Canon and Sony News for Nov 2017 (Page 3)
by Sean Setters
While washing dishes a few days ago, I noticed that the camellia bush just outside the window was blooming. Having never photographed camellia blooms, and with several freely available, I clipped my favorite from the bush, placed it in a small cup of water and brought it into the studio.
As luck would have it, I already had a couple of monolights with gridded strip boxes set up from a previous flower shot (a tulip), so I simply placed the camellia cutting on a posing stool between them. I grabbed my Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens, affixed it to my tripod-mounted 5D Mark III and framed the scene to include the entire stamen group set against the petals.
As with many of my flower shots, I opted for a focus stacking technique which would allow me to capture a precise DOF (depth-of-field) which included the entire group of stamens. The focus stacking technique works especially well in situations such as these because the closer you get to an object (to increase magnification), the shallower the DOF at a given aperture. By shooting many incrementally focused images, you can later choose exactly which images to include in your focus stack, thereby selecting the precise DOF you want after the fact. When capturing images for a focus stack, the aperture you choose doesn't necessarily increase (or decrease) the DOF in your final image (the number of shots used for the focus stack ); however, the aperture you choose will affect your margin for error when incrementing focus (with wider apertures allowing for less room for error) and will affect the transition to out-of-focus elements (blur) at the beginning and end of your focus stack.
Camera settings for the individual shots were f/8, 1/160 sec and ISO 100, and I manually rotated the focus ring (very slightly) for each exposure. The image you see above was compiled from 22 individual images using Helicon Focus with final edits made in Adobe Photoshop CC.
A larger version of the image can be seen on Flickr.
B&H has already sent shipping notices to many preorder customers of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM Lens. We expect this lens to be in stock at most retailers very soon, assuming their initial shipments weren't exceeded by preorders.
Note: Through Jan. 6, 2018, this lens qualifies 13 Months of Free Accidental Damage Protection from Canon (CarePak Plus).
A site visitor recently reached out to us with concerns regarding a few B+W filters he purchased on Amazon (via third-party). While shooting test images with the filters, he noticed a significant drop in image quality and suspected they may have been counterfeit.
B+W filters are a favorite of ours here at The-Digital-Picture.com, and we're especially fond of their XS-Pro line. When people write into the site asking for advice on filters, B+W is the brand we most often recommend. As such, the image quality degradation the site visitor experienced using the "B+W" filters led us to believe that the filters were indeed fake.
Before the site visitor returned the filters, he noticed a trend in the reviews left on the Amazon product listing:
"... a bunch of people are saying they think they got counterfeits - some appear uncoated, some have different fonts on the filter ring, and others are missing the B+W seal on the box."Instead of sending the filters back ASAP, he purchased a replacement set of filters (from a different Amazon vendor) and compared the second set to the first set he received.
"In comparing the filters from the first order with the second, it is clear the first order's filters are counterfeit. The counterfeits have aluminum filter rings, and the box has a shiny little green sticker that says, "Genuine Product" on it. The genuine filters (2nd order) have heavier brass rings and a larger, silver Schneider hologram sticker on them."Not long after receiving confirmation that the site visitor's first set of filters were counterfeit, I reached out to Schneider Optics to inquire how consumers can distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones. This was their reply:
I hope the following is of benefit to you and your readers:The best advice for avoiding counterfeit filters (B+W or otherwise) appears in the final sentence above. To ensure you get a genuine product, purchase your filters from an authorized retailer such as B&H and Adorama.
- Genuine F-Pro and XS-Pro mounts have the filter type and size on the front, not the side.
- In general, photographs of boxes and the text on the filter will not confirm a legitimate B+W product.
- Alloy rings are not authorized, with two exceptions: Slim circular polarizers (discontinued) and Vario ND's, which are made of aluminum for manufacturing reasons.
- Brass vs Alloy: if the dealer does not confirm it, ask. Once you hold it, the brass version is obviously heavier.
Note: Amazon co-mingles our [Schneider Optics, Inc., Hauppauge, NY] inventory with all of the third party resellers, so there is no way to know where the filter came from, or if it is even genuine. We have no control over product sold in Europe and Asia, as we are the authorized U.S. distributor for B+W.
If you are not sure whether a filter is genuine or fake, you have the choice to decide where you are going to buy it. We recommend you purchase it from an authorized B+W dealer to ensure [a genuine] product and warranty.
Note: The headline photo shows a genuine B+W XS-Pro filter. The original Amazon product listing for the counterfeit B+W filters referenced in this article shows a status of "No Longer Available," but there are likely more counterfeit filters being sold via other third-party listings.
