Camera Gear Review News (Page 13)

Yesterday, Canon celebrated the 25 year anniversary of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens by announcing the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens. Many have long been waiting for a new 50mm lens from Canon, and that the lens appeared to be a significant upgrade while retaining essentially the same ultra-small size/weight and the same ultra-low $125.00 USD price tag definitely produced smiles.
 
Then, "Juck" commented below the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens announcement post that the STM's "MTF chart is identical to the mk II version". At the same time, I was re-sizing and overlaying the STM and II MTF charts in Photoshop and trying to determine if I downloaded one of the wrong charts. The charts were sized differently, but they were showing the same line plots.
 
I of course could not mentally rest without knowing what was going on, so I asked. In answer to my "Does the new 50mm STM contain the same optics design as the 50mm f/1.8 II?" question, Canon U.S.A.'s extremely knowledgeable Chuck Westfall responded:
 
"Yes, the optics of the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM are the same as the original EF 50mm f/1.8 and EF 50mm f/1.8 II."
 
Am I disappointed? Yes. I of course want all new lenses to be optically better than the prior version.
 
Is using the same optical design in the new lens a bad decision on Canon's part? No, not necessarily. People loved the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens, otherwise known as the "Nifty Fifty", because of the decent prime-grade image quality it delivered at a really low price tag – the lowest of all Canon lenses.
 
The 50mm f/1.8 II left many other upgrades wanting and the 50mm f/1.8 STM addresses many. Here is a list of some differences between these lenses:
 

• 7 rounded aperture blades vs. 5 non-rounded (no more pentagonal bokeh)
• Metal lens mount vs. plastic
• A much improved manual focus ring
• STM vs. Micro Motor (should be faster and much quieter)
• FTM (Full Time Manual) focusing
• 13.8" (350mm) MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) vs. 17.7" (450mm)
• 0.21x MM (Maximum Magnification) vs. 0.15x
• 49mm vs. 52mm filter size (though not really an advantage from my perspective)
• Narrower f/22 aperture available vs. f/16

While more difficult to specify aside from the metal lens mount, I have to expect the 25-year-newer lens to have better build quality (my original 50mm f/1.8 II broke in half for an unknown reason).
 
The 50mm f/1.8 is very popular today, and with this list of upgrades coming for the same price, the 50 f/1.8 STM is certain to be at least as popular.
 
B&H is accepting Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens preorders with shipments expected to start Thu, May 21.

Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i review pages. As these two cameras share identical imaging sensors and processing pipelines, the same test results are shown for both cameras.
 
Here are some comparisons that you might find interesting (select ISO settings to compare):
 
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 7D Mark II
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS Rebel T5i/T4i
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 5D Mark III
Rebel T6i/T6s compared to the EOS 70D
 
B&H has the Canon EOS Rebel T6i (body and kit) and Rebel T6s (kit) in stock. The T6s body-only remains available for preorder.

You've seen the color block noise test comparisons in the DSLR camera reviews. Creating each of those comparisons was time consuming, the comparables were limited and the test results were buried in the review pages. With the new Camera Noise Comparison Tool, any tested camera can be quickly and easily compared with any other tested camera. Links to the new tool are found throughout the site including on the Tools menu and at the top of most camera reviews.
 
All cameras included in the tool have "Standard" test results available. A key to remember is that the "Standard" test results have no noise reduction included. Since noise reduction can be applied to images from any camera, the without noise reduction results become the best option for comparing camera models. These results aim to best show the camera's capabilities without software algorithm assistance. Some cameras include multiple sets of test results that may include noise reduction, Multi-Shot Noise Reduction and resolution changes to match other DSLR models.
 
My suggestion is to load the higher resolution camera sample using the right drop-down list selection when comparing two cameras.
 
While adding new tests to the tool will remain somewhat time consuming, only the new test images need to be created. Nearly 500 test images are immediately available. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i / T6s results are next in line for inclusion in the tool.
 
Loading test results from old cameras was nostalgic. Remember when the max ISO was 1600? And we thought it was amazing?
 
