Canon and Sony News for Jun 2016 (Page 7)

The Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Macro Lens is now listed as discontinued at B&H. It is also unavailable at Adorama and is not in stock at the Canon USA store.

Does this mean a replacement is on the horizon? Or was this option in Canon's lineup deemed unworthy of replacement?

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

by Sean Setters

I've always wanted to photograph butterflies, but my lack of patience and my general inability to find them meant that butterflies were never a subject featured in my portfolio.

However, while traveling through New England last week, I stopped by the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory and Gardens in South Deerfield, MA. I quickly realized that visiting a butterfly conservatory was the perfect way to quickly gain experience with butterfly photography and bolster my portfolio with images of the beautifully-winged creatures.

The Magic Wings Conservatory is an 8,000 square foot facility housing roughly 4,000 butterflies featuring several dozen individual species (the exact number of species depends on the season). The admission fee for visiting the conservatory is $14.00 and is good for an entire day of re-entry (the admission fee for children is less). Note that this particular facility does not allow tripods or monopods to be used in its conservatory.

It's actually quite difficult to aptly describe the experience of walking into a beautiful garden inhabited by thousands of butterflies of all shapes and sizes, as words like "amazing" and "dream-like" don't seem to really do it justice. But if you have the chance to experience it, as a photographer or simply a curious visitor, don't miss out on the opportunity.

From a photography perspective, a butterfly conservatory gives you ample opportunities to create beautiful and inspiring butterfly images. The experience and images gained from photographing butterflies in a conservatory would likely require years to garner in the wild, allowing you to easily bolstering your portfolio in a single afternoon.

You might think that photographing butterflies in captivity is much like photographing wildlife in zoos (which can be difficult if trying to eliminate man-made elements in your frame), but because butterflies are so small and backgrounds (and any man-made elements within those backgrounds) can easily be thrown well out of focus, images captured in a conservatory will likely be indistinguishable from those captured in the wild.

For my trip to the Magic Wings Conservatory, I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with an EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro. In this case, I chose the 7D Mark II over the 5D Mark III because I had forgotten to pack my BlackRapid Strap (which can be conveniently switched between bodies) and the neck strap that Bryan had loaned me was already attached to the 7D II. The EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM would have been a better lens for this particular endeavor, but... I originally invested in the non-L version of the macro because I rarely shoot macros handheld (and IS would have certainly come in handy here). Another item I wish I had packed for my trip was the RoundFlash Magnetic Ringflash Adapter, but when packing I did not envision needing the rather highly-specialized light modifier for the trip. Other lighting options well-suited for this type of photography include the Canon Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite.

The conservatory I visited featured nicely diffused light thanks to the water vapor adorned the inside of the large windows. But "nicely diffused" doesn't necessarily mean "plentiful," even when bright sunlight is hitting the building. One particular issue with lighting is that butterflies often like to attach themselves to the underside of leaves or to the top of leaves with additional leaves shading them. The great thing about a conservatory is that your chances of catching a butterfly in great light is extremely high, so a small amount of patience goes a long way.

For the photos accompanying this afticle, I was using an f/3.2 or f/3.5 aperture in Av mode with an ISO of 1000 or 1250 to obtain shutter speeds that were fast enough to counteract camera shake and freeze movement. Images were post-processed in Lightroom CC.

Word of warning: If you open your camera bag to change lenses or retrieve gear, be sure that there are no stowaways when you exit the facility. I checked myself thoroughly before leaving the facility to make sure that there were no butterflies attached to my clothing. However, as I proceeded to detach the lens from my camera and put both items in my camera bag, a butterfly flew out of my Lowepro NovaSport 35L AW. I had to [sheepishly] alert the staff to the butterfly escapee.

Are you excited to gain lots of experience in butterfly photography? There are plenty of butterfly conservatories in North America. Here are just a few I found:

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
2565 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0, Canada

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
1316 Duval Street, Key West, FL 33040

The American Museum of Natural History Butterfly Exhibit
(Open September 5, 2015 - May 30, 2016)
Central Park West at 79th Street, New York, NY 10024-5192

Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory
281 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA 01373

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Pavilion of Wings Exhibit
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

There are many others, of course. You can find a more extensive list organized by state here. Be sure to research in advance to ensure the exhibit will be open during your planned visit.

