Canon and Sony News for Feb 2021 (Page 2)
In preparation for the review, the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens page is loaded with expectations for this lens.
Expect great things from this lens, already in the number one best selling mirrorless lens position at B&H.
Shipping is slated to begin on Mon, Feb 15th (B&H) or Mon, Feb 22nd (Adorama & Amazon USA).
The Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM Lens from Lensrentals.
I did not see a press release for this new transmitter, but here is more information from Canon USA:
The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) provides some much anticipated upgrades from professionals to make it an even more appealing resource for flash photography when used with the Speedlite EL-1. This updated version allows for wireless rear curtain synchronization to capture ambient light trails and convey a sense of speed for moving subjects. The expansive minimum output range (down to 1/8192 power) gives you increased opportunity for creativity over the flash output from brig... read more
Updated to include Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization, A Minimum Output Range of 1/8192, and FE Memory.
When used in combination with the Speedlite EL-1, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) provides additional benefits* of wireless rear curtain synchronization so the flash fires as the shutter closes to capture beautiful light trails to signify movement of the subject, minimum flash power as low as 1/8192 for even more opportunity to work in low available light, and FE memory so you can store an E-TTL flash exposure and continue to use that same exposure when subjects and scenes remain unchanged.
- Manual flash power below 1/128th not possible with 600EX-RT series, and 430EX-RT used as receiver units.
- 2nd curtain sync can be used with Speedlite EL-1, 600EX-RT series and 430EX-RT receiver units, but with EOS R5, R6, or EOS-1D X Mark III cameras only.
Up to 5 groups, or 15 Individual Flashes can be Controlled via 1 Transmitter
The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) facilitates radio controlled, two-way wireless transmission up to 98.4 feet, for a reliable and robust connection among sender and receiver units. Communicating on 2.4 GHz frequencies, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) does not have the same directional limitations of traditional wireless optical transmitters. Where other wireless signals can be interrupted by physical obstacles, radio controlled systems excel. Fifteen transmission channels are available, selectable manually or automatically (for optimum radio transmission, depending on environment), and radio transmission IDs can be set to prevent interference from other photographers on the same channel. With the extended, more reliable range afforded by radio transmission, ambitious photography is made easier.
Supports E-TTL II Flash, Manual Flash, Stroboscopic and Auto External Flash Metering
With the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2), up to fifteen Canon RT-compatible Speedlites in five groups can be controlled from the camera, via a single transmitter. Each group can be set to a different flash mode, enabling multiple configurations for creative photography. For example, with the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) some flashes can be directed to operate according to the camera’s E-TTL flash reading, others can be set manually; groups can be set to overexposure or underexpose, and much, much more. With up to fifteen flashes under the control of one transmitter, wirelessly, complex lighting setups normally reserved for the studio are a breeze.
Dot Matrix LCD Panel Displays all Pertinent Information Simultaneously and Backlit Control Panel means Easy Operation
The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) features a dot matrix LCD panel (172 x 104 dots). This LCD displays Flash status, flash settings and wireless configuration for any combination of Speedlite EL-1, 600EX-RT series, and 430EX-RT, used off-camera as Receiver units. With the transmitter’s LCD screen combined with backlit operation buttons and even an internal sound emitter, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) is as easy to operate in the dark as in daylight.
8 Types of Custom Functions, 3 Types of Personal Functions
To accommodate the demands of a number of different shooting situations, the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) can be configured with eight different Custom Functions and any of three Personal Functions. Custom Functions include: auto power off, modeling flash controls, sound, illumination and more. Personal Functions include display contrast and LCD panel illumination color for both sender and receiver flashes.
High-Performance Hot Shoe Contacts for Reliable Information Transmission and Operation
The Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) is built to the standards one would expect from professional Canon camera systems. The hot shoe contact ensures reliable communication between camera and transmitter. Dust and water resistance is excellent as well: all moving parts and areas surrounding the transmitter’s display and buttons are sealed for uninterrupted performance in harsh conditions. A dust and water resistant design for the mounting foot creates a dust and water resistant seal between camera and flash. Compact and lightweight, the ST-E3-RT (Ver.2) is approx. 2.7 (W) x 2.4 (H) x 3.0 (D) in.
