Canon and Sony News for Feb 2019 (Page 2)

Image quality test results from the EOS 5Ds R and 7D Mark II have been added to the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens page.

This lens is competing strongly against the best. Here are some comparisons to get you started.

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art Lens compared to Canon 24mm f/1.4L II Lens
Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art Lens compared to Canon 35mm f/1.4L II Lens
Sigma 28mm f/1.4 compared to 24mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Sigma 28mm f/1.4 compared to 35mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Sigma 28mm f/1.4 Art Lens compared to Zeiss 28mm f/1.4 Otus Lens

The Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens from Lensrentals.

From Kenko-Tokina:

Feb 22, 2019 – Inspired by the focal length and aperture of the widely acknowledged Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX lens, Tokina opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF has been developed with the same concept as the already released opera 50mm F1.4 FF, to offer the photographers another contemporary tool for professional photography. Super wide angle, superior resolving ability coupled with high contrast and beautiful bokeh rendering, fast f/2.8 constant aperture throughout the zoom range and accurate AF drive system make this lens attractive for photographers who specialize in landscape, interior architect, documentary, environmental style portrait and night sky/time lapse photography genres.

Sales start date worldwide: March 15th, 2019

EAN code: 4961607 634660 (for Canon EF mount full frame)
EAN code: 4961607 634677 (for Nikon F mount full frame)

Preorders:
B&H | Adorama

If you have a couple of minutes, take a look at this For the Love of the Craft feature of Abe Curland, an affiliate account manager at B&H. Abe has been our own affiliate contact at B&H for several years, and he's always been a delight to work with. We would like to send our heartfelt "congrats" to him for B&H's recognition of his love of photography and his ability to connect with his affiliates.

In this video, photographer Pye Jirsa describes several tips for shooting portraits at night. While several of the techniques described are relatively common, the whip-pan effect Jirsa illustrates makes watching this video especially worthwhile.

Upon being handed a Canon EOS RP to evaluate, I immediately set up the camera for use. Following are the 42 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box EOS RP ready for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Download and install the Canon Solution Disk software on your computer, gaining support for the latest camera(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap.
5. Insert the battery (after charging completes) and power the camera on.
6. The date, time and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear cross keys and set button to update this information.
7. Insert a memory card (don't forget to format the card via the tools menu option before taking pictures).
8. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv or M (some modes provide only a small subset of available menu options).
9. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use top dial to set RAW to "RAW" and Cross Keys to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post processing work)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image review: 4 sec. (or sometimes off to increase shooting speed in the field)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Release shutter without card: Disable (only in a retail store do you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (though Chromatic Aberration correction is a good option to leave enabled for most)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 3: Photo ISO speed settings: ISO speed range: L(50) – H2(102400) (settings used for testing, adjust to your tolerance)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust modestly during post processing)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Strength = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram on the back of the camera that most-accurately shows me blown highlights and blocked shadows on the camera LCD. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Long exp. noise reduction: Auto (when active, LENR captures a dark image that is used to correct the long exposure noise in the primary image)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Off (or Low) (noise reduction is destructive to images details – I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post processing)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 6: High speed display: ON (note that the camera must be set to Servo AF and high speed continuous frame rate to enable this option)
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows a thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
21. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback information display: 1 and 3 enabled (avoids too many playback information options)
22. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Highlight Alert: Enable (causes overexposed pixels to blink)
23. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Playback grid: 3x3 (sometimes helps with checking alignment)
24. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnificatn (apx): Actual size (from selected pt) (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
25. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (only) (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
26. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Mode guide: Disable (useful for beginners)
27. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Feature guide: Disable (useful for beginners)
28. Tools Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear you beeping camera setting changes or focus confirmation)
29. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Screen info. settings: Enable 1 (press Info, disable basic shooting info and enable Electronic level), 3 and 4
30. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, (press Info, disable Detailed shooting info and Histogram disp, enable Electronic level) and 3 (press Info, disable Detailed shooting info, enable Histogram disp and Electronic level)
31. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes helpful for alignment checking)
32. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Shooting info. display: Histogram disp: Brightness/RGB: RGB, Display size: Small (I want to see the brightness levels of each channel separately and don't want the graph to take up much space in the display)
33. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Custom shooting mode (C1 - C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
35. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn I: Exposure: 3: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
36. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn I: Exposure: 4: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post processing. Capturing the darkest image first means that I quickly get at least the first frame)
37. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn II: Autofocus: 6: Orientation linked AF point: 1:Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
38. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn III: Operation/Others: 4: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree (I do not like most variable speed AF rings)
39. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn III: Operation/Others: Customize buttons: Up, Down, Left and Right buttons: Direct AF point selection
40. Custom Functions Menu, C.Fn III: Retract lens on power off: OFF (avoids having a carefully-selected focus distance resetting when camera auto powers off)
41. My Menu: Add the first tab; Register the following options for Tab 1: Format card, Image review (disable when speed is needed), Expo. simulation, Long exposure noise reduction, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring what time it is), Expo.comp./AEB (found back up near the top of the list) (nothing in my My Menu is found on the Quick Control display as those functions are already quickly accessed)
42. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

