https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcR5-DNktVgKit lenses are bad and should be avoided at all costs. . . or do they represent a perfectly decent option for beginners to DSLRS and ILCs? I lay out several reasons why I think most beginners should pick up a kit lens with their DSLR. Additional Reading/Viewing:Recommended lenses for Nikon including the 35mm f/1.8https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSJ4trhBfFQCanon 50mm f/1.8 STM Video Reviewhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5EoXor3x44Canon 24mm and other Prime Lenseshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lra2-HWww0
I am working on a new video discussing the pros and cons of buying a camera with a kit lens. Take a moment and answer the super simple poll. Feel free to leave additional thoughts in the comments about what has or has not worked for you lens-wise.[yop_poll id="7"]
Hands-on review and feature comparison of full frame wide and ultra wide angle lenses including the new Tamron 15-30 f/2.8 VC, the Canon 16-35 f/4 IS, the Canon 17-40 L and compared to Canon 11-24, Rokinon 14mm f2.8 and more. Which wide angle lens is best for you?https://youtu.be/XTGUuIzGyIg
UPDATE: Now Shipping - Mine will be here tomorrow (Friday May 21) Follow on Facebook & Instagram for updates, first look and review.BUY from B&H Photo 50mm f/1.8 STM or Amazon 50mm f/1.8 STM $125Rumored last week and discussed on our weekly podcast, now officially announced. This is a successor to the incredibly popular 50mm f/1.8 often called the nifty-fifty or plastic fantastic because of it's cheap plastic mount. The new STM version offers a metal mount in a slightly smaller size and 7 aperture blades for smoother bokeh in the background. All while keeping the cost the same as the current 50mm f/1.8. I preordered mine from B&H and will have lots more to share when they start shipping May 21st. I do expect it to be noticeably sharper, especially when shooting at the wider apertures.Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Standard Telephoto Prime Lens Specifications Summary
Compact, lightweight, fixed focal length standard lens for EOS cameras
Large f/1.8 maximum aperture
80mm effective focal length when attached to EOS cameras with APS-C sensors
Canon STM gear type stepping motor technology provides quiet autofocusing to support Canon’s EOS Movie Servo AF function
Improved exterior design including new focus ring placement makes it the most compact Canon EF 50mm lens ever
New metal mount for stability and ruggedness
Super Spectra Coating for minimized ghosting and flaring
Circular 7 blade aperture (The current 50mm f/1.8 has just 5 blades and as a result the bokeh is often shaped like small fuzzy pentagons.)
14-inch minimum focusing distance
0.21x maximum magnification
BUY from B&H Photo 50mm f/1.8 STM or Amazon 50mm f/1.8 STMYour use of my links helps support this site and the work I do.They have a lens hood for the news lens too and B&H has the cheapest price at $26.95 Honestly for the more recessed design of this lens, a lens hood is not critical but if you would like to provide more protection and decrease your chance of sun flares you should buy. Canon is selling a UV filter too. I will just remind you that I rarely recommend UV filters for protection and I certainly wouldn't spend the time or money to put one on a $125 lens. Read more about filters you should have here.The new STM lens will be better than the current f/1.8, I am 100% sure of that. The real question is how will this lens compare to the Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM. The 50mm f/1.4 is not exceptionally sharp wide open and needs to be stopped down to f/1.8 or f/2 to get better results putting these two lenses on similar footing. USM focusing system is different but not really better than STM though USM does provide a more direct manual focusing system experience. For easy autofocus during video the new STM version is going to be best. I am struggling to come up with a strong argument for many to pay $200 more for the USM version. I will be testing the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and the new Canon 50mm STM along with the Canon 50mm f/1.4 soon. Subscribe to my newsletter, of stay up to date with Photorec.tv announcements on the Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram. I also suggest you Subscribe to my Youtube channel.
Post by David McKay. PPA M. Photog, Cr. CPPMarch of 2015 took myself, my wife Ally , and our McKay Photography Academy team to Tanzania to lead 3 ten day, back to back photography tours. Spending 32 days in this magnificent country was an experience I will never forget and I would count as one of the greatest photographic experiences to date in my life. In fact, it was one of the greatest experiences ever in my life as a whole! Fortunately, we are able to return in August of 2016 and I am incredibly excited to be returning and sharing this beautiful country, the people and of course photography opportunities and education with others!Spending this kind of time photographing wildlife and out in the “bush” requires a large amount of pre planning. When planning the photography aspect, of course gear in general, and lens choice becomes critical. There are many variables to consider especially as you are limited in weight restrictions on flights within the country. The idea of carrying all of your gear and choosing what you will want or need once there, is not possible.In choosing what I felt would be best for myself; I went with the new Tamron 150-600mm lens. Many of you seasoned photographers may be wondering, WHY? Why go with an off brand (I shoot Canon) lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.0- f/6.3? Why not choose a faster lens, with better glass, and with tried and true results?Here is what I found in a nutshell, I am extremely happy with this lens for what it has to offer. Here’s why.
Remarkably affordable. At a price of just over $1000, you get a decent lens that works great for wildlife and sports photography in most light.
150mm-600mm range. With a range like this, you can get 95% of the wildlife shots you need from your Range Rover vehicle. Whether wildlife is in close or at a distance, this range gets you what you need on Safari!
