Canon and Sony News for May 2019

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens has a rattle?

A couple of months ago, I helped a friend source a Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens. Oddly, a day or two later he found that his order had been canceled. Another day later, the retailer contacted him with an explaination for canceling his order. While packing the lens for shipping, they heard a rattle inside the box, determined that the lens was damaged, and instead of risking a damaged lens being sent to a customer, they returned the lens to Canon.

After a brief conversation with my contacts at Canon USA, it was expected that the image stabilization unit not being parked was the source of the rattle sound. It was not thought that the unparked state was a damage risk to the lens and it was thought that mounting the lens on a camera would resolve the problem.

I just took delivery of a new 600mm f/4L IS III lens and upon removing the lens from the packaging, an obvious rattle could be heard. It sounded like this:

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens Rattle Sound

After the lens was mounted to a camera, the power cycled (parking the IS unit), and the lens removed, the sound was dramatically diminished.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens with Less Rattle Sound

So, the expected cause of the rattle proved to be correct and you probably need not worry about the rattle your new super telephoto lens makes.

The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.

Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

From Canon USA:

Hands-on Demonstrations of Canon’s Latest Digital Imaging Products Including the EOS C700 FF, EOS C200 and EOS R

MELVILLE, NY, May 30, 2019 – At the 2019 Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will showcase its latest cinema offerings in Booth #12. Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to experience the recently announced Sumire Prime Lenses, Canon’s first PL-Mount cinema prime lenses. Additional cinema solutions in the booth will include the EOS C700 FF and EOS C200 cinema cameras, CINE-SERVO lenses and 4K Reference Displays. Also on display in the booth will be Canon’s groundbreaking EOS R series of full-frame mirrorless cameras and complementary RF series of lenses.

“Each year, Cine Gear Expo provides Canon with a unique opportunity to interact with one of our most vital customer bases – working cinema professionals, right in their backyard of Hollywood,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Similar to past Cine Gear shows, we are not only excited to showcase our latest products, but also to listen and engage with this audience in order to best serve them not just today, but in the future.”

In addition to showcasing professional products and service offerings, Canon will host a series of educational seminars and panel discussions. On Friday, May 31st from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. in Screening Room 5, Canon Senior Trainer Charles Zablan will provide attendees with a technical overview and in-depth, hands-on opportunities with the Sumire Prime Cinema Lensesi. Canon will also host two panels during the expo as follows:

Friday, May 31st

Opening Up About Canon’s New Sumire Prime Lenses

Paramount Theater

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Announced earlier this year, Canon’s new Sumire Prime lenses are full frame, PL-mount cinema lenses that offer a unique, artistically pleasing look with gentle and beautiful skin tones and smooth bokeh. In this panel discussion, cinematographers discuss their first impressions after their recent experiences shooting with the lenses.

Canon Conversations

Paramount Theater

Canon’s cinema cameras and lenses have had a substantial impact throughout TV and film since the company first entered the market in 2011. In this panel, leading cinematographers will discuss the Canon gear that they’ve used on their recent projects, and how it has helped them capture their vision.

Cine Gear attendees will also be able to learn more about Canon’s CarePAK PRO Accidental Damage Protection Plan, which covers professional cinema and video products. Canon CarePAK PRO offers coverage from accidental damage such as drops, spills and power surges, protecting customer investments from unforeseen repair costs and excessive downtime.

B&H carries Canon Sumire lenses.

5DayDeal has just launched a $10,000 prize giveaway. Signing up is simple — just do it now!

5DayDeal's next video education bundle, Complete Video Creators Bundle 2019, launches on June 6th. Stay tuned for the details!

Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images Image quality test results have been added to the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens page.

While these image quality results may appear simple, they have a background. Keeping the story short, my first copy of this lens took forever to arrive and when it did, the performance was not as expected with damage sustained in transit being strongly suspected. The second lens also took a long time to acquire and the results being shared here are from this lens.

