The Lenses for Capturing the Natural Beauty around You
It is hard to overlook the amazing scenery all around us. And capturing those amazing views is what many of us have cameras for. As with most photogrpahy pursuits, the right lens can make a significant difference in your landscape photography results.
Today we are looking at
Landscape Lens Recommendations.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 9:30:47 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Refreshed Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II Lens Sample Pictures
Since we were discussing the
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM Lens yesterday, I thought I would put up some fresh
sample pictures for that lens. Hopefully you will find them - or one of the included tips - interesting and helpful.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 10:44:23 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Zeiss 135mm f/2 Apo Sonnar T* ZE Lens Available for Preorder
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 4:14:28 PM CT Posted By: Sean
New Canon Lenses Shipping with Center-Pinch Lens Caps
Apparantly, the inventory of side-pinch lens caps is starting to dwindle. Site visitor Ian recently sent us an email noting that his recently unboxed
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM lens from
Amazon came prepackaged with the new 77mm center-pinch lens cap.
B&H carries the new
Canon Center-Pinch Lens Caps.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 8:12:41 AM CT Posted By: Sean
CPN Presents Joel Santos on the Canon EOS 6D in Patagonia

From
Canon Professional Network:
Great travel photography can evoke a range of emotions and usually ends in that feeling of ‘itchy feet.’ CPN writer Ian Farrell applies the foot powder and talks to Canon Explorer Joel Santos about a recent trip to Patagonia with the EOS 6D DSLR… The urge to travel goes hand in glove with a need to take pictures. A perfect example of this can be found in Joel Santos, a 35-year-old travel photographer from Lisbon, Portugal, who has explored dozens of locations throughout the world, in Europe, South America, and across Asia.
Joel, who worked as an economist before he sidestepped into the photographic industry, has enjoyed travelling from an early age. “I was fortunate that my parents loved to travel, so I had the chance to see some amazing places as a child,” he says, explaining that it wasn’t until 2003, after he had qualified with a masters degree in economics, that he thought of working in photography.
“I was working for a while in East Timor, near Indonesia, teaching economics at university,” he continues. “My passion for photography grew during this time, and it was only natural that it joined up with the love for travel I’d developed by living abroad.” Now Joel makes a living from his photography, splitting his time between organising workshops and tours, writing about the destinations that he visits and shooting stunning images of people places and culture.
See the full CPN article
here.
B&H carries the
Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 7:57:55 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens and USB Dock to Ship Soon
From Sigma:
SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM & SIGMA USB DOCK 2013.04.12 - SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM for Canon and SIGMA USB DOCK for Canon are scheduled to start the shipment from the end of this month.
B&H has the
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon available for preorder.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/12/2013 7:31:18 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Can the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II Lens be used for Sports Action Photography?

I included the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II Lens in my
indoor action sports lens recommendation list. Some, in a politely-constructive way (always very appreciated), are questioning my logic for doing so. The big reason for this questioning is due to the 85mm f/1.2 L II's focusing speed. This is not the fastest Canon AF system.
So the question: "Can the
EF 85mm f/1.2 L II Lens be used for sports action photography?" is one that I want to answer today.
The short answer is "Yes".
Here is a very slightly cropped sample photo I captured with a
Canon 1D X:
Is it sharp? That is a good question because it is easy to make web-sized images sharp. Even with very light sharpening ("2" in DPP), the eyelashes are sharp as shown in the screen capture below. The screen capture is lower quality than DPP's RAW conversion (the sharpening is not as clean), but I want to show the active AF point placed on the jaw line:
Close and fast approaching subjects present a challenge to the autofocus systems of both cameras and lenses. This runner was very close and moving fast. She was on the inside lane of the track and I was off of the track *just* far enough to not disturb the race. It is going to be hard to get much closer to any action - and dangerous to get that close to anything faster. The 1D X has proven very impressive to me, making it a great choice for finding the limitations of the lens. This shot and a significant percentage of my other 85 f/1.2 action images are in sharp focus.
Adding to the challenge of capturing in-focus action sports images with this lens is the razor-thin depth of field at f/1.2. Maintaining a focus point on the same plane of focus as the in-action subject's eyes is a challenge. Do not expect an in-focus hit rate as high as with some good f/2.8 lenses - though the 85 f/1.2 L II bested some other non-Canon f/2.8 lenses I was testing at the same event.
