Canon and Sony News for Mar 2022
Watch and listen to Canon Explorer of Light Bruce Dorn as he photographs a galloping horse and rider with the Canon EOS R3 and RF 100-500mm L IS USM Lens and then explains the compositional choice.
Learn more:
Canon EOS R3 Review
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens Review
A June sunrise image of The Loche in Rocky Mountain National Park requires a 2.7 mi, 1,056 ft elevation gain hike in the middle of the night. Getting location information on a relatively remote lake early in the season is challenging, but there was a report of open water, so my daughter and I set off for an adventure.
Upon arrival, the report proved technically correct. However, ice prevailed in the target location. While the ice would have been an OK foreground (these mountains can make nearly any foreground work), a reflection was the big benefit of hiking to a lake.
Moving to a nearby small area of open water accomplished the reflection goal. Here, a twisted tree and its roots, along with rocks flowing into the scene, provided additional foreground entertainment at this location.
Back to the leading question: Why don't I use graduated neutral density (GND) filters?
I'll start with the answer to a more basic question, what is a graduated neutral density (GND) filter?
Since Wikipedia already created this answer, I'll share it here:
"A graduated neutral-density filter, also known as a graduated ND filter, split neutral-density filter, or just a graduated filter, is an optical filter that has a variable light transmission. Typically half of the filter is of neutral density which transitions, either abruptly or gradually, into the other half which is clear. It is used to bring an overly-bright part of a scene into the dynamic range of film or sensor. For example, it can be used to darken a bright sky so that both the sky and subject can be properly exposed. ND filters can come in a variety of shapes and sizes and densities and can be used in all types of photographic applications from still photography, motion photography and scientific applications."
Here is the big problem. In general, graduated ND filters have straight lines of transition. However, these filters are primarily needed outdoors, and the outdoor landscape transition from dark to bright is seldom a straight line — unless a large body of water or a great plain fills the background. It is unrealistic to create filters for every horizon shape, and especially wide-angle zoom lenses usually have focal lengths with geometric distortion that further complicates the needed transition shape.
While soft transition GND filters better hide the dark to light transition, the final image seldom hides the unnatural brightness change.
Round threaded GND filters are available, and logically using one requires the brightness transition to be placed in the middle of the frame — another big limitation. To vary the location of the brightness change requires rectangular filters sized much larger than the front of the lens. While the density transition is still in the center of these filters, the larger size means they can be positioned off-center, placing the brightness transition anywhere desired.
Rectangular GND filters can be handheld during the shot, though avoiding movement against the lens requires a steady hand, and holding the filter slightly off of the lens permits light leaks (that may or may not matter). A filter holder provides a better solution optically, but the large rectangular filters require even larger filter holders.
Purchasing the complete set of transition types (hard to soft) and densities required to ideally mix the various lighting levels encountered, along with a filter holder, is expensive. In addition, the functional set is somewhat burdensome to carry and time-consuming to set up.
What is the alternative? Capture the scene in two or more exposures (if necessary, as processing a single image to differing brightness may be adequate), and blend the results using an HDR technique. A straight transition line is no longer important, and the adjusted areas do not need to be contiguous. Any brightness transition rate can be used (hard to soft), and the rate can vary in a single image.
Additionally, all focal lengths and lens sizes are supported, from a circular fisheye to the longest telephoto lens available.
I can often tell when a GND filter was used for an image, and usually, the result is not my favorite. Not everyone shares my view, and that is OK.
There are a lot of graduated ND filters sold, and sometimes only a graduated ND filter can get the job done properly. A primary advantage of graduated neutral density filters is that action transcending the density change (waves on an ocean, for example) remains perfectly aligned. Another big filter advantage is that post-processing is greatly reduced or eliminated, and those recording video or JPG format still images need to capture the final brightness.
