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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Reviews

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The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM lens is a highly portable lens with high optical performance and a light weight of 12 oz. (340g). A very practical ultra-wide-angle zoom. The large front lens group minimizes peripheral darkening, and the flare-blocking diaphragm minimizes flare. Also, with lens group 2 being the zoom group, distortion is corrected. (Canon)

The Canon EF 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 USM is equivalent to a 32-56mm field of view on a APS-C sensor DSLR like the Canon 40D or Rebel XTi. [Read more…]

 

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM Lens Reviews

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The Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM lens is an affordable L-series ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that’s ideal for both film and digital SLRs. Superior optics are assured by the use of three Aspherical lens elements, in addition to a Super UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass element. Optical coatings are optimized for use with digital cameras. This lens focuses as close as 11 inches (0.28m), and offers both Canon’s full-time manual focus and a powerful ring-type USM for fast and silent AF. It has a constant f/4 maximum aperture, and offers the choice of screw-in 77mm filters or a holder in the rear of the lens for up to three gel filters. Finally, it offers weather-resistant construction similar to other high-end L-series lenses. (Canon) [Read more…]

More Canon 450D / Rebel XTs Rumors

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In a post at the Photography on the Net forums, Spencer Boerup tells us his info (joke) on the followup to the Rebel XTi/400D:

It will be the Rebel XTs. Same sensor, 3″ screen, live-view, dust remover (already had in XTi), increased noise and DR performance (gaining of 2 stops more or so claims Canon), support for UDMA cards, Digic3, Canon wireless master built in, improved AF performance and 4 new cross sensors around the center AF point. Lastly from what I hear it should be priced at $599. Not too shabby.

Nothing more than that for now. I’ll try to keep up with the rumors over the next week or so, but it shouldn’t be long before we have some real info. The hub for all of the Canon 450D / Rebel XTs rumors is this page.

UPDATE 1/19/07:  While some folks do occasionally gather and leak real info, others like to kid around in the forums about the specs of new cameras.  Some specs are clearly jokes; however, others, like Spencer’s post aren’t so obviously bogus (especially considering Sony’s A200 price point).  Apparently, Spencer was just kidding (see his comment below).  You got me and several others on this one Spencer.  Congrats.

[tags]canon, rebel, xts, 450d[/tags]

More Canon 5D Mark II Rumors

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Peted1 over in the DPReview forums says the Canon 5D Mark II is for sure slated for PMA:

I was speaking to a canon rep on Saturday and he told me the 5D mark II will be out at the PMA. He did not have any details but assured me of it coming. He also said there are a few suprises as canon will be bringing out a lot of other new product etc.

But also:

I spoke to my Belgian rep and he also confirmed the new camera will be ANNOUCED soon. However he does not expect to have any in until the summer. (via)

These rumors are always hit and miss with regard to what camera reps really know, but I thought I would pass it along. We’ve only got a couple of weeks left before the real info from PMA starts hitting the fan web.

Heard something from your Canon rep? Pass it along. In the mean time, keep an eye on this page for updates on the Canon 5D Mark II rumors.

[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, rumor[/tags]

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Reviews

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The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is a high performance, water-resistant, and ultra wide-angle Canon L-series lens. It has been specifically designed for improved edge-to-edge image quality that will meet the strict requirements of professional and high-end amateur photographers. It features 3 high-precision aspherical lens elements, each of a different type: ground, replica and GMo for even better image quality than the original EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM. The circular aperture produces a beautiful and natural background blur when shooting at wider apertures. Other features include internal focusing, a ring type USM (Ultra Sonic Monitor), and new AF algorithms for fast and quiet autofocusing. (Canon)

Sample Images

PBase Gallery Images

Reviews

The Digital Picture

I’m very pleased with the image quality I’m getting from this lens. Wide open results are very sharp in the center and improve only slightly stopped down. Wide angle full frame corners, though not perfect, are very good for a lens this wide – the best full-frame Canon wide angle lens yet.

Fred Miranda Forum User Reviews

I was hesitant about spending over twice the cost of the 17-40, but in the end I opted for this nice piece of glass. I am impressed with the wide view it has (even on a 40D) and I am really looking forward to using it on a full frame body. I have noticed that when I have the center focus point active (only) wide landscape shots turn out magnificently sharp. Once you get used to manipulating this precision instrument into doing what you want it too, it does not let you down. The 2.8 aperture is quite fun and, even though it is a wide angle, can create beautiful background blur and really emphasize what you want to stand out most in the frame.

Photography Review User Reviews

What can’t be shown by MTF graphs and pictures of lens test charts is the amazing quality of the images from this lens. They have that certain something you can’t quite put your finger on. A beautiful rich colour and contrast coupled with a sharpness that just oozes the ‘L’ factor. I found myself Oooing and Ahhing over the test prints which is not something I make a habit of I can assure you.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your gear through these links helps support this site.

