Camera Gear Review News (Page 22)

I've wanted to see the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens beside the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, so I got around to creating a mockup today.

While both of these lenses are considerably smaller than their EF counterparts, the RF f/4 lens is considerably smaller (and lighter) than the RF f/2.8 version. Most of us prefer the smaller and lighter (and less expensive) aspects of f/4, the f/2.8 aperture's ability to transmit twice as much light to the imaging sensor and create a stronger background blur should not be overlooked.

Here are the specifications: Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Comparison.

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

With a Sony a7C in hand, it is time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 28 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Sony a7C ready for use.

• Charge battery
• Download and install Capture One (for Sony) and/or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
• Insert charged battery and power on the camera
• Set the time zone, date, time, timeformat
• insert memory card (don't forget to format it)
• Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: Quality: RAW
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (unless taking advantage of the about-50% smaller RAW file size)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Long Exposure NR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Comp.: All Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: ->0>+ (makes selecting images for HDR processing easier)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Focus Area: Flexible Spot: S
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Swt. V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Face/Eye AF Set.: Face Dtct Frame Disp: On
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 8: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: DRO/Auto HDR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: Creative Style: Neutral, Sharpness = 1 (This provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Lens: Disable
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 7: Grid Line: Rule of 3rds Grid
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 10: Audio signals: Off (How to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
• Playback Menu, Tab 3: Display Rotation: Off (use full LCD for image review)
• Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm: "Delete" first
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad: Touch Panel+Pad
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad Settings: Touch Pos. Mode: Relative Position; Operation Area: Whole Screen
• Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: {name}, Set Copyright: {name}
• My Menu: Format; Silent Shooting; SteadyShot; Face/Eye AF Set; Live View Display

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 similar to how I shoot - including in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

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, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to set it up quickly.

More Information

Sony a7C

Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
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Just posted: Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens Review.

This lens is going to be very popular.

I still need to create the standard product images for this lens. Expect them up as soon as I can get the hood.

Get in line now! The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA (in stock at premium price)| WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

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The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens pages have product images, preorder links, and specifications now included. The full reviews will, of course, come when the lenses arrive.

The mockup image shared with this post shows the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS next to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. Like its sibling, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, the F4 lens has a retracting design, enabling it to have a significantly more compact size. The RF F4 will be much easier to include in the case than the EF variant. Also like the RF F2.8 lens, the RF F4 lens is not compatible with Canon RF Extenders. Unlike the RF F2.8 lens, a tripod mount ring is not available. Expect overall performance of the RF 70-200 F4 to be impressive – Canon told us to expect extremely high image quality. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 11th.

Here is the specifications comparison between those lenses:

Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens compared to Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Below is the RF 50mm F1.8 STM compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.

Not much changed from a size standpoint (without an adapter factored in), but the RF 50 utilizes a new optical design. Note that this STM AF system will not be completely silent, similar to other RF STM AF systems such as that in the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 4th.

Here is the specifications comparison between these two lenses:

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Orders

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens page.

This lens is a great value. I'll get your comparisons started:

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens compared to Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is coming soon to B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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I'll start by saying, "in-depth" is relative in this case. The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens are two of the best telephoto zoom lenses ever made. As long as the lens will mount on your camera (the RF lens requires a Canon EOS R-series camera), there is no bad choice to be made here. Overall, these lenses are similar in so many regards that it is a stretch to create an "in-depth" comparison.

Let's start by looking at the name. Obvious is that the RF lens has a considerably longer focal length range. The 400mm vs. 500mm difference is illustrated in the RF 100-500mm Lens review. The 500mm focal length is very noticeably longer than the 400mm focal length, and I can think of no reason to not prefer the longer range. That is, no reason as long as the maximum aperture remains similar at 400mm.

We know from the name that the RF 100-500's max aperture is narrower at the 500mm end, and the unusually narrow to-f/7.1 spec gives us pause. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system in Canon's R-series cameras autofocus lenses with narrow apertures very adequately, making very narrow openings quite usable, but we still want to know if the aperture opening size was being sacrificed at the 400mm focal length to keep this lens compact and light.

