Canon and Sony News for Feb 2015 (Page 3)

 Friday, February 13, 2015

Roses are arguably one of the most beautiful flowers on the face of this planet. They don't smell so bad either, which makes working around them even more pleasant. Buy the wife (or yourself) a bouquet of roses and you have days' worth of photo subject for your macro lens (and presumably a happy spouse).
 
For this image, I attached a Rogue FlashBender softbox to a forward-facing Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite. With this setup, I was free to shoot handheld as I worked on finding pleasing compositions – with deep-reaching soft light following me. This turned out to be my favorite image from this shoot. A nearly centered rose's petals curve outward into and subsequently out of the frame in a balanced manner.
 
Later, print one of your rose pictures to gain even more return on your small investment.


With tomorrow being Valentine's Day, I thought you might find this subject idea timely.

 
Camera and Lens Settings
105mm  f/11.0  1/100s
ISO 100
5760 x 3840px
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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Photo Tips and Stories
Post Date: 2/13/2015 7:26:10 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan

Roger Cicala performed a teardown of the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM and came away wondering, "Is this the best built lens ever?"

From the LensRentals Blog:

"For those two or three of you who don't like a little lens strip-tease I'll give you the quick summary: the build quality on this thing is amazing. I usually laugh when people describe a lens as 'built like a tank' because what I know is the lens they are describing has a thick, heavy outer metal shell filled with tiny delicate pieces that break and wear out with great frequency. But this lens is built like a tank inside and out.

...

I know I can't really, without showing you dozens of other lenses, do a good job of impressing you with just how robustly engineered this lens is. I will say that the insides look more like what we'd expect to see in a 500mm f/4 or 600mm f/4 lens, rather than a telezoom. It's by far the most heavily engineered zoom lens Aaron and I have ever seen; and we've seen the insides of dozens of lenses in this range.

Well done, Canon engineers, well done!"

The fully illustrated article can be found on the LensRentals Blog.

B&H carries the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: LensRentals News
Post Date: 2/13/2015 6:42:27 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Tamron:

A newly designed optional tripod mount ring for SP 150-600mm VC USD extends the base surface of the tripod mount to improve stability and versatility

February 13, 2015, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced that the company will display samples of a tripod mount ring (long type) for SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD(Model A011)at CP+ 2015, which will be held from February 12 to 15, 2015, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.

Tamron has designed a new tripod mount ring (long type) for its popular SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011). Compared to the supplied tripod mount, the new long-type design provides an extended base surface. This extra space not only makes it possible to add a second screw hole for secure mounting, thereby enhancing stability and versatility, but also makes it easier for users to hold the base surface and carry it around. The new mount ring will be sold as a separate accessory.

The samples will be on display at CP+ 2015, which will be held from February 12 to 15, 2015 (CP+ booth G-28).

Product NameDate of Launch
Tripod mount ring (long type), an optional accessory for the A011 (Model A011TL)To be determined

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Tamron News
Post Date: 2/13/2015 6:27:22 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
 Wednesday, February 11, 2015

From Tokina:

February 11, 2015 – Kenko Tokina USA, Inc. is pleased to announce the Tokina Cinema AT-X 50-135mm T3.0 lens. Tokina engineers created a lens of this focal length that is Parfocal, has dramatically reduced breathing and image shift, and has a de-clicked, 9-bladed, curved iris for beautiful bokeh and precise exposure control. With its 1M close-focus capability, the lens allows you the freedom to capture tight close-ups while maintaining a comfortable distance from your subject.

The Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T3.0 optic is 4K ready and beyond and delivers a highly versatile zoom range in a compact design. The lens has an industry standard 114mm outer front barrel for matt boxes and a 112mm filter threat for mounting filters or other accessories.

Features:

  • Parfocal lens design allows you to maintain precise focus while using the zoom control.
  • Constant T3.0 throughout the 50mm to 135mm zoom range
  • Reduced breathing so you can focus on the scene and not the lens
  • Smooth, de-clicked, 9-bladed, curved iris for beautiful out-of-focus areas.
  • Virtually no image shift when using the zoom control during filming
  • Aspherical elements and Super-Low Dispersion glass reduce distortion and increase optical performance
  • 4K Image ready
  • Durable, all-metal cine-style housing with geared manual zoom, focus, and aperture rings for use in follow-focus systems.
  • Common 114mm front diameter for use with a wide variety of matte boxes and accessories.
  • Zoom, focus, and iris markings are on both sides of the lens for easy viewing and more mounting/follow-focus options.
  • LDS (Lens Data System) support is possible
  • Available Mounts: PL and EF

Specifications:

MountsPL, Canon EF
Focal Length 50-135mm
Maximum Aperture T3.0 Constant
Zoom Ratio2.7
Optical Structure 14 groups /18 elements
Sensor Size Super 35mm
Minimum Focus Distance 1m ( 3.28 ft)
Magnification Ratio00:00.0
Zoom Mode Rotary Zoom
Aperture/Iris Blades9
Depth of Field T3.0 – T22 (F2.8 – F22)
Filter Size 112 mm
Overall Length PL Mount - 159mm (from 142mm mount surface)
EF Mount - 155.5mm (from 150mm mount surface)
Diameter of Front 114mm
Maximum Diameter 123mm
Weight 1.53kg
Price$4,499.00
Availability April 2015

B&H has the Tokina Cinema 50-135mm T3.0 available for preorder.

