Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II Lens for $1649

There is a highly-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens for $1,649 including free shipping. The normal price is $2.099 after $100 rebate. As The Wildlife Ho-tographer, this is my favorite 'L' medium zoom lens in Canon's EF lens line up. You can read my review of this glass here.

I have taken this lens all around the globe on many wildlife photo shoots, from the high Arctic to the Southern Ocean. You can see my lens recommendation for nature and wildlife photography.

You will not find a link to this merchant because I do not accept any advertisement, commissioned link and tracking cookies on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can find the listing easily by Googling it yourself. See my equipment bag, works and images taken with this lens on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Digital Learning Center Explains Evaluative Metering

All Canon EOS, Rebel and Powershot cameras come with Evaluative Metering as a factory installed option right out of the box. The video below from CDLC explains why it is the most used setting for many photographers. I use it almost all the time on my equipment, including the EOS-7D Mark II and EOS-1D X Mark II cameras. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com 

DXOMark Review of Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was rated by DXOMark recently and received the highest score for any Canon camera to date. My readers know I am not big on laboratory reviews and have just returned from my 2nd real world wildlife photo tour to the High Arctic testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II in the cold and sometimes damp Svalbard archipelago, deep inside the Arctic circle. My previous tour was to the hot and steamy Upper Amazon and Andean Highlands.

Once again, I am impressed by the new body but now I have to take some time to get back to the daily routine, process the photos and get ready for my next trip to further test the camera in a different part of the world and environment.

The Arctic is melting fast, at least in the summer time. Global warming is real and worrisome, especially for some Arctic wildlife, like the Polar bears, which depends almost entirely on sea ice for its survival. You can see my equipment bag and more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com
The following is an excerpt from the DXOMark test results. You can read my continuing review and full DXOMark review here.


"The Canon performs exceptionally well. Not only does it have a wider useful dynamic range at base and low ISOs than the Nikon, it’s not far behind the Sony, and that small difference won’t be noticed in use. The Canon sensor continues to offer a wide dynamic range at every ISO setting, improving on the Sony from ISO800 onwards, and falling only slightly behind the Nikon’s strong performance from ISO6400 onwards. Indeed, the difference at most is around +0.6EV. Canon cameras are known for high ISO noise performance, and the Mark II surpasses both the Nikon and Sony by nearly +0.5EV."

Conclusion
"This is a well-deserved result for Canon, and this versatile sensor should prove attractive to a wide range of photographers, including those that work in multiple disciplines. The wide dynamic range at low ISOs should appeal to all photographers, but especially those using it for landscapes, and the low noise at high ISOs will also appeal to action and sports photographers. Although the new model is aimed primarily at that market, the increase in pixel count over its predecessor now matches that of the earlier EOS-1Ds Mk III, a model that’s still highly regarded for editorial and commercial work. It is not too much of a stretch to view the new EOS-1D X Mk II as the natural successor to that camera, and its wide range of capabilities, including DCI 4K video, make it look highly tempting. Sure, it would have been great to see a higher pixel count, but overall, the sensor performance offers photographers the versatility to tackle a wide range of assignments with just one camera."

Canon EOS-80D vs Sony A6300 Camera Comparison

Canon EOS-80D vs Sony A6300 camera comparison

I have just returned from my High Arctic Photo Tour testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera in the cold and sometimes damp Svalbard archipelago, deep inside the Arctic circle. Once again, I am impressed by the new body but now I have to take some time to get back to the daily routine, process the photos and get ready for my next trip to further test the camera in a different part of the world and environment.

The Arctic is melting fast, at least in the summer time. Global warming is real and worrisome, especially for some Arctic wildlife, like the Polar bears, which depends almost entirely on sea ice for its survival. You can see my equipment bag and more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

The Canon EOS-80D camera was announced in February, together with the updated EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, equipped with new Nano USM technology. It may be the best EOS-XXD camera so far but for those who shoot primarily sports or wildlife photography, I recommend the EOS-7D Mark II camera instead.

DigitalRev compared the EOS-80D to the Sony A6300 with the video below and comes with the usual bit of levity. The eternal question, DSLR vs Mirrorless cameras, which is better?  How does Sony mirrorless bodies compare to Canon and Nikon DSLRs?

