Canon and Sony News for Jun 2018 (Page 4)

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens page.

Looking for a bargain Sony lens? This best-seller qualifies.

Captured with different cameras, the following comparisons require a bit judgement and visualization skills.

Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 compared to Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens
Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 compared to Tamron 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens

As always, many other comparisons are available.

The Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Canon has created a new microsite called "Shot on Canon" that lists films, documentaries and TV shows that were captured with Canon equipment.

Sigma has released firmware updates for the Sigma Mount Converter MC-11 and 8 Lenses as follows:

Mount Converter MC-11
Now compatible with the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Lens and the Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens
Now Compatible with Sigma Mount Converter MC-11.

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lens
"It has corrected the phenomenon that the Manual Override (MO) function will be disabled after adjusting the settings of focus mode switch on SIGMA Optimization Pro (Macintosh ver.). "

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Now Compatible with Sigma Mount Converter MC-11.

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
Now Compatible with Sigma Mount Converter MC-11.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
"It has corrected the phenomenon that the continuous shooting speed of some SIGMA interchangeable lenses with firmware Ver.2.00 decreases in certain combinations with some cameras. "

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Lens
"It has corrected the phenomenon that the continuous shooting speed of some SIGMA interchangeable lenses with firmware Ver.2.00 decreases in certain combinations with some cameras. "

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens
"It has corrected the phenomenon that the Manual Override (MO) function will be disabled after adjusting the settings of focus mode switch on SIGMA Optimization Pro (Macintosh ver.)."

Sigma EF-630 Flash
"It has corrected the phenomenon where it occasionally stops communicating after recovering from Auto Power Off."

 
For the lenses, updating firmware is as easy as plugging in the Sigma Dock, mounting the lens and running the Sigma software.

From Lowepro:

New QuickShelf technology, premium materials and added features deliver flexibility and superior gear protection in an everyday pack designed for the way today’s content creators work.

Upper Saddle River, NJ – June 12, 2018 – Lowepro, a company with a 50-year reputation in creating protective gear-carrying solutions for image makers, today announced the launch of FreeLine BP 350 AW, a new premium, versatile daypack designed for today’s content creators, photographers, and videographers. The FreeLine BP 350 AW is the first in a collection of innovative bags intended to organize and protect the tools that capture the vision of content creators, wherever they go, leaving them free to focus on the big picture.

Features for the way today’s creators work

• QuickShelf Divider System – the revolutionary interior divider system that unfolds into a 3-tier shelf or folds flat to remove revealing an open interior space includes pop-in lateral dividers allows for quick, fully customizable and wholly protected array of gear sets including multiple mirrorless bodies and lenses; full-framed DSLR with mounted 70-200mm f2.8 lens and additional lenses, compact drones and more.
• Constructed of super high-grade Nylon 66 exterior fabric with water and abrasion resistant Carbonite, YKK weather-proof zippers and All Weather AW Cover provide unmatched protection from everyday use and the elements.
• Dual side-access panels allow for easy access to gear.
• CradleFit pocket suspends and protects up to a 15” laptop.
• Integrated Gear Box offers customizable storage for cords, cables, batteries and more.
• ActiveZone Back Panel provides excellent support and comfort.

“The professional landscape is shifting with this rise of the independent content creator,” explains Tim Grimmer, Senior Director of Product for Lowepro. “In collaboration with our partner brand JOBY, owner of the world famous GorillaPod, we delved deeply into the world of today’s Content Creators, vloggers, YouTubers, and storytellers. We learned more about how their gear kits and shooting locations frequently change as they produce content every day. Our goal became to create a solution that offers the freedom to carry what they need each day. We’re excited to offer FreeLine, a premium daypack that pairs our company’s signature protection with the adaptability content creators crave.”

The FreeLine BP 350 AW is now available for purchase for $259.95 at select Lowepro dealers and will be on display during VidCon June 21 – 23, 2018 in Anaheim, CA.

