For those of you that have watched the cable tv Longmire series, the ranch house was the filming location for his home.

EOS 70D, EF-S 10-18mm, 18mm, 1/125 @ f/11

Sometimes I read technical analysis of a camera and I chuckle at the conclusions. Phrases like "unusable" and "major distortions" get tossed around. Early on, the consensus with the R5 from "armchair engineers" was that the electronic shutter performance was "terrible"...I actually saw multiple people saying the performance was terrible and unusable. Granted, I've spoken with several NFL photographers that have shown me examples and told me that the performance for their use case would indeed be just that - unusable. But that doesn't mean it won't work for other use cases...please see bellow.

What do I deem "unusable"? When the rolling shutter effect takes away from the subject of the image. In the case of the R5 as a motorsports photographer, I find the electronic shutter to be HIGHLY usable and extremely beneficial.

Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to use my new R5 to cover one of our races that was thankfully able to still be held. I used electronic shutter extensively as I threw everything I could at the camera...I left the event prepared to sell my 1DX Mark II...and I have. Here are just a few examples taken with the R5 in the 12-bit RAW electronic shutter that some people are afraid to use. Don't be afraid. Give it a shot and see if you think it will work for the application you're working in. LEARN how your camera performs and understand when you can exploit this feature - I think you'll be very surprised.


Truly minimal distortion that have no impact or create any distraction.
MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0098 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr


Distortion is there, but I don't consider this shot ruined because I used it and most people wouldn't notice the distortion if it wasn't pointed out to them or they were looking for it.
MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0229 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0550 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0376 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

Shots like this where the background is entirely blurred, you would probably never know!
MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0448 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

This is a single shot from a 65 image sequence I shot using the Electronic Shutter in the R5. Distortion is visible, but it doesn't really take away from this sequence of images. The main point is that I was able to capture a brilliant series of images with the car tracked in every frame. We're using the sequence to create a two-page spread that should look really awesome. Using 20fps now lets us choose WHICH images we want to use to show what happened. It's awesome.
MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0653 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

I would also like to point out that using the 12-bit electronic shutter under these particular artificial lights didn't create any banding from the light frequency. High ISO performance also remains extremely impressive! This is a 45mp image sensor using electronic shutter under artificial light at ISO 12,800. Not only is is completely usable and I delivered to the client, but it looks downright exceptional. So my apologies if I'm laughing at people who say you can't use the camera in the 12-bit electronic shutter...that sentiment is incorrect.

I'm a Canon user, and acknowledge my bias...but this has to be the best performing photography camera on the market with a truly incredible sensor.
MS-NMRA_NMCA-MARTIN2020-0573 by LSXPhotog, on Flickr

Venus Optics announces the new Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL ZERO-D lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras – a super-compact ultra-wide-angle lens with ZERO-D and 52mm filter thread
Anhui China, Sept 18, 2020 – Venus Optics, the manufacturer specialized in making unique camera lenses, introduced the Laowa 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. As one of the smallest and lightest 14mm Zero Distortion ultra-wide-angle lens, the lens does not compromise on its performance. It is equipped with a 52mm filter thread so that urban explorers can simply put on the screw-in filter and create incredible images with ease.

Ultra-wide 114° Angle of View
The 14mm f/4 FF RL Zero-D delivers an extraordinary image sharpness with 114°angle of view. The ultra-wide-angle lens allows photographers to have one-of-a-kind and inspiring pictures in an ultra-wide perspective. Landscape photographers can capture rich scenery with a single shot...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

Adorama is now showing an expected arrival date of October 20, 2020, for the Canon EOS R5. I do know there is still a long backorder lineup, but it’s expected that they’ll get enough to clear the backlog.
What’s another month?
Canon EOS R5 at Adorama

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

I've had a bad run on lenses recently and decided to try my luck at repairs myself, I guess I am that kind of idiot!

First lens is an EF 15mm fisheye. I dropped it and the integral metal petal hood got bent. I did manage to straighten it out but also got a brand new one off eBay, but it has a blob of glue on the thread to unscrew the 'hood' and I don't know what to use to dissolve it, anybody got any ideas?

