More Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III Talk [CR2]

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We’re hearing more about a new EF 16-35 f/2.8L III, which is expected in 2016 along with one of Canon’s new “pro” body announcements. We’re not sure if it’ll arrive around the time of the EOS-1D X replacement in early 2016 or the EOS 5D Mark III replacement later in the year.</p>
<p>We’re told the new lens will be slightly longer and a bit heavier, and will retain the 82mm filter thread diameter of the current lens. Weather sealing, durability and optics will get obvious improvements. The lens hood will also be unique to the new lens, but we weren’t told what “unique” meant.</p>
<p>There is little to no chance of IS making its way into the lens. You can get the EF 16-35 f/4L IS if you want stabilization.</p>
<p>You can see the latest patent for the optical formula <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/patent-canon-ef-16-35-f2-8l-iii/">here</a>, I think we’ll probably see another one before the announcement.</p>

Canon EOS C300 Mark II Mount Conversion Now Available

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The Canon EOS C300 Mark II mount conversion that was announced in the early fall is now available in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK.</p>
<p><strong>From the Canon Professional Network:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Owners and purchasers of the Canon EOS C300 Mark II can now benefit from a new lens mount service option which offers the capability to change the 4K Digital Cinema Camera’s original EF mount to EF Mount with Cinema Lock or to a PL mount and back again.</p>
<p>The Lens Mount Replacement service can be booked in at the Canon Regional Competence Centres (RCC) in France, Germany, Italy, Sweden or the UK. Alternatively, the PL lens mount and SHIM kit are also available for direct sale.</p>
<p>Canon has also revealed that from early 2016 a PL mount version of the C300 Mark II will be available to purchase in all EMEA territories. Up until now the camera has only been available in an EF mount but by January 2016 customers can choose whether to purchase an EF mount or a PL mount version. The upcoming PL mount version of the camera will provide support for all of Canon’s PL mount Cinema lenses and other industry-standard PL lenses (Cooke/i not supported), thus allowing for even greater shooting possibilities.</p></blockquote>
<p><strong><a href="http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/news/eos_c300_mark_ii_lens_mount_updates.do" target="_blank">Read more at Canon Professional Network</a></strong></p>

7D MkII Grip - genuine vs aftermarket

I've pulled the trigger on a 7DII plus a 16-35 f/4 (to replace my fairly ordinary 16-35 f/2.8II). The BG-E16 grip is a necessary accessory for my shooting style, but just taking a look at the price difference is amazing. The clones are under $100, often with a couple of dodgy batteries thrown in. My default inclination is to stay with genuine, but has anyone got direct experience with a clone, Phottix, Meike etc? Thanks!

-pw

Canon Commemorates Production of 80 millionth EOS-Series Interchangeable-Lens Camera

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United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 18 November 2015 – Canon Inc. today announces it has reached a new camera-manufacturing milestone as combined production of its film and digital EOS-series interchangeable-lens cameras surpassed the 80-million mark on November 10, 2015. The 80-millionth EOS camera produced was an EOS 5DS R, which boasts the world’s highest pixel count in its class¹.</p>
<p>Production of Canon EOS SLR cameras began in 1987 and rapidly increased following the spread of digital SLR cameras in the early 2000s, bringing the company to the present day and the production of its 80-millionth EOS camera.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>Introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras, EOS cameras were the world’s first to incorporate an electronic mount system enabling complete electronic control throughout the entire camera, not just the lens and body.</p>
<p>Canon manufactures all key components employed in the EOS series, enabling the Company to achieve an even more robust product line-up by selecting the optimal sensor for each model. Drawing from this strength, Canon has helped to pioneer a new age for cameras, launching innovative products including the compact, lightweight EOS 500, which helped significantly expand Canon’s user base, and the iconicEOS 5D series, which this year celebrates its 10 year anniversary.</p>
<p>As a result of these manufacturing practices and consistent product innovation Canon has successfully maintained the No. 1 share worldwide² within the interchangeable-lens digital camera market for the 12-year period from 2003 to 2014.</p>
<p>This new milestone comes after Canon’s EF interchangeable lenses, launched alongside the EOS SLR camera system, celebrated a new manufacturing milestone in June 2015 with the production of the 110-millionth EF-series interchangeable lens for EOS cameras, setting a new world record for the most interchangeable lenses produced².</p>
<p>Canon will continue to refine its diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable lenses and cameras that cater to the varying needs of photographers—from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals—while continuing to pioneer technology and create new experiences in photographic and video imaging.</p>

Advice needed: AF of 5DSR for wildlife sufficient?

