Camera Gear Review News (Page 15)

Just posted: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review

Is this the best portrait lens ever?

Get in line. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Updated: Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM Lens Review

Comparisons with the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens and Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens are now included in the alternatives section near the end of this 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 B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Sometimes, I need a specific camera setup immediately. Otherwise, a fleeting moment is gone forever, leaving regret for not having that particular setup already configured.

That specific setup always involves a camera mode. When the camera mode is controlled electronically vs. directly selected on a dial, the camera has freedom in how a mode is selected. Yes, electronics could override a traditional dial-selected mode, but a mode dial set to one mode and the camera operating in a different mode is awkward.

When using a Canon R-series camera without a dedicated mode dial (the R6 and RP have a dedicated mode dial), the obvious way to select a camera mode is to press the mode button and turn the dial surrounding it. That works fine, requiring little additional effort over the conventional mode dial.

Canon has long provided C (Custom) modes that are extremely useful for storing a specific camera setup for quick access. However, turning the mode dial or pressing a button and turning the dial is not fast enough when photographing a fleeting opportunity.

The answer to this dilemma? Use a Canon R-series or 1-series camera with an electronically selected mode dial (the EOS R3, EOS R5, EOS R, and EOS-1D X Mark III, and EOS-1D X Mark II as I write this), configure a C mode to the immediately needed settings, and program the camera's M-Fn button to access a C mode instantly.

The R-series and 1-series cameras are highly customizable. Canon lists the customizable buttons and the functions available for them near the end of the owner's manual (owner's manual links are provided at the top of each camera review page). The R3's list starts on page 939, the R5's list begins on page 816, the R's list starts on page 556, the 1D X III's list begins on page 855, and the 1D X II's list starts on page 444. Paging down, you will find the C option is available for, at this time, only the M-Fn button.

When programmed to C, the M-Fn button toggles between the enabled C modes, up to all three (C1, C2, and C3), and the previously selected mode (including other camera settings) with each press. C modes can be disabled in the "Restrict shooting modes" menu option (not available in the R). Enabling only one C mode causes the M-Fn button to toggle between the single C mode and the previous camera settings, providing instant access to a specific camera setup, with instant reversion back to the previous settings via another M-Fn press.

When photographing wildlife with the R3, I wanted to take advantage of the incredible 30 fps capture rate (20 fps for the R5, 8 fps for the R). However, I knew the overwhelming selection challenge that shooting 30 fps for five days would create.

Here is the solution:

Adjust the camera to the settings desired for fast action. For the whitetail deer adventure, this meant using the electronic shutter with H+ 30 fps continuous shooting. Servo AF with eye control enabled provided quick focus acquisition, and subject tracking held the focus on the eye, including with a fast moving subject. The R3 in M mode with a wide-open aperture, fast shutter speed (at least 1/2500), and Auto ISO usually resulted in sharp details and proper exposures. The next step was to program these settings into custom mode 1 (with C2 and C3 disabled) via the menu option in the Tools menu. The M-Fn button programmed to C then provided fast, single button press access to the settings configured for the C mode.

The next step was to set the camera for the normal shooting requirements. For this shoot, manual mode with the 15 fps continuous shooting rate was selected. In the field, I roll the top dial to select the shutter speed needed for the subject at hand. Typically, immediate insurance shots are captured with a fast speed. If the subject permits, the shutter speed is increasingly lengthened as more images are captured. The goal is to have lower ISO, lower noise options from the scenario.

When moving, wildlife often moves suddenly. For example, a bird launches to take off, and a whitetail deer abruptly gives chase to a doe or competing buck. I'm sure you can add to that list of scenarios. When the sudden movement happens, a quick press of the M-Fn button immediately provides the settings programmed for fast action.

When the action slows down again, press the M-Fn button to return to the previous shooting settings.

Why is only the M-Fn button able to be programmed to C? Good question — that answer was unknown when I asked. Indeed, more buttons should be programmable to C, and I and would not be surprised to see that happen in the future. The R3's M-Fn 2 button is a prime candidate.

By default, the M-Fn button is programmed to Dial Func, a useful feature itself. To retain easy access to this function, consider programming the nearby Lamp button to Dial Func.

If your camera does not offer electronic mode selection, go pick out your next camera: The Canon EOS R-series

Just posted: Canon EOS R3 Review

So, this review has been live for a while now, but it has been a work in process. That process is not likely complete, but at some point I have to call it done to mark a psychological milestone.

Get the Canon EOS R3 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | 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 90mm F2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.

Create some comparisons!

The Sigma 90mm 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 65mm F2 DG DN Contemporary Lens page.

I think that you will like the image quality results. Create some comparisons.

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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

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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).

1. Open the box, record the serial number and add the camera to your insurance policy (you're covered, right?)
2. 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 ensure support for your camera model. Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP) and EOS Utility are the options I manually include in the install.
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. Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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.)
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. 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)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
15. 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
16. 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
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
18. 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)
19. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern. Select Power saving otherwise.
20. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select People, Animals, Vehicles, or None as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
21. 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)
22. 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)
23. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: On
24. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
25. 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)
26. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
27. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed and nearly overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
28. Networking Menu, Tab 1: Airplane mode: On
29. Tools Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it — all data on the card will be lost)
30. 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)
31. Tools Menu, Tab 2: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
32. Tools Menu, Tab 4: Eye control: calibrate (follow instructions to set up this feature)
33. 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
34. Tools Menu, Tab 5: Copyright information: enter as desired
35. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
36. 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)
37. 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;
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 6: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less step press required to delete an image)
39. 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)
40. 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
41. 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
42. 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

Canon EOS R3

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

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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

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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).

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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

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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

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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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