Camera Gear Review News (Page 23)
Just posted: Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens Review.
Tamron has released another winner with this lens.
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R have been added to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens Review.
These results are the key to unlocking the direct comparison between this EF lens, one of my all-time favorites, to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens. Here is the link to that image quality comparison.
Huge $300.00 instant savings currently available! The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX Lensrentals.
The Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens and/or rent the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Don't forget to share these results with your friends!
Just posted: Canon EOS M6 Mark II Review.
This is a remarkable little camera.
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS M6 Mark II from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Canon EOS 90D Review.
The 90D is a nice upgrade from the 80D. This is a solid-performing, well-equipped camera.
Save $50.00 - $150.00 instantly: the Canon EOS 90D is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS 90D from Lensrentals.
Please share this review with others!
The Canon EOS 90D DSLR camera and the Canon EOS M6 Mark II interchangeable lens mirrorless camera are both excellent general-purpose models that many are deciding between. These cameras are identical in some ways yet vastly different in others.
These two cameras were announced simultaneously, sharing a press release. They share the same imaging sensor, the same processor, and the same image quality.
As can clearly be seen in the overlay comparisons images shared here, the 90D is very considerably larger than the M6 II. The 90D takes up much more space but it provides a considerably larger grip that is comfortable to hold for long periods of time and gives the photographer better control of larger lenses. The optional BG-E14 battery grip provides even more control for the 90D. The M6 II is considerably lighter, weighing just over 1/2 as much as the 90D (12.7 vs. 24.7 / 361 vs. 701g).
The 90D has an optical viewfinder with speed-of-light response time and conventional phase detection AF in addition to the same live view sensor-based AF capabilities found in the M6 Mark II. The 90D requires an LCD loupe for electronic viewfinder (EVF) capabilities while the M6 II has a hot shoe attached accessory EVF, the EVF-DC2, available in addition to an accessory loupe.
Using the optical viewfinder (OVF), the 90D tops out at a 10 fps continuous shooting rate that seems fast until compared to the M6 II's 14 fps capability. Far surpassing that rate is the M6 II's 30 fps burst and preshooting, essentially shooting in the past. When using the optical viewfinder, the 90D has a faster shutter speed available (1/8000 vs. 1/4000 sec.) though both cameras can do 1/16000 sec. when using full electronic shutter. When using the OVF, the 90D has a far higher battery life (1,300 vs 305 shots at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%) with a 6-level battery indicator vs. 4.
The controls featured on these cameras are quite different. The 90D has a higher button and dial count but the M6 II has a solid set of controls. The 90D has a joystick while the M6 II features touch and drag AF when the optional EVF is installed.
The 90D has water and dust resistance specified while the M6 II does not. The 90D has a headphone port to its advantage. The 90D's LCD has anti smudge coating while the M6 II's LCD does not. Neither has anti reflection coating.
The 90D has a more powerful built-in flash of GN 12 vs. 4.6 (ISO 100, meters) with a 1 second faster recycle time (3 vs. 4 seconds) and a faster flash sync rate (1/250 vs. 1/200 second).
The M6 II's EF-M lens compatibility is an advantage. However, this camera requires an adapter for use of EF, EF-S, TS-E, and MP-E lenses.
Which Camera?
For many people, either of these cameras will be a great choice and some will find that owning both cameras makes perfect sense. It is also likely that there will be one or more significant differentiators in the above list that creates a purchase direction.
Those photographing fast, erratic-moving action will likely prefer the 90D's optical viewfinder yet those same photographers may prefer the M6 II's faster frame rate. Those using large lenses will prefer the 90D's grip size as will those spending large amounts of time with the camera in hand.
That said, those carrying a camera for long periods of time will appreciate the M6 II's lighter weight. Travelers will love the M6 II's small size and light weight as will anyone able to utilize the compact (and excellent performing) EF-M lenses. If one or more EF-M lenses are ideally suited for the subjects, the M6 II is likely the best choice. Those carrying a camera in case an opportunity arises will appreciate the M6 II's compact size.
Again, for many people, either of these cameras will be a great choice and owning both cameras can make perfect sense.
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens page.
Here are some comparisons:
Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens Compared to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens Compared to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens
While there are a plethora of other 35mm lenses, few have the matching f/2.8 max aperture. Use the site's tools to create your own comparisons.
This lens has a $50.00 holiday savings in place. The Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens is in stock at B&H | B&H Used | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Lens from Lensrentals.
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Just posted: Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review.
I would have been very disappointed if this lens was not a great performer. Fortunately, expectations were met.
The Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
One of the visual comparisons I wanted to create was that of the current mirrorless full frame 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. I got that task done and thought you might also find the image interesting.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens
Note that these lenses are aligned on their mounts, not their caps.
The same lenses are shown below with their hoods in place.
As with any new camera, the first task with a new Sony a7R IV in hand is to set it up for use. Following are the 39 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Sony a7R IV ready for use (including tweaks made after roughly 15,000 frames of use).
