Canon and Sony News for Sep 2016 (Page 4)

We've added the Canon EOS M5 to our Camera Specifications Tool.

I preloaded the link above with a comparison of the M5 and Canon's previous mirrorless offering, the M3.

You can preorder the EOS M5 at these retailers.

A 24mm f/1.4 prime lens is equally at home in a wedding photographer's gear bag as it is perched upon a tripod and pointed up toward the night sky. It's an excellent lens for indoor events (like parties) where ambient light is low.

For those looking to invest in a 24mm f/1.4 prime for Canon DSLRs, two candidates likely to be considered are the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM and Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lenses. Today, we're going to see how these lenses compare to one another so that you can make the right investment for your needs.

First, let's first look at image quality. At f/1.4, the Canon 24L II is sharp in the center but the mid-frame and corners are noticeably softer. The Sigma 24 Art trails the Canon in center sharpness wide open, but it features a more even sharpness across the entire frame which results in the mid-frame and corners being sharper than the Canon. By f/2, the difference between the two lenses in the center is negligible but the Sigma is still clearly sharper in the corners.

The Canon exhibits significantly more vignetting than the Sigma but typically controls flare a bit better. Distortion between the two is pretty much a toss-up.

Both lenses feature similar size and weight and accept 77mm front filters. If weather sealing is a high priority, the Canon 24L II is the lens you want. Otherwise, let's look at some other differentiating factors.

As usual with third party lenses, you can expect the Sigma 24 Art to focus less consistently compared to the Canon. Live View focusing can be used to increase focus accuracy (as the actual sensor data is being used for focusing), but Live View focusing may not be suitable in some situations.

However, in this particular case, a 24mm lens' relatively short focal length helps mitigate focus inaccuracies to some degree as depth of field (DOF) is derived from the relationship between sensor size, focal length, aperture and distance to subject. Let me share an example.

With a subject positioned 5 feet away while using a full-frame camera with a 50mm focal length and an f/1.4 aperture, the in-focus DOF would be about 3 inches (7.62 cm). If using a 24mm focal length under the same circumstances, DOF would increase to 1.12 feet (34.14 cm).

Of course subject framing would not be the same with different focal lengths being used, but suffice it to say that shorter focal lengths will give you more DOF at typical working distances.

As is typical of Canon vs. third-party lens comparisons, one big differentiating factor is price. Right now the Sigma 24 Art is only 55% the cost of the Canon counterpart. This represents a significant savings that could easily be applied to other lenses or desired accessories.

To summarize, if you need weather sealing and consistent AF, the Canon 24L II is the best 24mm f/1.4 lens to add to your kit. Otherwise, the Sigma makes a strong case for saving a decent amount of cash while investing in your 24mm prime.

B&H carries the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM and Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lenses.

From Tamron:

Notice about compatibility between Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Tamron lens products

Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses.

Thank you for using Tamron products.

1. We would like to ask you that, when using a Tamron lens with Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera that has been released in this September, you turn OFF the “Lens aberration correction” function included in the camera’s menu prior to use.
2. We have learned the issue that when you attach the Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) on the EOS 5D Mark IV, it takes several seconds to turn on the power of the camera at the first.

Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses for Canon.

Thank you for using Tamron products.

We wish to notify you that the AF functions of the following interchangeable lenses for Canon, which have been produced before May 11th, 2015 and have not updated firmware when there were the firmware update service announcements below, do not function in Live View mode when used on the EOS 5D Mark IV which went on sale on September 8th, 2016 in Japan.

*Please see the below links for the previous firmware update service announcements regarding the EOS Rebel T6s/EOS 760D (EOS 8000D) / the EOS Rebel T6i/ EOS 750D (EOS Kiss X8i), the EOS 5Ds / the EOS 5DsR, the EOS 80D, EOS-1D X Mark II, and the firmware update service for SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) for panning shot.

• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508_3.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0622_3.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2016/0406.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/news/release_2016/0602_2.html

We sincerely apologize to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience the issue may cause.

