Canon and Sony News for May 2019 (Page 5)

An ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is one of the most used lenses in most kits and that means Canon having a high-performing 16-35mm lens in their lineup is a big deal. That we get to choose between two incredible L-class options or, better yet, include both in our kits is an even bigger deal. Either way, there is a choice to be made, either at purchase time or at select-for-use time.

For lens selection, image quality typically has very high importance and in this comparison, both lenses are performing very impressively with the III delivering slightly better image quality at f/2.8 than the f/4L IS does at f/4. Stopped down, I don't see image quality factoring into this decision process.

The significant differentiators are that the f/2.8 L III lens has a twice-as-wide max aperture, a roughly twice-as-high price tag and is lacking the image stabilization feature.

The wider aperture means that subject motion can be stopped in lower light levels with faster shutter speeds and/or lower ISO settings being used. A wider aperture means that a shallower depth of field is available and a stronger background blur can be created. Wide-angle focal lengths are not optimal for creating blurred backgrounds, but there is still a difference between f/2.8 and f/4 in this regard. When used at narrow apertures, wide aperture lenses will typically create larger starburst effects from bright lights than narrower max-aperture lenses. While there are many that do not care about this difference, it is a significant decision factor for some of us.

Make the aperture twice as wide and the lens elements and package holding them need to be scaled-up similarly. An f/2.8 lens typically has a larger size and heavier weight than an f/4 lens. In this case, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III vs. EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens specs comparison shows the f/2.8 III weighing a modest 6 oz (175g) heavier (27.9 vs. 21.7 oz / 790 vs. 615g) and measuring a bit larger, 3.5 x 5.0" vs. 3.3 x 4.4" (88.5 x 127.5mm vs. 82.6 x 112.8mm). The larger size means that the f/2.8L III has larger filter threads — 82mm vs. 77mm.

The increased cost factor is directly related to the increased size of the lens elements and other parts and the aperture opening size-difference-to-price-ratio holds solid.

When shooting from a solid tripod, image stabilization typically has no realized benefit in this class of lens. When the tripod needs to be left behind, for convenience, for comfort, for shooting speed reasons, etc., image stabilization can quickly become far more important than a wide aperture. The f/4L IS lens' 4-stop image stabilization system significantly surpasses the 1-stop aperture difference when shooting handheld and not trying to freeze fast subject motion, giving the IS lens a great versatility advantage.

Making the Decision

If your budget does not reach to the f/2.8L III, your decision is made. Get the f/4L IS lens. It is awesome and few will regret buying it.

If sports action and low light events are on your photography list, the f/2.8L III lens is the right option. The same option should be selected when the maximum background blur is desired.

If leaving the tripod behind, the f/4L IS is usually going to be the right option. Those carrying a lens a significant amount of time, such as when backpacking, will appreciate the f/4L IS' modestly lighter weight and smaller size.

Those interested in photographing the night sky, a form of action photography, will definitely want the f/2.8L III lens as will those looking to create the biggest stars from point light sources, a common desire for cityscape photography during the blue hour or after dark. Otherwise, the f/4L IS is going to serve most landscape photographers perfectly.

Those who want the absolute best image quality should opt for the f/2.8L III.

Having both of these lenses is, of course, the ultimate option, but again, the decision regarding which to select for use must still be made.

More Information

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens Review
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Review

Buy or Rent Now

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX | Lensrentals

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens: B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX | Lensrentals

From PiXimperfect YouTube Channel:

PSD Files Taking Too Long to Open? Learn how to open a merged copy of you entire file in 1-2 seconds! In this tutorial, we will learn a Photoshop shortcut to read the composite data and open a flattened version of the image instantly.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

From Think Tank Photo:

SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA – Get deeper into the backcountry with the MindShift BackLight Elite 45L backpack from Think Tank Photo. Forty-five liters of internal volume provides ample room for a combination of photo/personal gear and dedicated laptop/tablet. External attachment points accommodate adventure equipment such as a static rope, set of axes, snowboard/skis, and of course, a tripod.

Weather-resistant zippers and materials protect your gear when trekking in extreme environments. And like the other BackLight backpacks, rear-panel access adds security when traveling since your camera gear is protected behind your back. Built “Mountain Tuff” for protection against the elements, the BackLight Elite 45L features YKK AquaGuard zippers and waterproof/tearproof sailcloth, robust lumbar padding, and a quick-dry back panel for increased ventilation. Elite outdoor photographer, Dan Carr, rigorously tested the pack claiming, “The Backlight Elite 45 is the rugged companion for every adventure.”

“We paid special attention to the needs of backcountry photographers while designing the Elite 45L,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank CEO and Lead Designer. “In design, fit, protection, and durability, the BackLight Elite 45L stands up to the demands of outdoor photo expeditions like no other bag we have ever released.”

