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B&H has a Used Really Right Stuff BH-40 Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp (Condition: 9) available for $319.95 with free shipping. Compare at $415.00 new.
 
Product Highlights
 

• 18 lb Load Capacity
• Max Height: 3.0"
• 90-Degree Notch for Portrait Orientation
• Separate Tension Control Knob
• Panning Base with Engraved Degree Marks
• Base Diameter 2.1", Ball Diameter 1.6"
• Weight: 17.1 oz
• Accepts Optional Arca-Type Plates

B&H typically offers a 90-day warranty on used items. Please check the product listing above to verify.

B&H has a Used Really Right Stuff TFC-24L Series 2 Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod (Condition: 9) available for $759.95 with free shipping. Compare at $985.00 new.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Load Capacity: 40 lb
• Max Height: 66.1"
• Min Height: 3.7"
• Folded Length: 23"
• Leg Sections: 4
• Twist Locks
• Rubber Ball Feet
• Ratcheting Angle Stops

B&H typically offers a 90-day warranty on used items. Please check the product listing above to verify.

Will there be a professional Canon EOS R-series mirrorless full frame camera introduced? Especially based on the grade of RF-mount lenses being introduced, few of us will be surprised to know that answer is "Yes!" The Canon, Inc. quote is: "Have no doubt that a professional model is coming", shown here on a slide presented by Canon USA Senior Tech Specialist Drew MacCallum during the EOS RP introduction in New Orleans in February.
 
The next question: When is the professional R-series camera model coming? Canon (USA and Inc) will not say. However, conjecturing ... the 2020 Olympics are being held in Tokyo and Canon is a major sponsor. Fitting would be for an incredible new pro camera model to be released in time for professionals to get acquainted with prior to photographing these games.
 
Canon representatives were quick to say that there are multiple new RF-mount cameras coming. Not said is whether or not there would be multiple professional models coming though it would be logical for Canon to cover all segments as this line fills out.
 
Also noted by Canon during the New Orleans presentation was that in-body image stabilization is coming to the EOS R family.
 
These are exciting times and it is great to see the gear we use being enhanced.

A brand new and very useful Canon EOS RP feature is Focus Bracketing. This feature has a lot of details to be understood and the Canon Focus Bracketing page delves into this topic.

Canon USA now has the Canon EOS RP User's Manual available for download.
 
Preorders
 
Canon EOS RP – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Henry's | Wex
 
Canon EOS RP + EF 24-105 IS STM – B&H | Adorama
 
Canon EOS RP + RF 24-105 IS USM – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Henry's | Wex

 
In this video, Gavin demonstrates how to create candlelit nighttime images during the daytime and provides some tips for furthering the illusion in Photoshop. In addition to Gavin's tips, I'll add just one more – you may want to lower your flash's position and point it slightly upward to simulate the candle's (or fireplace's) direction of light. As you can see in the video, Gavin has his flash placed a little too high to match the candle's position relative to the subject's face in most of the displayed images, making the shots a little less believable.

Canon Japan has announced that it will be producing 5,000 limited edition Canon EOS RP Gold cameras in mid-March to celebrate Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The Canon EOS RP Gold camera will come in a body-only and with-lens (RF35 mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM) kit and will be bundled with a Control Ring Mount Adapter EF - EOS R and an Extension grip EG - E1.
 

Those who purchase the Canon EOS RP Gold will also receive a free Canon Tokyo 2020 Memorial Leather Camera Bag (with Name Tag) and a Leather Strap as well as qualify for a drawing to receive free tickets to see an Olympic Games event.
 


B&H has the Canon EOS RP available for preorder (standard color only).

B&H has the newly released 3 Legged Thing Dedicated L-Bracket for Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 Cameras in stock with free expedited shipping.
 
