I'm heading for an upgrade (from RF 100-500mm) to the 400mm f/2.8. In Sweden the price difference is approx. $717 (EF 400mm is $16464 and the RF 400mm is $17181)

Would be nice to have the native mount of course but it's $717 price difference.

As I understand it's virtually the same lens. Don't know if the RF comes with the RF control ring thou?

I have the adapter already, but would I benefit buying the RF-version perhaps?

There has been a lot of talk about Canon and catadioptric lenses (mirror) since a patent surfaced with new lens designs likely for the RF mount. It has been rumored for quite some time that Canon would be bringing an RF 1200mm f/8 lens for the EOS R system, which could actually be a mirror lens.
Canon does have a history with mirror lenses, including the behemoth Canon 5200mm f/14 along with an 800mm f/3.8 and a 2000mm f/11. A Canon Rumors reader sent me a brochure for these three lenses and I found it to be a fun read.
These lenses were developed in the mid-1960s and can still fetch a king’s ransom on the used market. The 5200mm f/14 sold for about $50,000 a few years ago on ebay.
Check out the official Canon brochure...

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Last month I reported that Canon would be bringing three new Cinema EOS cameras including the Cinema EOS C300S and Cinema EOS C500S that will shoot in 8K, as well as a new dynamic range monster in the Cinema EOS C700DR, which is rumored to have 20+ stops of dynamic range.
Secondly, back in March, I reported that Canon would launch a line of RF mount prime lenses, and I now know which focal lengths we should expect.
The new RF prime lenses will have the same character as the Sumire line of Cinema Prime lenses from Canon.
Canon RF Mount...

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Keith over at Northlight uncovered a USPTO patent showing various optical designs for catadioptric lenses, better known as mirror lenses. The advantages to mirror lenses are reduced size, weight, and cost at long focal lengths.
Some of the historical disadvantages to mirror lenses tend to be low contrast, fixed aperture, and doughnut bokeh. That’s not to say that Canon hasn’t improved or eliminated those issues in their designs.
Optical designs that appear in this patent:

Canon RF 400mm f/3.6 IS
Canon RF 800mm f/5 IS
Canon RF 1200mm f/8 IS
Canon RF 1200mm f/10.5 IS
Canon RF 2000mm f/15 IS

Interestingly, a Canon RF 1200mm f/8 appears on my Canon RF lens roadmap. This patent may actually be...

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With the launch of their R5/R6 Video class, Canon Masterclass now have courses available for the entire range of Canon’s cinema cameras, from the C200, C300 Mark III, high-end C500 MkII, and the new C70. Each course is over 2 hours long and comprehensively covers the skills required to create professional-quality video and harness the potential of Canon’s cinema sensors.
Start your Canon Masterclasses today...

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I hadn't been doing much shooting at all during the pandemic. But the arrival of spring and also of a new camera (Canon R5) has inspired me to get back out in the field.

The new camera is really impressive FYI! If anyone is interested I posted some of my thoughts here -
Cheers!

Glenn

Northlight Images has uncovered an interesting patent that deals with reducing the need for an AA filter.
This patent shows a technique to use the sensor stabilization system to address the problems of sampling and spatial aliasing, something that an AA filter is usually responsible for.
This technology in this patent is for both stills and video, I will note, that understanding this patent isn’t for the faint of heart.
Check out the full patent at the USPTO website.
Interestingly, Canon Rumors reader Nicolas let me know on Twitter that Pentax does something similar. You can check out the demonstration from the Ricoh YouTube channel below.

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Canon News has uncovered an interesting optical formula patent for a small prime lens with image stabilization. The patent talks in-depth about making small prime lenses with IS.
There are two different embodiments for a Canon RF 19mm f/2.8 IS.
Canon RF 19mm F2.8 IS

​Focal length 19.50mm
F-number 2.88
Half angle (degree) 47.99°
Image height 21.65mm
Lens total length 96.33mm
BF 18.34mm

Canon RF 19mm F2.8 IS

Focal distance 19.29mm
F-number 2.86
Half angle (degree) 48.30°
Image height 21.65mm
Lens total length 96.59mm
BF 18.43mm

This patent also includes an optical formula for an RF 85mm f/1.8, but I think it’s safe to assume that this won’t become a consumer product since we have the Canon RF 85mm f/2 IS STM.