Click to compare the EOS-70D with the EOS-80D cameras. For more details on the EOS-80D camera, check out the links below from Canon Professional Network

• Step up option vs. Entry level DSLR
• The 45 point AF system
• Auto Focus @ f/8 (first time on a EOS-XXD camera)
• What is Nano USM technology?
• Download EOS-80D Camera User Manual

Apple iPhones To Have RAW Image Data in iOS 10

* * *  Apple released Digital Camera RAW Compatibility Update 6.20  * * * 

I have just returned from another successful wildlife photo trip to the High Arctic testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera. Trying to get back to my blog and catching up with the latest photography news. It will take me a week or two to get back to speed and precious little time to process the photos because by then, my next tour will be here already. I have a very busy Summer touring season ahead of me. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Apple may be finally offering photographers who use their iPhones 'exclusively' to take photographs the opportunity to shoot and edit RAW images in a native camera app. The next version of the phone's software, iOS 10 is due to be released later this year. Apple is really behind their Android competitors. Users of the competing system already have access to RAW image editing for a while now.

Third party developers will be able to offer additional apps as Apple opens up the codes in the RAW file data. iOS 10 is scheduled for public beta access soon and a final release some time in Q4.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera Image Corruption With Sandisk CFast Card

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

* * *  Firmware 1.02 released to correct Sandisk CFast 2.0 problem  * * *

* * *  On a photo shoot in Alaska / Canada with the EOS-1D X Mark II  * * *

I have just returned from my High Arctic Photo Tour testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera in the cold and sometimes damp Svalbard archipelago, deep inside the Arctic circle. Once again, I am impressed by the new body but now I have to take some time to get back to the daily routine, process the photos and get ready for my next trip to further test the camera in a different part of the world and environment.

The Arctic is melting fast, at least in the summer time. Global warming is real and worrisome, especially for some Arctic wildlife, like the Polar bears, which depends almost entirely on sea ice for its survival. You can see my equipment bag and more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Now a bit of catching with the photography news while I was away in the High Arctic since there was no Internet access on the expedition ship. Canon announced a possible Sandisk CFast card image corruption with the EOS-1D X Mark II camera.

It has been confirmed that when shooting still images with the EOS-1D X Mark II digital SLR camera launched in April 2016 with SanDisk CFast cards, the following phenomenon will occur. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to users who have been inconvenienced by this issue.

Phenomenon

If a SanDisk CFast card is inserted into the camera or a card reader, the bottom part of still images recorded may be corrupted.

This phenomenon is confirmed in images recorded in both the RAW and JPEG formats. In the RAW file, the image corruption may appear in the bottom right corner of the image. In the JPEG file, the image corruption may appear in the lower third area of the image. 

Please Note :

Movie recording is not affected by this phenomenon.

Still images or movies recorded to CF cards are not affected by this phenomenon.

Cause

This phenomenon is caused by SanDisk CFast cards. The camera does not cause this phenomenon.

Affected Products

SanDisk CFast cards.

Image corruption may be experienced with the cards listed below :

The “xxx” at the end of the product number varies depending on the sales region.
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxx)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxx)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxxA)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxxA)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 64GB (SDCFSP-064G-xxxB)
SanDisk Extreme PRO CFast2.0 128GB (SDCFSP-128G-xxxB)

Market Support 

Although it has been confirmed that this phenomenon is caused by SanDisk CFast cards, to prevent the occurrence of this phenomenon, Canon will be releasing a camera firmware (Ver 1.0.2) on the Web for a download service in early July.

All new EOS-1D X Mark II cameras distributed by Canon Australia and Canon New Zealand after June 27th will have firmware Version 1.0.2.

We would like to apologize for the inconvenience, but we would like to ask our customers to refrain from using SanDisk CFast cards when shooting still images until the new camera firmware becomes available.

Workaround

It is our understanding that image files of about 16MB or less recorded immediately before the camera’s power is turned off may become corrupted. Below are the methods available to help avoid image corruption when powering off the camera :

The Camera can be powered off in four ways :

1) When the power switch is set to OFF
2) When the card slot cover is opened
3) When the power is turned off due to the Auto Power Off setting
4) When the battery is removed

The phenomenon can be prevented by performing the procedure below:
Before powering the camera off, please take extra shots*1 because the extra shots taken immediately before the camera is powered off may experience the corruption and not the images taken before the extra shots were taken.

