Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR Lens Coming in 2018?

As reported earlier, Canon is planning to update their entire line of Super Telephoto lens and introduce new ones in the coming year or two.

2018 and beyond are exciting years for Japan and Canon. The Soccer World Cup is in 2018 followed by the Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. Then the Rugby World Cup and Summer Olympic Games will be held in Japan in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Canon usually makes a splash in these big world athletic events by introducing new gear for pro photographers.

I expect the long awaited EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens will be announced next year. I bought the first generation EF 400mm f/4 DO IS when it first came out in 2005. It was not the sharpest Super Telephoto lens in their lineup but its light weight and mobility offset the disadvantages in certain situations.

The lens accompanied me on many worldwide wildlife photography tours. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Then the second generation EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II came out in 2015 and it was a great improvement. You can read my comprehensive review here. The EF 600mm f/4 DO BR made its debut at the Canon Expo in 2015 and I have longed for that lens since. Keep checking back for more info as I receive them.

Canon Masters At Utsunomiya Plant Pick Their Favorite Lens

My readers know I am The Wildlife Ho-tographer and have used Canon equipment for over a quarter of a century. Throughout the years, I have embarked on many worldwide photo tours testing numerous pieces of Canon equipment. I recently came back from a Wildlife Photo Tour of Japan with the EOS-1D X Mark II camera.

I am off to Costa Rica on another tour to photograph primarily birds and other fauna. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

My favorite Canon lenses are the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II. They are all great performers in wildlife photography.

DPReview recently visited Canon's Utsunomiya lens factory and interviewed the top management at the plant. The team included the Plant Manager, Mr. Kenichi Izuki,  the Deputy Chief Executive of Image Communication Products Operations, Mr. Masato Okada and the Deputy Group Executive of Image Communication Products Operations, Mr. Shingo Hayakawa. They were asked to name their favorite lens designs.

Masato Okada

• Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM – “For me I’d have to say the 11-24mm f4L USM, because when launched, it allowed the widest angle possible on a full frame with no distortion.”

Kenichi Izuki

• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM – “My favorite, which I truly remember because it was so hard to design, was the original Canon 70-200 f/2.8L USM non-IS.”

Shingo Hayakawa

• Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II – “… if I were to narrow it down, my choice would be a lens that came out in 2012: the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM.”

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR Lens Coming in 2018?

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens

Canon is working on improving their Super Telephoto lens line with the aim of increasing image quality, focal length and decreasing weight. Their EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is a fine example of this. I purchased the Series I model over 10 years ago but the Series II is a dramatic improvement and I expect more Diffractive Optics models will be announce in the years ahead.

The EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens made an appearance in last year's Canon EXPO in New York City. This lens will be announced some time next year, in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. I am anxious to buy this lens. Canon has big plans for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. They will pull out all the stops and announce many exciting high and medium end cameras and lenses prior to that great occasion. Keep checking back for the latest information and development. You can see my Canon lens recommendation, equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com  

Canon Professional Services Is Ready For The 2016 Summer Olympics

I am back from my Alaska/Canada Wildlife Photo Tour. It was my annual shoot and this time I put the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera to more real world tests. In addition to the EOS-1D X Mark II, I brought the EOS-7D Mark II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens. You can see my equipment bag and my works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 3, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, will be bringing their service and support expertise to Brazil to help maximize the uptime and performance of its users’ professional imaging equipment. From pro DSLR cameras and EF lenses to broadcast television lenses, Canon’s award-winning service and support staff will be providing preventative maintenance and repairs to help professionals who have put their trust in Canon imaging equipment.

Canon’s team of over 70 highly trained technicians and support staff will be in Brazil for nearly a month to support professional photographers and broadcasters, just as they do throughout the year. Canon Professional Services (CPS) is set to provide comprehensive equipment maintenance and repairs, extensive equipment loans and expert technical support.