To copy this configuration would mean that you intend to shoot similar to how I shoot – including shooting 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 own menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a good 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 quickly set it up.

More Information

Canon EOS RP

Get the Canon EOS RP at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

From Nikon:

Nikon D600 Firmware v.1.04

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.03 to 1.04

• The SETUP MENU > Time zone and date > Time zone display now shows only the names of major cities in the currently selected zone.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in over-application of distortion control in pictures taken with an AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens at a focal length of 10 mm and with FX (36x24) 1.0x selected for Image area > Choose image area, Off selected for Image area > Auto DX crop, and On selected for Auto distortion control in the SHOOTING MENU.

Download: Nikon D600 Firmware v.1.04

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.03 to 1.04

• Fixed an issue that resulted in over-application of distortion control in pictures taken with an AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens at a focal length of 10 mm and with FX (36x24) 1.0x selected for Image area > Choose image area, Off selected for Image area > Auto DX crop, and On selected for Auto distortion control in the SHOOTING MENU.

Download: Nikon D610 Firmware v.1.04

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.13 to 1.15

• Fixed an issue that resulted in over-application of distortion control in pictures taken with an AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens at a focal length of 10 mm and with FX (36x24) 1.0x selected for Image area > Choose image area, Off selected for Image area > Auto DX crop, and On selected for Auto distortion control in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in photos shot with non-CPU lenses being overexposed when taken by pressing the shutter-release button all the way down in a single motion under the following conditions: the standby timer off, On selected for Custom Setting c1 (Shutter-release button AE-L) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, and lens information specified using the Non-CPU lens data option in the SETUP MENU.

Download: Nikon D750 Firmware v.1.15

From Sigma:

Operating conditions of the Nikon “Z 6” and SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for NIKON F mount, and firmware update for SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for NIKON F mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We would like to announce that the operating conditions of SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for NIKON F mount on the Nikon “Z 6” and their “Mount Adapter FTZ” are the same as when they are used in combination with the Nikon “Z 7” and their “Mount Adapter FTZ” that we announced on October 26th, 2018.

Furthermore, we would like to announce that a new firmware update for SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for NIKON F mount improves on the phenomenon particular to the lens when it is used in combination with the Nikon “Z 7” or “Z 6” and their “Mount Adapter FTZ”.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable product listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro. Before updating the firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK, please ensure to update SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver. 1.5.0 or later.

Applicable product

• SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for NIKON F mount

Benefit of the update

• When the lens is used in combination with the Nikon “Z 7” or “Z 6” and their “Mount Adapter FTZ”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F5.6 while shooting.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download

Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We are pleased to announce that a firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E is now available.

This firmware makes the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 compatible with the latest firmware of SIGMA interchangeable lenses. For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro? by connecting it to a computer using the supplied USB Cable.

Before updating the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to ver. 1.5.0 or later.

Applicable product

• SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E

Benefit of the update

• It has become compatible with the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.02.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.02.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.04.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download

B&H has Think Tank Photo Vision Shoulder Bags available for preorder with free expedited shipping.

