Camera Gear Review News (Page 16)

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

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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Learn more: Canon EOS R3 Review

Order the Canon EOS R3 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon EOS R3 from Lensrentals.

With limited supplies expected for the EOS R3, preorder first and ask questions later. There is lots of time to cancel the order before the gear ships.

The Canon EOS R3 page is loaded with information about the new camera.

See all of the just announced Canon gear at B&H.

The Canon EOS R3 is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Here are links to the new lenses on this site, primarily featuring product images and specs:

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

Canon RF 16mm F2.8 STM Lens

See all of the just announced Canon gear at B&H.

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 16mm F2.8 STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX

Just posted: Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens Review.

This lens is a great option for wildlife and sports.

I usually post reviews in the morning, but this day went a bit sideways. We had a tremendous storm this afternoon, with extreme wind (wind shear or perhaps a small tornado), hail, and a huge amount of rainfall in a short period of time. In the storm's path are trees down, and with them, the power went down. The laptop battery and UPS are still up, so I'm sharing the review now.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, and distortion test results have been added to the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens page.

The DSLR version of this lens was very popular, and the new DN version is sure to be a big hit.

Comparisons provide great perspective. Let's dive into some of those.

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens compared to:

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens

Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS C Lens

Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens

Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens

Don't stop here. Use one of the above links to build additional comparisons.

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens Review.

Find out how this standard zoom lens compares to the others in its class, including the directly-competing Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens.

The Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens Review.

Both thumbs up. Impressive lens.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens Review.

Learn how this little lens measures up!

The Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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In addition to the Image quality test results previosuly shared, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, standard product images, and other product images have been added to the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens page.

Remember that Canon mandates distortion correction for this lens in-camera (in the viewfinder) and in Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP).

See the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens visually compared to the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens here.

The Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Ironically, the day after sharing the first Canon vs. Sony IBIS Comparison Test, Sony released Alpha 1 firmware update version 1.10. While IBIS was not called out in the list of updated features, discussions hinted that an IBIS performance update was possibly included in the "Other improvements in operational stability" line item. Sony would not divulge the answer to that question. That possibility left a little doubt in my mind, and ... I don't like doubt more than I don't like testing image stabilization.

Round 2. The procedures for the second comparison test were the same as for the first, and the text for this test will remain mostly identical to that of the initial test.

When shooting handheld, image stabilization performance can be a significant image quality factor. Sony has incorporated In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) in their cameras for many years — the a7 II and a7R II had this feature. Canon's first IBIS implementations arrived last summer in the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6.

Especially given Sony's long head start with this technology, I wanted to know: Is Sony's IBIS better than Canon's? Or is Canon's IBIS better? It was also possible that the two systems would perform equally, and that piece of information would also be helpful to know. It was time to create a comparison featuring the latest high-end models from each company, the Canon EOS R5 vs. Sony Alpha 1.

CIPA's image stabilization ratings attempt to provide an objective measure of a camera's stabilization assistance capabilities. However, CIPA is considerably steadier than I am. There are no objective image stabilization tests that measure a camera's stabilization assistance specifically for me — or for you, and it is only a camera's stabilization assistance performance for the person holding the camera that matters. Even our personal stabilization needs are situational, with wind, physical exertion, footing stability, and other factors influencing our ability to hold a camera steady.

While I had opinions on the overall image stabilization performance of various Canon and Sony camera and lens combinations, explicitly testing the difference between the Canon and Sony camera IBIS had been interesting me. With identical Canon and Sony non-stabilized lenses in the lab at the same time, this comparison hit the top of my to-do list, becoming the priority.

While completely objective testing was not possible, it seemed that subjective testing could be dialed in to have meaning.

This IBIS testing was performed in the studio, with ideal handheld testing conditions, including solid (concrete) footing and no wind. During testing, elbows were not resting on the body, and the viewfinder was in use (vs. the rear LCD).

