Canon and Sony News for Jul 2024

From Tamron Americas:

TAMRON Announces the Launch of the 10.7x All-in-One Zoom Lens
28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD (Model A074)

Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of the 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD (Model A074), a 10.7x all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras on August 29, 2024, at $899 USD / $1199 CAD.

The TAMRON 28-300mm F4-7.1 VC is an all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. This lens covers a broad focal length range from 28mm wide-angle to 300mm telephoto with superior imaging performance. It achieves a zoom ratio of 10.7x with a length of just 5” (126mm) and weighs only 21.5 oz. (610g). The lens is equipped with the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism, enabling it to focus quickly and accurately throughout the entire zoom range. The lens also features TAMRON’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to ensure sharp hand-held images when shooting at the 300mm telephoto end and in low-light conditions. With an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 7.5” (0.19m) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.8 at the wide end, the lens allows users to enjoy the world of wide macro photography. It includes a Focus Set Button and a connector port for the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility™ software independently developed by TAMRON to expand the scope of expression for still images and video. The lens features Moisture-Resistant Construction, and the front element has a protective Fluorine Coating. The new 28-300mm F/4-7.1 VC lets users take photos in an extremely wide range of situations with just one lens.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. 10.7x zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that covers the focal length range from 28mm wide-angle to 300mm telephoto

The greatest feature of the 28-300mm F/4-7.1 VC is its 10.7x zoom focal length range. In response to users stating that 200mm is not quite long enough at the telephoto end for an all-in-one zoom lens, TAMRON has extended the focal length to 300mm. Exceptionally portable, the lens features a highly compact design. This single lens allows shooting in everyday life and during travel, including landscapes, snapshots, portraits and sports photography. It's an extremely versatile lens that lets users take photos in any situation of any subject without changing lenses.

2. Outstanding imaging performance

This new TAMRON zoom has an optical construction of 20 elements in 13 groups. It includes one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens element and an LD (Low Dispersion) lens element to efficiently control aberrations such as chromatic aberration. The BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating suppresses ghosting and flare, producing clear images even in backlit conditions. It boasts best-in-class image quality as an all-in-one zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

3. Lightweight and compact lens body

Despite covering a 10.7x focal length range from 28mm wide-angle to 300mm telephoto, the lens is very compact, with a length of only 5” (126mm) and a weight of 21.5 oz. (610g). Small and versatile, it can be casually carried anywhere, and users are unlikely to tire even after long hours of shooting. It's ideal for people who want to carry a smaller camera bag. Additionally, the lens makes it easy to frame accurately when shooting still and moving images while zooming in and out, such as sports and wildlife, and is designed to be comfortable to use.

4. Equipped with VXD, TAMRON’s top-class linear motor focus mechanism

The 28-300mm F/4-7.1 VC is equipped with the VXD autofocus drive that includes TAMRON’s premium linear motor focus mechanism to ensure that the focus is attained quickly and accurately throughout the 10.7x zoom range. Upending the stereotype of all-in-one zoom lenses having slow autofocus, its nimble operation allows users to capture more fleeting photo opportunities. The quietness supports photography and videography in conditions that require silence.

5. TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism

Although it's compact, the 28-300mm F/4-7.1 is equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism that lets users take steady photos, especially at the 300mm telephoto end of its broad 10.7x range. VC effectively suppresses camera shake that often occurs when shooting in the telephoto range or under low-light conditions, thereby helping users take sharp photos without a tripod.

6. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates

7. High convenience and operability

- 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
- Focus Set Button for assigning camera function and TAMRON Lens Utility function
- Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation
- Zoom Lock mechanism

8. Protective features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)

9. Compatible with many camera-onboard features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

SPECIFICATIONS

Model: A074
Focal Length: 28-300mm
Maximum Aperture: F4-7.1
Angle of View (diagonal): 75°23'-8°15' (for full-frame mirrorless format)
Optical Construction: 20 elements in 13 groups
Minimum Object Distance: 7.5” / 0.19m (WIDE), 39” / 0.99m (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:2.8 (WIDE) / 1:3.8 (TELE)
VC (Vibration Compensation): Yes
Filter Size: Ø67mm
Maximum Diameter: Ø77mm
Length*: 5” (126mm)
Weight: 21.5 oz. (610g)
Aperture Blades**: 9 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture: F22-40
Standard Accessories: Flower-shaped hood, Front cap, Rear cap
Mount: Sony E-mount

* Length is the distance from the front end of the lens to the lens mount face.

** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

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.

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Sony Alpha 7 IV firmware update version 3.02 is available for download.

Firmware Version 3.02 incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Improved an issue where recording may stop during video recording.

Always read the precautions.

Get the Sony Alpha 7 IV at B&H.

Through July 31, save an additional 5% on select Canon cameras and lenses at B&H. The extra 5% is on top of the current Canon promotions and the usual PayBoo sales tax savings applies. Get the details here.