As with most of the site's other comparison tools, the URL showing in the address bar allows sharing specific noise comparisons with others. The complete set of parameters needed to reproduce the specific comparison being viewed are included.
 
This page is just out of beta testing. Please report any issues and, as always, suggestions are welcome.
 
Resolution Results
 
Also added to most DSLR camera review pages is a link to resolution chart test results in the Image Quality Comparison Tool. These previously existing results were usually mentioned in the reviews, but even more buried than the noise comparisons. Look for the bulleted resolution link near the top of the camera review pages.

Resolution samples have been added to the Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i review pages. These two cameras share the same imaging sensor, so the same set of results are shared by the two.
 
Remember that the T6i/T6s results are processed in Canon Digital Photo Pro version 4 as these RAW images are not supported in version 3. I talked about the Canon DPP 4 vs. 3 differences recently.
 
The 7D Mark II and 70D were the previous Canon APS-C resolution record holders. The T6s/T6i adds 4 megapixels of resolution to these bodies. Here is the Canon EOS T6s vs. 7D Mark II comparison.
 
The T6i and T6s imaging sensors also surpass the previous Canon full frame resolution record holder, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Here is the Canon EOS T6s vs. 5D Mark III comparison.
 
B&H has the Rebel T6i (body and kit) and Rebel T6s (kit) in stock. The T6s body-only remains a preorder item.

Image quality results from a second Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens are now available on the site.
 
The second lens (sample "2") is slightly sharper in the center and slightly less sharp in the corner.
 
B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art Lens available for order with "coming soon" the expectation.

Image quality results from a second copy of the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens are now available.
 
The second copy tested slightly better in the wide aperture corners and is presented as lens copy "1" in the results. Really impressive lens.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder with "coming soon" being the expectation.

The first time that Sean and I gave Canon's Digital Photo Pro version 4.0.0 a workout, we declared that it wasn't ready for prime time. DPP 4 is now at version 4.2.10.0 and, forced by the lack of Canon EOS Rebel T6s and T6i support in DPP 3.14.48.1 (and presumably the same issue coming for the Canon EOS 5Ds and 5Ds R), I am once again working with the latest version of Canon's image processing software. While I'm not ready to make recommendations on use of the latest version, I want to communicate a change that you might notice in forthcoming image quality results processed using DPP 4.
 
Any time a new RAW image processing engine is used, there is a possibility of the output being different. With each version of DPP we load, a comparison test is done to insure that our results are not impacted by the new engine. It has been a long time since the first digit of DPP's version number has been incremented and ... I was nervous. Primarily, I didn't want to leave the huge inventory of lens tests unavailable for comparison with the latest-tested gear.
 
Based on testing performed on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (supported on both versions of DPP), I'm reporting is that DPP 4 indeed changes the output. However, I think that you are going to view the change as positive and non-harming to comparisons with older tests going forward. Important is that I don't see any change in sharpness based on the same standardized test settings (Neutral Picture Style, Sharpness = "1"). However, there is a clear reduction in the artifacts seen in the resolution lines in the test chart. The lead image in this post was processed in the latest version of DPP 4 and the following image was processed in the latest version of DPP 3.
 

 
To best compare these images, control-click on each to open them in new browser tabs and toggle between the tabs. Or, download and open the images in your favorite image viewer. Show the images at 200% and then toggle between them. Very little difference other than the artifacts clearing will be seen.
 
From a color standpoint, I am not seeing any changes between the two RAW image processing engines. From a noise standpoint, DPP version 4 has a very slight edge at higher ISO settings. The edge is tiny enough to be meaningless to most and unless toggling instantly between images at 100%, probably few would detect the difference.
 
Testing against all of these small changes is very time consuming, but ... worth it for accurate evaluations.

Breakthrough Photography has introduced their new X3 line of ND filters, claiming that "The X3 ND is the world's sharpest and most color neutral ND filter." For validation of that big claim, they sent me a pair of filters in 6 and 10 stop densities. I have included the 10-stop X3 in many of the comparisons shown in the 10 Stop Neutral Density Filter Review and have added more specific X3 information at the end of that page.
 
