Canon and Sony News for Nov 2016

From the LensRentals Blog:

Author: Roger Cicala

I like to start articles by stating my expectations, because, like everyone, my expectations going in color my opinion after seeing the results. Given Canon’s recent series of home-run lens upgrades, I expected the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 IS II would be a superb lens. I was particularly expecting improvement at 105mm, which was the weak point of the original lens.

And, I usually put my conclusions at the start of an article so those of you who don’t like MTF graphs and spirited discussion about optical results don’t have to scroll down to the bottom. The new Mk II version is a bit better than the original version, but I was expecting a lot more. I wouldn’t rush out and upgrade from the 24-105mm f/4 IS if your goal is amazingly better optics. There may be other reasons to do so, but optics is not it.

Announced in September, Samyang's PREMIUM lens lineup will officially be known as "XP" lenses and will be available starting in December.

From the Samyang Optics Facebook Account:

Samyang Optics just announced the global availability and price of its long-awaited premium lens line-up, Samyang XP 14mm F2.4 and 85mm F1.2!

This series is known for its excellence in performance with unprecedented resolving power, matched with 50 megapixels photo and 8K video productions.

The lenses are available in Canon mount and will be on the market from December. The recommended retail price is EUR 949.00.

B&H has just informed us that they are preparing to carry Really Right Stuff products including the brand's very popular tripod lineup.

B&H is still creating the content for the product pages linked above (images to be loaded soon). But rest assured, it won't be long before your favorite RRS gear will be in stock at the nation's largest photography supply center.

Preorders are available now.

From the Canon Professional Network:

The EOS-1D X Mark II has won rave reviews since its launch back in February 2016 and to help users get more from its incredibly advanced focusing system, Canon has produced a handy downloadable AF Setting Guidebook for smartphone and tablets.

According to the Egami Blog, Canon has submitted a patent for a curved sensor designed to reduce peripheral darkening of the image (vignetting).

• Patent Publication No. 2016-197663
• Published 2016.11.24
• Filing date 2015.4.3
• The central portion of the light falloff is not noticeable to the flat shape
• The periphery light falloff is noticeable a curved shape

Canon has issued a number of DSLR firmware updates to address a lens correction profile bug relating to the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM.

From the Canon EOS 6D firmware update:

Corrects a phenomenon in which when using the camera with the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM lens, even if lens aberration correction is set to "Enable", correction will not be applied.

From the TIME YouTube Channel:

We don't know their names, nor the photographer who immortalized them, but these men lunching 800 feet up show the daredevil spirit behind Manhattan's vertical expansion.

From Canon USA:

Firmware Version 1.0.3 incorporates the following fixes and improvements:

• Corrects a phenomenon in which the color of images varies depending on the metering mode selected during flash shooting.
• Improves the reliability of communication when using the EF1.4X III or EF2X III extender.
• Corrects the level display when the camera is held in the vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward.
• Improves the reliability of communication via USB cable when using the Lens Data Registration function with EOS Utility 3.

Firmware Version 1.0.3 is for cameras with firmware Version 1.0.2 or earlier. If your camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.3, it is not necessary to update the firmware. When updating the firmware of your camera, please review the instructions thoroughly before you update the firmware. The firmware update takes approximately 4 minutes.

Download: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Firmware Version 1.0.3

B&H has the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in stock.

From Kickstarter:

GearEye is a smart gear management system for on-the-go professionals. It enables you to manage your equipment through thick and thin: organization, tracking, and making sure you always have everything you need whether at home or on the job. GearEye is a game-changer for anything from the smallest messenger bag to the largest camera suitcase.

The bond between professionals and their work equipment is special: anyone who’s experienced this can tell you that there are few things worse than losing your essential gear. We’ve been there too, and that’s why we created a system to put an end to this problem. Simply place the RFID GearTag on your gear, and voilá! Everything in your bag can now be easily accounted for, with a simple tap on your smartphone.

GearEye is more than just a safety net: it enables you to organize your most important equipment into gig specific groups - so that you always have exactly what you need when you need it. This way, you can quickly and easily make sure you have what you need for today’s studio session (not last week’s beach shoot).

Learn more on Kickstarter.

