Canon and Sony News for Feb 2025

The inventory is significantly depleted, but great deals remain.

Browse the available refurbished cameras (and a flash) and refurbished lenses at Canon USA.

Here are the deals currently available.

EOS R5 C — Save $270.00
EOS R8 — Save $350.00
EOS R8 w/ 24-50 — Save $180.00
EOS RP — Save $380.99
R100 w/ 18-45 — Save $160.20
R100 w/ 18-45, 55-210 — Save $260.99
PowerShot V10 — Save $144.99
Speedlite EL-5 — Save $150.99

RF 85 F2 — Save $141.00
RF 28 F2.8 — Save $19.01
RF 100 F2.8 — Save $280.00

EOS 5D IV — Save $770.00
EOS 6D II — Save $180.00
EOS T100 w/ 18-55 — Save $130.99

EF 11-24 F4 — Save $1,200.00
EF 16-35 F2.8 III — Save $880.00
EF 75-300 III — Save $20.99
EF 50 F1.4 — Save $80.00
EF 50 F1.8 — Save $20.99 EF 100mm F2.8 Macro — Save $470.00

A used Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens is in stock at B&H.

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• Manfrotto MVMXPROA4US Aluminum XPRO Video Monopod+ – only $109.88 after $130.00 instant savings
• Saramonic Blink 900 B2 2-Person Digital Camera-Mount Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System (2.4 GHz, Black) – only $219.00 after $80.00 instant savings
• Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 40 V2.0 – only $49.75 after $56.00 instant savings

You don't want to miss this. On March 13-14, 2025, a total lunar eclipse will dazzle North and South America, and much of the rest of the world will enjoy a similar show on Sep 7–8, 2025.

Are you geared up with a plan in place?

Here is what you need to know.

How to Photograph a Total Lunar Eclipse

Limited supply: the Microsoft 13.8" Surface Laptop Copilot+ PC (7th Edition, Platinum) is on sale for only $899.00 at B&H. Save $700.00.

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• Acer 16" Swift X 16 Laptop – only $849.99 after $750.00 instant savings
• DJI RS 3 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer Combo – only $779.00 after $160.00 instant savings
• Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler Carbon Fiber Tripod with Center Ball Head – only $449.00 after $340.00 instant savings
• GVM SD300D Bi-Color LED Monolight – only $189.00 after $80.00 instant savings
• Sony 128GB SF-M Tough Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card (2-Pack) – only $89.98 after $50.00 instant savings
• PNY 500GB CS900 SATA III 2.5" Internal SSD Kit (2-Pack) – only $49.98 after $40.00 instant savings

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I want your name on the list, and there is another reason sign up:

Take your photography business to the next level! Tomorrow, Fri, 2/28, a randomly-selected newsletter subscriber will receive a not-so-random 1-year SmugMug Pro account, a $384.00 Value!

With SmugMug Pro you get:

• A stunning portfolio website
• Unlimited high-resolution, cloud storage
• Secure image hosting and sharing
• Ecommerce to sell prints around the world
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This offer is limited to new customers, and the selected subscriber must reply to the winning email notice within a week to receive the SmugMug-provided account (void where prohibited).

Note that the subscriber list is kept tightly trimmed in attempt to limit distribution to only those opening it. If you haven't opened a newsletter recently (the last was sent on 2/4) and want to receive it (and have a chance to win the SmugMug Pro account), sign up again.

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Preorder starts at 9:00am ET, Thu Feb 27,2025.

Order the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Launches the Ultra-Wide 16mm F1.8 G Full-Frame Prime Lens

Compact and Lightweight Design Meets Exceptional Optical Performance

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 26, 2025 - Sony Electronics introduces the 16mm F1.8 G (SEL16F18G), a full-frame E-Mount lens that combines an ultra-wide 16mm focal length with a compact, lightweight build. Delivering high-resolution image quality, smooth bokeh, precise autofocus, and a bright F1.8 aperture, this lens is ideal in a variety of photo and video scenarios including landscapes, architecture, astrophotography, and more.

