Canon and Sony News for Mar 2019 (Page 2)

Image quality test results have been added to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens page.

What is the current best-selling lens at B&H? This one. This comparison will begin to explain why:

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens compared to Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Build your own comparisons. As always, share this with your friends!

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at Amazon and available for order at B&H, Adorama and WEX.

Rent the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

Canon has released firmware v.2.0.0 for its RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM and RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM lenses. See details below.

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Firmware v.2.0.0

• Supports continuous shooting in silent shooting mode with the EOS R running Firwmare Version 1.1.0 or later.

Note: EOS R Firmware Version must be 1.1.0 or later.

Download: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM Firmware v.2.0.0

• Support for the "panning" scene mode with the EOS RP has been added. The "panning" scene mode reduces subject blurring and blurs the background when the lens is mounted to the EOS RP

Download: Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Firmware v.2.0.0

From Canon Europe:

What is the secrets of great wedding photography? In this video, Canon Ambassador Sanjay Jogia talk about his approach to capturing this landmark event in people's lives, and how he applies a flexible approach, switching between capturing intimate scenes, to small details, to crowds of wedding guests.

Sanjay put the Canon EOS R camera through its paces in one of his most challenging shoots: a lavish, four-day Hindu wedding with 700 guests, set in three different marquees over 15 acres of grounds.

You can also read about it here and see more of the stunning visuals.

B&H carries the Canon EOS R.

B&H has the newly announced Apple iPad Air and iPad Mini Models available for preorder with free expedited shipping. All models are expected to be in stock Tuesday, March 26.

From Nikon:

Capture NX-D 1.5.2

Changes from Version 1.5.1 to 1.5.2

Fixed the following issues:

1. The application would crash under some conditions.
2. If the Specify size option was selected in the batch processing dialog, some time would elapse before the Start button would be available.
3. Changes to image length in the Convert Files dialog would sometimes not be matched by changes to width.
4. All changes to NEF/NRW (RAW) pictures made with NEF/NRW + JPEG enabled would be lost when the files were saved in JPEG format.
5. Batch processing and file conversion could not be resumed once paused.
6. The application would sometimes fail to launch.
7. Image artifacts (“noise”) would increase in pictures saved in other formats.
8. Straighten now functions as intended.
9. Files saved at an image quality of “99” would be larger than those saved at an image quality of “100”.
10. Portions of NEF (RAW) images shot with the Z 6 would sometimes not display correctly after the pictures were saved using NEF processing.

Changes from Version 1.3.1 to Version 1.3.2:

1. Fixed an issue that resulted in files saved at an image quality of “99” being larger than those saved at an image quality of “100”.
2. Fixed an issue that resulted in changes to XMP/IPTC information being lost from files saved using Ctrl+S.

Changes from Version 2.4.1 to 2.4.2:

1. Portions of NEF (RAW) images shot with the Z 6 would sometimes not display correctly after the pictures were saved using NEF processing.

Just posted: Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens Review.

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens from Lensrentals.

From Canon:

Thank you very much for using Canon products.

We would like to inform you of the firmware for the interchangeable lens “EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM” and “EF 600 mm F4L IS III USM” for SLR cameras, which will be released soon.

Products

• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM
• EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM

The following fixes will be incorporated into the firmware (Version 1.0.8), which will be released soon.

• Corrects the phenomenon where the exposure may flicker slightly if recording a movie with the camera shooting mode set to M or Av in combination with select cameras*

* EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C, EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 5D Mark IV (Ver. 1.0.2 or later), EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 5Ds, EOS 5Ds R, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 6D, EOS 80D, EOS 60D, EOS 60D, EOS 60Da, EOS 8000D, EOS Kiss X 90, EOS Kiss X 90, EOS Kiss X 80, EOS Kiss X 50, EOS Kiss X 8i, EOS Kiss X X7i, EOS Kiss X7, EOS Kiss X6i, EOS Kiss X5, EOS Kiss X4, EOS M, EOS M2

How to avoid this phenomenon

1. When shooting movies, set the camera's shooting mode to P or Tv mode.
2. When using the lens alone or with the EXTENDER EF 2x, set the exposure setting step to 1/2 or 1/1 with the camera's custom function, even if the camera shooting mode is M or Av.

