Canon and Sony News for Dec 2014

Just posted: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Review

I love this lens.

Preorder your Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens now at B&H.

From the Professional Photographers of America:

Annual Convention Features Several Opportunities for Photographers to Give Back

Nashville, Tenn. – December 29, 2014 – Professional Photographers of America (PPA) announced today the charitable events coming to Imaging USA, Jan. 31 to Feb, 2, 2015, at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee.

PPA Charities, the philanthropic arm of PPA, will host events and sponsor programs during the association’s annual convention and expo.

Imaging USA attendees can kick things off Saturday, January 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. with the free program, How to Put Charitable Marketing to Work. Moderated by esteemed photographer and business coach, Ann Monteith, M.Photog.Hon.M.Photog.Cr., CPP, ABI, API, A-ASP and Lori Nordstrom, M.Photog.Cr., CPP, the panel also features Larry Lourcey, M.Photog.Cr., CPP; Dean Lourcey, Pete Rezac, Cr.Photog., CPP and Meggan Harper. The panel will share with photographers how a charitable marketing program can bring goodwill and recognition to their business, attract new clients plus create additional revenue to boost profits – all while giving back.

The goodwill continues Saturday night at the 8 p.m. PPA Charities Celebration: Boots and Bling. This event recognizes the philanthropic endeavors of 2014 and features a live auction. It’s open to any Imaging USA attendee and a great place to get started for anyone looking to partner their business with a charitable mission.

The following morning, photographers can hit the ground running bring and early at the PPA Charities Super Hero for Smiles 5K Fun Run and Walk. Runners and walkers alike will unite for a 3.1-mile loop around Opryland to raise funds for Celebration of Smiles. 6:30 a.m.

Those who really want to be more charitable can kick off their sneaks after the run and drop them in bins by the Imaging Expo for the PPA Charities shoe drive for Dando Amor, running all convention long. All attendees are encouraged to bring their old and little-used shoes to be re-purposed for orphanages in South America and Africa.

Lastly, on Tuesday afternoon, photographers Trish Gilmore and Mariah Ashley will share with the crowd how they turned around their fledgling business while dedicating a portion of every sale to charity.

Photographers must be registered for Imaging USA to attend the events and programs. For more information on PPA Charities’ events and to register for Imaging USA, visit ImagingUSA.org.

Standard test results are now available on the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens Review page.

B&H has the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S Lens in stock.

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

Tim Grey will will provide you with his top ten tips for making the most of selections, layer masks, and other features to enable you to apply targeted adjustments to your photos.

Adobe's Photoshop Photography Program is only $9.99 per month (Photoshop CC + Lightroom).

From Nikon:

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

We have received indications from some users that when photographing scenes in which an extremely bright light source, such as the sun or high-intensity lighting, is at a certain position along the top border of the frame, flare with an unnatural shape caused by the reflection of the light may sometimes occur in images captured with the D750 digital SLR camera.

As we at Nikon are constantly striving to ensure the satisfaction of our customers, we have released this announcement to inform users that we are already working on measures to address this issue and will, of course, keep you advised of these as they occur.

Please direct inquiries regarding this matter, contact Nikon Customer Relations by phone at 1-800-Nikon US (1-800-645-6687), 9AM–8PM EST, Monday to Friday (closed certain holidays) or online here.

Once again, thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

We gave you our favorites for 2014, but we were wondering....what made your list for the most exciting new gear of 2014?

Let us know in the comments below!

From Sigma:

Sigma Corporation would like to announce the availability of two types of new tele converters. Please note that the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports requires an update to the firmware to make it compatible with the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 and SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001.

For those who own the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports and considering using it with either the SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 or SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-2001, please follow the steps below to update the firmware of the lens.

Please be advised that the updated version of firmware will make it compatible with the new tele converters, however it will also make it incompatible with conventional APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG.For further information, please contact your nearest authorized subsidiary / distributor of SIGMA.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK
Please start up the SIGMA Optimization Pro software and update the firmware of the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports.

There will be the optimized firmware compatible with the new tele converters (Sigma: Ver. 1.01, Nikon: Ver. 1.02, Canon: Ver. 1.03), currently scheduled for release on October 24th.

For customers who do not own SIGMA USB DOCK
We are going to start the service for update on October 27th.

Please contact our Service department with any further detail or question.

Compatibility table for SIGMA TELE CONVERTER TC-1401 and TC-2001

B&H carries the Sigma TC-1401 and TC-2001 Teleconverters and the USB Dock.

