Canon, Nikon, and Sony News for Nov 2016

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• 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

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

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• Added support for the D5600.

• 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.

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.

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

• 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.

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.