Canon and Sony News for Apr 2019 (Page 4)

Just Posted: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Edition Variable ND Filter Review.

Definitely check out these just-announced, high-grade and highly-useful filters.

The PolarPro Variable ND Filter will be in stock soon at Amazon.

The Sigma Art Prime Lenses have been added to the site's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool.

I'll share my favorite chart in this post. The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens results will get most of us drooling.

Feel free to share which Art lens produced your favorite MTF results.

Sigma has announced that its 28mm F1.4 DG HSM in Sony E-mount is scheduled to start shipping later this month.

Note that the biggest downside of the Sigma 28mm Art Lens – AF performance – is avoided when the lens is used on mirrorless cameras (or in Live View on DSLRs), and what you're left with is an extremely high quality lens with excellent image quality.

Preorders:

SIGMA 28mm F1.4 DG HSM for Sony E-mount – B&H | Adorama

From Benro:

Benro BVX consists of two new professional heavy-duty carbon fiber video tripod and head combinations:

The BVX16CFK provides 8-steps of counterbalance (steps 1-8) and the BVX25CFK has 16 individual steps of counterbalance allowing you to dial in the right amount of counterbalance required for each setup. Each step is repeatable which helps save time when changing lenses or adding accessories. The pan drag and tilt drag mechanisms each provide 6 individual steps (1-6) of drag adjustment to help fine tune the smooth movements. A sliding top plate with a snap-in style quick release can be shifted forward or backward to help properly balance your camera rig.

“After years of our customers requesting a video tripod that could support heavier payloads for things like teleprompters or beefy camera rigs with long lenses, Benro has delivered just that. We’re super pleased with the way the product turned out and so are the pros that have been testing it for months on the road.”

- Brian Hynes, Brand Manager

BVX16CFK Features & Benefits:

• 8-step counterbalance - Dial in the right amount of counterbalance required for each setup. Each step is repeatable which helps save time when changing lenses or adding accessories.
• Supports Heavy Payloads - The BVX16H video head supports up to 35 lb (16 kg) and the 100mm bowl tripod has a maximum load capacity of 132 lb (60 kg).
• Sliding Top Plate - The sliding top plate with a snap-in style quick release can be shifted forward or backward to help properly balance your camera rig.
• Carbon Fiber Legs - The carbon fiber tripod is a 2 stage, 3 section tandem style which incorporates a 100mm bowl.
• Carry Case & Floor Spreader Included – A floor spreader, a telescoping pan arm and a padded carrying case are included in the box.

BVX25CFK Features & Benefits:

• 16-step counterbalance - Dial in the right amount of counterbalance required for each setup. Each step is repeatable which helps save time when changing lenses or adding accessories.
• Supports Heavy Payloads - The BVX25H video head supports up to 55 lb (25 kg) and the 100mm bowl tripod has a maximum load capacity of 132 lb (60 kg).
• Sliding Top Plate - The sliding top plate with a snap-in style quick release can be shifted forward or backward to help properly balance your camera rig.
• Carbon Fiber Legs - The carbon fiber tripod is a 2 stage, 3 section tandem style which incorporates a 100mm bowl.
• Carry Case & Floor Spreader Included – A floor spreader, a telescoping pan arm and a padded carrying case are included in the box.

B&H carries the Benro BVX tripods.

Image quality test results from a second lens copy have been added to the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.

The Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

Save $480.00: B&H has a 9+-rated used Canon EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-105mm Lens in stock.

The newest version of Adobe Camera Raw adds support for the Canon EOS RP as well as a few Panasonic cameras.

Newly Supported Cameras in Adobe Camera RAW (April 2019)

• Canon EOS RP
• Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ1000M2 (DC-FZ10002)
• Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1
• Panasonic LUMIX DC-S1R
• Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS80 (DC-TZ95, DC-TZ96, DC-TZ97)

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

B&H has the Rode Wireless GO Compact Wireless Microphone System available for preorder with free expedited shipping.

This looks to be a very interesting and welcomed addition to the [usually costly] wireless microphone market space.