“Canon is proud to offer professional photographers and broadcasters high quality image-making solutions that are thoughtfully designed and versatile so that they can capture sharp, clear, detailed images and video,” said Elizabeth Pratt, director, Professional Client Development and Support, Canon U.S.A. “Knowing that iconic images will be captured, seen and shared by people around the world really drives Canon to provide professionals with not only high quality equipment but the customer support they need to help ensure they never miss a beat if anything happens to their equipment.”

Canon EOS DSLR cameras and EF lenses are the camera and lenses of choice of a majority of the top U.S.-based news agencies and professional sports photographers.

The Associated Press will be using Canon cameras and lenses exclusively, including cameras which are integrated with advanced robotics systems. The robotic camera systems can be mounted both in the rafters high above a field of play and underwater in pools, all fully controlled remotely over a network. “High-speed and high-performing digital imaging solutions like the EOS-1D X Mark II camera and L-series EF lenses are key to our team’s success,” said Santiago Lyon, vice president and director of photography, Associated Press. “Canon provides innovative technology and world-class optics that give us the solutions we need to create compelling images.”

A majority of Reuters photographers from around the world will be using Canon DSLR cameras and lenses and trust Canon products and award-winning support team to keep them up and running. “Photographing large sporting events for thousands of news outlets and an audience of billions requires meticulous planning and technical resilience. The staff and engineers from CPS help ensure that the Canon cameras used by the world’s top sports photographers receive precision treatment that allows them to take pictures that capture key moments and illustrate the spirit of competition,” said Kevin Coombs, editor-in-chief for Thomson Reuters.

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II DSLR camera and ultra-wide zoom EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens were selected to be used for Getty Images’ new high-tech, remote-controlled underwater robotic system. The camera provides Getty Images with a fully networkable solution that features precise white balance, a blazing fast frame rate and impressive low-light capabilities, which make the camera ideal for capturing fast action. When combined with the durable and rugged EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lens, the system will allow Getty Images to capture images at extremely wide perspectives with incredible sharpness and minimal distortion from the center of the image to the periphery, all across the entire zoom range. “As the world’s leading visual communications company, we believe that our world class sports photographers must have the most up-to-date photographic technology that empowers them to do their job, and to do it exceptionally well.

Getty Images is using Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark II cameras and EF 11-24mm f/4L USM lenses in a unique, remotely-controlled underwater camera system that gives us the flexibility to follow and capture action from beneath,” said Ken Mainardis, vice president of Sport at Getty Images. “We recently used the new underwater system and the images were remarkable. We’re looking forward to using our Canon gear to capture more fantastic underwater imagery.”

“The European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) will have a photographic team of 40 capturing incredible moments. Months ago, EPA’s entire U.S. contingent switched over to the Canon EOS System,” explained Gernot Hensel, EPA’s long-standing head of sports and deputy editor-in-chief. “The EPA team is comprised of colleagues from all over the world, and the majority of them will be using Canon equipment, including robotic systems, to capture the action.”

Simon Bruty, an award-winning sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light is one of the best sports photographers in the world. “As a professional photographer, I have to be able to capture every moment of the action because a hundredth of a second can mean the difference between capturing or missing the winning moment or race finish, and Canon cameras, like the new EOS-1D X Mark II, deliver the stunning image quality and speed I need while working,” said Mr. Bruty. “The 14 frames per second that the EOS-1D X Mark II camera can capture, which enables over 12 seconds of continuous RAW shooting without buffering, means that I could shoot an entire 100 meter dash without taking my finger off of the shutter release. If I shot in JPEG mode and have a large enough memory card, I could do it for the entire 2+ hours of a marathon race!”

Canon Digital Learning Center Quick Tip Videos

Incredible Alaska - The Last Frontier

I am back from my Alaska/Canada Wildlife Photo Tour. It was my annual shoot and this time I put the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II camera to more real world tests. In addition to the EOS-1D X Mark II, I brought the EOS-7D Mark II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens. You can see my equipment bag and more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Beginning to get back to my daily routine and keeping my readers up to date on the latest photography news while I was away. Found a couple of interesting quick tips videos from Canon Digital Learning Center I like to share with you.

