Canon and Sony News for Jul 2019 (Page 3)

The wildy-successful (nearly $10 million raised) KickStarter for the Peak Design ultra-compactable travel tripod ends tomorrow, Thu, July 18 2019 8:00 PM EDT. This is your last chance to get this tripod at the reduced KickStarter price.

From Sony:

Sony Electronics Introduces High-resolution Alpha 7R IV Camera with World’s First 61.0 MP Back-illuminated, Full-frame Image Sensor

Unprecedented Highest Resolution and Widest Dynamic Range for a - Alpha System, Combined with High-speed Performance and a Lightweight, Compact Body

Sony Electronics Introduces High-resolution Alpha 7R IV Camera with World’s First 61.0 MP Back-illuminated, Full-frame Image Sensor

• Unprecedented Highest Resolution and Widest Dynamic Range for a - Alpha System, Combined with High-speed Performance and a Lightweight, Compact Body
• World’s first[i] 35mm full-frame 61.0 MP[ii] back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with latest-generation BIONZ X™ image processor
• 15-stop[iii] dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth, natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights
• High-speed continuous shooting at up to 10 fps[iv] with full AF / AE tracking for approximately seven seconds [v] in full-frame mode with an increased buffer memory, and approximately three times as long in APS-C mode
• 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points covering 74% of image area and 425 contrast AF points
• Debut of Real-time Eye AF for movie recording[vi] and advanced Real-time Tracking[vii] plus Real-time Eye AF for still image recording
• Features an APS-C crop mode delivering stunning high resolution images of 26.2MP[ii]
• 5.76 million dot UXGA (Ultra-XGA) OLED Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder with outstanding detail, brightness and contrast
• Upgraded connectivity and operability including high-speed Wi-Fi support, wireless PC remote connectivity[viii], FTP wireless transfer, faster data transfer via USB and more
• Professional 4K movie recording functionality including full pixel readout with no pixel binning in Super 35mm mode[ix], S-Log3, HDR workflow support
• Multi Interface Shoe™ with digital audio interface delivers the high-quality sound recording with Sony’s new microphone and XLR microphone adaptor
• Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip and button layout for improved control with compact, lightweight body

NEW YORK — July 16, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced the latest addition to its acclaimed Alpha 7R series full-frame mirrorless camera line-up: the extremely versatile, powerful Alpha 7R IV (model ILCE-7RM4).

Sony’s highest resolution full-frame camera ever, the new Alpha 7R IV delivers stunning image quality with high resolution and wide dynamic range while maintaining outstanding focusing performance, high-speed continuous shooting and much, much more.

“We are continuing to drive innovation, break boundaries and redefine the expectations of digital camera performance,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Product and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “The new Alpha 7R IV combines medium format-level image quality with high-speed shooting, extremely fast focusing and an extensive list of upgrades to design, connectivity and usability. This will allow professional photographers, videographers and all other types of creators to capture content in ways that were simply not possible before.”

A New Level of Image Quality

The new Alpha 7R IV features a newly developed 35mm full-frame, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a resolution of 61.0 MP[ii], the world’s first[i] of its kind. The new sensor’s back-illuminated structure and effective noise reduction techniques combine to deliver extremely low-noise and high-sensitivity performance, ensuring the absolute maximum image quality. The camera also boasts an impressive 15-stopiii dynamic range at low sensitivities, resulting in smooth natural gradations ranging from deep shadows to highlights, and utilizes algorithms from many of the latest Alpha cameras to maintain outstanding color reproduction.

This new full-frame model is equipped with an innovative 5-axis, optical in-body image stabilization system that has been fine-tuned to support its high-resolution shooting capacity, resulting in a shutter speed advantage of 5.5-steps[x]. Additionally, the shutter unit assembly has been carefully redesigned to reduce even the slightest movement that may cause blur.