KEY FEATURES

• Storm-resistant construction with YKK AquaGuard zippers and
• terproof/tearproof Sailcloth
• Superior Fit: Robust lumbar padding, hip-hugging waist belt, quick-dry back
• nel, and foam ridges for increased ventilation
• Back and top panel access to all of your camera gear, allowing you to work out
• your bag without getting your harness dirty or wet
• Aluminum internal frame supports the load and keeps it in place
• Dedicated compartments fit up to a 17” laptop and a 10” tablet
• Meets most international and U.S. carry-on requirements*
• Advanced Airflow: Dual-density, honeycomb mesh shoulder straps
• Includes tripod/monopod mounting system on front or side
• Trekking capacity! Front pockets totaling 17L carry personal gear for a day’s outing:
• tra layers, a jacket, food, etc.
• Hydration reservoir ready (reservoir not included)
• 2 large water bottle pockets with cinch cord fit 32 oz. water bottles
• Snowboard or ski carry with tuck-away, protected edge lash straps
• Top-lid converts into a belt pack with the removable waist belt
• Waterproof, heavy-duty Tarpaulin base
• Seam-sealed, brown colored rain cover blends in with the environment
• Removable camera compartment with emergency shoulder straps to avoid gate check
• Removable waist belt for ease when traveling
• Expandable capacity on all five sides with daisy chain, ice axe loops and additional
• sh points
• Compatible with the MindShift Tripod Suspension Kit, Filter Nest/Hive & Switch Case

WHAT FITS - Sample gear packs

• Nikon D3S attached to 70–200mm f/2.8, SB-910 Speedlight, 105mm f/2.8 Macro,
• gma 35mm f/1.4 ART, 50 f/1.4, Filter Nest Mini, 24–70mm f/2.8, 14–24mm f/2.8
• Canon 1DX attached to 70–200mm f/2.8, GoPro Hero 5, DJI Mavic Pro, Mavic
• ntroller, 24–70mm f/2.8, 16–35mm f/2.8, 90mm f/2.8 TS-E
• Sony A7R II attached to 24–70mm f/2.8 GM, GoPro Hero 5, DJI Mavic Pro, Mavic
• ntroller, Filter Nest Mini, A7R II attached to 16–35mm f/4
• Holds a gripped Nikon DSLR and a 600mm f/4 FL ED VR 70–200mm f/2.8 GM, 90mm
• 2.8 Macro
• Canon 1DX attached to 24–70mm f/2.8, GoPro Hero 5, 85mm f/1.8, 90mm f/2.8 TS-E,
• X attached to 16–35mm f/2.8, 70–200mm f/2.8, 2x Teleconverter
• Nikon D3S attached to Sigma 150–600mm f/5-6.3 Sport, SB-910 Speedlight

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has highestquality weather-resistant YKK AquaGuard zippers, high-performance Sailcloth, 420D rip-stop nylon, 320G UltraStretch mesh, ribbed and perforated dual-density foam, 350G airmesh, honeycomb airmesh, perforated closed-cell foam, heavy-duty nylon tarpaulin, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: 200D polyester, hexa-mesh pockets, high-density closed-cell foam, PE board reinforcement, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Exterior Dimensions (travel mode*): 13” W x 23.5” H x 8” D (33 x 59.7 x 20.3 cm)
Camera Compartment: 11.4” W x 19.3” H x 6.8” D (29 x 49 x 17.3 cm)
Laptop Pocket: 11.2” W x 16.1” H x 1”D (28.5 x 41 x 2.5 cm)
Tablet: 0.6” W x 10.2” H x 0.6” D (27 x 26 x 1.5 cm)
Total Volume: 45L
Weight: 3.9–7.0 lbs. (1.8–3.2 kg)

Think Tank Photo has the BackLight Elite 45L Camera Backpack in stock with free shipping and a free gift when you use our link for your purchase.

In its latest marketing video, Tamron gives its new 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD the moniker, "The Portrait Zoom." And in focal length regards, there's certainly something to that. The lens contains many of the most popular prime focal lengths for shooting portraiture, including 35, 50, 85, 100/105 and 135mm (and all are conveniently marked on the zoom ring). We don't know what the precise max aperture step-down for this lens is yet, but it's safe to say that the Tamron 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD's max aperture will lag behind popular prime lenses anywhere from 1-3 stops at comparable focal lengths. That said, the Tamron 35-150's total focal length range, moderately-wide max aperture range and price point that's significantly less than a bag full of primes should make it an intriguing option for many [especially budget] photographers' portrait needs.

Preorders: B&H | Adorama