Can someone tell me, if the AF of the 5DS R is sufficient for photographing wildlife (birds, deer,...) too?
Lenses: 100-400 II, 70-200 II, 600mm 4.0 II (in a few days 8) )
I need a new body, but I do not want to wait another year to wait for the 5D IV. As the first tests of the 5DSR are quite good, I wonder, if this body would be the right one for me.

Thanks

Sony Announces that Betamax is Officially Dead

Laugh of the day

Like a Dinosaur, it took a few years for the message to reach the brain, but it finally has. Who would have thought that Sony was still cranking out blank beta tapes. I've accused them of dropping support for products after a short time, so I have to give them credit for supporting a product long after its dead.

BTW, I had three Beta players (sold one last week), but I have plenty of tape.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/sony-makes-it-official-betamax-is-dead-111015.html

Speedlite 600 EX-RT with Canon 5D Mk 4?

So, I just updated (added to) my 3 Speedlite 500 EX's with 2 600EX-RT's and the on camera controller, since the price seems to be dropping. But, why is the price dropping? I'm planning on getting a 5D MK4 or new 1dx when they come out, and, I now wondering if the new bodies will add something cool that will obsolete the 600 EX-RT's. :-[
Thoughts? ???

Touchscreen Coming to EOS 5D Mark IV? [CR1]

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<p>We’re told that there’s a good possibility that one of Canon’s professional cameras will get a tilting touchscreen LCD. We don’t think such a thing would appear on the EOS-1D X Mark II, but could find a home on the EOS 5D Mark IV. Both the tilting and touchscreen LCD features are asked for by a lot of Canon shooters.</p>
<p>The EOS 5D Mark IV isn’t going to be an incremental update, so expect lots of new technology added to the nameplate.</p>
<p>This comes from a new source.</p>

  • Locked
New EF-S Lenses on the Horizon? [CR2]

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We’re told that new “prosumer” EF-S lenses will be introduced in early 2016, and at least one current lens may be replaced. We think the most likely lenses for replacement would be the EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 or the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS.</p>
<p>We weren’t told which lenses would be coming, only that Canon remains committed to EF-S, which is something Canon has said themselves.</p>
<p>More to come…</p>

Filter thread adapter

Hello all,

Just some simple questions:

-Each filter thread diameter has its own specific standard pitch, is that correct?

This table shows the various pitches for different sizes: https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/bw.htm#q31
The table lists a pitch of 1.0mm for the 86mm filter size. I am trying to obtain filter adapters from 86mm lens thread to 82mm and to 77mm filter thread for my new Otus 85. I bought one in China (Ebay# 320884651388), but the pitch appeared to be 0.75mm so obviously it doesn't fit and thins will damage. So I asked some other Ebay sellers about the pitch (Ebay# 281809595376 and 251637364064), but they all respond with a pitch of 0.75mm :o

-How is it possible that they sell 86x0.75mm adapter ring? How and where would they fit?

-If I do a stepdown from 86 to 77 on the otus85, would it vignette? Is there somebody on the forum that would be willing to do a small test? I have a bunch of filters in 77mm size and would like to use these on my Otus85 instead of purchasing for a lot of $$$ new filters in 86mm.

G3X firmware update to 'fix' poor RAW performance?

To say the poor performance of the G3X in RAW is disappointing is an understatement to say the least! I was hoping to use it as a bird & wildlife camera for my wife and I. I have a dslr and 70-300L but the 600mm equivalent in a small compact body sure sounded very attractive. The other option was to get the 400lF5.6 but it has no IS and is big and bulky band secondhand it is the same price as a G3X new. and already having the EVF is another plus. But really less than one frame per second in RAW in this day and age is disgraceful!

So the question is does anyone here think the slow RAW performance can be fixed via a firmware, and if so will Canon actually do it?

2nd Question is will/can Magic Lantern bring out a fix?