Image quality results have been added to the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens Review.

We'll be loading 1Ds III results for this lens soon, but here is the comparison to the Sigma 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG II HSM Lens, the 12-24 Art's predecessor, using the 5Ds R.

The Sigma 12-24 f/4 Art Lens vs. the Canon 11-24mm f/4L Lens was the first comparison on my list. All of the facts you need to know are not in yet, but ... would you pay $1,200.00 USD more for the Canon than the Sigma based on this comparison? Let us know what you think in the comments.

B&H has the Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art Lens in stock.

From the Kaiman Wong YouTube Channel:

After 7 years of working on DigitalRev TV, this is me officially checking out.

Today is the day that those of us residing in the USA are celebrating our "Thanksgiving" holiday. As you probably guessed from the name, we set aside this day to give thanks for our abundant blessings. While thanksgiving should be a perpetual state of mind, this day can give that spirit a significant boost.

I know, I'm sending this wish a bit late in the day this year, but ... I've been spending the day with family, being thankful and of course eating well (also mixing in some offsetting exercise). Anyway, I want to say that I am personally thankful for you. The support you have provided over the years has made this site possible and for that, I'm very grateful.

My family and I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving!

For the purposes of this post, we're going to assume that the friend, family member or loved one on your gift list already has camera, lens and a general purpose tripod (although more is always better!). With those items covered, below are a few items that can help augment just about any photographer's kit (even your own, if Santa leaves a bit of cash under the tree).

General Photography Accessories

The following tools are designed to augment a photographer's creative possibilities, protect his/her gear or simply make the life of being a photographer easier.

• Memory Card
• SDXC
• CompactFlash
• CFast 2.0
• Memory Card Case
• UV, Polarizing and/or Neutral Density Filter
• LenzBuddy Rear Lens Caps
• Feisol TT-15 Mini Carbon Fiber Tabletop Tripod
• Datacolor SpyderLensCal Autofocus Calibration Aid
• Droll Yankee B72 Executive Wild Bird Feeder (great for attracting feathered subjects)
• Camera Strap
• BlackRapid
• Peak Design
• Spider
• Custom SLR
• Sun-Sniper
• Joby
• Rain Sleeve
• Walkstool Comfort Folding Stool
• Sensor Cleaning Supplies
• Photography Gear Bag or Case
• Camera Trigger
• Miops Camera Trigger
• Triggertrap Mobile
• Canon W-E1 Wi-Fi Adapter or Nikon Wireless Mobile Adapter
• Timer Remote Switch
• Wired Remote Switch

Lighting Accessories

At its core, photography is all about capturing light. Being able to add light to or modify the existing light in a scene allows for the ultimate means of creative expression.

• Flash
• Studio Strobe
• Radio Flash Trigger
• Light Stand
• Light Modifiers (Flash / Studio)
• Spiffy Gear Light Blaster Strobe Based Projector
• Collapisble Reflector
• Studio Background

Photography Novelties

As if the EOS 5D Mark IV and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM hanging around your neck weren't enough to inform others of your chosen profession/hobby, there's always the following:

• Photography Cuff Links
• Camera Tie Clip
• Photographer Wristband
• Camera Lens Mug
• Replica Crystal Camera

Do you have any suggestions for accessories that we failed to mention? Let us know in the comments.

Our friends at Think Tank Photo have announced two holiday special offers on their award-winning camera bags. The first is their Outlet Center, which is chock full of huge discounts. And second, through December 31st, whenever you buy a Think Tank rolling camera bag you will receive Road Warrior Kit for free. The Road Warrior Kit features 10 Red Whips cable ties, a Cable Management 10 pouch, an AA Battery Holder and a Travel Pouch. That’s $54.50 worth of accessories FREE!

And don’t forget, with our special relationship with Think Tank you will also receive a free gift and free shipping when you use our special URLs on an order of $50.00 or more.

According to the Egami Blog, Nikon has submitted a patent for a Cross-type AF system using a two-layer sensor.