You of course do not have to use a wide open aperture, but ... f/1.2 is a leading contributor to the major awesomeness of this lens. It is seldom too dark to stop action with an f/1.2 aperture as the in-action subject's ability to see becomes an issue.
Actually, it can be too bright to shoot sports at f/1.2 unless you have the right
DSLR camera. Shooting under full sunlight as shown in the sample above? You need a DSLR with 1/8000 shutter speed capability (only higher end models have it) along with ISO 50 to keep images dark enough to avoid blown highlights in some scenarios. These were the settings used in the sample above. Alternatively, a neutral density filter can be used.
Returning to the autofocus speed question ... Can other Canon lenses focus faster than the 85 f/1.2 L II? Yes. But, this 85mm f/1.2 action sports sample is far from a 1-off autofocus accident. My overall focus hit rate is decent with this lens.
Can any other Canon lens produce the same sports image look?
No. I love
this lens.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/11/2013 9:32:03 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Lenses for Your Most Elusive Subjects
While some wildlife is tolerant of human presence (and some is captive), much of the world's wildlife remains elusive. It would prefer that you were in the next county. Lenses that allow you to remain far from the subject tend to rule the wildlife photography category.
Today I introduce the
Wildlife Lens Recommendations page.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/11/2013 8:19:12 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Tamron Announces How-To Photo Seminars for Beginner to Enthusiast Photographers

From Tamron:
Two-hour educational seminars to be held at 30 select Tamron dealers April 11, 2013, Commack, NY - As part of the company's
Educational Series 2013, Tamron USA announced photography seminars to be conducted throughout the US at 30 select authorized dealers. The how-to seminars cover a wide variety of subject matter:
- Seeing in Black & White Photography
- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography
- Kids Sports Photography
- Family, Friends & Kids Informal Portrait Photography
- Formal Portrait & Lighting Photography
- Close-up & Macro Photography
Attendees of the event can expect to go behind the lens and learn a multitude of useful photographic tips and insights that will improve their picture-taking abilities with their DSLR camera. The topics discussed during the seminar include understanding light, point of view, composition, and knowing your lens in order to shoot the types of pictures the DSLR user desires.
Participating Retailer Locations & Registration
Attendees can register for the seminars at www.tamron-usa.com/events/howto/.
Dates are continuing to be added. The current roster includes the following locations:
4/11- Family, Friends & Kids Informal Portraits Photography Seminar (Metairie, LA)
4/19- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Kenmore, WA)
4/23- Family, Friends & Kids Informal Portraits Photography Seminar (Charlotte, NC)
5/4- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Hartford, CT)
5/10- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography Seminar (Rockford, IL)
5/16- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography Seminar (Glen Mills, PA)
5/17- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography Seminar (Lansdale, PA)
5/17- Formal Portrait & Lighting Photography Seminar (Lakewood, WA)
6/1- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Louisville, KY)
6/7- Close Up & Macro Photography Seminar (Oshkosh, WI)
6/14- Seeing in Black & White Photography Seminar (Nashville, TN)
6/14- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Brookfield, WI)
6/15- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography Seminar (Nashville, TN)
6/21- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Orlando, FL)
6/21- Landscape, Nature & Travel Photography Seminar (St. Louis, MO)
7/27- Kids Sports Photography Seminar (Pontiac, MI)
More About the Tamron Educational Series 2013
The 2013 Educational Series led by top Tamron photographers and instructors offer a wide variety of topics across the country. Seminar leaders strive to not only teach but inspire their attendees by creating an educational experience that promotes technique strengthening, creativity and practical application. These series offer opportunities to travel to the Nation's most awe-inspiring state parks, partaking in cutting edge Photoshop live training, college campus tours and traditional How-To photo seminars. With over eighty dates at country wide locations, all interested photographers have the opportunity experience these fantastic learning workshops and gain insight on how to become a better photographer. Most "How-To" events cost $25.00 to register.
B&H carries Tamron lenses.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/11/2013 2:13:03 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Tascam DR-60D 4-Channel Linear PCM Recorder In Stock
Even though it was just announced at NAB,
B&H has the
Tascam DR-60D 4-Channel Linear PCM Recorder in stock with free shipping.