DISCLAIMERS
* When used with the Speedlite EL-1 in combination with an EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS-1D X Mark III or EOS M50 Mark II camera. Some features will work with older Speedlite models such as 600EX II-RT, 600EX-RT and 430EX III-RT, and previous EOS cameras, but not all. As of February 3, 2021.
Preorder the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver. 2) from B&H.
+from+Canon "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
From B&H:
Canon ST-E3-RT V2 Overview
Building on the design and popularity of its predecessor, the second version of the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT can help you take full advantage of all the features on flashes such as the Speedlite EL-1, 600EX-RT, and 430EX III-RT.
Version two of the ST-E3-RT makes complex lighting setups simple by facilitating radio-controlled, two-way wireless transmission at distances up to 98.4' among up to five groups or 15 individual Speedlites. Updates include Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization for the look of motion in your subjects and a remarkable minimum power range of 1/81922 for very low light shooting. Another outstanding feature is FE Memory that allows you to lock-in an E-TTL flash exposure level, even in complex multi-flash setups, and subsequently continue to use it for the same scene or subject. Yet another upgrade is eight types of custom functions and three types of personal functions. Compact design with highly reliable construction combined with a clearly laid-out information panel and buttons with back lighting make this an indispensable tool for advanced professional flash photography.
Benefits
- Updated to include Wireless Rear Curtain Synchronization, a minimum output range of 1/8192, and FE Memory
- Up to five groups or 15 individual flashes can be controlled via one transmitter
- Supports E-TTL II Flash, Manual Flash, Stroboscopic and Auto External Flash Metering
- Dot Matrix LCD Panel displays all pertinent information simultaneously and backlit control panel means easy operation
- Eight types of custom functions, three types of personal functions
- High-performance hot shoe contacts for reliable information transmission and operation
Preorder the Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT (Ver. 2) from B&H.
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
When reviewing a lens, I'm always looking for ideally suited subjects to photograph. The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens is a great option to have on hand. It is perfect for wildlife photography, and this amazingly-colored blue jay timely volunteered a moment to pose for me.
When this bird showed up, providing a unique scenario, I was in full reactive mode. This fleeting opportunity was not expected, leaving no opportunity for preparation.
Working quickly with the Sigma telephoto zoom lens mounted to the Sony a7R IV, I first switched to Av mode. The overall scene was not especially dark or bright, so letting this competent camera determine the exposure was a logical, fast move.
A cloudy day meant that the late morning lighting remained soft and that the sun angle held little relevance. The camera could be positioned for the ideal bird angle, sideways or slightly facing the camera.
A cloudy day also meant somewhat dim lighting that called for a wide aperture. Not so fortunate is that wide open isn't especially wide for this lens. Very fortunate is that this lens is very sharp wide-open.
An additional benefit to this lens's specific wide-open f/6.3 aperture selection at 400mm is the relatively strong background blur, making the subject stand out, yet providing adequate depth of field for this close subject. Birds are seldom still, and ISO 400 seemed the immediate logical guess to go with this aperture, providing an adequately short shutter 1/160 speed.
After quickly capturing some insurance shots, the next move was to continue to work the scene, optimizing the composition. In this scenario, optimizing the composition included juxtaposing the background elements with the primary subject, primarily avoiding distractions around the bird's head and adjusting the camera elevation. More specifically, I moved to the left and slightly down.
With the next round of images on the card, moving closer seemed the next best option, and as close as the lens would autofocus was the subject distance for this image. While the entire bird was not close to fitting in the frame at this distance, I liked how much of the frame was filled with this bird's incredible colors. Of utmost importance is keeping the head entirely in the frame and providing some breathing room around the head. That concept meant cropping the tail out of the picture.