*1 The table below shows the most popular file types used and how many extra shots are recommended.

File Size (Approx.)  and how many extra shots one needs to
take in order to meet the 16MB or larger requirement

  23.2MB =  1
  L: 6.2MB =  3
  M1: 4.3MB =  4
  M2: 3.4MB = 5
  S: 2.2MB =  8

Canon EOS-6D Mark II Camera plus New DSLR in 2017

Canon EOS-6D Mark II camera?

I have just returned from another successful wildlife photo trip to the High Arctic testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera. Trying to get back to my blog and catching up with the latest photography news. It will take me a week or two to get back to speed and precious little time to process the photos because by then, my next tour will be here already. I have a very busy Summer touring season ahead of me. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

My sources informed me the entry level, Canon EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera will be announced Q1, 2017 with a delivery date of Q2. It may have a new sensor in the mid 20MP range but details are hard to come by right now. Also, there is a possibility Canon may introduce a brand new designation, EOS-XD camera in 2017. This will certainly revive rumors about the EOS-3D, a nameplate that has been mentioned since 2005.

Canon has its hands full with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II starting to deliver in higher volume now. Then the EOS-5D Mark IV will be announced around August, with a Q4 delivery date. The EOS-6D Mark II and EOS-M4 will be a 2017 story. Keep checking back for the latest info as I get them.

Back From My High Arctic Wildlife Photo Tour

Arctic Polar bears in peril - their Last Stand

I have just returned from my High Arctic Photo Tour testing the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera in the cold and sometimes damp Svalbard archipelago, deep inside the Arctic circle. Once again, I am impressed by the new body but now I have to take some time to get back to the daily routine, process the photos and get ready for my next trip to further test the camera in a different part of the world and environment.

The Arctic is melting fast, at least in the summer time. Global warming is real and worrisome, especially for some Arctic wildlife, like the Polar bears, which depends almost entirely on sea ice for its survival. You can see my equipment bag and more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Now a bit of catching up to the photography news while I was away in the High Arctic since there was no Internet access on the expedition ship. The United Kingdom's recent vote to leave the European Union has thrown a monkey wrench into Canon Inc.s business plans.

Canon Inc. Chief Executive Fujio Mitarai said on Friday he was "very dismayed" by Britain's shock decision to leave the European Union, saying the move hurt Japan's economic growth prospects.

"In Japan, while we can expect to see a temporary surge in the value of the yen, the U.K.'s decision could also bring a halt to the economic recovery that had been underway," Mitarai, head of the camera and printer maker, said in a statement.

"We look to the Japanese government to implement strong monetary measures." Europe accounted for 28 percent of Canon's sales in 2015, although it did not provide details by country. Canon's biggest problem is the relentless rise of the Japanese Yen into relation to other currencies like the US Dollar and Euro, even though the Japanese economy is moribund. This means when the company's earnings are translated in to Yen, they appear lower and thus affect investors' sentiment and stock price of the company.

I think Canon should look past the current turmoil because in the long run, the company's products will drive profit and growth, not what goes on in one country or region of the world, since Canon is a global, diversified conglomerate. They should pay particular attention to the burgeoning challenge of higher end mirrorless cameras coming from Sony to their very profitable EOS line of DSLRs like the EOS-1D X Mark II and soon-to-be-released EOS-5D Mark IV cameras. 

Wildlife Photography - High Arctic Photo Tour

On top of the world (Almost)

Photographing wildlife inside the Arctic Circle

* * *  Back from my High Arctic Wildlife Photo Tour  * * *

I am off to the high Arctic on a wildlife photography shoot in Svalbard, an archipelago deep inside the Arctic Circle, in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Last month, I took the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II to the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes for a vigorous field test. Will be performing more real world tests and you can read my review on the camera here.

Atlantic Walrus family in the high Arctic

During the summer months in the high Arctic, there is 24 hour daylight and the weather and seas are unpredictable. It can range from a blustery, snowy day with 40+ knots winds and freezing temperature to sunny, T-shirt weather the next. 