What is the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens's maximum aperture opening at 400mm? The early answers were:

Answer 1: When the camera is set to 1/3-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/6.3.

Answer 2: When the camera is set to 1/2-stop increments, the maximum 400mm aperture reported to the camera is rounded to f/5.6.

While the max aperture does not change in these modes, the rounding of the actual opening size does, and the true aperture is likely between these two numbers, holds for only a short range of focal lengths, and the 1/3-stop difference in noise made visible by an offsetting 1/3-stop ISO change will matter to few. For the RF lens, Adobe software says that 400mm is f/6.2 (and that 500mm is 7.0).

Here is a comparative look at the max aperture step-down by focal length for these two lenses:

While the RF 100-500 holds f/4.5 modestly deeper into the focal length range, the EF 100-400 L II holds a modest advantage at the longer focal lengths. Still, the differences are minor.

Back to the focal length range available: both lenses accept extenders, enabling the native focal length range to be significantly lengthened. Noteworthy is that the RF lens will not zoom wider than the marked 300mm native focal length while an extender is mounted. Extenders are primarily used for obtaining a focal length not native to the lens, meaning the 300mm wide end limitation is not important. The RF 100-500 better avoids the need for extender use, but being able to zoom out is sometimes helpful when an extender is mounted, such as when finding a subject in the viewfinder, and being able to fully zoom out makes the lens significantly more compact. Very noticeable is that the 100-500 range can be extended substantially longer than the 100-400mm range, up to 1000mm vs. 800mm. The max aperture of 500mm with extenders becomes rather narrow, though as we just looked at, the difference at the equalized 400mm focal length is minor.

Let's look at the image quality comparison next. The RF lens has less lateral CA in the periphery at 100mm and might be slightly sharper at this focal length at f/4.5. That is the only even somewhat noteworthy difference I see in the shared focal length range. Comparing the image quality from these two lenses at f/8 will hurt your eyes.

Of high interest to many of us is the RF 100-500mm lens at 500mm vs. EF 100-400mm with 1.4x at 560mm comparison. In this comparison, the RF lens is sharper, especially in the center of the frame. The EF lens leapfrogs the RF lens focal length, but the RF lens has a wider aperture. Mount 1.4x extenders behind both lenses and the EF lens appears to hold a very slight edge. Keep in mind that the comparison is now 700mm f/10 vs. 560mm f/8, not especially apples-to-apples. I'm not a fan of the 2x extender behind either of these lenses, but they perform very similarly in the 1000mm vs. 800mm comparison.

The RF lens shows fewer flare effects in our testing (having one less lens element is likely advantageous) and has modestly more peripheral shading with a wide-open aperture at 100 and 200mm.

Looking at specs and measurements, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens vs. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens comparison shows the RF lens slightly longer and noticeably lighter.

As illustrated in the image included with this article, today's length equation is:

EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm L IS Lens = Canon EOS 5Ds R + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II Lens

The EOS R5's extended viewfinder rises modestly higher than the 5Ds R's viewfinder, but this increase is advantageous in use.

Let's change the RF vs. EF equation to weights:

In ounces: (26.0 + 48.2) - (32.8 + 56.1) = 74.2 - 88.9 = -14.7 oz

In grams: (738 + 1,365) - (930 + 1,590) = 2,103 - 2,520 = -417g

Overall, the RF lens and R camera combination gives us an additional 100mm of focal length range in a similar-sized package that weighs nearly a pound (over .4 kg) less. Primarily, this line summarizes the significant differences between these lenses.

The RF lens has a control ring, providing additional functionality. The EF lens requires a Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R to mount on an R-series camera, and an adapter with a control ring is available to equalize this difference. With the RF lens control ring positioned where the EF lens's switches are located, the RF lens switches required a move and are now located between the zoom torque adjustment ring and the focus ring. The RF lens focus ring and zoom rings are modestly smaller in length, and the focus distance window is omitted on RF lenses.

The EF lens tripod foot is removable (and has a lower profile), while the RF lens's entire tripod ring is removable. I prefer the RF design for stability.