Affected models

Interchangeable lenses for Canon, which has been produced before May 11th, 2015

• SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
• SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
• SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
• SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
• 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)

Serial numbers which have produced after May 11th, 2015

Firmware update will not be required for those lenses (serial numbers).

• SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
• SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
• SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
• SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
• 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)

For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.

As usual, I have assembled my expectations for Canon's newly announced lens in the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Review page.

With a new optical design, versatile focal length range, 4-stop IS, Canon's nano USM focusing technology and an economical price tag, this lens will surely find a home in many photographers' kits.

You can preorder the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM at these retailers.

Canon has posted several videos featuring its newly released products, the EOS M5 and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM.

• Introducing the Canon EOS M5 (shown above)
• Introducing the Features of the Canon EOS M5
• Canon EOS M5 Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Canon EOS M5 Combination IS
• Official Canon EOS M5 Sample Movie
• Official Canon EOS M5 Lifestyle Movie: “FUN! EOS M5”
• Introducing the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens

You can preorder the EOS M5 and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM at these retailers.

From Profoto:

With the ability to freeze action at up to 1/63,000 of a second, to shoot bursts of 20 images per second and sync with camera shutter speeds as fast as 1/8,000 of a second the D2 is redefining the definition of speed in monolights.

A photographer might need to freeze action with absolute sharpness. The D2 brings pin sharp clarity with a flash duration of up to 1/63,000 of a second, which makes it faster than most high-end studio packs on the market. Better still, it offers super short flash duration across the full energy range.

If flash duration is exceptionally fast, recycling time is equal to it. With the D2 you can shoot up to 20 flashes per second. That allows you to catch 20 versions of the same moment, and quite often that's the difference between capturing a good image and a great image.

Bringing yet another dimension to speed is Profoto’s High-Speed Sync technology (HSS). This allows the D2 to sync with the fastest shutter speeds available. An advantage when you need to catch a deep blue sky or take full control of ambient light.

The D2 can also help to speed up workflow because it’s equipped with patented TTL technology. You can point and shoot and the D2 will automatically adjust its output for perfect exposure. But manual mode is available at a click of a button, so switching between both modes with settings intact just makes everything move faster.

In terms of output, the D2 is available in 500Ws and 1000Ws versions. At full power you’ll easily overpower the sun, or fully illuminate a larger Light Shaping Tool. Both versions come with a super wide 10 f-stop energy range and superior color consistency over the entire range. So leave the ND filters at home and add just a hint of light if needed.

Above all, this is Profoto Light Shaping equipment. So the design is smooth and minimal, it’s intuitive to use, the build quality as you’d expect, is rugged and sturdy, and it can be used with more than 120 different Light Shaping Tools.

“We designed the Profoto D2 to be the world’s fastest monolight,” says Johan Wiberg, Product Manager at Profoto.

“But the speed is not a gimmick. We truly believe that more speed allows you to be more creative and consistently take better images regardless of what challenge you face – with the D2, you’re always up to speed.”

For high volume production when you shoot thousands of images per day, like packshot photography, there is an optional Quartz flashtube available.

The D2 is released Sept 15, 2016. Both the 500Ws and 1000Ws versions are available in different kit configurations.

B&H has the Profoto D2 AirTTL Monolight available for preorder.

Preorder links for the newly announced Canon products are now live.

• Canon EOS M5
  B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Canon USA | Wex Photographic
• Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
  B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Canon USA | Wex Photographic
• Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens
  B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Canon USA | Wex Photographic

From Canon:

Affordable Lens Features NANO USM Technology, Enhanced Image Stabilizer and Information Display

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2016 – Having the right tool for the job has long been the mantra for professional photographers and hobbyists alike. Canon’s wide array of lenses provide users with a variety of creative options to help capture dynamic photos and videos with their DSLR cameras. Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today the new Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens featuring NANO USM technology for high-speed and near-silent focusing in both still and video modes. The lens also features a new LCD information display and four-stop* image stabilization.

“To help photographers that are striving to create the most amazing pictures and videos possible, Canon is dedicated to developing the best tools to help them with their goal,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Having this new EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens in a photographer’s camera bag will surely help them achieve their creative vision.”

