Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens firmware update version .04 is available for download.
Firmware Version .04 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Sigma 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art Lens at B&H.
Do you ever dream of the perfect shot playing out before you? For example, a huge bull moose emerging from hemlocks into a clearing while walking over a bed of bright red huckleberries? This cooperative bull meant I didn't have to wake up from that dream.
As I said before, when many miles are on the wildlife photography hiking plan, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is probably on my camera, the Canon EOS R5 in this case.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Canon EOS R5 C firmware update version 1.0.4.1 is available for download.
Firmware Version 1.0.4.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R5 C at B&H.
With the sustained write speed, the performance factor that usually matters most, on the label, new from ProGrade Digital:
PROGRADE DIGITAL ANNOUNCES HIGHER CAPACITY 3rd GENERATION CFEXPRESS TYPE B 2TB MEMORY CARD
The CFexpress 2TB Gold Memory Cards Provide Dramatically Improved Specifications Needed for Longer Duration, High-Resolution Video Applications at Very Attractive Price Points
San Jose, CA June 16, 2023, 8:00 am — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new higher capacity 3rd generation of 2TB CFexpress™ Type B Gold memory cards. This new generation features the same industry-leading quality of ProGrade current 2nd generation 128GB and 256GB capacity cards - leveraging PCIe, Gen 3 interconnect with NVMe 1.3 host controller interface. ProGrade Digital 3rd generation CFexpress 2TB cards provide read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 1,300MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video capture applications. To differentiate the new generation from prior generations, the sustained write speed is now clearly stated on the card’s top label.
“The introduction of our 3rd generation CFexpress 2TB Gold cards provides the extra-large capacity and performance needed for a very broad range of video capture needs,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Our introduction of a 2TB capacity point, ensures that nearly all video capture modes can be utilized while also meeting traditional read speeds for quick offloading.”
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 2TB Gold Memory Card:
CFexpress Type B 2TB Delivers:
Get the ProGrade Digital 2TB Gold CFexpress Type B Memory Card at B&H.
I know, my daughter graduated from college a couple of years ago, but my image processing backlog is ... eh, maybe I'll share that number later. It's high. Anyway, I want to talk about portraits today, so I selected this graduation portrait to final process and share.
When capturing a portrait image, the goal is usually to emphasize the subject. Competing for that attention is everything else in the frame. While those additional elements are often not removable, they can be blurred to reduce the sharp lines of contrast that catch and pull the viewer's eye.
An outstanding way to accomplish the blurred background goal is to use an ultra-wide aperture, creating a shallow depth of field that leaves the background strongly out of focus.
Sometimes, a sense of place is desired for the portrait. The 50mm angle of view is wide enough to incorporate those identifying elements without magnifying them into obscurity.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens or Sony's alternative, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens, is a superb choice for this goal.
Here, the subject's head is aligned between the two buildings to further reduce background distractions.
Also check out The Graduation Exit and Athletic Graduation Portrait After Sunset images.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Let's talk about getting the right shutter speed for airshow photography. This discussion is largely seeking or avoiding motion blur.
Seeking opposites for the same event may seem strange, but moving parts on an airborne aircraft should be blurred to illustrate movement, to avoid the parked-in-the-sky-appearance. Primarily, helicopter and airplane rotor and propeller blades appear best when blurred, while non-moving parts look best sharp.
Blur is created when subject details move across pixels on the imaging sensor during the exposure. The movement can be from the subject, the camera, or both, and the movement relationship between the two is what determines the amount of blur.
Higher-density imaging sensors essentially magnify blur, but the final output size equalizes this difference.
Motion rendered large in the frame, close or magnified with a longer focal length, will be stronger than that of the same motion rendered small in the frame. So, subject distance and focal length play into the decision.
When there are multiple movements in the frame, blur differences occur. Turning the zoom ring affects change in all directions, and focal length zooming during the exposure can create a blur that panning cannot mitigate.
With so many factors coming into play, and with those factors changing constantly, airshow shutter speed rules are imperfect. Still, especially for those not regularly photographing airshows (or not having the ability or interest to change shutter speeds constantly during a pass), rules are helpful.
Let's start with capturing the motion blur. Try starting with 1/400 or 1/500 second exposures to blur airplane and helicopter props and rotors. While this speed is a good starting point for motion blur, unfortunately, it is not easy to keep fast aircraft sharp at these exposure durations, and you can expect a high blurry aircraft ratio in the results.