Product Highlights
 

• Single-Piece Magnesium-Alloy L-Bracket
• Arca-Type Compatible Dovetail Mount
• Metallic Slate Gray Anodized Surface
• Vertical and Horizontal Orientations

Note: Also in stock – Really Right Stuff Ultralight L-Bracket for Nikon Z 7 and Z 6. Expected in 7-10 days – ProMediaGear L-Bracket and Kirk BL-Z L-Bracket.

From Nikon:
 
Continuing to Adapt to Changing User Needs with the Addition of New Functions and Improvements of Capabilities
 
MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce additional details regarding the development of new firmware for its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6. The firmware in development includes new functions for the Z 7 and Z 6, such as Eye-Detection AF, RAW video output, and support for CFexpress memory cards. In addition, the cameras’ AF/AE functions will be further improved.
 
The Z series will continue to flexibly respond to changing user needs and offer next-generation features that give users new creative opportunities.
 
Functions and capabilities to be added and improved with new firmware:
 
1. Support for Eye-Detection AF for still image shooting (scheduled for release in May 2019)
Eye-Detection AF is convenient for portrait photography. The Eye-Detection AF in development will work not only with the AF-S (Single AF) focus mode that is convenient when photographing still human subjects, but also with the AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode, which is effective when photographing human subjects that frequently adjust or change their pose. What's more, the function is capable of detecting multiple eyes, from which the user can select the eye upon which the camera should focus, allowing the photographer greater flexibility when photographing multiple people to suit their intent.
 
2. Increased AF/AE performance (scheduled for release in May 2019)
AE (auto exposure) tracking will be newly possible in continuous high-speed (extended) mode, in addition to the AF tracking that existed previously. In addition, low-light AF performance will be improved, enabling faster autofocusing in dark or dimly lit surroundings with both still-image shooting and movie recording.
 
3. Support for RAW video output
Output of 4K UHD and Full HD RAW data stream from the camera will be supported. The output RAW data stream can then be recorded in the compatible RAW format using an external recorder. This will allow users to utilize rich 12-bit colors to achieve flexible color grading. Release timing for this feature will be announced at a later date.
 
4. Support for CFexpress memory cards
The new firmware will provide support for CFexpress, a new standard for memory cards. Having passed durability tests in which they were inserted and removed from a camera 12,000 times, these memory cards offer users a greater sense of security. They also offer high-speed performance that will provide users with a more efficient workflow. After upgrading, users will be able to use both CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, in the future, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850, and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras as well. Release timing for this feature will be announced at a later date.
 
B&H carries the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 mirrorless cameras.

From Canon:
 
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.10.0 for Windows:
 

• Supports EOS RP.
• Adds Depth Compositing function for images captured on EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS R, and EOS RP (64-bit version only).

Download: Digital Photo Professional 4.10.0

As you might have expected, the newly announced Canon EOS RP (review) is now available for preorder at the usual authorized retailers. However, what you may not have expected is that Canon USA is offering a free Mount Adapter EF-EOS R and Extension Grip EG-E1 if you order your EOS RP by March 30, 2019.
 
But that's not all. If you purchase an EOS RP + lens kit before March 30, you'll get to take advantage of up to $300.00 in instant savings in addition to the free gear mentioned above.
 

Preorders
 
Canon EOS RP – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Henry's | Wex
 
Canon EOS RP + EF 24-105 IS STM – B&H | Adorama
 
Canon EOS RP + RF 24-105 IS USM – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Henry's | Wex

From Nikon:
 
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Implements the Latest Nikon Optical Technologies to Reinvent One of Nikon’s Most Coveted Zoom Lenses for the Full-Frame Mirrorless Z System
 
MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S: a much-anticipated, fast-aperture zoom lens that’s ideal for professional and advanced photographers who capture portraits, landscapes, weddings and events, as well as content creators who shoot video using Nikon’s revolutionary new Z Mount System. Designed to take full advantage of the wider, brighter and faster Z Mount, this new S-Line lens delivers stunning sharpness all the way to the corners of the frame, even when used at its maximum aperture. The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the first NIKKOR lens to use the all new Nikon-designed ARNEO coat, which is used in conjunction with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to significantly minimize flare and ghosting. The lens also includes Nikon’s new Multi-Focus System to help ensure fast and accurate autofocus even when shooting close-up subjects. Additionally, the 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the first NIKKOR Z lens to feature a dedicated manual focus ring independent of the customizable control ring, a Function (L-Fn) button, and an Organic EL Lens Information Panel for quick reference of key settings such as focus distance, depth-of-field, aperture and focal length.
 