This fact should grab your attention: The X3 is less than half the price of the Singh-Ray Mor-Slo 10-Stop ND Filter. When I get time, I will update the neutral density filter review with the results from the 6-stop filter, but ... this filter performs similarly to the 10-Stop version. Excellently.
 
Breakthrough Photography X3 ND Filters are coming to B&H very soon and are available now at Adorama (77mm and 82mm only at this time) and Amazon (many sizes available).

Just posted: Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens Review.
 
This is an ultra-light, long telephoto focal length lens with image quality and AF performance that do not disappoint.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder ("backorder" may now be the more appropriate word).

Image quality results have been added to the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens review page.
 
The first copy of this lens to go through the lab showed a rather strong misalignment issue (Sigma replaced that lens for the owner – great service). As the 150-600 Sports lens model remains unavailable, we have Sigma USA to thank for the loan of this second lens. This new lens also shows some side-to-side variances, but the differences are less-significant than the first model. The left side of the lens is not as sharp as the right in the widest focal length tests and, noticeable in the results presented here, is that the right side is softer at 300mm.
 
Overall, this lens is a very good performer. I spent lots of time behind it this past weekend, capturing over 2,000 images at the sporting events I covered. I look forward to sharing that experience. In the meantime, here are some comparisons:
 
Sigma 150-600 Sports vs. Sigma 150-500 OS (be sure to compare the long focal lengths)
Sigma 150-600 Sports vs. Tamron 150-600 VC Lens
Sigma 150-600 Sports vs. Canon 100-400mm L IS II Lens
 
Demand is still outstripping supply of this lens right. If you want a 150-600 Sports lens in your kit, the best option is to get in line at B&H.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens review.
 
Great lens, though I doubt it will become highly popular on the APS-C format.
 
B&H has the Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon T* ZE Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens review.
 
As with the 1Ds III test results for this lens, the "Sample 1" lens shows results without the internal 1.4x extender in the optical path (except for the first set of 560mm results). The "Sample 2" results show the built-in 1.4x extender included in the optical path for all images.
 
Even with the high-density 7D II sensor behind it, the 200-400 L performs very impressively.
 
While this is still not an inexpensive lens, the recent $800 price drop definitely makes it more affordable. B&H has the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS Lens in stock.
 
Save an additional $1,700 on the 200-400 L
 
B&H a used 200-400mm f/4L IS Lens in "9" condition in stock. Buying used always involves some risk, but buying used from B&H with a "90-Day B&H Used Warranty" dramatically reduces that risk.
 
Browse the B&H Used Department to find other deals.

Image quality results from a second lens have been added to the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review.
 
The second lens is at least as awesome as the first.
 
B&H is taking orders for the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens with stock expected very soon.
 
Can't wait? Check Adorama (bundle) and Amazon has 1 lens in stock.

By request, I have added two smaller lenses to the big lens comparison tool. Allowing a smaller lens to be placed beside one classified by the site's product image tool as "big" allows a better visualization of the size of the larger lenses.
 
The two selected "small" (relatively speaking) lenses are the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens. These were selected because they are among the most likely lenses found in one's kit prior to stepping up to one of the big guns (and I have them in my own kit, meaning they were immediately available). Those looking at Nikon lenses can still use the smaller Canon lenses for comparison purposes as these are very similar to their closest Nikon equivalents in size.
 
Also now available are the standard images for the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens. Here is a comparison placing the DO II between the two just-added smaller lenses:
 
Canon 70-200 vs. 400 DO II vs. 100-400 L II
 
Because of its size, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens does not fit in the frame of the standard product image comparison and I must declare it "big". This lens now has product images available in the big lens image comparison tool.
 
