One thing is certain with DxOMark reviews, they will always stir up debate. DxOMark has completed their review of the brand new Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II, which has been highly regarded since photographers got their hands on it. It fixed everything that was wrong with the previous version and performs far better in the real world.</p>
<p>From DxOMark:</p>
<blockquote><p>As the replacement for the original model, Canon have improved just about everything they can from operation through to optical quality. However it’s the performance at the long-end that’s crucial and while Canon have made advances most of the gains are in the outer field where users of Canon’s crop bodies aren’t so likely to benefit. Sure the chromatic aberration is lower and sharpness at the edges is better than the old model but users aren’t going to see any improvement in the center.</p>
<p>The new model is also up against a capable and more accessibly priced rival in the form of the Tamron 150-600mm though it’s larger still and somewhat disappointing at 600mm. For all that, the Canon is an attractive option and a strong choice for the long term… <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-F4.5-5.6L-IS-II-USM-review-Worthy-upgrade" target="_blank">Read the full review</a></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II $2199: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1092632-REG/canon_9524b002_ef_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6l_is.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x574561" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/CA1004002U.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://amzn.to/1fFufZe" target="_blank">Amazon</a></strong></p>

<strong>*UPDATE*

</strong>A retailer has written in and said they were told the lens would launch at $1699 USD. This info has apparently come from a Canon rep in a recent conversation with the retailer, and not an official price sheet.</p>
<p>Sometimes reps enjoy conjecture as much as the rest of us.</p>
<p>Original Post:</p>
<p>We expect to see the brand new Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II to be announced next month, with the popular date for the announcement being Friday, August 14, 2015.</p>
<p>Exact specifications for the lens are still unknown, but the big one a lot of people want to know is pricing.</p>
<p>We’re told the EF 35mm f/1.4L II will cost <del>$1899 USD at launch</del>, which is about $400 more than the current Canon version and more than double that of the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898831-REG/Sigma_340_101_35mm_f_1_4_DG_HSM.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x393562" target="_blank">Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art, which is $899</a>.</p>
<p>We’re told that this pricing may not be set in stone, as it’s “older information”. Currency movement could change the launch price next month. For the record, the Nikon 35 f/1.4G is currently around $1799.</p>
<p><em>More to come…</em></p>

Last month <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/06/tokina-24-70mm-f2-8-fx-lens-officially-announced-and-coming-in-august/" target="_blank">Tokina announced</a> their new 24-70mm f/2.8 FX Lens would start shipping in August, but it looks like that date has been moved forward. <a href="http://www.tokina.co.jp/camera-lenses/news/at-x24-70pro-fx-canon.html" target="_blank">According to Tokina Japan</a>, the lens will start shipping July 24, 2015.</p>
<p><em>*Note that the USA retailers are still showing August availability</em></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 FX Lens $999: <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1084636-REG/tokina_at_x_24_70mm_f_2_8_pro.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x650067" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/TN2470FXCA.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a></strong></p>

We were told a while ago that Canon was working on a <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/05/new-flash-system-in-the-works-cr1/" target="_blank">new metering system for their flagship flash</a>, we dubbed it E-TTL III. Not much has been said since, although we’ve seen the <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/07/canon-announces-the-speedlite-430ex-iii-rt-flash/" target="_blank">announcement of the Speedlite 430EX III-RT</a>.</p>
<p>We’re told that while the next Canon DSLRs (EOS-1D X and EOS 5D Mark III replacements) will support the new flash metering system, the launch of the flash is actually a “long way off” and won’t arrive before late 2016 at the earliest.</p>
<p>It’s worth mentioning the source did say that Canon’s new system should perform better than the Nikon’s, which has long been superior.</p>