B&H has the Lowepro FreeLine BP 350 AW Backpack in stock.

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens Review.

The 400 DO IS II review was completed before the 5Ds R existed. To get these results added to the site, Canon USA loaned us another copy this lens. Under the scrutiny of the ultra-high resolution 5Ds R, the center of the frame is showing a touch of softness in the center at f/4 in this copy of the lens, but this lens performs impressively otherwise.

Here are some comparisons to get you started:

Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 400mm f/2.8L IS II Lens
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 300mm f/2.8L IS II Lens with 1.4x
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 400mm f/5.6L Lens
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 200-400mm f/4L IS II Lens
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens
Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS II compared to 200mm f/2L IS Lens with 1.4x

The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama.

As I said when offering the Whitetail Fawns and More photo tour, meeting more of you is always high on my to-do list, I have wanted to offer photo workshops/tours/experiences for a long time (many of you have requested such) and my Shenandoah National Park commercial use permit is in hand. While I enjoy others enjoying my images, my primary goal is always to help you get great images and I'd love for you to join me for 3 or 6 days of wildlife and outdoor photography in this great location. I have cleared space in the schedule and made it through the logistical issues involved in making this trip happen, including acquiring the necessary SNP permit and having an important-for-wildlife-photography park policy change implemented (again, this will be one of the first tours falling under the new rules).

When and Where: Sun, November 11 to Wed, November 14, 2018 and/or Wed, November 14 - Sat, November 17, 2018 in Shenandoah National Park

Based on recent workshop survey results, this trip is offered in a choice of 3 or 6 full days (other options will be considered). The plan is to meet at the lodge on Sunday and/or Wed mid-day and we will wrap up after a morning shoot on the last day.

Update: The Wed-Sat dates have been filled. Slots for only two people remain open during the Sun-Wed dates. I'd still love to have you along!

Who

Hopefully you, along with 3 others. Large groups are far more profitable from a business perspective, but seriously photographing wildlife in the field is very challenging in large groups. Keeping the group small means better opportunities and more personal attention. It also means that we can travel together throughout the park in one SUV.

Cost

The cost for this IPT is $995 per 3 days with a 50% deposit locking in your spot. Email me at Bryan@Carnathan.com to sign up or ask questions!

What are We Photographing?

Our primary photo subject will be wildlife. Wildlife, by definition, is "wild" and that means it is unpredictable and there can be no guarantees. That said, Shenandoah National Park is a very reliable location to photograph whitetail deer and the environment/scenery here is quite photogenic.

During much of the year, whitetail buck in SNP have their heads down feeding. That changes during the rut and whitetail bucks exhibit great behavior at this time of the year. Late fall colors provide our backdrop and very few park visitors are expected at this time of the year, just prior to the last lodge closing for the season.

Deer are not the only wildlife subject found here and there is high likelihood that black bears will avail themselves as subjects along with a variety of birds and other smaller mammals. We will be opportunistic and take advantage of any subjects that we encounter – and discovering those moments are part of the excitement. In addition to the immersive wildlife photography experience, there will certainly be opportunity for some landscape photography.

My time in the field is very limited and I look for locations with a high probability of good opportunities when I make the time investment. Shenandoah National Park rarely lets me down in that regard. Basically, we will work hard to improve your photography skills along with capturing some great images. And, we'll have fun along the way.

There is a Sense of Urgency for this Trip

As I mentioned with the fawn IPT, CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) has been detected within 11 miles of SNP (according to the SNP wildlife biologist I talked to in Mar 2018). This awful disease is always fatal to deer and when it reaches within 5 miles of the park, implementation of an already-established plan will significantly reduce the deer population here. That means this awesome experience is at high risk and that is one of the reasons I chose this park first.