Responsive Design
 
As I mentioned before, I have implemented "responsive design" on the site. Browsing the site on smaller devices including phones and tablets should be easier since the initial update. Many additional improvements are now implemented including most of the tools now being mobile-ready. One exception that remains is the Lens Image Quality Comparison Tool. Since looking at 100% resolution crops is the primary purpose of this tool, letting images resize to a smaller browser viewport is defeating to its purpose. Until I come up with the right solution, I'll let this one break out of the browser window size.
 
Up Next
 
Look for the 400 DO II review to be completed early next week. I have a second copy of the Sigma 150-600 Sports Lens coming in this week. That lens will be the next priority on the to-do list. The Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Lens should also be arriving any day now. There is a lot of interest in telephoto zoom lenses right now and I'm anxious to see how these new lenses compare to the previously available Canon 100-400 L IS II and the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens review.
 
The 24-105 L IS is probably my most-ever-used lens. And the best-ever deal I've ever seen on this lens is available right now at the Canon Store. They have this lens in refurbished (like new) condition for only $530.78.
 
Prefer new? B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock.

Just posted: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Review.
 
This lens turns in best-available 24mm optical performance in a very attractive package at an eye-catching price.
 
B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder with "Coming Soon" being the expectation.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens review page.
 
Compare the DO II to the 400mm f/2.8 L IS II on the 7D Mark II.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder.

Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens review page.
 
You are going to like what you see – this lens does not disappoint in this test. Here are some comparisons:
 
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm DO IS (version I)
 
Note the significant contrast improvement over the original 400 DO. The blacks are obviously darker. The difference in sharpness remains clear even at f/5.6. The II's reduction in CA is also worth mentioning as is the with-extender performance.
 
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/2.8L IS II
 
Both lenses in this comparison are initially set to wide open apertures. I give the f/2.8 version a slight advantage in this comparison, but keeping perspective, we are comparing the DO II to an amazing lens. At f/4, the f/2.8 L IS II, assisted by some vignetting clearing, shows a slightly bigger advantage. Good luck finding a sharpness difference at f/5.6.
 
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 400mm f/5.6L (initially set to both lenses wide open)
 
Canon 400mm DO IS II compared to the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II (initially set to both lenses wide open)
 
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens available for preorder.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review.
 
No surprises here. This lens performs very well even on the high-density 7D II sensor, hopefully foreshadowing a great performance on the incoming Canon EOS 5Ds / 5Ds R. Being realistic, with the great price/performance ratio of the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 L IS USM Lens, most APS-C users would be better off buying a full frame DSLR and the 16-35 f/4L IS.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder with "Coming Soon" as the expectation.

The balance of the standardized test results (distortion, flare and vignetting) along with measurements and product images (standard and eye candy) have been added to the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens review page.
 
Note that the first image quality link in my last Sigma 24 Art post inadvertently showed results for the 7D Mark II instead of the full frame 1Ds Mark III. If you didn't catch that, check the Image quality results again.
 
As I said in the last post, my goal is to complete this review within a week. Stay tuned.
 
B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder with "coming soon" being the expectation for arrival.

I mentioned that I used a NatureScapes Skimmer Ground Pod II for the capture of my yesterday-posted royal tern photo. Today I posted a short review of that useful tool.
 
B&H has the NatureScapes Skimmer Ground Pod II in stock.

Image quality results from the 1Ds III and 7D II have been added to the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens review page.
 
I am a member of the waiting-for-the-24-Art-Lens club. I have been very anxious to see what level of performance this lens would turn in. Though the chart used in the image quality test is tough on a lens' performance, it mirrors what I am seeing in real world results. While I am not amazed by this lens' wide open performance, it is at least as good as the FAR-more-expensive Canon 24mm f/1.4L II and it is razor sharp when stopped down slightly.
 
Here are some comparisons:
 
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art vs. Canon 24mm f/1.4L II Lens
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art vs. Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS Lens
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art vs. EF-S Canon 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art vs. Nikon 24mm f/1.4G Lens (different camera systems)
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art vs. Sigma 24mm f/1.4 EX Lens
 
I hope to have this full review completed in the next week or so. Stay tuned.
 