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I have tried to update my lens firmware on my Canon R6, 24-105 IS (not an L lens), downloaded the update, opened it on my computer and got an "afu" file and a pdf. When I tried to update the lens firmware, I got the message that I needed an SD card with the file on it. Well, the file was on it. The camera firmware updates fine, but not the lens.

The Canon USA store has stock of the refurbished Canon EOS-1D X Mark III for the first time.
Key Features


A new era in autofocus speed and accuracy
Outstanding stills and video
High-speed camera communications
Always ready to perform, whatever the situation
Enhanced DIGIC Processor
New CMOS Sensor
16 fps Mechanical Shutter, with Optical Viewfinder
20 fps Mechanical or Electronic Shutter, During Live View
Lens Included: Without Lens
Resolution: 20MP
Frames Per Second: 20.0 fps continuous shooting

Canon EOS-1D X Mark III $5849

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Canon Professional Service Center reports that:

If your Canon RF 800 f/11 lens suddenly and consistently fails to focus and takes consistently very blurry pictures, try resetting the camera as a first step toward fixing the problem.

The above happened to me. My R5 camera was still working fine with my 35mm macro lens but not with the 800mm f/11 lens so I sent the lens to Canon Professional Service Center only to be told that there is nothing wrong with the lens. I have now reset the camera as they suggested and it is still working properly with my 35mm Macro lens. I am eagerly awaiting the return of my 800mm f/11 lens and I shall return with the result.

Canon News has uncovered a patent for more fast prime optical formulas. This patent deals with reducing weight and size for such lenses.
Canon News notes that the back focus is quite short, which would require the lens to enter the camera mount about 8mm. So these optical formulas aren’t likely going to become a consumer product. However, we do see patents for optical formulas that are merely trying to solve problems, and in the case of this one… size and weight.
Canon 20mm f/1.8

Focal length 20.60mm
F-number 1.85
Half angle of view (degrees) 46.40°
Image height 21.64mm
Lens total length 88.73mm
BF 11.72mm

Canon 24mm f/1.8

Focal length 23.28mm
F-number 1.85
Half angle of view (degrees) 42.90°
Image height 21.64mm
Lens total length 93.32mm
BF 12.72mm

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Dear friends,
Me and my family are off to Kenya and Tanzania for 24 days- the trip of our lifetime - mainly for photography and videography.
Please suggest Cameras and lenses.
I have access to R5/ 1DxMK III/DxII/Dx/5DsR/5DIV/Fuji GFX 100s
Canon L lenses - from 11-24 to 600 mm f4. All flavors except a 300 mm 2.8
Is 200 F2 a choice ?
100-400 vs 70- 200 ?
Have access to Fuji GF 250 mm F4 prime and 45-100 F4 zoom

Please suggest.

Thanks in advance

Dholai

I have reported on the coming tilt-shift lenses for the RF mount, these are apparently going to be the first tilt-shift lenses with autofocus.
I have been told that Canon plans to introduce two new autofocus tilt-shift lenses alongside a high-megapixel camera. The announcement timeframe for such a camera is still unknown, but the source claims the first half of 2022 is extremely likely and that these lenses were to come in late 2021.
The two rumored autofocus tilt-shift lenses from Canon will be the Canon TS-R 14mm f/4L and Canon TS-R 24mm f/3.5L.
The high-megapixel RF mount camera has been rumored for quite some time as it’s an obvious step Canon needs to make. The roadmap for EOS R bodies is far less known than that of the RF mount lenses we expect to see announced in the next year or two.
More to come…
 

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I am not sure if this had been discussed anywhere, if so, moderator please delete. So I went to the Canon R5 page and noticed this service.