• For Mobile Journalist, Videographer
• Built-In Omni Mic & 3.5mm Mic Input
• Miniature Clip-On Transmitter
• Miniature Clip-On Receiver
• Easy Setup with No Menus
• Three Adjustable Gain Settings
• 7-Hr Rechargeable Batteries + USB Power
• Bright, Informative LCD Screen
• Battery Status & Audio Level on Display
• Up to 8 Mics on Set / 230' Range

From Canon USA:

The Company’s First Set of PL-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses Merge the Art and Science of Cinematography

MELVILLE, NY, April 3, 2019 – Covering the core range of focal lengths that cinema professionals desire, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is excited to announce the company’s first set of seven cinema prime PL-Mount lenses, aptly named Sumire Prime. Pronounced “Soo-mee-ray,” the word is of Japanese origin and is associated with a floral gentleness and beauty. Sumire Prime Lenses offer a unique artistically pleasing look with gentle and beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh, designed for use with large-sensor cinema cameras, including 35mm full-frame cameras such as the EOS C700FF Cinema Camera.

In addition to bright T-stops and Canon’s renowned warm-color imagery, a unique optical design introduces a nuanced look as the lens aperture approaches its maximum setting - subtly modifying the textural renderings of the human face closeup. It also smooths the transition to the fall-off portions of the scene resulting in a pleasing bokeh. This combination adds emotional expressiveness and provides creative flexibility to create a memorable scene.

The new set of seven Canon Sumire Prime Cinema Lenses include the following:

• CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X
• CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X
• CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X
• CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X
• CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X

All Sumire Prime lenses feature an 11-bladed iris and bright T-stops that allow users to capture images that feature a more natural circular-like bokeh from both maximum to minimum aperture. The use of an odd number of iris blades also helps to diffuse light rays and produce what is generally considered a more sought after, artistically pleasing and cinematic look with warmer colors. The lenses also achieve uniform color balance throughout the lineup, helping to reduce the need for post grading, even when a production is frequently changing lenses.

The highly durable Sumire Prime lenses feature the same outstanding operability and reduced focus breathing as Canon’s well-established EF-Mount Cinema Prime Lenses. Manual operation provides users with the resistance they desire to make precise changes in focus. A 300-degree focus rotation angle and gear position is consistent across the entire Sumire Prime series of lenses - eliminating the need to adjust gear positions when changing lenses.

“The new Sumire Prime lenses are the perfect blend of science and art,” says cinematographer Matt Porwoll, who shot the first U.S. footage with the lenses. “The bokeh comes alive in ways that weren’t occurring with other lenses I’ve used. Lens flares have a dynamic feel to them, rather than behaving in a formulaic manner. I wish I had these on my last project!”

The Sumire Prime Lenses are compatible with the complete lineup of Canon Cinema EOS full-frame and Super 35mm 4K cameras, including the EOS C700 FF, EOS C300 Mark II and EOS C200. In addition to Canon cameras, the new lenses are also compatible with the latest full-frame and Super 35mm PL-mount cameras from leading manufacturers. Additionally, the mount on the Sumire Prime Lenses is interchangeable and can be converted from PL-Mount to EF-Mount at a Canon Factory Service & Repair center. A Canon representative will be able to perform the service or even revert back to original PL-mount upon request at an additional cost*.

Availability*

The Canon CN-E24mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E35mm T1.5 FP X, CN-E50mm T1.3 FP X and CN-E85mm T1.3 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Summer 2019. The Canon CN-E14mm T3.1 FP X lens is scheduled to be available in Fall 2019. The Canon CN-E20mm T1.5 FP X and CN-E135mm T2.2 FP X lenses are scheduled to be available in Winter 2019/Spring 2020.

B&H has the Canon Sumire Cinema Prime Lenses available for preorder.

* Specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

B&H has the Phottix Juno TTL Flash for Canon available for preorder with an expected availability date of Apr 18, 2019.

Product Highlights

• Built-In Multi-Camera TTL Protocols
• Commander Mode Fires Other Phottix Gear
• Guide Number: 197' at ISO 100 and 200mm
• Recycle Time: 0.1-3 Seconds
• Zoom Range: 20-200mm (14mm with Panel)
• PC Sync Port; 1/4"-20 Mounting Thread
• Uses 4 AA Batteries or Canon CP-E4 Pack

by Sean Setters

My wife, Alexis, rarely asks me to take a photo for her. She is generally satisfied with documenting everyday life with her smartphone, so when she asks me to photograph a particular subject, I usually take notice and fulfill the request as soon as possible. But I admit to dragging my feet a bit when my wife noticed one of her aloe plants blooming and said, "You should take a picture of that."