Product Features:- Records Up to 4 Channels Simultaneously
- Screw-On DSLR Camera and Mount to Tripod
- Operates on 4 AA Batteries
- Up to 24-bit, 96 kHz PCM Recording
- Two XLR/TRS Combo Mic/Line Jacks
- Switchable 24V and 48V Phantom Power
- 3.5mm Stereo Input with Plug-in Power
- Mic Preamps for Each Input
- Records to SD or SDHC Cards
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/11/2013 1:54:44 PM CT Posted By: Sean
The Lenses for Your Smallest Subjects - and For Your Creativity
When your current lens does not make your subject large enough in the frame, you need a macro lens. And even if your current lens will focus close enough to your subject, you may want a macro lens anyway - perhaps for the excellent image quality that they deliver. Perhaps for use as a portrait lens. Perhaps for use in low light. Or just to unleash your creativity.
Today's segment of Lens Recommendations Week features Canon
Macro Lens Recommendations.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/10/2013 9:08:18 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
PocketWizard Publishes Beta Firmware Release Plan Update

From PocketWizard:
April 10, 2013
So. Burlington, VT – As Canon and Nikon continue to release new cameras and flashes, PocketWizard Photo Products has established an evolving Firmware Release plan for the MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radios to address compatibility with these new products.
Our current firmware development priorities include compatibility updates, HyperSync improvements and bug fixes. The next beta will include the following:
MiniTT1/FlexTT5 Beta firmware release for Nikon
Compatibility with the following NIKON gear:- Nikon D600, Nikon D5200 & Nikon D3200
- HyperSync Improvements
MiniTT1/FlexTT5 Beta firmware release for Canon
Compatibility with the following CANON gear:
- Canon 6D & Canon T4i – Manual power control only (no TTL)
- HyperSync Improvements
PowerMC2 & PowerST4 Beta firmware release with HyperSync Improvements
The Nikon D600 (full-featured) and Canon 6D (manual-only) firmware is in the final testing stages. Some HyperSync enhancements, currently enabled for Canon only, are also in the final testing stages for all our ControlTL radios: MiniTT1 & FlexTT5 for both Canon and Nikon including the AC9 AlienBees Adapter, and the PowerST4 & PowerMC2. This large bundle of firmware could be available in Beta this month if all goes as well as we hope, and available as officially released firmware a few weeks after that. You'll be able to get some serious practice with it well before the heat of the June wedding season.
Ongoing: The latest Canon cameras have an entirely new TTL protocol. This has proven extremely difficult to reverse engineer as is the case with the Canon 1DX. We believe we have found a path to a solution, but it will still take many weeks to validate, implement and test-test-test. There is nothing simple about this. When completed it will be made available as a free update to the ControlTL system, as have all other compatibility updates.
B&H carries the PocketWizard MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 triggering units.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/10/2013 3:39:48 PM CT Posted By: Sean
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.5 Released

April 10, 2013 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v8.1.5 for Mac and Windows, the new version of its image processing software of reference for all demanding photographers. This update allows DxO Optics Pro 8 to support the Nikon D7100 expert DSLR.
DxO Optics Pro v8.1.5 integrates many powerful tools for processing RAW and JPEG images, including the best tool for automatically adjusting contrast and light, along with precise color management. Its unrivaled performance and intuitive interface provide a quick and smooth workflow.
New DxO Optics Modules Already counting more than 11,000 lens/camera combinations in its library, DxO Optics Pro v8.1.5 adds 131 new DxO Optics Modules that support additional Nikon, Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina lenses for Nikon cameras.
Developed in the laboratory using an exclusive calibration process, DxO Optics Modules allow DxO Optics Pro to automatically correct optical flaws such as distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and 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.
You can download the update
here.
B&H carries
DxO Optics Pro.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/10/2013 8:20:02 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Canon EOS 6D Firmware Version 1.1.3 Released

From Canon USA:
DetailsFirmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following fix:
1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Date/Time/Zone settings screen appears on the LCD display, after the user has already configured these settings. The values for the Date/Time settings may reset if the backup functions which retain those values do not perform properly.
Even if the camera does not exhibit this phenomenon currently, it may in the future. Accordingly, we recommend that you update the Firmware in the camera to version 1.1.3 as soon as possible.
Firmware Version 1.1.3 is for cameras with firmware up to version 1.1.2. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware. Before downloading the firmware update for your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly.
ChangesFirmware Version 1.1.3 incorporates the following fix.
- Corrects the phenomenon where date/time settings reset.
