank Photo:
 
We just released a new version of our popular large capacity rolling camera bag, the Logistics Manager 30. The rolling case’s endless interior layout options adapt to numerous equipment combinations and help manage all of the logistics of transporting and using a lot of gear while on location.
 
Its roomy internal dimensions of 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25 – 10”D (35 x 70 x 21 – 25.5cm) allow it to hold multiple combinations of cameras and lenses, lighting gear such as strobes and reflectors, and accessories of all kinds.
 
Key Features

• Holds and transports all types of gear on location.
• Organizer side pocket for various equipment.
• Interior pockets for extra organization.
• Two clear accessory bags included for miscellaneous items.
• Quickly deployable roller handle.
• Large front organizer pocket.
• Expandable front pocket for large items.
• TSA-approved main zipper lock for added security.
• Tripod cup, strap, and rain cover included.

The Logistics Manager 30 answers a question often asked by working photographers: ‘How can I transport all of my gear into the field, have quick access to it, and secure it from loss or theft? We took the design and engineering principles we pioneered in our line-up of award-winning rolling camera bags and applied them to this very roomy pro photographer logistics solution.
 
Specifications

• Internal Dimensions: 13.75”W x 27.5”H x 8.25 – 10”D (35 x 70 x 21 – 25.5cm)
• External Dimensions: 15.75”W x 30”H x 11.5”D (40 x 76 x 29cm)
• Weight: 16 – 20 lbs (7.3 – 9.1 kg) (depending on accessories used)

Note: Use the links from this site to get a free gift with your purchase of $50.00 or more at Think Tank Photo!

From Metz:
 
The extensive range of Metz accessories has just been expanded with the addition of new extremely useful components. Both amateur and professional photographers alike can benefit from the versatile soft boxes which are now available in stores. The Metz soft boxes are perfect for product, portrait and passport photographs. They swathe the subject in soft and even mood lighting. The practical soft boxes can be folded up and stowed in a carry bag which is included as standard – making transportation easy. The following models are available: Easy soft boxes ESB 60-60 and ESB 40-40, Mini soft boxes SB 30-20, SB 22-16 and SB 18-15 as well as Mini Octagon soft boxes SB 34-34, SB 20-20 and SB 15-15. The flash unit holder FGH 40-60 is perfect for attach-ing Easy soft boxes to flash units and for achieving the optimal positioning of the air-cushioned lighting tripods LS-247 and LS-200.
 
Soft mood lighting with Easy soft boxes and accessories
 
Easy soft boxes ESB 60-60 and ESB 40-40, which can rotate by 360°, are perfect for smaller product and portrait photographs. They ensure soft, even mood lighting and can easily be attached to a compact flash unit using the flash unit holder FGH 40-60. The flash unit holder can in turn be attached to the air-cushioned lighting tripods LS-247 and LS-200 for optimal positioning with respect to the photo subject. For even more precise lighting control, a front and rear diffuser is also included with the Easy soft boxes as standard. Thanks to the supplied adapter, both Easy soft boxes can also easily be connected to all studio flash units with a Bowens-compatible bayonet. After the photo shoot the Easy soft boxes can be folded up conveniently by the user and stowed in the supplied carry bag.
 
Mini and Mini Octagon soft boxes for soft light
 
The Mini soft boxes SB 30-20, SB 22-16 and SB 18-15 as well as the Mini Octagon soft boxes SB 34-34, SB 20-20 and SB 15-15 are all ideal for smaller product, passport and portrait photographs. Photographers can use the folding Mini and Mini Octagon soft boxes to swathe their subjects in soft and harmonic lighting. The Mini and Mini Octagon soft boxes can very easily be attached to any compact flash unit using a Velcro strap. The integrated rear diffusers within the Mini and Mini Octagon soft boxes allow for even more creative light diffusion. After the photo session, the Mini and Mini Octagon soft boxes can be stowed and transported in their practical accompanying bags.
 
Quality by Metz
 
Metz develops products which satisfy the standards of tomorrow, today. The use of advanced technology in conjunction with innovative functions ensures that Metz products can always be relied upon. Our know-how and experience also guarantee technical perfection for the future.
 