Weight. Weighing in at just 4.3lbs, this became crucial when carrying gear and on flights. Also great that you can hand hold if need be and actually get away with the shots!
Quality. Ok, so this is where it really has to matter. No this lens is NOT the Buy the Canon 400mm 2.8 for the low, LOW price of $9,999 in quality. Yet, it is not 35lbs nor $9,999! In my experience, this lens did everything I needed it to and more. I honestly was blown away at the results for the price. I did not expect it to be as good as it is. Sure, it is not a low light lens. Nor is it the fastest in focusing, but it handles well, it offers great quality ( especially at 500mm or less) , has Vibration Reduction, and captured 98% of all images I shot in 32 days on Safari! About the only wildlife that was difficult to capture at reasonable ISO, was Monkeys in trees in low light. Other than that, I am very happy with the results. I did find that at 600mm it was not quite as sharp but still very acceptable.
On safari, my wife Ally shot with the Buy the Canon 100mm-400mm Mark II from B&H and the results were great from that lens. Although she could not get the reach of the 600mm, she was able to crop in for what she needed and this lens was very sharp and also faster focusing. BUT, it comes at twice the price. I still preferred the Tamron for my images especially when I needed that extra reach. One of our clients shot the Buy Sigma 150mm-500mm from B&H. This lens is heavier and as we compared, we found this lens to be the least sharp in our results. It is also more expensive.So in the end, for price, weight, quality, and focal distances, this lens was excellent. Would I use the Canon 400mm fixed 2.8 if available? Absolutely! However, this lens is not meant to compete with that nor should it. This lens does exactly what it is supposed to all at a price that is very affordable for what you get. Tamron has a winner here for someone on a budget and looking for a good lens with a great focal length.
Ready to go on an African Wildlife Safari?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUpt4fQM3uwJOIN US for the trip of a lifetime! In August of 2016 we will return to Tanzania. We are leading two tours and the first is sold out. The second has 2 spots left! Join David and Ally McKay and McKay Photography Academy as we photograph the action of the Great Migration Mara River Crossing as thousands of Wildebeest and Zebra cross the crocodile filled river. We will be scouting and photographing TONS of wildlife including Lions, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephants, Hippo and more. Also we will be visiting the local Maasai for a cultural experience.We work to give you the most amazing photographic safari available with a 5 to 1 client/instructor ratio, private specially equipped for viewing and photography Range Rovers with a maximum of 4 people to vehicle, incredible camp accommodations with 5 star service, and serious hands on personalized instruction to ALL levels of photographers. No need to feel intimidated if you are a beginner. We have your back! The serious photographer will find they gain valuable experience from the McKay’s’ and their professional team. If you want adventure, this is a MUST do photographic tour!Learn more about the Tanzania trip and sign upLearn more about Mckay Photography Academy and other trips (US & International)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzUujWJmz_YSigma's new 24mm f/1.4 ART series lens offers fast f/1.4 aperture. Canon users have a much cheaper choice - the Canon 24mm EF-S f/2.8 Pancake lens, a lens that costs $700 less. how do these two lenses compare?
Vs the Canon 24mm EF-S f/2.8 Lens
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art Benefits
Sharper
Less vignetting
Much Faster maximum aperture
Better build quality
Better manual focus system
Focus indicator
Canon 24mm f/2.8 STM Benefits
Much Lighter
Much cheaper
Smooth and silent AF for video
For general photography I would pick the Canon 24mm EF-S f/2.8 anytime I head out the door with my Canon T6s or 70D camera - it is small, lightweight and provides great quality.If I am being paid to shoot an event and need to capture the best quality photos in low light or will be shooting manual focus video I will pick the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art.Buy the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 ART from B&H Photo for $849Buy the Canon 24mm EF-S f/2.8 from B&H Photo for $149
Shipping at the end of AprilOriginal Post below-On Samyang's FB page they have teased a new lens coming soon. . .It is expected that this lens will be a 100mm Macro f/2.8 and arrive this summer. The lens will offer, in Samyang's own words - "With immense focus and unparalleled features" All Samyang lenses are manual focus and do not offer IS. This allows them to offer affordably sharp glass that budget photographers and videographers love. I am curious how this lens will offer "immense focus and unparalleled features" Do you have any idea? I do expect it will be sharp and for most serious macro work manual focus is preferred but the rumor is currently a higher price than most Samyang offerings - maybe as high as $800 putting it on par with the excellent Canon 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM - that gives you autofocus with full time manual focus.UPDATE 4-1-2015: B&H briefly had a Rokinon version of this new lens listed on their website. Price at $549 - much more reasonable in my opinion for a manual focus only lens that is likely to be very sharp.Samyang, Bower and Rokinon are actually the same Korean company producing manual focus lenses known for sharpness. They get rebranded and sold worldwide. Their fisheye and UWA lenses are very good, they have more recently started selling Cine style lenses too with smooth aperture control and gearing for follow focus systems.DEAL ALERT: Bower 14mm f/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Manual Focus Lens for $259 ENDS TODAYTake a look at the best selling Samyang Lenses at B&H | Rokinon | BowerI plan to bring you hands-on reviews of these lenses soon. Which are the most interesting to you?