Jets do not show moving parts on the exterior, and they typically move faster. Thus, there is no need to blur any portion of the subject (though a blurred ground background may be desired), and fast shutter speeds are the best choice to stop the motion. Figure 1/1600 or faster.
When jets are flying in multiple directions, as illustrated in this image, the speed and direction of all aircraft in relation to the camera's panning direction must be accounted for, and stopping all the action requires a faster shutter speed than when panning with a single jet or with a formation of jets flying in the same direction. Freezing both planes in the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds opposing pass routines requires an extremely fast shutter speed, considerably faster than the 1/2500 exposure used for this image.
Obtaining fast shutter speeds means higher ISO settings for adequately bright results. As mentioned in the last Blue Angels image I shared, aircraft are not super detailed and the sky lacks detail. This means that noise reduction can be applied without much loss of detail, smoothing the high ISO noise.
Use the rules for insurance level settings and check the results between passes. If you are getting consistently sharp prop aircraft at 1/400, try longer exposures for greater blur (and perhaps pan-blur the ground-based background when such avails itself). If all your jets are sharp at 1/1600, consider trying a longer exposure.
While I'm talking about airshow photography here, the concepts are transferable to other photographic pursuits.
A larger version of this image is available here.
After presenting the Canon EOS R8 compared to the EOS R6 Mark II, I was asked how the Canon EOS R8 compared to the EOS R6. Good question, so let's answer it.
The Canon EOS R8 vs. EOS R6 specification comparison, along with the visual comparison of these cameras, highlight most of the "What are the differences between the Canon EOS R8 and the EOS R6?" answer.
Here are the R8 advantages over the R6:
Here are the R6 advantages over the R8:
While both cameras have signification advantages that should be carefully considered, the R8 delivers impressively for the lower list price. As mentioned, the R6 promotions are now equalizing this difference.
Have a difference to add? Email it to me.
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R8 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Order the Canon EOS R6 at B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX
Rent the Canon EOS R8 and Canon EOS R6 from Lensrentals.
Any lake earning the name Picture must be worth stopping by, and this lake, in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, just west of North Cascades National Park, deserves that name.
A great scene is made better when duplicated by a reflection, and this still evening enabled full advantage of this lake's reflecting surface.
The Canon RF 24-105mm F4 L IS USM Lens was this day's walkabout lens choice. In addition to covering the ideal angles of view, this relatively compact and lightweight lens consistently delivered sharp images, as always.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Check out Lowepro's latest backpacks and camera box at B&H.
The larger backpacks provide plenty of open space and feature bring-your-own padded storage. I've been using this style of pack with increasing frequency, including with Lowepro Photo Active TLZ AW Top-Loader Camera Bags.
I often carry an extremely lightweight collapsible backpack similar to the RunAbout when traveling. It makes a good emergency pack, including when forced to gate check a larger pack, and it is great when only the basics are needed (such as a lunch).
On a trip targeting the Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area in New Mexico, I ended up in Bears Ears National Monument, Utah — twice.
Why? Two reasons.
First, 3 days of sand and dust storms (even stones were in the air) provided an unfavorable New Mexico greeting. Second, Bears Ears National Monument has some great photo subjects.
I told you that before. This image is of Falling Rood Ruin Cliff Dwelling in Cedar Mesa, and this image capture shares the same circumstances and concepts as House on Fire.
Late in the morning, the sun reaches the warm-toned rock below this ancient Puebloan granary, creating a warm-toned light that reflects up into the massive rock overhang.
The name suggests the unique feature of this subject — the chunks of roof that appear to have fallen. While walking under this overhang, one can't help but wonder when the next chunk of roof will let go.
This image was processed using the cloudy white balance setting, cooler than the shade option technically right for the scenario (6500k vs. 7500k), with a bit of vibrance (+30) to bring out the richness in the colors.
While the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens was in the BackLight 26L, a cliff immediately behind this tripod position ensured there was no backing up. The Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens covered all the angles I needed at this location. This corner-to-corner sharp image is a single shot.
The 12mm angle of view captures a vast portion of the scene, including the lines in the rock under the structure.
A larger version of this image is available here.
At the beginning of each year, I browse the US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Navy Blue Angels airshow schedules, adding the most-local events to my calendar. More often than not, the timing and distance prevent my attendance. Those two factors aligned optimally this year, and I was privileged to photograph the recent Pocono Raceway Airshow.