Patent Details

• Patent Publication No. 2016-192645
• Published 2016.11.10
• Filing date 2015.3.31
• 2-layer sensor
• Phase difference detection direction of the first imaging device and the second imaging element differs
• The second imaging device receives the complementary color wavelength components

From Nikon:

Capture NX-D 1.4.3

Changes from Version 1.4.2 to 1.4.3

• Added support for the D5600.
• Added a Size of Text and Icon option to Preferences > View.
• Preferences > Open With Application now offers the following Conversion Format options for images opened using the selected application: JPEG, TIFF (8 Bit), and TIFF (16 Bit).
• The print dialog now offers Use thumbnail data (draft mode) and Specify color profile options.
• The Print information item in the print dialog now offers User Comment and Lens options.
• Fixed the following issues:
• Adjustments saved using the Register Updated Adjustments option in the Adjustments section of the Edit panel would not be correctly applied if the saved adjustments were selected after Capture NX-D was restarted.
• NEF (RAW) images saved to NAS could not be edited.
• The colors in images opened in Capture NX-D would differ from those of images opened in other applications such as Capture NX 2 or View NX 2.

Download: Capture NX-D 1.4.3

Changes from Version 1.2.3 to 1.2.4

• Added support for the D5600.
• Print > Advanced Print Information Settings now offers a Lens option.
• The colors of the Map pins have been changed to make them easier to see.
• The Convert Files and Contact Sheet options, formerly accessed via Export in the output bar, have been given their own icons.
• The KeyMission 360/170 Utility can now be launched from the output bar.
• Photos and movies shot with the KeyMission 360 are now identified with different icons.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes resulted in the Folder Naming option not being applied when sub-folders were created in the destination folder for the Convert Files option.

Download: ViewNX-i 1.2.4

Changes from Version 2.2.1 to 2.2.2

• Added support for the D5600.

Download: Picture Control Utility 2.2.2

Changes from Version 2.23.1 to 2.24.0

• Added support for the D5600.
• Added support for Custom Setting d3: Limit release mode selection on D5 cameras.
• The lens type (G, E, D, etc.) for lenses mounted on an FT1 is no longer included in the lens name when a Nikon 1 V3 camera is connected.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in type E lenses mounted on Nikon digital SLR cameras being listed as type G.

Download: Camera Control Pro 2.24.0

From Canon USA:

Join Canon USA Technical Advisor Brent Ramsey as he discusses the added features and functionality that come with the new firmware update for the EOS C300 Mark II and the EOS C300. The firmware will be available for download on December 13th at usa.canon.com.

From the Canon Digital Learning Center:

by Eric Stoner

In my last article “Top Tips for Small Product Photography” I shared with you some very simple techniques and ideas centered around making your product photography stand out from the pack. Whether you’re selling your products online or in person, it’s helpful to have great product photos. The problem for many is that hiring a professional photographer to do this type of work can be costly, time consuming and even more importantly, the final images may not convey your artistic vision. So the old adage of “if you want something done right, do it yourself” comes into play.

The focus of my last article was predominantly based on the premise of using natural light to illuminate your product. It’s free and you can accomplish a lot by simply using window light and reflectors.

This time around I want to expand your palette by introducing flash into the mix. There are several advantages to using flash over window light including the ability to work just about anywhere, anytime and shape the light in limitless ways to enhance your product. There’s no need to rely on daylight so for those of you who “burn the midnight oil,” this is a perfect option for you. In addition, using flash will significantly reduce the chance of blur from camera shake and with the wireless flash options that exist in the Canon system and a plethora of light modifiers available, you’ve got plenty of opportunity to be creative with your lighting.

Earlier than ever, you are being bombarded with Christmas ads. There is a reason for this and the day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday for a reason. Retailers rely heavily on the strong Christmas shopping season sales surge that occurs at this time of the year and we want to take a moment to remind you that starting your shopping with the links on this site is what provides the much-needed support needed to keep us here serving you.

For example, click on any of the site's B&H links and buy a camera, lens, TV or ... anything. Or, click on an Amazon link and buy a case of diapers. Using the links costs you nothing extra, but provides the valuable support necessary to keep us working for you. We are very grateful for that support and count it a privilege to work for you!

I'll again share my now-annual warning: Many of products shown in the sales flyers and/or emails you will receive or have already received are not going to be great deals. Just because a picture of an item along with a price does not mean that the item is a great deal.