“The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the lens that Z Series users have been waiting for, a lens that many photographers and videographers would never leave home without,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Lightweight and tack sharp, the 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a great example of the outstanding performance and portability that is possible with our next-generation Z Mount System.”
 
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S – Performance, Precision and Optical Superiority
 
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S builds on a century of Nikon optical heritage by harnessing the technical advantages of the Z Mount. This type of lens is known as a photographer favorite due to its versatility, useful zoom range, fast aperture and sharpness. Nikon was able to redesign this all-around zoom lens to achieve a new standard of performance, while making it both smaller and lighter—approximately 24.7% lighter and 18.4% shorter than the popular AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens.
 
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S takes advantage of the latest optical technologies to ensure exceptional control of aberration, ghosting and flare. Featuring an optical construction of 17 elements in 15 groups—including two ED glass elements and four aspherical elements—the lens delivers sharp, virtually vignette-free performance from edge-to-edge across its entire zoom range, even at maximum aperture.
 
Additionally, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the first NIKKOR lens to feature Nikon’s all-new ARNEO coating: a multi-layer coating that is used in conjunction with Nano Crystal Coating for superior anti-reflective performance. While Nano Crystal Coat suppresses ghosting and flare coming from backlight at diagonal angles, the ARNEO coat compensates for light entering the lens from vertical angles. This expanded field enables the lens to capture exceptional contrast and sharpness even when the light source is visible inside the frame.
 
To help ensure fast, accurate and silent autofocus, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S combines a powerful stepping motor (STM) with Nikon’s new Multi-Focus System. This system uses two actuators to move two focus groups at once, enabling the lens to achieve critical focus rapidly from nearly any distance, including close-up shooting.
 
The 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the most customizable NIKKOR Z lens yet. The lens features an Organic EL Lens Information Panel that allows for quick confirmation of aperture and focal length or focus distance and depth-of-field without looking at the viewfinder. For enhanced versatility, the addition of a L-Fn button allows you to set over 20 custom functions when shooting stills. The lens is also the first to feature an independent focus ring in addition to the customizable control ring found on all S-Line lenses, giving professional photographers and videographers more comfortable and convenient control over their shooting experience.
 
Finally, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S was designed to excel at video in addition to stills capture, taking full advantage of the industry-leading video features found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7. Its design minimizes focus breathing, preventing the angle of view from changing when the focus is adjusted; the stepping motor and Multi-Focus System ensure fast, accurate and quiet focusing; full compatibility with the built-in 5-axis VR of the Nikon Z System ensures users can capture super-smooth video hand-held; and the customizable control ring, independent focus ring and Organic EL panel give filmmakers even more control over this exceptional lens on-set.
 
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is destined to be an instant classic—a must-own lens for Nikon Z Series creators of all types.
 
Key Features:
 
An indispensable standard zoom lens for professionals, advanced photographers and video creators—ideal for environmental portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, studio and street photography.
 
Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range delivers the subject separation, speed and gorgeous bokeh professionals demand.
 
Exceptional optical performance achieves edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal aberration in an incredibly lightweight and portable package, thanks to the revolutionary new Z mount.
 
All-new ARNEO coating works in conjunction with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to minimize ghosting and flare when the light source is within the frame.
 
Fast, accurate and quiet autofocus throughout the zoom range, thanks to Nikon-designed Multi-Focus System and Stepping Motor.
 