1. I have not heard anything about it before.
2. I was wandering what you gain by disabling the wireless communication function of the R5 and the other cameras? Battery life? If so why not put it in Airplane Mode.

If anyone understands the merit of doing this, especially for a fee, can you please let me know.

BELOW is a paste from the website.

We have released a new upgrade service for the EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS R5 and the EOS-1D X Mark II. This upgrade disables the following menus from the display:

Wireless communication function tab:

1. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection
   • Connect to smartphone
   • Remote control (EOS Utility)
   • Transfer images to FTP server
   • Upload to Web service
   • Connection to Wireless Remote
2. Airplane mode
3. Wi-Fi settings
4. Bluetooth settings
5. Nickname
6. GPS device settings
7. Image transfer
8. Resetting communication settings
9. Battery charging order (camera priority/WFT priority) 1
10. WFT setting 1

*1 Menu displays only when Battery Grip WFT-R10 is attached.
Please note:

1. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth hardware are built-in and are disabled by the firmware2.
2. 2 Although there is some robustness against firmware tampering, it does not ensure complete robustness or invalidation.
3. The communication function OFF specification can be confirmed on the menu screen. With the communication function OFF specification, the ‘Wireless communication function’ tab is hidden, and network/Bluetooth and GPS function settings cannot be selected.
4. The communication function OFF specification is possible with Firmware Version 1.2.0. Cameras with the communication function OFF specification cannot be changed to a previous firmware version.
5. With the communication function OFF specification, it is possible to assign "Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connection" to some buttons when setting Custom Controls, but please note that the screen display does not change even if you press the buttons.

Pricing

*Tax and shipping fees are NOT included
*All pricing is subject to change

Adorama has the Litepanels Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panel, with V Mount Battery Bracket as their Deal of the Day for $699 (Reg $1199)
Key Features

Bright, color-accurate white light
Automatically flicker-free at any frame rate
Active & Passive cooling modes
Fully adjustable Daylight and Tungsten color temperature
High CRI output
AC and optional battery power
Fixture Type: Light Panel
Kit Style: Adorama 1 Light Battery Bracket Kit
Panel Size: 16″ x 17″
Power Source: AC/DC
Battery Connection: V Mount Included
Color Temperature: Bi-Color
Color Temperature Range: 3200-5600K

Litepanels Astra 6X Bi-Color LED Panel, with V Mount Battery Bracket $699 (Reg $1199)

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Anhui China, May 03 , 2021 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, is proud to introduce the Laowa ‘Argus’ 33mm f/0.95 CF APO, a magnificent f/0.95 prime lens for APS-C cameras.
The ‘Argus’ name was originally from Greek mythology and was the name of a vigilant guardian with a hundred eyes and an “all-seeing” sight. The name represents the ultra-bright f/0.95 aperture of the lenses and the exceptional image quality they deliver.
The 35mm f/0.95 is the first released lens of the much anticipated Argus line. Featuring the ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture with APO design, the lens offers photographers and videographers a classic focal length for everyday shooting and the versatility to shoot at difficult lighting conditions. The lens delivers exception image quality at wide-open and suppresses the chromatic aberration to the minimal. Couple with the 35mm (1.15 feet) minimum focus distance, a buttery smooth and exquisite bokeh rendering can easily...

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The RF 1.4xTC works well on my 100-500mm and R5 with excellent AF and after some sharpening at 700mm it's pretty close to the RF 800mm in resolution and IQ. I am intrigued as to how well the RF 2x performs in terms of AF and IQ on the 100-500mm in particular. It's so expensive, that it would cost not much more to buy an 800mm RF. But, if the IQ etc are good, it would be tempting to have one in my kit for the occasional 1000mm f/14 shot. I'd be grateful for any first hand experience or for pointers to any reviews (TDP has image quality with it only on the 800mm).