Initial inventory of the 24mm Art lens did not satisfy preorders. B&H has the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder with "coming soon" as the expected arrival date.

Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review.
 
I was looking forward to giving this lens a try and it didn't disappoint in most areas including image quality.
 
The early popularity of this lens has kept it out of stock at most retailers. B&H has just received a shipment of the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens and is showing in stock at the moment. I doubt that this stock will last very long – don't wait to order if you want this lens.
 
Other in stock options: At least one lens is available at Amazon and several are available on eBay right now.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens review.
 
To say that this is an awesome lens seems like an understatement.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens review.
 
This is an incredible lens, perhaps the best field sports lens made. The price, though very significantly lower than at its introduction, remains a limiting factor.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens review.
 
As with yesterday's lens, the 18-135 STM is a decent performer, especially for the cost when purchased in a DSLR kit, refurbished or white box.
 
B&H has the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens review.
 
This light little lens is a great performer for the price.
 
B&H has the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Lens in stock.

I have updated the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review with the following:
 

• Manhattan cityscape sample image added
• Additional focal length angle of view example included
• Replaced the 100% corner crops with a better set of examples
• Distinguished between the two versions of the Samyang 14mm Lens
• More info regarding the Canon 8-15mm fisheye lens

I'm loving this lens. I spent a cold Thursday in New York City with the 11-24, arriving home at 3:00 AM. I had a blast – and had to force myself to occasionally turn the zoom ring beyond 11mm.
 
Join the fun – get your Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens from B&H (preorder with deliveries expected soon).

Just posted: the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle review.
 
This little device has been a part of my [Sean's] kit for the better part of a year now. While there are products that offer similar functionality, I don't know of any that are as versatile as the Triggertrap Mobile Dongle at comparable price point.
 
The Triggertrap Mobile Dongle is small, easy to pack and gives you tons of options for creative imagery. Check out our full review for more information on this fun little device.
 
The Triggertrap Mobile Dongle is available direct from the Triggertrap website.

Just posted: The full Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review.
 
I'm loving this lens. I have a New York City trip planned for the near future and will (hopefully) capture some better grade 11-24 sample pictures to share.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder with deliveries expected soon.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens review.
 
This is one of my favorite lenses (though I most frequently use it on a full frame body).
 
B&H has the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock with a $100.00 mail-in rebate available.

All of the standardized test results (image quality, vignetting, flare and distortion) along with specs, measurements, standard product images and the owner's manual are now available on the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review page.
 
My plan is to have the full 11-24 L lens review completed this week.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder.

Image quality results have been added to the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens review.
 
To put these results into perspective, check out the Canon 11-24mm L Lens vs. Sigma 12-24mm DG II Lens comparison. Spin through the focal lengths and apertures. The price difference between these two lenses is significant, but so is the image quality difference.
 
Standard product images are also available. Create your own comparisons.
 
I knew how wide this lens was going to be, but I'm still blown away by the 11mm angle of view. Even my kids were enthralled by this extremely wide view.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder. A significant second shipment of this lens model is scheduled to arrive this week.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens review.
 
The 100 L has become my most-used macro lens ever. I love the look that the longer 180mm L macro lens produces, but the light weight along with image stabilization make the 100 L my go-to macro lens.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens in stock with a $50 mail-in rebate available.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens review.
 
My preference between this lens and the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Lens remains a toss-up. I have had each individually and the two together. I currently own both.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS USM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens review.
 
Probably the most notable difference between the 7D II and the 1Ds Mark III is the crop sensor camera's reduced vignetting as a result of utilizing the center-most part of the image circle. Otherwise, image quality is impressively close wide open between the two bodies.
 
The world awaits the comparison between this lens and the just-announced Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens. This comparison will be a top priority once Sigma's newest "Art" lens lands in our hands.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens review.
 
There is a reason that Canon is showing this lens mounted to the new Canon EOS 5Ds. This lens has the resolution needed to take advantage of high density sensors.
 

