Camera Gear Review News (Page 11)

Just posted: Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review

Because of its small size, light weight, and low cost characteristics, this lens can make sense even in a full-frame kit.

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens page.

How does Canon's tiny, lightweight, inexpensive, new standard zoom lens perform? Check out the test results and create comparisons, including:

Canon RF-S 18-45mm compared to the Canon RF-S 18-150mm Lens

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens page.

Create some comparisons!

Support this site by ordering the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Review.

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images are now available on the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.

This is a small, lightweight lens.

Here is the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens compared to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens, the most similar alternative.

Support this site by ordering the Sigma 16-28mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Noise test results are now available on the Canon EOS R7 and Canon EOS R10 pages.

Take some time to explore the 280 test results just added.

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Order the Canon EOS R7 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Order the Canon EOS R10 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R7 from Lensrentals.

Rent the Canon EOS R10 from Lensrentals.

Resolution test results are now available on the Canon EOS R7 and Canon EOS R10 pages.

The R7 results appear clean, showing the extreme pixel density working well.

The R10 results appear especially sharp, including a bit of moiré.

A growing number of cameras can be compared using the Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Lens test results, and many more can be compared using the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens test results. Use f/4 or f/5.6 to reach the lens's optimal image quality.

Here are some comparisons to get you started:

EOS R7 compared to the R10

EOS R7 compared to the R5

EOS R7 compared to the R3

EOS R7 compared to the R

EOS R7 compared to the 5D Mark IV

EOS R7 compared to the 90D

EOS R7 compared to the 7D Mark II

EOS R10 compared to the R

EOS R10 compared to the Rebel T7i/T8i

EOS R10 compared to the 90D

Build your own. There are many other comparisons available.

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Order the Canon EOS R7 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Order the Canon EOS R10 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

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Rent the Canon EOS R10 from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens Review.

This is an outstanding ultra-wide to wide-angle zoom lens option, geometric distortion aside.

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Just posted: Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens Review.

Excellent lens. Love the size and weight.

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Just posted: Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens Review.

Is it worth the price?

Order the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens Review.

Sharp lens.

Note that the severe barrel distortion at the wide end of the focal length range will require correction most of the time.

Here are some Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens comparisons (compare at various focal lengths, including 35mm):

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS Lens

Compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens

Compared to the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens (distortion correction forced for the Canon lens)

Order the Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens page.

This little lens turns in signficantly sharper image quality than its predecessor. Here are some comparisons (minimally compare 70mm also):

Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens (visualize between the modestly different test camera resolutions)

Compared to the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens

Compared to the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens

Compared to the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens

Order the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens page.

The results appear as expected.

Here is the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens compared to the:

Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens + RF 2x

Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens + RF 1.4x

RF 800 with 1.4x vs. Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens + RF 1.4x

Sorry, I need a larger studio or smaller test chart to capture results from the RF 800 and 2x combination.

Order the Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

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Just posted: ProMediaGear TR424/TR424L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod Review.

Impressive product.

Order the ProMediaGear TR424/TR424L Pro-Stix Carbon Fiber Tripod from ProMediaGear | B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

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The Canon EOS R10 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 46 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R10 for use.

1. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
2. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
3. Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to get support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
4. Attach the neck strap (if using).
5. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
6. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
7. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options).
8. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control pad to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Auto Lighting Optimizer: Off
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
21. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: * select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
22. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
23. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
24. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Whole area AF
25. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
26. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: Peaking: On
27. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
28. Playback Menu, Tab 4: Magnification (apx): 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
29. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
30. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
31. Wireless Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On (turn off wireless when not in use)
32. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
33. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
35. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
36. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
37. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: turn off white balance, turn off flash exposure compensation, enable exposure compensation, enable AF Area
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
42. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
43. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
44. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Expo. simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
45. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Sensor cleaning, Number of bracketed shots, RAW burst mode, reorder menu items as desired
46. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R10

Order the Canon EOS R10 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R10 from Lensrentals.

The Canon EOS R7 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 48 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box EOS R7 for use.

1. Record serial number and add camera to insurance policy
2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
3. While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
4. Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to get support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
5. Attach the neck strap (if using).
6. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
7. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
8. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options).
9. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 2: Auto Lighting Optimizer: Off
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Auto Level: Enable (rotates the sensor to keep the image level, disable this feature to enable H+ and H continuous shooting modes along with electronic 1st-curtain)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
20. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
21. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
22. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
23. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: * select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
24. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
25. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
26. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Whole area AF
27. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
28. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: Peaking: On
29. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
30. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Magnify (apx): 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
31. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
32. Playback Menu, Tab 6: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
33. Wireless Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On (turn off wireless when not in use)
34. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
35. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
36. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
37. Tools Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
38. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
39. Tools Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
42. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: M-Fn: Dial Function settings (press Info): turn off ISO (there is a dedicated button), turn off white balance, turn off flash exposure compensation, enable exposure compensation, enable AF area
43. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
44. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
45. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
46. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Display simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
47. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Sensor cleaning, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
48. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly, while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R7

Order the Canon EOS R7 at B&H | Adorama | Canon | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Canon EOS R7 from Lensrentals.

Canon just introduced some outstanding new gear:

Canon EOS R7 Hands-On Review (mostly completed, more to come)

Canon EOS R10 Hands-On Review (mostly completed, more to come)

Canon RF-S 18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (specs and product images)

Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens (specs and product images)

Notes

• The RF-S 18-45mm features a new optical design.
• The RF-S 18-150mm shares the optical design of the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, a high performing lens.
• The EOS M series remains highly popular and is not discontinued — the R10 is not a replacement for the M6 II.
• The R10 and R7 do not have battery grips available or the bottom positioning hole provisions for one.
• The RF mount and all of its benefits transfer to the new cameras and lenses.
• Full-frame R series cameras function normally (in crop mode) when RF-S lenses are mounted.

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Just posted: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Sony E and Leica L mounts.

Order the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Save $75.00 instantly via the current Sigma promotion.

Order the Sigma 16mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens Review

This lens is available in Canon EF-M, Sony E, Leica L, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds mounts.

Take advantage of the $75.00 instant savings available on this already great value lens (Fujifilm X mount excluded).

Order the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 30mm F1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.

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