The next move was to rely more heavily on the Sigma and Sony coordinated optical stabilization, reducing the ISO setting to only 100. The bird was still enough for some of those images to be rendered sharply, but my eye preferred this overall composition better.
Those looking for a compact, lightweight, highly affordable telephoto zoom lens for Sony (or Leica) cameras should seriously consider the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 400
9504 x 6336px
From Canon USA:
Canon Celebrates Significant Milestone with Production of 150 Million Interchangeable RF And EF Lenses
MELVILLE, NY, February 3, 2021– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today that its parent company, Canon Inc., reached a new lens-manufacturing milestone with the production in January 2021, of the Company’s 150-millionth RF and EF series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras1 — an RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM telephoto zoom lens (released in November 2019).
Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (Autofocus) single-lens reflex film cameras began in 1987 at the Company’s Utsunomiya Plant. Over the years, EF lenses have gained support from a wide range of users and production has since expanded to a total of four manufacturing bases, including Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in southern Japan.
EF lens production passed the 10-million-unit mark in 1995 and crossed the 50-million-unit threshold in 2009. In April 2014, the Company celebrated its first-in-the-world achievement of having manufactured 100 million interchangeable lenses, and now, setting a new world record for the most interchangeable lenses produced, Canon manufactured its 150-millionth RF and EF lens in January 2021. Laid end-to-end2, all of the RF and EF lenses Canon has manufactured thus far would measure approximately 7,736 miles in length — nearly equivalent to the Earth’s diameter, which measures approximately 7,917 miles.
Canon’s proprietary EF lenses, launched in March 1987 along with the EOS SLR camera system, have continued to evolve since their introduction, leading the industry through the incorporation of a wide range of innovative technologies, including such world’s firsts3 as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered diffractive optical (DO) element.
In 2018, Canon introduced the EOS R system and the RF series lenses, which pursues new heights of quality under the core concept of “Speed, Comfort and High Image Quality.” Today, the Company’s extensive RF and EF lens series lineup currently comprises a total of 118 models4, expanding the possibilities for image capture. In addition, thanks to the extensive lineup of lenses, Canon has maintained the number one market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras since 2003 — a total of 17 years5— and in September 2019, the Company celebrated the production of 100 million EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras.
Canon will continue refining its imaging technologies centered on its RF and EF lens lineup, striving to cater to the varying needs of photographers — from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals — while contributing to expanding the photographic and video imaging culture.
Main features, Model name, Release date, and Technologies:
World’s first7 use of a lens-based Ultrasonic Motor (USM)
EF300mm f/2.8L USM6
Nov. 1987
USM technology delivers fast autofocusing thanks to its high torque and responsiveness. By converting ultrasonic vibrations into rotational energy, the technology makes possible quiet, smooth AF drive performance.
World’s first7 use of Image Stabilizer (IS) technology
Sept. 1995
Users can see the results of IS technology through the viewfinder. Delivering high precision and stability for superb image stabilization results, this technology expands the possibilities for handheld photography.
World’s first7 use of a diffractive optical (DO) lens element
Dec. 2001
Diffraction is an optical phenomenon in which light waves bend as they pass around the edges of an object. DO lens elements use this phenomenon to correct for a variety of aberrations by controlling the path that light travels.
World’s first10 use of Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC)
Dec. 2008
SWC technology helps to minimize reflections by aligning countless wedge-shaped structures more minute than the wavelength of visible light on the surface of a camera lens.
World’s first7 use of Hybrid IS, which compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake
Oct. 2009
Employing an algorithm, Hybrid IS optimally adjusts for camera shake based on information gathered by two sensors located in the lens. By precisely driving the optical correction system, the technology simultaneously corrects for angle and shift camera shake.
World’s first7 fisheye lens to deliver both 180-degree diagonal angle of view and 180-degree circular fisheye
July 2011
The EF8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM enables the capture of images with dramatic deformations, exaggerated perspectives and extreme depths of field, making possible images that are significantly distorted, similar to what a fish might see were it to look skyward from under the water surface.