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 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 Patent - DO Lens for APS-C Sensor

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II 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. 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.

Now, 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. As of now, there is no built-in IS but this is of course a work in progress and if Canon decides to release this DO lens for the APS-C market, I am certain it will come with Image Stabilization.

Patent Publication No. 2016-57444

• Published 2016.4.21
• Filing date 2014.9.9

Example 1

• Zoom ratio 5.59
• Focal length 51.77 135.00 289.53
• F-number 4.65 5.05 5.85
• Half angle of view (degrees) 14.78 5.78 2.70
• Image height 13.66 13.66 13.66
• The total lens length 126.05 169.37 184.15
• BF 35.50 35.50 35.50

Example 2

• Zoom ratio 5.90
• Focal length 49.13 135.00 290.00
• F-number 4.65 4.95 5.85
• Half angle of view (degrees) 15.54 5.78 2.70
• Image height 13.66 13.66 13.66
• The total lens length 108.00 152.12 168.00
• BF 15.69 15.69 15.69

Wildlife Photography - India Tiger Photo Tour

* * *  Indian Wildlife Tour, Day 9 Update  * * *

I am off to India for a wildlife photo shoot. Will be visiting a few national parks and Tiger reserves and doing some travel photography as well. Modes of transportation include jeeps and elephants looking for Tigers, other wildlife and birds plus trying to locate Gharials, a fish eating crocodile native to the Indian sub-continent. This will add more variety to a strictly tiger photo shoot in Incredible India. 

India is the largest democracy, second most populous country in the world and possesses a rich history spanning thousands of years. All travelers will have some opinions (either way) about this country and few visitors can be unaffected after their trip. The country has a chaotic and creative blend of cultures, religions, races and tongues. One's senses are constantly 'bombarded' by fascinating sights, sounds and colors. It is a window into our planet and humanity. 

This time I will be traveling light. Bringing my Canon EOS-7D Mk II , EOS-5Ds , EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS , EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L lenses. Too bad I will not have the EOS-1D X Mark II camera with me. The delivery should start late this month. My readers know I have chosen its predecessor, the EOS-1D X as the best wildlife camera, four years in a row. You can see my equipment bag here.

My Indian guide has been getting good Bengal tiger sightings with cubs in various national parks in the last few months. I look forward to viewing and photographing these magnificent animals in the wild and get more information on the fight against poachers and smugglers from the National Tiger Conservation Authority. It will be difficult for me to keep in touch because there are few Internet access in the jungles and countryside but I will do my best. Have to wait till I return in mid April to reconnect and write my blog again.

In the meantime, you can see more of my works on MichaelDanielHo.com and photos from previous trips to India and around the globe. Wish me luck on my trip. My India tour last year was just average. I need a break to get some spectacular sightings and encounters this time.

Will There Be A Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L II Lens?

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS Super Telephoto lens

In my earlier post, I talked about which cameras and lens to expect from Canon in 2016. The EF 800mm f/5.6L II is considered a long shot. Although Canon has multiple patents covering its replacement, including perhaps a built-in extender version, much like the current EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender, it is considered highly unlike such a model will be made due to the optical limitations and added weight. There is however a new Canon patent for the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6L lens but it does not appear to be a Super Telephoto model.

My readers know I am a big fan of Canon Diffractive Optics (DO) lens. I bought their first Super Telephoto EF 400mm f/4 DO in the mid 2000s and was very happy with it even knowing its limitations. As a wildlife photographer, I had to trade a little bit of sharpness for the unmatched mobility the lens offers. Then in 2014, Canon announced the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II and the tradeoff is gone. It has been almost 15 years since Canon released the first DO lens and they have pretty much perfected the technology. Recently, at the Canon Expo 2015, they exhibited the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens.