Do you have a favorite butterfly conservatory? If so, share your location experience in the comments!

From B&H:

When creating video content, it’s important to know some rules to make your shoot goes smoothly and looks great. Fundamentals such as the rule of thirds, and the 180° rule are essential to understanding how to shoot better looking video. As you grow, you can always look back at these ideas and build from there.

B&H carries all the gear you need to create high quality videos.

From Westcott:

NEW Flex LED light panels
The Flex lighting system is at the cutting­edge of LED light technology. Pliable, weather­resistant and dimmable the Flex LED panels produce an outstanding, consistent and flicker­free light that is ideal for filmmakers and photographers. Their lightweight and 1/4” thin moldable framework allows you to shape the light in unique ways, delivering up to a 360-degree spread of light. Flex LED panels can also be paired with the Scrim Jim Cine modular frame system to provide a powerful, adaptable and professional lighting set­up for any situation. Available in Daylight (5600K) and Bi­Colour (2800K ­ 6000K) options, and in a range of sizes from 10”x3” to 2’ x2’, Westcott has the widest range of sizes. As the Flex LED light panels can be rolled or folded they are highly portable for easy and lightweight travel.

NEW Scrim Jim Cine System
Scrim Jim Cine is an ultralight modular frame system that allows you to shape, block and modify light with more control than ever before. The anodised aluminium framework can be easily assembled mounted and skinned to light any situation. The wide variety of self­locking connecting pieces allows for any number of frame configurations such as booklights, diffusion boxes, floppy cutters and more and the built­in 3/8­16 thread makes mounting the frames quick and easy. Combined with a large variety of Diffusion and Grid cloths and a range of bounce fabrics, plus compatibility with the Westcott Flex LED Panel range, nothing gives you more control over your lighting than the Scrim Jim Cine modular system.

Westcott App for Ice Light 2
Remotely control your Ice Light 2 with the new Westcott App. Utilising the integrated Bluetooth capability of the Ice Light 2, you can connect your iOS device to up to 10 individual Ice Lights and control them all via the app. You can assign each of your lights its own custom name and swipe easily between them to adjust their individual brightness, as well as monitor battery life, providing easy wireless light control for your shoots.

Watch this video to find out more: Westcott App Promo (embedded above).

B&H carries the Westcott Flex LED Light Panelsand Scrim Jim Cine components.

From Canon Europe:

Motorsport photographer Frits van Eldik is one of the world’s best at capturing fast moving subjects. His camera needs to perform just as fast as he does. He shares his thoughts on the EOS-1D X Mark II's ability to capture every single moment.

B&H has the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II available for preorder.

Image quality results from the Canon EOS 5Ds R have been added to the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens Review.

I'll get your comparisons started.

B&H has the Canon EF 100mm f/2 USM Lens in stock.

According to the Egami Blog, Canon has filed an optical formula patent for an EF 1000mm f/5.6 DO lens.

Incorporating diffractive optics into a 1000mm lens sounds like a match made in heaven. The patent details mention Tokyo's Oympic Games in 2020 which seems to indicate Canon's anticipated launch window for the lens.

Patent Details

• Patent Publication No. 2016-102852
• Published 2016.6.2
• Filing date 2014.11.27
• Zoom ratio 1.00
• Focal length 950.00
• F-number 5.80
• Angle of view 1.30
• Image height 21.64
• Overall length of the lens 485.94
• BF 0.40

While providing a review of the Transcend CFast 2.0 Memory Card, I share my memory card selection thought process. The RCSP acronym is what you need to consider.

B&H has the Transcend CFast 2.0 Memory Card in stock.

From Tamron:

Notice about compatibility between Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Tamron lens products (about functions on Lens aberration correction)

When using a Tamron lens with the newly released Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera, please turn OFF the “Lens aberration correction” function included in the camera’s menu prior to use.