The Alpha 7R IV also includes Sony’s highest resolution viewfinder ever, a 5.76 million dot UXGA OLED Tru-finder EVF. About 1.6x the resolution of the EVF in the Alpha 7R III, this new viewfinder provides an extremely accurate, true-to-life depiction of the scene being framed. The display quality can be set to ‘Standard’ or ‘High’ mode, and to either 60 fps or 120 fps refresh rate to best match the subject and shooting conditions.

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting[xi] mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 963.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 240.8 million pixel (19008 x 12672 pixels) image using Sony’s “Imaging Edge™” desktop application[xii]. Ideal for photographing architecture, art or any other still life subject, this enhanced mode produces photographs with a level of detail and color accuracy that is simply stunning.

Shooting and Focusing Speed

The innovative new Alpha 7R IV full-frame mirrorless camera can shoot full resolution images at up to 10 fps[iv] with continuous, accurate AF/AE tracking for up to approximately seven seconds[v] in full-frame, full-resolution mode (JPEG / RAW), and approx. three times as long in APS-C crop mode delivering 26.2MP[ii] images. These high-speed options ensure that fast moving subjects can be captured with extreme accuracy and incredible image detail.

The upgraded focusing system of the Alpha 7R IV is comprised of 567 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 74 percent of the image area. There are also 425 contrast AF points that add extra precision and reliability for low light and other situations that are best served by contrast AF. The higher AF sensor density and refined tracking algorithms of the new camera produce a notable improvement in tracking performance, allowing complex subject motion and sudden subject movements to be reliably tracked with greater precision than ever.

The Alpha 7R IV also supports Real-time Eye AF, which employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye location data in real-time, locking and maintaining focus on the subject’s eye with extreme precision. This is available for both animal and human subjects, with either animal or human Eye AF mode selectable depending on the shooting situation. Real-time Tracking[vii] is available as well, which utilizes a newly developed subject recognition algorithm to ensure the ultimate subject tracking and persistence of the focusing system. There is also an anti-flicker shooting[xiii] mode, which automatically detects the presence of fluorescent or artificial lighting in a shooting environment to minimize any impact on the final image.

Enhanced Connectivity for Professional Workflow

Sony’s new Alpha 7R IV full-frame camera is equipped with a variety of advanced connectivity features designed to enhance professional workflow. The new model includes wireless LAN functionality to support the conventional 2.4 GHz band, as well as a high-speed 5 GHz[xiv] band for faster, more stable data transfer. Wireless PC remote connectivity (wireless tethering shooting)[viii] is also available on the new Alpha 7R IV, a first for Sony cameras. Requested by many working professionals, this allows for much more freedom in studio and location shoots, letting the photographer move around freely and without restriction.

In addition to high-speed Wi-Fi® and wireless PC connectivity[viii], the new full-frame camera is equipped with a SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.2 Gen 1) USB Type-C™ connector that supports extremely fast wired data transmission, with almost doubled data transfer speed achieved in combination with Sony’s Imaging Edge software (compared to the Alpha 7R III). It also supports FTP data transfer with background transfer capability, allowing photographers to send images to a specified FTP remote server while they are still shooting or reviewing images.

To support an efficient, high-speed, connected professional workflow, Sony has announced version 2.0 of its “Imaging Edge” desktop applications (‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’)[xiii]. The ’Remote’ application allows users to control cameras and monitor live shooting on their PC screen; the ‘Viewer‘ application is used to quickly preview, rate and select photos from large libraries; and the ’Edit‘ application can develop RAW data into high-quality photos for delivery.

To maximize convenience in image transfer, when utilizing the latest version of Sony’s Imaging Edge Mobile™ application[xv], the camera can now transfer images to a connected smartphone even if the camera’s power is set to OFF[xvi].