Think Tank Photo Vision 15 Shoulder Bag Highlights

• With a Medium DSLR, Holds 3 to 5 Lenses
• Holds Camera with Attached 24-70mm Lens
• Accommodates Detached 70-200mm f/2.8
• Holds 15" Laptop and 10" Tablet
• Zippered Lid for Main Compartment
• Organizer Pockets, Large Phone Pocket
• Top Carry Handle, Padded Shoulder Strap
• Bottle Pocket, Tuck-Away Tripod Straps
• Pass-Through for Luggage Trolley Handle
• Weather-Resistant Exterior, Rain Cover

Think Tank Photo Vision 13 Shoulder Bag Highlights

• With a Medium DSLR, Holds 2 to 4 Lenses
• Holds Camera with Attached 24-70mm Lens
• Accommodates Detached 70-200mm f/2.8
• Holds 13" Laptop and 10" Tablet
• Zippered Lid for Main Compartment
• Organizer Pockets, Large Phone Pocket
• Top Carry Handle, Padded Shoulder Strap
• Bottle Pocket, Tuck-Away Tripod Straps
• Pass-Through for Luggage Trolley Handle
• Weather-Resistant Exterior, Rain Cover

Think Tank Photo Vision 10 Shoulder Bag Highlights

• With a Medium DSLR, Holds 2 to 3 Lenses
• With Mirrorless Kit, Holds 3 to 4 Lenses
• Holds Detached 24-70mm f/2.8 or 50-140mm
• Dedicated Pocket for 10" Tablet
• Zippered Lid for Main Compartment
• Organizer Pockets, Large Phone Pocket
• Top Carry Handle, Padded Shoulder Strap
• Bottle Pocket, Tuck-Away Tripod Straps
• Pass-Through for Luggage Trolley Handle
• Weather-Resistant Exterior, Rain Cover

The Canon EOS RP Camera Review has been significantly updated.

Now included are ISO noise test results and a look at the dynamic range (with comparisons available). A handful of sample pictures and product images have been added, many additional details have been included and a few corrections were made.

Remember, if you purchase an EOS RP + lens kit before March 30, you'll get to take advantage of up to $300.00 in instant savings and free gear.

Canon EOS RP + EF 24-105 IS STM – B&H | Adorama

Canon EOS RP + RF 24-105 IS USM – B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | Henry's | Wex

From the Phlearn YouTube Channel:

Today Aaron shows you how easy it is to make your own custom brushes in Photoshop! Learn how to turn any shape into a brush and how to add randomness as you paint, perfect for creating realistic atmospheric effects like rain, fog, and snow. Best of all, our new custom snow brush is included for free in the sample image download!

Download the Sample Image and Custom Brush

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

February 20, 2019, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the development of two new lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras—the 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043) zoom lens and the SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD (Model F045) fixed focal lens; and a new high-speed ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras—the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046).

Tamron will display these new lenses at CP+ 2019, the World Premiere show for camera and photo imaging, beginning February 28 through March 3, 2019 at Pacifico Yokohama.

Product Names

• 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043) For Canon and Nikon mount
• SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD (Model F045) For Canon and Nikon mount
• 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) For Sony E-mount (full-frame)

Fast compact Portrait Zoom breaks new ground: 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043)

The new compact Model A043 is designed for fast handling and easy transport, and features a zoom that extends from 35mm to 150mm, incorporating the 85mm focal length (often regarded as optimum for portrait shooting). It offers a fast F/2.8 aperture at the wide-angle end while maintaining a bright F/4 at the telephoto end. For close-focusing, the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 0.45m (17.7 in) across the entire zoom range. Delivering superb image quality, precisely placed LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements and aspherical lenses quash degrading optical aberrations. Furthermore, the Model A043 incorporates the Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) system, which assures optimal AF performance and effective vibration compensation.

Note: All DSLR camera functions are possible when the Model A043 is attached to a mirrorless camera via the manufacture’s adapter.

Fast fixed focal lens boldly demonstrates Tamron’s lens-making expertise: SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD (Model F045)

Tamron’s SP lens series was born in 1979, based on the concept of delivering lenses for taking the perfect picture for those who love photography. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the series. In celebration, Tamron has developed the Model F045, the distillation of Tamron’s accumulated lens-making expertise and craftsmanship. This orthodox fixed focal lens, which some consider the most basic of all interchangeable lenses, is the embodiment of all optical technology and manufacturing knowhow Tamron has developed to date.