"At Sony, we are committed to providing creators of all levels with a diverse range of lens options to meet their artistic and technical needs,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “The 16mm F1.8 G is now the widest prime lens in our G lens lineup and pairs seamlessly with all our latest full-frame Alpha series cameras, as well as the FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras. With 79 E-Mount lenses now available, we are continuing our mission to ensure photographers, filmmakers, and creators have a breadth of high-performing lens options to bring their visions to life."

Ultra-Wide Performance with Stunning Bokeh

The 16mm F1.8 G is engineered for breathtaking, dynamic perspectives with an ultra-wide 16mm focal length. Its advanced optical construction includes two AA (Advanced Aspherical) elements to ensure razor-sharp resolution across all apertures. A combination of one Super ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and three ED elements effectively suppresses chromatic aberration, delivering edge-to-edge clarity. Additionally, Sony’s optimized coating minimizes flare and ghosting, resulting in stunning image quality even in challenging lighting conditions.

With a bright F1.8 maximum aperture and an 11-blade circular diaphragm, the 16mm F1.8 G produces beautiful, creamy bokeh that enhances subject separation. Its impressive close-up performance allows for a minimum focus distance of just 0.5 ft (0.15 m) with autofocus and a maximum magnification of 0.25x. When using manual focus, these values improve up to 0.43 ft (0.13 m) and 0.30x, enabling unique wide-angle compositions with extraordinary depth.

Powerful Performance in a Compact Form

Through advanced optical engineering, including Sony’s high-precision AA lens elements, the 16mm F1.8 G maintains ultra-wide capabilities in an impressively compact and portable form factor. Measuring just 3 x 3 in (73.8 x 75 mm) and weighing approximately 10.8 oz (304 g), it offers exceptional mobility without compromising image quality. Designed for professionals on the go, this lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes and intricate architectural compositions with precision and clarity.

Fast and Accurate Autofocus

Equipped with two XD (Extreme Dynamic) linear motors, the 16mm F1.8 G delivers rapid, precise autofocus with remarkable tracking performance. A newly developed control algorithm enhances responsiveness while reducing delay and vibration, ensuring smooth, near-silent operation. This makes it an exceptional choice for both stills and video, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects.

Optimized for Stable Video

Designed with videographers in mind, the 16mm F1.8 G minimizes focus breathing for seamless focus transitions. It fully supports the breathing compensation function¹ available in compatible Sony Alpha camera bodies and pairs effortlessly with in-body Active Mode² image stabilization to ensure steady footage, even while shooting handheld or on the move. The lens also features a standard 67mm front filter thread, making it easy to integrate with a wide range of filter accessories. The compact design³ is ideal for gimbal use.

Intuitive Controls and Reliable Build

The 16mm F1.8 G offers comprehensive manual controls, including a responsive focus ring, customizable focus hold button, focus mode switch, aperture ring, and iris lock switch. The aperture ring allows for tactile exposure adjustments, while the click ON/OFF switch enhances flexibility for both photography and video applications. Built to ensure durability and reliability in challenging environments, the 16mm F1.8 G features a dust- and moisture-resistant design and a fluorine-coated front element.

Pricing and Availability

The 16mm F1.8 G will be available in April 2025 for approximately $799.99 USD and $1099.99 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Orders

Order the Sony FE 16mm F1.8 G Lens from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada

Notes:

¹ Camera compatibility info at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/

Not available when shooting stills. Angle of view and image quality may change slightly when this function is [ON]. Effective compensation may not be achieved in all situations.

² Compatible models only

³ Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

I expect this lens to be popular, and preordering ASAP seems a good option for those wanting this incredible focal length range in an affordable lens. Preorder starts at 9:00am ET, Thu Feb 27, 2025.

Order the Sony 400-800mm FE F6.3-8 G OSS Lens from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada

From Sony Electronics:

Sony Electronics Unveils Specialty 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Super Telephoto Zoom G Lens: The Furthest Reaching Sony Lens To Date

Full-Frame E-Mount Lens Designed for Birding, Wildlife, and Sports Professionals

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 26, 2025 - Sony Electronics introduces the 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS (SEL400800G), its longest-range full-frame E-Mount lens to date¹, setting a new benchmark in focal length reach for the Sony mirrorless system. The Sony E-Mount lens lineup previously peaked at 600mm, but the 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS extends the focal length to an incredible 800mm for specialty shooting. The additional reach is especially beneficial for birding, wildlife, aerial, and sports photographers seeking long-range lens capabilities.