Built-in Function (L-Fn) button, Organic EL Lens Information Panel and independent focus ring give creators more control over their shooting experience.
 
Fully compatible with in-camera 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, providing up to 5 stops of image stabilization without adding to the size or weight of the lens.
 
Optimized for video, with reduced focus breathing, a quiet stepping motor, customizable control ring, and the ability to take advantage of the in-camera 5-axis VR + eVR of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7.
 
Designed with consideration to dust and drip resistance, and featuring a fluorine coat that effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease and dirt.
 
Price and Availability
 
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S will be available in spring 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,299.95.
 
Preorders: B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Wex

Just posted: Canon EOS RP Camera Review.
 
This is an ultra-low-cost, tiny and light full frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that will make a great step-up or even first camera. The review awaits some lab testing, but a significant amount of the information is already included.
 
The short Canon EG-E1 Extension Grip Review is also available. It's a nice little accessory for the RP.
 
The Canon EOS RP is available for preorder at B&H, Adorama and Amazon US.
 
For a full list of preorders (including kits with awesome savings and free accessories), click here.

From Canon USA:
 
New Super-Compact and Ultra-Lightweight EOS RP is Ideal for Users Looking to Graduate to Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera at an Affordable Price
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 13, 2019 – Responding to the demand from amateur and advanced amateur photographers for an entry-level, full-frame mirrorless camera, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the second camera in the EOS R lineup, the EOS RP. The EOS RP is designed for photographers looking to step up from Canon’s APS-C cameras: the EOS Rebel, EOS M and the EOS 80D, into the world of full-frame mirrorless photography. Weighing in at just 17.29 ounces, the EOS RP camera is lighter than a 500ml bottle of water and smaller than Canon’s popular APS-C DSLR camera, the Canon EOS Rebel T7i, coming in at approximately 5.0in (w) x 3.77in (h) x 2.36in (d). With optics at its core, the EOS RP takes full advantage of the complete line up of RF lenses and is compatible with the existing collection of Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses with the use of one of three optional RF EOS-R Mount Adapters.
 
“As Canon continues to evolve its full-frame mirrorless cameras, our goal is that one day the EOS R line becomes as widely popular as our celebrated lineup of EOS DSLR cameras,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As a company, we believe that in order for us to accomplish that goal, Canon needs to develop full-frame mirrorless cameras for every skill level of photographers and that starts with amateurs and advanced amateurs. This makes the EOS RP the perfect addition to the existing lineup.”
 
The new Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera features a 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that is powered by the company’s DIGIC 8 image processor, providing users with high-image quality, outstanding operation and functionality. The new Canon EOS RP features Dual Pixel CMOS Auto Focus (AF) with 4,779 manually selectable AF points and a wide AF coverage area of 88 percent horizontal and 100 percent vertical. With f/1.2 lenses, the camera astonishingly boasts AF sensitivity in low light in as little as Exposure Value (EV) -5. When using the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens with the EOS RP, the camera can focus in as little as 0.05 seconds with Dual Pixel CMOS AF . When using eye detection AF, the camera can automatically detect faces and focus on the eye of the subject. This feature is supported when the camera is set in either servo AF mode during continuous shooting and movie servo AF, as well as one-shot AF.
 
Like the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera that was announced in September 2018, the EOS RP is built around the same 54mm mount diameter and short-back focus. This allows for the use of one of three optional mount adapters for full compatibility with all existing EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E lenses. Through the use of the optional Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter or Control Ring Mount Adapter, these lenses, in fact, gain functionality.
 
For photographers looking to further expand their abilities and capture a wide variety of both still and video images, the EOS RP features Visual Guide mode. First introduced with the EOS Rebel T7i and EOS 77D, this mode allows users to see on screen how switching modes on the mode dial or tweaking settings can alter the image they are about to capture. This mode helps to guide photographers to capture more compelling images, such as ones with a shallow depth-of-field or being able to give moving subjects a frozen or flowing look. For those looking to expand their imaginative options, the camera also features Creative Assist mode that allows photographers to use new and unique visual effects and adjustments when shooting, such as brightness, contrast, saturation, color tone, monochrome and background blur. In addition, the design, ergonomics, layout and ease-of-use of the camera are very similar to that of other Canon cameras consumers might already be familiar with.
 