Regards, Ivan

Gura Gear is Now Tamrac G-Elite

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<p>Gura Gear has made my favourite travel backpack for as long as I can remember, so I’m not sure how I feel about this, I was never a fan of Tamrac’s products. I’ve always appreciated the small and focused product range that Gura Gear provided. The Bataflae bags are also the best made travel packs I’ve ever used and abused.</p>
<p>If you remember, Tamrac went bankrupt and <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/gura-gear-acquires-tamrac-brands-assets/" target="_blank">Gura Gear acquired the long standing camera bag brand</a> and all of its assets.</p>
<p>The new Tamrac G Elite G26 (26L) and G32 (32L) are <a href="http://www.tamrac.com/collections/gura-gear?mc_cid=fde7b81339&mc_eid=ea0d675098&utm_campaign=fde7b81339-G-ELITE%20Announcement&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Gura%20Gear&utm_term=0_1cdb6a9ea9-fde7b81339-275229457" target="_blank">now available for preorder</a>.</p>
<p><strong>From Tamrac:</strong></p>
<p><em>One Brand. One Vision. One Message.</em></p>
<p>We’ve always had one vision; to carry your photography dreams to the ends of the Earth.  Gura Gear developed a bit of a reputation for camera bags that are durable, beautiful, functional, and capable of traveling anywhere and everywhere.</p>
<p>We aren’t interested in resting on our reputation, so to grow and spread our ideas to a wider audience, we bought Tamrac. A brand with a nearly 40 year heritage and a global network. Now, we’ve taken the best of Gura Gear, injected it into the all new TAMRAC and would like to welcome you to the TAMRAC family.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p><strong>The New TAMRAC is built by Gura Gear

</strong>Over the last six months we’ve introduced several new awesome TAMRAC bags built on Gura Gear’s core design philosophies; lightweight, premium materials, PVC free, and quality craftsmanship. The new Anvil, Corona, and Stratus bags embody these ideas. The industry has taken notice too.</p>
<p>“For almost 40 years, Tamrac has been producing bags aimed towards photographers who embraced the great outdoors. Their brand new collection of Anvil backpacks … continues their tradition while making a number of exciting design choices that make this collection their best ever.” – Fstoppers, September 2015</p>
<p>Built on Gura Gear’s DNA, the all new TAMRAC G-ELITE G32 and G26 introduce tougher, lighter fabrics with the world’s strongest fiber, Dyneema®, along with a new front pocket system that can accommodate a laptop, light reflector, jacket or whatever else you need for your photographic journey. G-ELITE is designed to maximize every cubic centimeter of the overhead bin space while being easy to use from the back seat of land rover chasing hyenas, lions, and wild dogs. G-ELITE is the apex of volume efficient, lightweight camera carrying. Take a sneak peek at the G32 and G26. Available in Olive and Charcoal.</p>
<p>Where is Gura Gear going?  The same place it has always gone.  To the ends of the Earth.</p>
<p><strong>More Questions and Answers …</strong></p>
<p><em>Is the Gura Gear brand going away?</em></p>
<p>Yes, we are consolidating the brands as simply, TAMRAC. In the coming days, www.guragear.com will cease to exist and all traffic will be pointed to www.tamrac.com</p>
<p><em>Will my Gura Gear bag still be covered by a warranty?</em></p>
<p>Yes, the same warranty that applied when your bag was purchased will continue to apply.</p>
<p><em>Will there be special offers on Gura Gear branded products?</em></p>
<p>Yes, all current Gura Gear products in stock are now marked down and in our new Outlet as well as available at a discount through participating dealers.</p>
<p><em>If you bought Tamrac, why don’t you consolidate the brands to Gura Gear?</em></p>
<p>Great question. Simple answers. Tamrac has been around for nearly 40 years, has greater brand equity, is easier to remember, spell and say, and we simply like it better.</p>
<p>Have more questions? Chat with us live at <a href="http://www.tamrac.com/"><span class="s2">www.tamrac.com</span></a> or <a href="http://guragear.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4707c2be1fbe4fc633df71224&id=6aa48ca114&e=d515abd867"><span class="s2">email us anytime</span></a></p>

New DPAF CMOS patent: Canon EOS 80D?

Toward the end of last month a new Dual-Pixel AF patent was published.

Image Sensor and Image Capture Apparatus - US 9,165,964 B2 - published Oct. 20, 2015
http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=40&f=G&l=50&co1=AND&d=PG01&s1=%22Image+Sensor%22.TTL.&OS=TTL/%22Image+Sensor%22&RS=TTL/%22Image+Sensor%22

It is an image sensor design which "makes it possible to arrange focus detection pixels without generating pixels unavailable as image capture pixels, thus attaining both a high-quality image and a focus detection function of the phase-difference scheme."

My guess is that this is going to be in the Canon EOS 80D (possibly scaled up to full frame for 5D Mark-IV or 6D Mark-II)

Compared to the 2000 DPAF patent:
The new patent allows all pixels to be used for both focus detection and image capture, no interpolation is required to represent the the pixels which would have been made unavailable for image capture.