Second lens is an EF 24-70, this is just for amusement rather than advise at this stage but who knows where it will go? It is the first version so it isn't worth much, I went to use it one day and nothing worked, no AF no aperture etc. So after cleaning up the contacts to no effect I figured it was the main board. I looked for a mainboard on the usual sites and they were far too much for me to take a chance with but came across a Dutch site that seemed to sell end of line everything, they had one in it's box for $54 including shipping to the USA. Well that is worth a try I thought to myself and ordered it, the trouble is the site was in Dutch and I had to use Google Translate to get anywhere. Bottom line, I might have a main board coming for it, I might not! I'll let you know.... In the meantime I found a video online of a complete 24-70 teardown and reassembly so took the old main board out.

If you pre-ordered a Really Right Stuff L-bracket for the new R5 (or R6) you may wanna confirm its status... I spoke with RRS Customer Service earlier today, and they confirmed that the 2-part "modular" design and the original "ultralight" versions of the L-bracket will not be produced. He said that there will only be a single version produced & sold -- one where the vertical (side) component of the L-bracket will slide out to accommodate cables & such... He further stated that customers who pre-ordered the now discontinued L-brackets should have already received an email explaining the situation & their options. Unfortunately, I was not one of those lucky customers and my email got lost in the ether of the internet... In all fairness, he was upfront, nice, & understanding as I explained to him that I really didn't care that much about the specific design of the L-bracket (I've accumulated enough RRS-gear over the years to be comfortable with their designs & quality). But what I was most concerned about, having placed my pre-order more than 2 months ago, was losing my place on the waiting-list... He assured me that would not happen and processed the order change. Also, for what it's worth, I asked him about when they would actually start to ship, and he said that his guesstimate would be in a couple of weeks...

Also, if you've pre-ordered one of the RRS L-brackets (for the R5/R6) from B&H, be advised that they have changed the description & price... And that B&H is now saying "Expected availability: Nov 02, 2020."

Just wanted to share this. I scored an EOS RP, Brand New (Not Refurb), off Canon USA's site for $898 USD out the door.

I was able to stack two coupon codes which were:

L1N5YWT - 10%

XJ49WS7 - 10%

Check out the screenshot of my purchase if you don't believe.

Figured I'd share! Almost a steal at this price.

Just wanted to share this. I scored an EOS RP, Brand New (Not Refurb), off Canon USA's site for $898 USD out the door.

I was able to stack two coupon codes which were:

L1N5YWT - 10%

XJ49WS7 - 10%

Check out the screenshot of my purchase if you don't believe.

Figured I'd share! Almost a steal at this price.

Adorama has the RF 100-500mm in stock and I just grabbed mine. It cost me $100 over B&H but I'm tired of waiting!

The Universal Lens Hood is the world’s first all-fitting, multi-functional lens hood that’s easy to pack, install and use.
It’s designed to fit over 99% of camera lenses and remain compatible with any lens’ focal length/range without creating vignetting in the corners of the frame, which means less gear to carry around and more room in your bag.
It removes glares and reflections when shooting through windows and holds any size circular filter, allowing you to use your largest filters with your smallest lenses.

Truly a...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

It may be interesting to watch the progess as future orders start to get filled.

I was slightly snookered by the Canon store website. I was poking around there on 8/25/20 while still not sure I was ready to by this year. When I saw the "In Stock" status, I bit and entered an order. I immediatly received an email showing that it was on back order. So I called to talk to a human and while I was on hold the website was updated to show back order. Since the price has been the same everywhere I looked (except gougers on ebay), I left my order standing. The agent on the phone said I would receive an email when it was shipped but there would be no other communcation about it. (no eta).