The RF lens has a slightly higher maximum magnification (0.33x vs. 0.31x), but both lenses have a great capability in this regard. The RF lens's image stabilization system is rated at 5-stops vs. the EF lens's 4-stop rating.

The RF lens paint color is whiter (the new white) than the EF lens's color, and RF lens hood is primarily white, while the EF lens hood is black. The RF lens zoom torque adjustment ring is now fully ribbed, and the RF lens barrel holds a more constant diameter over its length. Both lenses are well-built and fast-focusing.

The RF lens costs more, but neither lens is inexpensive. If paying this much, the difference is relatively small. Factor in the cost for an adapter for the EF lens to mount on an R-series camera, and the net difference is even less.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Reviews
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

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Just posted: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens Review.

Simply outstanding lens.

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

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Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens Review.

This lens is an outstanding performer — and very fun to use.

The Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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On my last afternoon in Alaska, I spent some time with professional photographer Michael Mauro. Check out our conversation in the latest, just-released edition of the Wild and Exposed podcast.

While there, sign up for a free Wild and Exposed podcast subscription, featuring "Tales from the Wilderness".

Friend of the site Manuel Delgado shares: LaCie 1big Dock SSD Pro Review

When speed is important, this drive is a great option.

Order the LaCie 1big Dock SSD Pro from B&H | Adorama | Amazon

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review.

You are going to like this lens. Here is the comparison many of us were waiting for:

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens vs. Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

Be sure to compare the other focal lengths, including those with extenders included.

I'm currently in Rocky Mountain National Park with this lens and some other incredible gear. I'll create a detailed RF 100-500 vs. EF 100-400 II comparison, likely after I return.

Supply seems to be catching up with the initial orders for this lens. The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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I recently shared an adapter modification that permitted Canon RF extenders to be used behind all (most?) Canon EF lenses — and Canon EF lens and EF extender combinations. The next idea was to push the overall focal length using double extenders.

The image shared with this article shows the following setup, from right to left, then down:

• Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens
• Canon EF 2x III Extender
• modified Vello Auto Lens Adapter
• Canon RF 2x Extender
• Canon EOS R5 with BG-R10 Battery Grip
• Wimberley Lens Replacement Foot
• Wimberley WH-200-S Sidemount Head
• Robus RC-8860 Vantage Carbon Fiber Tripod

Doing the math:

600mm x 2 x 2 = 2400mm

That is an impressive focal length.

I originally inserted a Canon EF 12mm Extension Tube II behind the EF 2x, enabling a Canon EF 1.4x III Extender to be added to the optical path. That addition would have resulted in an awesome 3360mm lens, but the extension tube broke the electronic connection required for this lens to focus, even manually. The resulting combination was useless, aside from looking amazing.

Back to the 2400mm setup. The second equation this combination creates is considerably less exciting:

F/4 - 2 stops - 2 stops = f/16

The first equation results in an incredible number that is offset to some extent by the result of the second equation. Remarkable is that the EOS R5 focuses this combination very quickly in good light, avoiding focus hunting if the subject is not too significantly out of focus. Keeping a 2400mm lens still enough for sharp images remains a challenge, and with two 2x extenders in the optical path, this rig is not too sharp. Here is a 100% crop processed from a RAW image in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) using the Standard Picture Style with Sharpness = "1" (0-10 scale).

On the fun side of the equation, the awkwardly-shaped 92.7% waning moon nearly fills the 2400mm frame. At this magnification, the thermal irregularities in Earth's atmosphere are apparent even in the viewfinder. And, the moon has to be tracked continuously to keep it centered in the frame (after the challenge of finding it in the frame has been met).

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The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review is mostly complete.

Like this lens at retailers, the lab test results are "Coming Soon". Some comparisons will be added at that time. I'm headed into the field with this lens and don't want to wait until I return to share the extensive information already available for this very impressive model.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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EOS R5 + Canon RF 100-500mm L IS Lens = Canon EOS 5Ds R + Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II Lens

The EOS R5's extended viewfinder rises modestly higher than the 5Ds R's viewfinder, but this increase is advantageous in use.

