Camera Gear Review News (Page 14)

There is a Sony Alpha 9 II in my hands, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 36 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box a9 II for use.

1. Charge the battery
2. Record serial number, and add camera to insurance policy
3. If desired, download and install Capture One (for Sony) and/or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
4. Insert charged battery, and power on the camera
5. Set the language, time zone, date, time, timeformat
6. Insert memory card(s)
7. Select M mode 1, press the "MENU" button, and configure the camera as follows:
8. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 1: File Format: RAW, RAW File Type: Lossless Comp (full image quality, reduced file size, ensure your software supports this format)
9. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (full image quality)
10. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 1: JPG File Type: Extra Fine (though I seldom shoot in JPG format)
11. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Compensation: Shading, Chromatic Aberration, and Distortion Comp: All Off (I use the RAW processing software to enable desired lens compensation, with CA correction frequently selected)
12. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: Bracket order: ->0>+ (considerably enhances image selection for HDR processing)
13. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 4: Focus Area: Flexible Spot S (this selection frequently changes to match the needs of a shoot)
14. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 5: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
15. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 5: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
16. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 5: Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
17. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 6: Face/Eye AF: Face/Eye Frame Disp: On
18. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 9: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
19. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 12: Creative Style: NT (Neutral), Sharpness = 1 (the Neutral setting provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
20. Shooting Menu 1, Tab 13: Peaking Setting: On
21. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Lens: Disable
22. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
23. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 7: Grid Line: Rule of Thirds (aids in composition)
24. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 7: DISP Button: Monitor: Uncheck For viewfinder, press [enter]
25. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 9: Dial Setup: TV/Av (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than the aperture, and the front dial is easier to access quickly)
26. Shooting Menu 2, Tab 11: Audio signals: Off (how to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
27. Network Menu, Tab 2: Airplane Mode: On
28. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Display Rotation: Off (image fills LCD)
29. Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm.: "Delete" first
30. Setup Menu, Tab 2: Touch Operations: On
31. Setup Menu, Tab 2: Touch Panel/Pad: Touch Panel+Pad
32. Setup Menu, Tab 2: Touch Pad Settings: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position, Operation Area: Right 1/2 (avoids nose touches)
33. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: [your name], Set Copyright: [as desired], Write Serial Number: On (note: entering this information without a touchscreen may be a painful process)
34. Setup Menu, Tab 5: Format (ensure that there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
35. My Menu: Format Steady Shot Anti-flicker Set. Flash Comp. Face/Eye Subject, Bracket Settings
36. With a lens mounted and a subject in focus, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical. Consider saving the camera settings to a card (Setup/Tools menu, tab 7, Save/Load Settings on card) for an easy restore.

More Information

Sony Alpha 9 II

Order the Sony Alpha 9 II at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony Alpha 9 II from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Manfrotto 645 FAST Twin Leg Video Tripod Review.

Another high value product from Manfrotto.

Order the Manfrotto 645 FAST Twin Leg Video Tripod from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Please share!

Just posted: Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head Review.

This head has a solid feature set and strong performance for the price.

Order the Manfrotto 608 Nitrotech Fluid Video Head from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Please share!

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available in the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens Review.

To get your comparisons started:

Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens compared to the RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

Order the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF and Sony E Review.

This lens looks nice physically.

Order the Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens for Canon RF and Sony E Review.

This lens exceeded my expectations.

Order the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available on the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens Review.

The tested lens is a Canon USA refurbished model, again showing that these lenses are high-performers (and, as always, it appears as new).

Planning for some long hikes later this year, I purchased this lens to cut some weight in the pack.

Order the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station and SolarSaga Solar Panel Review.

A simple and highly useful set of products.

Order the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station and SolarSaga Solar Panel from Jackery | B&H | Amazon USA

Please share!

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results are now available on the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE page.

Many of the uses for a 14mm lens require sharp corner image quality. However, I could see the blurry image periphery this lens delivered even in the viewfinder.

Upon looking at the image quality results from this lens, my first thought was that I just wasted hours testing a severely misaligned lens. Yes, the viewfinder did provide a clue. However, all four corners appeared similar, making me second guess the first thought.

So, I reached out to a friend, Roger Cicala at Lensrentals. "Is the Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 RF for Canon RF extremely soft in the periphery at the wider apertures? The one I just received delivers some of the worst corner performance I’ve seen."

Roger's reply:

"Well, I can do a long version, but "yep". Also a lot of field curvature, so you may get some improvement in edge performance by focusing off-axis."

More to come.

The Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE is available to order from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: K&F Concept EP324C Multifunction Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.

This tripod, especially with the high-quality ball head included, is an excellent value.

Order the K&F Concept EP324C Multifunction Carbon Fiber Tripod from Amazon USA | B&H | Adorama

Please share!

The Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens page is now filled with information about and expectations for this lens.

This page is nearly the same as the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens page, with alternatives adjusted for the focal length.

Cutting to the chase: the opening section should tell you most of what you need to know.

Canon USA expects this lens to start shipping on May 19th, 2022.

Order the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

The Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens page is now filled with information about and expectations for this lens.

Cutting to the chase: the opening section should tell you most of what you need to know.

Canon USA expects this lens to start shipping on May 19th, 2022.

Order the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Really Right Stuff Ascend-14 Long Travel Carbon Fiber Tripod Review

This tripod (and lots of other gear) and I just returned from 9 days of photographing landscapes in eastern California. Though very expensive, the Ascend-14 is an outstanding performer – despite its small size and light weight.

Just posted: Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.

This is another great member of the Sigma I series.

Order the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Please share!

Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.

Here are some comparisons to get you started:

Compared to the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens

Compared to the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens

Order the Sigma 20mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX

Please share!

Just posted: Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stand Review.

Why did I wait so long? These light stands are sooo much nicer than what I replaced.

Order the Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stand from B&H (on sale — $63.00 instant savings on the 8.5' model, $33.92 on the 11' model) or Amazon USA.

Adorama has a few Impact Folding Wheeled Base Stand (11') in stock.

Please share!

Just posted: Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review.

This lens is very similar to its 600mm counterpart, and much of the 400mm lens review will mirror the RF 600mm lens review.

Order the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA (in stock) | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

Just posted: Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.

This review was nearly completed long ago, but the remaining work is now finished. Awesome lens.

If you want this lens, get in line ASAP. I expect it to be hard to get for a long time.

The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA (in stock)| WEX

Rent the Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!

The Canon EOS R5 C page is loaded with information about this model.

Order the Canon EOS R5 C Mirrorless Cinema Camera from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available in the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens Review.

Those needing, even sometimes, an all-in-one lens should give this value-priced lens consideration. Expect to need lateral CA correction at the focal length extents.

Order the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon USA refurbished | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-240mm F4-6.3 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Please share!