There were a modest number of new products announced during the last twelve months. Most of the newly announced products were interesting or impressive for one reason or another, but only a handful made us smile every time we touched the gear. Below you'll find our top picks for the gear released in 2014.

Favorite Gear of 2014 (In Order of Release)

• Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens – The highly anticipated big brother of the highly successful Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, the 50mm f/1.4 Art left us awestruck with its OTUS-like, wide-open image quality. The lens is solidly built, looks great, and focuses quickly. For anyone looking for the highest quality 50mm autofocus lens, look no further – the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art lens is in a league of its own.

• Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens – Announced in May alongside the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM, the EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM became Canon's first wide angle, full-frame zoom lens with image stabilization. Once we got our hands on lens, we were immediately impressed with its corner to corner image quality. With remarkable image quality, an excellent IS implantation and a 77mm front filter size, this lens is proving to be an essential tool for many landscape photographers and DSLR video shooters. It has quickly become one of Bryan's favorite lenses to travel with.

• Canon EOS 7D Mark II DSLR – How about a 1D X autofocus system in a rugged, crop-sensor body that can shoot at 10 frames per second? Want a Dual Pixel Sensor allowing for great autofocus in video mode? Done.

  The original EOS 7D was a very popular camera for Canon shooters. So popular, in fact, that Canon kept producing it as a "current" camera for well over four years. The good news for Canon fans was that the EOS 7D's successor was worth the wait – the EOS 7D Mark II is an awesome camera. With a 65-Point All Cross Type AF system, 150,000-pixel RGB+IR 252-zone metering sensor, 10 frames-per-second burst rate, built-in intervalometer, Dual Pixel sensor and increased weather sealing, this will be the top camera choice among wildlife and sports shooters who can't justify the investment in Canon's top-of-the-line full-framer, the EOS 1D X. That said, the 7D II will also make a great second camera investment for anyone using an EOS 5D III as their primary body. For what it's worth, both Bryan and I have invested in EOS 7D IIs for our own personal imaging kits.

• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens – Considering that the original Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM was first released in 1998, there's no wonder why there was such a pent up demand for an upgrade. Last month, Canon finally announced the aging lens's successor – the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM – to much fanfare and excitement. With this lens in-house, it's impressed us with its image quality, improved IS system, and fast and accurate AF. Good things come to those who wait; and in this case, the long wait has led to a great lens for sports and wildlife shooters.

Want smooth, professional slider shots without having to pay a premium for the gear? This DIY solution may be exactly what you need...

The guys over at Rhino Camera Gear have created a fully illustrated PDF explaining how you can make the slider featured in the video above for around $75.00.

Using the links above, just sign up for the Rhino Camera Gear email list in order to receive a download link for the free instructional PDF.

My family and I wish you and yours the merriest Christmas and wish you love, joy and peace throughout the next year.

Thanks for your continued support!

I know that many of you were waiting on this one: Image quality results from the Canon EOS 7D Mark II have now been added to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens page.

Again, preorder your Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens now at B&H.

Image quality results from the Canon EOS 60D have now been added to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens page.

Here is a preloaded comparison between the version I and II lenses tested on the 60D. The difference is very noticeable.

Next up: Image quality results from the EOS 7D Mark II. The 7D II is sharper at the same sharpness setting and this should be reflected in the results.

B&H has significant quantities of the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens arriving regularly.

Do you still need a gift for the special photographer in your life? If so, I'm sure you're not alone. Here are a few ideas that qualify for free next day delivery .

Last Minute Gift Ideas

• Vello FreeWave Stryker Lightning & Motion Trigger – $69.95
• Vello Wireless ShutterBoss Timer Remote – $99.50
• Vello FreeWave Viewer Wireless Live View Remote – $199.95 - $224.95
• Tamrac 5374 Adventure 74 Backpack – $79.95
• Lowepro Pro Messenger Bag 180 AW – $94.95
• LensAlign MkII Focus Calibration System – $84.95
• Kenko Extension Tube Set – $139.00
• Lensbaby Special Edition Spark 50mm f/2 Lens - $129.95
• Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens – $149.00
• Canon BG-E9 Battery Grip for the EOS 60D – $123.95
• Canon BG-E14 Battery Grip for EOS 70D – $169.95
• Canon BG-E13 Battery Grip for EOS 6D – $180.00
• Canon BG-E16 Battery Grip for EOS 7D Mark II – $214.90
• Canon BG-E11 Battery Grip for 5D Mark III Camera – $269.95

Image quality results from a second lens (presented as Sample 1) have been added to the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens page.