The Canon EOS R5 with an RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens was tested against a Sony Alpha 1 with an FE 50mm f/1.2 GM Lens. The cameras were set to single-shot mode, with the electronic first curtain shutter selected in Tv mode. A detailed test target (exceeding camera resolution) was positioned at eye level about 10' (3.3m) away, with the distance marked for consistency.

Starting at 1/25 second exposures (roughly 2 stops of stabilization assistance expected for me), 10 images were captured with each camera. The shutter duration on both cameras was then increased by 1/3 stop, and the testing was repeated, alternating cameras until 1-second exposures were on the cards. That procedure amounted to 150 pictures taken with each camera (10 shots x 15 shutter speeds), 300 pictures total.

The measure of sharpness is not boolean, true or false, meaning an arbitrary determination of pass or fail was required, and adding an intermediary grade seemed a good idea. In addition, everyone loves a score, a firm number that can quickly be compared and quoted.

If the image was unsalvageable, it went into the "Delete" category. If an image is blurry, it was a waste of time to capture, load, and process. Worse is that I may have counted on the image being sharp, meaning that the desired image was lost. The blurry image also consumed space on the memory card and later on the computer's SSD. Thus, in the "Score" column, five points are deducted for each image falling in this category.

If the image was salvageable via increasing the sharpness or down-sizing the image, it went into the "Useable" category. No points were given for these images. While they will often get the job done, these results were mediocre.

Crisply sharp images are what we want. Test images making the "Sharp" grade were awarded 5 points.

Most images were not hard to place in one of these three categories. The "benefit of the doubt" rule was implemented for those hard to grade, and the higher grade was given.

Here is the resulting Canon vs. Sony IBIS comparison table:

The testing was so much fun that I decided to do it again. OK, the fun part was missing, but meaningful test results should be repeatable, right? While I made a significant effort to capture every test shot to the best of my current abilities, I had enough doubt in my mind to leave me unsatisfied. Testing for consistency seemed necessary.

Thus, after thoroughly evaluating the first set of results, the same test was repeated — another 300 images were captured. The results are as follows:

While these numbers are as meaningful as the first table, it was the consistency with the first test results that most interested me. The following table shows the deviation between the two tests. The second result was subtracted from the first result, with 0 or close to 0 indicating similar performance.

To account for any testing anomalies, after compiling the second test results, the four exposure durations with the most deviation (none were significantly differing) for each camera were tested a third time (80 additional test shots). The worst of the three results for each camera was thrown out, leaving the results shown in the above tables.

I am very impressed at how consistent the results for the two tests are. The similarity adds credence to the test results.

Here is a summary table showing the combined first and second test results, along with the final scoring.

So, we just got highly analytical with 680 subjective test results. Still, there seems to be some meaning here.

The sharp column from this table is illustrated in the graph included at the top of this post. From these results, it is arguable that the IBIS technology in the Canon EOS R5 is superior to that in the Sony Alpha 1 (for me, on this day, in this location, with the referenced lenses mounted). For example, follow the "10" line in the chart to see the shutter speed I required for a 50% sharp image rate.

Mostly, I experience a 1/3 - 2/3 stop advantage with the Canon camera. That difference is not dramatic, and the bottom line is that IBIS is valuable in both camera brands. This feature adds substantially to the versatility of non-stabilized lenses, such as the 50mm f/1.2 models tested here. IBIS is one more reason to love the latest mirrorless camera models.

Correction: I Just fixed a duplication mistake in the revised review (sorry about that). There are two new sets of 100% crop samples shared in the revised review, and now they are different. The missing second set was relevant to the "Will I notice?" discussion.

Original post: I couldn't let the uncertainty of the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens focus shift issue rest and have just tested a second copy of the lens.

The Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens Review has been updated. Search the review page (CTRL-F / CMD-F) for "bad copy" (sorry, the bookmark link is not working) to jump to the update.

Order the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 100mm F2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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