I love photographing white-tailed deer in fields, where it is easy to find a clean background, foreground obstructions are greatly reduced, and lighting is unhindered. While shooting in the woods adds complication to the composition, that increased challenge brings the opportunity for uncommon results.
On this day, the fog and rain added uniqueness, reducing background distractions and ensuring that lighting was good at all angles. While this gnarly antlered buck was tearing up a tree, I moved into a position that provided blurred trees to frame the buck and rubbed tree.
The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is my go-to wildlife lens, but finding a clear line of sight for the long subject distance it requires can become problematic in a thick forest. With increasing frequency, I'm carrying the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens into the woods.
While this buck was not moving fast, high-speed continuous shooting was still helpful at times, including for avoiding raindrops over eyes.
Speaking of raindrops and eyes, the EOS R1, including the viewfinder, was quite wet. Still, Eye Control AF continued to work impressively well. An occasional wipe was needed when the drops in the viewfinder became large, but I heavily relied on the Eye Control AF feature the entire day and trip.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Just posted: Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens Review.
This lens is a great addition to Canon's lineup.
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From Sigma Global:
Firmware update for Canon RF Mount lenses
Thank you for using SIGMA products. We are pleased to announce that the download of firmware for SIGMA's RF Mount is now available.
The changes in this firmware are as follows:
Applicable product and version
SIGMA 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Ver 1.0.1 for Canon RF Mount
SIGMA 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN | Contemporary Ver 1.0.1 for Canon RF Mount
Benefit of the update
How to update
Please select the applicable product from the following page, go to the download page, click "Canon RF mount", read "Before updating" prior to updating the firmware and follow the update procedure
https://www.sigma-global.com/en/support/firmware/lenses/?mount=canon_rf
*After the update is complete, be sure to remove the battery pack from the camera and reinsert it.
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/world-network/ We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.
Learn more about these lenses:
Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary Lens.
From Sigma Global:
To our valued SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art customers
We sincerely appreciate your continued support.
We have confirmed that some SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens when focusing on the wide end, may not be able to focus to infinity or may experience reduced focusing accuracy.
We would like to inform you that we will begin providing re-adjustment of the focus position free of charge starting today.
Please note that this phenomenon will not occur with SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lenses with serial numbers other than those applicable.
We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers and all concerned parties.
We kindly ask for your continued support of our company and products in the future.
[Affected Products]
Please enter the serial number of your SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art lens on this page to determine whether your product is affected by the issue. This phenomenon does not occur to lenses with other serial numbers that are not applicable.
[Confirmed Issue]
Regardless of the focus mode, when shooting at the wide end, the lens may not be able to focus to infinity or the focus may be soft.
[Treatment on this issue]
Customers whose SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II | Art has been confirmed to be affected are requested to contact their local authorized SIGMA Service Station at https://www.sigma-global.com/en/corporate/world-network/.
For further information, please contact your nearest authorized SIGMA subsidiary / distributor. https://www.sigma-global.com/en/corporate/world-network/
Learn more about this lens: Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II Art Lens.
Image quality test results are now available on the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM Lens page.
Another useful, high-performing lens to include in the kit.
Compared to the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 35mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 28-45mm F1.8 DG DN Art Lens
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A worthy a1 II comparison is against the Sony Alpha 9 III. I'll let you figure out which camera is which in the comparison image.
Check out the a1 II vs. a9 III specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the s9 III? Here are the a1 II advantages over the a9 III:
Here are the a9 III advantages over the a1 II:
Most photographers will find the a1 II the best option, but the a9 III is the better choice for a niche market, primarily those who value extreme speed over resolution.
Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II
Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 1 II (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada
Venus Optics just introduced a pair of interesting and useful lenses. See the new Laowa 55mm & 100mm Tilt-shift 1x Macro Lenses, available in RF, FE, Z, and L mounts, at B&H.
Photographers contemplating this question will find the Canon EOS R5 Mark II's price especially attractive. The difference is enough to fund a pro-grade lens.
Check out the a1 II vs. R5 II specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the R5 Mark II? Here are the a1 II advantages:
Here are the R5 II advantages:
The Sony camera has dual CFexpress Type A and SD combo slots, while the Canon camera has dedicated CFexpress Type B and SD slots.
Comparing across brands is significantly challenged by the differing interface and ergonomics. These cameras are quite different in those regards, and advantages will often be determined by personal preference. Notably, I find the Canon grip more comfortable when using mid- and large-sized lenses.
Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II
Support this site by ordering the Sony Alpha 1 II (or anything else) from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada
The Alpha 1 II is, without a doubt, the best for most uses Sony camera, and lower price is practically the only reason to choose otherwise. Before the II, the a1 version I was my ultimate choice, and leads to the question I'm asking. Should I get the Sony a1 II or keep the Sony a1?
Check out the a1 II vs. a1 specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the Alpha 1?
Let's get the short list out of the way first. I already gave you the answer, but I'll put a bullet beside it. Here are the Sony a1 advantages over the a1 II:
When the a1 II was announced, the a1 was immediately discounted by $1,000.00. That discount is not a factor for those considering an upgrade, except that the lower new camera cost may put downward pressure on the used camera sale price, directly impacting the upgrade cost. The items on the next list must be worth the additional expense for the II purchase to be logical.
Here are the a1 II's advantages:
Serious photographers chasing wildlife and other action subjects will find the first bullet worth the upgrade cost. Pre-Capture is game-changing.
Other individual improvements, such as AF and IBIS performance, will also be worth the upgrade cost to many photographers, and the cumulative enhancements show the II to be a solid upgrade.
Still, the price difference is a factor, and the a1 is still the outstanding performer it always was.