Additional noteworthy features of the EOS RP camera include:
 

• Built-in 0.39 inch, 2.36 million dot Electronic Viewfinder with Touch-and-Drag AF
• Vari-Angle LCD touchscreen
• 4K UHD 24P/Full HD 60p video recording with 4K time-lapse shooting and the ability to extract still images from 4K video recordings
• ISO range of 100-25,600 that is expandable up to ISO of 102,400
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology
• Mobile RAW workflow supported paired with Digital Photo Professional Express App

Availability and Pricing
 
The Canon EOS RP full-frame mirrorless camera is scheduled to be available in March 2019 for an estimated retail price of $1,299.00 for the body only. It will also be sold as a body-and-lens kit with the RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM lens for $2,399.00.
 
Preorders
 
Canon EOS RP – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US
 
Canon EOS RP + EF 24-105 IS STM ($300.00 off) – B&H | Adorama
 
Canon EOS RP + RF 24-105 IS USM ($200.00 off) – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US

From Canon USA:
 
MELVILLE, N.Y., February 13, 2019 – Continuing with the message of “optics at its core,” Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc, is developing six new RF-series lenses, further displaying the company’s commitment to the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system. Canon’s new RF mount allows for fast, light, and high-performing optics with a large opening diameter and short back focus distance. Each new lens in development will help fulfill the needs of amateur and advanced amateurs to professional photographers and videographers, covering critical focal lengths. In 2019, Canon’s already well-established optical lens heritage will celebrate a production milestone of 140 million EF and RF lenses and the celebration starts with the development announcement of these six lenses.
 
The six new RF lenses under development include:
 

• RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
• RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS
• RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
• RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM
• RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
• RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM

“Optics are the critical piece of the visual puzzle that bend light and capture an image as the artist envisioned,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “That is why it is so important for us to strengthen our family of RF lenses for the EOS R camera system. With this collection of new lenses, customers will have more of the tools they need, for the images they desire to create.”
 
All six RF lenses under development are built around Canon’s new RF mount, which features a large 54mm diameter and shorter back focus distance than on current EOS DSLR cameras. In addition, the RF mount enhances communication and power transmission between the lens and camera body, which has helped Canon to achieve the world’s fastest autofocus speed for a full-frame mirrorless camera system.
 
The details of the new Canon RF lenses under development are as follows:
 
The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM is a large aperture mid-telephoto prime lens. It offers excellent performance for advanced and professional portrait photographers and is a widely popular focal length and aperture speed combination for users.
 
The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM DS, with Defocus Smoothing lens technology, is a uniquely designed lens that offers a combination of beautifully smooth defocused bokeh. Featuring a super-fast F1.2 aperture, the lens will help produce breathtaking portraits that will surely stand out from the crowd.
 
The RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM is a high-performance, standard zoom lens for professionals and photo enthusiasts alike – ideal for shooting portraits, landscapes, documentaries or weddings.
 
The RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, offering a wide angle and fast aperture in a single package, is ideal for a variety of shooting applications including architecture, interiors or landscapes.
 
The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM is a must-have for any professional photographer, especially for those shooting weddings, sports or wildlife. This lens is a great all-around, high-speed, medium telephoto zoom lens and does well to round out any camera bag.
 
The RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM is the ideal lens for amateurs and advanced amateurs who love to travel, no matter the destination. The versatile, all-purpose lens offers a range of focal lengths for capturing extraordinary shots in a form factor that is both compact and lightweight.
 
Availability
 
All six of the new Canon RF lenses under development are expected to be available later in 2019*.
 
*Specifications, availability and prices are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.