Tour/Workshop/Adventure/Expedition

While the implied definitions of these terms varies, I see "workshops" typically laid out with a planned schedule and "tours" typically designed to put you in front of subjects at the right time. I'm calling this trip a "tour" because the primary goal is for you to get great images and we will be opportunistic in that regard, making a firm schedule difficult to implement. That said, we will spend a lot of time together and I will teach, answer questions (bring many), critique images, assist in editing, etc. throughout our time together. Thus, the educational element will also be a primary part of our time together.

In the field, we will photograph side-by-side. You taking great images home will be the primary goal, but you capturing those images yourself is important and I can best describe what you should do if I am doing it myself at the same time. This also provides the participant opportunity to watch how it is done. Your constant feedback and questions are important and will enable me to provide you with the best experience possible.

An "expedition" is another type of immersive photography experience and this event involves multiple daily mini-expeditions. Certain is that we will have an adventure.

Physical Requirements

This will be a modestly strenuous trip, with much of the strain dependent on the size and weight of the gear you are carrying. There will likely be some easy wildlife photography opportunities encountered, but we will be carrying our gear through the woods, tall grass and light brush over hilly terrain at times, often attempting to keep ahead of moving wildlife. Thus, one needs to be in reasonable physical condition.

What is Included

Transportation during the experience (if staying for the entire 6 days, I am happy to provide free transportation to and/or from the park from anywhere directly on my route from the north - primarily RT 81) along with everything described in the Tour/Workshop/Adventure/Expedition section above is included. By not including the items listed below in the fee, individuals are able choose their level of spending.

What is Not Included

Transportation to/from Skyland Resort including the required National Park entrance fee.

Lodging. We will be staying at the Skyland Resort, a national park lodge. I usually get a basic room, but other options are available including cabins.

Food. Because of the remoteness of this location, our food will primarily consist of what is offered at the Skyland Resort (dining room, take out or tap room) along with any food brought along into the park. We will typically begin photographing before food services are open so I usually pack breakfast to eat in my room prior to the morning shoots. I take a cooler with jugs of ice and ice is available at the lodge (you need bag/bucket to transport it from the ice machine). I suggest packing granola bars and other snacks along to keep energy levels up while photographing (especially in case we find an amazing subject that we don't want to leave). Plan to have water or other drink available to take with you.

Schedule

At this time of the year, the days are getting shorter and the nights are correspondingly getting longer. Our best opportunities will be found early and late in the day and we will target these times, but sometimes it is worth staying out all day. The sun is relatively low in the sky and the animals often remain active during the day. We will take time to review images, especially back at the lodge in the evening. These plans are all very flexible and we can target any specific interests the group has.

Cancellation Policy

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. If a cancellation notice is received between 90 and 179 days before the workshop start date, a 50% refund of any payments made will be provided. If a cancellation notice is provided within less than 90 days of the workshop, no refund of payments made will be provided. Regardless of the cancellation notice received date, any workshop openings that are re-filled will be refunded payment in full minus a $195 administrative fee.

Let's Do This! Sign Up Now!

Email me at Bryan@Carnathan.com to sign up or ask questions!

Camera Gear Needed

Aside from a great attitude and a strong interest in learning wildlife photography, you are going to need some gear and while most cameras with a telephoto lens will work, mid-upper-grade gear should be considered for best results from this event.

When photographing bucks in rut, I am not as concerned about a fast frame rate as with some other subjects. There will be times when the fast rate is beneficial, but rut posturing is often done at slower speeds and I usually opt for higher resolution cameras. A DSLR camera or a late-model MILC (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera) should be in your bag.

A telephoto lens or lenses will be needed with a full-frame equivalent of at least 400mm (250mm on an APS-C) suggested and having longer focal lengths available will be appreciated at times. Wildlife activity is greatest early and late, so wide apertures are often an advantage and the wide aperture's ability to blur the background can be useful. Any telephoto lens can work, but there may be times when an f/4 or wider aperture is preferred. This is a great event to break out your big lenses for and it is also a great time to try a new one, perhaps via renting.