Those of us considering the a1 to a1 II upgrade must consider that the value of our current cameras will continue to decline, and a fresh camera with a full warranty has value.
Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II
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The incredible performance of the latest mirrorless cameras has moved some of the challenges from capture to selection. Which of the great images should I delete, and which few should I share?
I recently shared a Blurred Frame Dall Sheep Ram. The subject and its colorful surroundings made it one of my favorite images from a photo trip. However, the Canon EOS R5 Mark II was set to 20 fps, and it nailed focus on essentially every shot, resulting in numerous situation-similar images to choose from.
Dealing with the new dilemma involves raising the keeper bar, deleting some images we like, and buying more storage. Still, final decisions are challenging, and in this case, the ram's slight head position changes tripped up final selection.
A single image is needed for a project, so I thought I'd crowd-source the final answer.
Which image do you like best? The slightly edgy angled head with a big eye shown here? Or the pleasant, inquisitive, straight-on symmetrical look? Head over to Flickr, Facebook, or Instagram to let me know your choice, helping with my final selection!
As I said in the previous image mentioned:
The viewer's eye is drawn to contrast, which is lacking in a strongly blurred portion of the image. Thus, blurring the non-subject area aids in drawing the viewer's eye to the sharp-focused subject.
For this image, the telephoto compression and long distance beyond the subject create the background blur, and getting down into some close rocks takes the foreground out of focus, eliminating those distractions.
Note that, while I love the use of blur in photography, I rarely like foreground blur covering the subject's face.
A larger version of this image is available here.
Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens page.
You are going to like these results.
Compared to the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens (at f/1.4)
Compared to the Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 50mm F1.4 GM Lens
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Canon RF 50mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from Lensrentals.
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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens page.
You are going to like these results.
Compared to the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM Lens
Compared to the Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens
Compared to the Sigma 24mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens
Compared to the Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM Lens
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 24mm F1.4 L VCM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
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From Rode:
INTRODUCING WIRELESS GO (GEN 3)
The third generation of the world's most popular wireless microphone has landed. With 32-bit float on-board recording, intelligent GainAssist technology and a host of next-gen features, the Wireless GO is the perfect companion for creators looking to elevate their content with pristine wireless audio.
FLAWLESS SOUND WITH EVERY TAKE
Now with 32-bit float, GainAssist, improved built-in mics and a range of flexible gain controls, the Wireless GO captures flawless sound with every take.
YOUR SOUND, YOUR STYLE, YOUR STORY
For the first time in its iconic history, the Wireless GO is available in an expansive suite of limited-edition colours, with 14 striking options to choose from.
EVERY SETUP, EVERY SETTING
With both USB-C and 3.5mm outputs, the Wireless GO is just at home with a camera as it is a smartphone or laptop – the wireless mic that adapts to you.
MORE FEATURES, MORE FLEXIBILITY
The Wireless GO now boasts a range of pro features that make it even more flexible in the field, like locking connectors, headphone monitoring and plug-in-power detect to extend battery.
Get the Rode Wireless GO III at B&H.
From Canon USA:
Canon Launches New Cropping Guide for Select EOS Cameras, Empowering Customers to Capture Beautifully Optimized Photos
MELVILLE, NY, December 9, 2024 – Canon Inc., the parent company of Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today a new Cropping Guide feature that will be available via a firmware update for the Canon EOS R50, EOS R10 and EOS R7 camera models that allows users to more easily frame their subjects through the use of four tailored on-screen guides. The new feature will be available December 9th from Canon USA for the price of $120 USD. For customers who have previously purchased one of the camera models compatible with the feature, they can send their device to a Canon Service Center and it will be returned with the Cropping Guide feature installed. For those new customers interested in the above mentioned models, the option to purchase them pre-loaded with the feature (for an additional cost) will be available via Canon Direct and other dealers starting December 9th.
The new Cropping Guide feature provides on-screen guidelines that help shooters position subjects with precision, helping to ensure consistent and professional results while saving time on editing. It allows for Canon users to position the frame at the time of capture so that post-production and editing can be kept at a minimum. Lastly, the Cropping Guides can be applied to horizontal or vertical framing scenarios, allowing for a wide range of shooting situations.
Canon will showcase its new offering to visitors to the School Photographers Association of California (SPAC) trade show from January 21-25 in Las Vegas, NV at the South Point Hotel and Casino at Booth #715. This new feature is specifically designed for school photography, sports events, or any scenario in which subjects need to maintain a consistent position.
Availability
Cropping Guide will be available December 9th. For additional information about the software, a list of compatible cameras and how to access the Cropping Guide, please visit here.
Orders
Get your Canon EOS camera with cropping guide at at B&H.
As Canon promised with the firmware version 1.0.1 release, Canon EOS R5 Mark II firmware update version 1.0.2 is available for download at Canon USA or Canon Japan.
Firmware Version 1.0.2 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R5 Mark II at B&H.
Canon EOS R1 firmware update version 1.0.1 is available for download at Canon USA or Canon Japan.
Firmware Version 1.0.1 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:
Get the Canon EOS R1 at B&H.
Just posted: Canon EOS R5 Mark II.
As with the R1 review, most of the R5 II content has been in place for weeks, but with over 20,000 images captured with this camera, I'll call the review done.
This is my favorite camera.
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Just posted: Canon EOS R1 Review.
Most of the review contents have long been available, but after about 30,000 frames, I'll call it done.
Please share!
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Image quality test results from the Canon EOS R7 are now available for Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens.
This is a great ultra-wide zoom lens option for APS-C, now including the RF mount options.
Please share.
The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens can now be ordered in RF mount (search for the RF version) from B&H | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX | Camera Canada
Rent the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens from Lensrentals.
The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens in white is in stock at B&H.
Incredible lens: Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z Lens Review.