Optical Limits reviews RF 24-105 f/4-7.1 STM


Klaus Schroiff doesn't mince his words over this one on one of my favourite review sites.

“If you purchased an R5 with this lens, you are nuts. In real life, this lens is used on entry to mid-level cameras with a resolution between 20-30mp. And this is putting much less stress on the lens quality. At 20mp (e.g. the EOS R6) you could mount a coke bottle and the results would still be mostly Ok (sort of). Below are the MTFs (auto-corrected) based on the 30mp sensor of the original EOS R. So as you can see, the results aren't QUITE as embarrassing as they are on the EOS R5. Even the corners are still fairly good. Longer focal lengths are perfectly fine on lower resolution cameras anyway. “

“In absolute terms, it's clearly a sub-standard lens. Its native characteristics range from good to downright terrible. The miserable vignetting and distortions have to be seen to be believed. Conversely, the resolution is actually pretty decent - which is a bit of a pity because you just won't use this lens without auto-correction. “

Mind you, it doesn't look any worse than his testing of the EF 24-105mm f/4 L II at 50 Mpx.

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The Canon EOS R5c is coming in Q1 2022 [CR3]

Last year we received the first reports of a videographer focus EOS R5 camera named the Canon EOS R5c. I have now received multiple confirmations that such a camera is in the pipeline.
The announcement and release date have apparently been pushed back to Q1 of 2022. Originally we were told that an announcement around NAB in October was possible, but it looks like it has been pushed back. I do think Canon would like products announced and shipping within 60 days of the announcement.
What do we know about the Canon EOS R5c?
It’s an EOS R5 with active cooling, a slightly different form factor, and more codecs for video recording. The camera will also come with a full-size HDMI port.
Keep in mind that most of the specifications from the Canon EOS R5 will carry over to the Canon EOS R5c.

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Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 Ibis problems

Hi,
I have a R6 and recently bought the Tamron 35mm 1.4 which is one amazing lens but I discovered that the ibis doesn’t work whenever I have it mounted on the camera.

I do have other third party EF lenses I adapt like the Zeiss Milvus 85 and 135 or an Irix 15mm, with all of these, the ibis of the R6 just works fine but not with this Tamron. The Tamron website states in a message from a year ago that there is an issue and they are trying to fix it but nothing since.

Does anyone have the same problem or even a trick, a solution? I have one week left in which I can still send the lens back which I might do even though I am thoroughly impressed by the image quality but I don’t want to sacrifice the ibis when using the lens especially for filming.
Thanks,
Dennis

Yongnuo announces the YN RF 85mm f/1.8R DF DSM

Yongnuo has announced the autofocus YN RF 85mm f/1.8R DF DSM lens. This also appears to be the first third-party lens with a control ring. You can select between manual focus or control ring functions with a switch on the side of the lens.
You can check out all of the known RF mount lenses here. Let me know if there are any lenses missing.
About the YN RF 85mm f/1.8R DF DSM
Small body, lightweight
This product is designed for RF mount mirrorless camera,the maximum diameter and length of the lens is about 67×88mm, and the net weight is only about 380g. The lightweight design is good for long-term handhold shooting and video recording.
Equipped with a control ring, supports silent operation
Users can assign common functions such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity, etc. to the control ring according to their needs. Rotating the control ring can quickly adjust the corresponding...

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So when is the Canon EOS R3 coming?

Last week I reported that the Canon EOS R3 would be announced alongside the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM. This turned out to be a great failure for yours truly.

It happens from time to time.

After talking to a couple of sources that didn’t chime in on the announcement date, they did seem to think that the Canon EOS R3 was going to be announced before 3rd quarter of this year, but that obviously didn’t happen.

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Firmware: Canon Cinema EOS C70 v1.0.1.1

As promised, Canon has released a firmware update for the Cinema EOS C70. This is a major firmware release.
Firmware Version 1.0.1.1 incorporates the following fix and enhancements:

Adds ITU-R.BT.709 standard compliant Gamma[BT.709 Standard / BT.709] the to the Custom Picture.
Adds [Whole Area] to the AF Frame option so the camera focuses automatically on a subject at the center of the screen.
Object or Face Tracking can now be initiated by touching the LCD monitor during ‘Whole Area’ AF.
Adds [2x] option to the Magnification.
Adds [Mask 100%] to the [Aspect Marker] and [Safe Area Marker].
Adds “B&W during Magn.” as an option to the Assistance Function menu.
Adds View Assist function to video output from the HDMI OUT terminal.
Adds EF lenses compatible with EF-EOS R 0.71x Mount Adapter.*1

EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF16-35mm f/4L IS USM
EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM...