 
B&H has the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens in stock.

I wanted to visually see the new Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens beside the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens and the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens. So, I sized the lenses to scale and composited a prime Art lens family photo. You can definitely see the family resemblance.
 
B&H is accepting preorders for the Sigma 24mm Art Lens with initial shipments expected to arrive March 20th, 2015.

Image quality results have been added to the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens review page.
 
I think that you are going to like what you see from this lens. You will notice strong barrel distortion at 15mm (details in the top crop sample get enlarged) and some chromatic aberration to be corrected, but overall this lens is looking good including at f/2.8.
 
Here are some comparisons:
 
Tamron 15-30mm VC vs. Canon 16-35mm f/2.8 L II
Tamron 15-30mm VC vs. Canon 16-35mm f/4 L IS
Tamron 15-30mm VC vs. Tokina 16-35mm f/2.8
Tamron 15-30mm VC vs. Zeiss 15mm f/2.8
 
B&H has the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens available for preorder.

The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens Review page is now loaded with my expectations for this lens including MTF chart comparisons (I think this is going to be another great one).
 
B&H has the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens available for preorder with arrival slated for late this month.

I mentioned that reviewing the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens was one of my top priorities and a friend came to my rescue by providing a copy of this lens to test. I have good news and bad news to report.
 
I temporarily added image quality results to the review page but have subsequently taken them down. After comparing the results from this lens to the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens and Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens, I was left quite disappointed. Further evaluation revealed a strong likelihood of a misalignment issue with this lens.
 
Shown in the image accompanying this post is the near-top-left and the near-top-right crop from one of the test images. The top left crop is obviously very significantly sharper than the top right, which is the crop that shows in the site's image quality tests. A similar difference can be seen over the entire focal length range of this lens.
 
The bad news of course is that such an issue is showing in a lens this nice (and this new). That is very disappointing. However, I expect that Sigma will be able to resolve the problem and that leads to the good news: that top left crop from a 150mm wide open aperture is looking really nice. I remain optimistic that this is a really nice lens overall, with image quality to match the high grade look and feel of this lens.
 
We'll test another copy of this lens as soon as we can get our hands on one.
 
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is still not in stock, but is available for preorder B&H.

The Canon EOS 5Ds review page is loaded with detailed information about this new, extreme DSLR. Check it out and be sure to share this page with your friends.
 
I've seen a LOT of camera announcements, but few have excited me as much as this one. I'm very anxious to get my hands on the 5Ds and 5Ds R.
 
Special thanks goes out to Chuck Westfall of Canon USA for his time spent explaining the new cameras and lens.
 
Note that, although the product pages are live, B&H is NOT accepting Canon EOS 5Ds or Canon EOS 5Ds R preorders at this time. Watch the site's news page/feed and/or sign up for the site's email newsletter (see signup box at top right of all site pages) for first notice of preorders being accepted.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Lens review.
 
B&H has the Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lens review.
 
B&H has the Canon TS-E 17mm f/4L Tilt-Shift Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens review.
 
This is a great little lens that holds up to the high resolution sensor of the 7D II. Image stabilization is a key additional reason to choose this lens.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens review.
 
This is a very nice, compact lens with image quality that holds up well even with a high density image sensor behind it.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Lens in stock with a $50 mail in rebate that expires tomorrow (31st).

Image quality results have been added to the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Lens review page.
 
B&H has the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens Review.
 
This is one of my favorite portrait lenses. The look that this lens can deliver is very unique (in a good way). The 7D II's high density sensor is showing the limits of this lens' wide open capabilities.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens in stock.

Image quality test results from the EOS 7D Mark II and 60D have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens review page.
 
Direct links: 7D II | 60D
 
B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens in stock.

Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II have been added to the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens review.
 
Like the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens in many regards, the 40 STM is a great bargain. With a $50 mail-in-rebate (essentially 25% off) currently available (USA only), now is a great time to acquire this lens.
 
B&H has the Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens in stock.