400mm DO II

So Bryan has reviewed a preproduction version and he claims that it will be better with a 2x TC than the original was without a converter. The charts back him up.

That said, I'm a happy owner of the mark I version of this lens. I just got today the 7DII and was out playing and got this pic w/ the 400 and a 1.4x:

http://www.mcvoy.com/lm/wren.jpg

If it's really true that the 400 II is sharper with a 2x (2x!!!) than the 400 I, yeah, I'm buying that lens.

Anyone have some real data or are we just waiting?

Just picked up a 6D... I am really impressed so far.

I currently use a 7D1 as my main camera body. I shoot mainly wildlife and so far the 7D has done everything and more that I have wanted it too. However, I know that there are advantages of having a nice FF so after doing my homework and talking to several camera buddies I bought a 6D.

I have owned the 5D2 and have tried out the 5D3. I already have a camera that works perfect for wildlife so I cannot justify spending 3 grand on a FF body, nor will I ever. The 5D2 is an amazing camera and nice bodies can be found used for around $1300-$1400. The recent rebate on the 6D makes that camera body look at lot more attractive, so I went ahead and bought one.

It is a little smaller than my 7D and is a lot lighter but it does not feel like a "cheap" camera in any way. I was a little nervous about the AF system but after trying it out, it seems to work perfectly. AF is very fast and accurate and works fantastic in low light, much faster than my 7D. I use the center point 99% of the time anyway, so lack of focus points does not really matter to me...

The only other thing that bothered me was the 1/4000s max shutter speed. But when I really thought about it, I rarely ever need that fast of a shutter speed anyway!

This isn't a discussion about the 6D being better than any other camera, Canon or otherwise. If you bought a 5D3 and it's amazing then good for you. I didn't want a FF for sports or wildlife, I already have a great camera for that. I wanted a FF for portraits and low light photography like lightening and night shots and also to have a true wild angle camera. Again I can't (and don't have) justify spending 3 grand on a camera body.

The buttons feel good and the lack of joystick is not really a problem. It's a little different than the "normal" EOS layout but feels natural if you are used to Canon bodies.

If you have ever wanted a FF and have been nervous about buying this camera because some people have called it "cheap" or are trying to pressure you into a camera you don't need then ignore them. You won't be unhappy with the 6D. The images are AMAZING!!!

Just my 2 cents.

D

  • Poll Poll
What would you choose to complement a 50mm prime?

What would you choose to complement a 50mm prime?

  • Canon 24-70mm f2.8 II

    Votes: 9 20.0%
  • Canon 24-70mm f4 IS + Canon 70-200mm f4 IS

    Votes: 4 8.9%
  • Canon 16-35mm f4 IS + Canon 70-200mm f4 IS

    Votes: 31 68.9%
  • Canon 24-70mm f4 IS + Canon 70-300mm L IS

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Canon 16-35mm f4 IS + Canon 70-300mm L IS

    Votes: 1 2.2%

I recently sold my Canon 70-200mm f2.8 IS II because it's heavy and bulky and I got tired of lugging it around. I just picked up a Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art, primarily for portraiture. I'm thinking about selling my Canon 24-70mm f2.8 II and replacing it with a couple of f4 zooms to broaden my available focal range.

What would you choose to complement a 50mm prime, and why?

Thanks in advance for your input, and for playing along!

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Finally, mine arrived tonight. 4 days for next day shipping!

Its after dark, and my camera is out in the studio, so I'll just start with some unboxing photos. This is by far the best packaged of the under $3,000 lenses I've seen. Adorama packed it well too, as usual. These are just snapshots with my G1X II, no flash or special lights. I took a photo of the extended lens to show what it looks like at 400mm.

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BPG file format trounces JPG for quality at high compression rates

this is interesting, not sure where I'd make use of it altho it would make storage of my processed, finished files a bit smaller, perhaps.

http://xooyoozoo.github.io/yolo-octo-bugfixes/#zoo-bird-head&jpg=s&bpg=s

some story at

www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/12/15/new-bpg-image-format-looks-to-beat-out-jpeg-with-same-quality-at-half-the-s

Digital Camera was into decline stage

http://petapixel.com/2014/12/15/chart-shows-badly-digital-camera-sales-getting-hammered-smartphones/

Everyone know digital camera sale was dropping, the data show camera production quantity go back to analog era. I think the number will remain constant in next few year, at least before next revolution like analog to digital.(mirrorless not a revolution, for consumer mirrorless just a more advance digital compact that can change lens).