Canon Watch is reporting that a Canon RF 60mm f/1.0L USM is possibly on the way. This lens does not appear on my RF lens roadmap, nor have we seen any patents for such an optical formula yet.
Is it possible? Sure, why not? If you believe your mount is the best, you need to flex those muscles every now and then.
While it is close to the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM in speed and focal length, I imagine an RF 60mm f/1.0L USM would provide a very unique look to photos. Throw in defocus smoothing and you could have something special.
For now, this is a [CR1] rating, but I will do some digging to figure out the validity of this rumor.

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PhotoWebExpo has posted an interview with the Head of Product and Consumer Expertise at Canon Russia, while most of it is what you’d expect in a Canon interview, there are some good nuggets of information.
The original interview is in Russian, so obviously I have used Google Translate here. Below are a few answers that are probably worth noting.
Which type of photographers is the Canon EOS R3 intended for?
Canon is aiming this camera at professionals and advanced amateurs. The Canon EOS R3 is not intended to replace the Canon EOS-1D X Mark III.
The camera will be intended for wildlife, sports, racing, and photojournalism.
The camera will be smaller than the EOS-1D X Mark III as well.
Why an EOS R3 and not an EOS R1?
Canon says this camera is a new line for the EOS R system. It will be slotted between the...

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I read numerous glowing reviews on the inexpensive RF 24-105 STM lens and as an owner of the EF 24-105L Mk ll (which I find satisfactory yet not overly impressive) could there be a chance that a $400 lens could be better than the EF version on an R6?

I'm still learning then R5 and the only significant issue I have is that when stabilisation is enabled on the attached lens, you can't switch it off via a customised button on the body. I have configured my 1DXII and 5DIV bodies, so that holding down the DOF button disables stabilisation. For instance, this enables me to track a distant bird with the benefits of stabilisation and when that subject gets closer, or another close subject appears, I can disable the stabilisation by depressing the conveniently placed DOF button. It took a bit of getting used to but is far more seamless than switching off IS on the lens itself, particularly if its a big white lens.

Given that the R5 appears to me to be the mirrorless equivalent of the D5, not being able to configure the camera body in the same fashion is both disappointing and frustrating. Furthermore, I would also like to be able to disable the IBIS within the body for stills. I'm not aware of any technical issues that would prevent both these abilities to be implemented by firmware.

In the middle of our spring-birding-season the more I am missing a smaller Spot-AF-Point on my R5.
In a lot of cases the birds, I want to shoot are far away and the existing Spot-AF-point is to large to nail the eye.
Using my older EF-bodies, the smaller Spot-point is often more nailing sharpness on the eye.
It gets better, if I stop down the 600mm lens to f8 to get a larger depth of sharpness, but then noise gets a problem.

Do you have the same experience? Would you like to see an R3 with an smaller Spot AF?

Hello, all - new member here with a question...
Has anyone had first-hand experience with an aftermarket focusing screen for the 5D4 that is optimized for fast lenses - especially, fast manual focus lenses?
I realize D-SLRs typically do not have the same focusing assurance as was afforded by the viewfinders in our film SLR's, in terms of a really accurate contrast between what's in precise focus and what isn't when using lenses of f/2 and faster. I also understand changing focusing screen to one optimized for such lenses is possible on the 6D and was also possible in the 5-series, at least up to the 5D2.
The lens that prompted this question is my new Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2, so not only a fast lens, but at 135mm, d-o-f can be excrutiatingly thin at wide aperture settings. The 5D4 reliably confirms with a chirp that focus is accurate where I have positioned a single sensor, but it is a crapshoot as to how deep the d-o-f really is, beyond that one detail. For a lot of my shooting, Live View with magnification is not a practical alternative...
The conundrum is that I see in Canon's data that the 5D4 uses a fixed screen, yet there is a website that actually shows four different focusing screens that they produce, on a page devoted to the 5D4.
Am I missing something? Or do I need to hang a 6D (with specialized viewing screen) on this bulky but beautiful monster for less angst while focusing.
Many thanks!

Learned friends. Why does the very same camera have base (best) ISO for Stills at 100 and for video 800? I do not get it, I would appreciate any wisdom on this. Thanks!!!