Camera Gear Review News (Page 7)

Is the Really Right Stuff MC-LS Universal L-Plate the last L-plate you will buy? Find out in the just-posted review.

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The new Really Right Stuff MC-LS Universal L-Plate is in stock at B&H.

Image quality test results, along with specs and measurements, are now available on the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens page.

You are going to like these results.

Compared to the G1 lens (visualize the slight camera resolution difference)

Compared to the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens

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Just posted:

Sony Alpha 7C R Review
Sony Alpha 7C II Review

Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 7C R from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

Order the Sony Alpha 7C II from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

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The Sony Alpha 7C R and Sony Alpha 7C II cameras are here, and it is time to set up these cameras for use. For setup purposes, these cameras are identical, and the steps taken to prepare out-of-the-box a7C R and 7C II cameras for use are as follows.

1. Charge the battery
2. Record the serial number, and add the camera to insurance policy
3. Download and install Capture One (for Sony) or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
4. Insert a memory card(s) (we'll format it later)
5. Insert the charged battery, and power on the camera
6. Set the time zone, date, time, and timeformat
7. Select M mode, press "Menu", and configure the camera as follows:
8. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: File Format: RAW, RAW File Type: Lossless Compressed L (ultimate image quality with reduced file size)
9. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Long Exposure NR: Off (manually enable this option for very long exposures)
10. Shooting Menu 1 High ISO NR: Low (most software overrides this setting)
11. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Lens Compensation: Shading, Chromatic Aberration, and Distortion Comp: All Off (software often overrides this setting, use the RAW processing software to enable any lens compensation with CA correction frequently selected)
12. Shooting Menu 2 Media: Format (ensure there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
13. Shooting Menu 3 File: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: [your name], Set Copyright: [as desired], Write Serial Number: On (put your name and your business name on your images, also helpful if your camera gets lost) (note that you may find entering this information on the touchscreen a painful process)
14. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Selftimer during Bracket: 2 Sec (avoid camera shake)
15. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Bracket Settings: Bracket order: ->0>+ (eases image selection for HDR processing)
16. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Lens: Disable
17. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
18. Shooting Menu 9 Shooting Display: Grid Line Display: On (Rule of Thirds selected)
19. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: D-Range Optimizer: Off
20. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: Creative Look: NT (Neutral) Sharpness = 1 (this setting provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with a Standard or Natural creative style)
21. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Focus Mode: Single-shot AF (this setting gets changed frequently)
22. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
23. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-C: AF (I care more about properly focused images than maintaining a high frame rate)
24. Focus Menu 2 Focus Area: Focus Area: Spot: S (this setting gets changed frequently)
25. Focus Menu 2 Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
26. Focus Menu 5 Peaking Display: On (show focus indication when manually focusing)
27. Playback Menu 4 Delete: "Delete" first (makes deleting images faster — the camera still provides a second change to cancel the delete request)
28. Playback Menu 7 Playback Option: Display Rotation: Off (the reviewed image always fills LCD)
29. Network Menu: 8 Network Menu: Airplane Mode: On
30. Setup Menu: 4 Dial Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Dial/Wheel: Front Dial: Av/Tv (Tv in M mode) (option #2) (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than aperture and the front dial is easier to access quickly); Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode)
31. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Panel/Pad: Both Valid
32. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Pad Settings: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position, Operation Area: Whole Screen
33. Setup Menu: 10 Sound Option: Audio signal (Shooting): Off (how to turn off the AF beep sound)
34. My Menu: Format, Shutter Type, Steady Shot, Recognition Target, Anti-flicker Set., Flash Comp., Focus Mode
35. With a lens mounted and a subject in focus (or view the menu system), 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 optimally for me, you should adjust the camera 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 serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, the list will ensure all settings are quickly re-established. Consider saving the camera settings to a card (Tools menu, tab 2, Reset/Save Settings) for an easy restore or replication. The setup file can be copied to a computer drive for long-term storage. Unfortunately, I couldn't load the a7C R settings on the a7C II.

Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 7C R from B&H | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada

Order the Sony Alpha 7C II from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

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Just posted: Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Review.

This lens is tiny, ultra-light, and affordable (especially in used condition).

Support this site by ordering the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada | KEH | MPB

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Just posted: Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review.

Again, this is going to be a popular lens.

Sharing this review supports the site.

Also support this site by ordering the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | Camera Canada | WEX

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Details are loaded on the Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens page.

This new lens is dramatically lighter, smaller, and less expensive than its predecessor! Check out the MTF chart comparison.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Camera Canada | WEX

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Just posted: Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens Review

This is a great little lens.

I need you to share this review!

Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with specs, measurements, and standard product images, are now available on the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens page.

This is going to be a popular lens.

Please share!

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama

Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results, along with specs and standard product images, are now available on the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens page.

The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens is shown between the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens in this post's image, showing the II's nicely reduced size.

Let's look at some image quality comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens

Compared to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Compared to the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens

Compared to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

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Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

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Just posted: Sony Alpha 6700 Review.

Superb camera.

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Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 6700 (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Just posted: Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Lens Review.

Is it worth the price?

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The Sony Alpha 6700 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box a6700.