Circling back to the image shared here. There are no graduated neutral density filters in the shape of the shadow line. Also, the perfect filter to match the digital graduated neutral density processing needed to darken the sky, excluding the tree. That filter, of course, does not exist. Thus, I don't carry it — or any other variant.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 1.0.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Improves the accuracy of the Eye AF feature
- Fixes an issue where you may not be able to take photos when using a SEL2860 lens
- Improves the operational stability of the camera
Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.
Just posted: Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF and Sony E Review.
This lens looks nice physically.
Order the Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Rokinon AF 14mm F2.8 Lens from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens for Canon RF and Sony E Review.
This lens exceeded my expectations.
Order the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 85mm F1.4 Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 are now available on the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens Review.
The tested lens is a Canon USA refurbished model, again showing that these lenses are high-performers (and, as always, it appears as new).
Planning for some long hikes later this year, I purchased this lens to cut some weight in the pack.
Order the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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From Tamron Co. , Ltd. [translated]:
[Update information]
Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD Lens
Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD Lens
Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD Lens
Firmware update notice
Thank you for your continued patronage of Tamron products. On our website dated December 23, 2021, our lenses 20mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F050), 24mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F051), 35mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F053) We have posted a notice that a malfunction will occur for Sony E-mount, but we are pleased to inform you that it has been improved by updating the firmware.
Target model
20mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F050)
24mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F051)
35mm F / 2.8 Di III OSD M1: 2 (Model F053)
Points to be improved
Click here for details on the phenomenon that AF switches to MF when shooting a movie in combination with the a7 IV >>> Model F050 , Model F051 , Model F053
How to update
Updates using the camera are possible. Click here for details
How to check the lens firmware version
Select "Setup" from the "Menu" of the camera and check "Version display".
Get your Tamron Lens at
B&H.
This background story and the low-level lighting information post became too long to share here, so please visit the Low-Level Lighting Mobius Arch, Milky Way at Alabama Hills, CA page for the full details.
A larger version of this image is available on here.
Just posted: Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station and SolarSaga Solar Panel Review.
A simple and highly useful set of products.
Order the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Station and SolarSaga Solar Panel from Jackery | B&H | Amazon USA
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Canon EOS C70 firmware update version 1.0.3.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.3.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
- Adds support for the Cinema RAW Light recording modes.
Resolution:4096x2160,2048x1080
Bit Depth:12 bit
Frame rate:59.94P,50.00P,29.97P,23.98P,25.00P,24.00P - Adds [Frame Recording] modes.
- Adds [Interval Recording] modes.
Get the Canon EOS C70 at B&H.
If there is any chance that you want the new Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens, place an order for it immediately upon that option going live at 10:00 AM ET this morning. You can cancel the order at any time prior to it shipping if you change your mind.
Order the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Here are a couple of interesting comparisons:
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Lens
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens
Canon Japan and Australia have issued a Canon EOS R5 C service notice.
Here is the Canon AU notice:
Customers who recently purchased the EOS R5 C digital cinema camera
It has been discovered that the following minor defect may occur in some EOS R5 C digital cinema cameras. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and concern this may cause to customers using this product. We will continue to ensure thorough quality control so that customers can use this product with peace of mind.
Issue
Due to a manufacturing defect in the autofocus, the camera may repeatedly go in and out of focus in movie mode.
Products
Selected units in Australia of the EOS R5 C digital cinema camera.
Our action
We are aware that a very small number of units have been delivered to customers prior to this issue being identified. For those who received their unit on or before 21 March 2022, please contact the retailer you purchased the product from to organise the return and replacement or repair of your camera. We appreciate your understanding.
For those customers eagerly awaiting their EOS R5 C we expect this may delay shipping of your product.
The Canon Japan notice [translated] includes more details:
For customers using the digital cinema camera "EOS R5 C"
March 23, 2022
Canon Marketing Japan Inc.
Thank you for using Canon products.