After the firmware has been updated please perform the following action:
Leave a fully charged LP-E6 Battery Pack inside the camera for at least an hour. This will recharge the backup function control and the issue should not repeat itself again.
If the fully charged LP-E6 Battery Pack is left inside the camera for less than an hour the issue may occur again.
Firmware Version 1.1.3 is for cameras with firmware version 1.1.2. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.1.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
When updating the firmware the custom settings for "1: All by same amount" in custom functions (C. Fn II - 9) [AF Microadjustment] will be reset.
If you have this custom setting in place, please set it again after the firmware update.
When updating the firmware of your camera, please first go over the instructions thoroughly before you download the firmware.
Q&A Section:Preparations for the Firmware Update:
Windows
After the downloaded compressed file (.zip) is extracted, a firmware folder is created.
*Extracting the downloaded file: Right-click the zip file, and then select Extract All to extract the file. The extracted folder contains the firmware (file name: 6D000113.FIR / file size: 19,907,580 bytes) and instructions on the firmware update procedures (a PDF file in five languages: Japanese, English, French, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese).
Before starting the firmware update operations, please confirm the contents of the download, and carefully read through the firmware update procedures.
Download the
Canon EOS 6D version 1.1.3 Firmware.
B&H carries the
Canon EOS 6D DSLR Camera.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 11:39:45 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Tamron 24-70mm VC Lens Image Quality - Take 4

If you have been following this blog/new page, you know that I have been making a big effort to get good image quality results from the
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens. This is currently the only full frame-compatible lens available in the 24-70mm focal length range with both an f/2.8 max aperture and Vibration Control - a combination that many of us find very attractive.
Evaluating this lens, as I hinted, has been very problematic. The first lens I bought had a serious image quality issue - Tamron wanted it back for analysis.
The second lens I bought performed well, but was noticeably softer on the right side - the side that shows in the site's ISO 12233 image quality tool. I suspected decentering and sent the lens to Tamron for repair/adjustment.
The lens came back from repair performing worse than before I sent it in. Tamron sent me a shipping label to take a second try at the repair.
The results from the second repair, the fourth test, are now found on the
Tamron 24-70mm VC Lens Image Quality page. And, <drumroll>, they look very good!
We spent over a full week testing this lens model for the ISO 12233 chart test alone, but persistence has paid off ... I think we have an as-good-as-it-gets copy in our hands now. This process has not said good things about the quality control for this lens model, but again, the image quality looks very nice to me.
What is not looking good is this lens' AI Servo AF performance. This lens has not been able to accurately focus on subjects moving toward or away from the camera. One Shot AF has been working fine, so this lens has plenty of great uses available for it. More to come.
B&H has the
Tamron 24-70mm VC Lens in stock.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 8:19:01 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
The Top 10 Canon Outdoor Sports Lenses
OK, I list the top 13, but "Top 10" sounded like a better headline to me.
Most lenses can be used for sports, but if you want to capture something other than a bunch of people running perpendicular to you across a field, you are going to need the right lens.
Check out my Canon
Outdoor Sports Lens Recommendations.
Posted to:
Canon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 7:43:26 AM CT Posted By: Bryan
Blackmagic Production Camera 4K Available for Preorder
Want to shoot 4K video using your Canon lens collection but can't quite afford the
Canon EOS 1D C? Then you might want to preorder a
Blackmagic Production Camera 4k for a lot less - $3,995.00 at
B&H.
Product Highlights- 4K Super 35mm Sensor with Global Shutter
- Canon EF Compatible Lens Mount
- Records 4K (3840x2160) & HD (1920x1080)
- Compressed CinemaDNG RAW
- Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
- Bulit-in SSD Recorder
- 12 Stops of Dynamic Range
- 6G-SDI Output for Ultra HD via One Cable
- 5" Touchscreen LCD (800x480 Resolution)
- Includes DaVinci Resolve and UltraScope
Check out all the new releases from BlackMagic Design products.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 6:24:23 PM CT Posted By: Sean
Manfrotto Introduces the 500 Fluid Video Head
From Manfrotto:
The
new 500 is a
lightweight head with a wider platform for
HDSLR bodies and the sliding plate travels to balance the latest interchangeable lens cameras.
The entry-level 500 ensures
smooth shots and
fine control with up to 5kg of equipment.
It’s the most compact head in our successful
Bridging Technology range, it also replaces the Manfrotto 701HDV video head.