High-resolution 4K and Professional Filmmaking Features

In addition to its impressive still image capabilities, the new Alpha 7R IV performs exceptionally well as a serious filmmaking tool, offering 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the image sensor, and full pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35mm mode[ix]. This ensures high-quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. S-Log 2 and S-Log 3 are also available to maximize color grading flexibility, with S-Log 3 offering a total of 14-stops of dynamic range. Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG)[xvii] is also available on the Alpha 7R IV to support an Instant HDR workflow.

For video autofocus, the versatile new full-frame camera utilizes a refined Fast Hybrid AF system that achieves faster, smoother, more stable autofocus during video shooting – even if an object temporarily moves in front of the intended subject. The camera also includes Touch Tracking functionality during movie shooting, allowing the user to simply touch the screen on their intended subject for instant acquisition.

The new Alpha 7R IV debuts Real-time Eye AF for movie shooting, a first in any of Sony’s cameras. When activated, the eye of a subject is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability, allowing the shooter to focus on the content itself as opposed to what is in focus or not. The aforementioned Touch Tracking functionality will also automatically initiate Eye AF when a human subject is selected.

Another notable video feature is the addition of a digital audio interface to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe™ (MI Shoe), allowing a direct, digital connection from the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit for clear, low-noise and high-quality audio recording. Interval shooting for creating time-lapse videos is available, as well as full HD recording at up to 120 fps, Slow and Quick Motion[xviii] functions and much more.

Enhanced Build, Design and Customizability

The new Alpha 7R IV has several upgrades to its design and usability, with many adjustments being implemented directly from the voice of Sony’s professional community.

To maximize durability, the new Alpha 7R IV features upgraded dust and moisture resistance[xix], with additional sealing provided at all body seams, battery compartment cover and media slots. The camera is built with an extremely lightweight and durable magnesium alloy and also has an upgraded six screw, extra-firm lens mount.

Additional enhancements to the body design include an improved grip for greater comfort and a more sure hold within the hand; an increase in the diameter and feedback for the ‘AF-ON’ button; a new multi-selector joystick design for improvised control; an exposure compensation dial lock button; and a redesigned shape and new position for the rear dial. A strong request from many professional users, the new camera also includes two UHS-II compatible media slots, allowing for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds.

For added convenience, camera setting registration is expanded. Now, almost all camera settings can be saved to, and read from, an inserted memory card. Up to 10 combinations can be saved to any individual card and loaded into any camera body of the same model.

Despite its increased pixel count compared to the Alpha 7R III, the battery life has been improved with a CIPA measurement of up to 670 still images per change using LCD monitor, or 530 images with EVF. For even more uninterrupted operating time, the new optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip holds two NP-FZ100 batteries, and the optional Multi Battery Adaptor (NPA-MQZ1K) can hold up to four Z batteries. The body can also be powered via the USB connector[xx].

New Accessories

Sony has also released a variety of new accessories to compliment the new Alpha 7R IV camera, including:

• VG-C4EM Vertical Grip – Provides same operation, handling and design as the Alpha 7R IV camera, including upgraded dust and moisture resistance[xx]; doubles battery life and allows USB battery-charging via the camera body
• ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone[xxi] – Eight high-performance mic capsules and advanced digital signal processing provide three selectable directivity patterns in one compact microphone of approximately 99.3mm (4 inches) in length with Super-directional pick up; when connected to the Alpha 7R IV via its Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that the highest possible quality is achieved without noise or degradation
• XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit[xxii] – Two XLR/TRS combo connectors and one 3.5mm stereo mini jack for microphone and line input, with extensive control that helps facilitate the post processing workflow; connected to the Alpha 7R IV via its Multi Interface Shoe with digital audio interface support, audio is directly transferred to the camera in digital form so that the highest possible audio quality is achieved without noise or degradation; supplied extension cable for Audio provides extra flexibility for camera attachment with rig, cage or bracket
• SF-M series TOUGH – Ultra-Tough UHS-II SD card with ultra-fast speed up to 277MB/s (read) is ideal for shooting under severe circumstances, and streamlines the post-shooting workflow; supplied with file recovery software (supports both mac OS and Windows)
• MRW-S3 – Fast USB for PC hub with UHS-II SD/microSD reader, supporting USB 3.1 Gen 2 and 100W USB Power Delivery (USB PD), contributes to efficient workflow by ultra-fast, stable backup to PC or SSD

Pricing and Availability

The new Alpha 7R IV Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Camera will ship in September 2019 for approximately $3,500 US and $4,500 CA. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

The new VG-C4EM Vertical Grip will ship in September 2019 for approximately $400 US and $530 CA.

