Camera Gear Review News (Page 19)
Just posted: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens review.
If you liked the first Sigma 35mm Art Lens, you are going to love this one.
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens page.
There are a lot of lenses that can be logically compared to this one. I'll get you started:
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.
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The pages for these three coming-soon Sony compact prime lenses are filled with information and expectations.
Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens
Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G Lens
Note that these lenses are very similar aside from their focal lengths and corresponding optical formulas. The lens pages differ primarily by the focal length discussion and the comparisons section, and otherwise, reading one page is sufficient.
The Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
The Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
The Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Just posted: Crucial X6 Portable SSD Review.
Faster, smaller, lighter, more robust, increased reliability, higher capacity, and lower price. That sounds like a winning scenario, right?
Even if the SSD does not interest you, be sure to read the data backup warning.
The 1TB and 4TB models are on sale now. Save up to $75.00 at Crucial X6 Portable SSD is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
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The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens page is filled with expectations for and information about this highly-anticipated new lens.
The size, weight, and MTF chart tell us a lot.
The Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Order a Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM Lens rental from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens Review
Stellar performing lens.
Get in line. The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Some reviews go on indefinitely, and this review is one of those. So, I'll call it finished, but will continue to tweak it: Sony Alpha a1 Review.
This is an outstanding camera.
The a1 is in high demand and will be so for a long time, so get in line ASAP. Order the Sony Alpha a1 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Need it immediately? Rent the Sony Alpha a1 from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens Review page.
No surprise here — you are going to like these results. Here are some comparisons to get you started:
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens compared to Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
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During one announcement less than 3 years ago, two of the biggest and best super-telephoto lenses ever made, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens and Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens, were unveiled. The same just occurred again – the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens were simultaneously introduced – and the sameness does not stop there.
The first piece of important information to share is that the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 and 600mm F4 L IS USM Lenses are essentially identical to their EF IS version III counterparts except for a brushed metal EF to RF mount adapter built in (and the focus distance window is removed). The RF 400 and 600 are equivalents to the EF 400 and 600 with a Mount Adapter EF-EOS R behind them. This includes optical and mechanical performance.
It is easy to say that Canon took the easy way out when creating the 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses for the RF mount, and it is also hard to argue against that statement.
However, it is unlikely that optical advances significant enough to justify a new design became available since the EF lens introduction less than 3 years earlier. Also, since lens models go into the design phase long before they are announced, it is probable that the EF 600 III was already designed for optimal use on the RF mount. That Canon's first R-series camera, the EOS R, was introduced in the same announcement as the EF 600 III lends credence to that theory. Also noteable is that long focal length lenses tend to benefit less from the short flange distance on the mirrorless camera models, reducing the justification for a redesign.
Why bother introducing the RF model if the mount is the significant design improvement, and compatibility with EOS DSLR Cameras is foregone? Eliminating the mount adapter creates a slightly tighter, more secure fit and reduces weight slightly for two minor benefits. The adapter is no longer at risk of being forgotten or lost.
An interesting benefit provided by the technology in the RF mount (specifically) is a CIPA image stabilization assistance rating increase to 5.5 stops from 5 stops.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of the built-in RF mount is compatibility with the Canon RF 1.4x and RF 2x Extenders, a compatibility the Canon mount adapter (probably) should have availed. I'm anxious to see how well the RF extenders perform with the new RF super-telephoto lenses.
While I plan to replace my EF 600mm version III lens with the RF version, the new RF 400 and 600mm super-telephoto lenses are practically the same as their respective EF lenses, including having the same price.
While many of us are excited by the prospects of the Canon EOS R3, a development announcement, as usual, left us with many questions. What I know is on the R3 page.
Much is known about the new RF macro lens, and the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens page is filled with those details along with expectations.
Nearly everything is know about the new Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens. I'll call these completed reviews pending image quality testing, including with RF extenders.
We knew that the highly anticipated Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens was production delayed, with Sony indicating that the estimated ship date was "To be determined."
"To be determined" is obviously vague, and our expectations have since been guided by the estimated ship date provided by retailers. B&H originally moved the expected ship date from Mon, Feb 22nd to Mon, Apr 12, and now lists the more vague "End of Apr 2021" as the expected availability for this lens.
Amazon USA and Adorama are not guessing.
Pausing to celebrate:
With the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens Review now live, The-Digital-Picture.com has reviews of all currently available (non-PZ) Sony FE Lenses.
This compilation of resources has been four years and many thousands of hours in the making, and the milestone remains a moving target.
We'll attempt to keep up with the new Sony FE lens models as they are availed, with the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens (expectations already shared) coming soon and the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens (expectations also shared) not far behind.
Thanks for sharing this journey with us, and especially thanks for your support along the way!
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Just posted: Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens Review.
This is an unsurprisingly exceptional lens.
The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is in stock or available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens page.
For the size, weight, and price of this lens, it has to perform incredibly well. Sony, of course, knew that.
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens vs. Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 Lens vs. Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens
Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 Lens GM OSS with 1.4 vs. Sony FE 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens
The Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is in stock at Adorama and Amazon USA and is available to order at B&H.
Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card.
Rent the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
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Based on the email I have been receiving, it seems that a growing number of photographers with DSLR kits are interested in having the benefits of the latest high-performing mirrorless cameras. Especially the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 and their impressive AF systems are drawing DSLR kit owners' attention. What is holding these DSLR owners back is their often-extensive investments in DSLR lenses.
Fortunately, that resistance to migrate is unnecessary.
If you have a Canon DSLR kit but want the benefits of a mirrorless camera, get the camera(s) and use Canon EF-EOS R Mount Adapters to make all of your current lenses compatible.