Polar bear foot prints on ice floes

The wildlife in Svalbard is diverse. There is a population of about 3,000 Polar bears on the islands, together with indigenous herds of Reindeer. Arctic foxes, Atlantic Walruses, many species of whales, dolphins, seals and pelagic birds can be found among the ice floes, cliffs and numerous islands and coves.

Polar bear leaping on ice floes

The erratic pattern of ice floes and weather conditions will be a challenge for the ship's captain and my equipment but the Arctic scenery, replete with glaciers and ice cliffs are so spectacular, I will be too engrossed to worry about the rough seas and temperatures, as long as I am properly dressed. 

Virgin ice cliffs goes on for miles in the high Arctic

There are no Internet access on the expedition ship so I have to wait till my return to reconnect. In the meantime, you can see my equipment bag, read stories from my previous tours and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. 

Teach Your Brain To See Color In A Black and White Image

This BBC Video below shows you how our brain can construct a full color image from a B&W photo. A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Use it wisely.

Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 Compact-Servo Lens Sample Videos

Canon announced the CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 Compact-Servo lens in April 2016. The new lens combines the functionality of an EF lens with the features and performance of their CN-E lineup. Designed for use with EF-mount cameras equipped with the Super 35 or APS-C sized sensors, it has a versatile focal length of 18 to 80mm with a constant T4.4 (f/4). This is the first glass to have built-in image stabilization and auto focus when used with Cinema EOS cameras. Delivery is expected to start some time in Autumn of 2016.

Canon Patents 30mm f/2.8 DO Lens For Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens

Egami discovered a new Canon patent that may offer another hint to their widely expected full frame mirrrorless camera coming in either late 2016 or early 2017.  Canon is very keen on Diffractive Optics technology and will be announcing more high end DO lens in the future. I cannot be happier since yours truly is a big fan of DO lens. Read my review of the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens.

Patent Publication No. 2016-102851

• Published 2016.6.2
• Filing date 2014.11.27

Example

• Zoom ratio 1.00
• Focal length 31.35
• F-number 2.86
• Angle of view 34.61
• Image height 21.64
• Overall length of the lens 85.29
• BF 29.99

Canon patent

• Positive ShiboTadashi
• Diffractive optical element (the second group of aperture stop image side)
• Correct axial chromatic aberration and lateral chromatic aberration of the near-infrared light

Canon Cameras and Lenses Coming 2nd Half of 2016

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV full frame DSLR camera

2016 will be a very busy year for Canon. The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark II camera has now been delivered. I have taken it to the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes for a field test recently. In the past few months, I have reported many rumors and announcements expected to come this year.

Below is a recap of what to expect for the remainder of the year from Canon. I will be very busy with my global wildlife photography trips the next few months but will try my best to keep you up to date. Leaving for the high Arctic to test the EOS-1D X Mark II again next week. You can read my review of the camera, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

What to expect from Canon for the remainder of 2016. More to come.

DSLR, Cinema and Mirrorless Cameras

• EOS-5D Mark IV camera. August announcement with shipping commencing soon after Photokina.
• Cinema EOS C700 camera and anamorphic lens coming around Photokina.
• A higher end, APS-C mirrorless camera. The full frame, 'pro' model is also coming but may be pushed back to early 2017.

EF Lenses

• EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II will be announced with the EOS-5D Mark IV
• EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III is coming very soon
• EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II is coming in Q3 

Adobe Lightroom CC 2015.6 and Lightroom 6.6 Updates Available

Lightroom CC 2015.6 and Lightroom 6.6 are now available. The goal of this release is to provide additional camera raw support, lens profile support and address bugs that were introduced in previous releases of Lightroom. This release also includes a new Guided Upright feature for Creative Cloud members.

Introducing Guided Upright

We included Upright as a tool that helped Lightroom customers easily straighten images, fix horizons, and reduce or eliminate the keystone effect in buildings. Upright works well when there are prominent vertical and horizontal lines. Not all images contain prominent lines, limiting the effectiveness of Upright.

Starting with Lightroom CC 2015.6, Guided Upright allows you to provide ‘hints’ that enable Upright to work its magic. You draw the vertical and horizontal lines directly on the image and Upright will automatically transform the image. Here’s how to get started.