Sony has announced several new lenses for their full frame E-Mount cameras (that is the Sony a7, a7s, a7r, a7 mark II, APS-C a6000/5100 and the NEX cameras) We now have 11 FE (Full frame E-Mount lenses)
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens
E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
1:1 Magnification Ratio; Internal Focus
Aspherical, ED and Super ED Elements
Nano AR Coating
Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF Motor
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
Focus Hold Button & Range Limiter Switch
Sliding Focus Ring for AF/MF Selection
Minimum Focus Distance: 11"
Price: $1,098Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample images from Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7506,7507,7508,7509,7510,7511"]
Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens
E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/3.5-6.3 to 22-40
One ED and Five Aspherical Elements
Linear Motor AF System
Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
Internal Focus; Physical MF & Zoom Rings
Minimum Focus Distance: 19.7"
Dust and Moisture Resistant
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Circular 7-Blade Aperture
Price: $998Shipping March 17th! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample images from Sony FE 24-240mm f/3.5-6.3 OSS Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7517,7524,7525,7526,7527,7528"]
Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens
E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/1.4 to 16
One AA & Three Aspherical Elements
Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective Coating
Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF System
Physical Aperture Ring Can Be De-Clicked
Minimum Focus Distance: 12"
Dust and Moisture Resistant
Filter Diameter: 72mm
Circular 9-Blade Diaphragm
Price: $1,598Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSample Images from the Sony Distagon T* FE 35mm f/1.4 ZA Lens[gallery link="file" ids="7494,7495,7496,7497,7498,7499"]
Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens
E-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
Aperture Range: f/2 to 22
Aspherical, AA, and ED Elements
Linear Actuator Autofocus System
Internal Focus; Physical MF Ring
Minimum Focus Distance: 11.5"
Dust and Moisture Resistant
Filter Diameter: 49mm
Circular 9-Blade Diaphragm
Optional Ultra-Wide & Fisheye Converters
Price: $448Shipping Soon! Preorder from B&H Photo | Adorama | AmazonSamples Images from the Sony FE 28mm f/2 Lens[gallery ids="7487,7488,7489,7490,7491,7492"]
Panasonic has just announced two new lenses. These are 4/3 lenses fitting most Panasonic and Olympus cameras (and more)
Panasonic LUMIX G MACRO 30mm f/2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. Lens
Micro Four Thirds System
60mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
One Aspherical Element
Multi-Layer Coating
Stepping AF Motor, Internal Focus
MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer
Maximum Magnification: 1:1
Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.1"
Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
Buy from Adorama | B&H PHoto | Amazon Price: $397.99 - Shipping - May 2015My Thoughts: GH4 and this lens = Beautiful 4K Macro video!
Panasonic LUMIX G 42.5mm f/1.7 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens
Micro Four Thirds System
85mm (35mm Equivalent)
Aperture Range: f/1.7 to f/22
One Aspherical Element
Stepping AF Motor, Internal Focus
POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
Buy from Adorama | B&H PHoto | Amazon Price: $397.99 - Shipping - May 2015My thoughts - This is equivalent to 85mm on full frame and that is a lovely portrait length. f/1.7 plus the optical stabilization make this a very nice portrait video lens.
Buy from Adorama | B&H Photo ($229.95 after instant $70 Savings)Lenses are manual focus and manual aperture. Manual Aperture is great for time lapse, less chance of flicker issues.Note: Compatible with Crop and Full frame cameras but will produce a circular image on BOTH types of camera. Example images shown below. Alternative Option for budget Fisheye -
Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye Lens - Buy from Adorama | B&H Photo ($239 to $259 depending on mount)
No circular image on crop sensor cameras
No interior metal for reflections like the lens baby
UPDATE: Price Announced - $850 - Preorder at B&H Photo Video. This is now the cheapest Autofocus capable 24mm f/1.4 on the market. Shipping: March 20, 2015Sigma has announced a new lens in their excellent ART series. The Sigma 24mm (38mm on crop) f/1.4. We love our 35mm f/1.4 and 50mm f/1.4 from Sigma and this is likely to be another winner. Why do we love the Sigma ART series? They are exceptionally sharp, very well made and offer a great value, saving you several hundred over the similar Canon L lenses and offering better sharpness! Christina quickly sold her 50mm f/1.2 after seeing the review and side by side I did with my Sigma 50mm f/1.4, we now own two of these 50mm f/1.4 lenses and one 35mm f/1.4.24mm is a wonderful walk around focal length and you now have several options at this focal length depending on what brand you use.
Rokinon 24mm f/1.4 ED AS UMC ($549) Manual focus only but excellent for video | Shop on B&H Photo
The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 is compatible with Sigma’s USB dock, allowing photographers to update the lens’ firmware and change focus parameters as well as manual focus over-ride using Sigma's Optimization Pro software. It is also compatible with Sigma’s Mount Conversion Service.Are you interested? How do you feel about 3rd party lens manufacturers?
Update: The Canon 100-400 f/4.5 - 5.6 is now in stock and shipping from B&H - Buy NowUpdate: Added thoughts on the Sigma Contemporary version in the Sigma 150-600 section below.I spent a week in Montana and Yellowstone National Park and used the trip as a test of a handful of telephoto lenses - these are the big ones, the ones you want to consider when you are getting serious about wildlife or sports photography.
Video Review of Big Zoom Lenses (and one telephoto prime)
Tested Lenses
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens with Canon Extender EF 2X III
I used these cameras on a Canon 5D Mark III (full frame) and a Canon 7D Mark II (APS-C/Crop Sensor).