Before announcing these results, I did some sanity checking including with my Canon USA technical rep. My concern (always) is ensuring that this lens' performance is representative of what buyers should expect from their own lens. The MTF charts suggest that the version III lens should perform nearly equally to the version II lens. While I'm not absolutely 100% confident that a better copy of this lens is not available (and will likely test at least one more copy of this lens to be sure), I have enough confidence that this lens is representative of the model, showing what we should expect, to share these results.

That said, let's jump right into the comparison that most will be interested in, the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. II Lens image quality comparison. The version III lens produces very impressive image quality wide open. My only cause for concern about this lens copy was that the version II lens is very slightly sharper in the center of the frame with the difference primarily noticeable when extenders are being used. With less lateral CA, the version III lens produces better peripheral image quality, even with the 2x extender in place.

Unmistakably better is the version III's weight. As I was creating this post, I grabbed the lens from my desk and ran to attempt to catch a pileated woodpecker on a tree just outside the studio. That effort reminded me how amazingly light this lens is for its specs.

Here is another relevant comparison: Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III vs. Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR Lens.

The hard-to-get Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens is available for order at B&H ("More on the Way" — coming soon) (save the tax, use the B&H Payboo card), on backorder at Adorama, "Temporarily out of stock" at Amazon, and available for preorder at WEX.

Want this lens in your hands tomorrow? Lensrentals has the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens available for rental.

Meredith Stotzner dives into the Layers Panel and shares her tips for making layer thumbnails easier to see in Photoshop.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

The Canon USA Store has the refurbished Canon EOS Rebel T7i with 18-55mm IS STM Lens on sale for $558.99 with free shipping. Compare at $699.00 new after $100 instant rebate.

Still need a graduation gift? This camera would make a great one.

Canon USA refurbished gear is like new and comes with an as-new warranty.

In addition to the image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.

Again, more information about this lens is coming.

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

From the B&H YouTube Channel:

AB from B&H introduces a new series on recording audio for video, which is designed to give you all the tools you’ll need to properly record audio for your video projects. This intro gives a basic overview of topics that will be covered in detail in subsequent videos, from choosing the right mic and location to setting recording levels and fixing things in post. If you want a good, basic intro to gear, tips, and techniques, this first video is a great place to start.

B&H has everything you need to record great audio.

From the Adorama YouTube channel:

We often see beams of light created my nature but being at the right place at the right time when you're shooting portraits is tricky. So in this video Gavin Hoey will show you how to use flash to create rays of light on a location shoot, whenever you want them.

Using a single flash fired through a small window, Gavin adds smoke to the scene in order to see the real rays of light. He then adds a second flash to light his model and create a dark and moody urbex style portrait in a disused building.

Related Products

• Flashpoint Xplor600 Flash
• Glow 45° Long Focus Reflector
• Flashpont Xplor 400 Flash
• Flashpoint R2 Pro II Transmitter
• Sekonic L-308X-U
• CHAUVET 1200 Fog Machine

B&H has the Godox X2 2.4G Flash Triggers available for preorder.

The value of a good set of flash triggers is immense. These are very well priced for the features they offer.

Product Highlights

• Supports TTL, High-Speed Sync, Multiflash
• User Friendly Design
• Bluetooth Support
• Quick Lock Hotshoe
• Full to 1/256 power levels in 1/10 step adjustments
• Backlit Buttons
• Works with Canon E-TTL II, Nikon i-TTL, Sony TTL, Fujifilm Autoflash, Olympus TTL, Petax TTL

From Sigma:

SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF

This firmware corrects the phenomenon whereby it does not reflect the changes set by custom mode on SIGMA Optimization Pro.

For customers who own the SIGMA USB DOCK and applicable product listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro. Before updating the firmware using the SIGMA USB DOCK, please ensure to update SIGMA Optimization Pro to Ver.1.5.0 or later.

Benefit of the update

• It has corrected the phenomenon whereby it does not reflect the changes set by custom mode on SIGMA Optimization Pro.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page

This firmware makes the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 compatible with the latest firmware of SIGMA interchangeable lenses, and improves the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art.