• Select an image and click on the Develop Module.
• Enable Lens Profile Corrections. Upright works better with Lens Profile Corrections.
• Notice that there is a new “Transform” Panel. Transform includes both Upright and the manual perspective correction sliders together in a convenient place.
• Within Transform, click on the “Guided” button.
• Draw 2-4 guides on the image. Upright will transform the image once you draw at least 2 guides.
• Fine tune the results (if needed) with the manual transform slides, including the new X and Y transform sliders. They can be used for repositioning/moving the image within the canvas after applying strong perspective corrections to choose which part of the (warped, non-rectangular) image to show within the rectangular canvas.

New Camera Support in Lightroom CC 2015.6 / 6.6

• Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
• Leica M-D (Typ 262)
• Nikon COOLPIX B700
• Panasonic DMC-GX85 (DMC-GX80, DMC-GX7MK2)

Also please note that Lightroom CC 2015.6/6.6 also includes camera matching color profiles for the Pentax 645Z, Pentax K-1, and Pentax K-3 II cameras.

A list of new camera lens support can be found here.

Additional Updates in Lightroom CC 2015.6 / 6.6

• Merge to Panorama and HDR now works with Smart Previews. Previously, Lightroom required the use of original images for the Merge to Panorama or HDR features.
• The Preferences -> Lightroom mobile section now contains a “Pending Sync Activity” section. This area is useful for helping identify any potential issues related to image sync across the Lightroom family of applications (desktop, mobile and web).

Tethered Camera Support for the following cameras :

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
• Canon EOS 80D
• Canon EOS 1300D / Canon Rebel T6

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV Camera Photo Leaked?

* * *  Canon announces the EOS-5D Mark IV camera  * * *

Last month, I reported the EOS-5D Mark IV pre-production camera is out on field tests with photographers who have signed Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Canon. The photo above claims to be one of those people with a test camera. I have my doubts. Canon do not usually sign NDA with a big group of individuals like that.

The EOS-5D Mark IV is Canon's most anticipated camera after the EOS-1D X Mark II because it promises a continuation of the highly successful EOS-5D line into a new decade. I have taken delivery of the EOS-1D X Mark II and took it to the Upper Amazon/Peruvian Andes for a real world photo shoot test. I am currently on a high Arctic wildlife tour testing the camera again. You can read my review, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon will be announcing the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II lens with the new camera. This is my favorite Canon 'wide to short' zoom 'L' lens and it can really take advantage of an upgrade. Looks like Canon has decided to offer the new camera and lens as a kit. I have not decided whether to buy the EOS-5D Mark IV when it comes out. I view the new camera as a little brother to the EOS-1D X Mark II and a more agile cousin to the EOS-5Ds. However, I will definitely buy the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS Series II lens.

Below is the best information I have on the new camera right now.  The EOS-5D Mark IV will most probably be announced in Q3, in time for the Photokina Show in Cologne, Germany on September 20. Keep checking back. More to come . . . . . .

• New 28MP Sensor
• DIGIC 6+ Processor (DIGIC 7 possible)
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
• 61 point AF system (same as EOS-1D X Mark II)
• Red AF points in AI Servo (same as EOS-1D X Mark II)
• Burst rate of 8 to 10 fps
• Comes with WiFi and GPS
• Canon Log and Wide DR gamut
• Equipped with SD and CFast memory slots
• Improved material and ergonomics 
• May come with tilting touchscreen LCD
• 4K video, slightly exceeding EOS-1D X Mark II's capability 
• New Battery Grip - BG-E20 
• New Battery - LP-E20
• EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II offered as a kit with camera  
• Announcement date - Q3 (August), 2016.
• List price - around $3,499 in the U.S.

Canon USA Offers Online Learning Courses

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is launching Canon Online Learning, a new program of immersive digital courses designed to help photo and video enthusiasts of all levels develop their skills at their own pace. The program, which expands upon Canon’s robust mix of existing free and paid educational offerings, looks to educate parents, travelers, imaging hobbyists and working professionals with proven techniques from recognizable industry talents.