The 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS is designed to provide exceptional image quality and lens control across the entire ultra telephoto zoom range. Its internal zoom mechanism ensures stable handling, while its advanced optical design delivers creamy bokeh and sharp, detailed images. With a fast and accurate autofocus system combined with a durable, versatile build, this lens is a powerful tool ideal for both photographers and videographers documenting far away subjects.

"At Sony, we are dedicated to equipping photographers and videographers with the tools they need to push creative boundaries. The 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS is a testament to this commitment, delivering unparalleled reach and reliability as a super telephoto within the G Series lens line-up,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. “By continually expanding our lens offerings, we ensure that Sony mirrorless users have the specialized gear to capture stunning imagery in even the most challenging environments."

Extended Reach, Bokeh, and Autofocus

As the newest addition to our G lens lineup, the 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS is designed for exceptional performance and consistency, even while extended to the furthest focal length. It is the first Alpha lens to offer a super-telephoto range of 400mm to 800mm, delivering unparalleled reach for the Sony Alpha full-frame system. For applications such as birding photography, the 400mm to 800mm zoom range allows photographers to locate subjects at the wide 400mm end before zooming in up to 800mm for tight, detailed shots. For those who need even more reach, the 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS is compatible with the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters², extending its range up to a staggering 1600mm.

An internal zoom mechanism maintains a balanced length and weight distribution while adjusting focal lengths—enhancing stability and handling. A smooth, responsive zoom ring allows for precise adjustments, while a carefully designed structure helps prevent accidental focal length shifts. In addition, this lens’ zoom ring features a short rotation throw which enables quick zoom adjustments essential for tracking fast-moving subjects in birding, wildlife, and sports photography.

The 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS is designed for exceptional optical performance, featuring an 11-blade circular aperture that produces beautifully smooth, creamy backgrounds with stunning bokeh when shooting at a narrow depth of field. Six ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements effectively minimize chromatic aberration, while advanced coatings suppress flare and ghosting, ensuring crisp, high-contrast images even in backlit conditions.

For fast, precise focusing, the lens is equipped with two precision linear motors, enabling seamless tracking that keeps up with the Alpha 9 III’s 120 fps³ maximum burst speed and up to 240 fps in video⁴. Its quiet operation, focus range switch, and suppressed focus breathing allow for enhanced control and make this lens an excellent choice for both photo and video use.

Enhanced Stability, Control, and Durability

The 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS delivers solid support for both handheld and tripod-mounted shooting. Its built-in Optical SteadyShot™ (OSS) image stabilization minimizes shake-induced blur, and when paired with an Alpha camera body featuring in-body stabilization, stability is further enhanced. Durable construction, optimized balance, and a non-removable foot maximize reliability and performance. For tripod use, the tripod mount foot allows quick rotation between horizontal and vertical orientations, offering versatility for various shooting scenarios.

Designed for high-level control and reliability, the lens features three customizable focus hold buttons positioned at 90° increments for easy access in any orientation. Full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) automatically engages manual focus when the focus ring is adjusted, allowing for seamless fine-tuning. The redesigned lens hood includes a lock button and filter opening, ensuring effortless operation in any environment.

Additionally, the dust- and moisture-resistant5 design enhances durability, while a fluorine-coated front element repels contaminants for easier cleaning.

Pricing and Availability

The 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS will be available in March 2025 for approximately $2,899.99 USD and $4,099.99 CAD. It will be sold directly through Sony and at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

Orders

(Preorder starts at 9:00am ET, Thu Feb 27) Order the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Lens from B&H | Sony | Adorama | WEX | Camera Canada

###

Notes:

¹ As of the February 2025 product announcement

² Sony FE 1.4x Teleconverter SEL14TC Lens and 2x Teleconverter SEL20TC Lens

³ Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous shooting speed may be lower in some conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary in the AF-C focus mode.