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Price: $1069.00
Weight: 4.30 lb (1.95 kg)
Filter Size 95mm
Partially Weather Sealed (some discussion online about just how weather sealed this lens is)
Plastic Lens Hood
Removable tripod collar
Minimum Focus Distance: 106.3"
For the money I found the Tamron to be an excellent lens. Seems just as sharp as the others in the review, maybe a tiny bit slower at focusing but nothing remarkably different. Build quality is good, some concerns over just how weather sealed it is and you only have Vibration Compensation (VC) on or off, no option for panning or more active motion while using VC. At 4.3lbs and 17 inches with hood attached and zoomed to 600mm you are dealing with a big lens that I still found to be comfortable hand holding. I am bummed that the filter size is 95mm, you are going to be spending serious cash to fit that lens with a decent filter. Recommended- B+W 95mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer MRC Filter You also have very limited compatibility with extension tubes. Will not work with Canon and possibly some functionality using a Kenko 1.4x but you lose one stop of light and reports of some AF being much less reliable. No bag or carrying case provided.Tamron Summary - For the money this is a great lens that gives you 600mm and remains fairly portable.Buy from B&H: Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD LensTamron Samples: [gallery td_gallery_title_input="Tamron 150-600 Samples" link="file" ids="7409,7410,7411"]
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Price: $1999.00
Weight: 6.3 lb (2.86 kg)
Filter Size: 105mm!
Fully weather sealed
Customizable using USB Dock (sold separately)
USB Dock Adj
Soft locks
Massive!
NON-Removable tripod collar
Minimum Focus Distance: 102.4"
People stop and stare when you pull this lens out of your bag. Fully extended and using the included metal lens hood you are holding a massive lens and at 6.3 lbs I found this lens really to be at the limit of handholding and I really only recommend using it in situations with tripods/monopods or beanbag setups. Focus was responsive but with the large size holding it on target at times was tricky. The 105 filter size is going to cost you if you want to throw anything on here. The B+W 105mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer Filter I recommend is $350! With the complaints out of the way I can share that this is a well built, fully weather sealed lens that offers an impressive amount of customization. You have 3 modes you can setup with the USB dock that gives you control over focus speed, focus limiters and adjust the Optical stabilization as well as make micro focus adjustments allowing you to really achieve sharp focus with your body and lens. You also have multiple modes of OS and the lens will lock into position at all the marked focal lengths. This is important as the lens will certainly creep if not locked. You can easily unlock at any point by rotating the zoom ring. I found the colors and contrast out of this lens to be excellent and it is compatible with Sigma and Canon extenders, you will lose AF with some extenders and focal lengths. Most lenses need at least f/8 to focus and the 2x extender at 600m gives you 1200mm f/13 lens, manual focus only. It comes with a nice cloth lens cap cover, metal lens hood and padded carrying case.Sigma Summary: Sharp 600mm in a feature packed lens - just make sure you won't be in a situation where you need to handhold for more than a few minutes.UPDATE: Sigma is now shipping this lens in the Contemporary version. Full Sigma 150-600 Sport Version vs Sigma 150-600 Contemporary Version Comparison coming soon. Brief differences.
The Sports version prioritizes optical performance and the Contemporary version prioritizes portability.
Contemporary version weighs 4.25 lbs (2 lbs less than the sport version)
Contemporary version is more compact and features a removable tripod collar
Contemporary version filter size is 95mm (105mm on sport version)
Contemporary version sells for $1089! (Almost the same price as the Tamron)
I am going to give you the summary for this lens first - if budget isn't a concern this is the lens I would pick. Yes, you sacrifice some reach, 400mm vs 600mm from the Tamron and Sigma but you gain a much more portable lens that is easy to hand hold and focuses fast with excellent sharpness and overall image quality. The most expensive of the bunch, not counting the price of the Canon 70-200 and 2x extender, you pay for this convenience quality package but get a well built lens that is significantly lighter than the other two, offers a normal sized filter, full weather sealing, customizable tension and a lens hood with a little door for rotating CP filters. For the Canon 100-400 I recommend the B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer MRC Filter. You also get three IS modes, normal, active and during exposure only. I found the IS to be excellent and we shot handheld video using this lens and am very happy with the stability. This is the lens I found myself coming back to again and again during my travels. It was portable and easily fit in my Think Tank Photo Airport Essentials Backpack. Handholding was a dream and while shooting the animals the lens focus speed is fast, really fast and had no problems keeping fast moving animals in focus. This lens coupled with a crop sensor camera like the 7D Mark II is awesome, you get that extra reach from the crop factor and the focusing brains of the 7D Mark II coupled with the speedy lens gave me tack sharp images again and again. Compatible with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters from Canon- with the 2x you will be manual focus only but interestingly the dual pixel AF of live view with the Canon 70D and Canon 7D Mark II still works albeit slightly slower.Summary: Fantastic lens if you desire portability, fast focus and handholding versus 200mm more that the Tamron and Sigma offer. Buy from B&H Photo: Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM LensCanon 100-400 Samples[gallery link="file" ids="6963,6964,6965,6966,6967"]
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Price: $1339.00 ($1239 with rebate ending Jan 31st)
Weight: 2.75 lb (1.25 kg)
Filter Size: 77mm
Integrated hood
Partially Weather Sealed
No Image Stabilization
Removable Tripod Collar
Minimum Focus Distance 137.8" 11 feet!! (Worst in class)
I am a big fan of prime lenses(6 Reason you should own a prime), I believe they often offer excellent values, to name one reason and the 400mm f/5.6 L from Canon does not disappoint. It is the sharpest of the bunch, again in my real world testing I saw only slight variations across all these lenses, the lightest of the bunch and the most portable with a nifty integrated lens hood you will never leave behind. Downsides - no image stabilization and I personally find longer telephoto primes to be harder to work with. If you are not in the right spot you may need to do a good bit of "zooming with your feet" to get the desired composition. With shy wildlife this can be difficult.Summary: If you are willing to sacrifice versatility and IS you get a sharp and portable lens. Buy from B&H: Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM LensSample 400mm Images:[gallery columns="2" link="file" ids="6961,6962"]
Weight: 3.99lbs (70-200 = 3.28 lb (1.49 kg) & Canon 2x = 11.46 oz (325g))
Filter Size: 77mm
Weather Sealed
With 2x extender you suffer 2 stops of light loss
With 2x extender you suffer slower focus with more hunting.
