Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 Best lens for APS-C Cameras

The Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 remains my pick for BEST crop (APS-C) sensor. Pairs well with Canon and Nikon. It is also possible to use the Sigma 18-35 on Micro 4/3 cameras, like the Panasonic GH4 and GH5 with Metabones Speed Booster Ultra (Canon EF-mount). Using the speed booster gives you an extra stop of aperture!Buy the Sigma 18-35 from B&H Photo Canon | NikonWant more zoom? The Sigma 50-100 is heavy but also fantastichttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWo3y7_8vcA

Tamron Releases World's First 18-400mm Lens

Tamron has announced a new 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD APS-C lens billed as the world's first to cover the extended range. Having reviewed the Sigma and Tamron 18-300's in a previous video this might be the one for those that prioritize convenience. For $649 you get 22.2x zoom ratio covering wide angle shots from 28mm to ultra-telephoto 640mm (Canon crop ratio). The lens also features a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9 so you can enjoy tele-macro photography. With the new design comes their new LD (Low Dispersion Glass) with an ashperical lens to control the chromatic aberration (color fringing) all-in-one lenses are known for typically. For it's size, Tamron managed to make it quite small at 4.8 inches long and 24.9 ounces, in comparison Sigma's 18-300 Contemporary Lens clocks in at 4 inches and 20.6 ounces with 100mm less in focal length. The 18-400mm lens also incorporates 2.5 stops of stabilization with a zoom lock to get the sharpest shots possible from the 640mm focal range. If you are interested the 18-400mm gets you that all-in-one convenience for a decent price. As with our 18-300mm comparison, there is a cost for the benefit, we'll have a review out soon on this new lens.Interesting to note, rumor held the new Tamron 24-70 was also to be announced with advanced notice going to the press. With a Sigma 24-70 also being released this week it seemed the announcement has been postponed for now.Pre-order today at B&H, available in Canon and Nikon mounts:

Sample ImagesPhotographer: Billion Lim[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="15170,15171,15172,15173,15174,15175,15176,15177,15178,15179,15180,15181,15182"]Press release[quote_box_center]

Introducing the world’s first^*1 ultra-telephoto all-in-onezoom lens with an extended range that covers 18-400mm18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)

Dramatic extended range achieved by combining cutting-edge optical design andother new breakthrough technologies including a redesigned cam structure

June 23, 2017, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the new 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028), the world’s first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras, which covers a focal length range of 18-400mm. Since the 1992 launch of its AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), Tamron has dominated the all-in-one zoom category and has produced many lenses that cover wide-angle to telephoto zoom ranges. Tamron has now developed an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom that extends to 400mm (35mm equivalent of 620mm) and a 22.2x zoom ratio. Packed in a light, compact body (121.4mm/705g)^*2 is Tamron’s accumulated knowledge and experience for all-in-one zoom lenses, including the most advanced optical and mechanical designs, an HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) for the AF system and the Vibration Compensation system. Photographers can now enjoy wide-angle to ultra-telephoto photography using one lens, which is ideal for travel photography and eliminates the need to carry extra lenses. The new Model B028 lens enables a wide variety of ultra-telephoto images including everyday casual scenes.

PRODUCT NAME	18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD(Model B028)
DATE OF LAUNCH	July 20, 2017The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously.

*1 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (As of May 2017; Tamron)*2 Length and weight are based on the Nikon-mount lens.

Product Information

1. The world’s first^*1 ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens to achieve 400mm telephoto

   The new Model B028 is the world’s first lens for APS-C DSLR cameras that covers a focal length range of 18-400mm and achieves a zoom ratio of 22.2x. The focal length of 400mm on the telephoto end enables the capturing of ultra-telephoto pictures with the 35mm equivalent of 620mm angle of view. Now, with just this one lens, a photographer can readily enjoy the power of the ultra-telephoto to bring distant subjects closer as well as the perspective-flattening effects that only extreme telephoto settings can achieve. This all-in-one zoom lens is ideal for travel and everyday carry. It allows a photographer to switch from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto without changing lenses, making it faster and easier to capture a much wider range of subjects including travel scenes, wildlife, action sports, landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and food.*1 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (As of May 2017; Tamron)

2. Excellent image quality across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto

   The optical construction of the B028 consists of 16 lens elements in 11 groups. The use of specialized glass elements such as LD (Low Dispersion) and aspherical lens elements effectively minimizes wide-ranging aberrations, including chromatic aberrations and distortion, thereby assuring outstanding image quality. Optimum power distribution among the individual lens element groups achieves both the optical performance and the compact size necessary for an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens that boasts 400mm focal length. Also, it enables tele-macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9.

3. Lightweight and compact design exhibits Tamron’s basic philosophy for all-in-one zoom lenses

   Despite being an all-in-one zoom lens that achieves 400mm ultra-telephoto, Model B028 is light and compact with a total length of 121.4mm and a weight of 705g^*2. A new lens barrel design utilizing three-step extensions was developed to enable the necessary elongation to produce a 22.2x zoom ratio. Compared to the conventional approach, the division into a larger number of cams ensures comfortable operation and stability while zooming. Tamron’s philosophy for all-in-one zoom lenses is to allow each photographer to casually capture everyday images with a lens of a practical size, and Model B028 fulfills this philosophy.*2 Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens.

4. HLD motor provides high-precision AF and enables compact lens construction

   The AF drive system for Model B028 uses Tamron’s exclusive HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) motor. The power-saving HLD motor produces outstanding driving torque, and adjusts motor rotation from low to high speed to enable accurate and quiet focusing. The HLD motor takes up less space thanks to its small size and circular arc shape that allows the size of the lens to be reduced.

5. Equipped with the Vibration Compensation system necessary for ultra-telephotography at 400mm

   Despite its compact size, Model B028 is equipped with Tamron’s original VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which effectively curbs camera shake under low light conditions (such as a dimly lit room or at dusk) and while taking ultra-telephoto pictures. This greatly expands opportunities for casual handheld shooting. The jitter-free stability of the viewfinder image allows for easier framing and enables the photographer to compose the subject quickly and comfortably.

6. Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also for Nikon-mount lenses

   The electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses^*3. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.*3 Available only with cameras compatible with the electromagnetic diaphragm (D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7000, D7100, D7200, D300S, D500) (As of May, 2017; Tamron)

7. User-friendly features for everyday comfortable use

   With an eye toward active outdoor photography, Model B028 features Moisture-Resistant Construction to ensure worry-free shooting as well as confidence while shooting under adverse weather conditions. Also, the Zoom Lock mechanism prevents undesired movement of the lens barrel under its own weight when the camera is angled downward while walking.

8. Compatible with TAP-in Console^TM, an optional accessory product

   The optional TAP-in Console provides a USB connection to a personal computer, enabling the user to easily update the lens’s firmware as well as to customize features, including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.

9. External design placing importance on functionality and ease of use

   While inheriting the design that makes use of many organic curves and the delicately polished form down to fine details that characterize the SP lens series, the new Model B028 comes with a highly sophisticated design that also places a lot of importance on the lens’s functionality and ease of use, featuring an overall form that faithfully encompasses the internal structures within, a slim Luminous Gold brand ring and the switch shape design.

Tamron, the pioneer of all-in-one zoom lenses

Tamron launched the world’s first all-in-one zoom, the AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), in 1992, thereby establishing this exciting and popular market category and making Tamron truly the pioneer of all-in-one zoom lenses. Because of this innovation, photographers can change the composition and the angle-of-view easily by zooming instead of changing lenses or distance from the subject. This benefit made all-in-one zoom lenses widely popular among consumers all over the world. In the course of developing and refining its lens products over the years, Tamron has developed key innovative technologies such as groundbreaking optical systems, compact lens barrels and complex, high-precision cam configurations—in addition to durable and attractive design aesthetics. Now equipped with Tamron’s proprietary Vibration Compensation system, the Tamron all-in-one zoom lenses continue to exceed the user's expectations.

<Tamron’s all-in-one zoom lens products over the years>

Released year	Product name
1992	AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical （Model 71D)
1996	AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical [IF] Super （Model 171D)
1999	AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical IF MACRO (Model 185D)
2000	AF28-300mm F/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical IF Super II MACRO （Model 371D)
2001	AF28-200mm Super Zoom F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical XR [IF] MACRO (Model A03)
2002	AF28-300mm Ultra Zoom XR F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A06)
2004	AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A061)
2005	AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A14)
2006	AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A031)
2007	AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A18)
2007	AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro （Model A20）
2008	AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model B003)
2010	18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008)
2010	18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011)
2014	16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)
2014	28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
2014	14-150mm F/3.5-5.8 Di III (Model C001)
2015	18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018)
2017	18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)

Specifications

Model	B028
Focal Length	18-400mm
Maximum Aperture	F/3.5-6.3
Angle of View (diagonal)	75°33' - 4° (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction	16 elements in 11 groups
Minimum Object Distance	0.45m (17.7 in)*
Maximum Magnification Ratio	1:2.9
Filter Size	Φ72mm
Maximum Diameter	Φ79mm
Length**	for Canon 123.9mm (4.9 in)for Nikon 121.4mm (4.8 in)
Weight	for Canon 710g (25 oz)for Nikon 705g (24.9 oz)
Aperture Blades	7 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture	F/22-40
Image Stabilization Performance	2.5stops (CIPA Standards Compliant)(For Canon : EOS-80D is used / For Nikon: D7200 is used)
Standard Accessories	Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts	Canon, Nikon

* The minimum object distance may change if camera is used in live view mode.** Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

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Available for Pre-Order: Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM and 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lenses

The Sigma 14mm F/1.8 DG HSM Art and Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lenses are available to preorder now for Canon and Sigma Mounts. Nikon will be coming out shortly in July so you won't have to wait long. Sigma's new 14mm lens is faster than Nikon and Canon respectively being F/2.8 with Sigma going down to F/1.8. As for Sigma's 24-70 Art, it's priced under the competition with the Nikon ($2200) and Canon ($1700) much higher. With news of the upcoming Tamron 24-70 G2 also releasing at the same price it'll be interesting which wins out. These may be the lenses to beat for their focal lengths and great options to order today, we'll have reviews soon.Available to pre-order via B&H: [vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"]Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art[/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"]Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art[/vc_column][/vc_row]Canon EF Mount with MC-11 Mount Converter/Lens Adapter for Sony E Kit[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][/vc_column][/vc_row] Press Release via Sigma[quote_box_center]

Sigma Begins Shipping Its 14mm F1.8 DG HSM and 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art Lenses

The world’s first and only F1.8 ultra wide-angle full-frame lens for DSLR cameras is available now for $1,599.00 USD; the new Sigma Global Vision workhorse zoom lens is available now for $1,299.00 USDRonkonkoma, NY – June 22, 2017 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, announced today the pricing and availability for its new Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM and Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art lenses from its lauded Global Vision line. The ultra-wide angle full-frame 14mm F1.8 Art lens begins shipping in June 2017 for Canon and Sigma camera systems and in July 2017 for Nikon camera systems, for a retail price of $1,599.00 USD. The standard zoom full-frame 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens begins shipping in June 2017 for a retail price of $1,299 USD.The Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art, which is the first and only F1.8 ultra wide-angle lens among interchangeable lenses for digital SLRs*, incorporates the same aspherical element as Sigma’s critically acclaimed 12-24mm F4 Art, allowing the lens to deliver a new dimension of visual experience. Boasting outstanding image quality from center to edge, the 14mm F1.8 Art features an 80mm front lens — the world’s largest glass aspherical lens in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide prime with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Equipped with a superfast and efficient autofocus system, three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) elements, and four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) elements to reduce chromatic aberration and coma flare, the 14mm F1.8 Art is suitable for a wide range of photographic needs including astrophotography, architecture and landscape photography.The 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens, Sigma’s new workhorse standard zoom lens, touts a brand new Optical Stabilizer (OS), Hypersonic Motor (HSM) for highly efficient and fast autofocus, as well as a dust- and splash-proof mount with rubber sealing. The 24-70mm F2.8 Art lens embodies all the technical qualities and finesse that define the high-performance Sigma Global Vision Art series. A popular industry focal range covering a wide array of shooting scenarios, the 24-70mm’s optical design also includes three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and four aspherical elements to ensure image accuracy and sharpness. The 24-70mm F2.8 Art aspherical elements use Sigma’s thicker center glass design and highly precise polishing process, delivering stunning images and bokeh effects. The lens’ purpose-built structure boasts a new metal barrel for optimal durability with TSC composite internal moving components designed to resist thermal contraction and expansion.Both the 14mm F1.8 DG HSM and the 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art lenses are available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. The Sigma and Canon mount lenses work with Sigma’s MC-11 Sony E-mount converter. The Nikon mounts feature the brand new electromagnetic diaphragm.Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art Lens Features and Benefits:> Sharp, rich image quality

• Minimized chromatic aberrations: Three FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements and four SLD (Super Low Dispersion) glass elements help reduce transverse chromatic aberration, which tends to be noticeable in shots taken with ultra wide-angle lenses. The result is outstanding image quality from the center of the image to the edges.
• Distinctive bokeh effect: Even at the 14mm ultra wide-angle of view, F1.8 brightness makes possible a very shallow depth of field with the subject standing out dramatically against a pleasingly softened background. It’s the unique mode of expression that only a large-diameter lens can deliver.
• Minimized distortion: Serving as the front lens element, the large 80mm precision-molded glass aspherical lens effectively minimizes distortion. Offering excellent peripheral brightness, this lens delivers outstanding image quality from the center to the edges.

> Offers full-frame coverageSigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG HSM OS Art Lens Features and Benefits:> Superior optical performance

• Optimal image quality for ultra-high-megapixel DSLRs: This lens offers top performance from the center to the edges of the image thanks to the optical system minimizing coma, which causes points of light to streak, and transverse chromatic aberration, which cannot be corrected via aperture control. The optical system also minimizes distortion, which can be particularly evident in wide-angle shots, resulting in excellent optical performance throughout the zoom range.
• Expressive bokeh effect every time: At wide-open aperture, this lens offers outstanding photographic expression. The area in focus is extremely sharp, while the background exhibits a beautiful, creamy bokeh effect with only slight spherical aberration. Since large-diameter zoom lenses are often used at wide-open aperture, Sigma has paid close attention to the shape of the bokeh, aiming for artistic circularity.
• Aspherical Lens Processing Technology: The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art incorporates an aspherical lens element that helps achieve extremely high resolution. This element is much thicker at the center than the edges, and forming its unusual shape is a feat of manufacturing technology. Moreover, Sigma processes the surface of this aspherical lens element with ultra-precise tolerances that are measured in hundredths of a micrometer. This extremely fine surface allows the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM Art to deliver a very natural and smooth bokeh effect, without the visible concentric rings that afflict typical aspherical lens elements.

> Fast and nimble autofocus photography

• Designed for advanced utility in a wide variety of situations, the optical stabilizer (OS) offers a powerful stabilization effect. The newly designed large hypersonic motor (HSM) offers 1.3 times the torque of its predecessor for exceptionally stable performance.

Sigma Global Vision Line Features & Benefits:

• Each lens is eligible for user customizable micro-focus and in-home firmware updates with the optional USB Dock and Sigma Optimization Pro software.
• Each unit is crafted in Aizu, Japan and individually tested for QC and optical performance with the exclusive A1 MTF device.
• Sigma’s Exclusive Mount Conversion Service allows lenses to be switched between any released mounts (fee-based).
• Compatible with Sigma Mount Converter MC-11, allowing use of Sigma lenses in Sigma and Canon mounts with the Sony E-mount camera systems.

*As of February 2017[/quote_box_center]

Hands-on - NEW Sony Lenses 16-35 f/2.8 and 12-24 f/4

Sony has just announced two new lenses and I have had early access to both, shooting on an a7RII and a9 and have sample photos and thoughts below.https://youtu.be/G73lzUHaniY

The Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Wide-angle Zoom Lens

This nicely rounds out Sony's f/2.8 offerings (16-35, 24-70, 70-200 - the f/2.8 trinity) and looks to be an excellent lens.  I was impressed with edge to edge sharpness, lack of vignetting and smooth bokeh.   Most lenses in this category have 9 aperture blades, the new FE 16-35 f/2.8 has 11.  This lens is seriously sharp - Sony is designing it with future ultra high resolution sensors in mind. It is dust and moisture resistant too. Below are a few sample photos I shot.   Lens will be available in late August. Price $2,199  PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14849,14848,14847,14846,14845,14844"]I do love the focus hold button included on G Master lenses -  its primary function is to lock focus when recomposing, but you can customize to a number of other functions depending. In addition to Focus Hold, custom functions include: Eye AF, AF On, Aperture Preview, Shot Result Preview or Bright Monitoring.Additional 16-35 f/2.8 Specs -

• Weather Sealed Design
• Product weight (oz): 24 oz (680 g.)
• Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.875” x 3.5” (121.6 x 88.5mm)
• Nano AR Coating
• ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration

Currently the Canon 16-35 f/2.8 III sells for $1,999 - I expect this Sony lens to be sharper when we compare them side by side. Make sure you subscribe to the my Youtube channel to get updated news and comparisons when this lens is released.

The Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens

Sony surprised us with this small, unassuming ultra wide angle lens.  I can't quite believe how compact and lightweight it is while still providing full frame coverage of 12-24!   Weighing just over a pound and nicely fitting in your hand the 12-24 provides a constant f/4 aperture, focus hold button and integrated/fixed lens hood.   It does have a bulbous front element requiring an adapter to use filters.   While it doesn't seem quite as sharp as the GMaster 16-25 f/2.8 it still provides very good sharpness and nothing else offers this wide a view on full frame at this size and weight unless you go with a prime lens.  You could use an adapter with the Sigma 12-24 but that lens weighs twice as much and is significantly larger.   The lens will be available in Late July for $1,699 PREORDER from B&H Photo[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" link="file" ids="14854,14853,14852,14851,14850,14860"]Additional 12-24 f/4 G Specs

• Weather Sealed Design
• Product weight (oz): 20 oz (680 g.)
• Product Dimension (L*W) inch: 4.625” x 3.5” (117.4 x 87mm)
• 7 Bladed Aperture Design
• Super ED and ED glass w/ multi‐coating reduces chromatic aberration
• Customizeable Focus Hold button

Canon offers an 11-24 f/4 lens for $2,699 and it is larger and heavier. Sigma offers a slightly cheaper model but as mentioned it too is a good bit heavier and bulkier, also not weather sealed.  Once the lens is released I will make comparisons and publish the results here and on Youtube.Pre-order these lenses at B&H:

• Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM
• Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G

How to Maximize the Potential of Your Kit Lens

When you first purchase a DSLR camera, you don't know what type of lens you need. So you buy the camera with the kit lens. Major camera manufacturers offer multiple DSLR packages with a camera body and a kit lens. Brand new to DSLR photography, a kit lens is a great place to start.

Once upon a time, kit lenses had numerous issues including chromatic aberration and fringing, lack of sharpness, and low built quality with slow, noisy auto focus. Over the past couple of decades, kit lenses have come a long way. While a kit lens doesn't offer the focus speed and sharpness of a high-level lens, it's an extremely good value for a $150-$200 lens.Equipped with an entry-level DSLR and kit lens, you have the tools to create fantastic images. A few tips to maximize the potential of your kit lens will help you transform your good images into polished, professional images.

Use the entire focal length range of the kit lens

The standard focal length range for a kit lens is 18-55mm. It may be tempting to purchase a lens with a much greater focal range, such as 18-200 or 70-300. Unless you're buying a high-end lens, you'll compromise image quality for greater focal range. 18-55 is an extremely versatile focal range, allowing you to explore landscape photography, street photography, portrait photography, and even macro photography with ease. If you want to shoot closer than 55mm, extension tubes are an affordable way to get a little more length and can be used with any other lenses you may purchase in the future.

With that being said, the extreme ends of the focal length tend to get a little soft. You'll produce sharper images shooting at 24mm than 18mm and at 50mm than 55mm. Take care to shoot just under the extreme focal lengths.

Find the "sweet spot" of the lens

Typically, kit lenses perform best with an aperture in the range of f/5.6-f/8. Unless you're trying to create a shallow depth of field or you're shooting in very low light conditions, try stopping down your aperture to create sharper images. When you're shooting at 18mm, stop down from f/3.5 to f/5.6. When you're shooting at 55mm, stop down from f/5.6 to f/8.

Move to get your shots

When you're shooting with a zoom lens, it's tempting to do all the zooming with the lens. Of course, a zoom lens is a powerful tool to create images at a range of focal lengths. However, you should also move physically with your camera to produce great images. If you're not happy with your composition and can't fine tune it by zooming with the lens, move your feet. Adjusting 15 or sometimes even five feet can make a big difference.

Review your images

There are a lot of decent images out there that just aren't great because of an issue such as being slightly out of focus or having a person's feet getting partially cut out of the frame. Reviewing your images just after you've shot them allows you to make corrections on the spot, fixing minor issues and creating stronger, sharper compositions.

Get out of auto mode

It's easy to leave your camera in auto mode, believing that the camera will make better setting choices that you will. It doesn't take a lot of time experimenting with manual camera settings to appreciate how much more control you have over your images. Initially, learning to shoot in manual is often frustrating and even overwhelming. However, it's well worth the effort and will help you take your kit level photos to a whole new level.Related reading: Making the Transition from Auto Mode to Manual Mode

Embrace the low weight and versatility of the kit lens

A kit lens is lightweight and offers a versatile focal range you'll be hard pressed to find in many high-end lenses. The less weight you're carrying, the more time you'll enjoy exploring new sites with family and friends. While you won't have the capacity to shoot at a low aperture like you would with a kit lens, you also won't have to spend time changing lenses to shoot at different focal lengths.

Do you have any additional tips for maximizing the potential of the kit lens?

Leave your insight in the comments!

SaveSaveSave

NEW - Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM

built-in Macro Lites that allow photographers to carefully arrange macro lighting without using special equipment.

[gallery link="none" ids="14374,14373,14372"]

PREORDER FROM B&H PHOTO  $349.99- available June, 2017

New Compact and Lightweight EF-S Macro Lens Opens Up a World of Photographic Possibilities and Helps Capture Close Subjects with Incredible DetailMELVILLE, N.Y., April 6, 2017 – Compact and lightweight, the new Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM, announced today by Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is the widest-angle Macro offering in Canon’s popular EF-S lens series. The new lens is designed to help both entry-level and advanced amateur DSLR photographers discover the incredible possibilities of macro photography. Capable of capturing close-up subjects with incredible detail, Canon’s new EF-S macro lens is also the first in the series to feature built-in Macro Lites that allow users to control lighting with ease.“Macro lenses are an amazing way to explore the worlds that exist all around us, and the new Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens is the ideal starting point for amateur photographers eager to capture incredible, up-close details on the go,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Whether capturing a delectable dessert or the subtleties of a backyard flower, users will be challenged to find new colors and shapes that turn everyday moments into art.”The new Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM captures stunning images and is a terrific companion lens for entry-level users eager to expand beyond their existing Canon EOS DSLR kit lens. Capable of shooting as close as 30mm from the end of the lens to the subject, aspiring photographers can get up close to a fruit or flower for an entirely new perspective, while capturing high-quality images with beautiful background blur. Additional technologies built into the new Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens include:

• Popular 35mm focal length (56mm equivalent) and wide f/2.8 aperture
• Hybrid IS system offers up to four stops* of shake correction
• Smooth Movie Servo AF with Lead Screw-type STM ensures quiet AF operation
• Full-time Manual Focus

https://youtu.be/k9-9TQBW57sIn a first for the EF-S lens series, the new Canon EF-S 35mm lens sports built-in Macro Lites that allow photographers to carefully arrange macro lighting without using special equipment. With built-in LED lights on each side of the lens, users can create compelling shadows on either side of a subject or adjust the intensity to give images a sense of dimension. Once the scene is set, the lens uses superb rendering performance to capture high contrast, sharp images.While specialized for high magnification photography, the Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM is still a versatile option for day-to-day use, easily capable of capturing portraits, landscapes or snapshots. As the latest addition to the lineup of EF-S lenses, Canon continues its commitment to providing a wide-range of affordable lens options for photographers of all levels.The Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro IS STM lens is scheduled to be available in June 2017 for an estimated retail price of $349.99.

PREORDER FROM B&H PHOTO  - available end of June, 2017

Sample Images

Specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Prime lens
Max Format size	APS-C / DX
Focal length	35 mm
Image stabilization	Yes (4 stops)
Lens mount	Canon EF-S
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F2.8
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	7
Optics
Elements	10
Groups	6
Special elements / coatings	Glass-molded aspheric element
Focus
Minimum focus	0.03 m (1.18″)
Maximum magnification	1×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Focus distance limiter	No
Physical
Weight	190 g (0.42 lb)
Diameter	69 mm (2.72″)
Length	56 mm (2.2″)
Sealing	No
Colour	Black
Filter thread	49.0 mm
Hood supplied	Yes
Tripod collar	No

Tamron 150-600 G2 Review and VS Sigma 150-600 C Lens comparison

I spend a month shooting with the Tamron 150-600 G2 (THE NEWEST VERSION) and compare it against the Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. I have been very happy with the under $1,000 Sigma lens - it performed very well on my Serengeti safari trip last year. But for just $400 more the $1400 Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 offers weather sealing, a few sweet features and slightly better image quality - how much is it worth to you?

Tamron 150-600 G2 Review and VS Sigma 150-600 C Lens comparison

Buy Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSMBuy the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2Tamron 150-600 G2 Review and Sigma 150-600 C images for download and compare

LENS	Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2	Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C	Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S	Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS II USM
COST	$1,400.00	$989.00	$1,999.00	$1,999.00
Aperture	F5–6.3	F5–6.3	F5–6.3	F4.5–6.5
Min Focus	2.70 m (106.3″)	2.80 m (110.24″)	2.60 m (102.36″)	0.98 m (38.58″)
Weight	2010 g (4.43 lb)	1950 g (4.3 lb)	2860 g (6.31 lb)	1570 g (3.46 lb)
Filter Size	95mm	95mm	105mm	77mm
Weather Sealing	YES	Gasket at mount, otherwise no	YES	YES
BUY	B&H Photo	B&H Photo	B&H Photo	B&H Photo

The features and slightly sharper quality with better contrast make the NEW Tamron 150-600 G2 my pick for budget super zoom lens.  The Sigma offers great quality at significant savings though the lack of true weather sealing may be an issue for some.  My Serengeti safari was a month of extremely dusty conditions and I never saw any issues with the Sigma but it certainly gives me more peace of mind to be out photographing in all conditions with a lens that is truly sealed.  The Sigma 150-600 Sport offers that weather sealing and is sharper than the Contemporary version but the weight is ridiculous!    And finally you sacrifice range with the 100-400 but gain a much more travel friendly lens that you could throw on a 1.4x converter and get great results. Related Video - Tamron 150-600, the Sigma 150-600, Canon's new 100-400, the Canon 400mm prime and even a 70-200 with a 2x extender

How to Buy Used Camera Gear Online

DSLR and mirrorless cameras and lenses are expensive. You want to buy great gear, but you don't want to break the bank. Buying used camera equipment allows you save money without compromising quality. However, it's important to be careful when purchasing used camera bodies and lenses. Before you load up your shopping cart and check out, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process of shopping for used gear online. Following a few key tips ensures you'll get a good deal on high-quality equipment and that if you don't, you'll be able to return it and get a refund.I got inspired to write about this topic after I saved $300 on a near perfect condition copy of the Canon 70-200 f/4 lens. The only damage is very minor and purely cosmetic. I reviewed multiple listings on Amazon and eBay over a couple of weeks to get a current, accurate price range. Ultimately, I decided to shop on Amazon with a retailer boasting a 95%+ positive rating and a listing with a Used - Very Good rating or better as well as a warranty. I couldn't be more happy with my purchase.In my post about buying used camera gear online, I cover the following topics:

• Select a reputable website
• If applicable, select a seller with a high rating
• Research the current selling price range
• Understand what you're getting with a given camera listing (i.e. lens hood, filters, warranty)
• Pay attention to the condition of the item
• If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask
• If a deal sounds too good to be true, most likely it is too good to be true

Read the full post over on roseclearfield.com: How to Buy Used Camera Gear Online.Shop for used camera gear: Amazon | eBay. Using these links is a simple way to support photorec.tv without costing you anything extra. Thanks for your support!SaveSaveSave

POLL: Which new Sigma Lens do you want?

Which new Sigma lens are you most excited about?

— Toby ☉ (@photorectoby) February 21, 2017

 MORE ABOUT THE NEW SIGMA LENSES

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens REVIEW vs Sigma 85mm ART

For the past three weeks I have been shooting with the Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens.  In this review I compare it to the Sigma 85mm ART which I also recent reviewed vs the Canon 85mm f/1.2L Lens.https://youtu.be/ebqeszg5mdwThe Sony 85mm f/1.4 GM lens is a $1,798.00 f/1.4 to f/16 lens with an 11-blade aperture design The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART is a $1,199.00 f/1.4 to f/16 lens with a 9-blade aperture design AND you need the MC-11 Adapter because they do not make it in FE mount which brings the total cost to $1448 though Sigma sells bundles that might bring the price down to $1400Support our work - buy via our links

• Buy the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 - B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)
• Buy the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART- B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)
• Buy the MC-11 EF to FE Adapter  - B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)

Sample FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master Sample Photos

[unitegallery Sony85FE] 

Sample FE 85mm f/1.4 G Master vs Sigma f/1.4 ART Series (Full resolution RAW images for download below)

Download Full Resolution RAWS to make your own comparisons  

Build Quality:

Both of these lenses are exceptionally well made though the Sony gives you aperture control on the ring with a click/de click switch along with a focus hold button that can be assigned eye-af as well as several other options. The Sony len is dust and moisture resistant and significantly lighter at 1.80 lb (820 g) with a front filter size of 77mm. The Sigma weighs 2.49 lbs not including the extra weight of the adapter and the front filter is a massive 86mm. Another lens you should consider in this focal range is the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 which weighs just 1 lbs and is noticeably smaller too - I have not personally tested this lens so cannot comment on how it compares but based on the reviews I have seen it too offers a sharp lens and costs less at $1199 no adapter needed. The Sony can be a little noisy to focus at times I don’t hear the same from the Sigma.

Focus:

I expected the native sony lens to blow away the Sigma using the adapter and while the Sony certainly is faster and offers all the additional AF modes like tracking and eye af it really isn’t a fast focusing lens and even with the adapter the sigma does quite well though it starts to slow and hesitate noticeably when you move the AF point near the edges.

Image quality:

After spending a few days shooting and comparing images I can say that I have an extremely hard time deciding if one lens is sharper - wide open at f/1.4 I find both to be exceptionally and sharp. The 11 bladed aperture might contribute to slightly smoother bokeh but the difference is slight. In some lighting scenarios the sigma produces a slightly warmer image. Overall though from center to edge from wide open to f/16 these are two fine lenses.

Summary:

While I’d like to save you a couple hundred I would recommend the Sony 85 for most users - it’s smaller/lighter, offers weather sealing and a few bells and whistles that make it a more versatile lens. The Sigma though is a fantastic value if you don’t mind bigger/heavier and the clunk of using the MC11 adapter. And finally I briefly mentioned it the Zeis batis 85mm f/1.8 which isn’t as fast but much smaller, lighter though it’s almost the same price as the Sigma.Support our work - buy via our links

• Buy the Sony FE 85mm f/1.8 - B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)
• Buy the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART- B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)
• Buy the MC-11 EF to FE Adapter  - B&H Photo (no sales tax outside NY)

New Lenses from Sigma 100-400, 14mm f/1.8, 24-70 f/2.8, 135mm f/1.8

Sigma has JUST ANNOUNCED four new ART series lenses.  I am a huge fan of the ART series, see my recent 85mm ART review - these have been incredibly sharp lenses that offer excellent value and the four newly announced lenses really round out their collection. We do not have pricing information or confirmed availability yet though my contact at Sigma states late April, early May. Press Release info below (my thoughts in bold along with my guess on cost - this page will be updated as new information become available.

Which lens in the lineup are you most excited about?

Which new Sigma lens are you most excited about?

— Toby ☉ (@photorectoby) February 21, 2017

The Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary

The Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary is a state-of-the-art telephoto zoom that brings a new level of portability and quality to the super telephoto market. Touting Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer (OS), the Sigma 100-400mm 5-6.3 Contemporary is highly compact and lightweight compared to similar products on this market. A push/pull zooming function and a new Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) allow for a more responsive approach to photography while a 1:3.8 macro feature can be utilized from up close or from a further distance.Physical Specs -Weight 2.56 lb (1160 g)Diameter 86 mm (3.4″)Length 182 mm (7.18″)Sealing Yesfor comparison the new Canon 70-300 weighs 1.56 lb (708 g) and costs $550 and the Canon 100-400 MK II weighs  3.5 lb  (1.59 kg) and costs $2000I expect this lens to be nearly as sharp as Canon's 100-400 Mark II which costs almost double the price.  It does include weather sealing though I suspect it isn't at the same level as Canon's 100-400 Mark II and I notice an absence of a tripod color - something often desired in a longer lens as a way to give you a stable mounting point when using smaller cameras.  I am confused by the push/pull designation - this lens looks like a typical rotate to zoom - maybe you can also push/pull but there isn't much to grab onto.  Guess- around $1200  

The Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM OS Art

The Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 DG HSM OS Art is a premium workhorse zoom lens designed for the latest high megapixel DSLRs. A constant aperture of 2.8 through the zoom range make this a highly versatile tool and a brand new Optical Stabilization (OS) system help compensate for camera shake. Though a common focal length, the Sigma 24-70mm Art brings a new level of usability and durability featuring a rugged metal barrel and an emphasis on image quality. Building off the experience from the 12-24mm Art, the aspherical elements used in the 24-70mm 2.8 OS Art undergo a highly precise level of polishing producing elements thicker in the center then on the edges. This process creates stunning image quality and beautiful circular bokeh.Canon does not have a stabilized 24-70 f/2.8 and I suspect this new ART lens will be as sharp as Canon's current 24-70 f/2.8 L and it offers stabilization and it will likely be cheaper.   Downsides? I don't see any right now as long as this lens is up to the standard of Sigma's existing ART series line. It even has a slightly smaller front filter size 80mm vs 82mm in the Canon.   On price I suspect somewhere around $1400 slightly more expensive than the Tamron version. I expect this ART to be much better than the Tamron. 

The Sigma 135mm 1.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 135mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is a medium telephoto prime lens designed for modern high megapixel DSLRs. A new large Hyper Sonic Motor produces significant torque to the focusing group for better speed while the acceleration sensor detects the position of the lens and compensates for such factors as gravity to help aid in focusing performance. This state-of-the-art prime lens touts a dust and splash proof construction for guaranteed performance in any condition and its large 1.8 Fstop allows for more creative control over imagery. A stunning compression effect make the Sigma 135m 1.8 Art the ideal portrait lens while its large aperture help with event photography and much more.This seems very similar in size and weight to the 85mm that I have recently tested and found to be excellent.  At 135mm you can get some incredible background separation from your subject. I will be interested to see how this compares to Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E lens that is a little lighter and smaller but at $2100.00 likely a good bit more expensive. For wedding work I love primes at 85mm and below - above that and you may find yourself needing to move more than you want or are easily able to do in some situations BUT for portrait photographers these longer primes can offer stunningly beautiful shots.  Price Guess $1200

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art

The Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is the world's first 1.8 prime lens at the 14mm focal length. This fast wide prime features the same large aspherical element touted in the Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art to control distortion and create stunning imagery. An updated Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides fast and accurate autofocus while 3 Premium FLD and 4 SLD glass elements control chromatic aberration and sagittal comma flare. Building on the highly reputable Art line, the Sigma 14mm 1.8 DG HSM Art is designed to resolve the latest high megapixel DSLR sensors.This lens is an astrophotographers dream! That is of course hoping it is at the level of their other ART series lenses and minimizes distortion. To have a full frame lens as fast as f/1.8 gives you some awesome flexibility when shooting the night sky.  Also useful for low light receptions and documentary work. Guess - $1100.00   

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM Lens Review

Guest Review from Videographer and Photographer Korey Rowe - Check out his Youtube Channel.

While there are countless detailed reviews out there that can give you the true spec’s and breakdown on this new lens, these are my personal thoughts regarding choosing the Canon 70-300 Mkii over other zoom lenses including L Series Glass.The new Canon 70-300 MkII is a viable L series Tele-Zoom replacement for Canon (Canon Mounted) shooters, especially those looking to have a photo and video zoom lens. With a “Nano IS Motor” that delivers four stops of IS and STM like smooth and quiet focusing, this USM upgrade is nothing to pass over. It incorporates Canon's first digital display on the lens which is customizable and quite handy.New lens elements (UD Glass) gives you sharper results at an economical price point with better light disbursement over its predecessors and cheaper than fluorite glass elements typically found in high-end zoom lenses. While it softens in the corners just a touch and has a variable 4-5.6 max open aperture as cons, the savings and versatility in video mode make this my new go to kit tele-zoom lens.We all know that shooting distances in photo mode can be tricky and it gets even more complicated in video mode. Capturing a professional result that is not too shaky or not sharp enough can often be difficult when dealing with older zoom lenses. Because Canon DSLR’s often leave the IS up to lens to do the work having this much stabilization will be a game changer when shooting run and gun close ups especially in 4k video mode on the 5D Mk iv (pushes the focal length over 400mm).In a two camera shoot having a reliable B-cam on close-ups that can publish smooth cutaways can make or break the final outcome of a short form advertisement or YouTube video. Also having a digital display that can give you quick reference on focal length (Which updates for APS-C cameras), aperture and more is the next step in lens evolution.Lastly, saving on space and weight can be a nice addition when traveling and trying to make it in those shrinking overhead bins. As sensor technology continues to expand almost daily it's nice to see that the lenses have started to get some new tech as well.

Guest Review from Videographer and Photographer Korey Rowe - Check out his Youtube Channel | Instagram

Just Announced! Canon Rebel T7i (800D), 77D (9000D), M6, and 18-55mm IS STM Kit Lens

Canon has announced new DSLRS - with Dual Pixel AF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpERpJG7VDYAnd an updated mirrorless camera!  SO Canon just announced - a Canon T7i (800D), a 77D (9000D) and the M6 (mirrorless camera) - If you are trying to figure out where the new 77D fits in the line up you are not alone - I have had a handful of confused readers write in over the last week, based on our post about the leaked specs, asking what the Canon 77D offers vs the Canon 80D.   I have a quick comparison below but briefly the 77D is the successor to the T6s and the T7i is the successor to the Canon T6i.  Canon will continue to offer the T6i making their line of Rebels quite large with a T5, T6, Sl1, T5i, T6i, T6s, T7i, 70D, 77D, 80D ALL still being offered/sold.. That's quite the lineup.  The big headline - DUAL PIXEL AF is in the new cameras!! That is the fast and smooth AF during live view - immensely helpful for video and makes using live view a much more pleasant experience.  Additionally Canon has shrunk the T7i a bit more, this makes me think we will not see a SL2 anytime soon.A quick comparison of the two new DSLRS the T7i and the 77D with the older T6i/T6s and the 80D. below the chart I have a few more differences between the 77D and the T7i and some recommendations about which you might want to buy.

Spec	Canon 80D	Canon T6s/T6i (750/760D)	Canon T7i (800D)	Canon 77D (9000D)
MP	24	24	24	24
ISO	100-16,000	100-12,800	100-25600 (expands to 51200)	100-25600 (expands to 51200)
Processor	Digic 6	Digic 6	Digic 7	Digic 7
Number of AF pts	45 (all cross type)	19(all cross type)	45 (all cross type)	45 (all cross type)
Viewfinder	100% pentaprism	95% pentamirror	95% pentamirror	95% pentamirror
Live View AF speed	Excellent	Good	Excellent	Excellent
Top Shutter Speed	1/8000	1/4000	1/4000	1/4000
Flash Sync Speed	1/250	1/200	1/200	1/200
FPS	7 (live view 5 with AF)	5 (live ~1 with AF)	6	6
Low Light focusing	-3 EV (very good)	-0.5 (ok)	-3 EV (very good)	-3 EV (very good)
Video	1080p60	1080p30	1080p60	1080p60
Headphone Jack	Yes	No	No	No
Mic Jack	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Connectivity	WIFI/NFC	WIFI/NFC	WIFI/NFC/Bluetooth	WIFI/NFC/Bluetooth
Battery Life	960 shots	440 shots	600 Shots	600 shots
Weight	730g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)	565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)	532 g (1.17 lb / 18.77 oz)	540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
Current Price	$1499 with 18-135 | $1099 Body	$1049 T6s with 18-135 | $849 Body	$1299 with 18-135 |$749 Body	$1499 with 18-135 | $899 Body

What's new?

The T7i/77D now offer Dual Pixel AF, much improved low light AF performance and 45 cross-type AF points, Digic 7 processors which should provide slightly better low light/high ISO performance, Bluetooth and a new battery providing better battery life over the T6s/T6i models. And a video time-lapse mode.  And this is all in a slightly smaller, slightly lighter body.

The Canon 77D offers the same performance and sensor as the T7i

So what is different? Like the T6i/T6s cameras the difference is mostly in the body with the 77D offering a very slightly larger body that offers a top LCD screen, a rear dial, lock switch and an eye sensor used to turn off the LCD when you bring your eye up to the viewfinder.  They both use the same NEW battery.Canon 77D(left) vs Canon T7i(right) top view

Canon T7i (800D) vs Canon 77D (9000D)

This is easy - If you are considering these cameras I expect you want to shoot manually and the 77D with the rear dial and top LCD screen make this a more manual friendly camera.  I talk more about this in my T6s review  If you are on a strict budget the T7i saves you some money that you could use to buy the 50mm f/1.8 STM lens 

Canon 77D vs 80D

This is a tougher decision. The real strengths of the 80D - bigger battery providing almost 1,000 shots per charge, weather sealing and a significantly faster top shutter speed at 1/8000 of a second along with a headphone jack make this a more professionally capable camera for photographers and videographers.  If you are a casual photographer the 77D offers savings and a camera the will provide more than enough power for you. If you plan to become more serious about your photography or videography the 80D offers just that much more room to grow that I do recommend purchasing.

About that Mirrorless Camera the M6

it is NOT replacing the M5, this will be an additional model alongside the M5. The improvement between the two will be the M6 includes stabilization for video and they have removed the EVF - providing an optional EVF you can attach in the hotshoe. This makes the camera a little more compact but in my opinion a lot less desirable. I want an EVF on ALL my cameras - otherwise bright sunny conditions make it very hard to see what's happening on the back of the LCD. (more soon)

Other interesting bits-

These new cameras now offer Bluetooth LE for additional connectivity options and Canon is releasing a Bluetooth wireless remote. The BR-E1, price $50, is capable of triggering the camera up to 16 feet. It can also control that lens zoom, PZ-E1, that was released with the 80D.

T7i Available to pre-order through

77D Available to pre-order through

M6 Available to pre-order through

18-55mm F/4-5.6IS STM lens Available to pre-order through

BR-E1 WirelessRemote Control Available to pre-order through

 

100mm F2.8 STF G Master with Highest Ever Quality Bokeh for an α Lens

Sony has just announced a new lens - The 100mm F2.8 STF G Master with Highest Ever Quality Bokeh for an α Lens - It's a bit of a mouthful and bokeh quality is subjective in my opinion BUT it's nice to see Sony continue to offer high quality lenses at various focal lengths.  I'd love to see a serious telephoto 300+ and a few more slightly more affordable options like the $600 85mm f/1.8 that is coming soon.[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="13657,13658,13659"] Preorder - More InfoB&H Photo Sony 100mm f/2.8 STF G Master Lens $1498.00B&H Photo Sony 85mm f/1.8 Lens $598.00

PRESS RELEASE

Sony Introduces 100mm F2.8 STF G Master™ with Highest Ever Quality Bokeh for an α LensNew Full-frame 85mm F1.8 Mid-telephoto prime lens and Compact Radio-Controlled Flash announced as wellLAS VEGAS, Feb. 7, 2017 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced two new lenses for their popular line of E-mount interchangeable lens cameras.Sony’s new lenses include one of their flagship G Master Series – an FE 100mm F2.81 STF GM OSS mid- telephoto prime lens (model SEL100F28GM) built to deliver breathtaking bokeh with a unique STF™ (Smooth Trans Focus) design, and a new compact, lightweight FE 85mm F1.8 mid-telephoto prime lens (model SEL85F18) that is a welcome addition to the bag of any hobbyist or enthusiast photographer looking to create amazing portraits.They have also introduced a new powerful, compact flash (model HVL-F45RM) with radio-controlled wireless communication that is ideal for professional shooting with Sony’s lineup of α7 full-frame cameras.FE 100mm F2.81 STF GM OSS Telephoto Prime LensA specially designed mid-telephoto, full-frame prime lens, the new 100mm STF is built to produce truly unique, magnificent and beautiful bokeh while maintaining the exceptional standard of resolution that is showcased by Sony’s entire line of flagship G Master series lenses, making it a powerful photographic tool for any portrait, fashion, nature or wedding photographer.These impressive defocus capabilities are made possible by the lens’ advanced optical structure, as it features a newly designed 11-bladed aperture and a unique optical apodization lens element. Similar to a neutral density filter that increases in density towards the edges, the apodization element creates beautiful transitions of in-focus to out-of-focus areas within an image, making for exceptionally soft, smooth bokeh that adds depth and dimensionality. This allows the subjects to stand out against beautifully defocused elements in both the foreground and background, producing an image that is naturally pleasing to the eye. The design of the lens also ensures that vignetting is kept to an absolute minimum, ensuring optimum image quality.Additionally, the new 100mm lens supports both contrast AF and focal-plane phase detection AF2, and has a high-precision, quiet direct drive SSM (Super Sonic Motor) system that ensures exceptionally fast and accurate AF performance. The SEL100F28GM also offers up to 0.25x close-up capabilities with a built-in macro switching ring, built-in Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, a customizable focus hold button, AF/MF switch, aperture ring and more. It is dust and moisture resistant as well3.FE 85mm F1.8 Telephoto Prime LensThe new 85mm F1.8 mid-telephoto prime lens offers an extremely versatile, lightweight and compact telephoto prime lens solution for a variety of Sony camera owners ranging from working professionals to emerging enthusiasts that have stepped up to full-frame or APS-C cameras for the first time. With its wide F1.8 aperture, it can produce impressive, exceptionally sharp portraits with soft background defocus that take advantage of its 85mm focal length and wide F1.8 maximum aperture.The new prime lens features a 9-bladed circular aperture mechanism that ensures smooth, natural looking bokeh, and a double linear motor system to allow for fast, precise and quiet focusing. It also has a focus hold button that can be customized and assigned together with functions in the camera body like the popular Eye AF feature. There is a smooth, responsive focus ring and AF/MF switch as well, and the lens is also dust and moisture resistant 3.New Compact Radio-controlled FlashSony’s new HVL-F45RM flash enhances the radio-controlled lighting system capabilities of their growing system, offering a compact professional shooting solution when combined with the currently available wireless remote controller FA-WRC1M and receiver FA-WRR1.The new flash, which is designed to complement the compact bodies of Sony’s E-mount camera lineup including full-frame α7 models, produces a maximum lighting output as expansive as GN45 4. This ensures sufficient illumination even when shooting with bounce lighting or high-speed-sync (HSS) flash. The radio capabilities of the HVL-F45RM allow it to be used as a transmitter or a receiver at up to 30m (approx. 98 feet5), making it an ideal fit for creative lighting with multiple flashes. Additionally, unlike optical flash systems, radio-control flashes do not require a direct line-of-sight between components to function properly, while also minimizing any impact that bright sunlight has on signal transmission and control.The HVL-F45RM flash has an impressive battery life of up to 210 bursts, and can tilt up to 150o vertically, a complete 360o horizontally and up to 8o downward to maximize versatility. Usability has been maximized with a new large, bright and highly visible LCD display, an LED light, dust and moisture resistant design3 and a revamped menu system that mimics those of Sony’s newest camera systems.Pricing and AvailabilityBoth of the new lenses and the new flash unit will ship to authorized dealers throughout North America.The new FE 100mm F2.8 STF OSS GM Telephoto Prime Lens will ship this March for about $1,500 US and $2,050 CA.The new FE 85mm F1.8 Mid-Telephoto Prime Lens will ship this March for about $600 US and $800 CA.Replacement lens hoods for each of the new models will also be available for purchase as well.The new HVL-F45RM flash will ship this May for about $400 US and $550 CA.

Sigma ART 85mm f/1.4 vs Canon 85mm f/1.2

David McKay, Professional photographer and owner of McKay Photography Academy, joins me to test the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4 and compare it to the much loved, very popular Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens. The Canon has long been a revered lens - offering a beautiful quality portrait lens - With Sigma's latest ART series release is the new Sigma 85mm ART as good? Or does it trounce the much more expensive Canon 85mm f/1.2 - We spent a week shooting with both the Sigma and Canon 85mm on the Sony a7RII and the Canon 5D Mark IVhttps://youtu.be/5TuXRgMjwSgDid you find this review helpful?  Support our work and shop the links below.  Would you like personalized photography help? Become a photorec.tv member today and gain access to my Lightroom tutorials, support group and more. Buy the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART - B&H PhotoBuy the Canon 85mm f/1.2 - B&H PhotoBuy the Sigma MC-11 Adapter - B&H Photo What should you do with that extra $700?  - Start saving for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 or Join us on a McKay Trip

 Original Files for Download

Yongnuo 100mm Lens Coming Soon

It looks like the next big item to come out from Yongnuo is a 100mm lens after the decent 50mm F/1.8 and 35mm F/2 lenses that have came out recently. Photo Rumors doing a bit of hunting managed to find a gallery of new 100mm lens product images from Yongnuo and a new sales listing so consider this an unofficial leak with an official announcement expected soon. As of now we know that it's a 100mm Prime similar to Canon's lens priced at $170 for Canon EF mount and Nikon mount expected to follow later. It's a speedy F/2 lens with auto focus and similarly sized to Canon's model. With the release of their two prior lenses it's an interesting option for sure considering the estimated low price.Specifications:

Aperture: F/2-F/22Blades: 9 BladesFocus mode: Af, MfMaximum Magnification: 0.140 timesFocal length: 100mmLens size: 76.6 * 122mmType: Fixed focal length lensFull frame: YesFocus Type: PrimeModel Number: YN100mm F2.0 CLens Type: AutomaticFilter Size: 58mmWeight: 401g-500g

 

Hands-on With the Samyang Premium 85mm 1.2 and 14mm 2.4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWPAUypP6EoSamyang enters the premium lens lineup with their 85mm F/1.2 and 14mm F/2.4 lenses. Getting into the Sigma Art and L lens territory these lenses are said to hold up to 50mp Sensor's and 8k video. While pricing is under the table at the moment both lenses are rumored to be in the $1000 range. Find out Scott's thoughts in our video hands-on with these lenses at Photokina in the video above. So far the 85mm will only be available in Canon EF mount while the 14mm will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, or Sony E mounts. With a decent build quality, good specs, and sharp glass Samyang certainly made a step into the high end market.

Specifications

	85mm F/1.2	14mm F/2.4
Focus	Manual	Manual
Aperture Range	F/1.2 ~ 16	F/2.4 ~ 22
Optical Construction	10 Elements in 7 Groups	18 Elements in 14 Groups
Special Optics	1 Aspherical Lens2 High Refractive Lens	2 Aspherical Lens1 Hybrid Aspherical Lens2 Extra-low Dispersion Lens3 High Refractive Lens
Minimum Focus Distance	0.8m / 2.6'	0.28m / 11"
Maximum Magnification	x 0.13	x 0.08
Filter Diameter	86mm	No Filter
Number of Blades	9	9
Maximum Diameter	93mm	95mm
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony E
Angle of View 35mm APS-C	28.52°18.98°	114.12°89.2°
Length	98.4mm / 3.87"	109.4mm / 4.31"
Weight	1,050g / 2.31lb	791g / 1.74lb

Yi M1 Mirrorless Camera Just Announced

 

 An entry level camera from China is making the rounds at Photokina this week. The Yi M1 has the design of a Leica camera with a 20.16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor from Sony for only $330. Young Innovators, or YI Technologies in the US, was in the news recently for their move into the action camera market. The YI 4k Action Camera 2 had decent review while undercutting the GoPro by $200. Considering this mirrorless is using tech from Sony it has a good chance of doing okay as an entry level option. Aimed at the entry level crowd the camera itself only has two buttons and no viewfinder, opting for the three inch touchscreen to handle the workload. As for options it’s a Micro Four Thirds with a Sony Sensor allowing for plenty of non YI MFT lenses available. Coming with the camera is a 12-40mm F/2.5-5.6 zoom lens or a combo with a 42.5mm F/1.8 macro prime. As a kit it’s $330, the dual lens set will sell for $450. The Yi M1 uses the 20.16MP Sony IMX269, actually the same sensor in the Olympus Pen-F giving it 4K (30fps), fast continuous shooting, and RAW image capability. This allows it a speed of five frames per second and a 81 point focus system which is good for a entry level camera. As for RAW it saves in Adobe DNG making it work perfectly with Lightroom. Bluetooth and Wifi are included for fast mobile sharing and remote control of the camera. Other accessories such as a backpack (costs $60), filters, and etc. have been announced by name but no details as of yet. The Y1 M1 will be out Sept. 23rd in China and later for the US. As their first real go at the mirrorless market it’s hard not to say it’s a decent try at a entry level option.Specifications:

Mount	Micro Four Thirds
Sensor	Sony IMX269 CMOS
Crop Factor	2.0x
Resolution	20MP (5184px*3888px)
Format	Raw, Jpeg
Aspect Ratio	4: 3, 3: 2, 16: 9, 1: 1
Focus	Contrast Detection
AF	Multi-area, Center, Face Detection, Single AF, Continuous AF, Touch AF, Face Detection, & Touch Shooting
Manual Focus	Focus Peaking & Zoom Manual Focus
Focus Points	81 Points
Screen	3 inch 720 x 480 RGB + Touchscreen
Shutter Speed	1 / 4000s ~ 60s
Exposure Modes	Exposure Modes: Automatic, Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Exposure, B Door, T Door
Metering Mode	Spot Metering, Evaluative Metering, Center-weighted Metering
ISO	Auto, 100 - 25,600
Bracketing	Yes, Up to 3 Shots
HDR	Yes
Time-Lapse	Yes
Panorama	Yes
Flash	Supports External (Not Available as of Announcement)
Video	4K 3840 × 2160 30fps, 2K 2048 × 1536 30fps FULL HD 1920 × 1080 60fps, 30fps, 24fpsHD 1280 × 720 60fps, 30fps, 24fpsVGA 640 × 480 240fps
Video Format	MPEG-4 / H.264
Audio Format	AAC
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
USB	2.0
HDMI	Micro HDMI Connection
WiFi	Yes
Bluetooth	4.1
Remote Shooting	Yes, via Smartphone
Storage Media	SD / SDHC / SDXC (max 512G)
Battery Life	~450 Photos
Color	Silver, Black
Dimensions	113.5mm (W) x 64.3mm (H) x 33.6mm (D) excluding protrusions
Weight	280g
Cost	$330 for Camera + Kit Lens. $450 for Dual Lens Kit.

Samples12-40mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens

42.5mm F/1.8 lens

Fuji brings it’s beautiful sensors to a medium format camera – should the mere mortals get excited?

Since June Fujifilm’s been rumored to have a “medium format killer” in the works set to change the game and now we’ve finally got a look in their Photokina announcement. The new Fuji GFX 50S is a sub $10,000 camera that will bring great image quality on a budget comparatively to other medium format options available at the moment. The first in a new GFX line of medium format camera’s with the GFX 50S slated for early next year.  Using a new Fujifilm G sensor that’s sized up to 43.8×32.9mm in 51.4 megapixel resolution you’ll be needing more hard drives to store your photos. Defaults for the sensor will be a 4:3 aspect ratio but can be set to other formats. Being mirrorless another option for shooters is a removable viewfinder allowing the user to choose to use the viewfinder when needed or the back screen. The GFX 50S will be weather and dust sealed, to what degree they did not specify, giving it the durability for outdoor shots. As Fuji the camera should deliver great image quality for professionals shooting commercial, fashion, or landscapes.

For the new G Mount system Fuji has released a new set of lenses to go with the camera. As follows we’ve got a set of 5 primes covering the field, one being macro, and a standard zoom so far. The Fuji GFX 50S is expected to ship 2017 alongside their 63mm, 120mm, and 32-64mm lenses.

• Ultra-wide “GF23mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 18mm in 35mm format) Coming mid 2017
• Wide “GF45mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 35mm in 35mm format) Coming late 2017
• Standard prime “GF63mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format) Coming early 2017
• Fast aperture mid-telephoto “GF110mmF2 R LM WR” (equivalent to 87mm in 35mm format) Coming mid 2017
• Mid-telephoto macro 1:0.5 “GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR” (equivalent to 95mm in 35mm format) Coming early 2017
• Wide-angle standard zoom “GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 25-51mm in 35mm format) Coming early 2017

As for those pixel peepers out there they’ve released a sample image showing how much detail the sensorcan pull from an image. With the new CMOS sensor putting out 51.4MP files it’s hard to complain looking at the photo zoomed in this far.

With the announcement of the FX 50S Fuji released a few videos of development and testing to watch. Development of Professional-use Mirrorless Camera System “GFX”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ggikv6m8FNsGFX challenges with Hiroshi Nonamihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHhAkirFH-QGFX challenges with Satoshi Minakawahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4wvnA4iO6s

Sigma announces the 85mm f/1.4 ART

Sigma's ART series lenses offer excellent quality at affordable prices - great values when compared to the Canon and Nikon pro level lenses.  Adding to their sweet prime line up of 35mm and 50mm is now the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sigma SA mounts! Availability Late October - Preorder from B&H Photo $1,199.00The Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens cost $1,899 and Scott recently reviewed the Tamron 85mm f/1.8 for $749.00 (see his review here)Sigma is saying  - Sigma looked to create a peak portrait prime with the 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens, and they delivered an optic with high performance, a large f/1.4 aperture, and a variety of technologies. Available here with a Canon EF mount, this lens offers a super-fast f/1.4 aperture that is great for getting images with an exceptionally shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh. It also uses two FLD elements and one anomalous partial dispersion/high-refractive index element that minimize aberrations and ensures a crisp, clear image. A Super Multi-Layer coating helps by suppressing flare and ghosting. Additional lenses announced -Sigma 12-24mm F4 DG HSM Art Ultra-Wide Angle ZoomThe Sigma 12-24mm F4 Art lens will be available in late October $1599.00 USD.  Preorder from B&H PhotoSigma 500mm F4 DG OS HSM Sport Lens The Sigma 500mm F4 Sport lens, in Canon and Sigma mounts, will be available in late October. The Nikon mount will be available in late November. The 500mm F4 will retail for a recommended street price of $5999.00 USD. Preorder from B&H Photo