<p><strong>Sigma Corporation Announces Pricing and Availability of 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art Lens</strong></p>
<p><em>Market’s first F2 full-frame zoom available in late July for $999</em></p>
<p>RONKONKOMA, NY — July 16, 2015 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading DSLR lens and camera manufacturer, today announced that the new Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will become available in late July for the street price of $999.</p>
<p>The 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens is the market’s first full-frame zoom that allows photographers to carry one fast aperture lens that can do the work of three popular fixed focal length lenses – the 24mm, 28mm and 35mm. It includes an optimized autofocus (AF) algorithm for smooth, fast, and accurate focusing, a manual focus (MF) override functionality, and is made of Thermally Stable Composite (TSC) reducing its size and weight.</p>
<p>Built upon the impressive versatility offered by Sigma’s 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens, the new 24-35mm continues the Art line tradition of top optical performance that’s comparable toSigma’s 24mm F1.4 DG HSM Art and 35mm F1.4 DG HSM Art. It offers optimized lens power distribution, and minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature. The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens also features a video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability as well as a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function.</p>
<p><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p><!--more-->

“The combination of fast, constant aperture and zoom versatility will make this lens exceptionally popular for photographers who crave the convenience of wide angle zooms, paired with the performance of fast, wide primes,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “The Art lenses have raised the bar for total imaging performance, and this lens is going to make a lot of photographers very happy.”</p>
<p>As with all new lenses under the Global Vision categories, every 24-35mm will be tested using Sigma’s own modulation transfer function (MTF) measuring system, “A1,” in the company’s factory in Japan. It is compatible with Sigma’s USB DOCK, which allows photographers to update the lens’ firmware, adjust focus points and customize full-time MF function settings by using Sigma’s Optimization Pro software. Sigma’s exclusive Mount Conversion Service, which enables users to easily convert the lens’ camera mount between supported versions, is also available for a fee. The lens will be available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon mounts.</p>
<p>The Sigma 24-35mm F2 DG HSM Art lens will also feature:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large-diameter, aspherical lens elements, which require advanced technologies to produce, one “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, and seven Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements with two aspherical lenses. The advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, resulting in outstanding optical performance</li>
<li>A video-friendly, inner focusing system that eliminates front-lens rotation, enhancing the lens’ stability and allowing use of circular polarizing filters</li>
<li>A Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that ensures a silent, high-speed AF function. Smoother AF is achieved when the this AF algorithm is optimized</li>
<li>Full-time MF by rotating the focus ring of the lens while auto focusing</li>
<li>A nine-blade, rounded diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image</li>
<li>Specifications: Lens construction containing 18 elements in 13 groups; a weight of 33.2 ounces; a diameter and length of 3.4 inches by 4.8 inches, respectively; a minimum aperture of F16; and angle of view (35mm) of 84.1° to 63.4°; minimum focusing distance of 11 inches; and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><strong>Preorder: Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art $999: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2435EOS.html', 'Adorama');" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240" onclick="__gaTracker('send', 'event', 'outbound-article', 'http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1162798-REG/sigma_24_35mm_f_2_dg_hsm.html/BI/2466/KBID/3296/DFF/d10-v21-t1-x657240', 'B&H Photo');" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></strong></strong></p>

DXOMark has completed their reviews of the sensors in the EOS Rebel 750D and EOS Rebel 760D and found them to be nearly identical.</p>
<p>In regards to the <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-750D-Rebel-T6i-sensor-review-First-Canon-APS-C-format-camera-to-offer-12-stop-dynamic-range" target="_blank">EOS 750D</a> (T6i)</p>
<blockquote><p>As an entry-level model the Canon EOS 750D (T6i) makes some compromises in layout and controls — for example, there’s no top plate LCD as found on the EOS 760D(T6s), but sensor performance is on par with the camera maker’s mid- and high-end models, the EOS 70D and the recently-introduced EOS 7D Mk II. While it’s true that the Canon sensors are behind the very best APS-C models in terms of low ISO performance (particularly noticeable when comparing dynamic range), the company is making some noteworthy advances.</p></blockquote>
<p>In regards to the <a href="http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-760D-Rebel-T6s-sensor-review-On-par-with-Canon-s-high-end-APS-C-models" target="_blank">EOS 760D</a> (T6s)</p>
<blockquote><p>While it’s not our place to discuss why Canon should choose to introduce two models that vary mostly by their controls (although the 760D’s tracking AF capability in live view is likely a worthwhile feature), the sensor performance for the EOS 760D is intriguing. Canon has made significant advances over the previous generation sensor, particularly with regard to low ISO noise levels and improved dynamic range. While sensor performance is still behind the very best APS-C models, Canon appears to be taking up the challenge set by Sony, and while it’s still got some way to go, that has to be good news for the consumer.</p></blockquote>