For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro by connecting it to a computer using the supplied USB Cable. Before updating the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to Ver.1.5.0 or later.

Before attaching the updated SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 to the camera body, please remove the battery pack from the camera and put it back in again.

SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E

Benefit of the update

• It has improved the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for SIGMA.

* For customers who own the SONY a9, please update the firmware of the camera to Ver.5.00 or later.

SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E

Benefits of the update

• It has become compatible with the SIGMA 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports for CANON EF mount, that has the latest firmware Ver.2.01.
• It has improved the AF speed when it is used in combination with the SONY a9 or SONY a7 III and the SIGMA 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for CANON EF mount.

* For customers who own the SONY a9, please update the firmware of the camera to Ver.5.00 or later.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page

This firmware makes the SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 compatible with the full-frame mirrorless cameras released by Canon Inc. and Nikon Inc..

For customers who own the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for CANON and NIKON and applicable products listed below, please update the firmware via SIGMA Optimization Pro.

SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 for CANON

Benefits of the update

• It has become compatible with the EOS R and EOS RP mirrorless cameras.

* To update the firmware, the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for CANON mount which is updated to Ver.1.01 is required.

SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 for NIKON

Benefits of the update

• It has become compatible with the Z7 and Z6 mirrorless cameras.
• It has corrected the phenomenon whereby it shows overexposure on the slave side when it is used for wireless shooting.

* To update the firmware, the SIGMA FLASH USB DOCK FD-11 for NIKON mount which is updated to Ver.1.01 is required.

Before updating the SIGMA ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-630 firmware, please ensure SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to Ver.1.5.0 or later from the download page below. The firmware update will take approximately 3 minutes to complete.

SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens page.

You are going to be impressed with these results.

This is a unique lens. The product images show that this lens has a manual aperture ring denoted "T", for T-stops, showing the actual amount of light transmission. While this is technically an f/2.8 lens, the T-stop ring stops at f/5.6 and f/5.6 is the widest aperture selectable in-camera. The reason has to do with the STF (Smooth Trans Focus) feature including an optical apodization lens element. More information coming.

The Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sony FE 100mm f/2.8 STF GM OSS Lens from Lensrentals.

From Lastolite:

Upper Saddle River, NJ - MAY 21, 2019 - The Lastolite Panoramic Background is a collapsible 13’ (4m) wide, 7’5” (2.3m) high background that folds down neatly into its own carry case and fits easily into a car. Weighing only 19.8lb (9kg), it’s ideal for busy image-makers on the move. The background is completely self-supporting and can be set up in minutes. The structure comprises three individual aluminum framed sections, connected together with a hinge clip to allow the background to be set up flat to lean against a wall or with the side frames folded in to create a wraparound effect. The Chroma Key Blue cover simply clips to the aluminum frame and creates a taught, seamless surface.

The background is ideal for live stream and post-production keying projects. Its impressive 13' width creates enough working area for multiple camera angles and subjects. Although the brushed fabric is incredibly non-reflective, the height and width combined is enough to place the subject(s) at a good working distance from the background eliminating risk of any color spill from the Chroma Key Blue surface.

Whether you are shooting a single person, a larger group or even products, the Lastolite Panoramic Background offers ultimate versatility. The wider format allows the image-maker to introduce props and accommodate animated poses from the likes of dancers or athletes. The Chroma Key Blue now sits alongside the highly successful Chroma Key Green, Black, White, Granite and Limestone versions.

All models are available at select Authorized Lastolite Dealers.

B&H has the Panoramic Background 13' Chroma Key Blue available for preorder and the other Lastolite Panoramic Backgrounds in stock.