Technical specifications for Easy soft boxes with accessories
 
Easy soft box ESB 60-60

• Dimensions: 60 × 60 cm
• Includes front and rear diffuser and carry bag

Easy soft box ESB 40-40

• Dimensions: 40 × 40 cm
• Includes front and rear diffuser and carry bag

Flash unit holder FGH 40-60

• Adapter between compact flash units and Easy soft boxes
• Adjustable flash shoe height
• Can be attached to Metz lighting tripods LS-247 and LS-200

Lighting tripod LS-247

• Maximum height: 247 cm / load: 3 kg
• With air cushioning

Lighting tripod LS-200

• Maximum height: 200 cm / load: 2.5 kg
• With air cushioning

Technical specifications for Mini soft boxes
 
Mini soft box SB 30-20

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: 30 × 20 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

Mini soft box SB 22-16

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: 22 × 16 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

Mini soft box SB 18-15

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: 18 × 15 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

Technical specifications for Mini Octagon soft boxes
 
Mini Octagon soft box SB 34-34

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: Ø 34 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

Mini Octagon soft box SB 20-20

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: Ø 20 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

Mini Octagon soft box SB 15-15

• Colour: white
• Dimensions: Ø 15 cm
• Includes rear diffuser and carry bag

B&H carries Metz products.

The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review page has been updated to incorporate the newly-available information about this lens.
 
Links to the USA and UK press releases, the development announcements and also to some early user reports are provided.
 
I am very optimistic about the image quality that this lens is going to deliver and excited about what this lens will do for me.

 
Lately there has been a lot of buzz about Magic Lantern's latest breakthrough - the ability to capture RAW video with the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. While this is certainly intriguing news, the Magic Lantern Alpha Firmware is not ready for the masses just yet.
 
However, videos like these make us just a little bit excited to see what's in store for the future.
 
"Smith Rock" Video Shot with 5D Mark III Raw Video
 

 
For more information, check out EOSHD's Hands on with CONTINUOUS RAW recording on Canon 5D Mark III.

From DxO:
 
Support for the Canon EOS 700D/REBEL T5i, the Leica M, the Nikon Coolpix A, the Nikon Coolpix P330, the Pentax MX-1, and the Sony NEX-3N
 
May 15, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.1.6 for Mac and Windows, the new version of its image processing software of reference for all demanding photographers. With this update, DxO Optics Pro 8 now supports the Leica M (Elite edition only) and the Canon EOS 700D/REBEL T5i. Four other cameras complete the list of cameras supported by this updated version: the Nikon Coolpix A, the Nikon Coolpix P330, the Pentax MX-1, and the Sony NEX-3N.
 
Based on DxO Labs’ exclusive prior calibration process conducted in its laboratories, DxO Optics Pro offers many powerful and automatic tools for processing RAW and JPEG images, including the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, and precise color management.
 
12,000 DxO Optics Modules available
 
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.6 benefits from the continuous addition of DxO Optics Modules. Since the last version, 267 new camera/lens combinations have been added to the library, providing support for even more [Canon, Leica, Nikkor, Olympusn Panasonic, Pentax, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Tokina and Zeiss] lenses for [Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax and Sony] cameras.
 
DxO Optics Pro now offers more than 12,000 DxO Optics Modules, each of which contains tens of thousands of data points about the intrinsic characteristics and flaws of its camera/lens combination. The DxO Optics Modules database, unique in the entire world, allows DxO Optics Pro to automatically correct all the optical flaws in RAW and JPEG images – distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, lens softness – with an unrivaled level of quality.
 
This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 8, as well as for photographers who purchased a DxO Optics Pro 7 license on or after September 1, 2012.
 
B&H carries DxO Optics Pro.

Canon USA has issued their EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Press Release.
 
Preorders. Get in line for this amazing lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon

The Canon 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens development announcement was made on February 7, 2011. Today, well over two years later, the offical announcement has finally been made.
 
Here is the Canon UK 200-400 IS Lens Press Release.
 
Click on the specifications link on that page to get more details about this lens - including its abilitiy to accept not-built-in extenders in addition to the built-in 1.4x. Adding a 2x III makes this a 560-1120mm f/11 IS lens. Image quality at these focal lengths remains an unknown of course.
 
 
Preorders
 
My guess is that this lens will be in short supply with heavy demand - even at this healthy price.
 