It has been revealed that the autofocus function of some products of the digital cinema camera "EOS R5 C" may not work properly in the movie mode (power switch is set to VIDEO) due to adjustment problems in the manufacturing process. rice field. [?] Therefore, we would like to inform you about the contents and our response.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and concern to customers using this product.
In the future, we will continue to thoroughly implement quality control so that our customers can use our products with peace of mind. We appreciate your understanding.
Phenomenon
Target Mode
Video mode (set the power switch to VIDEO)
Phenomenon
When the autofocus is activated, even if the AF frame is displayed, the phenomenon of out of focus (repeatedly in focus and out of focus) occurs.
* This phenomenon occurs only when the autofocus is activated in the movie mode. It does not affect autofocus in still image mode (set the power switch to PHOTO).
Products
Some products of the digital cinema camera "EOS R5 C"
The method for determining the target product is as follows.
This may occur in products where the 4th and 5th digits from the left of the serial number on the bottom of the camera body are "42" and the last 3 digits are "002 to 115".
Target serial number: 651 42 9000 002 to 651 42 9000 115
* The target is early products in Japan and Oceania.
About Correspondence
EOS R5 C for which the above phenomenon has been confirmed will be readjusted free of charge. Please send it to the store where you purchased it or the repair base window, or bring it with you. In addition, we will take care of the equipment, so it will take about a week to return it. Thank you for your understanding.
From Sony:
Sony Electronics Announces the World’s Lightest Constant F4 Wide-Angle Power Zoom Lens, the Compact FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G™
Latest Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Line-Up Offers Evolved Image Quality and Operability for Full-Frame, Content Creation
SAN DIEGO, CA – March 22, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. today introduced the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G (model SELP1635G) – a wide-angle power zoom with evolved image quality, high performance AF (autofocus), and superior operability designed to meet the needs of today’s creators.
Developed with Sony’s vast expertise in lens design, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G delivers outstanding performance and control in the world’s lightest[i] full-frame wide-angle power-zoom lens with a constant F4 aperture. The compact hybrid lens offers refined image quality, reliable G lens rendering, and industry-leading AF performance in a remarkably compact form factor that will appeal to both photo and video content creators. The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is ideal for everything from video production and vlogging to street and landscape photography, offering a variety of outstanding hybrid features such as incredible resolution, beautiful bokeh, and fast and precise AF. In addition, Sony’s newest lens offers advanced video features including an innovative power zoom function and refined capabilities such as an independent aperture control ring for even more creative control.
“The needs of our community are our top priority. As the content creation landscape continues to evolve and the worlds of still imaging and video continue to merge, we are constantly developing new products to meet this growing demand for hybrid content creators,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “With an advanced feature set and unmatched portability and flexibility, The FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G is perfectly designed to meet these evolving needs and ensure that today’s creators can realize their full vision.”
Evolved Image Quality for Photos and Videos
The FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G offers an extraordinary blend of breathtaking resolution and beautiful bokeh in a lightweight, compact lens. The optical path includes two AA (advanced aspherical) elements and a conventional aspherical element for an accurate image across the frame and 16-35mm zoom range. One Super ED (extra-low dispersion), and one ED glass element control chromatic aberration, while one ED aspherical element controls both chromatic and spherical aberration.
The use of AA elements in an advanced optical design also ensures excellent close-up performance throughout the zoom range – minimum focusing distance is 11 inches (0.28 meters) at 16mm and 9.5 inches (0.24 meters) at 35mm, with a maximum magnification of 0.23x. Additionally, an optimized coating effectively suppresses flare and ghosting for clear, well-defined images.
A circular aperture and carefully designed control of spherical aberration work together to deliver smooth, deep full-frame bokeh that adds visual impact.
High-Performance Autofocus
The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G utilizes two XD (Extreme Dynamic) Linear motors to control autofocus. The fast response and smooth, quiet operation of this system gives users new creative freedom. With Sony’s flagship Alpha 1 body it is possible to maintain accurate focus while shooting stills continuously at up to 30fps (frames per second)[i] and up to 120fps in movie mode.