Designed with the user in mind, this affordable new lens includes technology to spark creativity and deliver excellent image and video quality from afar. This is the second Canon lens equipped with NANO USM technology, a focusing motor that combines the benefits of a ring USM (ultrasonic motor) for high-speed AF during still photo shooting and lead-screw type STM (stepping motor) for smooth and quiet video autofocusing (AF)

Features for the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens include:

• High-speed autofocus for shooting stills and smooth, near-silent autofocus when shooting video is achieved by incorporating NANO USM technology.
• New Lens Information Display shows focusing distance, focal length and shake amount.
• One UD Lens helps reduce chromatic aberration and delivers outstanding high resolution and high-contrast results.
• Image Stabilizer effect at up-to-4* stops of shake correction helps capture sharp images.
• Circular aperture (9 blades) helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds.
• Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode.

The Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS II USM lens is scheduled to be available in November 2016, for an estimated retail price of $549.99

Preorders

Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens – B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Wex Photographic

From Canon:

EOS M5 Camera Provides The Fastest Autofocus (AF) speed of EOS M-Series and a built-in Electronic Viewfinder

MELVILLE, N.Y., September 15, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the latest additions to its EOS M series system - the new Canon EOS M5 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera and compact EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens. The EOS M5 camera features a 24.2 Megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, DIGIC 7 Image Processor and the fastest AF speed in the EOS M-series , enabling photographers to capture clear, sharp, high-resolution images and Full HD videos. It is also the first in the EOS camera line to include the low energy Bluetooth Smart feature that can maintain a constant connection with your compatible smartphone or tablet when you use the Canon camera connect application and both applications are active. The versatile EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is compatible with all Canon EOS M series digital cameras, and is a great option for photographers looking to capture scenic landscapes while traveling to close-up shots from afar.

“The new capabilities found in the Canon EOS M5 Camera and EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens set a new standard for our EOS M series of cameras and lenses, showing that Canon is constantly incorporating performance enhancements desired by our customers,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “When paired together, the new EOS M5 camera and EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens provide image-makers of all levels with powerful tools that enable them to capture a variety of remarkable images and videos.”

In addition, advanced photographers will appreciate the improved operability of the EOS M5 camera. It has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF for capturing stills and shooting video with smooth and precise autofocus. This allows for Touch and Drag AF so users can easily switch the subject of their focus by dragging the AF frame directly on the LCD panel, even while looking through the camera’s EVF. Focus peaking allows users to highlight the area of the image that is in focus from within the EVF or LCD monitor. In addition to its touchscreen operability, the EOS M5 camera also has easily accessible dials that allow you to quickly adjust your settings on-the-go.

Key Features of the Canon EOS M5 Camera Include:

• 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, ISO 100–25600.
• Fast and smooth Dual Pixel CMOS AF helps you capture stills and shoot video with quick and precise autofocus.
• High-speed continuous shooting at up to 7.0 fps (up to 9.0 fps with AF Lock) and new DIGIC 7 Image Processor with improved AF tracking performance.
• Full HD 60p helps capture fast-moving subjects and brilliant results in MP4 format.
• Digital IS with 5-axis image stabilization when shooting movies plus increased image stabilization with both lens optical IS and in-camera digital IS when shooting with an IS lens.
• Built-in high-resolution EVF (approx. 2,360,000 dots) with new Touch and Drag AF lets you manually move the AF frame displayed for more precise focusing in different shooting situations.
• Intuitive touch screen 3.2 tilt-type (85° up/180° down) LCD monitor (approx. 1,620,000 dots) enables flexible positioning and clear viewing.
• Easily customize functions while shooting using the Main Dial, Quick Control Dial, Dial Function Button and Exposure Compensation Dial.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
• Equipped with Bluetoothiii Smart for smooth pairing with a compatible smartphone by powering on both devices for easy photo sharing and remote control possibilities.
• Shorter camera startup time and interval time between each image capture for a more efficient shooting experience.
• Compatible with EF-M lenses as well as the full line of EF and EF-Sviii lenses and Speedlites for expanded creativity.