The Model F045’s unprecedented high-resolution image quality and beautiful, appealing background bokeh lets photographers capture any scene down to the finest details. The external lens barrel was developed through tireless pursuit of operability and durability, focusing constantly on the needs of photographers. This lens is equipped with a fast F/1.4 aperture and high-speed, high-precision AF functionality offering exceptional reliability, plus various other features for increased convenience, making it the perfect everyday lens for your creative pursuits. It is ideally suited for nearly every photographic genre, including photojournalism, landscape, sports, street life, wedding groups and family snapshots.

Note: All DSLR camera functions are possible when the Model F045 is attached to a mirrorless camera via the manufacture’s adapter.

High-speed ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras is extremely compact and lightweight: 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046)

The Model A046 achieves an astonishingly small diameter for a high-speed ultra wide-angle zoom lens, as witnessed by its modest 67mm filter size. Its unprecedented light weight and compact size provide excellent balance when used with a full-frame mirrorless camera, making it easy to carry, and enabling it to cater to a wide range of scenes and shooting conditions. The Model A046 offers a fast F/2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range, and delivers high-resolution and contrast edge to edge. The combination of ultra wide-angle focal length, fast constant F/2.8 aperture and an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end encourages richly expressive and creative photography in a multitude of scenarios. The Model A046’s AF drive system is powered by the RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit, enabling it to deliver high-speed, high-precision and superbly quiet operation suitable for shooting video as well as still photographs.

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. of the above-mentioned three products are subject to change without prior notice.

From Tamron:

Firmware v.3 for 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035) for Canon*

• Enable general operations on Canon EOS R by the firmware updating.

NOTE: Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R is required to attach the lens to Canon EOS R.

* A separately sold TAP-in Console is needed for an update.

From the LensRentals Blog:

You guys have watched us gut a lot of lenses and cameras over the years. So I thought it would be fun for you to see us put one together from scratch. Compared to many of the lenses we’ve taken apart, this is all mechanical lens is rather simple: no focus motors, image stabilizers, etc. But even a simple lens is a very complex structure. This post will probably give you a good idea of how much mechanical design is required to make even a very basic lens.

The lens is also unique; it’s a prototype C-4 Optics 4.9mm f/3.5 circular fisheye. It’s a massive lens giving a 270-degree field of view, meant for immersive video and specialty shots. To give you an idea of what 270 degrees means, the lens sees behind itself. An ultra-wide 15mm fisheye lens gives a 180-degree field of view while an 11mm rectilinear lens is less than 120 degrees.

The closest thing that’s existed to this is the 1970s classic Nikkor 6mm f/2.8 fisheye, which gave a 220-degree field of view, weighed 5 kg, and can be rarely found for $100,000 and up these days. The C-4 optics lens weighs every bit as much as the Nikkor, but should be far sharper, have less distortion and vignetting, and cost somewhat less than those do today. (‘Somewhat’ being defined as ‘less than half’.)

So let’s put stuff together!

The EOS 6D Mark II is the smallest, lightest and least expensive latest-model Canon full frame DSLR and the EOS RP enters the market as the smallest, lightest and least expensive Canon full frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (MILC). With the EOS RP using a slightly-modified EOS 6D Mark II sensor, these two cameras produce nearly identical image quality. However, the difference between DSLRs and MILCs is rather big with the difference between electronic viewfinders and optical viewfinders being a primary difference. That page discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each design and I'll forgo most additional discussion in that regard in this comparison. Let's dive into the advantages of each camera model:

Canon EOS RP Advantages

• DIGIC 8 vs. 7
• More AF points (via viewfinder): 4,779 vs. 45
• Eye AF vs. no
• 100% viewfinder coverage vs. 98%
• Lower light AF working range: EV -5 vs. EV -3
• Lower light exposure metering: EV -3 vs. EV 1
• .CR3 RAW file type with C-RAW vs .CR2 with M-RAW, S-RAW
• 4k video
• Headphone jack vs. no
• Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II vs. UHS-I
• Smaller size: 5.22 x 3.35 x 2.76" vs. 5.67 x 4.35 x 2.94"
  (132.5 x 85.0 x 70.0mm vs. 144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8mm)
• Lighter weight: 17.1 oz vs. 26.98 oz (485 vs. 765g)
• Lower price
• Can utilize RF lenses