Focus is especially critical when shooting slow motion 4K up to 120fps or 8K movies[ii]. The FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G works with Alpha cameras[iii] to reliably focus, and smoothly and silently track even fast-moving subjects. High-thrust XD Linear Motors, optimized optics, and responsive control add up to extraordinarily precise AF performance while keeping the lens compact with internal focus.
Advanced Features for Video Including a New Power Zoom Function
Based on feedback from leading creators, Sony specifically designed the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G to deliver the refined imagery and control for today’s video needs. It features the latest lens technology to reduce focus breathing as well as focus and axial shift when zooming to ensure the highest quality video is easily captured. Focus, zoom, and aperture operation are also extremely quiet, greatly reducing noise and vibration that can interfere with movie recording.
For the first time in a Sony Alpha lens the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G uses four XD linear motors for the power zoom function in addition to the two XD linear motors used for focus. With this newly designed electronic power zoom system, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G provides advanced control with the response and immediacy of non-powered manual zoom. It features both a zoom ring and a zoom lever with variable zoom speed that makes it easy to execute super-slow, fast or constant-speed change in focal length. Power zoom also minimizes camera shake or movement that can occur when operating a traditional zoom ring, and when used with compatible cameras, users can customize the zoom ring direction to suit shooting conditions. Zoom can also be controlled with the zoom lever on compatible cameras. Remote operation is also possible when using the Imaging Edge™ Mobile app[iv].
As an added benefit, users can operate buttons and controls on compatible cameras or accessories for convenient zoom control, including the GP-VPT2BT Bluetooth Grip and Remote Commander RMT-P1BT to remotely control zoom while the camera is mounted on a gimbal[v].
Furthermore, Linear Response MF ensures high repeatability as the focus ring responds directly and repeatably to subtle control when focusing manually. An aperture ring makes manual aperture/iris control fast, direct, and easy. The aperture ring includes a switch that can select aperture click stops that are ideal for photography or de-click operation for smooth iris control which is ideal for video.
Superior Mobility, Control and Reliability
World-class design and technology come together to deliver a compact, lightweight lens that also includes focus, zoom and aperture/iris rings and power zoom for unprecedented mobility and handling.
Using internal focus and internal zoom, the overall length of the lens remains constant during use for ideal balance and handling. Consistent balance makes this lens an ideal choice for gimbal-mounted movie shooting or use with a matte box. The focus ring can be easily controlled while shooting movies, and the adjacent focus and zoom rings are different sizes so they can be easily operated by feel while viewing the monitor.
More convenient features on the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G include the Iris Lock Switch that can be engaged to prevent the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the auto and F4 - F22 settings and the customizable focus hold button for convenient control.
As the world’s lightest[i] F4 wide-angle power-zoom lens, the FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G weighs just 12 ounces (353 grams), 30% less than the Vario-Tessar T* FE 16–35 mm F4 ZA OSS and is just 3.17 inches x 3.47 inches (80.5mm x 88.1mm) in size with a filter diameter of f72mm. The lens also has a dust and moisture resistant design[vi], as well as a fluorine front element coating to keep it clean and reliable for outdoor use.
Pricing and Availability
The new FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G will be available in June 2022 for approximately $1,200.00 USD and $1,500.00 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.
Orders
Order the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
A product video on the new FE PZ 16-35MM F4 G:
Notes
[i] Hi+” continuous shooting mode. Effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode at shutter speeds of 1/250 sec. or higher the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode.
[ii] 4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. 8K: 7,680 x 4,320 pixels.
[iii] Compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
Available in movie mode only. Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is used. Compensation may not be able to cover all situations.
[iv] Download Imaging Edge app at Google Play and the App Store. Network services, content, and operating system and software subject to terms and conditions and may be changed, interrupted or discontinued at any time and may require fees, registration and credit card information. Membership to Imaging Edge account and app on smartphone required with connection to WiFi. See Imaging Edge terms and conditions/privacy policy for details.