Get on a preorder line: B&H | Adorama | Amazon
 
 
Overview from Canon
 
Designed to satisfy the discriminating needs of sports and wildlife photographers, the EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. With a simple flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280–560mm (f/5.6). This capability is extremely useful in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements, which provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range for professional quality images with high resolution, contrast and color fidelity, while a 9-blade circular aperture helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. It utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. And, with Power Focus mode, focus shifts are quiet and smooth, which is essential for filmmaking. Image stabilization is effective up to four shutter speed steps, with three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) providing excellent results for a wide range of subjects. Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver outstanding color balance, while helping to minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions. A fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels dust particles and makes the lens easier to clean.
 
 
I expect to have even more information available later today.

The official Canon press release is not available yet, but much information about the new Canon 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens is now available at B&H.
 
Preorder now to get this long-awaited lens early in its street life!

Use coupon code S0511113 during checkout at Adorama to get the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye Manual Focus Lens for $229.00. Compare at $269.00.
 
Note: Using the links above, the price may display as $229.00 without having to use the promotion code.

The Canon Store has the Refurbished Canon EOS 5D Mark III DSLR Camera in stock and available for $2,799.21 with free shipping. Compare at $3,499.00.

eBay (via 6ave) has the Canon EOS 1D X DSLR Camera with 32GB CompactFlash Memory Cards available for $5,939.99 with free shipping. Compare at $6,799.00.

eBay (via 6ave) has the Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera with EF 24-105mm L Lens Kit available for $2,384.99 with free shipping. Compare at $2,599.00.

From Canon UK:
 
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 14 May 2013 - Canon today announces the release of a new in-camera Picture Style pre-set for its range of EOS DSLRs. Created following direct feedback from video enthusiasts, the new Picture Style, called Video Camera X–series-look, enables users to capture EOS Movie footage with lower contrast levels, allowing for easier colour grading during post production processes.
 
Similar to that available in Canon’s range of X-series camcorders, the new Picture Style works by lowering colour saturation levels and contrast during filming. This makes it ideal for videographers during post production grading processes, especially if complementing with pre-existing footage shot with Canon’s X-series models, or alternatively for those who instantly want to add atmosphere to Full HD movies. In addition, the new Picture Style can also be applied to still images captured in RAW or JPEG formats.
 
The new Picture Style can be downloaded now from:
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/picturestyle/index.html (thanks Henri)

The full Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review is now available.
 
I'll be adding this lens to the Canon general purpose lens recommendations page. I had trouble getting a good copy, but the lens I now have lens delivers excellent image quality.

Today only, Adorama has a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens + $75.00 Gift Card Bundle (for Canon) available for $409.95 after $50.00 mail-in rebate.
 
Bundle Includes:

• Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Lens
• Pro Optic Pro Digital 62mm Multi Coated UV Ultra Violet Filter
• Flashpoint CapKeeper 2 (Model CK-2) Lens Cap Leash
• Adorama Cleaning Kit for Optics
• Adorama $75.00 Gift Card

B&H has a Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera & 18-135mm IS STM Lens Bundle available for $929.00 with free shipping.
 
Bundle Includes:

• Canon EOS Rebel T4i Digital Camera (Body Only)
• Canon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-S IS STM Lens
• SanDisk 16GB SDHC Memory Card Extreme Class 10 UHS-I
• Ruggard Hunter 35 DSLR Holster Bag
• Watson LP-E8 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack (7.4V, 1100mAh)
• Tiffen 67mm UV Protector Filter
• Vello IR-C1 Infrared Remote Control for Canon Digital Cameras
• Pearstone Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 18% Gray (7 x 7.9")
• Sensei Cap Keeper Plus Lens Cap Holder

Adorama has the Flashpoint F-2228N Version II Carbon Fiber Tripod available for $99.95 with free shipping. Regularly $219.95.

eBay (via AdoramaCamera) has the ASUS VivoBook X202E-DH31T 11.6" Notebook Computer with capacitive touchscreen available for $359.99 with free shipping. Compare at $399.00.
 
Product Features:

• 1.8GHz Intel Core i3-3217U Dual-Core
• 4GB of DDR3 RAM
• 500GB 5400rpm Hard Drive
• Integrated Intel HD Graphics 4000
• 11.6" HD Capacitive Touchscreen
• 1366 x 768 Native Resolution
• 3-in-1 Media Card Reader
• 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0
• Integrated 0.3-Megapixel Webcam
• Windows 8 (64-bit)