My current plan is to take the Canon EOS 5Ds R along with the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens and Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens for my primary wildlife kit with the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens (with built-in 1.4x extender) likely seeing some use. In addition, I'll take a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II in case I decide that I want the fast frame rate. I'll bring a variety of other lenses and accessories including a Black Rapid shoulder strap to carry the big lenses with.

I primarily use a monopod while photographing wildlife in this location. It is not as stable as a tripod and requires more effort to use, but it is much faster to set up and adjust. While neither are mandatory, one or both is preferred and I always take both.

We can potentially make use of a full range of landscape photography gear, including ultra-wide to wide angle lenses along with circular polarizer and neutral density filters.

Bringing a laptop is highly recommended, enabling review of your images throughout the time we have together. Bring an external hard drive for an additional level of backup. Bring adequate memory card capacity, enough batteries to last at least a day and enough chargers to restore that capability overnight.

Consider what failure of any piece of gear means for your experience and consider bringing a backup for items identified as critical.

As always, feel free to ask us for gear advice.

Weather / Clothing

The weather in late November is typically very nice, though cool, in Shenandoah National Park. However, the mountain can create its own weather and that can be at least somewhat unpredictable. Rain gear may be very appreciated at times, including rain covers for camera gear while in the field.

Plan for walking in light brush (including mild briars) and woods. The wildlife we are pursuing is acclimated to humans and they do not seem to care what we are wearing (though you might get their attention if you dress in all black like a black bear, a primary deer predator). Camo clothing is not necessary, but it is a good option. I wear mostly camo and part of the reason is to be less obvious to other park visitors, though there are not many at this time of the year.

Insects can be annoying at this location, but they are not typically bothersome in mid-November. Ticks are reportedly present, though I have yet to find one on me.

Sign Up or Ask Questions!

Contact me at Bryan@Carnathan.com.

From Rokinon:

“The Big Mini” – Small in Size but Big in Performance

(New York, New York) June 11, 2018 – The Rokinon AF 24mm F2.8 Compact Lens is the newest addition to Rokinon’s series of highly popular full frame auto focus lenses for Sony E mount cameras. This 24mm offers outstanding image quality, a wider view than the Rokinon AF 35mm F2.8, and a fast and quiet auto focus system.

The new Rokinon AF 24mm F2.8 lens was designed specically for Sony full frame mirrorless cameras with a focus on three main features: optical quality, portability, and silent autofocus. Thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques, Rokinon now offers a wider angle view without sacrificing quality or performance.

Optically, the lens is made up of 7 elements in 7 groups. Its construction has been optimally arranged for portability and to deliver high resolution from the center to the corners of the image. Three Aspherical plus two High Refractive Index elements and Rokinon’s Ultra Multi-Coating techniques are utilized to minimize chromatic aberrations and unnecessary light dispersion.

Quiet, fast and accurate auto focusing make this lens perfect for stealthy street shooing. Its weight of just about 3.3oz and its inconspicuous size make it ideal for travel. A minimum focusing distance of 9.5” and a substantial wide angle of view will make this Rokinon full frame lens the go to lens for astrophotography and landscape photography.

For the Sony Alpha a6000/a5000 series or other Sony APS-C cameras, its 24mm focal length is equivalent to approximately 36mm, providing the same features with a more moderate wide angle of view.

The Rokinon AF 24mm F2.8 Compact Lens for Sony E is expected to be available in July with a street price of only $399.00. It will include a reversible lens hood, lens caps, and a custom fitted case.

The Rokinon AF 24mm f/2.8 FE Lens for Sony E is available for preorder at B&H.

Noise test results (132 images) have been added to the Sony a7 III page.

Please note that, unless specified, the results include no noise reduction. Noise reduction can be equally applied to any image during post processing, so the without-noise reduction processing creates a better differentiator between camera models. Of course, the manufacturer can include noise reduction into the RAW file and for that there is no control.

I know, it wasn't nice to show the a7 III's ISO 204800 result. As is often the case, the highest ISO setting seems useless for most regards, but it does appear artistic. I think that you will like what you see from the more-realistic a7 III ISO settings.