Note: Image above shows the PL mount version of the lens. The EF mount image was not available at the time of this post.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Tokina News
Post Date: 2/11/2015 8:59:40 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From the Canon Professional Network:

"CPN recently got the unique opportunity to meet and talk to Tsunemasa Ohara - Senior General Manager of Camera Research and Development at Canon Inc. - who is the key man behind the development of the revolutionary 50.6 Megapixel Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R DSLRs. In an exclusive interview he reveals how he came up with the concept for the cameras and how and why some of the key technologies contained within them were developed..."
See the entire article on the Canon Professional Network.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Canon Professional Network
Post Date: 2/11/2015 1:06:25 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

B&H has the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens available for preorder.

Product Highlights:

  • Canon EF Lens/Full Frame
  • Aperture Range: f/5-6.3 to 22
  • One FLD and Three SLD Elements
  • Hyper Sonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Stabilizer with Accelerometer
  • Zoom Lock & Manual Override Switches
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 110.2"
  • Splash and Dust Proof Mount
  • Lens Hood & Tripod Collar
  • Compatible with Sigma USB Dock

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Preorders
Post Date: 2/11/2015 11:27:56 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder. The price is quite reasonable, too – it's less than both the 50mm and 35mm Art lenses!

And while we're on the subject of price, try comparing the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art to the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM. I'm still a little stunned.

My preorder has been submitted. [Sean]

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Preorders
Post Date: 2/11/2015 9:25:37 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Canon:

Stunning high-quality photos and videos that are easy to share are yours with the Canon EOS Rebel T6i and EOS Rebel T6s DSLR cameras. Stay connected!

B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Photography Education Videos
Post Date: 2/11/2015 9:03:42 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

Amazon UK has the Canon EOS M3 + EF-M 18-55mm IS STM Kit available for preorder.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Preorders
Post Date: 2/11/2015 8:18:57 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens Review page is now loaded with my expectations for this lens including MTF chart comparisons (I think this is going to be another great one).

B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder with arrival slated for late this month.

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Posted to: Canon News   Category: Camera Gear Review News
Post Date: 2/11/2015 7:11:27 AM ET   Posted By: Bryan
 Tuesday, February 10, 2015

I can honestly say that the above title is one that I never envisioned using before today – but it is certainly indicative of the times. :-) [Sean]

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

"There are profile pictures that are taken with a camera phone in front of a mirror, perhaps on a good hair day or before a night out with friends. Then, there are pictures that are thoughtfully composed, well lit and offer a glimpse into the subject’s personality or interests.

For almost every social media account comes an accompanying profile picture. If you’re involved with online dating, those pictures are the first impressions that can determine potential interactions. There are millions of users in the online dating community and to whittle out the competition, a thought-out profile picture can only help."

To find out more, check out the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center. Keep in mind that much of this information would also apply to creating flattering headshots for other uses as well.

Relevant Products

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Post Date: 2/10/2015 1:02:57 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sigma:

We are pleased to announce the development of TRIPOD SOCKET TS-81 that is the optional lens foot which can be attached to the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports.

It is compatible with the Arca Swiss quick release plate and the clamp. The deliberately designed length of its rail provides the flexibility to adjust the center of gravity making it balance perfectly, even while zooming or using accessories, such as a tele converter and battery pack. Consideration has been given to the portability and transportation of the lens when Tripod Socket TS-81 is attached. The lens hood can still be reversed and the lens stored in its original padded case, even with the Tripod Socket TS-81 attached. Incorporated into the Tripod Socket are safety stopper screws to prevent the lens from falling. There are 2 sizes of screw holes, 1/4 and 3/8, making it compatible with tripods other than Arca Swiss, too. When it is compared to the supplied tripod socket, it offers more space between the lens and device, and the change of grip has improved the usage as a handle for carrying.