  • Poll Poll
Poll: Most wanted new features for 5D Mark IV

What would YOU like to see on the 5D Mark IV (Pick 3)

  • Better dynamic range

    Votes: 140 70.0%
  • Higher megapixel resolution

    Votes: 61 30.5%
  • Less moire/anti-aliasing

    Votes: 10 5.0%
  • 4K video

    Votes: 23 11.5%
  • Less rolling shutter

    Votes: 2 1.0%
  • Dual-pixel AF

    Votes: 37 18.5%
  • Touchscreen

    Votes: 6 3.0%
  • Wi-Fi / GPS

    Votes: 28 14.0%
  • Faster FPS

    Votes: 31 15.5%
  • Better battery life

    Votes: 2 1.0%
  • Electronic viewfinder

    Votes: 6 3.0%
  • Articulating LCD screen

    Votes: 16 8.0%
  • Focus peaking/zebras

    Votes: 18 9.0%
  • Upgraded auto-focus system

    Votes: 29 14.5%
  • Sharper video

    Votes: 4 2.0%
  • Faster 1080p FPS (96+)

    Votes: 3 1.5%
  • Better low light ISO performance

    Votes: 71 35.5%
  • More custom buttons/dials

    Votes: 2 1.0%
  • Bigger image buffer

    Votes: 12 6.0%
  • Faster SD card reader

    Votes: 10 5.0%
  • 10-bit video recording option

    Votes: 3 1.5%
  • Better video codec

    Votes: 1 0.5%
  • 4:2:2 video recording option

    Votes: 2 1.0%
  • Lower native ISO

    Votes: 15 7.5%
  • Lighter/smaller

    Votes: 6 3.0%
  • Interchangeable focus screens

    Votes: 13 6.5%
  • Reduced horizontal/vertical noise banding

    Votes: 8 4.0%
  • Faster flash sync speed

    Votes: 7 3.5%
  • Flash RT integration

    Votes: 6 3.0%

We all have a wish list for the 5D Mark IV. What's on yours?

Canon USA Addresses the Gray Market

HTML:
<p><strong>What is Gray Market?</strong></p>
<p><strong>Information on Parallel or “Gray Market” Products</strong></p>
<p>Canon sells and supports Canon-brand consumer and professional products in the U.S. through Canon U.S.A., which distributes these products through its authorized dealers and distributors. Canon U.S.A. is the only authorized importer of these products in the U.S., and provides industry-leading customer service and support for them. Products distributed by Canon U.S.A. are “localized” to meet the needs of customers in the U.S. market and are engineered to comply with local safety regulations and governmental requirements. As such, these products come with different accessories, manuals, and warranties than the versions intended for sale in other global regions such as Asia. Any Canon-brand products which are imported and sold other than by this method are referred to as “parallel,” or “Gray Market,” products (collectively, “Gray Market Products”).</p>
<p><strong>Hazards and Difficulties Associated with “Gray Market” Products</strong></p>
<p>Customers in the U.S. may find that Gray Market Products do not meet their expectations because they were not intended by Canon for sale in the U.S. In some cases, sellers of Gray Market Products may attempt to localize the products themselves by adding, changing or removing certain accessories from the products, which may result in the following:</p>
<p>• including in product packaging illegal or counterfeit accessories, such as batteries, chargers, and ink tanks, which can cause injury and seriously damage your Canon product;

• An incorrect power cord or adapter which was not provided, or quality checked, by Canon;

• Incorrect software or illegal copies of software which may not function;

• Poor photocopies of the original manual;

• A fake Canon U.S. warranty, a warranty provided by a third party, or no warranty at all; and

• A device with a serial number which cannot be registered with Canon in the U.S.</p>
<p><strong>Customers should also be aware that Gray Market Products may not be eligible for:</strong>

• Coverage under a U.S. warranty;

• U.S. promotions, including mail-in and instant rebates; and

• Technical support</p>
<p>If you are in doubt about a seller, or whether the products it sells are intended for the U.S., please <a href="http://usa.canon.com/authorizeddealers" target="_blank">http://usa.canon.com/authorizeddealers</a> for a list of Canon U.S.A.’s Authorized Dealers. New and genuine Canon products intended for sale in the U.S. can only be purchased from Canon Authorized Dealers in the U.S. or from Canon U.S.A. directly.</p>
<p>To learn more about counterfeit products, please visit <a href="http://usa.canon.com/aboutcounterfeits" target="_blank">http://usa.canon.com/aboutcounterfeits</a> to view important information.</p>
<p><strong>Source: [<a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/CUSA/assets/app/pdf/CUSA_Gray_Market_Statement_12.12.14.pdf" target="_blank">CUSA</a>] via [<a href="http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/canon-issues-gray-market.html" target="_blank">TH</a>]</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>
<p> </p>

EF 100-400mm II - first impressions

My 100-400 II arrived today at the local store, collected it at 2.45 pm, adjusted microfocus on Focal by 3.45, when it was nearly dark here, ± 1.4xTC.

