For me, 24mm-105mm is a perfect general range for so much of photography, whether you photograph corporate events, weddings and headshots. That 105mm focal length is perfect for portraits! Lenses with this range is pretty standard for every brand as an f/4 option ... but with events, we are often working in low light ... and that faster f/2.8 becomes somewhat of a necessity.
Now that Sony has its own superb version of the modern legend by Canon - the 28-70mm f/2 lens -- here's another lens that I think Sony needs to have in its line-up Read more inside...
Before we get into this review of the Canon 470EX-AI speedlite (B&H / Amazon), I need to mention that I wanted this review video to be more than just a listing of the features of this flash. We therefore also delve into bounce flash technique. So there is something here even for those photographers who don't shoot Canon, or have no real interest in getting this flash. So please do check the video out.
I was really curious to get to play with the Canon 470EX-AI speedlite (B&H / Amazon) for a review, Read more inside...
This review of the Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS lens (B&H), is split into two parts: In this review article we will look at lens sharpness and other important factors. The accompanying review article specifically looks at the bokeh of this lens compared to other 85mm lenses in its class. This is an important update of their 85mm lens, since it includes stabilization. The legendary Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (B&H) (in both incarnations), is much loved by photographers, even to the point where some ascribe some near-mythical quality Read more inside...
In the accompanying review article, the Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS lens (B&H) really stood out in terms of image sharpness. Here I want to linger a bit on the bokeh of this lens, especially as compared to the much-loved Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (B&H).
The comparison includes these three lenses, since they are in the same league:
Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS lens (B&H)
Canon 85mm f/1.2L II (B&H)
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 ART (B&H)
Please also check out the review: Canon EF Read more inside...
The Canon 5D mark IV (B&H) offers a bunch of new features which are exciting: higher resolution than the previous incarnation of the 5D series. It now offers 4K video. The autofocus has also been improved - a weak point of the previous 5D bodies. There is also new features such as Dual Pixel RAW - a way for fine adjustments to be made after the image is taken, to make slight adjustments to the focus point to improve the fine details recorded. The 4K video capability also allows you to grab 8.8MP still frames during Read more inside...
Review: comparison Canon 135mm f/2L vs. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
One lens that has a huge loyal fanbase, is the Canon 135mm f/2L USM lens (B&H / Amazon). It has a wide aperture for a medium telephoto lens, and the lens is small and compact. Unassuming. Easy to love.
Then the inevitable question comes up from photographers stepping into getting their first telephoto lens - which is the better choice? How does the Canon 135mm f/2L compare to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II zoom?
The advantages to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II (B&H / Amazon) is Read more inside...
Continuing on from the review of the bokeh of Canon 50mm lenses, let's have a look at image sharpness. Clearly, there is more to deciding on a lens than just sharpness, and we discussed one of those aspects in that article on bokeh. Often it comes down to a balance between your budget, and what you expect from the lens - but usually, image sharpness is the key factor.
It could be argued that 50mm is a less thrilling focal length - not wide enough for scenic views, nor long enough to compress perspective. Still, a 50mm lens is often Read more inside...
This photo of a street performer in New York was shot with a 50mm lens. That should be fairly obvious from a quick scrutiny - the perspective (which is not wide, and neither tight); and the shallow depth of field. That sort of gives away that a 50mm lens was most likely used for this loosely composed candid portrait.
Now, I have to admit that I have this strange love-disinterest relationship with the 50mm focal length. Not quite love-hate, but more a frustration at times with the 50mm as the main lens to use. It feels like it is either not wide Read more inside...
With this wide-angle zoom, I felt like Canon redeemed itself. And you may well wonder why I have such a strong opinion about this. Well, my experience with Canon over the years has been a clouded one. A number of years back I moved back to Nikon again when I couldn't handle the Canon 24-70mm f2.8L going out of calibration every so often. Then, there was the untrustworthy AF performance of the Canon 1D mark III. In fact, I'm still waiting for Canon to send me an apology note for that camera. In fact, for all three bodies that I owned.
But I digress Read more inside...
I had a number of people ask about more details about the Canon 6D and whether I would recommend the Canon 6D (affiliate), or Canon 5D mark III (affiliate). It's tough enough to give advice at best of times, since the decision to buy a top-notch camera is a nuanced one. There are so many factors that come into play - your budget, weight of the camera; ergonomics; features & specification. Everyone has a different requirement of their camera gear.
So when I was able now to get my hands on a broad enough Read more inside...
