Canon and Sony News for Apr 2020 (Page 2)
Just posted: Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens Review.
This is a very popular lens and a great value.
The Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
From Canon Europe:
Canon Ambassador Ulla Lohmann would normally be out in the world. Now, spending time at home, she explains how to create the same sense of adventure and narrative, shooting the people and places nearest to you. She says: "Since I left school, I never spent this time at home." Get an insight into how she is using her time at home to tell her own story, and how you can tell stories that are close to your heart. Are you ready to share yours? We'd love to see it. #CanonConnected
This old buck has its eyes on the doe it is pursuing.
I like some animal leg positions better than others. In this case, the lifted-high front leg and corresponding raised back leg show that the deer is in motion. When I have the mental wherewithal to time image captures with the ideal leg positions, I do. When I don't, that is what a fast frame rate is for.
While the beautiful early morning sunlight gives the image a warm look, the frost-covered whiskers indicate the true scenario. This was a very cold day. While I was functionally challenged by the heavy gloves (and my breath freezing on the camera), the Sony a7R IV worked flawlessly in these low temperatures.
It only takes a short amount of time with a great subject in a great scenario to generate a large selection of good images. Selecting a single image to share from such a situation becomes the next challenge. I opted to share two images (for now) of this buck, the other illustrating the lip curl behavior.
ISO 320
8808 x 5873px
From the Adorama YouTub Channel:
Sometimes it’s the little things that can be the most rewarding to photograph and in this video Gavin Hoey shows you how to capture the hidden beauty contained within a tiny drop of water. Using nothing more than the gear he would normally use to light portraits and a few everyday items from around the house and garden, Gavin shows you how to set up and use a miniature splash studio.
Once you’ve watched the video, grab your towel and tripod and have a go yourself. You don’t need the exact same kit to achieve similar images and making use of what you have around you is actually a great way to create images that are similar but also unique to you. Don’t forget to share your best shots and remember to use the tags #createnomatterwhat #adorama
Want to create dramatic results more consistently? The Miops Splash Kit makes it easy to capture splash patterns with up to 4 drops released at precisely the intervals you specify.
Watch as Adobe Evangelist Julieanne Kost demonstrates the ever-so-useful clipping mask feature in Photoshop.
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
A colorful image requires a colorful subject. Where do you find a colorful subject? Look no further than your local candy store (or candy aisle in the supermarket). As a generalization, candy not sold in individual wrappers is brightly colored – eye candy inviting consumption. Another benefit to this subject is that it is usually not expensive – and that you get to eat it after you are done photographing it is a benefit that cannot be overlooked.
To arrange the candy, I simply dumped it into a large dish and pressed the top level. Finding the right composition of the randomness was a bit more challenging. Most options worked, but in general, I liked when the candy not fully contained in the frame was mostly out of the frame. The color of the eggs could have been arranged, but I went with the default as-they-landed pattern.
Lighting this subject was easy. Rogue FlashBender Softboxes were mounted on a pair Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT flashes that were sitting on the floor on opposite sides of the dish. The flashes were supported by their shoe stands and their heads were directed straight up. A hot shoe-mounted Canon ST-E3-RT triggered the flashes. The result of this setup was an even, soft light across the entire dish. I was able to move closer or farther away and could photograph at various angles with no change to the lighting.
I originally shared this image many years ago, but with the just-passed Easter holiday potentially providing this subject and with the candy isle likely full of discounted options, I am re-sharing to illustrate one of our Stuck at Home Ideas for Photographers. No special equipment such as a macro lens is required to create an image like this and lighting options abound.
The kids may not be happy to see you take their candy, but just ensure them that flash does not hurt candy (use caution with hot lights) and that you will return it soon.
ISO 100
5184 x 3456px
Water in the shade with a reflected subject in the sun is a great photographic scenario. Add maple trees in their peak fall color to that background and the opportunity value increases significantly. That is the scenario that can be found in the fall at The Tarn in Acadia National Park.