The same awesome factors of the auto racing typically featured at this venue, including speed and precision, align nicely with those of the airshow events, and the Blue Angels performing on this day never disappoint. Though lacking a runway, Pocono Raceway's massive grandstand, combined with clear air space and the sun positioned behind the show, is an ideal setup.
What is the best airshow lens? I opted for the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens for this event.
I also had a Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens with me for the single jet performances. This lens provided more reach, and the f/4 aperture enabled lower ISO settings.
The size and weight of the 600 made handheld tracking of the fast planes challenging and tiring. Thus, the RF 100-500 got primary use.
While the 100-500 required a higher ISO setting with the f/7.1 aperture in use, the bright day kept the f/7.1 ISO settings reasonable. In addition, planes are not super detailed (and the sky lacks detail), allowing noise reduction to be applied without much loss of detail.
With the light levels staying rather consistent this afternoon, a fully manual exposure was selected. The exposure consistency of images captured on each pass (or many passes) made mass brightness adjustments, if needed, easy.
While there were many times when 500mm was not long enough in front of a full-frame Canon EOS R5, there were times when the formation was too close for even 100mm, as illustrated here (well, 118mm to be specific).
Just posted: Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review.
Designed for astrophotography.
Support this site by ordering the Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens from B&H | Adorama
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The Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens is available for order at B&H.
More information is available here: Sigma 14mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
From Sigma Corporation of America:
SIGMA Announces 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art – the World’s First 14mm F1.4 Lens – Designed Especially for Astrophotography
Ronkonkoma, NY – June 8, 2023 – SIGMA Corporation of America, the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki. Headquarters: Asao-ku, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan) is pleased to announce the SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens. This is the world's widest F1.4 single focal length lens*, born from our engineers' passion for capturing the widest, brightest, highest-resolution, and most captivating starry sky images possible.
Designed specifically for astrophotography, the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art lens is a full-frame, ultra wide-angle prime designed exclusively for mirrorless camera systems, and is available in Sony E-mount and Leica L-Mount.
This lens offers a full set of features designed for astrophotography including a removable tripod socket, MFL switch (Manual Focus Lock function), lens heater retainer, rear filter holder, and a specially-designed front cap including a NEW locking mechanism and NEW filter storage slots. All this, plus thorough aberration correction make this possibly the best lens ever made for astrophotography. Its ultra-wide 14mm angle of view that captures wide starry skies and bright F1.4 aperture that minimizes exposure time are ideal specifications for astrophotography. Incredibly sharp from corner to corner with splash and dust-resistant construction, this lens retains the same high performance and quality standards found within the SIGMA F1.4 Art lens lineup.
The astrophotography-focused feature set and total optical performance make this an excellent lens for high-end architecture, real estate, and landscape photography as well.
The lens will retail for $1,599 through authorized US retailers and will be available in late June 2023.
* Excluding fisheye lenses, as interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras and SLR cameras (as of June, 2023 by SIGMA)
#SIGMA #SIGMA14mmF14Art #SIGMAArt #SIGMAArtPrime #SIGMADGDN
Exclusively designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras
A | Art SIGMA 14mm F1.4 DG DN
New vision. Expanding possibilities.
Supplied accessories: Case, COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01, REAR CAP LCR II, TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141, PROTECTIVE COVER PT-41, GUIDE PLATE GP-11
Available mounts: L-Mount, Sony E-mount
* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.
* This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
The world's first and only* lens that combines an ultra-wide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4.
All for the best starscape photography.
The stars in the sky are a source of inspiration for viewers. On the other hand, the starry sky is a very demanding subject for a wide-angle lens, with its numerous tiny point light sources spread over the entire image. The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is the world's widest F1.4 single focal length lens*, born from our engineers' passion for capturing the widest, brightest, highest-resolution, and most captivating starry sky possible. Thanks to SIGMA's latest technology, the lens combines an ultra-wide angle of 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4. In addition, SIGMA's lens technology has achieved high optical performance with thorough correction of sagittal coma flare, specialized functions to support starry landscape photography, and high-speed AF with the HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) linear motor.
The Milky Way stretching across the night sky, twinkling stars emerging over ridgelines ? the 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art can make this a reality as an image that surpasses the actual photographic experience. Its proven ability in shooting starscapes will provide new possibilities for visual expression and enjoyment in all scenes, including daytime landscapes, architecture, and indoor photography in dark and confined spaces.
* Excluding fisheye lenses, as interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras and SLR cameras (as of June, 2023 by SIGMA).