From Loupedeck:

New integration with Final Cut Pro X Marks First-Ever Apple-Developed Compatibility with Loupedeck+

HELSINKI, Finland – March 14, 2019 – Loupedeck, the custom photo and video editing console built with an intuitive design that makes editing faster and more creative, has announced Final Cut Pro is now available integration as the first Apple-developed suite made compatible for Loupedeck+, alongside additional integration with Adobe Audition.

Following the successful launch of the Loupedeck+, and its initial integration with Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Final Cut Pro and Adobe Audition integrations are the next step in delivering an increasing level of functionality and flexibility the video and audio editing communities require with the Loupedeck+.

Final Cut Pro users using Loupedeck+ will be able to:

• Utilize faster and more intuitive video editing and color correction; all basic tools for color grading are simply labelled on the console
• Total flexibility to create their own configurations to fit their workflow
• Export/import an editor’s personal Loupedeck configuration setups and easily transfer them to another computer
• Use Color Wheel workspace compatibility for color grading
• Leverage flexible timeline navigation, content trimming and clip adjustment
• Have the option to customize console buttons to preferred Final Cut Pro shortcut demands or use preinstalled functions
• Take advantage of 400+ additional functions available

Adobe Audition users using Loupedeck+ will be able to:

• Create a faster and more intuitive workflow
• Create analogous use with digital project
• Create and manage single track and multitrack projects
• Use more accurate track control and navigation
• Use all edit tools including trim and nudge
• Use volume adjustments for all channels
• Add Fades and Effects to projects

“Our customers have been eager for Apple-integration with the Loupedeck+ since it was launched,” said Mikko Kesti, Founder and CEO of Loupedeck. “Final Cut Pro X was the logical choice given its wide adoption in the editing community and we felt it was an important next step for us as we look to continue our mission of delivering a well-rounded experience for users and helping to improve their workflows. Not only will they get the benefits of Loupdeck+’s intuitive design and approachable tools, they’ll get increased functionality across the range of video editing products they might be using.”

The Final Cut Pro and Adobe Audition integrations are available starting today across all regions. Loupedeck is available for purchase from B&H Photo and Amazon.com for $249.

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens Review.

As with the 55mm Otus, this is the lens upon which the others are compared. We've updated our test results to the highest resolution camera available, making comparisons with other 5Ds R-tested lenses easier.

I'll get your comparisons started:

Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Tamron 85mm f/1.8 VC Lens
Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Milvus 85mm f/1.4 Lens

Save nearly $900 on this lens – buy it used with a variety of options available at B&H and at Adorama.

The Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.

From Sigma:

Firmware update for SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for CANON EF mount

Thank you for purchasing and using our products. We would like to announce that a new firmware update for SIGMA’s interchangeable lenses for CANON EF mount listed below is now available.

This firmware allows compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function to enable correction matching the optical characteristics of each lens. It also corrects the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when the function is enabled. In addition, it improves the functionality. Furthermore, there is an improvement to the phenomena particular to some lenses when they are used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”. This was previously reported in our announcement of January 16th, 2019.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable products 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..

SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update

• It has ensured compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function, which enables correction matching the optical characteristics of the attached lens. *
• It has corrected the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is enabled.
• It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is used with Live-View mode.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has become compatible with EOS R’s “1.6x (Crop)” to be set automatically as well as with “Scene Intelligent Auto Mode”.

SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby restarting the camera does not work when the lens is taken off the camera while the lens’s OS function is in operation.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may stop the focus driving from infinity to closer focus distance while shooting video with AF.
• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F8 while shooting.

SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF Mount Update

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby restarting the camera does not work when the lens is taken off the camera while the lens’s OS function is in operation.

SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF Mount Update

• It has ensured compatibility with Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function, which enables correction matching the optical characteristics of the attached lens. *
• It has corrected the phenomenon that abnormal images appear or operation errors occur when Canon’s in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is enabled.
• It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is used with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E.

SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF Mount Update

• It has improved the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition, thanks to the updated control algorithm of the Optical Stabilizer.

SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF Mount Update

• When the lens is used in combination with the Canon “EOS R” and their “Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, or “Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R”, it has corrected the phenomenon whereby it may occasionally show overexposure when narrowing down the aperture from F8 while shooting.

* Compatible Canon camera models:EOS R**, EOS-1DX mark II, EOS 5Ds,EOS 5DsR, EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 6D mark II, EOS 80D, EOS 8000D(EOS Rebel T6s, EOS 760D), EOS 9000D(EOS 77D), EOS Kiss x8i(EOS Rebel T6i, EOS 750D), EOS Kiss x9i(EOS Rebel T7i, EOS 800D), EOS Kiss x9(EOS Rebel SL2, EOS 200D)

** When the Digital Lens Optimizer is switched [OFF], but "Peripheral illumination correction", "Chromatic aberration correction" and "Distortion correction", located within the in-camera Lens Aberration Correction function is switched [ON], the appropriate corrections can be achieved in accordance with the optical characteristics of each lens.

• It has optimized the peripheral illumination correction data when it is used in combination with the SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM | Contemporary for Canon EF mount.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 30mm F1.4 DC HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.00.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.03.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.1.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.00.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.02.
• It has improved the compensation effect when it is used in combination with the Sony a9, Sony a7III and specific lenses*, and their in-camera image stabilization adjustment is set to AUTO. It has been set to achieve the same effect as when it is adjusted manually.
• It has improved the accuracy of exposure when it is used with dedicated flashes manufactured by SONY.

• It has improved the stability of the image in the viewfinder, making it easier to confirm composition, thanks to the updated control algorithm of the Optical Stabilizer.

Download: SIGMA Optimization Pro

B&H carries the Sigma USB Dock.

Watch as Julieanne Kost demonstrates three color toning methods in Photoshop CC.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Lensbaby:

Portland, OR – Lensbaby – makers of award-winning lenses, optics and accessories announces today the availability of its new wide angle tilt lens. The Composer Pro II with Edge 35mm Optic is available for use on Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E, Fuji X, and Micro 4/3 interchangeable lens cameras. The Edge 35mm Optic is also available separately for anyone who already owns a Lensbaby Composer Pro or Composer Pro II lens body. Fans of this style of selective focus photography have been requesting a wider option beyond the company's existing 50mm and 80mm lenses.

The Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic is a 35mm f/3.5 tilting lens designed for those looking for a wider focal length to create unique in-camera shots with a slice of tack-sharp focus and detail. By tilting this lens, users can place a slice of sharp focus through objects in both the foreground and background of an image at the same time, bordered by smooth blur. This in-camera effect helps artists tell their story in an uncommon way.

“Over the past 15 years, we’ve made optical tools to help you discover unique ways of seeing your world. A 35mm tilt lens, despite being our most requested new product offering since we introduced the Edge 80 in 2012, has been elusive and the results of our efforts have paid off in a lens that is far better than we thought possible when starting our design process. It was worth the wait,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder.

The Composer Pro II swivels and tilts on a smooth metal ball and socket design, providing a fast and intuitive way to switch between traditional straight lens photos and tilt photography. Tilting the lens up or down results in a horizontal slice of focus; left or right a vertical slice; diagonally for a diagonal slice. After setting the tilt, rotating the focus ring moves that slice of focus through the image, from one side of the frame to the other.