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I've been using a pair of Alpha 1 cameras for Sony lens testing and for field use when a Sony lens better fit the need. The flagship a1 is an outstanding camera. What are the differences between the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and the Sony Alpha 1?

Check out the R5 II vs. a1 specification comparison along with the visual comparison of these cameras.

Here is a summary of the R5 II's advantages:

• Eye Control AF vs. no (dramatically faster AF point or area positioning)
• Pre-continuous shooting (hindsight is far clearer than foresight, and recording an image of an action in the near past is game-changing)
• AF working range of EV -7.5 to 21 vs. EV -4 – 20 (the Canon camera focuses in considerably darker environments)
• 6144-zone metering vs. 1200-zone (more areas evaluated yields potential improvement in auto exposure results)
• More framerate options – 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 7.5, 5, 3, 2, and 1 compared to 30, 20, 15, and 5 (with electronic shutter, but the mechanical shutter adds 10, 8, 6, and 3)
• Up to 8k DCI 60p RAW vs. 8K 30p
• 2.1 million dot vari-angle LCD vs. 1.44 million tilt
• CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD slots vs. dual multi slot for UHS-II SD and CFexpress Type A (Type B cards are faster and less expensive than A cards, but A cards are smaller and faster than SD cards)
• 8.5-stop IBIS vs. 5.5
• Neural Network upscaling (2x larger in both dimensions to 179 megapixels) and noise reduction processing in camera (both with JPG output only)
• High-Frequency Anti-Flicker shooting (evaluates the scene and precisely adjusts the shutter speed to avoid banding and flicker, including from LED signage)
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 GHz vs. 802.11ac (5 GHz)
• 4-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio vs. 2-Channel 16-Bit
• Modestly lighter
• Far lower price

That is a solid list.

Here are the a1's advantages:

• 50 megapixels vs. 45 megapixels (50 is my favorite, but 45 is close)
• 3.8 ms imaging sensor readout speed vs. 6.3 (faster readout reduces electronic shutter issues)
• +/- 5 stops exposure compensation vs. 3
• 240 fps EVF vs. 120
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (provides dramatically higher resolution after post processing, but everything in the frame must be still)
• 0.64" (16mm) 9.44 million dot EVF vs. 0.50" (12.7mm) 5.76 million dots
• 1/400 max flash sync vs. 1/250
• Ethernet port vs. available with accessory grip
• Modestly smaller

Comparing across brands is significantly challenged by the differing interface and ergonomics, and these two cameras have significant differences in those regards. Advantages will often be determined by personal preference.

The bottom line is that both cameras are incredible and my two favorites. However, the R5 II's $2,199.00 lower price makes it a considerably better deal.

If you have not already done so, order the R5 II immediately if you have even a remote interest in it.

More Information

Canon EOS R5 Mark II

Sony Alpha 1

Here are the latest instant savings offers from Canon (Jul 29 - Aug 18, 2024):

Here are the latest instant savings offers from Sigma (Jul 29 - Aug 25, 2024):

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One Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM Lens is in stock at Amazon via Canon-authorized K&M.

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The Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens is in stock at Adorama.

Learn more: Canon RF 10-20mm F4 L IS STM Lens Review

The a9 series targets sports and action, and the a9 III is Sony's latest model in that series. This camera was introduced earlier in the same year as the R1, and includes some outstanding features.

Check out the R1 vs. a9 III specification comparison along with the visual comparison of these cameras.

What are the differences between the Canon EOS R1 and the a9 III? Here are the R1 advantages:

• ISO 100-102400 expandable to 50 and 409600 vs. 250–25600 and 125 to 51200 (notably, the a9 III omits the lowest noise settings)
• Eye Control AF vs. no (dramatically faster AF point or area positioning)
• AF working range of EV -7.5 to 21 vs. EV -5 – 20 (the Canon camera focuses in darker environments)
• 6144-zone metering vs. 1200-zone (more areas evaluated yields potential improvement in auto exposure results)
• 230 image RAW buffer vs. 106
• Has 6K RAW
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 GHz vs. 802.11ac (5 GHz)
• Has a top LCD panel
• Dual CFexpress Type B slots vs. dual multi slot for SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I/II)/CFexpress Type A (Type B cards are faster and less expensive than A cards, but A cards are smaller and SD cards are less expensive)
• Higher capacity battery rated for 1330 LCD and 700 EVF vs. 530 and 400 (the a9 III's battery grip doubles these numbers, closing much of the gap)
• Neural Network upscaling (2x larger in both dimensions to 179 megapixels) and noise reduction processing in camera (both with JPG output only)
• 8.5-stop IBIS vs. 8

The a9 III's advantages are:

• Global shutter, 0 ms imaging sensor readout speed vs. 2.7 ms (While this difference seems small, the global shutter can eliminate some issues, such as LED signage flicker)
• 120 fps continuous shooting vs. 40 (while 40 fps is sufficient for most needs, the 120 fps difference is noticeable)
• Metering range of EV -5 – 17 compared to EV -3 – 20
• +/- 5.0 EV exposure compensation vs. +/- 3
• 1/80000 shutter vs. 1/64000 (likely few us us will care about this difference)
• Flash sync to 1/80000 vs. 1/400
• 0.64" (16mm) EVF vs. 0.50" (12.7mm)
• 240 fps EVF refresh rate vs. 120 fps
• 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen LCD vs. vari-angle
• Considerably smaller and lighter: 26.0 vs. 39.3 oz (737 vs. 1115 g) (but the a9 III's grip adds 10.23 oz (290 g) and considerable size, closing the gap)
• Slightly less expensive

Again, comparing across brands is significantly challenged by the differing interface and ergonomics, and these two cameras are vastly different. Those advantages are a personal preference.