Again, I think that you are going to like what you see. Both lenses perform superbly and the two copies of this lens perform nearly identically. The second lens is very slightly sharper in the corners over part of the focal length range (look at the 200mm and 400mm samples to see this).

Here is a preloaded comparison between the two lenses with the second lens presented as the default/left lens.

Distortion and vignetting test results are also now available for this lens.

B&H has significant quantities of the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens arriving regularly. Demand has been very high.

From Canon USA's YouTube Channel:

Join Canon U.S.A.'s Larry Thorpe as he discusses the features and benefits of the Canon cine-servo 50-1000mm lens.

B&H has the Canon CINE-SERVO 50-1000mm T5.0-8.9 Zoom Lens available for preorder.

Need a little more focal length than your standard 70-200mm zoom? You might be interested in this current eBay auction...

eBay (via breguetcamera) has the Nikon Reflex-Nikkor 2000mm f/11 Mirror Lens available for $32,777.00 with free shipping.

Another one of these lenses shattered auction estimates in 2011 when it sold for almost $95,000.00.

Standard product images are now available for the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens.

Visually compare the 100-400 L II to your favorite lens. Here are a couple of comparisons to get you started:

100-400 L II between the 100-400 L and 70-300 L
100-400 L II between the 70-200 f/2.8L II and Tamron 150-600

Preorder your Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II now at B&H. Significant shipment quantities have been arriving – and leaving just as quickly.

From Canon:

Details
AA Lithium batteries cannot be used with any Speedlite or Macrolite products and compact battery packs including those listed below because certain AA lithium batteries, in rare cases, may become extremely hot during usage in such products.

Canon Products

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

Image quality results have been added to Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens review page. I think that you are going to like what you see.

Here are some comparisons that you might find interesting:

Compared to the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
Compared to the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Use the Image Quality Tool to create your own comparisons. Hint: Zooming your browser to a higher percent can make the differences clearer on some displays (Try CTRL+, CTRL- and CTRL-0 to reset). Share your thoughts in the comments section below this post.

B&H has significant quantities of the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS II USM Lens arriving regularly. Demand has been very high.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

The new Canon EOS C100 Mark II was designed with input from users like you. In these product overview videos, hosted by Canon Digital Learning Center contributor, Jem Schofield, take a look at the new internal and external features of this camera and how it compares and differs from its predecessor. These videos will give you the information you need to make the most of this camera system and hit the ground running in any production environment.

Topics include:

• OLED display panel
• Adjustable EVF
• DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Multiple recording formats

B&H carries the Canon EOS C100 Mark II Cinema Camera.

From Nikon:

A global download site supporting 43 languages from which imaging product manuals and software can be downloaded

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce its launch of Download Center on December 17, 2014. Download Center is a global download site that offers software and manuals for Nikon digital cameras and related products.

Download Center consolidates and offers downloads of Nikon software and product documentation previously available from the websites administered by our regional subsidiaries around the world. The site supports 43 languages, and will provide information on the latest downloads. In addition, the site has been designed with consideration of the viewing and download of information to mobile devices such as smartphones. This means that visitors to the site will be able to choose their language and access important download information from these devices.

With the launch of Download Center, Nikon hopes to provide users of its products with even better service and increase customer satisfaction by consolidating and providing users with a download service supporting various languages.

- Some contents will not be available in all supported languages.
- Only product documentation, such as user's manuals, can be downloaded to mobile devices such as smartphones.

Download Center Overview

From the Canon Professional Network:

Canon has released an updated version of its Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which now supports – in addition to its current range of full-frame DSLRs – the EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 70D, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 700D and EOS 100D.

Launched in September 2014, Digital Photo Professional 4 was Canon’s first sweeping change to its popular RAW processing software since its original launch. The latest version of DPP – version 4.1.50 – is a response to feedback from owners of older full-frame and APS-C cameras who are looking for the very latest RAW workflow solution.

Additionally, DPP 4.1.50 supports the recently launched EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM and EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM lenses, the profiles for which are now available for use with the Lens Correction function.