- Charge battery
- Install neck strap (if opting to use one)
- If your current image processing software does not support the Sony a7R IV, download and install Capture One (for Sony) and/or Sony Imaging Edge
- Insert charged battery and power on the camera
- Set the time zone, date, time, timeformat (note that the AM/PM setting is not directly able to be changed – the hour setting must be scrolled 12 hours to change this)
- insert memory card (don't forget to format it)
- Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: Quality: RAW
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (unless taking advantage of the about-50% smaller RAW file size)
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Long Exposure NR: Off
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Comp.: All Off
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: Self-timer during Bracket: 2 Sec
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: Bracket Order: ->0>+ (makes selecting images for HDR processing easier)
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Memory: I set the 3 Custom dial modes to my standard landscape, sports, and wildlife settings later
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Focus Area: Flexible Spot: S
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Swt. V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 6: Face/Eye AF Set.: Face/Eye Frame Display: On
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 6: Aperture Drive in AF: Focus Priority
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 9: Reset EV Comp.: Maintain
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 10: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 12: DRO/Auto HDR: Off
- Camera Menu 1, Tab 12: Creative Style: Neutral, Sharpness = 1 (I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
- Camera Menu 2, Tab 4: Release w/o Lens: Disable
- Camera Menu 2, Tab 4: Release w/o Card: Disable
- Camera Menu 2, Tab 7: Grid Line: Rule of 3rds Grid
- Camera Menu 2, Tab 9: Dial Setup: TV/Av (I adjust Tv while shooting more frequently than I adjust Av and the front dial is easier to access quickly)
- Camera Menu 2, Tab 11: Audio signals: Off (How to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
- Network Menu 1, Tab 2: Airplane Mode: On
- Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm: "Delete" first
- Setup Menu, Tab 2: Touch Operation: On
- Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad: Touch Panel+Pad
- Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad Settings: Touch Pos. Mode: Relative Position; Operation Area: Right Half of Screen
- Setup Menu, Tab 5: Write Serial Number: On
- Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: {name}, Set Copyright: {name}
- My Menu: Px. Shift Multi Shoot.; Anti-flicker Shoot; Format; Silent Shooting; Steady Shot; Format; Face/Eye AF Set
- Mount a lens, focus on something with detail, and adjust the viewfinder diopter to your vision
- Check for sensor dust (this was an issue with the two a7R IV cameras I received).
I of course make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.
To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot – including shooting in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.
If you can't remember your own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good idea. Anytime your camera is reset-to-factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to quickly set it up.
More Information
The Sony a7R IV is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
Rent the Sony a7R IV from Lensrentals.
Noise test results have been added to the Sony a7R IV Review.
Use the over/under-exposed results for a look at dynamic range.
Sony a7R IV compared to the Sony a7R III at ISO 6400.
Sony a7R IV compared to the Sony a7R III exposed +3 stops and processed at -3 stops for a look at dynamic range (both cameras are great in this regard).
MANY more comparisons are available.
The Sony a7R IV is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony a7R IV from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens page.
Here are the requisite comparisons:
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens Compare to the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens Compare to the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens Compare to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens Compare to the Tamron 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/1.8 Lens from Lensrentals.
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens page.
Let's dive right into comparisons for this one:
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Compared to Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Compared to Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Compared to Rokinon (Samyang) 35mm f/1.4 US UMC Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Compared to Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens Compared to Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens from Lensrentals.
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS 90D and the EOS M6 Mark II reviews.
You are going to notice that the results from these two cameras appear remarkably similar. They are using the same imaging sensor and the same DIGIC processor and are expected to have identical image quality. As this is a very time consuming test, including carefully capturing 180 images and prepping a crop from each, I opted to fully test only one of the cameras (the 90D) and show the same results for the M6 II.
A full narrative of the results is coming soon. In the meantime, create your own comparisons including a look at dynamic range using the +/- exposure variations.
The Canon EOS 90D is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS 90D from Lensrentals.
The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS M6 Mark II from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens Review.
Did I change your mind?
As always, let me know if I missed anything.
The Deal: Receive a combined savings of $700 when you purchase the RF 24-240 f/4-6.3 IS USM Lens with the EOS R Body. Get the combo deal at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA Store
The Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Does the Canon EOS R firmware update v.1.4.0 make a difference? Absolutely! Your EOS R got a free upgrade.
It's been a month since Canon EOS R Firmware v.1.4.0 was made public and I've been asked about its performance (more than once). Quite simply, this update brings a great improvement to the AF system.
Prior to installing the update, I created a controlled eye-detection AF test. The test was not highly technical – the longest distance that the EOS R would show a stationary subject's eye being detected by a specific lens and focal length was determined and recorded. It was not difficult to determine whether or not the new firmware delivered an advantage. That test revealed that v.1.4.0 shows the eye detection box in the viewfinder from a distance 3x farther away (3x-smaller eyes) than the previous firmware version did. The difference is very obvious.