The new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone will ship in September 2019 for approximately $350 US and $470 CA.

The new XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit will ship in October 2019 for approximately $600 US and $800 CA.

Preorders

Be sure to support this site by using our links to place your preorder. Preorders for the Sony Alpha a7R IV Mirrorless Digital Camera will begin at 10am ET, Thu Jul 18: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip: B&H | Adorama | WEX

 
[i] As of July 2019, based on Sony survey of digital cameras with a full-frame image sensor
[ii] Approximately, effective
[iii] Still images. Sony test conditions
[iv] Up to 10 fps in continuous “Hi+” mode, and up to 8 fps in continuous “Hi” mode Maximum fps will depend on camera settings
[v] In JPEG (Extra fine / Fine) or compressed RAW mode
[vi] This function does not track animal eyes
[vii] “Tracking” in the menu. This function does not track animal eyes
[viii] Image Edge desktop application Ver. 2.0 or later is required
[ix] Super 35mm 4K recording results in a slightly narrower angle of view
[x] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off
[xi] The Imaging Edge (Remote/Viewer/Edit) desktop application Ver. 2.0 or later is required for compositing. Image compositing may not be successful if camera or subject movement causes blur. Some restrictions apply to flash and other device
[xii] ‘Remote’/’Viewer’/’Edit’ version.2.0 will be released in August 2019
[xiii] Only 100 Hz and 120 Hz flicker is detected. Continuous shooting speed may decrease. Flicker-free shooting is not available during silent shooting, BULB exposure, or movie recording.
[xiv] Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only. 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions
[xv] Imaging Edge Mobile version 7.2 will be released in July 2019
[xvi] Imaging Edge Mobile Ver. 7.2 or later is required. “Cnct. during power off” setting in camera must be turned ON and the camera and smartphone must be paired using Bluetooth® technology via the Imaging Edge Mobile application
[xvii] Connect this product to an HDR (HLG) compatible Sony TV via a USB cable when displaying HDR (HLG) movies
[xviii] Sound not recorded. Class 10 or higher SDHC/SDXC card required
[xix] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof
[xx] A battery must be installed in the body when power is being supplied via the USB connector
[xxi] Refer to the Sony support page for details and camera compatibility information https://www.sony.net/dics/b1m/
[xxii] Refer to the Sony support page for details and camera compatibility informationhttps://www.sony.net/dics/k3m/

70-200mm f/2.8 lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Sony, and Tamron are now included in the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 image stabilized lens is a staple to many kits. Start comparing! Then share the results with your friends.

From Canon:

Service Notice: EOS M50 EF-M 15-45mm IS STM Kit may contain an incorrect battery charger (LC-E17)

An incorrect battery charger (LC-E17) may be included in some M50 EF-M 15-45mm IS STM Kits.

We would like to offer our sincere apologies to users who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

Support

If you received the LC-E17 battery charger in the EOS M50 EF-M 15-45mm IS STM Kit please contact our Customer Support Center, using the information below. Canon will replace the LC-E17 with the correct battery charger, LC-E12, free of charge.

This information is for residents of the United States and its five territories only. If you do not reside in the USA or its five territories, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

If you have not already done so, please register the EOS M50. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future announcements.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON, 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com
Support options and hours of operation: www.usa.canon.com/support

B&H just added a significant number of items, many in "10" condition, to their used Really Right Stuff inventory.