Let's change the RF vs. EF equation to weights:

In ounces: (26.0 + 48.2) - (32.8 + 56.1) = 74.2 - 88.9 = -14.7 oz

In grams: (738 + 1,365) - (930 + 1,590) = 2,103 - 2,520 = -417g

Overall, the RF lens and R camera combination gives us an additional 100mm of focal length range in a similar-sized package that weighs nearly a pound (over .4 kg) less.

Order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Reviews
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Canon EOS R5
Canon EOS 5Ds R

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The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review page is a work in progress that includes much information about this exciting new lens. I'm sharing this update early primarily to provide an early look at the image quality this lens is delivering. We have not finished processing the lab image quality results (a very time consuming test), but scroll down to the image quality section of this review for an early look at this lens's performance.

My Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is officially for sale. Update: has been sold.

Get in line ASAP — order the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens Review.

Why is this a bestselling lens? Read this review to find out.

The Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted:

Canon RF 1.4x Extender Review.

Canon RF 2x Extender Review.

I plan to update these reviews when higher-performing compatible RF lens models become available.

The Canon RF 1.4x Extender is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

The Canon RF 2x Extender is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 1.4x Extender and Canon RF 2x Extender from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Review.

The RF 800 is very similar to the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens and the reviews, completed simultaneously, will also read similarly, each tuned to the specific lens. I plan to circle back with some comparisons, but choose between these two lenses based on the focal length that works best for you.

The Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens Review.

I plan to have the Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM Lens Review completed later this week.

The Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Disclaimer: Use of this information is at your own risk, and "All" is more likelihood than fact as I have only tested a small percentage of the available lenses.

In a recent article, I answered the question, "Can Canon RF Extenders be used with the EF-EOS R Mount Adapter?"

That answer was "No."

The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R (basic and control ring versions) has no optics. It simply moves the EF mount forward, offsetting the short back focus design of the RF mount, and provides the communication connections required for the lens to function as native. Hoped for was that the open space in the Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R would permit an RF extender to fit into the back of it, ideally making all EF and EF-S lenses extender compatible. Unfortunately, the Canon RF extenders do not fit into the Canon mount adapter.

However, the baffle physically preventing this installation appears to be plastic, and plastic is easily modifiable. I couldn't spare a Canon adapter for this mod (they are unavailable as I write this), but after studying the Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera product images, I suspected the relatively large inside diameter of this adapter could more easily be modified to permit fitting of the Canon RF 1.4x Extender and Canon RF 2x Extender. B&H was up for this challenge and sent me an adapter to potentially destroy.

Not surprising was that the RF extenders do not fit into the back of the Vello adapter out of the box. Thus, some modification was necessary. Basically, the plastic on the raised interior section housing the communication pins needed to be removed down almost to the wires. To protect the adapter and to keep it clean, I gaffer taped everything I didn't want to remove — most of the adapter. Next, a rotary tool (I substituted a drill) with a small abrasive sanding cylinder was used to remove the plastic. A rounded file could also be used.

After removal of enough plastic for the extenders to fit (this took two tries for my first attempt), the adapter was cleaned and mounted. Being able to mount the extender behind the adapter was the first test to pass. Having the extender function properly in conjunction with EF lenses was the bigger question in my mind. Fortunately, the modified adapter passed that test also.

How good is the image quality? We haven't lab tested the modified adapter and more testing needs to be done, but this combo seems to deliver very good quality images with a high quality lens in front of it. The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens seemed to perform especially well with the image periphery perhaps becoming slightly softer. Here is a 100% crop from a Canon EOS R5 image processed from RAW in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) using the Standard Picture Style with sharpness set to "1" (0-10 scale).

Note that this setup does not report the reduced aperture and increased focal length to the camera, but the camera continues to work normally.

The adapter modification was not hard to make. Buy a Vello Auto Lens Adapter for Canon EF/EF-S Lens to Canon RF-Mount Camera and follow the steps shared above. I suspect that the greater good of this project was testing the concept. Watch for commercially available adapters designed to fit on a Canon RF extender in your favorite store soon.