With many photographers currently using this migration strategy, these adapters are hard to find right now. The best course of action is to get in line. Place orders with a few of our recommended retailers (B&H | Adorama | Amazon | Canon USA) and cancel any unshipped orders when your desired number of adapters ship.
If you don't want to wait, consider the in-stock Vello adapter at B&H.
Sure, the Canon RF Lenses are always better than their corresponding DSLR lens model, and you will likely want to migrate to those models eventually. In the meantime, you might be surprised at how well your current DSLR lenses perform when a mirrorless camera is behind them. Expect the EOS R5 and R6 to focus your current lenses as fast as your DSLR and with better accuracy, especially when using the game-changing eye AF feature.
The Sony Alpha a1 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the steps I took to make an out-of-the-box a1 ready for use. Note that these instructions are updated to the camera firmware version 3.0.
- Charge the battery
- Record the serial number, and add the camera to your insurance policy
- Download and install the latest version of Sony Imaging Edge or your favorite RAW image processing software.
- Insert the charged battery and a memory card(s) (we'll format it later), and power on the camera
- Answer the power-on prompts, including setting the time zone and date
- Select M mode, press "Menu", and configure the camera as follows:
- Shooting > 1 Image Quality/Rec: Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: File Format: RAW; RAW File Type: Lossless Compressed L (full image quality reduced file size)
- Shooting > 1 Image Quality/Rec: Long Exposure NR: Off (I enable this option for very long exposures)
- Shooting > 2 Media: Format (ensure there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
- Shooting > 3 File: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On Set Photographer: [your name]; Set Copyright: [as desired]; Write Serial Number: On (entering this information on the touchscreen may be a painful process)
- Shooting > 5 Cont. Shooting Speed: Lo(E-Shutter): 10 images/s (increased from the default of 5)
- Shooting > 5 Drive Mode > Self-timer Type: Self-timer(Single): 2 sec
- Shooting > 5 Drive Mode > Bracket Settings: Self-timer during Bracket: 2 Sec, Bracket order: ->0>+ (optimizes image order for selection for HDR processing)
- Shooting > 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Lens: Disable
- Shooting > 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Card: Disable (should be the default)
- Shooting > 9 Shooting Display: Grid Line Display: On (Rule of Thirds selected)
- Exposure/Color > 3 Metering: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
- Exposure/Color > 6 Color/Tone: D-Range Optimizer: Off
- Exposure/Color > 6 Color/Tone: Creative Look: NT (Neutral) Sharpness = 1 (this setting provides a low contrast histogram that better shows exposure latitude. I usually process with the default creative style in Capture One or profile in Lightroom)
- Focus > 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-S: AF (in focus is my priority)
- Focus > 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-C: AF (in focus is my priority)
- Focus > 2 Focus Area: Focus Area: Spot: S (this setting is often changed)
- Focus > 2 Focus Area: Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
- Focus > 4 Initial Focus Mag.: x4.2
- Focus > 5 Peaking Display: On
- Focus > 5 Peaking Level: Low
- Playback > 4 Delete: Delete confirm.: "Delete" first
- Playback > 7 Playback Option: Display Rotation: Off (image always fills LCD)
- Network > 9 Network Option: Airplane Mode: On (unless you plan to use the wireless capabilities)
- Setup > 3 Operation Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Dial/Wheel: Front Dial: Av/Tv (Tv in M mode), Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode) (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than the aperture and the front dial is easier to access quickly); Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode); Rear Control Wheel: Av/Tv (Av in M mode)
- Setup > 3 Operation Customize: DISP (Screen Disp) Set: Monitor: Uncheck For viewfinder press [enter]
- Setup > 5 Touch Operations: Touch Panel/Pad: Both Valid
- Setup > 5 Touch Operations: Touch Pad Settings: Shooting Screen: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position
- Setup > 9 Sound Option: Audio Signal(Shooting): Off (how to turn off the AF beep sound so that no one knows you took a photo at the wrong time or missed the right time)
- My Menu: Format, Anti-flicker Set., Steady Shot, Flash Comp., Face/Eye Subject
- View the menu (it is always sharp) through the viewfinder while adjusting the diopter
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 tweak these steps as needed.
If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime your camera is reset to factory state for some reason, 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, you will be able to set it up quickly. Note that the a1 enables camera settings to be saved and loaded, a timesaving feature.
More Information
The Sony Alpha a1 is available for order at
B&H |
Adorama |
Amazon.
Rent the Sony Alpha a1 from
Lensrentals.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens Review page is filled with expectations for this exciting new lens.
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
Just posted: Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.
This is a fun little lens.
The Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
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Sony introducing their first f/1.2 FE lens, the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens, is exciting, but enabling that massive aperture opening requires large, heavy lens elements. How large and heavy is this lens, especially relative to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens?
The Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens vs. Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens comparison shows these two lenses sharing a length spec and the Sony lens shaving about 3mm from the Canon lens's diameter. Basically, the size of the lenses is not differentiating. From a weight perspective, the Sony is 18% lighter. The 6 oz (172g) difference will be modestly noticeable.
The Sony lens has 11 diaphragm blades vs. 10. The odd blade count number will generate 22-point starbursts when used at narrow apertures vs. 10 points. Which is preferable is a matter of taste. All else equal, more blades result in rounder bokeh effects at narrow apertures.
The Canon lens features a focus limiter switch, enabling a shortened focus distance range for potentially less focus hunting in some scenarios. The Canon lens has a slightly higher maximum magnification capability, 0.19x vs. 0.17x.
The Canon is the more expensive lens — $300.00 more expensive as I write this. Will the higher price be justified? The optical performance comparison potentially holds that answer. From what we've seen from Sony GM lenses so far, the optical performance of the new FE 50 f/1.2 should be similar to that of the impressive Canon option.
Just posted: Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.
Welcome to the Sigma "I-series".
The Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
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