The 500 is available as a stand-alone head or in pre-matched kits with twin-leg or single-tube tripods.
Key Benefits- Beautifully smooth shots
- Better equipment support and balance
- Faster, easier and safer to use
B&H carries the new Manfrotto 500 series fluid heads.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 9:29:47 AM CT Posted By: Sean
Redrock Micro Announces "One Man Crew" with Motorized Parabolic Motion
From Redrock Micro:
Motorized Parabolic Motion Ideal for Corporate, Documentary, and Product/Tabletop Video Hollywood, CA and Dallas, TX - Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable, professional-level cinema accessories, today announced the all-new One Man Crew™, a new class of motorized 'parabolic slider' that operates unattended and delivers elegant cinematic motion. The One Man Crew is particularly effective for individuals and small crews who want their footage to stand out and have the look of being shot by a professional camera crew. The One Man Crew's compact design, lightning-fast setup, push-button ease of use, and unattended operation makes it the perfect choice for corporate interviews, documentaries, and production/tabletop video.
Leva FilmWorks, a leading content provider for Warner Bros., Lucasfilm, Universal and others, used the One Man Crew recently as they shot interviews for their documentary celebrating the 75th anniversary of the iconic film The Wizard of Oz. The company regularly shoots interviews with show business giants, from Meryl Streep to Steven Spielberg to Usher.
"Over the years, I've learned how to keep interviewees relaxed and comfortable so the shoot becomes all about what they have to say, not the technical requirements of shooting it," said Gary Leva, president of Leva FilmWorks. "The One Man Crew allows us to enhance our production value in a really elegant way without increasing the size of our on-set crew. It sets up fast, it's quiet and unobtrusive, and it's rock-solid reliable."
Independent Director of Photography Johnny Derango also had the opportunity to use the One Man Crew.
"In preparation for the release of my new feature film 'Lost on Purpose,' we shot behind-the-scenes interviews with our key cast and crew. We wanted to do a multi-cam shoot, but with others conducting the interviews and working in tight spaces, it left me alone to run the camera. The "One Man Crew" took what could have been a boring one-camera shoot and transformed it into a two-camera shoot with beautiful movement that breathed new life into it. Its solid, professional construction and hands-off operation makes it an easy choice."
Patent-Pending Parabolic Motion The One Man Crew is the first and only parabolic motion system available designed to provide elegant cinematic movements while keeping the subject both in focus and stationary in the frame. Most importantly, it does this without any operator involvement. The 36" long track offers great flexibility and can set shorter limits for motion. The One Man Crew allows for camera speed change in real-time and manual start/stop/change direction with speed ramp up/down for consistently great footage.
Perfect for Corporate, Documentary, Interviews, Product/Tabletop Photography The One Man Crew is the perfect addition for small crews doing corporate or documentary interviews that require fast setups and great images. One Man Crew can be used with a single camera for a high-end production feel, or on a second camera for cutting between shots with additional footage. One Man Crew's smooth, controlled, repeatable motion is also great for product and tabletop photography and adds that extra sparkle.
Sets Up In Minutes One Man Crew can be set up and prepared for production in minutes thanks to its lightweight, self-contained design, intuitive laser alignment guides and push-button ease of use. The One Man Crew can be unpacked, set up, and ready to shoot in about a minute by a single person, and can be mounted onto a standard tripod via its integrated ¼"-20 and 3/8"-16 cheeseplate on the bottom of the unit. It also features rubberized feet for low profile tabletop placement for maximum versatility.
Complete Kit With Everything Included One Man Crew contains everything needed for use and is production-ready straight from the box. The included Heavy Load Tilt Head works with virtually any camera and has the ability to hold up to 20 pounds. One Man Crew is powered by an included AC adapter (with international plug adapters) and comes with a soft carry case for easy transport to and from productions.
For More Information Additional details on the Redrock One Man Crew can be found here:
http://store.redrockmicro.com/OneManCrew Pricing and Availability The One Man Crew is available as a complete kit for $1,495 and is available for pre-order. As with all Redrock products, customers can purchase direct from Redrock Micro's website at store.redrockmicro.com, or from any of Redrock's worldwide authorized resellers.
B&H carries
Redrock Micro products.
Posted to:
Canon News,
Nikon News
DateTime: 4/8/2013 8:14:32 AM CT Posted By: Sean