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Lexar Announces New Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Reader

San Jose, USA, June 30, 2021 — Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory solutions, is proud to announce the new Lexar® Professional CFexpress™ Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Reader. The CFexpress™ Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Reader is for creatives who demand blazing-fast transfer speeds even when on the go.
Designed for use with CFexpress™ Type B cards, the Lexar Professional CFexpress™ Type B USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 Reader offloads a tremendous number of high-quality images and RAW 8K video from your CFexpress™ Type B card to your computer at USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 speeds, supercharging your workflow from location to post-production.
Key Features:

Offers blazing-fast transfer speeds for stunning RAW 8K video and high-quality images
Leveraging USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 technology to dramatically accelerate workflow
Read speeds of up to 1700MB/s1
Portable and compact design for photographers and videographers on the go
Includes a 30cm 2-in-1 USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable and USB Type-C to USB Type-C...

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Industry News: Nikon officially announces the Nikon Z fc

MELVILLE, NY (June 29, 2021) – Today, Nikon announced the Z fc, a DX-format camera that combines the latest mirrorless technology with classic design and functionality. It’s the compact and lightweight everyday companion that evokes both the urge to create and to take the time to embrace the moment. Featuring a heritage-inspired design, satisfying analog controls and craftsmanship that’s both unique and functional, the Z fc is built to be a thoroughly modern camera that’s simply a joy to use for everything from stunning street snaps, self-portraits, vlogging or 4K UHD video content. Nikon has also announced two stylized lenses to complement the compact nature and aesthetic of the camera, plus additional NIKKOR Z lenses coming this year with a focus on small size and big performance.
“The Z fc is the kind of camera many have been waiting for, and that only Nikon could create. It’s exceptionally slim, yet offers superb image quality and features, with iconic styling and...

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Canon officially announces the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM

MELVILLE, NY, June 29, 2021– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the RF14-35mm F4 L IS USM lens. This dramatic new lens brings 14mm, ultra-wide-angle coverage to full-frame EOS R-series users. On top of the ultra-wide capabilities, the 14-35mm zoom range is the broadest ever in a Canon wide-angle zoom for full-frame AF cameras. For many Canon users, one single lens can potentially handle all wide-angle needs, from vivid, creative ultra-wide imagery to traditional street photography.
The new wide-angle lens is designed for use within the expanding family of EOS R full-frame mirrorless cameras, including the upcoming EOS R3, currently in development. Whether you capture stills, video, or like many creatives today – both – this new wide-angle lens from Canon can help elevate users’ content game when capturing images or video in a wide variety of...

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I may have been wrong about the EOS R3 official announcement date

On Friday I posted that the Canon EOS R3 would be announced alongside the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM on June 29, 2021. However, over the weekend I received contradicting information about the announcement date.
So that means there are 3 possibilities for the announcement. One, the announcement will take place tomorrow. Two, we’ll get more information about the camera but not the official announcement. Thirdly, we hear nothing at all.
I apologize for jumping the gun and not getting further confirmation of the information. I will obviously provide an update if I do get confirmed information.

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Canon executive talks a bit about the future

DPReview has published an interview with Go Tukura, the Chief Executive of Image Communication Business Operations. Mr Tokura touches on a few things relevant to the EOS R, EOS M and other bits of information.
Highlights from the interview

Canon’s new BSI sensors will improve video quality, high ISO shooting and faster continuous shooting.
Canon still considers the EOS-1D X Mark III as their flagship camera body, even if the EOS R3 does best it in some specifications. Canon is actively working on an EOS R1.
The original development of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM III and EF 600mm f/4L IS USM III didn’t consider the RF mount. The RF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM and...

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Stunning Spring Birds

A gorgeous Western Tanager from this spring. What a stunner!

Western%20Tanager%20-%2055.jpg


A cute Yellow-rumped Warbler singing from a great perch!