Adorama once against has stock of the brand new RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM.
Key Features


High Performance L-series versatile Super-Telephoto Zoom RF Lens
Optical Image Stabilization with up to 5 stops of Shake Correction
High Speed, Smooth and Quiet Auto Focus with Dual Nano USM
Minimum Focusing Distance of 2.95′ (0.9m)
12 pin Communication System
Dust and Weather-resistant with Fluorine Coating
One Super UD and Six UD Lens


Canon RF 500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM at Adorama

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

GoPro Packs More of Everything into New HERO9 Black

New Sensor Delivers 5K Video
20MP Photos
HyperSmooth 3.0 Video Stabilization
New Front-Facing Display
Larger Rear-Display
30% Longer Battery Life

SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRO) today announced its new camera, HERO9 Black—featuring “more everything”—including a new sensor that delivers 5K video and 20-megapixel photos, next-generation HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization with in-camera horizon levelling, a new front-facing display, a larger rear display, 30% more battery life, and a Max Lens Mod accessory that brings Max HyperSmooth video stabilization and Max SuperView ultra-wide-angle photo and video to HERO9 Black.
Preorder the HERO9 Black at Adorama

HERO9 Black is available globally for an MSRP of...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

One of the hardest pieces of Canon photo gear to get your hands on right now is the EF to RF mount adapter. This little $99 piece of kit is important to a lot of new EOS R5 and EOS R6 shooters.
Our exclusive affiliate partner Adorama is showing an availability date of September 25, 2020. So you should probably get on your next preorder list as soon as you can if you want one of these things as soon as their available.
Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R at Adorama

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

Canon Watch has added two new lenses to the RF mount roadmap for 2021, claiming some one of a kind telephoto and super-telephoto lenses are coming for the RF Mount.
First up, an RF 250mm f/2L IS USM. This sounds good on paper, but I don’t think 250mm is a focal length consumers would understand, especially those that are currently using the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM, which is my favorite Canon lens by the way.
Second up, an RF 500mm f/2.8L IS USM. I’m no engineer, but this would be a massive lens. We have not yet seen an optical formula patent for this yet.
The third is the long-rumored RF 70-135mm f/2L USM. I have been writing about this lens for a while now and it continues to get mentions.
Take this info for what it’s worth, but I guess anything is possible.

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

MELVILLE, NY, September 16, 2020 – How long is an instant? It could be long enough to snap the camera shutter at the right moment, but short enough to instantly print a photo from your compatible smartphone and share it with friends. In the essence of capturing, printing, and sticking your photos, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the next generation of IVY products: The IVY CLIQ+2 Instant Camera Printer + App and IVY CLIQ2 Instant Camera Printer. Designed with fun at their core and an all-in-one package, the new IVY CLIQ2 instant camera printers boast new features and print color quality improvements.

“This next phase in the IVY product line is a direct result of what the end-user is passionate about when it comes to instant camera printers. Expressing individual style, instant access to printing and the option to stick photos are what make the new IVY products exciting for Gen-Z and Millennial...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

It’s expected that Canon will officially announce the first RF mount Cinema EOS camera, the Cinema EOS C70. Some of its specifications have leaked, along with an exclusive first look at the unique camera design.
I have been told that the Canon Cinema EOS C50 may also make an appearance at Canon Vision next week in the form of a development announcement. The Cinema EOS C50 will be the entry-level Cinema EOS camera, it will sport an RF mount and it will have an “extremely small form-factor” I have been told.
The Cinema EOS C50 will sport the same sensor as the Cinema EOS C200, which is Super35.
I am told that the original plan was to announce the Cinema EOS C50 and Cinema EOS C70 at the same time, but that plan may have changed over the last couple of months.
Don’t forget...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

The Ultra-Wide NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and Powerful NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lenses Bring Groundbreaking Advancements in Optical Performance and Design to the Nikon Z Series
MELVILLE, NY (September 16, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. unveiled two exciting additions to the rapidly expanding NIKKOR Z lens lineup, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to the evolving Nikon Z series. These new full-frame S-Line1 lenses showcase the superior optical performance and capabilities of the Nikon Z mount for photographers and creators. The ultra-wide angle NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is the world’s shortest2 and lightest2 full-frame f/2.8 zoom lens with a 14mm field of view, enabling a versatile range to capture expansive views including cityscapes, landscapes, astrophotography and more. Meanwhile, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is the paramount fast-aperture prime lens engineered for optical excellence to help Z series users achieve unrivaled power, exceptional sharpness and show-stopping bokeh...