Together with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender, EF 600mm f/4L IS II and EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens, the need for a big EF 800mm diminishes. That is why I am not certain Canon will even announce a replacement to the current EF 800mm f/5.6L IS lens any time soon. More to come . . . . .  

Why Do Canon EOS-1D Cameras Cost More?

* * *  See how Nikon D5 compares to the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II  * * *

Ever wondered why professional grade cameras like the Canon EOS-1D and Super Telephoto lenses cost more? The reason is they are made to take on some of the toughest environment a piece of gear might encounter. Although not water proof, they are water resistant and weather-sealed, can take punishing temperatures and still perform their functions. Some of the newer Canon cameras like the EOS-7D Mark II, EOS-5D Mark III and EOS-5Ds are also built solidly.

My readers know I have used the Canon EOS-1D series on wildlife photography since 1989. Over the decades, I have taken them from the high Arctic to the Southern Ocean and places in between. They have been subjected to extreme cold, heat, humidity, dust, sand and water and came through with flying colors. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

In 2012, Swiss photographer Alessandro Della Bella was involved in the One Day On Earth project. Over the course of a few days and nights, he shot about 10,000 photos and a time-lapse video of the night sky on Mount Piz Corvatsch and Piz Nair. During the night, the temperature went down to about -10+ degrees Fahrenheit (-23+ Celcius). He used five Canon DSLRs, including the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D X.

When I was in the Canadian sub Arctic in November, the temperature was actually below that and my EOS-1D X, EOS-7D Mark II, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II all performed quite well. Those who have gone on photos shoots in very cold places know two of the biggest challenges while photographing are the lens freezing up and the batteries draining fast. Extra replacement of both and keeping the equipment covered until the very moment of use are essential.

Canon Celebrates Industry Awards For 2015

MELVILLE, N.Y. — Reflecting on a year of continued product innovation, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, recognizes the many awards from prominent industry organizations and publications it received throughout 2015 – a hallmark year as the company hosted its once-every-five-year Canon EXPO, which can still be explored online until December 31.

In addition to its well-known camera, printer and business solutions, Canon Inc. was ranked three in the U.S. in patents received, with 4,055 patents granted in 2014 and 40 out of 100 on Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands” in 2015, demonstrating the Company’s sustained strong global brand performance. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Canon with a SmartWay® Excellence Award for the brand’s service as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.

“We are proud of the innovative products we continued to deliver to our loyal customers,” said Kotaro Fukushima, senior director and general manager, Corporate Communications Division, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “We are honored that the industry and media recognized our hard work and dedication to producing quality, best-in-class products and look forward to continuing the momentum in 2016.”

Consumer Recognitions

Canon earned several distinguished awards for its consumer products in 2015, such as the Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-1000 receiving “Printer of the Year” from ImagingResource.com, the MAXIFY iB4020 and MAXIFY MB5320 were named “Editor’s Choice” from ComputerShopper.com and DigitalTrends.com, respectively.

Camera and Lens products that received two or more industry awards include :

• Canon C300 Mark II: “Best New Camera NAB 2015” – NewsShooter.com; “Award of Excellence” & “Best in Show NAB 2015” – ProductionHUB.com
• Canon EOS 5Ds R: “Honoree, Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Hot One Award – Best Full Frame” – Professional Photographer Magazine; “Best Pro Camera” Resource Magazine; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – Imaging Resource
• Canon EOS 5Ds: “Pop Award 2015” Popular Photography; “Best Pro Camera” and “Editors’ Choice” Reviewed.com; “Cameras of the Year- Best Professional Cameras” – Imaging Resource
• Canon EOS Rebel T6s: “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Silver Award” – DPReview.com; “Camera of Distinction, Intermediate DSLR” and “Dave’s Pick” – ImagingResource.com; “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine
• Canon XC10: “Post Pick Award – Coolest New Product NAB 2015” – Post Magazine; “Best in Show NAB 2015” – TVTechnology.com; “Honoree – Digital Imaging” – CES Innovation Awards; “Editors Pick” ? Resource Magazine.
• Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM: “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine; “Hot One Award – “Hot One Award-Best Telephoto Zoom Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine
• Canon EF 11-24mm f4L USM: “Hot One Award-Best Wide-Angle Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine; “Best Lens – Full-Frame” – DPReview.com; “Pop Award 2015” – Popular Photography; “Lenses of the Year, Best Zoom Lens” – Imaging Resource
• Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM: “Editors’ Choice” – PC Magazine; “Hot One Award-Best Portrait Lens” – Professional Photographer Magazine 
• Canon PowerShot G3 X: “Editors’ Choice” – DigitalTrends.com; “Editors’ Choice” – Reviewed.com
• Canon EOS 7D Mark II: “Hot one Award- Best APS-C” from Professional Photographer Magazine, “Lucie Technical Award for Best Crop Sensor Camera” The Lucie Awards.