The number of composition opportunities at this location is a bit overwhelming and changing continuously as the sun rises and the wind ebbs and flows. Selecting an image to share from the hundreds captured is the resulting challenge.
This is an example of telephoto lens being ideal for landscape photography. Most often a 100-400mm lens is in my landscape kit and on this day it was the excellent Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens. Many of my favorite landscape images have been captured within the range offered by this lens.
Here is another selected image from The Tarn.
ISO 200
7952 x 5304px
Sony has made a9 II firmware version 2.00 available for download.
Benefits and Improvements from the latest update
- Adds the Hi Frequency flickerfunction, which allows you to reduce the impact of flickering of artificial light sources (e.g. digital signage, electronic signboards, LED lights, etc.), by more finely adjusting the shutter speed
NOTE: The Imaging Edge Remote, Imaging Edge Mobile, and Remote Camera Toolsoftware will not be supported after April 9th, 2020 - Improves the Face/Eye Priorityin the AF function:
When set to a custom key, the Face/Eye Priority in the AF function can be activated or deactivated each time the custom key is pressed
If Face/Eye Priority is already set to custom key, this improvement will be available after the camera is updated - Improves the Remote Camera Tool function by adding support for displaying Focus Frame for almost all scenes
NOTE: Version 2.00 (or later) of the Remote Camera Tool is required. Please update to the latest version. - Improves the FTP transfer function
- Allows the camera's MAC address to be displayed as a QR code
- Adds a function to close the shutter when you turn off the camera to prevent dust or debris from adhering to the image sensor when you change lenses
- Allows you to save or load the customized camera settings to My MENU
- Improves the overall stability of the camera
B&H and Amazon have the Sony a9 II in stock.
Just posted: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens Review.
This is a very fun lens.
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | Henry's | WEX
Rent the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
Canon has released new versions of its Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility Picture Style Editor, and EOS Utility software. (thanks Scott)
The noted change for Digital Photo Professional 4.12.20 is added support for the Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D / Kiss X10i DSLR Camera.
Download: Canon Releases DPP 4.12.20, EOS Utility 3.12.10, and Picture Style Editor 1.24.10
From Tamron:
Tamron Announces the Launch of Lightest and Most Compact Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens in Its Class for Sony Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056)
Third model in Tamron's series of fast F/2.8 zoom lenses for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras delivers quiet, fast focus and superb performance
April 6, 2020, Commack, NY - Tamron announces the launch date of the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056), a large aperture telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras that is the lightest and most compact in its class[1]. The lens will be available in the U.S. on May 14th at $1199. However, due to the spread of COVID-19, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed.
The 70-180mm F/2.8 features a compact and lightweight design with a 67mm filter diameter, the same as Tamron's highly esteemed 17-28mm F/2.8 (Model A046) and the 28-75mm F/2.8 (Model A036). The optical construction includes several special lens elements that contribute to the lens's overall superb imaging performance. Its very short 33.5" MOD (Minimum Object Distance) expands overall versatility. The lens utilizes Tamron's newly developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that produces an autofocus drive that's quieter and quicker than ever before. Additionally, a floating system is used to achieve excellent optical performance at all shooting distances. By simultaneously operating two VXD units via electronic control, the system produces clear and sharp images of all objects near and far. Other features that support a great shooting experience include Moisture-Resistant Construction for added weather protection and Fluorine Coating for easy maintenance. In addition, the 70-180mm F/2.8 is fully compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF. Developed under the concept of "making large aperture zoom lenses user-friendly," the 70-180mm F/2.8 provides users with complete portrait-to-telephoto lens range coverage. This new model joins the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD to complete Tamron's fast zoom lens trinity for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
[1]Among interchangeable F/2.8 AF telephoto zoom lenses (As of January 2020: Tamron)
Preorder the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Lens at B&H.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Compact size maximizes the mobility advantages of mirrorless cameras
A true marvel of portability and utility, the 70-180mm F/2.8 incorporates an innovative zoom mechanism and 180mm telephoto power. It was possible to maintain extreme light weight and compactness even while attaining a fast F/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range by leveraging camera-based image stabilization. It is small: filter diameter 67mm, maximum diameter 81mm, length 5.9" at the 70mm setting, and also light weight: 28.6 oz. The super-compact size helps make handheld shooting a breeze. As part of our constant, ongoing effort to achieve both high image quality and supreme compactness, Tamron went to great lengths to create this product in answer to demands of the new generation of digital cameras.