Available now are these initial seven courses, suitable for all skill levels :

• Understanding EOS Camera Operations
• Photo 101 : How to Take Great Pictures
• Printing Basics & Beyond
• Great Landscapes Made Easy
• Child’s Play : Simple Tips for Photographing Children
• Getting Started with Flash Photography
• Canon Insider Guide : EOS Rebel Series

These first seven courses, and subsequent classes to follow, will include video guides unique to each course with the option to download or print PDF materials. With the exception of Canon Insider Guide: EOS Rebel Series, courses will also include complementary resources such as bonus video content, lighting/shooting diagrams, shot lists, resource guides and interviews with course instructors. Additional interactive materials may include quizzes, assignments, interactive images and diagrams.

“Canon has always provided industry leading educational resources for our customers. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include live workshops, one-on-one in-person sessions and countless free lectures across the country. Now, for those passionate customers looking to take a deeper dive into photography or videography, we have developed a curriculum of content that addresses the various ways our customers use our products today, and it’s available at their convenience online, day or night,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This new program also helps familiarize the imaging community with our wide range of educational tools, allowing them to learn valuable tips from our technical experts, as well as our Explorers of Light professional photographers.”

Initial course offerings range from $19.99-$59.99. To learn more about Canon Online Learning please visit : http://usa.canon.com/onlinelearning or email learning@cusa.canon.com.

Canon EOS-80D Camera - $899 with Free Shipping

Canon EOS-80D with EF 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens

There is a highly-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EOS-80D camera for $899 including free shipping. As The Wildlife Ho-tographer, I consider this to be a worthwhile upgrade for those who have a Rebel T6i / EOS-60D or earlier models. You can download the User Manual and take a look at the camera closely yourself.

My main equipment are the EOS-1D, EOS-5D and EOS-7D cameras but I have used the EOS-XXD models on some of my wildlife photo shoots. You can see my lens and camera recommendations for nature and wildlife photography.

You will not find a link to this merchant because I do not accept any advertisement, commissioned link and tracking cookies on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can find the listing easily by Googling it yourself. See my equipment bag, works and images taken with this lens on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Patent - EF 1000mm f/5.6 DO IS Lens

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS lens

My readers know I am a fan of Canon's Diffractive Optics technology. The current EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is my favorite Super Telephoto lens when I want to travel light on my wildlife photography tours. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com. Canon has been working to perfect the DO technology since the first EF 400mm f/4 DO IS lens came out in 2001. The EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens was showcased in last year's Canon EXPO at New York City.

In April, a new Canon DO patent has been uncovered for the APS-C sensor. The new design has a focal length of 50-300mm f/4.5-6 with STM. The current EF 800mm f/5.6L IS is Canon longest Telephoto lens. It is heavy and the technology is aging. Canon has been toying with the ideal of replacing it with a Series II model. But now another DO patent has been discovered by Egami. It is the EF 1000mm f/5.6 DO IS lens.

This will be ultimate in Super Telephoto Diffractive Optics design. If Canon can bring this lens out with a top weight of around 8 to 9 pounds and pack it with the latest DO BR technology, I will be a buyer for sure. Nikon saw the value in DO lens design last year but is much further behind than Canon in this technology. They announced the Phase Fresnel (PF) 300mm f/4 lens in January 2015. Fresnel lenses were originally developed by the French physicist, Augustin-Jean Fresnel for use in lighthouses.


Patent Publication No. 2016-102852 (Google Translated)

• Published 2016.6.2
• Filing date 2014.11.27
• Zoom ratio 1.00
• Focal length 950.00
• F-number 5.80
• Angle of view 1.30
• Image height 21.64
• Overall length of the lens 485.94
• BF 0.40
• Canon patent
• Positive and negative Shibomake
• Diffractive optical element (first group)
• Inner focus (the second group)

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens - $1,599

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens

There is a highly-rated merchant on eBay selling the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens for $1,599 including free shipping. As The Wildlife Ho-tographer, this is my favorite 'L' short zoom lens in Canon's EF lens line up.

I have taken this lens all around the globe on many wildlife photo shoots, from the high Arctic to the Southern Ocean. You can see my lens recommendation for nature and wildlife photography.

You will not find a link to this merchant because I do not accept any advertisement, commissioned link and tracking cookies on my Blog or website. I am completely unbiased in my recommendation and have no conflict of interest. You can find the listing easily by Googling it yourself. See my equipment bag, works and images taken with this lens on MichaelDanielHo.com

CIPA Report Shows All Camera Sales Up Slightly

The latest CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) numbers for data up to April 2016 are out. It indicates camera shipments of all types have increased slightly so far this year, but still down compared to previous years. 2016 figures are in Orange, 2015 in Black, 2014 in Blue.