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To see more you can check out my recent newsletter that featured a "spring birds gallery" with all of my favourite snaps from the past few months. Visit the link below to check it out and be sure to join the mailing list for future bird portfolios.

https://bit.ly/3xSQwuS

Cheers!

Glenn
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Canon 10-18mm 4K video test (at 10mm)


A 4K video test video I did with the Canon EF-S 10-18mm IS STM lens and the Canon Rebel SL3 (250D).

In 4k mode the distortion produced by this lens is less noticeable even at 10mm, than when it is in full hd 1080, due to the sensor crop.

Image quality is close to Canon's 18-55mm, so it doesn't stand out in this regard. On the other hand, its quality / price ratio seems to me personally good as well as its ergonomics.

The STM technology that comes with it is ideal for video, making almost no noise to be noticed when focusing.

The lens's own IS also helps with low-light shooting in photo. In video, the lens IS can be combined with the video Digital IS that some cameras carry. However taking into account the image quality of the lens (close to 18-55mm IS STM), combining the lens IS stabilizer, plus the camera's own Digital IS video (which goes by software), in addition to creating crop factor, image quality is lowered.

With this camera I was able to record entire clips of almost 20 minutes. Probably more can be recorded.

What do you think about the image quality and distortion on this lens? Thanks for watching. ;)

Extenders and high iso with the R5

Concerns are frequently expressed about lenses like the RF 100-500mm with f/7.1 being narrow and so the images must surely be noisy because high isos are necessary in dim light? Some claim the 400mm f/5.6 is superior in low light because it is 2/3 of a stop faster (or a 1/3rd faster than the 100-500mm at 400mm f/6.3). I've pointed out that the 100-500mm has the same size front element of the 400mm f/5.6 that although you need to crank up up the iso by 2/3 of a stop to maintain the shutter speed, the extra magnification of the longer lens compensates for any extra noise. Others are genuinely worried that a 2x extender needs an extra 2 stops of iso at f/14, and I've said don't worry as the R5 handles noise well and again the 2-fold gain in magnification compensates for 2 stops higher iso. To show this, I have today taken a series of images in cloudy overcast conditions at 20m distance of a magazine cover with the 100-500mm on the R5 from 1/100s to 1/6400s, increasing the iso from 160 to 10k, and in parallel with the RF 2x at the same shutter speeds and isos from 640 to 40k. The RAW images were processed using my standard procedure with DxO Photolab PL4. The noise reduction was with its DeepPRIME and luminosity at its standard 40 on the slider - this is mild and loses minimal detail. Lens sharpening was on but I decreased the global to -2 as the standard 0 is a little aggressive.
Here are the images in pairs - at 500mm and 1000mm with 2 extra stops of iso. The crops are 100% - 1 pixel of crop = 1 pixel of original. Draw your own conclusions!
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Place your bets! What do you think the R3 will cost?

Greetings!
We have the information from Canon that the R3 pricing will undercut the competition. From what we know, though, the specs of the R3 don't quite line up with any competition we know about anyway. It is rumored to have more megapixels and FPS than the 1DXiii and the Sony A9. But it is also rumored to have fewer megapixels than the A1 and Z9 and the R5. This camera may meet the needs for most sports and journalism photography while falling short for small or skittish wildlife. While sharing a lot in common with the 1 series bodies, this camera is in a class of its own. Canon has specifically said this is NOT their flagship.

So... With just a few days left to go, what do you think the price will be, and why? The winner receives the right to brag about being right during the dozens of pre-R1-release threads.

Good luck!

Update: The Canon EOS R3 will be officially announced on June 29th

Update: I’m getting mixed information as to whether or not it will be an official announcement tomorrow or just more information about the Canon EOS R3.
Canon will officially announce the Canon EOS R3 on June 29, 2021. This date is based on living in the western hemisphere. We will obviously have full coverage of the launch.
Canon will also announce the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM lens on the same day.
Canon EOS R3 Specifications:

24mp (Rumored) 30.1mp (Rumored) backside illuminated image sensor
Multi-Controller & Smart Controller
Vari-Angle Touch Screen
NEW accessory shoe
Wifi 5GHz
High speed 30fps electronic shutter with AF/AE...