The Canon EOS M5 also features Combination IS with in-camera 5-axis image stabilization, while capturing video, a first in the Canon EOS series. With a compatible lens attachediv, Combination IS leverages optical IS and in-camera digital IS to help create tremendously smooth videos. The DIGIC 7 Image Processor makes the 5-axis IS possible even with lenses that do not contain IS, because the in-camera image stabilization functions independently to help reduce camera shake when shooting videos.

Additionally, the EOS M5 camera shoots impressive time-lapse videos. The EOS M5 camera also allows for easy panning by setting the optimal shutter speed after analyzing the camera's panning speed and how fast the subject is moving.

The new Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens offers a high-zoom ratio, expanding the range of photographic possibilities for EOS M digital cameras. Its image stabilizer helps with reducing image blur and making image and video shooting easier at longer focal lengths. Along with the enhanced performance, the EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is compact and lightweight, making it a versatile and convenient lens to carry.

Key Features of the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Include:

• Canon’s first EF-M high-zoom power lens covering a broad range of shooting scenes with a high-zoom ratio of up to 8.3x (29–240mm equivalent).
• Compact and lightweight design allows for easy portability.
• Optical design helps provide excellent image quality across a broad zoom range comparable to the EF-S 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6 IS USM lens.
• Maximum magnification of 0.31x at focal length 150mm.
• Image Stabilizer effect at up to 4 stops of shake correction helps capture sharp images.

Pricing and Availability

The new Canon EOS M5 camera is scheduled to be available through authorized Canon dealers in November 2016, for an estimated retail price of $979.99 for the body only. It will also be sold as part of body-and-lens kits with EF-M 15-45mm/F3.5-6.3 IS STM zoom kit lens (estimated retail price of $1,099.00, scheduled to be available early November 2016 ), and with the new EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens for an (estimated retail price of $1,479.00, scheduled to be available early December 2016)

In addition, the new Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens, available in graphite and silver colors, is scheduled to be available in December 2016 for an estimated retail price of $499.99.

Additional optional EOS accessories include a Body Jacket (EM-E2) and Neck Strap (EH29-CJ) that come in black or brown.

Preorders:

Canon EOS M5 – B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Wex Photographic
Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM – B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Wex Photographic

From Adobe:

Adobe DNG is now standard format for mobile photography across both iOS and Android

SAN JOSE, Calif – Adobe (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced an update to Lightroom for mobile, making it one of the first apps for capturing Adobe DNG photos on iOS 10 devices. Adobe DNG is the only raw file format directly integrated into iOS and delivers the highest possible image quality and the greatest amount of editing flexibility and control for capturing and editing photos.

With the release of iOS 10, DNG – a raw photography format created by Adobe – is now the go-to, high-quality capture format for mobile photography across both iOS and Android, a strong validation of the decades of leadership and innovation that Adobe has in digital photography. Lightroom for mobile 2.5 delivers an end-to-end Adobe DNG raw mobile photography workflow while also adding support for the new wide gamut P3 color space found in the iPad Pro 9.7 and the soon-to-be-released iPhone 7 and 7 Plus.

Download: Adobe Lightroom Mobile (iPhone | iPad)

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Think Tank Photo:

Think Tank Photo’s New Lightweight Airport Helipak for 3DR Solo Offers Maximum Capacity, Comfort and Portability

Santa Rosa, Calif. – Drone users can now carry their 3DR Solo, 15” laptop, controller, GoPros, charger, spare rotors, extra batteries, jacket, tools, and more in a robust and yet lightweight new backpack, the Airport Helipak for 3DR Solo from Think Tank Photo. Unlike rigid hard cases that lack extra carrying capacity and comfort, this new backpack is designed for 3DR drone enthusiasts who want to be able to carry all of their gear with them all the time.

“The number one complaint of drone users about their bags is that, after just a few hours, their bodies are rebelling from the pain,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank’s CEO and lead designer. “For a decade we’ve released photography and outdoor backpacks designed to hold expensive and extremely heavy photographic equipment. The very same principles we used for them have been integrated into the Airport Helipak for 3DR Solo backpack. Now they can venture deep afield with all of their gear and no concerns about comfort.”