The Yen has again 'strengthened' against the U.S. Dollar and other currencies even though the Japanese economy is in the doldrums. This will present headwinds to companies like Canon, Sony and Nikon, which are major exporting firms, selling their products overseas.

Nevertheless, Canon is expected to announce more products for the remainder of 2016. The long awaited, EOS-5D Mark IV is out for field testing, and should be announced some time in August, plus more EOS-M mirrorless cameras and lens are coming.

Nikon D500 Camera Battery Replacement and Firmware Upgrade

* * *  Nikon D500 vs Canon EOS-7D Mark II camera comparison  * * *

Nikon announced the D500 APS-C camera in January, 2016 and only started shipping the body recently. Now there is a free battery replacement for some affected models and a firmware upgrade is available already. You can read my post on the camera's review here.

First you have to first identifies the Eligible batteries for the replacement, just look at your battery from backside and see where is written Li-ion01 or Li-ion015 and if they battery belongs to 01 version then you must replace your battery as soon as possible.

Check Before you Buy

New set out DSLR from Nikon are being supplied with the new Lithium ion 20 batteries so if you see a printed battery name is Lithium and 20 then you don’t have to replace it

Press Release

To owners of the Nikon D500 digital SLR camera

We have received reports indicating that when a fully charged, earlier generation of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15 is used with the Nikon D500 digital SLR camera, the maximum number of shots possible is low (battery life is short). It was also reported that the amount of charge remaining, displayed by the D500’s Battery info option, is significantly less than that displayed by the Battery info function of other model cameras using the EN-EL15 battery.

The later version of the EN-EL15 batteries supplied with the Nikon D500 have been tested in accordance with CIPA standards, and do support the maximum number of shots possible (battery life) indicated in brochures and other documentation. However, when some EN-EL15 batteries, either purchased separately or supplied with another model of camera, are used with the D500, those batteries may not be capable of the maximum number of shots possible (battery life) indicated in D500 documentation.*

The electric discharge characteristics of the EN-EL15 rechargeable battery have been modified without changing battery capacity. If you have purchased a D500, the modified battery is included. If you have additional, EN-EL15 batteries, Nikon will replace them free of charge.

Nikon USA Support Link

In order for this offer to be fulfilled, a copy of the D500 sales receipt must be provided.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dear customer,

According to our records you are a registered owner of a digital camera D500. With this announcement to you today to inform you that there is a firmware update available for your camera.

We recommend that you update the firmware of your camera, so you have all the latest features of your product available.

To get more information and detailed instructions for downloading the firmware and update your camera visit the Nikon Download Center.

If you have questions, contact Customer Support. Please do not reply to this email, we can not respond to this e-mail address.

We hope that you will continue to enjoy using your camera.

Best regards

Service and Support
Nikon Europe

Download the update – downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/184.html

Some Tamron Lens Not Fully Compatible With Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was announced on February 1, 2016 and I have received my copy recently and took it on a field test to the Upper Amazon/Peruvian Highlands. You can read my review here.

Sigma announced yesterday some of their Art lens are not fully compatible with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera. I mentioned this is not unusual since Sigma is not an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized by Canon. They use 'reverse engineering' and try to make their lens 'fully compatible' with all the Canon firmware codes. This is not a problem with some of the older bodies but the new ones, like the EOS-1D X Mark II are very complicated.

I suggested there will be other lens models and 3rd party manufacturers having the same problem. This morning, Tamron announced a similar issue with some of their lens made for Canon and Nikon.


From Tamron :

Notice about compatibility between Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and Tamron lens products (about functions on Lens aberration correction)

When using a Tamron lens with the newly released Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera, please turn OFF the “Lens aberration correction” function included in the camera’s menu prior to use.

A notice regarding compatibility issue with the EOS-1D X Mark II and availability of firmware update service (about AF functions on Live View mode)

We wish to notify you that the AF functions of the following interchangeable lenses for Canon, which have been produced before May 11th, 2015 and have not had firmware updates installed by Tamron, do not function in Live View mode when used on the EOS-1D X Mark II which went on sale on April 28th, 2016 in Japan.