[v] Zoom operation depends on the body used. Refer to the help guide for details.
[vi] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results are now available on the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE page.
Many of the uses for a 14mm lens require sharp corner image quality. However, I could see the blurry image periphery this lens delivered even in the viewfinder.
Upon looking at the image quality results from this lens, my first thought was that I just wasted hours testing a severely misaligned lens. Yes, the viewfinder did provide a clue. However, all four corners appeared similar, making me second guess the first thought.
So, I reached out to a friend, Roger Cicala at Lensrentals. "Is the Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8 RF for Canon RF extremely soft in the periphery at the wider apertures? The one I just received delivers some of the worst corner performance I’ve seen."
Roger's reply:
"Well, I can do a long version, but "yep". Also a lot of field curvature, so you may get some improvement in edge performance by focusing off-axis."
More to come.
The Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE is available to order from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
Rent the Rokinon (Samyang) AF 14mm F2.8 Lens for Canon RF, Sony FE from Lensrentals.
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I was in Lone Pine, CA and the Alabama Hills facing the prospect of a clear sky at sunset. While blue is one of my favorite colors, some clouds in the sky with a fiery glow are an even better end-of-the-day option.
The sun setting in a clear sky casts a beautiful warm light, ideal for landscape imagery. However, the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, including 14,505' Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous USA, blocks the warm color temperature of the late-day sunlight long before it reaches most of this valley and its formations.
There is one reliable way to get a colorful sky during a clear sunset. The Belt of Venus will rise opposite the sun with the earth's shadow following it, and reflecting the Belt of Venus in a body of water doubles the available color.
Mono Lake is over 2,600' higher than Lone Pine, CA, home of the Alabama Hills. This location has a less-obstructed west view and lacks the close tall mountains to the east. That combination provides early visibility of the Belt of Venus, where it appears strong in color
Photographing the tufa tower limestone formations at Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve had long been on my to-do list, so the second round of adventures for this day began.
Upon arriving at the lake, the car thermometer said it was cold out — upper 40s or low 50s? However, it was too hot in the sun to dress warmly.
I opted to go light, grabbing a tripod, two cameras and lenses in Lowepro toploader cases, and no extra clothes. The plan was to scout for the optimal sunset shot, return to the car for everything else, and then capture the selected sunset scene.
After finding a location that worked for the reflection plan roughly a mile into the adventure, I no longer had the energy to make the rather difficult two-mile round trip to retrieve the warm clothes (and flashlight).
The pair of Canon EOS R5 bodies mounted to Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS and Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS Lenses were perfect for the opportunities presented, and the Really Right Stuff TVC-24L Mk2 Carbon Fiber Tripod and BH-40 Ball Head held them solidly.
The expected temperature drop was a concern, but I was still very warm. The neutral density filters were still in the SUV, but the smooth water left nothing moving to blur.
Eventually, the sun went low in the sky, the tufas had warm light on them, and many photos were captured. However, the real show began when the Belt of Venus and the earth's shadow moved into view. The Belt of Venus and its reflection nicely framed the tufa formations and their dark blue earth shadow background. This show was over in minutes, but working fast with two cameras provided many image variations within this timeframe.
The show would have been over fast regardless of the sky progression because the temperature plummeted into the 20s as soon as the sun set, and shivering made tripod use mandatory. As the dirt road was closer than the car (and the flashlight was in the car), I opted for a direct path to the road, expecting that the opportunity for getting lost would be reduced and hoping that firmer footing would be gained. It didn't take long for this decision to be deemed questionable, and the "Would anyone ever find me if I went down in the massive, over-my-head sagebrush that I was climbing over?" question entered my mind.
Fortunately, the story has a happy ending, and the Belt of Venus provided the desired sunset color on this evening. Keep this sky color option in mind for your next clear day sunset — or sunrise — shoot.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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