Also included in this year’s award line-up was recognition for other products from Canon’s camera and lens portfolio, including: the Canon EF400mm f/4 DO IS II USM received the “Hot One Award – Best Action Lens” from Professional Photographer Magazine; the Canon EOS Rebel T6i received “Dave’s Pick” from ImagingResource.com; the Canon PowerShot SX60 HS received the “Editors’ Choice” from PC Magazineand the Canon Speedlite 430 EX II received a “Pop Award 2015” from Popular Photography.

Business Solutions Recognitions

Overall, Canon’s business solutions were recognized by DPS Magazine naming Canon as a “Top 30 Readers Choice,” and IDC named Canon as a leader in IDC Marketspace on Smart MF peripheral assessment report.

For the seventh consecutive year the Canon U.S.A. Technical Support Center has earned the Center of Excellence certification by BenchmarkPortal, one of the most prestigious awards in the customer service and support industry. The award recognizes the Company’s rank in the top 10 percent of all call centers surveyed.

The Canon imagePRESS C10000VP was listed as a “Pressroom: Digital Press – Must See ‘Em” at Graph EXPO.  The Canon imageCLASS MF227dw was named an “Editors’ Choice” by PC Magazine while BetterBuys named Canon’s imageRUNNER 1400 Series as the “Editors’ Choice, Black and White Multifunction.”

The Océ VarioPrint i300 sheet-fed color inkjet press has received the prestigious 2015 InterTech Technology Award from the Printing Industries of America. The recognized Océ VarioPrint i300 model is the first-of-its-kind digital high-speed, sheetfed inkjet press designed to help accelerate the printing industry’s transition from offset to high-volume digital output.

This Is How Canon Makes The EF 500mm f/4L IS Lens

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II Super Telephoto lens

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II is my favorite non Diffractive Optics Super Telephoto prime lens. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is my favorite Super Telephoto zoom lens and the EF 400mm f/4DO IS II is my favorite Diffractive Optics Super Telephoto prime lens.

You can see how the EF 500mm lens is manufactured from beginning to end. Take a look at my equipment bag and global wildlife photography taken with all the above lenses. Find out how Canon's Image Stabilizer lens technology works and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com.

Wildlife Photography - Photo Safari Tour in South Africa

* * *  Read the latest post on my South Africa Wildlife Photo Tour  * * *

I am off on a wildlife photography tour in South Africa. My readers know I was scheduled to go on this trip about 3 weeks ago but was prevented from boarding the plane at the airport due to some obscure South African Immigration rule requiring a certain number of blank passport pages. Right now is the high season for wildlife safaris down there. It took me a long time and additional expenses to sort things out with the lodges, airlines and U.S. Passport Office. With the help of my travel planner, I am finally able to re-book the trip.

My journey takes me to Kruger National Park and several neighboring game reserves. Kruger is one of the largest national parks in Africa, with an area of about 7,600 square miles. That is larger than a few states in the New England region of the U.S. The reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park, Timbavati and especially Sabi Sand and Mala Mala are famous for its populations of Leopards and Cheetahs.