Before jumping on these "deals", always first check the price at B&H, Adorama, Amazon or any of the other reputable retailers included on the Support the Site page. You might be pleasantly surprised to see the price you find. Most of the online retailers we work with have already started their Black Friday deals and many very good deals are currently available. You will find the links to these deals on the retailer's home pages and the deals we have shared on the news feed are worth reviewing.

Shop online and skip the line. You will have more time to spend with family and friends and, of course, more time to spend behind the camera. Get started now and thanks for your continued support!

From the Photoshop Tutorials YouTube Channel:

There are a lot of ways to process photos in Photoshop. But not everyone uses Photoshop in the most efficient way. In this tutorial, you’ll learn common mistakes photographers make and why you should avoid it.

Just posted: Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Review

This was a highly anticipated lens. Did it meet expectations? Read the review.

B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens available for preorder and very recently in stock in the 5D Mark IV kit.

The 24-105 L II is in stock in the EOS 5D Mark IV kit at: Adorama and The Canon Store.

This lens is currently available individually on eBay (for a premium price) and is also available there in the 5D IV kit.

From Nikon:

Nikon’s Annual Ranking Lists Michigan as Top Spot with Most Number of Stunning Foliage Photos, Besting Last Year’s Winner, New York

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon announced Michigan (#NikonFallMI) as this year’s top spot for stunning images of fall foliage. The results were based on thousands of submissions on Nikon’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels, which invited passionate photographers to submit creative and colorful fall images of their state’s most beautiful locations and landscapes.

During the nationwide campaign, Nikon received more than 8,000 entries from participants across the country, as photographers who love their state contributed to a dynamic collection of America’s most gorgeous Autumn landscapes from coast to coast. Images ranged from the fiery glow of the Sycamore trees of the West to the striking bright yellow Birch trees found in the serene forests of the East.

“The beautiful fall colors and changing of the leaves offer Americans from all states unique opportunities to capture stunning scenes from the great outdoors,” said Lisa Baxt, Associate General Manager of Communications, Nikon Inc. “After a fantastic response to last year’s campaign, we were determined to once again encourage people to get outside, capture, and share images that reflect both the beauty of the season and participants’ state pride.”

Michigan earned top honors for 2016 with more than 1,600 photos submitted through various social media channels. The most remarkable photos that were shared exhibited Michigan’s stunning hills, warm inviting parks and the Great Lakes contrasted against bright reds and blazing oranges. The vibrant submissions embody the goal of the program, which encouraged people to capture the best of autumn from every state.

After being named top spot for fall foliage last year, New York (#NikonFallNY) was this year’s runner up and showcased a diverse array of beautiful images spanning from Central Park to the Adirondacks. Pennsylvania (#NikonFallPA) and North Carolina (#NikonFallNC) tied for third in this year’s campaign, as both states offered creative images of breathtaking landscapes, serene waterfalls, scenic beaches, and epic highways to crystal-clear lakes with incredible and colorful reflections.

To view of all the submissions on Instagram and Twitter, search the hashtag #NikonFall followed by the state’s abbreviation (e.g. #NikonFallMI). On Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/NikonUSA to view the fall foliage submissions.

For tips on photographing fantastic seasonal landscapes, check out Nikon’s Learn and Explore website.

Vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs, measurements and standard product images have been added to the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens Review page.

You are going to see some improvements here. As always, you are welcome to share your thoughts in the comments section.

B&H has the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens available for preorder and in stock in the 5D Mark IV kit.

From Tamron:

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 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO1:1 VC USD (Model F017) for Canon.

Affected Models

• SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) for Canon

Serial number

Firmware update will not be required for lenses with these serial numbers.

Firmware Improvements

• When used in combination with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, behavior where the camera takes several seconds to start up when first switched on after mounting the lens has been improved.
• When used in combination with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, behavior where power consumption was high with the lens mounted and where the camera’s battery charge would continue to drain even when the camera was switched off and stowed with the lenses mounted has been improved.

How to update the firmware

1. The firmware can be updated using the TAP-in Console (sold separately.) Using the TAP-in Console accessory, customers can update the firmware themselves.
2. For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.