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Custom divider set specifically designed for the 3DR Solo and allows you to reconfigure your bag depending on what gear you’re carrying
• International and domestic carry on size compatible
• Dedicated 15” laptop pocket
• Protective, lightweight and very portable
• YKK RC Fuse zippers, 1680D Ballistic nylon bottom panel, metal hardware, and nylon webbing are the most durable, long lasting materials on the market
• Protective rotor thread caps included
• Internal see-through mesh pockets for small accessories: rotor blades, screwdriver, cables, etc.
• Water bottle pocket on side
• Contoured adjustable harness with lumbar support articulated air-channel and removable padded waistbelt allowing travel into remote areas
• Height adjustable sternum strap
• Elastic pockets on shoulder strap for phone, cliff bar, goo pack, etc.
• Robust handles to ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
• Seam-sealed rain cover helps to protect your gear. Stows away inside backpack when not in use.

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. The backpack also has YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, 1680D ballistic nylon bottom panel, 600D polyester, 420D velocity nylon, 3D air mesh, ultra-stretch pockets, Y-buckles, antique finish metal hardware, big hole air mesh, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: Removable closed-cell foam dividers, 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane-backed velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, Belly-O mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

SPECIFICATIONS

Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 20.5” H x 9” D (35.6 × 52.1 × 22.9 cm)
Interior Dimensions: 13” W x 18.8” H x 7.6” D (33 × 47.8 × 19.3 cm)
Laptop: 11.8” W x 17.3” H x 1.4” D (30 × 44 × 3.5 cm)
Weight (with all accessories): 4.6 lbs. (2.1 kg)

B&H has the Think Tank Photo Airport Helipak Backpack for 3DR Solo available for preorder. Think Tank Photo has the bag in stock.

From Think Tank Photo:

Think Tank Photo’s New Airport Advantage Carry On Rolling Camera Bag Fits Commuter and Regional Aircraft

Santa Rosa, Calif. – One of the truths of air travel with camera gear is that the maximum amount of gear photographers can carry is limited by the smallest plane on which they’ll be traveling. In response, Think Tank Photo has released the Airport Advantage rolling camera bag. Designed for traveling on commuter or regional jets, the bag’s customized interior holds the maximum amount of gear that will fit in overhead bins or under seats. In addition, its ultralight design lets photographers pack more gear while staying under airlines’ increasingly vigilant weight restrictions.

“The Airport Advantage has all of the features and quality for which Think Tank’s larger rolling camera bags are renowned,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank’s CEO and lead designer. “With this, our smallest rolling camera bag, we help photographers solve one of their biggest headaches, which is how to keep their very expensive gear near them at all times on regional aircraft, as opposed to it being tossed into the hold.”

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

• Meets U.S. and International airline carry on requirements
• Weighs only 5.9 lbs. (2.7 kg)
• Dedicated laptop pocket fits up to 15” laptops in a padded sleeve
• Custom designed retractable handle with inset channel on aluminum tubing for adds strength and durability
• Tripod mount and water bottle pocket on side (Additional straps included for larger tripods)
• YKK RC Fuse zippers, and closed-cell PU foam are the highest quality materials in the industry
• Fit two camera bodies with lenses attached
• Lockable zipper sliders (lock not included)
• Interior zippered pockets for batteries, CF cards, filters and accessories
• User replaceable retractable handle, wheels, wheel housings, and front foot
• Custom-designed, high-performance, 80 mm super quiet wheels with sealed bearings
• Seam-sealed rain cover included
• Grab handles on three sides for lifting bag into overhead bins
• Closed-cell foam dividers support heavy gear and maintain strength over time
• Business card holder on top for identification

WHAT FITS

• Gripped DSLR with lens attached, one standard size DSLR with lens attached, plus three to four additional lenses, and 15” laptop
• Or, two gripped DSLRs with lenses detached plus three to four lenses
• Or, two Mirrorless bodies with lots of lenses