Launch Date & Price: TBD

Note: The TS-81 Tripod Foot is not yet available for preorder. We will advise when it becomes available.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Sigma News
Post Date: 2/10/2015 12:33:11 PM ET   Posted By: Sean

From Sigma UK:

2015-02-10 09:00:00

New Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens. SIGMA has a proven reputation for wide-angle lens design and manufacturing. Drawing on this experience and design know-how, refined through development of the SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art and SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, we have successfully minimized sagittal coma flare, chromatic aberration, distortion and vignetting to achieve exceptional levels of optical performance with almost no aberration or distortion. The Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lens is the latest “F1.4” to join the Sigma Art line series which is built with the highest optical performance in its class and perfect for a variety of subjects from cityscapes to a star-filled night sky. It is a new horizon for a large F1.4 maximum aperture wide-angle lens with rendering performance that is at a whole new level.

Price TBD

Available in SIGMA, Canon and Nikon AF mounts. Sony mount to be announced.

Estimated availability for Sigma and Canon mounts in March 2015, Nikon mount in April 2015.

I'm sure that "Price TBD" is at least part of the reason B&H and other retailers are not currently accepting preorders. Watch the site's news page closely to be the first to know when the preorder line opens. With a March initial delivery date, the wait shouldn't be long.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Sigma News
Post Date: 2/10/2015 12:14:15 PM ET   Posted By: Bryan

by Sean Setters

I've been using various third-party batteries alongside OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) ones in my DSLRs for years (first starting with the Rebel XTi). The price of third-party batteries make them attractive from a consumer's standpoint, but they often deliver lower performance compared to the OEM ones.

For example, third-party batteries don't last as long in my 5D Mark III and don't seem to be as efficient at holding a charge over time as their OEM counterparts. And there's an additional inconvenience factor when it comes to third-party batteries – as I noted in late 2013, Canon has redesigned their battery chargers to render them incompatible with third-party batteries. This means you must use a separate battery charger for charging third-party batteries. As a side note, redesigning the LC-E6 charger to be incompatible with third-party batteries led to some unintended consequences, as evidenced by a subsequent Canon product advisory.

Even knowing the drawbacks that came with third-party batteries, I continued to use them. Their price seemed fair for their mediocre performance. This weekend, a failure completely changed my perception of the value of third-party batteries.

I decided to film a friend's band, Three Penny Nickel, at a local watering hole on Saturday. Up until then, all of their videos had been captured via cell phone by a fan in the audience. I thought I could do better and set out to try.

I packed my 5D III into a backpack with a few lenses, my EOS M (with 22mm STM) and a Zoom H2n. I brought along my 7D Mark II with EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM mounted on a Glidecam HD-4000. My plan was to set up two stationary cameras (the 5D III and EOS M) on opposite sides of the band while capturing stabilized, moving video with the 7D II. I knew that a three camera setup was ideal so that when crossing the view of one camera I could always rely on the other stationary camera if the moving video wasn't to my satisfaction. I checked the battery levels in the DSLRs and they were just fine. I replaced the mostly-drained OEM battery in the EOS M with a fully-charged third-party battery that had been sitting on my desk for a time. Seeing that the camera registered the third party battery as full, I didn't pack another battery (big mistake). Then I headed for the venue.

I arrived a little early in order to set up my equipment. I propped up the 5D Mark III on a railing with the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens attached and pointed at the band. The field of view was just about perfect for capturing the three front band members.

I set up the EOS M on the opposite railing and began adjusting the camera's settings. About 30 seconds after turning the camera on, the LCD went blank. Puzzled, I removed the battery and replaced it. Nothing. At the time I wasn't sure if the battery had simply failed or the camera had become inoperable for some reason. After returning home and replacing the third-party battery with a freshly-charged OEM one, identifying the culprit was easy. The camera powered right up as you'd expect with a freshly charged battery.

With only minutes before the band was to perform, it didn't matter if the camera had failed or the battery, the effect was the same (at least for the time being) – not having working battery (either primary or backup) meant that I only had two cameras available to me to complete filming. That fact proved quite limiting when cutting the video together the next day in Vegas Pro 13. An additional camera angle would have allowed for a more polished end result, especially considering the challenging shooting conditions.

It's true, I should have had a backup battery on hand for the event. However, considering all the drawbacks of third-party batteries – with overall reliability being one of them – I've decided to stick to OEM batteries going forward. And yes, anything can fail (even OEM products). But from my personal experience, I have much less to worry about from OEM products than I do from third-party ones. And that's especially true for batteries.

B&H carries Canon batteries.

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   
Post Date: 2/10/2015 10:01:56 AM ET   Posted By: Sean

B&H began shipping the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens earlier this month but original stock was very low. However, it seems more orders will be heading out the door today.

As such, our lens is scheduled to arrive tomorrow and completing the standardized test results for this lens will be a high priority.

Stay tuned...

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Posted to: Canon News, Sony News   Category: Shipping Notifications
Post Date: 2/10/2015 8:43:23 AM ET   Posted By: Sean
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