[tags]Canon, EF, 16-35mm, f/2.8L, USM, lens, review[/tags]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM Lens Reviews

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The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM was first made available in the US as the kit lens for the Canon 20D. Prior to that time, a non-USM version was bundled with the Canon Digital Rebel (300D) kit. Both lenses carry the same optical elements and, thus, image quality evaluations are identical. As a result, the reviews set forth below may relate to one or the other. Obviously, the USM version will have faster focusing than the non-USM version. In August 2007, Canon released a stabilized version of this lens, which may begin appearing in DSLR kits soon. [Read more…]

New Camera Reviews: Nikon D3, D300 and Canon 1D Mark III

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Luminous Landscape has a thorough essay on what Nikon brings to the table with the new D3 and D300:

We now have a bit of a sea change happening. Nikon has flexed its considerable muscle and with the D3 produced a camera that sends a clear challenge to Canon’s nearly decade-long dominance of the digital arena. The D300, though in many ways simply a logical progression from the D200, is a much better camera than its predecessor, and along with its superior sensor offers the pro and advanced amateur a set of features and functionality that is unmatched at the moment in Canon’s line up.

Lawrence Ripsher has posted a thorough review of the Canon 1D Mark III:

The Canon 1D Mark III has become my new workhorse. It has all but completely replaced the Canon 5D I was previously shooting with, proving to me every time it is worth the extra weight and drop of 2 megapixels. Even though the 5D still produces superb high quality images, the 1D matches it in good light and is able to go that extra mile at high ISO settings.

Want more reviews and resources on these cameras? Get it here: Nikon D3, Nikon D300, Canon 1D Mark III.

[tags]nikon, d3, d300, canon, 1d, mark iii, review[/tags]

Canon 450D at PMA and 5D Mark II at Photokina?

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Some interesting thoughts from POTN:

The new camera [5D Mark II] is most likely at beta level, undergoing further tests prior to its official announcement by Canon in Fall, in conjunction with Photokina 2008. PMA Show 2008 at Las Vegas end of January is not the ideal place to announce a successor to the EOS 5D. A successor to the EOS Xti Rebel is more likely to be unveiled in conjunction with the PMA event.

A year ago, everyone/everywhere was speculating on the EOS 40D for PMA 2007 and Canon decided to unveil the EOS-1D Mark III instead.

EOS 40D and the EOS-1Ds Mark III became part of the Fall announcement of 2007 instead due to it not being a Photokina year to capitalise on. At this point of time, it is too early for Canon to announce a successor to the EOS 5D as both the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III and Nikon D3 have not been in the market long enough to gauge how much effect (sales-wise) of both against the volumes of the EOS 5D and EOS-1D Mark III.

Rebates and promotions of the 5D currently may not necessary mean it is going to be replaced soon. It may be promoted against the onslaught of Nikon D300 and Sony Alpha A700, both of which are 12MPs and APS-C DSLRs.

Also, the EOS 350D (Rebel XT) has been dropped from the 4th-quarter 2007 catalog line-up of EOS models in my country/region while the EOS 5D remains. In the 4th-quarter 2006 catalog, only the EOS-1D Mark II N was missing from the line-up while EOS 30D remained. 1st-quarter 2008 catalog will be issued at end of January. [See Geoffrey’s post at #87]

Smells like Geoffrey may be on to something here. Canon doesn’t really have to be in a rush to put out a replacement for the 5D. It’s still great at what it does. It’s still in the top 10 selling DSLRs on Amazon (while it’s listed as 18th, if you take out the repeats on different variations of kits and bodies, the 5D comes in at #10). That’s pretty impressive for a 2 1/2 year old DSLR.

Just a couple of weeks or so left until we find out for sure, but I’m sure we’ll get more rumors and rumblings between now and then. Stay tuned.

[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, 6d, 4d, news, rumors[/tags]

Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6L USM

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B&H Photo has a used copy of this puppy laying around the warehouse for a super deal of $99,000 with case (plus shipping). Looks like they’ve only got one though. Darn, I was hoping for a pair.

From Canon:

This remarkable lens is the longest in the world with full autofocus capability. Two fluorite elements for superb image quality, make it ideal for many professional applications where it’s impossible to get close to the subject. Fully compatible with any EOS SLR, including digital bodies, autofocus performance is silent and instantaneous thanks to the Ultrasonic Motor. It’s also compatible with the Canon Extender EF 1.4x II (making it a 1700mm f/8) and EF 2x II (2400mm f/11). Available upon special order.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Reviews

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The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM lens is a high-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens combining light weight and compactness with an f/4 maximum aperture. Inner focusing and the ring USM enable quick and quiet autofocusing. Also, a circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing. The tripod collar (sold separately) is the same one used with the EF 300mm f/4L USM. (Canon) [Read more…]