1. Charge the battery. Note that a battery charger or USB cable is not included in the box.
2. Record the serial number, and add the camera to insurance policy
3. Download and install Capture One (for Sony) or Sony Imaging Edge if you want free RAW image processing software.
4. Insert the charged battery, and power on the camera
5. Insert a memory card (we'll format it later)
6. Select M mode press "Menu" and configure the camera as follows:
7. Set the time zone date time timeformat
8. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: File Format: RAW (provides the best image quality)
9. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: RAW File Type: Lossless Compressed (full image quality reduced file size)
10. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Long Exposure NR: Off (I'll enable this option for very long exposures)
11. Shooting Menu 1 High ISO NR: Low
12. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Lens Compensation: Shading Chromatic Aberration and Distortion Comp: All Off (I use the RAW processing software to enable any lens compensation with CA correction frequently selected)
13. Shooting Menu 2 Media: Format (ensure there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
14. Shooting Menu 3 File: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On Set Photographer: [your name] Set Copyright: [as desired] Write Serial Number: On (note: entering this information on the touchscreen may be a painful process)
15. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Bracket Settings: Selftimer during Bracket: 2 Sec
16. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Bracket Settings: Bracket order: ->0>+ (eases image selection for HDR processing)
17. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Lens: Disable
18. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
19. Shooting Menu 9 Shooting Display: Grid Line Display: On (Rule of Thirds selected)
20. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: D-Range Optimizer: Off
21. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: Creative Look: NT (Neutral) Sharpness = 1 (this setting provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
22. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Focus Mode: Single-shot AF (I prefer to control the type of focusing in use, Single-shot or Continuous AF)
23. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
24. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
25. Focus Menu 2 Focus Area: Focus Area: Spot: S (I change this setting frequently)
26. Focus Menu 2 Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
27. Focus Menu 4 Initial Focus Mag.:c x6.1
28. Focus Menu 5 Peaking Display: On
29. Playback Menu 4 Delete confirm.: "Delete" first
30. Playback Menu 7 Playback Option: Display Rotation: Off (image fills LCD)
31. Network Menu: 7 Network Menu: Airplane Mode: On
32. Setup Menu: 3 Operation Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Rear1: Focus Mode
33. Setup Menu: 4 Dial Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Dial/Wheel: Front Dial: Av/Tv (Tv in M mode) (option #2) (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than aperture and the front dial is easier to access quickly); Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode)
34. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Panel/Pad: Both Valid
35. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Pad Settings: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position
36. Setup Menu: 10 Sound Option: Audio signals: Off (how to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
37. My Menu: Format, Shutter Type, Steady Shot, Recognition Target, Anti-flicker Set., Flash Comp.
38. 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 optimally for me, you should adjust the camera 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 serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, the list will ensure all settings are quickly re-established. Consider saving the camera settings to a card (Setup menu, tab 2: Reset/Save Settings menu, Save/Load Settings, Save) for an easy restore or replication. The setup file can be copied to a computer drive for long-term storage.

More Information

Sony Alpha 6700

Support this site by ordering the Sony a6700 from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX

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Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results are now available on the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Lens Review.

Here are some comparisons:

Compared to the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens

Compared to the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens

Support this site by ordering the Sony FE 70-200mm F4 Macro G OSS II Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results, along with standard product images, are now available on the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Review.

This lens is tiny, ultra-light, and affordable (especially in used condition).

Support this site by ordering the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | WEX | KEH | MPB

Rent the Sony E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Alpine Astro Baader AstroSolar BDSF 3.8 Digital Solar Filter Review.

Now is a good time to prepare to photograph the April 2024 total solar eclipse.

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Support this site by ordering the Alpine Astro Baader AstroSolar BDSF 3.8 Digital Solar Filter (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama

Just posted: Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review

Outstanding lens.

Please support this site by sharing this review!

Also, support this site by ordering the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens Review.

The RF 28 will become a most-loved lens. Sample pictures will be added soon.

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Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results, along with specs and measurements are now available on the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens page.

Can you find a zoom lens sharper wide open than this one? This lens optically performs better with extenders than even the big white RF prime lenses do with them.

Here is the comparison to the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens. Incredibly, the zoom lens matches the sharpness of this impressive prime lens, including in the corners.

Add the 1.4x, and the zoom lens still matches, even exceeds in the corners, the optical performance of the prime.

At this point, you are not likely surprised that the zoom lens keeps up with the prime with the 2x extender mounted. I seldom appreciate the image quality produced with a 2x extender in the optical path, but the EF 300mm F2.8 IS II lens was one of the best with-2x performers, and the RF 100-300mm lens performs similarly (with slightly more but easily correctable lateral CA).

Creating high-grade with-extender image quality vastly increases the versatility of this zoom lens, and brings another outstanding zoom lens, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM, into the radar.

This 200mm wide-open aperture comparison shows no winner. The 420mm vs. 400mm f/4 comparison also shows no winner, and ditto in the 600mm vs. 560mm f/5.6 comparison (though the RF lens has more lateral CA).

Many other comparisons are available:

Compared to the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens.

Compared to the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens.

With 2x compared to the RF 400 with 2x.

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Also, support this site by ordering the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results are now available on the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens page.

This tiny lens has an impressive sharpness to size, weight, and price ratio.

Compared to the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Pancake Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 IS STM Macro Lens (at f/2.8)

Compared to the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens (at f/2.8)

Compared to the Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens (at f/2.8)

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