RRS gear is extremely well made but not inexpensive. The 9+ rated gear should barely appear used and the 10-rated gear is like new. The discounts are significant.

Used Really Right Stuff gear currently available includes:

• Many tripods (TVC-34L Mk2, TVC 24L Mk2, TQC-14 Mk2, and more)
• Ball heads (BH-55, PG-01)
• Gimbal heads (PG-02, PG-01)
• Monopod head
• Ultra Pocket Pod
• L-brackets for some of the latest cameras (Canon 5D IV, Sony a7III & a7R III, Nikon D850 & D5)
• Leveling bases
• Clamps, rails, feet, and more

From the B&H YouTube Channel: In this fifth video in the Audio for Video series, AB discusses tips and techniques for how to best capture audio with lavalier and boom mics. From ways to conceal lavs on talent to proper operation of a boompole, you’ll see real-world examples of the types of methods that are used to enable great audio capture, regardless of environment or application. Check it out.

B&H has all you need to capture audio.

Just posted: Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens Review.

Along with much other information, learn why this lens' f/2.8 is equal T 5.6.

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket Review.

I've wanted a universal L-bracket for a long time and this is the one I picked.

The ProMediaGear PLX3x Universal L-Bracket is in stock at Adorama

Watch as Adobe's Julieanne Kost explains five feature of the crop tool, some of which you may not have known.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Anhui China, Jul 8, 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, are proud to introduce the the Nikon Z & Canon RF mount to the world’s widest rectilinear f/2 lens (Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D) and the world’s widest zoom lens (Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6).

Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D (Both Nikon Z & Canon RF mounts)

Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D (Both Nikon Z & Canon RF mounts)The Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D is currently the widest f/2 rectilinear native lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. The lens falls into the Laowa ‘Zero-D’ products line-up and the patented optical design successfully minimizes the optical distortion to the lowest. This compact and lightweight lens comprises of 12 elements in 9 groups with 2 pcs of aspherical elements and 3 pcs of Extra-low dispersion elements. Photographers can also take advantage of the super close focusing distance (less than 6” from the sensor) and the f/2 aperture to create some wide angle close-up shots with pleasing bokeh.

Despite the extreme specifications, Venus Optics have successfully minimized the size of the lens to only 1.1 lbs and 3” long. The flat front surface design allows photographers to use 72mm circular filter with ease. Unlike the Sony E variant, the new Nikon Z / Canon RF variants feature a design of 5 straight aperture blades which produce a clean and sharp 10-point sunstar rendering.

Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom (Nikon Z mount only)

Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Zoom lens is currently the widest full frame zoom lens in the market.

The 102° (18mm) to 130° (10mm) FoV provides a great deal of flexibility for photographers to compose landscape or architecture photos with ease. The one-of-a-kind 130° FoV also helps photographers to realize many formerly impossible shots.

Similar to the Sony E-mount variant (released a few months ago), Venus Optics have managed to compress the size of this new Nikon Z variant to the smallest in its class, measuring approximately 3.5 inches (~9cm) long and weighing only 1.1 lbs (<500g) with a lens diameter of 70mm. It also incorporates a 5 straight blade aperture to deliver a sharp, clean, well-defined 10- point sunstars. The lens houses with 14 elements in 10 groups with 2 aspherical elements & 1 extra-low dispersion element. It comes with an excellent close up performance and is able to focus as close as 6” from the sensor. A rear 37mm filter thread is included to fit with 37mm UV/ND filter.

Venus Optics have NO plans to launch Canon R mount for Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6.

Availability

The new variants of Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D & Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 are currently available to order and from authorized resellers. Recommended Retail Price in US (without tax) is USD 849 for each lens. Pricing may vary in different countries.

Adorama has the following available for preorder:

• Venus Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens for Canon EOS RF
• Venus Laowa 15mm f/2 FE Zero-D Lens for Nikon Z
• Venus Laowa 10-18mm F/4.5 - 5.6 Lens for Nikon Z

Image quality test results have been added to the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens page.