[ Key Features ]
1. Ultra wide-angle 14mm with a maximum aperture of F1.4 and outstanding optical performance
This world-first performance was achieved by applying the best of SIGMA's optical technologies, from the design to the lens manufacturing process. 19 elements in 15 groups, including 1 SLD glass element, 3 FLD glass elements, and 4 aspherical lens elements, make up a luxurious lens configuration. This allows for advanced aberration correction and a high degree of precision in the lens construction. This allows both advanced aberration correction and F1.4 brightness. In particular, sagittal coma flare, which distorts the shape of stars, has been carefully corrected, and even at the widest aperture, the lens delivers high image reproducibility right to the periphery of the image. Ghosting and flare are also thoroughly addressed through both optical design and coatings. This allows for clear, crisp shooting of starry sky and night scenes. Optimized for starscapes, which require extremely high performance, this lens delivers images that exceed expectations in any scene, including landscapes, architecture snapshots, portraits, and indoor photography.
2. Abundant functions and accessories to support starscape photography
The 14mm F1.4 DG DN | Art is equipped with a wealth of features to support starscape photography. This fully backs up the fun of starscape photography.
3. Signature Art line features and high build quality
In addition to functions specifically designed for shooting starscapes, the lens is equipped with various functions to assist in shooting, including an AFL button to which any function can be assigned and an aperture ring. The body is dust and splash resistant, and the frontmost surface of the lens is coated with a water- and stain-repellent coating, so you can shoot outdoors in harsh environments with peace of mind. The HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) enables high-speed, quiet, and highly accurate autofocusing.
In order to maintain performance while supporting a lens with a large aperture, the lens has a robust internal structure and uses lightweight materials such as polycarbonate TSC (Thermally Stable Composite), which has a thermal shrinkage rate equivalent to that of aluminum, and magnesium in appropriate locations to reduce weight while ensuring robustness. The lens body is built with the high build quality of the Art line specifications, allowing the user to fully enjoy the unique performance of the lens in any environment, including shooting starscapes.
[ Additional Features ]
[ Key Specifications ]
The figures below are for the L-Mount version:
Lens Construction: 19 elements in 15 groups (3 FLD, 1 SLD, 4 aspherical) Angle of view: 114.2° Number of diaphragm blades: 11 (rounded diaphragm) Minimum aperture: F16 Minimum focusing distance: 30cm / 11.9 in. Maximum magnification ratio: 1:11.9 Filter size: Rear filter only Dimensions (Max. Diam. x Length): 101.4 x 149.9mm / 4.0 x 5.9 in. Weight: 1170g / 41.3 oz.
[ Accessories: Supplied ]
COVER LENS CAP LC1014-01: 0085126 940980 REAR CAP LCR II (L-Mount): 0085126 937256 REAR CAP LCR II (Sony E-mount): 0085126 929879 TRIPOD SOCKET TS-141: 0085126 940997 PROTECTIVE COVER PT-41: 0085126 941000
[ Accessories: Optional ]
SIGMA USB DOCK UD-11 for L-Mount: 0085126 878696
Learn more about the new apple gear at B&H.
Let's compare the Canon EOS R100 to the least expensive camera in Canon's current DSLR lineup, the EOS Rebel T7 (2000D).
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 / 2000D is shown behind the R100 above.
Here is the EOS R100 vs. Rebel T7 specification comparison. Also view the complete visual comparison of these cameras.
What are the differences between the Canon EOS R100 and the Rebel T7? Here are the R100 advantages:
Here are the Rebel T7 advantages:
I would find it difficult to go back to the limitations of a DSLR. Still, those with an extremely limited budget may find the T7 to be the right camera for them.
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R100 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Order the Canon EOS T7 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
It is always interesting to compare a camera to its predecessor, and the Canon EOS M50 Mark II gets that distinction for the Canon EOS R100. The R100 is shown to the left of the M50 II in the image above.
Here is the EOS R100 vs. M50 Mark II specification comparison. Also available is the complete visual comparison of these cameras.
What are the differences between the Canon EOS R100 and the M50 II? Here are the R100's advantages:
Here are the M50 II's advantages:
Mostly, the R100 is the M50 II updated with an RF mount. Some continuous shooting speed and the Vari-Angle touchscreen were omitted, but the R100 is less expensive.
As always, send me a message if I missed a relevant difference.
Bighorn sheep are common in Badlands National Park, but I don't see rams this big so frequently.