I fired 6 quick shots of the local chimney in the near dark at 560 mm (with the 1.4xTC) at f/8, iso 2500 and 1/25 s. All were spot on sharp. The IS is excellent, at least 4 stops, compared with 3 on my Tamron at 600. The image looks really sharp. I couldn't do any extensive testing as I had to photo all the kids at a Christmas party, but I have just done some quick shots of the centre of the iso 1223 chart to compare with the 300/2.8 II and Tamron on the 5DIII. (My 70D is at WEX being assessed for part exchange).

1. At 400mm and f/5.6, it is not as sharp as the 300 + 1.4xTC at 420mm and f/4. I was only at about 8m from the target, and the focal length appeared to be only about a real 370mm.
2. At 560mm and f/8 with the 1.4xTC it is really sharp, and much better than the Tamron 150-600mm at 600mm and f/8.

I am really surprised about how good it is with the 1.4xTC. With it's superb IS and performance at 560mm, I am really pleased I bought it. A little disappointed at 400mm, but maybe microfocus isn't quite right yet. I'll play around with it more in the next few days to see how it shapes up at 400.

Left hand side shots are raw converted to jpeg with no sharpening whatsoever. Right is applying unsharp mask at 0.9 px and 100%.

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Buying Advice: What First Lens for a Full Frame?

I dished out on the Canon 6D, which will be my first full frame body. I'm looking into buying a new lens, since the only lens I have on my Canon 7D is the gorgeous Sigma 18-35 f1.8. Obviously, it's not exactly made for a full frame body, so I'm sure there'd be vignetting. As a first timer in the full frame market, what would be a good versatile lens?

I do multiple kinds of photography: landscape, portrait, concert/music

I should also note that I'm on a very tight budget.

Thanks!

DANGIT! I rented the 85 1.2ii

...and now I literally DREAM about owning it! I'm hoping that Sigma comes out with their new 85 ART, but I'm realizing it's probably not happening soon.

I was happy with my current lens kit of:

35 1.4 Art
50 1.4 Art
70-200 2.8 USM IS II
135 2
24-70 2.8 II

and now, I'm literally losing my mind wanting the 85.

Anyone else considering pulling the trigger? Those who did, please share your photos with this lens to further torment me (and probably push me over the edge into 85 1.2 bliss).

Thanks!

Advice on which DSLR to get

Hello,

My wife is getting more into photography and I would like to get her a a DSLR. This would be her first DSLR, but I'd like to get her one that she could grow into and not one that will be replaced in a year or two. I have read some very positive reviews for the Rebel T5i. Would this be a good choice? What lens(es) would you recommend? From what I see this camera was last refreshed March of last year, which was quite a while ago. Should I wait for a new version to be released first? Is there one coming out soon?

Any advice/help is greatly appreciated! :)

How Accurate are Canon MTF Charts?

I find it interesting that some people remain unconvinced that the new 400mm DO ii will be an exceptionally sharp lens. The MTF charts for the DO ii look amazing. In contrast I also find it interesting that many who own the 400mm 5.6L claim that this lens delivers impressive image quality, while the MTF charts look rather unimpressive.

Can Canon's MTF charts be used as an accurate prediction of lens sharpness and contrast, or are there cases where real world image quality and their MTF charts vary significantly?

For example: based on the Canon MTF charts alone, could one accurately predict a significant difference in image quality (sharpness and contrast) between the 400mm DO ii and the 100-400 4.5-5.6L ii at 400mm?

Nikon Europe issues advisory notice re. FAKE Nikon D800E

http://nikonrumors.com/2014/12/16/apperently-there-are-fake-nikon-d800e-cameras-out-there.aspx/
https://nikoneurope-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63056

That's what happens, if a company charges 1000 Euros more for a product variation with a modification that does not cost a lot and then simply adds an "E" behind the product name.

All it takes, is to paint or laser-etch that missing "E" behind the "D800" moniker on top of the camera ...

buying advice: 24-70 2.8 v1 or v2

Hi, I am on the fence about which to get for an admittedly silly reason: filter size. The majority of all my lenses and filters are 77mm. The issue with the filter size is two fold: 1) I hate to buy filters over again in 82mm 2) when traveling bringing filters in another size is an annoyance.

So the question is for those that have owned both lenses, is the v2 thaat much better (IQ and AF) than the v1? Thanks in advance for your help.

What the heck are Perceptual MegaPixels?

Does anyone understand the science - if there is any? - behind the DxO perceptual megapixel concept? According to DxO: "The DxOMark score for Sharpness is based on the Perceptual Megapixel (P-Mpix) concept that weights the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the lens with the human visual acuity." What?

The recent TN video being roasted in another thread about it being often counterproductive to use full frame lenses on crop is based on Tony's unshakeable belief that DxO has all the answers.