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Advantages

• Cross-type AF points vs. single-line-sensitive
• Has greater auto exposure compensation range: +/-5 EV vs. +/-3 EV
• Faster continuous shooting rate: 6.5 fps vs. 5 fps (4 fps with Servo AF)
• Shorter viewfinder blackout during continuous shooting
• Has built-in GPS vs. optional accessory
• Has much longer battery life: Approx. 1200 vs. 250
• Uses N3 type remote controls vs. E3
• Has top LCD and more buttons

Summary

With these two cameras having the same heart, the imaging sensor, producing similar image quality, it is especially interesting to compare these two models. If photographing action is on your to-do list, the 6D Mark II is probably better-suited for your needs and some of the other 6D II advantages are important for certain uses. The travel-friendly smaller size and lighter weight along with the wallet-friendly lower cost are going to win the RP a lot of hearts as will some of its other features including the larger, full-coverage viewfinder and 4k video. The purchase of either of these models over the other can be justified, but I expect the RP to quickly become the more popular option.

More Information: Canon EOS RP | Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Specifications: Canon EOS RP compared to the Canon EOS 6D Mark II

 
Get your EOS RP or 6D Mark II Here:

Canon EOS RP: B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Canon EOS 6D Mark II: B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

by Sean Setters

Holidays offer great opportunities for gift giving and flowers, although possibly a bit cliché, are still very often appreciated, which is why a bouquet of flowers has been sitting on our living room hutch since Valentine's Day. But while flowers are intended to be enjoyed by the recipient, there's no reason why we as photographers can't take advantage of the beautiful subjects at hand to add some colorful floral images to our portfolios.

A few evenings ago after my wife had retired for the evening, I took her bouquet into the studio to try one of my favorite techniques for photographing flowers – focus stacking. After perusing the options available in the bouquet, I settled on a type of flower that I've photographed before, a type of Peruvian lily. The colorful, elongated spots found on the leaves as well as the easily visible inner structures of these flowers make them ideal candidates for photographing.

I set up my Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM + 36mm extension tube on a sturdy tripod and Arca-Swiss Z1 ball head set to f/9, 1/160 sec, ISO 100 and tried several compositions with the Peruvian lily that caught my eye. A studio flash on each side of the bouquet provided the light required for a proper exposure at those settings, and Magic Lantern's Focus Stacking feature was used to increment focus for the focus bracketed images. After capturing all of the variations, I brought the images into Canon's Digital Photo Professional to see which one (or ones) might work well for further processing. Finding a series that I really liked, I opened the relevant RAW files in Helicon Focus (my preferred focus stacking software), compiled the images and output the result as a DNG.

Looking closer at the result in Photoshop CC, I realized that I hadn't captured enough depth-of-field in my focus bracket to fully cover the parts of the plant I wanted in focus. As such, instead of having crisp lines in places where I wanted to emphasize details, I had soft transitions that didn't seem to meld with the rest of the focus stacked image.

From a photographic standpoint, my attempt at a pleasing focus stack image was a failure. But then I had a moment of inspiration.

My wife is a huge fan of impressionist paintings. In fact, not more than a couple of weeks ago she insisted we see (aka, dragged me to) the impressionist art exhibit that was showing at the Jepson Center for the Arts ("Monet to Matisse: Masterworks of French Impressionism"). The nice thing about impressionism is that crisp details are not a notable quality of the creative movement; in the case of my image, I could use impressionism to hide the major flaw in my image. Keep in mind, rarely is an image made visually palatable if you have to "save it in post." But in this case, it seemed to work just fine.

After searching for several years for a Photoshop plug-in that could convincingly turn an image into a painting, I finally found Topaz Impression and never looked back. It's been an excellent find and has opened up a new door for monetizing my images. Or in this case, just saving one.