Camera Gear Review News (Page 15)
Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, and measurements are now available on the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.
I think that you will like the image quality results. Create some comparisons.
The Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, and measurements are now available on the Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.
Create some comparisons.
The Sigma 45mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, and measurements are now available on the Sigma 24mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.
Aside from the distortion, the image quality results appear stellar. Make some comparisons.
Compared to the Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary Lens
Compared to the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN Contemporary Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 28mm F2 Lens
The Sigma 24mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Sigma 24mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens from Lensrentals.
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The Canon EOS R3 arrived and needed set up for use. Following are the steps I took to make an out-of-the-box R3 ready for use (subject to change as I acclimate to the camera).
- Open the box, record the serial number and add the camera to your insurance policy (you're covered, right?)
- find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
- While the battery is charging, unpack the other items you want from the box.
- Not required, but consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to ensure support for your camera model. Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
- Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
- 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.
- Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
- Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Img type/size: 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)
- 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)
- 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.)
- Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (Includes Peripheral illumination correction, Distortion correction, Digital lens optimizer, Chromatic aberration correction, and Diffraction correction. I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
- Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Low (or Off) (noise reduction is destructive to images details - I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
- 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)
- Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
- 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
- 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
- Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
- 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)
- Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
- AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, Vehicles, or None as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
- AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF Areas: Enable Spot AF, 1-point AF, Flexible Zone AF 1, and Whole area AF (along with any others you plan to use)
- 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)
- AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: On
- AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
- Playback Menu, Tab 3: Magnification: 10x; Maintain position: Enable (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image and maintains the position within the image when changing images)
- Playback Menu, Tab 5: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
- Playback Menu, Tab 5: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed and nearly overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
- Networking Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On
- Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it — all data on the card will be lost)
- 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)
- Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
- Tools Menu, Tab 4: Eye control: calibrate (follow instructions to set up this feature)
- Tools Menu, Tab 5: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes); To use C2 and C3, this setting is required: Custom Functions Menu, Tab 2: Restrict metering modes: Enable C1 and C2
- Tools Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
- Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
- 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 securing the first frame)
- Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Customize buttons: Multi-function button: C (toggles between custom mode 1, 2, and 3 and the previously selected mode and settings); Smart controller: Direct AF point selection; AF point button: Direct AF method selection;
- Custom Functions Menu, Tab 6: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less step press required to delete an image)
- Custom Functions Menu, Tab 7: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
- My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Display (exposure) simulation, Subject to detect, Subject tracking, Format card; reorder menu items as desired
- My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options:, Date/Time/Zone (primarily for monitoring the time), Anti-flicker shooting, Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Disp. performance, Number of bracketed shots; reorder menu items as desired
- 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 your setup as needed.
If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime your camera is reset to factory state for some reason, 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, you will be able to set it up quickly. Consider saving the camera settings to a card (Tools menu, tab 5, Save/load cam settings on card) for an easy restore.
More Information
Get the Canon EOS R3 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS R3 from Lensrentals.
Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens page.
As predicted by Tamron's MTF charts, this G2 lens is an outstanding performer.
Is this the sharpest Sony E-Mount general-purpose zoom lens? Here are some comparisons to get started with that answer:
Compared to: Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens
Compared to: Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens
Compared to: Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens is in stock or available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results have been added to the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens page.
The wide aperture and exceptional portrait focal length range has garnered this lens a lot of attention.
Get in line. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | WEX
Rent the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens from Lensrentals.
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Resolution test results have been added to the Canon EOS R3 review page.
Comparisons make evaluating a camera's performance much easier. To get started, check out the comparison against the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III. Right, the lenses are different, but both produce outstanding image quality and are essentially distortion free at the tested focal lengths. In this comparison, the two cameras show similar image quality with the R3 having slightly more resolution, as expected.
Another interesting comparison is against the EOS R6. What I notice most here are the R3's cleaner details, including less false color, at the pixel level.
The comparison against the R5 shows the R5's strong resolution advantage.
Again, the Canon EOS R3 review is actively being updated, with discussion of the image quality now added.
Order the Canon EOS R3 at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively).
Get in line to rent the Canon EOS R3 from Lensrentals.
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The Canon EOS R3 Advanced User Guide is now available for download.
You placed your order already, right? Get the Canon EOS R3 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Noise test results have been added to the Canon EOS R3 page.
The review is actively being updated, and I'll add a discussion of the results to the image quality section very soon.
Expect this camera to be hard to get for a long time — get in line now. Order the Canon EOS R3 at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively).
Get in line to rent the Canon EOS R3 from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens Review
As I said before, the light weight, compact size, long focal lengths, and affordable price tag assure this lens high popularity.
The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
This statement likely comes as no surprise to you. From Sony Japan (translated):
Dear customers
Notice regarding supply of FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II "SEL70200GM2" lens for digital single-lens camera a [E mount]
Thank you for your continued patronage of Sony products.
Reservation started on October 26, 2021 (Tuesday) Digital single-lens camera a [E mount] lens FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II "SEL70200GM2" orders far exceeded our expectations It may take some time before the product is delivered.
We are currently making every effort to meet the needs of our customers, so please wait for a while.
Orders
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens is expected to begin shipping on Dec 16th. However, it is expected to be hard to get for a long time. Getting in line ASAP is a good plan for those wanting to add this lens to their kit.
Order this lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Just posted: Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens Review.
This little lens is easily worth the low price.
Remaining on the to-do list for this review: testing for flare and coma (weather dependent), product images and measurements including the hood (OOS), and the addition of some sample photos.
The Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with standard product images have been added to the Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens page.
Comparisons:
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens vs. Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens vs. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens vs. Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS C Lens
Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens vs. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens
The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens page.
From the Canon press release: "Long gone are the days of optical corrections ..."
Apparently, software correction has replaced optical correction as (strong) barrel distortion correction is forced by the camera and DPP software when using this lens.
Here are some comparisons:
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens vs. Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens vs. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens vs. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Lens
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens vs. Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens vs. Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens
Note that an extreme corner crop has been added to the image quality tool. A small number of lens test results have this crop available (the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens and Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens have it), I expect all future test result sets to include it, and if I get time, I'll process this crop for some earlier tests.
The Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Just posted: Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case Review.
Most photographers will find the Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case the ultimate choice for checking cameras, lenses, and accessories for flying and for transporting such gear via other methods.
If you want the padded divider version of this case, order it immediately from B&H as it is OOS everywhere else I checked.
The Pelican 1637 Air Wheeled Hard Case is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA
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From Canon:
It’s time to create VR through a new lens.
[Did you notice the lateral tripod column used to keep the tripod out of the frame?]
The RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens brings VR to Canon EOS, opening a world of possibilities for digital storytellers. It’s the world’s first digital interchangeable lens that shoots stereoscopic 3D 180° VR to a single image sensor*, outputting a single image file for a convenient VR workflow. This L-Series RF mount lens is compact, lightweight, and portable, shooting stereoscopic 3D* with a 60mm interpupillary distance and a maximum aperture of f/2.8 to a deep depth of field f/16. An exciting new entry to the realm of 180° VR production, the RF5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens brings VR in reach.
More info (press release): Canon RF 5.2mm F2.8 L Dual Fisheye Lens.
*When paired with the Canon EOS R5 camera equipped with firmware update version 1.5.0 or later, and with the use of Canon EOS VR Software solutions. Viewing in 3D requires a compatible Head Mount Display.
Can I store a camera without the battery inserted? Or is this a bad idea? This question came to mind as a grumpy airport gate attendant was forcing me to gate check a camera backpack that I knew would fit under the seat.
Sometimes, hearing the answer to a question you thought you already knew the answer to fills some educational gaps. This is especially true when Canon USA's Rudy Winston is answering the question, and I wanted to hear what Rudy had to say on this topic:
No problem with something like leaving a battery out of the camera for a few hours or even days. The primary issue that comes up is that nowadays, the built-in, back-up battery within the camera (retains things like date & time, and other basic info) is recharged when a charged, normal battery (like a Canon LP-E6NH is used in an EOS R5) is installed. If the camera’s normal battery was to be left out of the camera for a long time – like several months – the built-in, secondary battery can lose its charge, and lose ability to retain camera settings and basic info. This might happen, for instance, if the camera was stored without a normal battery in-place for 3 or 4 months. (The built-in, back-up battery would be re-charged, upon installation of a charged “normal” battery.)
The built-in, back-up battery is not user-accessible, nor is it something the user can service or independently charge themselves, aside from what I just mentioned, above.
The rechargeable, back-up battery is something we’ve had in DSLRs and now mirrorless cameras for at least a decade; it replaced the previous concept of having a coin-type, disposable battery (like a CR2025) also located in the camera’s battery compartment.
Hope this helps!
While I knew about the rechargeable internal battery, the approximate duration it could hold a sufficient charge is interesting.
Thanks, Rudy!
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens page includes the press release, specifications, product images, MTF charts, and other diagrams.
Before you decide that you do not need this lens, check out the MTF charts — they are very impressive.
Did you count the switches on this lens? Seven of them. Complete control? Or an added challenge to find the most used settings?
The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens vs. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens comparison is an interesting one.
Note the relatively small size and weight difference in the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens and Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 G OSS Lens comparison.
Orders
Preorders open today, Oct 14th at 10:00 AM.
I expect the The Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Lens to be hard to get for a long time, so get in line ASAP. Order this lens from B&H | Adorama | WEX
Canon's latest telephoto zoom lens is slated to ship this week (Thu, 10/14), and the Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens page is loaded with information and expectations.
The light weight, compact size, long focal lengths, and affordable price tag assure this lens high popularity.
The Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX
The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens Review image quality section has been updated to include the focus shift information provided by Canon's optical engineers.
I'll share the conclusions here:
The response from Canon's optical engineers was to confirm that, due to its 1.4x magnification (1.4:1 reproduction ratio) capability, a magnification far exceeding 1.0x, the RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS Lens's optical design exhibits some focus shift.
The focus shift is not sample dependent and is not related to the SA control ring. As focus shift is characteristic of this lens, no production changes to the lens or lens/camera firmware updates are anticipated. Correction, when necessary, is accomplished by focusing slightly in front of the subject.
Read the image quality section of the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens Review for the full discussion with samples.
The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens in stock at Canon USA and can be ordered from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.
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