The park and surrounding reserves are excellent places to capture 'Big Five' images of Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Cape Buffaloes plus Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs, Hippos and many more. There are also hundreds of species of birds to marvel and photograph for the ornithologist in many of us.

The reserves are characterized as ‘savanna bushveld’ with 6 different landscape types : acacia woodland, open woodland, mopane woodland, combretum woodland, mixed combretum woodland and mixed veld. The critically endangered African wild dog is also a regular visitor to these areas. The larger and rarer antelopes such as Roan, Eland and Tsessebe may also be seen but their numbers are still critically low.

Today is World Rhino Day. South Africa is the epicenter for the fight against poaching of endangered Rhinos. They have the most number of Rhinos left in the wild so poachers are flocking to Kruger National Park from neighboring Mozambique. The park rangers are doing a valiant job trying to stop the carnage but it is an arduous battle since their limited resources are over-whelmed by the poachers' increasing savagery and sophistication.

In the last few years, I have been keeping things simple and down sizing the equipment I bring on wildlife photo shoots. My safari equipment bag will have the EOS-7D Mk II , EOS-1D X , EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II , EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II , EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II , EF 1.4x III Extender and the usual accessories of filters, spare memory cards and batteries.

I will try and make a few blog posts and keep you abreast of any breaking photography news. time and energy permitting. In the meantime, you can visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see more wildlife photos from my previous trips.

Canon EXPO 2015 in New York City, Day Two

The Canon Expo 2015 show is in its second day in New York City. Much has been written about
the Cinema EOS System 8K camera and a still-image single-lens reflex camera equipped with a CMOS sensor featuring approximately 120 million effective pixels.

Canon CinemaEOS 8K prototype camera with EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens 

I like to point out the Expo is, first and foremost, a dog-and-pony show, bringing together Canon's most powerful products, cutting-edge innovations and inspirational ideas for one incredible exhibition. It is basically a showcase to demonstrate how Canon strives to improve the lives of all who interact with their brand.

There are crazy rumors running around saying Canon might bring back the APS-H sensor with the 120MP count and put it in a new camera. Many of the prototype products demonstrated will not make it to the market or may come with different specs, if and when they do go on sale, years from now.

However, the most promising product exhibited is the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens, equipped with the brand new Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics technology. My readers know I am a big proponent of Diffractive Optics technology. The recently released EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is my favorite Super Telephoto lens for hand-held, wildlife photography.  Even Nikon is trying to get on the bandwagon now by introducing their version, called Phase Fresnel. Unfortunately for them, they are over a decade too late. Canon is way ahead in this space. I am ready to buy this lens as soon as it is announced, hopefully late 2016.

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR prototype lens

Wildlife Photography - Photo Tour in South Africa

* * *  Read the latest post on my South African photo tour  * * *

I will be off on a safari photo shoot in South Africa. My journey takes me to Kruger National Park and several neighboring game reserves. Kruger is one of the largest national parks in Africa, with an area of about 7,600 square miles. That is larger than a few states in the New England region of the U.S. The reserves south of Kruger National Park, especially the area of Sabi Sand and Mala Mala are famous for its populations of Leopards and Cheetahs.

The park and surrounding reserves are excellent places to capture 'Big Five' images of Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Cape Buffaloes plus Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs, Hippos and many more. There are also hundreds of species of birds to marvel and photograph for the ornithologist in many of us.

The area is characterized as ‘savanna bushveld’ with 6 different landscape types : acacia woodland, open woodland, mopane woodland, combretum woodland, mixed combretum woodland and mixed veld. The critically endangered African wild dog is also a regular visitor to the Reserve. The larger and rarer antelopes such as Roan, Eland and Tsessebe may also be seen but their numbers are still critically low.

In the last few years, I have been keeping things simple and down sizing the equipment I bring on wildlife photo shoots. My safari equipment bag will have the EOS-7D Mk II , EOS-1D X , EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II , EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II , EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II , EF 1.4x III Extender and the usual accessories of filters, spare memory cards and batteries.