While I was happy with the R's eye-detection AF performance prior to loading the update, it is especially reassuring to see your subject's eye being indicated in the viewfinder and this update is a good one. That your camera gets this update for free is especially good.
Learn more about the Canon EOS R in our review.
Save $500.00 instantly on this camera! The Canon EOS R is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS R from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results have been added to the Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens page.
Here are some comparisons to get you started:
Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens compared to the Rokinon SP 85mm f/1.2 Lens
Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens compared to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens
Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens compared to the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens compared to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens compared to the Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 Lens
Save up to $150.00 instantly on this lens. The Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Rokinon AF 85mm f/1.4 Lens from Lensrentals.
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Image quality test results have been added to the Rokinon SP 85mm f/1.2 Lens page.
Here is the Rokinon SP 85mm f/1.2 Lens vs. Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens comparison. Of course, the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens is Canon's best 85mm lens (it's awesome). Here is that comparison.
Try all of the other 85mm comparisons available.
Save $200 instantly on this lens! The Rokinon SP 85mm f/1.2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Rokinon SP 85mm f/1.2 Lens from Lensrentals.
Support us: use our links for all of your shopping needs and share the site with others!
Image quality test results have been added to the Rokinon (Samyang) 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC Lens page.
Create your own comparisons.
This lens currently has an instant rebate of, depending on the mount version, up to $160.00.
The Rokinon (Samyang) 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Rokinon (Samyang) 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC Lens from Lensrentals.
+20mm+f%2f1.8+ED+AS+UMC+Lens+Image+Quality+Test+Results "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
I was able to spend some time with a production Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens last week. All first impressions leave me thinking it is as awesome as we expected it to be.
The build quality of this lens feels superb, at least as good as the white telephoto L lenses you've used before.
I've seen RF 70-200 mock-ups prior to holding a production model but holding this lens in your hands really drives home how compact and light it is. New for a 70-200 L lens is that this model extends, allowing it to become considerably shorter at 70mm than the previous models. The volume difference noticed especially in a backpack is huge. With a retracted length of 5.75" (146mm), it will fit upright into many lens backpack/case slots. The extending portion of the lens feels solid with very little play.
The zoom ring is very smooth with the normal L-grade feel.
The lightweight tripod ring is not riding on steel bearings and the friction fit is not especially smooth during rotation. I originally feared that the compact tripod ring would have too much flex, but reality is that it is very solid, impressively so for the size. Replacement lens feet will require the entire ring to be replaced.
Image quality will be of utmost importance and to help with that early assessment, I've uploaded some full-size images for you to review. Keep in consideration that the models being photographed in these images were moving constantly. The handheld shutter speed was 1/500 (marginal for the action) and the lighting was not optimal, changing in brightness and often strongly-colored for effect (do not use these images for critique of color rendering). While these are not lab-grade samples, the results are still quite impressive.
Be sure to observe the sharp plane of focus for your judgments. Note the faces of the models are considerably off-center, showing performance toward the periphery of the image circle. All images were processed in DPP using the standard picture style with sharpness strength set to "2" (0-10 scale) with all lens corrections disabled. Images were saved as 70-quality JPGs in Photoshop. ISO settings were mid-level (not optimal for image quality discernment, light noise reduction has been applied (2,3 or 3,3) and I opted to brighten all images shared here (see setting and adjustments listed for each image). Still, I think you will like what you see.
200mm f/2.8
In a 70-200mm lens, I expect the 200mm focal length to deliver the softest results. Thus, I was especially interested to see how 200mm performed in this lens. The first example was captured at ISO 1000 and processed with +0.33 EV. Click on the image to download the full size file.
Check out the sharpness of the model's face and follow the sharpness of the dress circles along the plane of sharp focus.
The second example was captured at ISO 1200 and processed with +0.67 EV. Again, click on the image to download the full size file.
Again, check out the sharpness of the model's face and follow the sharpness of the black sweater along the plane of sharp focus. Also, check out the lack of color fringing that would be made apparent in the foreground and background blur of the white hairpiece and the reflective silver pieces on the dress.
70mm f/2.8
The 70mm focal length is also important and it is the other full extent of the zoom range, potentially another weak point. While the details being rendered smaller in the frame is disadvantageous from an apparent-sharpness perspective, the results still look great. Look at the netting in the hat. This example was captured at ISO 500 and processed with +0.82 EV.
Preorder
Along with the RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens completes the very impressive Canon RF mount lens trinity. Get your Canon EOS R or EOS RP and get in line.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens is available for preorder at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
Image quality test results have been added to the Rokinon SP 10mm f/3.5 Lens page.
The 10mm full frame focal length angle of view is extraodinarily wide.
Here is the Rokinon SP 10mm f/3.5 Lens in comparison with the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens.
The Rokinon SP 10mm f/3.5 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | WEX
Please remember to support us by using our links for all of your shopping needs and by sharing the site with others!
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
 |
|