The key to capturing this image was observing that the ram was eating the yellow flowers. While eating, the ram's head was primarily down, not my favorite position. Positioning to capture the ram leaving one harvested patch on its way to another yielded a selection of head-up poses.
Getting the 600mm and f/4 combination down low on the flat grasslands creates a strongly blurred background.
Heatwave distortion was a problem during this capture, but shooting many images at a fast frame rate provided an adequate number of sharp results.
A larger version of this image is available here.
The Canon EOS R50 became the Canon EOS R-series entry-level model, primarily due to it having the lowest price. Still, there seemed to be room for a lower-end model. About 3 months later, the Canon EOS R100 was announced — with a $200.00 lower price tag.
A compact, lightweight, entry-level camera with an ultra-low price begs the question: "What is missing?" Or, in this comparison, "Where did the $200.00 go?"
The Canon EOS R100 is shown to the left of the R50 in the image above. Check out the EOS R100 vs. R50 specification comparison, along with the complete visual comparison of these cameras.
What are the differences between the Canon EOS R100 and the R50? Here are the R50's advantages:
What are the R100's advantages?
While the R50 holds most of the advantages, and some of them are compelling, the lower price line item on the R100's list holds significant weight.
Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R50 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Order the Canon EOS R100 from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
From Sony Corporation of America:
Sony Electronics Announces New High-Performance M Series CFexpress Type A Memory Cards CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T
Compact, high-performance, high-capacity and toughness CFexpress Type A memory cards take the compact dimensions and advanced features of Sony's Alpha Series to the next level
SAN DIEGO, June 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sony announced two new CEA-M Series CFexpress Type A memory cards, CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T, that conform to the CFexpress 2.0 and VPG200 and offer high 1920 GB and 960 GB capacities. In addition to a VPG200 rating that guarantees fast and stable video recording without dropped frames, they are resistant to bending and drop impact and feature a dust and moisture sealing that ensures maximum reliability in any environment. These compact, high-performance memory cards are ideal for professional users who need high capacities and stress-free, reliable operation.
Sony Electronics Announces New High-Performance M Series CFexpress Type A Memory Cards CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T
CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T reliably shoot longeri on location and have some of the highest available capacities in CFexpress Type A memory cards that comply to VPG standard anywhere in the worldii, so running out of media space is not a concern. The memory cards provide plenty of capacity for extended recording video or when shooting stillsiii. For video shooters, the VPG200 Video Performance Guarantee rating enables stable recording at 200 MB/s with no dropped frames for an extended period, even when recording XAVC S-I 4K footage and high bitrates.
Despite their large capacities, these CFexpress Type A memory cards are very compact, about half the size of Type B cards, and even shorter and narrower than SD cards. An original alloy with superior heat transmission characteristics is used to conduct heat out of the cards and maintain optimum performance. This results in long-term stability and reliable operation when internally recording the large volume of data required for 4K 120p video. What's more, the CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T offer the same outstanding toughness of dust and moisture resistance, plus resistance to water, bending and drop impact as Sony's acclaimed CEA-G series CFexpress Type A memory cards, so important data is protected.
Sony's free desktop applications support protecting important data in the CFexpress Type A cards: Media Scan Utility diagnoses the state of the flash memory in memory cards, and Memory Card File Rescue recover accidentally deleted image data on memory cardsiv v. RAW images and 4K movie data are supported.
The new CEA-M1920T and CEA-M960T will be available in June 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers, for an estimated retail price of $1400 USD and $760 USD, respectively.
Orders
Support this site by ordering your Sony CFexpress Type A TOUGH Memory Card at B&H
i Depends on shooting settings
ii As of 1st June, 2023 product announcement.
iii The number of RAW still images recordable during high-speed bursts is lower, and buffer clearing times are longer than Sony's CFexpress Type A CEA-G series memory cards. Details at https://www.sony.net/dics/cfea_spec/
iv Separately sold MRW-G2 card reader is required for CFexpress Type A card diagnosis (diagnosis is not possible with readers from other manufacturers or a direct camera connection).
v File Rescue downloadable software available at official website. Does not support data recovery for Content Protected and Game Data files. Not all data may be recoverable.
Canon has released new versions of Digital Photo Professional, EOS Utility, Picture Style Editor, and Neural network Upscaling Tool.
Changes for Digital Photo Professional 4.18.0:
To install the updates, select "Check for updates" on the application's Help menu.
Alternatively, download DPP 4.18.0. (thanks, Scott!)