Compact, light, great focal length range, and ... very nice image quality (remember that lateral CA is usually easily removed). Create your own comparisons – share the results with your friends.

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX ("Awaiting Stock")

Rent the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens from Lensrentals.

From Nikon Europe:

On February 26, 2014, Nikon released a Service Advisory informing users of the D600 that Nikon would provide corrective servicing, free of charge, of D600 cameras exhibiting a particular issue.

This announcement is to inform users of the D600 that requests for this free corrective servicing will only be accepted until January 10, 2020. Service to address this issue requested after the offer of free service expires will be handled in accordance with standard Nikon repair policies.

If you would like to have your Nikon D600 inspected for this issue and corrected as needed, at no cost to you, please request the service from a Nikon service center as soon as possible.

Issue

Some users have indicated the appearance of multiple granular dust spots in images captured with the Nikon D600 digital-SLR camera. These granular dust spots are reflections of internal dust generated with camera operation, or external dust particles that have found their way into the camera, either, or both of which, have adhered to the camera's low-pass filter.

While the structure and concept of digital-SLR cameras make the complete elimination of these dust spots very difficult, it has come to our attention that, in some rare cases, they may be reflected noticeably in images. Therefore, Nikon is informing users of a service to reduce this issue again.

From Sigma:

Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art

Ultimate large-diameter, wide-angle zoom lens optimized for full-frame mirrorless cameras -“The definitive lens for astrophotography” with astonishing resolution.

Many photographers like to use low sensitivity shooting to minimize noise as much as they can. Particularly in the photography of starry skies, bright wide-angle lenses are often selected because they can efficiently collect weak light. The 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art has been developed as the ultimate large-diameter, wide-angle zoom lens by optimizing the standard specifications for photographing starry skies for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The uniform rendering performance and outstanding resolution to the edge of the frame make it the “definitive lens for astrophotography.” By utilizing the characteristics of the short flange focal length, this new-generation large-diameter zoom lens combines both compact body and unprecedented high-resolution image quality.

About Product Name: Product name includes “DG” when the lens is designed to deliver the ultimate in performance on cameras with full-frame sensors, and “DN” when the lens design is optimized for mirrorless cameras with the short flange focal length.

Key features

1. Newly developed high-performance lens series for full-frame mirrorless cameras - With mirrorless cameras emerging at an accelerated pace, expectations towards lenses suited for high-performance full-frame mirrorless cameras are growing.Unfortunately, many photographers may feel that they have little choices for mirrorless lens systems in terms of performance, size, extensive lineup, and due to the burden of having to use multiple systems.SIGMA has thus developed and proposes this new full-frame mirrorless lens series as the optimal solution to this challenge. SIGMA will develop interchangeable lenses with unprecedented specifications and performance by designs that benefit from the short flange focal length feature of mirrorless cameras while retaining the concepts of “Contemporary,” “Art,” and “Sports.”We will announce three models as the first lenses from this series.
• 45mm F2.8 DG DN | Contemporary - Compact size is realized while maintaining high image quality and is compatible with full-frame mirrorless cameras. This prime lens refines the concept of the Contemporary line.
• 35mm F1.2 DG DN | Art - The world’s first 35mm F1.2 as L-Mount and Sony E-mount autofocus lens for full-frame mirrorless system. The high image quality of the Art line that pursues ultimate performance is realized by F1.2 maximum aperture.
• 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN | Art - Large-diameter, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While pursuing the ultimate image quality of the Art line, the size is reduced thanks to the exclusive design for mirrorless cameras.
2. High-resolution image quality developed with exclusive low dispersion glass elements and NPC (Nano Porous Coating) - One FLD glass and five SLD glass elements are appropriately arranged to suppress chromatic aberration to the edge of the frame. Three aspherical lenses, including a large-diameter aspherical lens at the foremost surface, are used to effectively minimize coma flare, etc., thereby achieving mind-blowing resolution. The super multi-layer coating is combined with a newly developed NPC (Nano Porous Coating). The lens has been designed to be less susceptible to strong incident light such as backlight.
3. Substantial functions enable user confidence, even in tough environments - Incorporating a stepping motor enables the high speed, quiet AF drive. Shooting is comfortable even in target AF such as Face/Eye Detection AF and during video shooting. The AFL button which can be assigned with various functions widens the range of operations available on the lens. Furthermore, the lens features a dust- and splash-proof structure, along with a water- and oil-repellent coating on the frontmost surface of the lens, which further supports shooting in various environments.
4. Rear filter holder as a standard accessory - The lens comes with a rear filter holder equipped with a fall prevention lock for attaching sheet type rear filters for shooting starry skies.