From Nikon USA:
November 14, 2017 – MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. has formally announced the appointment of Bo Kajiwara as the new President of Nikon Inc, the subsidiary of Nikon Corporation for the Americas. Kajiwara transitions from his role as the Senior General Manager, Sales and Marketing for Nikon Europe.
During his 29-year tenure with Nikon, Kajiwara has overseen many major product and marketing efforts including the launches of industry changing DSLR cameras, multiple NIKKOR lenses and compact camera options. Previous to his position at Nikon Europe, Kajiwara held the role at Nikon Corp. in Japan of General Manager for the Communications Department, with the responsibility for International Sales Strategy and Communications. Kajiwara is no stranger to the US, having worked in Nikon Inc. from 2004 to 2013, rising to the role of Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience from head of the Imaging Division.
“I am very eager to help lead the charge in the Americas; It’s an exciting time in the imaging industry, and as Nikon celebrates our 100th anniversary, the company’s outlook for innovation is positive, which is great news for our customers, partners and retailers,” said Kajiwara. “We just announced Nikon’s most powerful DSLR ever, and the highly acclaimed D850 DSLR is just the start of great things to come. Nikon is leveraging its legacy and experience to create exceptional products and solutions for a wide range of applications.”
In his new position as President and CEO of Nikon Inc., Kajiwara will oversee markets in the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central Latin America, with a concentrated effort on marketing, product development and customer satisfaction. Kajiwara will continue to promote the drive to optimize “focus and efficiency,” which has become a core pillar of Nikon Corp’s. worldwide plan for restructuring to drive profitability.
From Tenba/MAC Group:
To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, Tenba is introducing two SPECIAL EDITION DNA Messenger Bags with upgraded features, including a TPU-coated super-water-repellent exterior, carbon fiber-pattern zipper pulls and a rich blue interior.
NORTH WHITE PLAINS, NY – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – Since 1977, Tenba has been making uncompromising carrying solutions for professional photographers and filmmakers. To celebrate their 40th Anniversary, Tenba is introducing two SPECIAL EDITION DNA Messenger Bags with upgraded features, including a TPU-coated super-water-repellent exterior, carbon fiber-pattern zipper pulls and a rich blue interior. Since its original introduction, the DNA Messenger has been a popular workhorse camera bag and everyday carry solution for imagemakers around the world. The SPECIAL EDITION bags will be available in two of Tenba’s best-selling sizes: DNA 8 and DNA 15 Slim.
Hydrophobic TPU-Coated Fabric
Available only on the Special Edition DNA bags, this TPU-coated fabric is extremely durable and water repellent, with a cool matte-black finish.
Secure Equipment Access
The Quick Access top zipper allows the secure exchange of cameras and lenses without opening the front flap, which allows for much quicker lens changes, and keeps the camera gear hidden from prying eyes.
Removable Camera Insert for Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras
The padded insert in each DNA is bag is removable to convert the bag for everyday carry. The DNA 8 is built to accommodate a mirrorless or rangefinder camera with 2-3 lenses and an iPad Mini or other 8-inch tablet. The DNA 15 Slim will fit a mirrorless or DSLR camera with 4-6 lenses (up to an attached 70-200mm f/2.8), plus a full-size iPad and a laptop up to 15 inches.
Quick & Secure Magnetic Clips
Fidlock magnetic clips allow easy drop-on attachment and fast slide release. This is the quickest clip in the world. It can be opened and closed with one hand, even when wearing gloves or when the bag is worn at the back.
Messenger Strap
Adjustable security strap connects to D-rings on the back of bag, anchoring it in position and preventing the bag from sliding forward while riding a bicycle or scooter. (available on DNA 15 Slim)
WeatherWrap Rain Cover
Included WeatherWrap rain cover is removable and reversible, with silver on one side to reflect the sun, and black on the other side for stealth.
Trolley Strap
Rear trolley strap slides over the extending handle of rolling luggage or an equipment case for secure piggyback travel. (available on DNA 15 Slim)
Pricing and Availability:
The DNA 8 and 15 Slim SPECIAL EDITION Messenger Bags are available to purchase immediately through Tenba Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $99.95 and $159.95 respectively.
Adorama carries the Tenba DNA Specail Edition Messenger Bags.
Just posted: Really Right Stuff TVC-24/24L Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.
Another fantastic tripod option.
The Really Right Stuff TVC-24/24L Series 2 Carbon Fiber Tripod is in stock at B&H
Just posted: Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens Review.
If you don't have the very-fun and quite useful 11mm focal length covered, this lens is definitely worth considering. It is a very good value.
With a $50 instant savings on the Firefly and a $100 instant rebate on the Blackstone version, this lens is an especially good deal right now.
The Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.