B&H has the following [quietly introduced] Lowepro products available for preorder with free expedited shipping:

• Lowepro Photo Active BP 300 AW Backpack
• Lowepro Photo Active BP 200 AW Backpack

Lowepro Photo Active BP Backpack Highlights

• Holds DSLR, Mirrorless, or Video Gear
• For Travel and Outdoor Enthusiasts
• Ripstop Nylon & High-Abrasion Polyester
• 3 Easy-Access Entry Points
• Top Compartment for Personal Gear
• Configurable QuickShelf Divider System
• CradleFit for Laptop/Tablet or Hydration
• Side Pockets for Bottle & Compact Tripod
• IP-6/7 Rated DryZone & AW Cover
• Ventilated ActivZone Back Panel

Apple announced new 13.3" and 15.4" MacBook Pro models today. B&H has an overview of the new systems here.

B&H is accepting preorders for the new Macs.

If you don't need the latest models, save up to $800 on the mid-2018 Macbook Pro models.

Via KickStarter, Peak Design has introduced a unique, ultra-compactable travel tripod.

From Peak Design:

Peak Design Unveils The Next Generation of Camera Tripods

New Travel Tripod Promises to Redefine Product Category for Years to Come

San Francisco, CA (May, 2019) – After multiple award-winning bag releases, Peak Design, the worldwide leader in crowdfunding and everyday carry solutions, is proud to disrupt yet another product category—the camera tripod. More than four years in the making, Peak Design’s newest release, Travel Tripod, is a ground-up reexamination of camera tripod design to produce the world’s most portable, packable, and easy-to-setup tripod for professionals and first-time tripod owners alike.

Peak Design directly addressed their biggest rub about traditional tripods: spatial inefficiency and unnecessary bulk. Peak Design’s goal was to eliminate the dead space within a tripod, an ever-present inefficiency that often doubles or triples the effective diameter of a packed tripod. Peak Design engineers reworked Travel Tripod’s legs and center column to nest perfectly together in order to achieve a total packed diameter of just 3.25 inches—roughly the diameter of a water bottle. The result is a tripod that deploys to 60 inches tall while taking up less than half the volume of its competitors.

“During my travels in 2008 I began wondering why on Earth my tripod was so big. The thing was full of negative space and knobs, and I felt like something designed for portability could do much better,” commented Peak Design CEO, Peter Dering. “I quickly realized that anything short of a complete design overhaul would fail to meet my criteria of the perfect travel tripod. It took years of development but the outcome is a camera tripod that seamlessly integrates into all aspects of travel and adventure.”

Travel Tripod is among the quickest-to-deploy and most intuitive to use tripods on the market. Peak Design developed a system of non-inverted legs that rapidly deploy along an aligned system of locking cam levers. With three swift hand movements, the legs can be fully extended and ready for action.

Peak Design also optimized the Travel Tripod ball head to operate more fluidly than traditional tripod heads while still prioritizing spatial efficiency. Travel Tripod eliminates bulky and confusing knobs with a single adjustment ring for simple and smooth 360-degree adjustment. Peak Design’s proprietary quick-release plate technology facilitates lightning-fast camera attachment—easily accommodating a full frame DSLR with telephoto lens—and is compatible with Peak Design carrying equipment and with Arca Swiss tripod dimensions. Furthermore, Travel Tripod’s ball head measures just 3.25 inches in diameter, keeping it aligned with the packed profile of the tripod’s legs for exceptionally compact carry.

In addition to a thorough rethinking of a tripod's architecture and user interface, carefully considered material choices and construction techniques provide the stability and vibration dampening demanded by avid photographers. A builtin universal phone mount, bubble-level, hook for counterweights, and included soft case round out a packed feature list that fans of Peak Design have come to expect.

Available both in carbon fiber and aluminum legs (MSRP: $599.95 // $349.95) the Travel Tripod will launch on KickStarter (peakdesign.com/ks) for a pre-sale discount beginning May 21, 2019. The tripod will then be available for purchase online at peakdesign.com and through major retailers in time for the 2019 holiday season.

In addition to Image quality test results, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens page.

Note that the product images are cropped hard due to my choice to keep them in the smaller lens comparison format where this lens can be compared to the 100-400mm lens class and others.