If you have not already done so, order the R1 immediately if you have even a remote interest in it.

More Information

Canon EOS R1

Sony Alpha 9 III

Three Sigma DG DN Art lenses have firmware new updates available:

• Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens version 04
• Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens version 02
• Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art Lens version 04

Download these updates from Sigma Global.

These firmware updates incorporates the following fixes and enhancements:

1. Compatibility with continuous shooting of up to approximately 120 frames per second has been added for the autofocus modes (AF-S/DMF/MF) on Sony a9 III cameras.
2. The operational stability has been improved. (only Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens)

Let's compare a pair of outstanding Sony cameras, starting with the flagship Sony Alpha 1. Check out the R1 vs. Alpha 1 specification comparison along with the visual comparison of these cameras.

What are the differences between the Canon EOS R1 and the a1? Here are the R1 advantages:

• 40 fps for 230 RAW images vs. 30 fps for 238 (96 frame using the comparable lossless compression) (having faster continuous shooting available is an advantage, but 30 fps is really fast)
• 12 fps with mechanical shutter vs. 10 (only matters if you use it)
• More framerate options – 40, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 7.5, 5, 3, 2, and 1 compared to 30, 20, 15, and 5 (with electronic shutter, but the mechanical shutter adds 10, 8, 6, and 3)
• 2.7 ms imaging sensor readout speed vs. 3.8 (while technically a win for the R1, you won't likely notice the difference, and the Sony is reading 50 megapixels at that speed)
• AF working range of EV -7.5 to 21 vs. EV -4 – 20 (the Canon camera focuses in considerably darker environments)
• ISO 100-102400 expandable to 50 and 409600 vs. 100–32000 and 50 to 102400 (the R1 will show less noise at the pixel level, but the two should nearly equalize if the a1 image is down sampled to 24 megapixels — and you won't want to use the highest ISO settings)
• 1/64000 vs. 1/32000 (crazy fast holds a small niche advantage over extremely fast)
• Eye Control AF vs. no (dramatically faster AF point or area positioning)
• Pre-continuous shooting (hindsight is far clearer than foresight, and recording an image of an action in the near past is game-changing)
• 6144-zone metering vs. 1200-zone (more areas evaluated yields potential improvement in auto exposure results)
• Electronic shutter flash sync up to 1/400 sec. (some sources say 1/320) vs. 1/200
• 2.1 million dot vari-angle LCD vs. 1.44 million tilt
• Has a top LCD panel
• Dual CFexpress Type B slots vs. dual multi slot for SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-I/II)/CFexpress Type A (Type B cards are faster and less expensive than A cards, but A cards are smaller and SD cards are less expensive)
• Neural Network upscaling (2x larger in both dimensions to 179 megapixels) and noise reduction processing in camera (both with JPG output only)
• 8.5-stop IBIS vs. 5.5
• High-Frequency Anti-Flicker shooting (evaluates the scene and precisely adjusts the shutter speed to avoid banding and flicker, including from LED signage)
• 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 GHz vs. 802.11ac (5 GHz)
• 4-Channel 24-Bit LPCM Audio vs. 2-Channel 16-Bit
• Higher capacity battery rated for 1330 LCD and 700 EVF vs. 530 and 430 (the a1's battery grip doubles these numbers, closing much of the gap)
• Slightly less expensive

Despite being introduced 3 years earlier, the a1 still holds advantages:

• 50 megapixel vs. 24 (a big difference, but not everyone finds the higher resolution worth the increased storage size and processing time)
• Touch and drag AF area slection vs. not available
• +/- 5 stops exposure compensation vs. 3
• 240 fps EVF vs. 120
• 8K 30p vs. 6K 60p movies
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting (provides dramatically higher resolution after post processing, but everything in the frame must be still)
• 0.64" (16mm) EVF vs. 0.50" (12.7mm)
• Considerably smaller and lighter: 26.0 vs. 39.3 oz (737 vs. 1115 g) (but the a1's grip adds 10.23 oz (290 g) and considerable size, closing the gap)

Comparing across brands is significantly challenged by the differing interface and ergonomics, and these two cameras are vastly different in those regards. Advantages will often be determined by personal preference.

If you have not already done so, order the R1 immediately if you have even a remote interest in it.

More Information

Canon EOS R1

Sony Alpha 1

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