Give me a Canon EOS 5Ds R, a Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens and great clouds on a calm fall morning along the Snake River at Oxbow Bend in
Grand Teton National Park and I can be content for ... a very long time.
Well, I was probably photographing too furiously to capture all that beauty to be considered "content", but the feeling that, with each click of the shutter, something great may be written to the memory card is very satisfying.
The composition shown here is a rather simple one, but one that frequently works well.
Frame half of the scene in the upper half of the viewfinder and let the reflection take care of the bottom half, doubling what is already nice.
Because the subjects in the scene are far away and water is preventing getting closer from happening, perspective is determined primarily by walking the shoreline.
Focal length selection is based on what looks good being included in the image, keeping in mind that distant subjects (including mountains) appear smaller at wider angles.
In this case, I liked how the dark clouds and their reflection framed the top and bottom of the image.
This image is practically right out of the camera.
I added saturation to give the image a bit more life, dropped the highlight brightness slightly and used the healing brush to remove some floaters in the water.
A larger version of this image is available on Flickr.
ISO 100
8688 x 5792px
From the Adobe Photoshop YouTube Channel:
Discover how to use Smart Guides to quickly align and distribute layers and shapes in Photoshop CC.
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
Compact, lightweight, well-built, affordable and with good image quality. Those terms are sometimes used to describe camera lenses, but... rarely do those words all describe the same lens. In this case, however, the adjectives perfectly describe – not one – but two lenses in Canon's lineup.
Of course, I'm talking about Canon's EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake lenses. They're cute, but don't let their small size and low price mislead you. These are solid lenses, featuring adequately fast autofocus and image quality that will likely impress you.
For anyone that has explored DSLR photography but has yet to expand their lens collection beyond the 18-55mm kit lens, the 24 and 40mm pancake lenses provide an excellent introduction to prime lenses, with max apertures more than 1-stop wider than the standard kit lens when set to the same focal length. That means a shallower depth-of-field (DOF) and a lower ISO and/or faster shutter speed, all of which can help improve the quality of images captured.
Seasoned photographers can appreciate Canon's pancake lenses for the same reasons as novice photographers, but with small size and light weight likely being the most appreciated lens' aspects.
The small size and light weight of these lenses mean they take up very little room in a camera bag, are not a burden to carry (either in the bag or attached to the camera) and can even be thrown in a jacket pocket for easy storage and fast access. The lenses are so small that very few photographers will find their gear bags too full to fit a Canon pancake lens.
One thing to note, though, is that the EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM is only compatible with APS-C sensor cameras, like the EOS Rebel series, 80D and 7D Mark II, while the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM is compatible with full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras.
More Information
Trusted Retailers:
Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens
B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon Canada | BuyDig | Wex
Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens
B&H | Amazon | Adorama | Canon USA | Canon Canada | BuyDig | Wex
From the DJI YouTube Channel:
Drone platforms have proved a valuable resource for a host of industrial applications, including disaster response and construction. The expansion of drone operations has also presented a difficulty for scale management, standardizing procedures, and ensuring reliable regulatory compliance. To help organizations of all sizes conquer this challenge, DJI introduces FlightHub, enabling enterprise users to manage live operations, organize fleets, and log all of their historical flight data. Organize your aerial fleet with FlightHub, the ultimate solution for managing your drone operations.
B&H carries DJI products.
Photographer Ed Verosky demonstrates the value of picking up an inexpenisve styrofoam mannequin head for practicing your lighting setups.
In this Lightroom Coffee Break, Benjamin Warde explains 4 tricks for working with videos in Lighroom Classic CC.
B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.
From Canon USA:
Canon EOS C200/EOS C200B
Firmware Version 1.0.2.1.00 incorporates the following enhancements:
When CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S is attached the following features are enabled:
- Autofocus using the Dual Pixel CMOS AF function
- Dual Pixel Focus Guide function.
- The joystick on the camera's grip unit can be set to operate the zoom.
- Manual control of the iris with Camera's Control dial.
- Control of focus, zoom and iris using the separately-sold Remote Controller RC-V100.
- Automatic aperture and push auto iris functions.
- Start/stop recording on the separately-sold lens grip ZSG-C10.
- Retrieval of Lens metadata, such as the model name and the focal distance will display on the camera.
- Peripheral illumination / chromatic aberration correction.
Download: Canon EOS C200/EOS C200B Firmware v.1.0.2.1.00
B&H carries the Canon EOS C200 Cinema Camera.
Want a unique and interesting gift for the special photographer in your life? A custom lens or body cap may be the answer.
LenzBuddy makes a wide assortment of custom lens and camera body caps (for Canon and Nikon) with designs to suit just about every taste or preference.
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