The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens is in stock or coming soon at B&H | Adorama | Amazon US | WEX

Rent the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

Watch as Julieanne Kost demonstrates three methods for altering specific colors in Photoshop CC.

B&H carries Adobe Photography Plan subscriptions.

Canon USA has posted information about the RF lens control ring click stop removal service being offered. Note that the price seems reasonable considering the significant disassembly required for this service.

From Canon USA:

What is the Control Ring's Clicking Sound Modification Service?

Canon’s control ring’s modification service offers RF lenses and Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R owners the opportunity to remove/reapply the control ring's clicking sound.

Why might this be needed?

The click action of the control ring allows the user to have a sense of how much it is being turned. However, if used during video shooting, the sound of the control ring operation may be recorded.

Pricing

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

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON (toll free) 1-800-652-2666
For additional support options: usa.canon.com/support

Just posted: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Review.

Do you want an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle focal length lens? This lens and its predecessor are still your only options.

The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.

In the recent On the Ledge at R. B. Ricketts Falls in Ricketts Glen State Park post, I mentioned that my camera rain cover failed, allowing the camera and lens to get wet. The link associated with the camera rain cover was to the LensCoat RainCoat review. That is the rain cover brand I should have been using, but not the one that failed. The inadequate rain cover was an inexpensive model I was evaluating. Sorry for any confusion!

From Nikon USA:

The Nikon Z 6 Filmmakers' Kit "Test Drive" Rental Program Provides the Opportunity to Create Your Own Contest Entry and Discover Why Everyone is Talking About the Incredibly Capable Z 6

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the “Follow Your Passion” video contest, which encourages content creators across the United States to capture their passion using a Nikon Z series mirrorless camera. Entrants can submit a short film for a chance to win a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit and up to $25,000 in prize money.

To enter, users are invited to submit a video project from 3 to 5 minutes in length, captured with a Nikon Z 6 or Z 7, showcasing their passion through filmmaking. Interested participants can submit videos starting on Wednesday, May 15 through Saturday, August 31, 2019.

Nikon is also giving users the chance to discover why the Nikon Z series is a new star in small-footprint productions with the Nikon “Test Drive” Program. This Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit rental program, available at approximately 138 retailer locations nationwide, will provide more creators with the opportunity to experience first-hand what the Nikon Z series is capable of. Through this program, consumers can rent a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit from a participating retailer for up to $99.95* for three days or up to $149.95* for one-week. This program offers an extremely cost-effective way for consumers to capture their contest submission, or simply to explore their passion for filmmaking. Additional information, including a list of participating retailers can be found at www.nikonusa.com/ztestdrive.

“Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker, an aspiring creator, or a stills shooter eager to explore the world of video, this is the contest that will give you a chance to follow your passion, share it with the world and potentially be rewarded for your work,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon Z series offers an extensive video feature set that opens up a world of possibilities for filmmakers; and with the Test Drive program, Nikon makes it easy to explore those possibilities.”

The first, second and third place winners of the Nikon “Follow Your Passion” Z series video contest will each receive a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit worth approximately $4,000. Additionally, the first and second place winners will take home $25,000 and $10,000 in prize money, respectively.

Full contest details, including rules can be found by visiting www.followyourpassion.com.

The Nikon Z for Video Capture

The versatile Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras are ideal for content creators who are serious about filmmaking. Both Z series cameras capture full-frame 4K Ultra HD video and come equipped with fast hybrid AF systems, 5-axis in-body image stabilization and Nikon-designed FX-format BSI CMOS image sensors that deliver outstanding image quality and powerful video performance. These cameras also offer advanced features for videographers, including focus peaking, time-code, 10-bit output with N-Log via HDMI, along with stellar sharpness, low-light ability and dynamic range.

The Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit pairs the powerfully cinematic Z 6 with a NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Mount Adapter FTZ, MOZA Air 2 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer, RODE VideoMic Pro+ Microphone, Atomos Ninja V 4K Recording Monitor and more, allowing users to unlock the camera’s full video potential.

B&H carries the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s Kit.