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, plus underside of fabric has a polyurethane coating. The Airport Advantage is also constructed with 420D velocity nylon, YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, custom designed extra tall skid plates, high performance 80mm super quiet wheels with sealed bearings, rubberized laminate reinforcement, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane-backed Velex liner and dividers; closed-cell foam and reinforced PE board dividers; 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover; nylon binding; 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

SPECIFICATIONS

Interior Dimensions: 12” W x 18” H x 4.9 – 6.4” D (30.5 x 45.7 x 12.4–16.3 cm)
Exterior Dimensions: 12.7” W x 19.5” H x 7.3” D (32.3 x 49.5 x 18.5 cm)
Laptop Compartment: 11.6” x 16.4” x 2.9” (29.5 x 41.6 x 7.4 cm)
Weight: 5.9 - 6.2 lbs. (2.7-2.8 kg)

B&H and Think Tank Photo Airport Advantage available for preorder. Think Tank Photo has the roller bag in stock.

Canon has no more than two L lenses sharing any same focal length or focal length range with one exception – they currently offer 4 different versions of the EF 70-200mm L lens. More choices are great, but more choices of course lead to more difficult decisions. While some may desire to have all 4 of these lenses in their kits, most do not need or want to afford all of them and one or two need to be selected. However, there is enough difference between the f/2.8 and f/4 models to make having two of these lenses in a kit make sense.

The No-Brainer Choice

The bottom line is that, if size, weight and price are not issues for you, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens is definitely the lens to get. This lens offers the best of everything and it is the most versatile among the 4 options.

The Rest of the Options

The decision becomes harder if the f/2.8L IS II lens is not affordable or if size/weight concessions are necessary. The 4 lens models are separated, in specs at least, by having or not having IS and by having an f/2.8 or f/4 max aperture. Fortunately, the remaining three options do not sacrifice performance as they all reliably deliver great image quality.

If size and weight are concerns, the f/4 models are the direction to go. At roughly half the weight of the f/2.8 models, your arms, shoulders, etc. are going to clearly know the difference after hours of carry and use. At roughly half of the cost of the respective f/2.8 model, your wallet will understand the weight difference as well.

Image stabilization adds to the cost, but it also adds greatly to the value of the lens, adding a great amount of versatility. If handholding in low light with still subjects, the f/4L IS model is the right choice between the f/4 models and possibly the better choice over the f/2.8 non-IS. This lens features weather sealing like it's f/2.8 counterpart (filter required) and delivers better image quality than the older, non-IS model and it is arguably better than the f/2.8 non-IS also.

The f/4L non-IS has the most attractive price tag and has been the introduction to Canon's L-series lenses for a huge number of photographers. If your budget is a primary limiting factor, the 70-200mm f/4L USM is a very capable lens with inherent benefits far exceeding its cost. It’s small, easy to pack, solidly built and a great introduction into Canon’s highest-tier lenses. However, caution should be exercised as weather sealing does not come with the budget price tag.

If stopping action in low light is important, the f/2.8 non-IS lens likely has your name on it at this stage of the selection process. The 1-stop wider max aperture can stop action in 1/2 as much light as the f/4 options at the same ISO setting. The wider aperture can also create a stronger background blur. Note that the f/2.8 non-IS version is only partially weather sealed.

As mentioned, the difference in features between the f/4 and f/2.8 lenses is significant and I currently have both the f/4L IS and the f/2.8L IS II in my kit. Both see frequent use.

The Canon Digital Learning Center has posted an EOS AF Microadjustment Guidebook which can be downloaded via PDF.

There's a lot of good information in the guidebook, as in suggested test distances for various focal lengths.

What is the first thing you photographed with your 5D IV? Probably not a color chart, but ... that's my job. The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV review page now includes a discussion about this camera's image quality, focusing on noise levels and talking about a white balance discovery. Scroll down the review page until the color block image and begin reading at the resolution discussion just above.

A huge number of comparisons available including with downsized 5Ds and 5Ds R results and 5D IV images downsized to 5D Mark III dimensions.

Get your Canon EOS 5D Mark IV at B&H.