With 2x extender you No Auto focus on some lenses (If max aperture is above f/8)
I recognize that this is an odd combo to throw into the review but it was actually requested by a few people. Lots of serious photographers already own the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens as it is an awesome lens for wedding, event and even portrait photography. Sometimes those photographers want more reach but not often enough to shell out $1000-$2000 for a bigger zoom. Using the Extender gives you a 140-400 f/5.6 lens at only a slight cost increase. You are starting at f/5.6 where the other lenses give you slightly wider apertures and I did see more hunting and generally slower AF when using the two together. I will add that the extender does not impact image quality much if you start with a good lens and I was very happy with some of the shots I got. Remember that the 1.4x and 2x extenders have limited compatibility and you should watch my video on the 2x extender to learn more.Summary: an affordable solution for more zoom if you already have the 70-200 and don't plan on photographing fast moving subjects often.Buy from B&H: Canon Extender EF 2X IIISamples images from Canon 70-200 with 2x Extender[gallery td_gallery_title_input="70-200 f/2.8 with 2x Extender" link="file" columns="2" ids="6956,6957,6958,6959"]
Sample Images
Final Thoughts - Big Zoom Field Review
Great news - all of these lenses performed well and I was happy with the quality from all of them. It really comes down to your needs and the conditions you will be shooting in. The Tamron's value is hard to overlook with 600mm of reach for just $1069 and while I liked the quality and features of the Sigma, the size and weight just wouldn't work for the type of portability I want. As I mentioned above the Canon 100-400 was the lens I just kept coming back too and would be the best lens for mine needs, I just need to start saving. I'd love to hear from you which would work best for you and why? Leave a comment below.Buy LinksSupport my review buy from B&H or AmazonTamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD:B&H: http://bhpho.to/1zYHKLzAmazon: http://geni.us/Tamron150to600ZoomSigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens:B&H: http://bhpho.to/1Dhu7oMAmazon: http://geni.us/Tamron150to600ZoomCanon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens:B&H: http://bhpho.to/1JI7bmiAmazon: http://geni.us/Canon100to400MIICanon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens:B&H: http://bhpho.to/1v5sOKrAmazon: http://geni.us/Canon400mmPrimeCanon EF 2x Extender:B&H: http://bhpho.to/1He4Gu6Amazon: http://geni.us/Canon2x
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM Contemporary
vs
Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO
These two APS-C lenses give you an equivalent range of 28mm to 480mm!! A huge range and this I am calling this
The battle of convenience. Two Super Zoom lenses face off!
I am generally not a fan of do-it-all lenses. Lenses that cover this much range make sacrifices in quality - sharpness, distortion, chromatic aberration but when I reviewed the newer Tamron 16-300 a few months ago I was pleasantly surprised by its performance - Yes it still has issues but held up quite well and I certainly do enjoy the convenience, especially when traveling or hiking, carrying just one lens that provides me with a huge range, decent macro capabilities and image stabilization for handheld video. And then Sigma released an 18-300 and I have been asked repeatedly to compare these two lenses.Bottom line about these lenses in general-These lenses are for someone who is happy with the quality of the kit lenses that camera with their camera but wants more zoom and doesn't want to switch lenses.These lenses are not for someone who is going to shoot in low light or wants the sharpest image quality. Personally I suggest you carry one of these do it all lenses and a small prime like the 24 or 35. This is a compromise to the carry-only-one-lens philosophy but gives you an excellent low light sharp lens option when you really need it and does it without adding much bulk and weight to your camera bag.Now let's get to answering the question which of these two lenses is better?I will give you the answer up front and tell you that 9 out of 10 times I would pick the Tamron over the Sigma despite the Sigma being marginally sharper at some focal lengths. Why? The Tamron has faster focusing, full time manual focus and weather sealed as well as a nicer focusing indicator and starting just a little wider.
Lens Compare Point by Point
Build Quality & Features - They are of similar construction with this tough plastic, from a distance you might think the Sigma is metal construction but it is the same basic material as the Tamron. Both feel well made, have a telescoping zoom and internal focusing which is nice when using circular polarizers. Filter size of the Tamron is 67mm. Sigma uses 72mm filter size. Both include a lens hood. I will say that the AF/MF switch and IS(VC) switch on the Tamron is small and slippery. Sigma's switches have just a little more height and are easier to operate BUT the Tamron offers full time manual focus, a really nice feature that lets you quickly dial in sharp focus and on a lens that covers this much range focusing can be slower and helping the camera get where you want or letting AF get close and you finish the job can make for a much less frustrating experience. The stabilization of the Tamron seems just a little better - I saw this in slower shutter speed handholding and while shooting video - just a little smoother.Weight - Sigma weighs 1lb 5oz. Tamron weighs 1lb 4oz.Focusing Speed - Both offer the ultrasonic focusing system - HSM for Sigma and PZD for the Tamron I was at Longwood Gardens and they have a train display setup which made for a great test of focusing speeds and capabilities and using the Canon 7D Mark II in one shot and AI Servo the Tamron was able to keep focus on trains moving directly at me. Shooting the same train with the Sigma and some of the shots were out of focus it was just a little slower focusing. Focusing during video was a little smoother from the Tamron too.Macro Capabilities -They are identical, both can close focus to 15” with AF and roughly 6" if manually focusing. Both provide the same level of magnification. Sigma offers a screw on filter designed to increase magnification 2x. Sells for $50 from SigmaImage Quality - Sharpness - Sigma is sharper - only slightly but when viewing at 100% or more it is noticeable. However and it may be due to the sharpness chromatic aberration is much more present in the Sigma with lots of purple/magenta fringing.Sample Sigma Images
I take a detailed look at the newest pancake lens from Canon, the EFS 24mm f/2.8 STM lens. Why should you buy a prime lens like the 24mm when you already have that focal length in your kit lens. Should you buy the 24mm, the 40mm or the 50mm - or maybe the 35 or the Sigma 30 - Many choices, I help you decide what is right for you.Watch the Video Review of the Canon EFS 24mm STM LensA few sample images (more comings soon)
The new Sigma 24-105 f/4 OS lens from Sigma is exceptionally sharp and offers awesome image stabilization. Are those two features worth the drawbacks to shooting with a lens like this?Watch the Video Review of the Sigma 24-105:
Sigma 24-105 Pros
Exceptionally Sharp across the range from 24-105. You will not find a lens that is as sharp that covers this range.
A very useful walk around range for full frame cameras. Useful for crop sensors too but there are other options that make more sense.
Excellent Image Stabilization (OS as Sigma calls it) for video or lower light photography
Sigma 24-105 Cons
Heavy (about 2 lbs)
No weather sealing
Image Stabilization (OS) cannot be left on when on a tripod*
*It generally is a good idea to turn Image Stabilization OFF when the camera is on a tripod or stable surface - some IS systems are intelligent enough to detect when on a tripod or stable surface and turn off. Systems like the Sigma 24-105 do not and longer shutter speed images will be ruined if you leave IS on.
Sigma 24-105 vs Canon 24-105
The Sigma is sharper and cheaper* than the Canon.Strengths of the Canon
Large focus ring is good for video
Weather sealed
Cheaper if bought whitebox or used
Strengths of the Sigma
SHARP, noticeably sharper than the Canon at most focal lengths
Better build quality (except no weather sealing)
Better resale value (at this time the Sigma is selling used for almost as much as it sells new - this is due to the build quality but mostly from the scarcity of the lens)
Sigma retails for $899, *Canon retails new for $1149 but can often be found as a whitebox (originally part of a kit now sold separately - legit and full warranty) for $700-800. Used the Canon sells for $600Support my work - Rent from Lumoid.com or Buy from B&H Photo/Video or AmazonJeffrey Friedl's Lightroom Plugin mentioned in this video: http://regex.info/blog/lightroom-goodies/data-plot [He has a ton more so spend some time looking at all of the options.] Walk around options for owners of Crop sensor cameras - Canon T5i, 70D, Nikon D5300, D7100 etcAs sharp as the Sigma 24-105 is the Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 Click to see my review and sample images. No IS and significantly less range.The Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4 offers a similar range, very good OS and good image quality/sharpness.[green_message]Source: http://ift.tt/1uFToXZ [/green_message] Follow me on Facebook at http://ift.tt/1uV7XXi
Now Shipping priced at $149. Preorder from B&H Photo Video or Adorama. This is going to be a fantastic little walk around prime lens- Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for full review (coming next week)As discussed in an earlier podcast we will see a new EF-S lens from Canon in November, the Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8, It looks identical to the 40mm f/2.8 and I am psyched that Canon is making more of these tiny(and affordable) but excellent lenses. The 40mm is very sharp even wide open . The one change here is the 40mm is EF, compatible with full frame and this 24mm is EF-S, only compatible with crop sensor cameras like the T5i, SL1 and 70D. 24mm on a crop sensor is a wonderful walk around focal length. 24mm * 1.6 = 38mm.
EF-S Mount Lens/APS-C Format
38mm (35mm Equivalent)
One Aspherical Element
Optimized Lens Coatings
STM AF Motor Supports Movie Servo AF
Micro-Stepping Drive Aperture Mechanism
Full-Time Manual Focus Override
Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
Slim Design Measures Less Than 1"-Thick
shortest shooting distance is 0.16 M (40mm is .3 M)
maximum magnification is 0.27X
22.8 mm thickness Weight 125g (40mm is 22.8 and weighs 130g)
As Photokina nears we are getting a pile of announcements- some shipping soon, some just developments.
Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED
F Mount Lens/FX Format
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aspherical and ED Elements
Nano Crystal Coating
Internal Focus, Silent Wave Motor
Soft Pouch, Lens Hood Included
The AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED from Nikon is a wide-angle lens that is compatible with both full frame FX and DX crop sensor cameras. The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allows a shallow depth of field for selective focus use, as well as shooting in low-light situations.The lens provides a 94° angle of view (30mm, 70° equivalent on DX-format cameras), and has a minimum focus distance of 7.8", allowing you to get close to your subject while isolating it from the background.Aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion elements with Nano Crystal Coating reduce sagittal flare and chromatic aberration, producing sharp images throughout the frame. A Silent Wave Motor provides quick, near-silent autofocusing. A soft pouch and lens hood are included.Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G will be available September 25- Preorder from Amazon | B&H | Adorama
Nikon SB-500 AF Speedlight
Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit compatible with Nikon's i-TTL metering. The flash has a good power rating with a guide number of 79' at ISO 100, and offers coverage for a 24mm lens with full frame cameras. Also, the 100 lux LED light has three output levels- quarter, half or full power- which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time of 3.5-30 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.
Offers test firing, the ability to monitor pre-flashes, and an LED modeling flash function
Flash compensation is available through camera settings
Head tilts up 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, and 90°
Head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°
Four wireless channels are available in Commander mode while only 1 is available in Remote mode
Two wireless groups, A and B, are available
Flash-ready indicator lights up when fully recycled or flashes slowly as a warning
Receives about 100 flashes from a pair of Alkaline batteries and about 140 from Ni-MH
A thermal cut-out function protects the flash
Firmware can be updated
Nikon SB-500 will be available September 25- Preorder from Amazon | B&H | Adorama
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lenses - Yes TWO! And I am not talking about one for Canon and one for Nikon
Sigma announced two new telephoto zooms offering 150-600mm f/5-6.3 with full-frame compatibility. The share dust and weather proofing, SIgma's Optical Stabilizer (OS), Sigma's fast AF motors (HSM) and offer the excellent build quality that Sigma has used on many of their new lenses. both are also compatible with the Sigma USB Dock for lens adjustments and firmware updates. So why two different lenses that offer the same range? Two versions - Sports prioritizes optical performance and the Contemporary version prioritizes portability. Designed to offer a higher level of optical precision and contains 24 elements in 16 groups, with two FLD and three SLD elements to control aberrations and distortions. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focusing distance of 8.5', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens measures 4.8 x 11.4", and weighs 6.3 lb. Sigma is targeting photographers who place the utmost value on performance over weight, along with refined handling capabilities. The lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.This Contemporary version contains 20 elements in 14 groups, with one FLD element and three SLD elements. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focus distance of 9.2', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 and shaves some dimensions off the Sports version to measure 4.1 x 10.2". Sigma has not determined the final weight yet, but it is safe to say it will be lighter than the Sports version, thanks to it is smaller dimensions and fewer optical elements. It, too, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, and Sony A mounts.
A new All-in-one (AIO) from Sigma 18-300
This APS-C-only, all-in-one zoom lens features a 27-450mm equivalent focal-length range and is targeted at photographers who want to travel as lightly as possible and don’t want to carry around multiple lenses. The lens’s design utilizes four FLD elements and one SLD element to help minimize chromatic aberration while maintaining consistent sharpness and clarity. Sigma has also incorporated a new Optical Stabilizer system, which should help with handheld shooting in difficult lighting, and a Hyper Sonic Motor for fast and quiet autofocus. I wonder how it will compare to the Tamron 16-300 I reviewed earlier this year. No word on pricing or release date.
Tamron Announces Development of Full Frame 15-30mm f/2.8 VC
press release
September 12, 2014, Saitama, Japan. – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, announces development of a new ultra-wideangle zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras with a fast F/2.8 aperture and VC (Vibration Compensation), the world’s first in its category. The price and launch date are to be determined. The lens will be showcased at the Tamron booth at Photokina 2014, September 16- 21, 2014 in Cologne, Germany (Photokina Booth Number:Hall 4.2 D10 – E19).Since 2012, Tamron has been expanding its lineup of interchangeable lenses for 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras. SP 24-70mm F/2.8 was the first in the series, being integrated with VC, followed by the 70-200mm F/2.8, 90mm F/2.8 Macro, and 150-600mm F/5-6.3. The array of those new lenses have been highly acclaimed among the photo enthusiasts and working pros around the globe. To address the needs for more towards the wider angular field, Tamron spearheaded the development of SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, a fast ultra-wideangle zoom lens with the image stabilization feature, setting itself apart from the rest of zooms in this category.
Interesting highlights here - image stabilization (VC), fast (f/2.8) and full frame- Those that need to shoot wide while on the move or for video work should stay tuned - this could be a very interesting lens.
Yes the video is just 5 reasons but in this post you get a bonus 6th reason you should own a prime lens. Watch, read and let me know your thoughts on prime lenses in the comments below.
What is a prime lens?
A prime lens has a fixed focal length; it doesn’t zoom. Why would you want a lens that doesn't zoom? 5 Reasons below!