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A notice regarding compatibility issue with the EOS-1D X Mark II and availability of firmware update service (about AF functions on Live View mode)

We wish to notify you that the AF functions of the following interchangeable lenses for Canon, which have been produced before May 11th, 2015 and have not had firmware updates installed by Tamron, do not function in Live View mode when used on the EOS-1D X Mark II which went on sale on April 28th, 2016 in Japan.

*Please see the below links for the previous firmware update service announcements regarding the EOS Rebel T6s/EOS 760D (EOS 8000D) / the EOS Rebel T6i/ EOS 750D (EOS Kiss X8i), the EOS 5Ds / the EOS 5DsR, the EOS 80D, and the firmware update service for SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) for panning shot.

• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508_3.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0622_3.html
• http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2016/0406.html

We sincerely apologize to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience the issue may cause.

Affected models

Interchangeable lenses for Canon which have been produced before May 11th

• SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
• SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
• SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
• SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
• 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
• 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)

Firmware update will not be required for those lenses produced after May 11st, 2015 (serial numbers).

Please check the serial number from the links below.

• SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
• SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
• SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
• SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
• 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
• 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)

For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.

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Firmware update service is now available for SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (F013)

Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses.

Thank you for using Tamron products.

We wish to notify you that we will perform updating of the firmware for our SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8Di VC USD (Model F013) lens products.

Affected models

• SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) for Nikon, Canon
• SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) for Nikon, Canon

Serial numbers

Firmware update will not be required for those serial numbers. Please check the serial numbers from the link here.

Firmware Update Improvements

1. You will now be able to use TAP-in Console (optional and sold separately) with the lens products above. (for Nikon and Canon)
2. Corrected the issue of exposure becoming unstable under certain conditions when using these lenses with either the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or EOS 80D. (for Canon)

How to update the firmware

For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.

Just posted: Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro F017 Lens Review

Nice lens!

B&H has the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro F017 Lens in stock with a 5% reward.

From the Canon USA YouTube Channel:

When it comes to photographing your favorite moments, there’s no one perfect lens that captures them all. Learn about the variety of interchangeable lenses Canon provides, and how you can use them to capture and create long-lasting memories.

Want to know more about the various lenses Canon makes? Try checking out the wealth of information here. :-) [Sean]

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

Color is not simply a physical property of an object. It is the relationship between light, an object, and an observer. Our brains manage and process this information at amazing speeds, leading us to barely even notice the conclusions and the adaptations that they have made. But, these same wonderfully adaptive qualities of our eyes can trip us up when we are capturing color or even simply trying to remember a color precisely. Understanding color perception can help you to get accurate capture-to-print matching, understand the pitfalls of color correction and even to pick out the exact perfect shade of paint for your walls.

Read the entire article on the Canon Digital Learning Center.

From Sigma:

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We have found that some SIGMA interchangeable lenses for CANON are not fully compatible with CANON EOS-1DX Mark II, which was released on April 28th. When certain lenses are attached to this camera, exposure of the image may not be accurate.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we will make a further announcement on our website when specific details are finalized. In addition, please also refer to the below usage notice related to this announcement.

[Phenomenon]
When the lenses listed below are used and either “Evaluative Metering” or “Center-weighted Average Metering” is selected in Metering Mode of the camera, the image could show some underexposure.

[Products concerned]

• SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

We are currently working on the firmware update for respective lenses, and the release dates will be announced later.

Usage Notice for customers who are using EOS mount SIGMA lenses on a CANON EOS-1DX Mark II

• MO (Manual Override) function is unavailable with this camera (Full-time Manual function can be offered).
• When using a SIGMA interchangeable lens for EOS, setting the corrections to [Disable] is recommended, as “Lens Correction” functions of the camera, such as Peripheral illumination correction, Chromatic aberration correction, Diffraction correction and Distortion correction, are not supported. If those functions are activated, the performance of lenses may not be accurate. This is not only for EOS-1DX Mark II, but also other camera bodies.

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.

Note from TDP: Any firmware fix will either require the Sigma USB Dock or a trip to Sigma's Service Center to implement. If you don't already have the dock, I highly suggest picking one up. [Sean]