⁴ Functional compatibility may vary depending on the camera used.

⁵ Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof

The 5DayDeal Landscape Photography Bundle 2025 is coming soon, but in the meantime, you should sign up for the $10,000 Giveaway. Signup is fast and free.

Those remotely interested in landscape photography will want to grab this outstanding value bundle when it becomes available.

Canon starts the CP+ show with a declaration. From Canon USA:

Canon Celebrates 22nd Consecutive Year of No. 1 Share of Global Interchangeable-Lens Digital Camera Market

MELVILLE, N.Y., - February 24, 2025 — Canon U.S.A., Inc. today announced that its parent company, Canon Inc. is celebrating that the company’s interchangeable-lens digital cameras (digital SLR and mirrorless cameras) have maintained the No. 1 share¹ of the global market for 22 consecutive years from 2003 to 2024.

Canon’s EOS series of interchangeable lens digital cameras is an imaging system based on the basic concept of “Speed, Comfort, and High Image Quality,” for which the company has developed proprietary key components, including CMOS image sensors, the DIGIC image processors, and interchangeable lenses. Putting together a wide-ranging product lineup—from high-performance flagship models that are highly trusted by professionals to entry-level models that allow users to enjoy full-scale shooting with easy operation, as well as a rich selection of over 120² RF and EF series lenses that make possible a wealth of creative expression—Canon continues to support the diverse needs of customers.

Throughout its 22-year history, the EOS series has led the market with a range of outstanding models. During the dawn of digital SLR cameras, Canon introduced its breakthrough EOS Kiss Digital (EOS Digital Rebel or EOS 300D in other regions) in September 2003. By launching this groundbreaking camera, which was competitively priced and featured a compact, lightweight design, Canon spurred growth in the digital SLR market, capturing the top share of the global market and heralding the age of digital SLR cameras.

Canon has continued to release further innovative cameras by launching the professional-model EOS-1D series and the EOS 5D series, which paved the way for digital SLR video recording. The company’s desire to further expand the boundaries of visual expression led to its next-generation EOS R SYSTEM, launched in October 2018, that includes the full-frame mirrorless camera EOS R5—the first camera to feature 8K video recording³—released in July 2020 and the EOS R3 in November 2021, which features tracking of fast-moving subjects and continuous shooting performance. In addition, it launched the EOS VR SYSTEM, designed to record video for virtual reality content, in December 2021.

In 2024, Canon managed to secure the No. 1 share of the global market once again for the 22nd consecutive year by further enhancing its lineup of EOS R Series cameras and lenses.

For cameras, Canon released the EOS R5 Mark II (August 2024), a full-frame mirrorless camera that combines the capability to cover shooting in a wide range of scenarios with a single camera with mobility, and the EOS R1 (November 2024), the first flagship model of the EOS R SYSTEM. Both models featured the new image processing system “Accelerated Capture” and included diverse video shooting functions accumulated through the CINEMA EOS SYSTEM for achieving high-speed analysis and high-speed shooting.

As for lenses, in 2024 Canon expanded its L-series lineup of large-aperture single-focus lenses, which contribute to full-fledged video production, and added 15 models of RF lenses⁴, including two types of lenses that facilitate making 3D VR videos to meet the growing demand for video and handle 3D imaging.

Going forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies while bringing fulfillment and excitement to people’s daily lives as well as promoting the spread of photo and video culture by providing products, services, and solutions that meet its customers’ diverse needs.

# # #

¹ Based on a Canon survey.

² Types of lenses sold vary according to each market. Includes 4 types of extenders. Among lenses announced as of February 24, 2025.

³ Among digital interchangeable-lens cameras released prior to July 8, 2020.