World’s first7 super-telephoto zoom lens to employ an internal extender
EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
May 2013
Featuring a built-in 1.4x extender, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x’s zoom range can be expanded with a simple one-touch operation even in locations where users are unable to switch lenses
World’s first7 lens offering ultra-wide-angle 11 mm minimum focal length
Feb. 2015
In addition to achieving the world’s widest angle of view starting at a minimum focal length of 11 mm, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM effectively corrects for aberrations commonly associated with ultra-wide-angle lenses, delivering superb image-quality performance
World’s first11 standard zoom lens to deliver f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range
Dec. 2018
Employs a large internal mount diameter and a short back focus to realize an f/2 aperture across the entire zoom range, a feat which was considerably difficult for EF series lenses.
Canon Global Adds:
Reference: In pursuit of the ideal lens
The history of lenses for Canon's EOS series of interchangeable-lens cameras began in 1987 with the release of the EOS 650, the world's first autofocus (AF) SLR camera to employ an electronic lens mount, and the EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5, EF35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 and EF50mm f/1.8 lenses. The EF mount utilized by the camera and lenses not only made possible highly accurate AF, but also anticipated future technological developments including digitalization, high-speed continuous shooting, image stabilization and video recording. This forward-thinking mindset has helped support photographers for more than 30 years.
Amid the transition from film cameras to digital in the 1990s, the adoption of video recording technology for DSLR cameras in the late 2000s and the Company's entry into the video production industry the birth of the Cinema EOS System in 2012, Canon has continued to develop cameras that meet the needs of their time. Throughout this time, Canon has continued to expand the possibilities of photographic expression by producing a rich lineup of EF lenses—including zoom lenses, IS lenses, wide-aperture lenses, macro lenses and tilt-shift lenses—and a number of world-first technologies.
And now, anticipating the next 30 years of social change and technological development, Canon introduced the RF mount alongside its launch of the EOS R system in 2018. In the same year, the EOS R mirrorless camera debuted together with four RF lenses including the RF24-105mm F4 L IS USM. Leveraging their characteristic large internal mount diameter of 54 mm and a short back focus, RF lenses enjoy greater freedom for lens design that makes possible new levels of high image quality and high performance in compact sizes. To date, a total of 19* RF lens models have been released. Going forward, Canon will continue its mission to expand users' range of photographic expression as it pursues the creation of the ideal lens.
# # #
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
1 Includes EF, EF-S, RF, EF-M and EF Cinema lenses and lens extenders. As of February 3, 2021.
2 Calculated based the length of the lens’ bodies. Based on Canon research.
3 Among interchangeable SLR camera lenses. Based on Canon research.
4 Includes four lens extenders. As of February 3, 2021.
5 In terms of market share by number of units sold. Based on Canon research.
6 As of February 3, 2021, production for this lens has already been discontinued. Successor: EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM (released in August 2011).
7 Among interchangeable SLR camera lenses.
8 As of February 3, 2021, production for this lens has already been discontinued. Successor: EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM (released in December 2016).
9 As of February 3, 2021, 2016, production for this lens has already been discontinued. Successor: EF400 f/4 DO IS II USM (released in November 2014)
10 Among photography lenses.
11 Among interchangeable lenses supporting autofocus across the entire standard zoom range and compatible with 35mm equivalent full-frame sensor cameras.
Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 have been added to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review.
This lens fills a key role in my kit.
When first creating this post, I was going to say "Get in line if you want this lens." The popularity of the R5 has led to greatly increased demand, and the RF 15-35 has been mostly out of stock since the R5 was announced last summer. Upon testing the links, I realized that Amazon USA has this lens in stock. Order right away if you want one.
Otherwise, order the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens at B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
Just posted: Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens Review.
The Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
Please share!
 "Share on Pinterest!"){kind=small}
 |
|