*Please see the below links for the previous firmware update service announcements regarding the EOS Rebel T6s/EOS 760D (EOS 8000D) / the EOS Rebel T6i/ EOS 750D (EOS Kiss X8i), the EOS 5Ds / the EOS 5DsR, the EOS 80D, and the firmware update service for SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) for panning shot.

http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508_3.html
http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0508.html
http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2015/0622_3.html
http://www.tamron.co.jp/en/news/release_2016/0406.html

We sincerely apologize to all users and potential purchasers for any inconvenience the issue may cause.

Affected models

Interchangeable lenses for Canon which have been produced before May 11th

SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)

Firmware update will not be required for those lenses produced after May 11st, 2015 (serial numbers).

Please check the serial number from the links below :

SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)
SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)
28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)

For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.

Firmware update service is now available for SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (F013)

Dear users and potential purchasers of Tamron interchangeable lenses. Thank you for using Tamron products.

We wish to notify you that we will perform updating of the firmware for our SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8Di VC USD (Model F013) lens products.

Affected models 

• SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) for Nikon, Canon
• SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) for Nikon, Canon

Serial numbers 

• Firmware update will not be required for those serial numbers. Please check the serial numbers from the link here.

 Firmware Update Improvements 

• You will now be able to use TAP-in Console (optional and sold separately) with the lens products above. (for Nikon and Canon)
• Corrected the issue of exposure becoming unstable under certain conditions when using these lenses with either the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II or EOS 80D. (for Canon)

How to update the firmware 

• For those who require firmware update service, please contact your local Tamron distributor for more details.

New Canon Cinema EOS C700 Camera Coming Soon

Canon may be ready to announce a new high end Cinema EOS camera, perhaps called the C700, some time in late August or early September, to coincide with the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) Exhibition, taking place in Amsterdam on September 8.

The new camera may be equipped with a new Super35 sensor and have a resolution slightly higher than 4K video, but not 8K. The new body will support anamorphic lens and cost more than the C500 Mark II. Keep checking back for the latest information. More to come . . . . . 

Some Sigma Lens Not Fully Compatible with Canon EOS-1D X Mark II Camera

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera

* * *  Tamron lens also incompatible with EOS-1D X Mark II camera  * * *

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II was announced on February 1, 2016 and I have received my copy recently and took it on a field test to the Upper Amazon/Peruvian Highlands. You can read my review here.

The notice below from Sigma points out that some of their recently announced Canon compatible lens are not fully compatible after all. This is not unusual since Sigma is not an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) authorized by Canon. They use 'reverse engineering' and try to make their lens 'compatible' with all the Canon firmware codes. This is not a problem with some of the older bodies but the new ones, like the EOS-1D X Mark II are very complicated and Sigma is promising to issue firmware updates to the affected models. There may be other lens affected as well and they can only be corrected if they can use the Sigma USB Dock or a trip to the Service Center will be required.

From Sigma :

Thank you for purchasing and using our products.

We have found that some SIGMA interchangeable lenses for CANON are not fully compatible with Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, which was released on April 28th. When certain lenses are attached to this camera, exposure of the image may not be accurate.

We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we will make a further announcement on our website when specific details are finalized. In addition, please also refer to the below usage notice related to this announcement.

Phenomenon

• When the lenses listed below are used and either “Evaluative Metering” or “Center-weighted Average Metering” is selected in Metering Mode of the camera, the image could show some underexposure.

 Products concerned

• SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 35mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art
• SIGMA 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM

We are currently working on the firmware update for respective lenses, and the release dates will be announced later.

Usage Notice for customers who are using EOS mount SIGMA lenses on a Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

• MO (Manual Override) function is unavailable with this camera (Full-time Manual function can be offered).
• When using a SIGMA interchangeable lens for EOS, setting the corrections to [Disable] is recommended, as “Lens Correction” functions of the camera, such as Peripheral illumination correction, Chromatic aberration correction, Diffraction correction and Distortion correction, are not supported. If those functions are activated, the performance of lenses may not be accurate. This is not only for EOS-1DX Mark II, but also other camera bodies.

We appreciate your continued support for our company and products.