• Full-time manual mode
• Available Mount Conversion Service
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system: A1
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount
• “Made in Japan” craftsmanship

Bringing the “pursuit of ultimate image quality” to the next level with an F1.2 Art line lens for mirrorless cameras

First wide-angle AF lens with F1.2 maximum aperture for the full-frame Sony E-mount and L-Mount system. This lens enables a creation of artwork with astounding resolution and large bokeh effects, such as portraits that make use of a shallow depth of field. It brings the development concept of the Art line “pursuit of ultimate image quality” to the next level. While utilizing optical correction function inside the camera, aberrations that are difficult to post-process are thoroughly corrected thanks to the optical design and it thereby enhances resolution.

Key features

1. Large-diameter, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. - While pursuing the ultimate image quality of the Art line, the size is reduced thanks to the exclusive design for mirrorless cameras.
2. SIGMA’s First F1.2 maximum aperture, large-diameter prime lens - The "Art line in the age of mirrorless cameras" pursues ultimate performance as a large-diameter lens with a focal length of 35mm and also achieves a maximum aperture of F1.2. Three SLD glass elements and three aspherical lenses including a double-sided aspherical lens are optimally arranged in a lens construction of 17 elements in 12 groups. In addition to the optical design that makes use of the characteristic of the short flange focal length, it effectively takes advantage of the correction function inside the camera to correct distortion and peripheral illumination. Various aberrations that are difficult to correct by post-processing, such as sagittal coma flare, are thoroughly corrected by the compilation of the optical design technologies that SIGMA has cultivated, achieving an overwhelming resolution that can resolve over 50 million pixels.
3. High operability that supports various shooting situations in both still and video - In autofocus photography, comfortable shooting for a F1.2 large-diameter lens is achieved by the large Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that gets desired torque required to drive the focus lens group. In manual focus photography, the focus ring driven by the focus-by-wire system with the optimized torque setting responds to fine operations of the photographer. The aperture ring is also mounted with a de-click function for removing clicks, enabling seamless operations that are especially useful during video shooting.
4. Substantial functions enable user confidence, even in tough environments - The AFL button which can be assigned with various functions widens the range of operations available on the lens. Furthermore, the lens features a dust- and splash-proof structure, along with a water- and oil-repellent coating on the frontmost surface of the lens, which further supports shooting in various environments.

• Full-time manual mode
• Hood with lock
• Available Mount Conversion Service
• Designed to minimize flare and ghosting
• Evaluation with SIGMA’s own MTF measuring system: A1
• 11-blade rounded diaphragm
• High-precision, rugged brass bayonet mount
• “Made in Japan” craftsmanship

B&H has the following available for preorder:

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens for Leica L
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Sony E
Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art Lens for Leica L

Image quality test results from an additional lens have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.

As I shared prior regarding the first lens' test results:

 
While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.

Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.

That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.

Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.

 
Back to the new copy of this lens ... as I mentioned, I wanted to test another copy and here is the comparison between the two copies (copy "2" is the new one).

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is in stock at B&H (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card) | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens from Lensrentals.