The new patent mentions that this also leads to improved image quality as there is no longer low sensitivity zones which are susceptible to light loss at particular angles of incidence. These would traditionally need the use of interpolation and exposure brightening to fix dark vertical/horizontal/cross-shaped patterns in portions of the image which are out of focus. (Cleaner bokeh. Perhaps this noisy bokeh issue is why DPAF has not been included in the 5Ds / R)

Compared to the 2008 patent:
The 2008 patent relied on an upper layer to obtain image capture signals (with short wavelength components of incident light) and a lower layer to obtain focus detection signals (with long wavelength components of incident light). Incident light was divided by differences in spectral absorbance, which depends on the thickness of the Silicon layer. An example... the resulting B:G:R components of light mix with eachother in the ratio 6:3:1. Similarly, when the 2008 design is inverted (focus detection signals in upper portion and image capture in lower portion) the problem of poor colour separation remains (e.g. G:R in a ratio of 4:6) Furthermore, with the limitations imposed by silicon thickness (needed for color separation by spectral absorbance), the depth of photoelectric conversion units could not freely be adjusted, limiting dynamic range.

The new patent does not rely on differences in spectral absorbance for phase detection as both functions will occur at the light receiving surface of the pixel. As a result I assume that a more precise colour filter array can be employed.

From what I can gather, the new sensor design could offer:
1.) Noticeably improved colour separation
2.) Slightly improved SNR. I think it also paves the way for higher resolution DPAF designs as it nullifies the inefficiencies that older DPAF implementations had regarding the light capturing surface.
3.) Lastly there is also a possibility to vary the depth of the photoelectric conversion units to increase dynamic range

What I'm unsure about...
There appears to be some mention of a global shutter type function, for synchronization of transfer gates. I assume to allow sub-pixel charges to be accumulated. (I might be wrong, perhaps someone with more of a technical background can clarify.)

6D repair disappointment

I sent my out of warranty 6D for repair to Canon USA (bought in April 2013). Multi controller toggle had stopped responding to the left after a few drops of sea water had splashed on the back side. Everything else worked on the camera and I had been using it for many months.

Canon service could not repair the camera saying there was extensive water damage. I was offered to purchase a new or refurbished one. I opted to receive the camera back since I didn't want to spend close to $1000/1500 for refurbished/new 6D. However the returned camera doesn't even turn on! It makes bunch of whirring sounds when powered on. Previously, I was able to use the camera almost completely except the left move issue. Now it is unusable . Total loss of camera seems unacceptable to me. I am very disappointed. What recourse do I have? I will be calling them on Monday as they are closed on weekend.

Thanks
Deepinder.

Review - EF-M 11-22mm f/4-5.6 STM IS

The peach UWA zoom of the EF-M lineup finally gets reviewed:
http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/963-canon_m1122_456?start=1

The sharpness figures are strong as expected, but vignetting was very high:

"Unfortunately there's a skeleton in the closet ... vignetting. It's shockingly high and in fact it's the worst that we have ever seen in an APS-C format review. A light falloff of 2.9EV (f-stops) at 11mm f/4 is immediately obvious in most scenes."

- A

2015 Africaraw selfdrive photosafari gallery now on line

In 2015 my wife & I ("old age adventurers") completed another of our annual 3 month selfdrive photosafaris in our LC 4x4 with roof top tent. This year our May to July trip started in the Kruger National Park; we then crossed over via Botswana's trans kalahari highway to Etosha National Park in Namibia, & finally headed south to Kgalagadi Transfrontier park. We then returned to Johannesburg to park car & fly back to Netherlands.

With much help from SmugMug our website has been revised & their new design has improved "www.Africaraw.com" in our opinion e.g. collages fill the screen & scrolling instead of selecting many separate pages. This all took time but have at last & got down to editing the thousands of wildlife pictures from the three parks.

In our "2015 photographic safari" gallery in our portfolio we have posted around 100 of the shots (many are Marianne's) we took in the many long hours we patiently waited for "actors" to appear on the often empty stages.

We are now editing the one month long photos from Etosha & will then work on the the two weeks we spent in the Kalahari.

This is our 9th year of these long trips & although many sites & scenes are the same it is wonderful what amazing moments just keep exploding when least expected to reward the many hours sitting & waiting.

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An Update to the EOS 70D Coming Soon? [CR1]

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We’re told that Canon will have some kind of an update to the EOS 70D before we see an 80D. Perhaps an EOS 70Da?</p>
<p>While the source didn’t know the name of the new camera, they did give us the following info.</p>
<ul>
<li>Same AF system as 70D</li>
<li>24 megapixel sensor with dual-pixel AF</li>
<li>A bit larger buffer</li>
<li>DIGIC 6.</li>
</ul>
<p>We were not given an announcement date for the camera. If such a camera is coming soon, CES in January would be the likely announcement time. </p>

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