“The Edge 35 has changed my traveling & portrait sessions for the better. I'm able to get into tight spaces and buildings and still be able to show the whole aspect of the story I'm trying to create,” said renowned portrait, travel and lifestyle photographer Stephanie DeFranco. “I find the wider slice of focus makes it easier to find the area I want to draw the viewer’s eye toward. With its 35mm focal length, this optic lets me create the same dreamy feel as the Edge 50 and Edge 80, but because of the wider slice of focus, also allows me to include more of a scene in the story.”

The Composer series of lenses are lenses that tilt to move a spot or slice of focus anywhere in the frame. They feature Lensbaby’s Optic Swap System. Users can simply purchase one lens, made up of a lens body with an included optic, for their camera system, then, swap out the optic that it came with for a new optic to completely change the effect and focal length of their Lensbaby lens.

The Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic will be available in April for $449.95, and by itself as an Optic for those who already own a Composer series lens, for $249.95.

Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic Product Specifications

• 35mm focal length
• f/3.5 - f/22
• Focuses from 7” from the front element to infinity
• Compatible with Full Frame; APS-C; and 4/3rds Sensors
• Manual Focus
• Internal 8-blade aperture
• Up to 15 degrees of tilt
• Dimensions: to come
• Weight: to come
• Mounts: Nikon F, Canon EF, Sony E, Fuji X, Micro 4/3

B&H has the Lensbaby Composer Pro II with Edge 35 Optic available for preorder.

Adobe has released Photoshop CC (v.20.0.4) which fixes the issues found below. You can initiate the update using the Creative Cloud app management console.

Photoshop CC March 2019 (version 20.0.4) Release

• Photoshop crashes when trying to use Perspective Warp
• Select and Mask workspace freezes while making a selection or painting on an image while zoomed in
• Program error when pasting over a selection in the Timeline panel
• When working on a layer with the mask disabled, using Undo enables the mask
• Photoshop crashing frequently
• (Windows-only) Content-Aware Fill workspace freezes on releasing a pen stroke with Microsoft Surface Pen or Wacom pen

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

There is plenty of excitement for the new Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens, but ... where is it? The press release stated that it was "... scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 ..." That date is long past, but this lens remains unavailable.

As questions in this regard continued to roll in, it was not hard to understand that I was not the only one wondering what was going on. My first research contact was with a technical rep at Canon USA who assured me that the lens was indeed actively shipping. That a friend received theirs confirms this. Canon USA did indicate that the initial quantities were limited and, based on the number of 600 IIIs shipped to date by a large retailer, I would add "very" to the front of "limited".

Those of us who have been around the camera and lens industry remember when one had to preorder newly-released camera gear immediately after the announcement to get the item anytime soon after it hit the streets. Some were ordering the gear immediately and selling it on eBay for a sometimes-significant markup until the demand resolved. Initial supply has been meeting initial demand far more frequently in recent years but obviously the 600 III is taking us back in time.

One more data point is that Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental on 3/21.

While this information may not be terribly enlightening, Canon USA (unsurprisingly) recommends placing your preorder now to get in line and your lens will indeed arrive as the preorder queues are resolved. If you want this amazing lens <subliminal message> you do </subliminal message>, that advice is indeed logical.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for preorder at B&H ("Coming Soon") | Amazon ("Currently unavailable") | Adorama ("On Backorder")

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus Lens Review.

This is the lens upon which the others are compared. We've updated our image quality test results for this lens to the highest resolution camera available, making comparisons with other 5Ds R-tested lenses easier.

Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Canon RF 50mm f/1.2L Lens (different res cameras)
Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 40mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art Lens
Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Tamron 45mm f/1.8 VC Lens
Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus compared to Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 Lens

The Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Save over $1,000 on this lens – buy it in E+ used condition at Adorama (Canon mount). B&H also has this lens available in their Used Department (Nikon mount).

Rent the Zeiss 55mm f/1.4 Otus Lens from Lensrentals.