2. Newly developed VXD linear motor focus mechanism delivers high-speed and high precision autofocus performance
Tamron developed its first-ever linear motor AF drive focus mechanism, VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), especially for the 70-180mm F/2.8. While operating faster than ever before, the drive also maintains positional accuracy down to 0.005mm (0.0002"), less than one tenth the width of a human hair! This provides unprecedented fast and precise AF performance. A floating system that uses two high-speed, high-precision VXD units with advanced electronic control is also used. This innovative design produces clear and beautiful images of all objects from near to far and at the same time helps reduce size and weight. In addition, its exceptional quietness enables low noise shooting in silent settings. Active athletes and moving vehicles are among the subjects commonly photographed with telephoto zoom lenses. The enhanced, highly responsive focus features of the 70-180mm F/2.8 enable following a subject's movements to provide users with a whisper-quiet, high-precision shooting experience, not just for still images but also video.
3. Superior design for uncompromised image quality
The 70-180mm F/2.8 has an optical construction of 19 elements in 14 groups. It includes a total of six XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements combined, and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and hybrid aspherical lens elements combined. Special lens elements are generously and optimally arranged to correct chromatic aberration and maintain very high-resolution performance from edge-to-edge. This model also features BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating, which minimizes ghosting and flare and produces stunning, clear images with brilliant, sharp subject detail. Furthermore, excellent high image quality across the entire zoom range is enhanced by camera-based distortion and shading correction. Additionally, the bokeh effect obtained using the fast F/2.8 aperture delivers beautifully smooth and soft transition from the subject to the background. The images created with this lens are emblematic of Tamron's pursuit to combine supreme compactness with superb image quality.
4. 67mm filter diameter for system convenience
The 70-180mm F/2.8 features the same 67mm filter diameter as Tamron's other lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras including the 17-28mm F/2.8 (Model A046), a fast ultra-wideangle zoom, and the 28-75mm F/2.8 (Model A036), a fast standard zoom, as well as the close-focusing prime lens series (20mm, 24mm and 35mm). This uniformity significantly reduces cost and trouble when working with PL, ND and other filters. Even the front lens caps are the same size, eliminating the hassle of sorting caps when switching lenses. These features combine to produce a highly convenient and mobile system that adds more fun to photography.
5. Close focusing to a mere 33.5 inches
The new 70-180mm F/2.8 lens has a MOD of 33.5" throughout the entire zoom range. This is astonishingly close for a large aperture telephoto zoom lens. The short MOD paves the way for impressive telephoto shooting at a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.6 at the 180mm telephoto end. Moreover, a floating component equipped with two VXD linear focus mechanisms maintains high image quality while effectively controlling aberrations so that the 70-180mm F/2.8 ensures great image quality even at close-up. To effectively suppress optical aberrations, this lens features a floating mechanism that ensures great image quality at distances as short as 33.5".
Note: At the 70mm setting only, it is possible to shoot closer than the specified MOD of 33.5" (as close as 10.6") when manual focus (MF) is set on the camera. However, results may be less than optimal since image quality decreases in peripheral areas. For more details, please visit this website: https://www.tamron.jp/en/support/guide/closeup.html
6. Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, and Zoom Lock switch
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to deter infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance. Additionally, the conventional Zoom Lock switch prevents unwanted barrel extension during transportation.
7. Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions Tamron's new 70-180mm F/2.8 is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to certain mirrorless cameras. This includes the following:
- Fast Hybrid AF
- Eye AF
- Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
- In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
- Camera-based lens unit firmware updates
* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera's instruction manual for details. (As of January, 2020.)
8. Tamron's 'Dream Team' of large aperture zooms for full-size mirrorless cameras
Tamron's 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) ultra-wideangle zoom and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) standard zoom lens earn high marks for user-friendliness and high image quality among large aperture zoom lenses for both E-Mount and FE-Mount Sony mirrorless cameras. Now, the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) telephoto zoom lens joins the lineup to complete the Dream Team Trinity of high-speed zoom lenses for full-size mirrorless cameras. A key advantage of this series is their portability. The three models altogether weigh surprisingly little, just 62.8 oz. Featuring light weight, compact size, a fast F/2.8 aperture and superb image quality, Tamron's Dream Team is easy to carry, easy to deploy and easy to enjoy.
* Shooting at a close range of 0.27m, at the 70mm setting, is possible only when manual focus (MF) is set on the camera. However, it may be difficult to focus since the image quality decreases in peripheral areas. For detail, please visit this website. https://www.tamron.jp/en/support/guide/closeup.html
** Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
***The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
Preorder the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Lens at B&H.
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
Canon Europe has made Canon EOS-1D X Mark III firmware update version 1.1.0 available for download. Alternatively, download from Canon Japan.
Firmware Version 1.1.0 incorporates the following enhancement and fixes:
- The option to capture full HD movies and 4K UHD movies in 23.98p frame rate has been added.
- The communication speed has been improved when connected via wired LAN.
- The "Browser Remote" function has been added.
- The function to transfer only protected images has been added.
- Corrects the phenomenon in which, when the electronic level is set to "Show" in the viewfinder display, in rare cases, the camera may freeze when operating the AF-ON button or shutter button.
- Corrects the phenomenon in which the Custom Shooting Mode settings may change when the shooting mode is switched.
Check out our Canon EOS-1D X Mark III review to learn more about this awesome camera.
Just posted: Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens Review.
Find out what I think of this general-purpose lens ideally-sized for Sony's full frame mirrorless cameras.
The Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | Henry's | WEX
Also check out the used Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens at B&H.
Rent the Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
From Canon Global:
Temporary suspension of operations at Canon Inc. headquarters and certain offices
TOKYO, April 6, 2020—The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rapidly spread throughout Tokyo and other large urban areas. Amid this situation, our highest priorities are to protect the health of our employees and their families, neighboring families and businesses, as well as customers and business partners, and to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Therefore, Canon Inc. announces that the following offices will temporarily suspend operations from Tuesday, April 7 through Friday, April 17.
Offices to be closed
- Company Headquarters: 30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ohta-ku, Tokyo 146-8501, Japan
- Kawasaki Office: 70-1 Yanagicho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-8602, Japan
- Kosugi Office: 9-1, Imaikami-cho, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 211-8501, Japan
- Tamagawa Office: 16-1, Shimonoge 3-chome, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-8512, Japan
- Yako office: 451, Tsukagoshi 3-chome, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 212-8530, Japan
This temporary suspension of operations has been enacted for reasons of health and safety, and to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. There have been no infections among employees at any of the above offices.
We sincerely apologize for any difficulties caused to our customers and business partners as a result of this decision, and greatly appreciate your understanding.
We will continue to respond to the changing situation, maintaining as our highest priorities the protection the health of our employees and their families, neighboring families and businesses, customers and business partners, and to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. We will review and revise our response as the situation evolves.
A cow elk gives her calf a bath while standing in a lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Long telephoto lenses were meant for times like these. This was a scenario where I couldn't get any closer – wetter was not an option I was willing to accept. Not only did this lens's 600mm focal length make the animals substantial in the frame but the f/4 aperture created a blurred background even at this long distance, making the subject stand out.
I am considering a return to Rocky Mountain National Park in September. Let me know if you want to be part of this trip!
ISO 500
9504 x 6336px
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
 |
|