⁴ In 2024, Canon released the following 15 RF lenses (including RF Cinema lenses): RF-S3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE (June), RF35mm F1.4 L VCM (July), RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM (September), RF-S7.8mm F4 STM DUAL (November), RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (November), RF24mm F1.4 L VCM (December), RF50mm F1.4 L VCM (December), CN-R24mm T1.5 L F (January), CN-R35mm T1.5 L F (January), CN-R50mm T1.3 L F (January), CN-R85mm T1.3 L F (January), CN-R14mm T3.1 L F (February), CN-R20mm T1.5 L F (March), CN-R135mm T2.2 L F (April), and CN7×17 KAS T/R1 (October)

† Based on patent counts issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and compiled by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services.

Highlighting some just-arriving gear in the B&H Used Department:

Remember to use the B&H Payboo payment card to save the tax.

Check out today's B&H Deal Zone for big savings on:

• Think Tank Photo Airport Roller Derby Carry-On Camera Bag – only $269.75 after $200.00 instant savings
• Watson DuoVolt Charger for NP-FZ100, NP-FW50, or NP-BX1 Batteries – only $39.95 after $30.00 instant savings
• Mitakon Zhongyi 20mm f/2 4.5x Super Macro Lenses – only $119.00 after $120.00 instant savings
• Dell UltraSharp 39.7" 2160p HDR 120 Hz Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor – only $1,399.99 after $500.00 instant savings
• GVM 672S-B Bi-Color LED Light Panel (3-Light Kit) – only $399.99 after $380.00 instant savings
• More!

It's great to see Zeiss introducing new products into the MILC space.

Get your Zeiss ML Lens at B&H.

From B&H:

Photography News: Zeiss launches its new Otus ML series lenses for mirrorless cameras with 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.4 options, emphasizing imaging performance and build quality.

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- B&H is pleased to announce legendary optics company ZEISS's release of two new lenses, the Otus ML 50mm f/1.4 and the Otus ML 85mm f/1.4, as part of a larger launch of a new high-end lens series for mirrorless cameras. Available in Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Sony E mounts, the manual focus ML series lenses are the company's first stills-focused release in more than five years. Here, ZEISS continues the tradition of the first Otus family—originally made for DSLR cameras and known for their outstanding imaging performance, precision mechanics, and build quality. The new ML lenses will appeal to mirrorless shooters for whom time is no object in the pursuit of creative perfection.

The natural-eye perspective 50mm f/1.4 and the portrait-friendly 85mm f/1.4 both share the same high-end optical performance demanded by creatives and professionals alike. Engineered to reveal more than the naked eye, the apochromatic and aspherical lens design reduces chromatic aberrations and distortions to produce the classic ZEISS look characterized by sharpness, color fidelity, and three-dimensional quality.

The lenses' large maximum aperture benefits low-light work and low depth-of-field effects, to include an impressive bokeh further shaped by ten aperture blades. The 50mm has 14 lens elements in 11 groups, with the 85mm carrying a fifteenth. The renowned ZEISS T* anti-reflective coating also benefits color fidelity and while reducing lens flare.

ZEISS lenses are known for their precise and satisfying mechanical engineering, and the new Otus ML lens family is no exception. In this case, the all-metal construction is centered around the manual focus experience, where the 260° of precision-dampened throw is complemented by the ridged metal focus ring for smooth and precise focusing. The lens body's precision scales, marked with characteristic ZEISS yellow engravings, further promote the precision manual focusing experience.

The build also yields excellent results in video applications, where dampened throw and large rotation angle benefit focus-pulling. The lenses' internal focusing mechanism maintains the well-balanced lenses' centers of gravity, benefiting use on gimbals and other stabilizers. A de-clicked aperture ring allows for silent, on-the-fly settings adjustments.

For photographers whose work expands beyond studio confines, the lenses were also designed for use in adverse, outdoor settings. A blue seal at the lens base protects the camera body from dust and moisture, while other sealings protect the lens body. Rated for use in temperatures ranging from –4 to 130° F, the lenses are also resistant to shocks, drops, and other disturbances.

Orders

Order your Zeiss ML Lens at B&H.

Get $200.00 off the RF 28-70mm F2.8 IS STM and $100.00 off the RF 35mm F1.4 L VCM with Canon's latest incentives. Here is the current list of instant savings available: