Further clarification and corrections on our previous reports regarding the new tilt-shift lenses that are coming.

We’re told that we were incorrect on the TS-E 45mm f/2.8L and that it is in fact a TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro, the TS-E 90mm f/2.8L was correct, except that it to, will have macro functionality. We also assumed that all of the lenses are f/2.8L, but we’re told that the TS-E 135mm is actually an f/4L with macro capability.

The macro feature is 1:2 and not 1:1 across all three of the new tilt-shift lenses.

We also received further information in regards to the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS, a lens I’m looking forward to.

The new tilt-shift lenses

• TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro
• TS-E 90mm f/2.8L Macro
• TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro
• All these new tilt-shift lenses have 1:2 (0.5x) macro magnification

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

• Positioned between the EF 85mm f/1.2L II and the EF 85mm f/1.8
• Same styling as the new EF 35mm f/1.4L II
• Fast AF and a 4 stop effective IS.

All of this is still [CR2] until we get the confirmation that makes us comfortable with upgrading the rating of the rumor. This round of lenses has been extremely hard to get information on, but we do hope we have now got the correct information.

We’re still told everything is coming at the end of August.

Update: 18:09 EST, August 12, 2017: We’ve upgraded this information to [CR3]

DPReview has completed their review of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II rather quickly and came away liking, but not loving it.

From DPReview:

It’s true that every objective specification of the 6D Mark II has been improved upon when compared with its predecessor, while the release price has remained the same. Unfortunately, unless you’re a die-hard Canon user with an investment in glass and you just need an affordable backup body, it’s difficult to look past all that competing cameras have to offer…..

… As it should be, the EOS 6D II is a better camera than its predecessor in every way. With plenty of resolution, respectable burst shooting speeds and pleasing Canon color, it’s a camera that’s capable of producing great images in a variety of situations. Despite this, it is simply overshadowed by competition that is made up of more capable cameras at similar or lower prices. Read the full review

Just like most of the people that have used the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, it’s a nice upgrade from the original, but may not compete all that well with competitors. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another 5 years for a successor.

At the end of the day, the camera will be judged by how well it sells. Casual consumers have a tendency to care a little less about certain specifications than us passionate gear nuts.

We’re told that the new TS-E lenses from Canon will be 45mm, 90mm and 135mm. One of the lenses (we think the 135mm) will be a macro, though we don’t know if it’s a 1:1 macro.

Upcoming Canon Lenses:

• Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS
• Canon TS-E 45mm f/2.8L
• Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8L
• Canon TS-E 135mm f/2.8L Macro? (We’re not 100% sure on the speed of the lens and what sort of macro capability it will have)

We’re keeping this at [CR2] until we get a confirmation we’re absolutely confident about.

We’re still wondering about the “Made In Malaysia” from the certification post from a few weeks back, and for the moment we cannot confirm or deny the country of manufacture or if that “Made in Malaysia” even had anything to do with the new tilt-shift lenses.

Correction:
We have written another post that contradicts this one on a couple of points. 1) the TS-E 45mm f/2.8L will likely be a TS-E 50mm f/2.8L Macro, and the TS-E 135mm f/2.8L Macro is likely a TS-E 135mm f/4L Macro.

The total solar eclipse is two short weeks away in North America, and is one of the most highly anticipated photographic experiences in nature.

B&H Photo has a great landing page of gear and accessories that will help you safely enjoy photographing and viewing the solar eclipse.

What is the Eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun in its orbit. A shadow is cast on the surface of the Earth and day turns to night for several minutes when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned.

Where is the eclipse?
The 2017 North American Total Eclipse will transit from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic, passing over Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina. The point of greatest total eclipse duration is southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, and the point of greatest totality is northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.

Read more…

Yongnuo has announced a new flash for the Canon RT system. The Yongnuo Speedlite YN686EX-RT is equipped with a 2.5GHz transceiver which is compatible with Canon’s ST-E3-RT, 600EX-RT II, 430EX III-RT and some other Yongnuo flashes.

One of the nicest features of this new Yongnuo flash is that it’s powered by a 2000 mAh lithium-ion battery which is good for 750 full blasts of light on one charge. They claim the recycle time is also faster than using AA batteries.

All-in-all, it’s a pretty compelling package for $165.

Read more…