Personally speaking, I didn't find the aloe plant's bloom to be very intriguing, which is probably why I didn't immediately rush to photograph it. It doesn't feature colorful petals or otherwise interesting elements that typically make blooms ideal photographic subjects. To my eye, the aloe bloom's shape reminds me of a tall, thin pine tree, a not-very-compelling subject, especially considering the background context provided by my back yard (again, not very photogenic). However, when my wife sent me a reminder the following morning, "You should take a pic of that aloe bloom!," her use of an exclamation point was a clear sign that she was very serious about the suggestion. So, I dropped what I was doing to satisfy her request.

To photograph the bloom, I moved the aloe plant's pot from the back porch to a spot in the yard where sunlight would be hitting the bloom but not the background, allowing me to use the difference in luminosity to make the subject stand out. With the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro mounted to my Canon EOS 5D Mark III, I also used a wide f/2.8 aperture and a distant background to further accentuate the subject/background separation. Other than moving the plant (which was actually quite cumbersome and somewhat heavy), the image was relatively simple to capture. I proudly sent her the result of my efforts, having precisely fulfilled her request.

First, she hadn't asked for a photo of the plant with the bloom. She had twice asked for a picture of the bloom. Plus, from my perspective, the plant doesn't change very much day-to-day. If she wants to see the plant, she can just open back door and walk the 10 paces to its home on the porch. The bloom was what made the plant different from its typical appearance, that is what she asked me to photograph and that is indeed what I documented.

But that's not what she – in this case, the client – wanted. And if I had been more inquisitive from the get-go, I would have had more context and could have discerned exactly what she desired in the image. As it turns out, this particular aloe plant used to be her grandmother's who passed away a couple of years ago. And in all the years her grandmother owned the plant, the family had never known it to bloom. So while the bloom was indeed special, the plant itself garnered feelings of great sentiment, giving the bloom much more important context.

After realizing exactly what my wife wanted, I dragged the plant into my studio for a formal portrait session involving three studio lights, two shoe-mount flashes and my favorite mottled gray collapsible background. So why not photograph the plant outside? Because the increased camera-to-subject distance would require an increased subject-to-background distance to achieve a similar background blur, and the background distance, in this case, wasn't variable. I was already using nearly the full width of my backyard when I photographed the isolated bloom; photographing the whole plant would have left the backyard – including my neighbor's house and fence – too recognizable.

The resulting studio image can be seen below.

Of course, the initial failure to capture what my wife really wanted did not have devastating consequences as I was able to rectify the situation with another (more complex) photo shoot the following day. However, the lesson learned from this ordeal is quite clear, and it will surely pay more tangible dividends down the line. Don't take seemingly simple requests at face value; always dig deeper to ascertain the precise needs of your client, potentially avoiding the wasted time, effort, frustration – and dissatisfaction – resulting from not fulfilling those needs the first time around.

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

Photographer Tim Grey gives us some HDR photography tips & tricks and discusses how to use Adobe Lightroom to combine multiple images into a single, more detailed high-dynamic-range photo. Tim also demonstrates the use of Auto Align and de-ghost features to best process your HDR images in post.

Roger Cicala over at Lensrentals has spent years perfecting his lens MTF testing procedures and has begun sharing the results of his work with us. The-Digital-Picture.com's Camera Lens MTF Measurements Comparison Tool has been refreshed with the latest results, currently including Canon and Zeiss prime lenses with many more results coming soon.

Note that only wide-open aperture results will be shared. Zoom lenses will have results for multiple focal lengths.

Please share!

Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R have been added to the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Review.

As I said before, there were some comparisons that I wanted to see and with an EOS R now in the kit, it is time to make some of them happen. With the EOS R test chart results from another of my favorite lenses, the EF 24-70 f/2.8L II, now loaded on the site, here is the next one:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens compared to Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens.

I think you'll be impressed with the RF lens' wide open performance in this comparison.

The 28-70mm f/2 RF lens mounted to an EOS R was my primary combination for photographing a large-arena concert on Saturday night (with media access). The large size and relatively heavy weight of the lens were not issues for the 5-hour event, especially with a BlackRapid Sport Breathe Camera Strap taking the weight during breaks. Having the f/2 aperture available in a solid focal length range made a huge difference in capturing fast-moving performers in low light. And, the image quality of the results is excellent.

I should also mention that I love the EOS R's Touch & Drag AF feature. I find it much faster than using a joystick and going back and forth between the R and my secondary camera made this difference especially obvious.

The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens from Lensrentals.

The Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 28-70mm F2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.