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Canon releases firmware v1.3.3 for the EOS 5D Mark IV

After pulling the firmware v1.3.2 for the Canon EOS R5 because of a few bugs, Canon has released an update that corrects the issues. If you have installed v1.3.2, you should update immediately.
Firmware Version 1.3.3 incorporates the following fixes:

Improves the camera’s connection compatibility to a PC while using a USB 3.0 or higher compatible cable.
Fixes an issue, in which self-timer shooting cannot be performed in Firmware Version 1.3.1 and 1.3.2.
 Fixes an issue, in which an electronic beep does not sound when registering an AF frame as the AF start position in Firmware Version 1.3.1 and 1.3.2.
Fixes an issue, in which a small sound is generated from the speaker when the power is turned on in Firmware Version 1.3.2.

Download...


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Lensbaby announces the Obscura pinhole lens system for the RF mount

Lensbaby, the leader in award-winning creative effect camera lenses, is launching its revolutionary Obscura lens. A camera obscura, the ancestor of the photographic camera, is a darkened room with a small hole or lens at one side through which an image is projected onto a wall or table opposite the hole. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, this experience is the earliest image projection technique known to the industry.
Lensbaby is hosting a virtual launch party on June 21st where the newest Obscura lens will be revealed. Free tickets are available on Lensbaby’s website.
The Lensbaby Obscura comes in two versions — a 50mm Pinhole/Zone Plate/Pinhole Sieve optic for their Optic Swap System, and a standalone 16mm Pinhole/Zone Plate/Pinhole Sieve pancake lens (though pinholes are not technically lenses) for mirrorless cameras.
“Pinhole photography taught me to see composition, contrast, leading lines, and the shape of things in ways that led me to make some of my most powerful images,”...

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Samyang appears to have ceased production of RF mount lenses

Earlier this week I was made aware that Samyang had removed all RF lenses from their website. The responses from Samyang representatives on social media were ambiguous at best.

However, a more direct response was given to a DPReview forum member on the matter.

The reasons behind this are not yet known, but it should be noted that RF mount lenses still appear on the Rokinon website.  Rokinon is a brand owned by Samyang Optics. This could just...

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Lexar Announces Development of SD Express Memory Cards

San Jose, USA, June 23, 2021– Lexar, a leading global brand of memory solutions, is proud to announce the development of SD Express memory cards.
Lexar SD Express memory cards will leverage the PCI Express® (PCIe®) 4.0 specification delivering a maximum data transfer rate of nearly four gigabytes per second (GB/s). Able to transfer data up three times faster than the fastest UHS-II SD card available today1, SD Express has a theoretical max read speed of up to 985MB/s. These cards will also leverage the NVMe Express™ (NVMe™) protocol and are backward compatible.

Lexar SD Express memory cards are made to meet the increasing demands of users for moving large amounts of data including 8K video capture and playback, RAW continuous burst mode, 360-degree cameras and videos, and more data-intense applications and workloads.
Lexar will feature two technologies, SD Express and microSD Express memory cards. SD Express will become available in capacity options up to 512GB, and microSD...

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Here is the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM

A poor-quality image of the upcoming Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM has leaked ahead of the official announcement.
It sounds like we’re going to get an official announcement next week, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Canon EOS R3 get an official announcement alongside it.
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM Specifications:

16 elements in 12 grounds
Minimum focusing distance of 0.2m/7.86″
Maximum shooting magnification of 0.15x (at 14mm) / 0.38x (at 35mm)
9 aperture blades
77mm filter thread sie
Width 84.1mm/3.31″ x Length 99.8mm/3.92″
540g / 1.19lbs

 


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Purpose of SA Control for Macro?

Hi,
I've been watching the early reviews of the RF 100mm f/2.8L lens with interest, as I am greatly looking forward to having a native 1:1 (or better!) macro option on the R5.
All the demos that I have seen of the SA control feature have results where the subject becomes blurred, which is sort of the opposite of what I typically go for with macro, where I am trying to see really fine details.
Is there any benefit of SA control at all to enhance detailed macro photography? If so, what is the benefit?
Or is this feature really primarily for the people who will be using the macro lens for portraits?
My initial impression is that releasing this lens as a dedicated macro without SA could have allowed it to be a bit lighter/smaller/cheaper, which I would have preferred. But, since this feature was added to the lens, is there any benefit to it that I can look forward to for macro?

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