Click to expand...

Continue reading...

Anybody have any idea how many of these things they make per day? Or any other high end cameras or lenses for that matter?

Often wondered about that, and right now seems like a lot of others are too!

Still waiting for the R5...

I've been noticing a trend looking at other brand cameras coming out lately, in that since going mirrorless, many are coming out with the more rangefinder style view finders on the side of the camera, and eliminating the "hump" in the middle of the camera....and reducing the footprint of the camera body that way.

I got to thinking that well, without a mirror, the traditional centered viewfinder up top really isn't necessary....but then again, I'm used to it.

I've not tried one of the new rangefinder cameras yet, although I have.played with some true rangefinder film cameras (I have a Fuji GSW690 III) and aside from the difference of actually having a different focusing paradigm, it is interesting to shoot with it, having my right eye on the viewfinder and my left eye outside the camera body, giving me a field of view to better see what might be coming into the frame, etc.

What are your thoughts on this trend? Would you be interested in a Canon line of cameras, maybe even with RF mount that came out in rangefinder?

If the M camera is going away (I thought I saw that rumor)...what about that line of camera replacements, to keep things smaller, go rangefinder style?

Can you think of advantages or disadvantages of both styles....other than just what many/most of us are used to ?

cayenne

Since I'm in the same boat w/ so many others waiting on my R5 to get here I decided to test drive the R6 for a week and I thought I'd give those of you considering ditching the R5 for the R6 what my 1st impressions are.

First off it feels like a Canon, the ergonomics are prefect and you will be instantly comfortable with it in hand. The ISO wheel is amazing, there's literally no need for any mode besides manual, I was able to make exposure changes while tracking birds in flight as the lighting changed in real time. I couldn't do this with my DSLR. The biggest upgrade in these cameras after the AF is the ability to change literally everything in the camera. There are so many ways to setup up back button focus, eye focus, etc... the camera can be built to your specific ways. For my needs I set it up so I can switch between AF Tracking, Animal eye, Human eye, and Spot AF without ever having to look at the camera. This was a game changer for me.

The Animal Eye is as good as everyone says, it's stupid easy to use. Also, the rolling shutter, blackouts and other non-sense are just that. I was tracking Wood ducks and Mallards for 150 shot bursts with absolutey no issues. Keep your batteries charged and have a shutter speed fast enough to keep up and you won't have any issues.

I tested the R6 on EF lenses only (because thats all I have), I used the 50mm 1.2L, Sigma 150-600mm Sport, 24-70mm 2.8L III, and a x2 tele for most of my shots. The all worked great and it will focus at 1200mm with no problem but tracking fast moving objects suffered past 500mm on EF glasss. I will be keeping my EF primes and upgrading to RF telephotos as they come out.

Image quality is ok, the camera can focus great so the images will be sharp but there was a a lot less detail than I'm used to. For anyone saying that the image quality is on par with the 6DMk II or 5D MkIV that just isn't the case I'm sorry. Im extremely happy I decided to go with the R5 I would be miserable coming home to the images the the R6 delivers. If you are keeping your images small and for social media this camera is great (what isn't?) but at lot of you would be underwhelmed.

I'll post up an average photo I took with it for you to decide. This photo is uncropped (resized to fit here) taken at 490mm, ISO 5000, F 6.3, 1/4000

Should I use some ICC Profile in Color Management Adjust if my pics are saved in sRGB yet?

I received an email from CanonPriceWatch last night that B&H has some "show" specials on the R5 ($200 off), R6 ($150 off), and the RF 100-500mm ($100 off).

Everything is still pre-order, but if you've been waiting for a deal, now's your chance.

Just add the item to your cart to see the discount applied.