It does make some sense that lenses must resolve finer detail to capture the same image on a much smaller sensor just based on the magnification needed to reproduce that image at a given size. However, it also seems logical that a lens designed to resolve detail for a 40 MP full frame sensor ought to work really well on an 18 MP crop. Comparing the DxO "sharpness" numbers on a 70D for the EF24-105L, EF-S 17-55, and EF 24-70L shows 10 P-MP, 11 P-MP, and 14 P-MP respectively. (seems like the same order I'd rank those lenses in) Clearly the crop designed lens is better than one L lens and not as good as another on a crop body (if you believe DxO) How does DxO arrive at one "sharpenss" value for a >4 to 1 zoom?

To me all this says is that the newest lens designs tend to be better than the older designs?

Canon EOS 6D Firmware 1.1.6 Released

HTML:
<p><strong>Firmware Version 1.1.6 incorporates the following fixes:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which the camera may not first use the center AF point to focus, when the AF point selection is set to automatic in AI Servo AF mode.</li>
<li>Fixes a phenomenon in which focus cannot be finely adjusted with specific lenses when shooting remotely with EOS Utility software.</li>
<li>Corrects some Ukrainian language displayed on the menu for ISO Setting.</li>
</ol>
<p>Firmware Version 1.1.6 is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.1.4. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 1.1.6, it is not necessary to update the firmware.</p>
<p><strong>Please note:</strong>

If the firmware is updated from version 1.1.3 or before, the following setting will be reset to default. Menu > Custom Function> C.Fn II: Autofocus > AF Microadjustment> 1: All by same amount</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/professional_cameras/digital_slr_cameras/eos_6d?selectedName=DriversAndSoftware" target="_blank">Download firmware 1.1.6</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/892349-REG/Canon_8035b002_EOS_6D_Digital_Camera.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Canon EOS 6D at B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

Suggest Ideal Speedlite Accessory Kit for 600EX-RT units etc.

OK, a while back I was unfortunate enough to find a new 600EX-RT for about $330. As everyone knows, if you find a killer deal on something like the 600EX-RT, all it is going to do is make you start looking for a few more. :( And lo and behold, I was again plagued with another good deal last week for $419 each. So I bought two more. Then I got the Yonghuo YN-E3-RT wireless transmitter on Amazon for $89 and some StoFen Diffusers.

Now this isn't the first Speedlite I've ever owned. In fact, the various Speedlites I already have work great. (430EX, 580EX and 580EX-II, along with a 270EX-II and some SunPak RD-2000 flashes which are what I use most.)

So I don't really know what to do with the 600EX-RT Speedlites. I guess I can use them to prop up an uneven table or (once I get the Sto-Fen diffusers I ordered) I could use them as back scratchers. Paper weights? Door stops? They're not quite big enough to make good wheel chocks. I mean, what are they really good for anyway? And what does the RT mean? Real Tough? Radioactive Terminator? Real Time? Romeo Tango?

Regardless, since I'm stuck with these cotton-pickin' things, I guess I should see what everyone else here would do if they were in the same situation and had to deal with this problem. Assuming you owned a good body like the 5D3, etc what would you buy to utilize these babies fully? Most of my shooting is for journalistic/event stuff. Then I shoot ceremonies in a church sanctuary. But I'd like to also work at improving skills on smaller portrait settings that could be portable.

So seriously, I don't want to spend a ton of money at this point, just get a few essentials that would give best bang for buck to add versatility and usefulness. Like for instance, if I want to shoot a small family group portrait shot, etc in a portable way. I've got a good friend out of town that will have an informal wedding soon and I could shoot a few shots with him and his bride. Or shoot someone in daylight shade from a distance with the 70-200 and have some fill light out of frame. Stuff like that. I'm thinking perhaps a simple background setup, a couple stands/modifiers, portable little stands/clamps for outdoors or other goodies.

I thought subject this might make a good thread for everyone to share things that have paid off for them using speedlites in various situations. Thanks in advance! (OK, David Hobby and Joe McNally, time to stop just lurking out there and start actually posting something! Come on, you know you want to!!)

Rusty

Noise - maybe it's good?

OK so the title is BS but I'm sitting here watching Californcation on netflix and thinking this was all done with cameras with a lot of noise. And they use that noise. To good effect.

Anyone else seen that and care to comment?

I post this because there are endless threads here about all the noise in pictures. Here's a 7D example:

http://www.mcvoy.com/lm/bill+pam/32.html

Yup, if I'm looking for the noise I see it. But if I'm looking at the picture I don't. I just see a guy I know in low light, in a picture I like. I know, the noise is awful. But the pic is not bad, it's one of my favorites.

So are we all too focussed on the noise and not enough on the picture?

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