<strong>MELVILLE, N.Y., JULY 16, 2015</strong> – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the entry into the growing machine vision market in the U.S., with the launch of 3-D Machine Vision Systems, models RV300, RV500 and RV1100. Designed for use with industrial robots, these systems are capable of high-speed, high-accuracy three-dimensional recognition of objects. The systems in combination with a robotic arm can help increase production efficiencies in factories by facilitating the automatic high-speed supply of parts to production lines.</p>
<p>Enabling a robotic arm to accurately and successively recognize and pickup individual items from a randomly assembled pile of parts requires a system capable of the three-dimensional recognition of the shapes of the parts. All three models of Canon’s Machine Vision system feature a 3-D machine vision head, which encompasses the system sensor and 3-D machine vision recognition software for recognition processing. The highest level of performance in speed and accuracy for three-dimensional object recognition capabilities of the Canon’s Machine Vision system were made possible by applying innovative image-recognition and information-processing technologies cultivated through Canon’s research and development of cameras and business machines.</p>
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<p>Canon’s 3-D Machine Vision systems can accurately recognize a diverse range of objects, including parts with curved features, parts with few distinguishing characteristics and intricately structured parts. The RV300, RV500, RV1100 enable the 3-D recognition of randomly piled parts as small as approximately 10 mm<sup>2</sup>, 20 mm<sup>2</sup>, and 45 mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively<sup>i</sup>.</p>
<p>Contributing to improved production-line efficiency, all three models deliver high-speed performance, taking only approximately 1.8 seconds to recognize randomly arranged small-scale parts in 3-D. This data is then sent to a robotic controller unit attached to the robotic arm.</p>
<p>The new systems feature high-performance 3-D recognition with a high level of accuracy; the RV300, RV500, and RV1100 achieve exceedingly small error tolerances of less than 0.1 mm<sup>2</sup>, 0.15 mm<sup>2</sup>, 0.5mm<sup>2</sup>, respectively.</p>
<p>Users can easily register data for parts to be picked up by inputting CAD data and by capturing images of the parts randomly assembled in a pile. The 3-D machine vision systems can use computer-generated images to automatically learn how to visually identify the parts. Since no complicated programming is necessary, users can easily re-register parts in accordance with changes in type and shape of parts to be supplied in production.</p>
<p>The Canon 3-D Machine Vision System is capable of instantaneously measuring the location and orientation of designated parts in three dimensions and helps eliminate the need for separate 2-D vision sensors to determine the positioning of parts or a table on which to temporarily place parts during the parts-supply process. Accordingly, the system allows the construction of production lines to be simplified for parts provision while achieving higher efficiency in feeding parts to the production line.</p>
<p>In 2014, global sales of 2-D and 3-D machine vision systems for use with industrial robots totaled approximately $22 million<sup>ii</sup>. The market for 3-D machine vision systems is expected to grow significantly in the future, driven by strong demand for the further automation of production lines used by manufacturers in a variety of industries, including automotive and automotive component manufacturers.</p>
<p>The Canon 3-D Machine Vision Systems, models RV300, RV500, and RV1100 are expected to be available on Oct 1, 2015.</p>