What are the advantages of prime lenses?
Prime lenses often offer very wide maximum apertures, ideal for isolating your subjects from the background and capturing beautiful bokeh(background out of focus).
Those wide apertures also allow you to maximizing the light entering your camera. Keep your aperture wide and you can then keep your shutter speed higher or your ISO lower. This makes prime lenses a good choice for low light photography.
Because of their smaller and simpler construction, prime lenses have fewer moving parts which means less distortion and better quality images than your typical zoom lenses.
Reasons 1 through 3 means you get a better value for your money as primes are often hundreds of dollars cheaper than zoom lenses.
They are often smaller and lighter compared to typical zoom lenses - making primes a great choice when you want to travel light.
BONUS REASON
Forcing yourself to use a prime encourages you to move to achieve the frame you want, as opposed to the lazy zoom in out and approach and moving and thinking critically about your framing is a good habit to build as a photographer.
Let me know in the comments your favorite prime lens and your favorite reason(s) for attaching a prime lens to your camera.I have recommended prime lenses for Canon and Nikon and 5 tips for sharper images
Battle of the WIDES! Canon 10-18 vs Tokina 11-16 vs Canon 10-22
Canon 10-18 f/4.5-5.6 IS STM
Pros of the 10-18
small, lightweight(weighs less than the kit lens) and cheap, $299!
Great quality- seriously impressed with how well it handles chromatic aberration (better than the others) and is sharp (though the differences between all is very slight)
Image stabilization for handholding seriously low shutter speeds
STM - absolutely smooth and silent video and full time manual focus* - half press of shutter required for manually turning the ring to have any effect. If live view is on focus ring is always active.
Close focus abilities - almost macro like!
Cons of the 10-18
Slow (small maximum aperture) f/4.5 at 10mm and as soon as you zoom you hit f/5 and then f/5.6 shortly before 18mm
No distance indicator - very hard to manually focus in low light (bad for starry sky photos)
Tokia 11-16 f/2.8 DX II
Pros of the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 DX II
Constant f/2.8
Built like a tank and includes a lens hood
Distance indicator
Will mount on a full frame camera!
Cons of the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 DX II
Chromatic aberration very noticeable at wide apertures.
Vingetting also present at wide apertures - also present in other lenses but not quite to the same degree gone by f/5.6
I am not a fan of the big ring pull switch for AF/MF.
77mm filter size - getting expensive
Canon 10-22 USM f/3.5-4.5
Pros of the Canon 10-22 USM
Big range for wide angle lens.
USM with full time manual focus
Distance indicator
Good build quality
Cons of the Canon 10-22 USM
What does it offer that the Canon and Tokina doesn’t?
Sigma 8-16 f/4.5-5.6 HSM (not reviewed in this video)
March of 2015 took myself, my wife Ally , and our McKay Photography Academy team to Tanzania to lead 3 ten day, back to back photography tours. Spending 32 days in this magnificent country was an experience I will never forget and I would count as one of the greatest photographic experiences to date in my life. In fact, it was one of the greatest experiences ever in my life as a whole! Fortunately, we are able to return in August of 2016 and I am incredibly excited to be returning and sharing this beautiful country, the people and of course photography opportunities and education with others!Spending this kind of time photographing wildlife and out in the “bush” requires a large amount of pre planning. When planning the photography aspect, of course gear in general, and lens choice becomes critical. There are many variables to consider especially as you are limited in weight restrictions on flights within the country. The idea of carrying all of your gear and choosing what you will want or need once there, is not possible.In choosing what I felt would be best for myself; I went with the new 
It is expected that this lens will be a 100mm Macro f/2.8 and arrive this summer. The lens will offer, in Samyang's own words - "With immense focus and unparalleled features" All Samyang lenses are manual focus and do not offer IS. This allows them to offer affordably sharp glass that budget photographers and videographers love. I am curious how this lens will offer "immense focus and unparalleled features" Do you have any idea? I do expect it will be sharp and for most serious macro work manual focus is preferred but the rumor is currently a higher price than most Samyang offerings - maybe as high as $800 putting it on par with the excellent 
Take a look at the 
Buy from 
Alternative Option for budget Fisheye -
24mm is a wonderful walk around focal length and you now have several options at this focal length depending on what brand you use.
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
As discussed in an earlier
Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit compatible with Nikon's i-TTL metering. The flash has a good power rating with a guide number of 79' at ISO 100, and offers coverage for a 24mm lens with full frame cameras. Also, the 100 lux LED light has three output levels- quarter, half or full power- which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time of 3.5-30 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.
Designed to offer a higher level of optical precision and contains 24 elements in 16 groups, with two FLD and three SLD elements to control aberrations and distortions. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focusing distance of 8.5', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens measures 4.8 x 11.4", and weighs 6.3 lb. Sigma is targeting photographers who place the utmost value on performance over weight, along with refined handling capabilities. The lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.
This Contemporary version contains 20 elements in 14 groups, with one FLD element and three SLD elements. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focus distance of 9.2', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 and shaves some dimensions off the Sports version to measure 4.1 x 10.2". Sigma has not determined the final weight yet, but it is safe to say it will be lighter than the Sports version, thanks to it is smaller dimensions and fewer optical elements. It, too, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, and Sony A mounts.
press release
BONUS REASON