Sony a7 III compared to Sony a7R III
Sony a7 III compared to Sony a7R III downsized to 24MP in Photoshop

Many other comparisons are available. Be sure to view and compare the under and over-exposed result sets to evaluate dynamic range. In that regard, it appears that the a7 III and a7R III are very similar, both very good.

The Sony a7 III is an incredibly-popular model right now and generally not available in stock unless one is willing to pay a strongly-marked-up price on eBay.

If you want to get your hands on this camera right away, consider renting it from LensRentals.com.

Otherwise, the earlier you get in line, the quicker your camera will arrive. Preorders are being taken at: B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX.

Get our coverage here:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Preorder the new lenses:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Canon Tripod Mount Ring AII(WII) for the f/4L IS II Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Preordering Canon gear as soon as it is announced is the best way to get it in your hands when it first becomes available.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

Canon Tripod Mount Ring AII(WII) for the f/4L IS II Lens: B&H | Adorama | WEX

The lens pages for just-announced Canon 70-200mm lenses are live on the site, filled with detailed information about what to expect from the new gear.

Are these new lenses minor refreshes of current models or major upgrades? Starting off with a feature upgrade list, these pages will answer that question quickly. Check them out:

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Preorder the new lenses!

CANON UPDATES LINEUP OF EF L-SERIES TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENSES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF EF 70-200MM F/4L IS II USM AND EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS III USM

Next Generation of EF 70-200mm Lenses Features a Variety of Updates Including Enhanced Optical Image Stabilization in the f/4 and the Inclusion of Air Sphere Coating in the f/2.8

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The new lenses serve advanced amateur and professional photographers in a variety of applications and solutions including wildlife, landscapes, portrait and sports photography. Canon EF 70-200mm focal-length lenses are a popular option for photographers in need of a long zoom range that maintains a relatively compact design. In addition, these updated lenses inherit the same overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect from the Canon EF L-series line of lenses.

“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM features numerous updates over its predecessor, making it an ideal lens for advanced amateur photographers using Canon DSLR cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 80D. Most notably, Optical Image Stabilization is upgraded from three stops to five shutter speed stops¹ of correction over the original f/4 lens. The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod. The new lens also features three IS modes, each uniquely designed and suitable for a variety of shooting situations, such as the capture of still subjects, panning or fast moving objects². Furthermore, the IS operational noise has been reduced, which proves ideal for photographers shooting in a concert hall or on-stage shooting at the theatre.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include:

• One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
• Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)
• Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
• Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting
• Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups
• Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an ideal lens for professional photographers who shoot with the Canon 1D and 5D series of DSLR cameras. The inclusion of Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology helps to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include:

• Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops¹ of correction
• Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
• One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
• Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)
• Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups
• Circular eight blade aperture

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2018 with an estimated retail price of $1,299.00. The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is scheduled to begin shipping in August 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2,099.00^{^}.

1 According to CIPA standards (focal length 200mm, with EOS-1D X Mark II).
2 When lens is mounted on compatible cameras.
^ Availability, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Preorder the new lenses!

 
From Canon UK:

Canon upgrades the keystone of a photographer’s kit bag - the popular 70-200mm L-series lens

London, UK, 7th June 2018 – Canon Europe has today announced an upgrade to two of its most loved and well-regarded L-series lenses, with the launch of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The 70-200mm lens has been instrumental for professional, semi-professional and photography enthusiasts for many years, thanks to the ability to easily change image composition by switching from standard to telephoto. This adaptability means both lenses can capture a wide range of subjects, from portraits to wildlife, reaffirming the pivotal role the 70-200mm lens plays in a photographer’s kit bag.