Commenting on the update, Mike Owen, European Professional Imaging Communications Manager, Professional Imaging Department, Canon Europe, said: “DPP 4.0 has proved incredibly popular with our customers and this latest update further extends its appeal to a wider range of users, such as those using the highly successful EOS 5D Mark II. Canon remains firmly committed to offering a complete range of products to photographers and increasingly its software solutions are playing a vital role in delivering the ultimate in image quality from capture to output.”

DPP 4.1.50: KEY FEATURES

• Faster, real-time adjustments.
• Improved RAW file workflow.
• Better, more approachable user interfaces.
• Compatible with 64-bit native environments.
• Colour adjustments for specific colour gamuts.
• Improved highlight recovery provides expanded tonality.
• Improved shadow recovery function.
• Support for movie playback.
• Auto Lighting Optimizer can be applied to JPEG images.
• Better integration with EOS Utility.

You can download DPP 4.1.50 now, free of charge, from Canon Europe’s support site here. Just click on your camera – EOS-1D X, EOS-1D C, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 70D, EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 700D and EOS 100D – and select DPP 4.1.50 from the software options to download.

From Nikon:

Nikon D810 firmware C:1.02

Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date December 17, 2014

• When playback zoom was applied to an image displayed in the camera monitor (image display enlarged) while the memory card access lamp was still lit immediately after capture, the image was not correctly displayed. This issue has been resolved.
• When menus were displayed with the camera connected to a 4K-compatible TV via HDMI, display in both the camera monitor and on the TV was not correct. This issue has been resolved.
• Noise that could sometimes be heard when Custom Setting d1: Beep was set to any option other than Off has been reduced.

Download: D810 firmware C:1.02

Modifications enabled with this upgrade of firmware, release date December 17, 2014

• When shooting with an optional Speedlight and Auto FP high-speed sync enabled with On selected for ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO sensitivity control in the photo shooting menu, images were sometimes over-exposed. This issue has been resolved. (Enabling auto FP high-speed sync: Select 1/200 s (Auto FP) or 1/250 s (Auto FP) for Custom Setting e1: Flash sync speed)
• When menus were displayed with the camera connected to a 4K-compatible TV via HDMI, display in both the camera monitor and on the TV was not correct. This issue has been resolved.
• Noise that could sometimes be heard when Custom Setting d1: Beep was set to any option other than Off has been reduced.

Download: Nikon D750 firmware C:1.01

B&H carries the Nikon D810 and D750 DSLR cameras.

Just posted: Canon EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review

Is the 24-105 STM a lens introduced before its primary purpose?

B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm IS STM Lens in stock.

From Think Tank Photo:

In February, we will release the most travel friendly, comfortable, and reasonably priced backpack for users of DJI Phantom 2, Phantom 2 Vision or other similar sized quadcopters. The Airport Helipak will easily hold a drone plus a 15” laptop, controller, GoPros, WiFi range extender, charger, spare rotors, extra batteries, and a Delvcam Camera-Top 7" HDMI LCD Monitor, while still complying with airline carry-on size requirements.

Movable dividers allow users to customize the fit of their gear in this fully featured backpack. The contoured adjustable harness with lumbar support and articulated air-channel, the adjustable sternum strap, and the removable padded waistbelt allow for extreme comfort even while trekking by foot or mountain bike into remote areas.

KEY FEATURES

• The custom divider set, designed specifically for the DJI Phantom series, allows you to reconfigure your bag.
• International and domestic carry-on size compatible
• Dedicated 15” laptop pocket
• Protective rotor thread caps included.
• Internal see-through mesh pockets for small accessories: rotor blades, screwdriver, cables, etc.
• Deluxe organizer for smart phone, wallet, pens, keys, business cards, etc.
• Water bottle pocket on side
• Height adjustable sternum strap
• Elastic pockets on shoulder strap for phone, energy bar, GU pack, and more.
• Robust handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from overhead bins, car trunks, etc.

MATERIALS

Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, 1680D ballistic nylon bottom panel, 600D polyester, 420D velocity nylon, 3D air mesh, ultra-stretch pockets, Y-buckles, antique finish metal hardware, big hole air mesh, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

Interior: Removable closed cell foam dividers, 210D silver-toned nylon, polyurethane-backed velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, Belly-O mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Exterior Dimensions: 14” W x 20.5” H x 9” D (35.6 × 52.1 × 22.9cm)
• Interior Dimensions: 13” W x 18.8” H x 7.6” D (33 × 47.8 × 19.3cm)
• Laptop: 9.4” W x 9.8” H x 0.6”D (24 × 25 × 1.5)
• Weight (with all accessories): 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg)