Camera Gear Review News (Page 20)

Image quality, vignetting, flare, and distortion test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens Review.

This is another impressive lens. Here are some comparisons:

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN and HSM Art Lenses Compared

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM Lens

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens compared to Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Lens

This lens review is nearly complete — tomorrow is the goal.

The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA

Rent the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens Review.

Need a small, light telephoto zoom lens? Does inexpensive (including a $50.00 instant savings) work? This one might have your name on it.

Get the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens at B&H (with free B+W filter and Zeiss cleaning kit) | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens Review.

This is another solid Tamron Di III lens option.

The affordable Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Just posted: Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review.

You are going to like this lens.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R5 have been added to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens Review.

This lens is an impressive performer and a member of my personal kit. Here are some comparisons:

Here is a Canon EOS R5 vs. Canon EOS R resolution and sharpness comparison.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens? No contest.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens? Again, the F1.2 lens takes the wide open win. The price difference? No contest.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens compared to the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens at f/1.4? The Sigma lens puts up a good fight in the center of the frame, but the Canon lens rules the mid and peripheral areas of the frame.

What is your guess for the outcome of the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens vs. Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 Lens matchup at f/1.4? I'll give the Canon lens the win in the center of the frame and the periphery appears to be a draw. The price difference combined with the AF difference? No contest for most.

The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens is in stock at Amazon USA and WEX, and available for order at B&H and Adorama.

Rent the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, and flare test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens Review.

Need a small, light telephoto zoom lens? Oh, and inexpensive? This one might have your name on it.

Check out the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens and Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens comparison (note that I'm fixing the Tamron 200mm f/5.6 top crop that is shifted).

This lens has a $50.00 instant savings available. The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H (with free B+W filter and Zeiss cleaning kit) | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, and flare test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens Review.

Did Tamron create a miraculous superzoom? That answer is coming in the full review. In the meantime, create some comparisons, starting with the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens compared to Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens. Be sure to view the long end comparison.

The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality, vignetting, and flare test results along with specs, measurements, and standard product images have been added to the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review.

This is a solid performing lens. The primary comparison I wanted to see was this one:

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens vs. Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens

Why are the center details rendered smaller by the Sigma lens? Strong pincushion distortion is the cause. When you see the price difference, you will lose at least most of that concern.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art Lens from Lensrentals.

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Image quality and distortion test results have been added to the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens Review.

Aside from additional product images coming as soon as I can source the lens hood, this review is completed. Here is the comparison of most interest (visualize the modest resolution difference):

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Order the very affordable Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens Review is posted and mostly completed. An extensive amount of information is available now with the lab test results expected later this week.

It is compact, it is light, and it is inexpensive. How does RF 50 F1.8 perform?

Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from Lensrentals.

I finally got a Canon ET-77 Lens Hood, enabling the standard product images to be added to the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens Review.

This lens is popular and backordered everywhere.

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA| WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

Rent the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Sony a7C Review

The a7C is a compact, high performing full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that doesn't cost a fortune.

Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony a7C from Lensrentals.

Image quality test results have been added to the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens Review.

I think you will be impressed with these results. This tiny, affordable lens is a good performer.

Initially, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens is only available in a kit with the Sony a7C. This kit is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Eventually, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens will be individually available. B&H says preorders start Feb 15th. Adorama and Amazon USA are not saying. WEX is taking preorders.

What are the differences between the Sony a7C and a7 III? Size and the features directly related to size aside, these cameras are nearly the same. This sameness includes the imaging sensor and the resulting image quality. While the similarities reflect very positively on the a7C, the differences must be understood.

Let's look at the a7C vs. a7 III differences, starting with some visual comparisons.

• Headlining the a7C advantage list is a considerably smaller size. Essentially, slice the a7 III off at the top plate, and you get the a7C. Additionally, the a7C's lighter weight is welcomed:
  • 4.88 x 2.80 x 2.35" vs. 5.0 x 3.9 x 3.0"
  • 124.0 x 71.1 x 59.7mm vs. 126.9 x 95.6 x 73.7mm
  • The a7C's grip is considerably smaller with a finer-textured grip surface.
  • CIPA Weight: 18.0 vs. 23.0 oz (509 vs. 650g)
• The EVF included on this little camera is a very positive feature, but directly impacted by the camera's reduced size is the a7C's viewfinder size. While both cameras feature approximately 2.35 megadot XGA OLED viewfinders with 100% coverage, there are significant differences:
  • Size: 0.39 vs. 0.50" (1.0 vs. 1.3cm) (little vs. huge)
  • Magnification: Approx. 0.59x vs. 0.78x
  • Eyepoint: Approx. 20mm vs. 23mm
  • The a7C has a minimalistic eyecup.
• Notably improved is the a7C's AF system, now including support for Real-time Tracking and Eye AF (human) while recording video.
• The a7C has no joystick. While some will find the "joy" missing, the touch and drag AF feature works well.
• The a7C has no front dial.
• The a7C has an increased buffer size (115 vs. 40 RAW).
• The a7C lacks the light flicker avoidance feature.
• The a7C has a working range down to EV -4 vs. EV -3.
• The a7C's max shutter speed is 1/4000 vs. 1/8000.
• The a7C can X-Sync at 1/160 vs. 1/250 sec.
• The a7C does not have first-curtain mechanical shutter available.
• The a7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor (necessary for self-recording) vs. tilt.
• The a7C has a movie button on the top where it is easier to reach from the front vs. the back-positioned button.
• Battery Life: approx. 680 vs. 610 shots (Viewfinder, CIPA)
• The a7C has upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units.
• The a7C has one custom button vs. 4.
• The a7C has 3 custom modes vs. 2.
• The a7C has a silver shutter release button *with a click* vs. black with no haptic feedback.
• The a7C features wireless support for 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands vs. 2.4Ghz.
• "A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings." [Sony]
• Vertical video support has been added.
• Single SD memory card slot vs. dual.
• Memory cards are more challenging to insert into and remove from the a7C.
• The a7C arrives with a $100.00 lower list price, but the 2-year-older a7 III's street price is $100.00 lower than the a7C's — a difference not likely to be found differentiating to most.

The Sony a7 III is a very popular camera, and those already familiar with it now have a very good understanding of the a7C.

More Information

Sony a7C

Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.

Rent the Sony a7C from Lensrentals.

The Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens Review is mostly completed. This time the lab test results are following the field testing. Stay tuned for those.

This tiny, affordable lens is a good performer.

Initially, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens is only available in a kit with the Sony a7C. This kit is in stock at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Eventually, the Sony FE 28-60mm f/4.5-5.6 Lens will be individually available. B&H says preorders start Feb 15th. Adorama is not saying. Amazon USA is taking preorders now with Feb 1st listed as the release date. WEX is taking preorders.

I've wanted to see the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens beside the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, so I got around to creating a mockup today.

While both of these lenses are considerably smaller than their EF counterparts, the RF f/4 lens is considerably smaller (and lighter) than the RF f/2.8 version. Most of us prefer the smaller and lighter (and less expensive) aspects of f/4, the f/2.8 aperture's ability to transmit twice as much light to the imaging sensor and create a stronger background blur should not be overlooked.

Here are the specifications: Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Comparison.

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

With a Sony a7C in hand, it is time to set up the camera for use. Following are the 28 steps I took to make an out-of-the-box Sony a7C ready for use.

• Charge battery
• Download and install Capture One (for Sony) and/or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
• Insert charged battery and power on the camera
• Set the time zone, date, time, timeformat
• insert memory card (don't forget to format it)
• Scroll through all of the menu tabs to configure the camera as follows:
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: Quality: RAW
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 1: RAW File Type: Uncompressed (unless taking advantage of the about-50% smaller RAW file size)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Long Exposure NR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 2: Lens Comp.: All Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 3: Bracket Settings: ->0>+ (makes selecting images for HDR processing easier)
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Focus Area: Flexible Spot: S
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 4: Swt. V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 5: Face/Eye AF Set.: Face Dtct Frame Disp: On
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 8: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: DRO/Auto HDR: Off
• Camera Menu 1, Tab 11: Creative Style: Neutral, Sharpness = 1 (This provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Lens: Disable
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 5: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 7: Grid Line: Rule of 3rds Grid
• Camera Menu 2, Tab 10: Audio signals: Off (How to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
• Playback Menu, Tab 3: Display Rotation: Off (use full LCD for image review)
• Setup Menu, Tab 1: Delete confirm: "Delete" first
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad: Touch Panel+Pad
• Setup Menu, Tab 3: Touch Panel/Pad Settings: Touch Pos. Mode: Relative Position; Operation Area: Whole Screen
• Setup Menu, Tab 5: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On, Set Photographer: {name}, Set Copyright: {name}
• My Menu: Format; Silent Shooting; SteadyShot; Face/Eye AF Set; Live View Display

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 similar to how I shoot - including in RAW-only format. While my setup works great for me, your best use of this list may be for tweaking your own setup.

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, you will be ready to restore your setup quickly while ensuring that you do not miss an important setting. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to set it up quickly.

More Information

Sony a7C

Order the Sony a7C at B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX.
 
Rent the Sony a7C from Lensrentals.

Just posted: Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens Review.

This lens is going to be very popular.

I still need to create the standard product images for this lens. Expect them up as soon as I can get the hood.

Get in line now! The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA (in stock at premium price)| WEX

Save the tax, use the B&H Payboo payment card (at B&H, I use this card exclusively)

Rent the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens and Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens pages have product images, preorder links, and specifications now included. The full reviews will, of course, come when the lenses arrive.

The mockup image shared with this post shows the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS next to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens. Like its sibling, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens, the F4 lens has a retracting design, enabling it to have a significantly more compact size. The RF F4 will be much easier to include in the case than the EF variant. Also like the RF F2.8 lens, the RF F4 lens is not compatible with Canon RF Extenders. Unlike the RF F2.8 lens, a tripod mount ring is not available. Expect overall performance of the RF 70-200 F4 to be impressive – Canon told us to expect extremely high image quality. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 11th.

Here is the specifications comparison between those lenses:

Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens compared to Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens

Below is the RF 50mm F1.8 STM compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens.

Not much changed from a size standpoint (without an adapter factored in), but the RF 50 utilizes a new optical design. Note that this STM AF system will not be completely silent, similar to other RF STM AF systems such as that in the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens. B&H expects this lens to be available on Dec 4th.

Here is the specifications comparison between these two lenses:

Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens compared to Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens

Orders

Order the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Order the Canon PIXMA PRO-200 Printer from B&H | Adorama | Amazon | WEX

Image quality test results have been added to the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens page.

This lens is a great value. I'll get your comparisons started:

Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens compared to Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens

The Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens is coming soon to B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

Rent the Canon RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM Lens from Lensrentals.

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