Commenting on the launch of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, Michael Burnhill, European Product Specialist, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe, said: "Following feedback from our global photography community, we are very proud to be introducing these two lenses. We are committed to delivering the best quality and performance-driven products for today’s visual storytellers to ensure we provide unsurpassable choice for photographers looking to meet their image requirements with confidence. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM epitomises the very finest in L-series optical technology, whilst being compact in size, robust and lightweight, and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM offers unbeatable performance, versatility and durability."

Superior quality, robust and compact design – the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
Built on the high standards of its predecessor, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM possesses the superior build, durability, and ergonomic design that Canon’s breadth of lenses are renowned for. Weighing just 780g, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is great for those on the move. Whether shooting on a beach, or at a wedding, this lens is guaranteed to deliver stunningly crisp images in a range of environments. The Fluorine Coating reduces dirt and water drops clinging to the lens, and Super Spectra coatings eliminate ghosting and flare. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM’s fluorite lens elements are capable of correcting colour aberrations, guaranteeing high resolution and high contrast images. This excellent and reliable image quality is invaluable in reducing time spent on post-production.

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM’s f/4 constant aperture provides consistent exposure in a range of varying lighting scenarios. The nine blades on the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM 's circular aperture create a pleasing bokeh effect, blurring the background and helping to accentuate the subject. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM comprises a new Image Stabilizer unit, based on the design of Canon’s EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, which delivers the equivalent effect of a shutter five-stops faster, compared to the previous lens' three-stopsi. This is beneficial for any shooting scenario where the camera may be jostled, such as at film premieres, or shooting wildlife on safari.

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM uses a combination of a Ring USM and a new third generation EF engine, which features a new high-performance control CPU and newly developed firmware, to drive greater speed and accuracy in achieving high-speed autofocus. The silent functioning autofocus can also be tweaked manually and allows a close focusing distance of 1m, compared to the 1.2m on its predecessor. These features make the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM perfect for unobtrusive and precise shooting, characteristics required to successfully capture street photography.

High-performance, versatile and durable – the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM replaces Canon’s flagship 70-200mm lens, enhancing the experiences of photographers using this industry leading lens. It has been designed with high-performance and robustness at its heart, ideal for a photographer who requires a high-quality telephoto lens for accurate detail. Built to meet the demands of professionals, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM’s protective seals make it an obvious choice for challenging conditions. Resistant to both moisture and dust, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM also comprises fluorine-coated front and rear elements, which are easy to clean. With the functionality photographers love, updates to the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM’s durability means it is excellent for shooting high-quality travel photography.

With its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture and eight-bladed circular diaphragm, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM opens up a world of creative options. It enables the photographer to emphasise pin-sharp subjects against a silky smooth, out-of-focus background. Thanks to its first-class fluorite and UD optics, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers high contrast and excellent resolution. When using this lens, a photographer can be confident that they can achieve the perfect shot. Shooting in low light is also no problem for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, thanks to its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, which is constant throughout the zoom range and lets in twice as much light as an f/4 lens.

Camera shake isn’t something users of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM should be concerned about as a 3.5-stop Image Stabilizer compensates any blur caused by movement. A ring-type USM motor offers silent autofocus at outstanding speeds, and manual adjustments can be made at any time with a simple twist of the focus ring. These features make the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM an exceptional lens for perfectly, and quietly, capturing animals in their natural habitat.

EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM - Key Features

• Versatile 70-200mm zoom range
• Constant f/4 max aperture
• Ring-type USM focusing
• 5-stop Image Stabilizer
• Highly portable, weighs just 780g

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM - Key Features

• Versatile 70-200mm zoom range
• Constant f/2.8 max aperture
• Ring-type USM focusing
• 3.5-stop Image Stabilizer
• Tough, weather-proof construction

i Measured using the CIPA standard at 200mm.

Preorder the new lenses!

From Canon USA:

Thank you for using Canon products.

We have determined that a recording error may occur with the EOS C200 / C200B. The details of the phenomenon and support plan are described below.

Preparations are underway to incorporate improvements/revisions for the phenomenon into the latest Firmware for the EOS C200 / C200B. Once this Firmware is available for download, we will make an announcement on our website.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to customers, and we ask for your ongoing patience.

Phenomena

Image quality degradation, such as color misalignment or edge distortion, may occur in the recorded footage when using the following combination of settings:

• recording format XF-AVC
• frame rate 59.94i / 50.00i
• 1920x1080 resolution

Workaround

Users should use a configuration that does not include the settings listed above, although we acknowledge that this may not be possible for all users.

Note: This Phenomenon only affects internally recorded footage. Output signals from the output terminals are not affected.

Affected Products

• EOS C200 / C200B Digital Cinema Cameras equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.3.1.00 are affected.

Support

Firmware Version 1.0.3.1.00 has been removed from Canon’s Web site. The new Firmware is scheduled to be released mid-June 2018.

If you have not already done so, please register the EOS C200/C200B. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email about future announcements.

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.

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

From Manfrotto:

Three premium models are being added to the award winning traveler collection including: Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber, Befree Live Carbon Fiber and the brand new Befree GT.

Upper Saddle River, NJ, June 5, 2018 - Manfrotto, the world leader in the photography, imaging equipment, and accessories adds three new solutions for travel photography and videography. With the release of the carbon fiber versions of the Befree Advanced, the Befree Live, and the new Befree GT family, Manfrotto continues to create for professionals on the go, blending maximum portability and stability.

Manfrotto’s Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber travel tripod features carbon fiber legs that ensure best-in-class performance, support, and rigidity. When trekking for miles to get that unique shot, every ounce in your pack matters and the Befree Advanced Carbon delivers top-notch stability while weighing just 2.75lbs. Like the aluminum version, this new model features Manfrotto’s updated 494 Center Ball Head with friction control. Manfrotto’s brand new Befree GT travel tripod, available in aluminum and carbon fiber, meets the highest expectations of professional photographers who want maximum performance even when they are traveling. The ergonomic design, inherited from the Befree Advanced, is the perfect combination of portability and impressive stability, folding down to 17 inches yet ensures flawless operation with up to 22 lbs of equipment. The Befree GT mounts the new Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head with fiction control providing higher performance in terms of capacity and precision. Both the Befree Advanced Carbon and the Befree GT models feature the M-lock, the new twist lock developed by Manfrotto that enhances compactness and speed of use, making them the perfect solution to carry in a backpack and quickly set up. Moreover, both tripods feature the ergonomic leg-angle selectors, which can be set to three independent angles and are designed to operate easily with either left or right hand. The lightweight, solid spider features the Easy Link like Manfrotto’s professional 190 & 055 tripods, allowing photographers to boost their creativity by adding accessories such as lights, reflectors, or monitors. These new models mount a unique plate, the 200PL-PRO, which makes them fully compatible with the world’s most widespread standard head attachments: Manfrotto RC2 and Arca-swiss style.

Manfrotto’s Befree Live Carbon Fiber completes the range with a solution independent content creators have been eagerly waiting for: a lightweight, ergonomic video travel tripod, built to record amazing video footage using DSLRs, compact system cameras or small camcorders. This model’s small size and minimal weight, just 3lbs, does not compromise sturdiness or image quality. The Befree Live Carbon has the same new tripod legs as the photographic Befree Advanced Carbon with an added feature of a leveling column allowing for a horizontal set up on uneven surfaces. This model features the Befree Live Fluid Head, which has a fluid drag system on pan and tilt and keeps the camera perfectly balanced thanks to its sliding video plate. Easy to use and set up, the Befree Live Fluid Head has two intuitive knobs that lock and unlock the head’s pan and tilt movements separately. This outstanding kit allows videographers to express their creative nature with the confidence of a professional solution they can rely on.

Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber, Befree GT Aluminum and Befree GT Carbon Fiber are available at authorized Manfrotto Dealers. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber will be available late June.

B&H has the following Manfrotto Tripods in stock:

• Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber
• Befree GT Carbon Fiber
• Befree GT Aluminum