While I am away, the big, once-every-five-year, Canon EXPO 2015 will be taking place in New York and Paris. Sorry I have to miss this event and the Canon EOS-5D Mk IV and EOS-1D X Mk II may be mentioned during the show. I will try and make a few blog posts and keep you abreast of any breaking photography news. time and energy permitting. In the meantime, you can visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see more wildlife photos from my previous trips.

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO IS Lens Patent

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lens

* * *  Canon has unveiled EF 600mm f/4 DO BR prototype lens at EXPO 2015  * * *

Canon's announced their first Diffractive Optices lens, the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS in 2001. It was a revolutionary lens with a dramatic weight reduction for that speed and focal length lens. I bought the glass a few years later and it quickly found a place in my equipment bag. The only slight drawback of the lens was it's not one of Canon's sharpest.

The EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II was announced late last year and this time I immediately placed my pre-order and have subsequently taken the lens on wildlife photography shoots around the globe. This second generation lens is a big improvement and definitely produces sharp images. Nikon has finally seen the light and is trying to catch up with their own version of DO lens, called Phase Fresnel.

Below is another new Canon patent discovered by Egami, the Japanese blog, for the EF 600mm f/4 DO lens. I will be most interested in acquiring this piece of glass if Canon decides to put it into production. You can see my works taken with the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II on MichaelDanielHo.com


Patent Publication No. 2015-11171 (Google Translated)

•     Published 2015.1.19
•     Filing date 2013.6.28

Example 2

•     Focal length 588.30mm
•     Fno. 4.12
•     Angle of view 2.11 °
•     Image height 21.64mm
•     Lens length 397.80mm
•     BF 2.02mm
•     Positive ShiboTadashi
•     Inner focus
•     Vibration control

Canon Developing New Slower Super Telephoto Lens?

Recently, I came across a post with the headline, 'Canon developing a new, slower Super Telephoto lens'. It read as follows :


We’re told that Canon is developing a new supertelephoto lens that is slower than f/4. One immediately thinks about an update to the EF 400mm f/5.6L, but we’re told that is not the case and it’ll be a new lens altogether.

While the source couldn’t nail down the exact focal length, speed or even if it was going to be a L lens, they did say the hope was to have such a lens to be announced some time in 2016 and that it would be “affordable”.

Frankly, that does not make sense to me. Yes, Canon is planning to introduce a replacement to the venerable EF 400mm f/5.6L some time in the future but this is technically a "L' lens with a long focal length in my book, not a Super Telephoto lens. Canon already had a slower, Super Telephoto lens, the EF 500mm f/4.5L. It was replaced by the EF 500mm f/4L IS in 1999.  Currently, only 2 companies offer affordable, super telephoto wannabe zoom lens, like the Tamron 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens.

Of course, these lens are more affordable for a reason. They are slower, less well-built and do not have the same image quality as the top-of-the-line Canon or Nikon lens. In my opinion, Canon already has a winning technology on their hands. It is the Diffractive Optics lens, the latest model is the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II. This is my favorite Super Telephoto lens in my equipment bag. 

Diffractive Optics technology helps Canon lower the weight of the lens without sacrificing image or build quality. It also keeps the price of the lens quite 'affordable'. They should be developing more lens with DO technology in different focal lengths. The ultimate glass of course, would be a DO version of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender lens but I am not holding out hope for that any time soon.  

Wildlife Photography - Costa Rica Photo Tour

* * *  Latest update on my Costa Rica photo tour   * * *

I am off to Costa Rica for a wildlife photo shoot. Will be visiting a few reserves on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts and in between. Costa Rica is a small democracy in Central America with breath taking sceneries and abundant wildlife in the many national parks and reserves around the country.  

I will be concentrating on Hummingbirds, Toucans and Sea Turtles. Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere, from southeastern Alaska to southern Chile. Many species live in tropical Central America. There are more than 300 species of Hummingbirds and Costa Rica has over 50 species within its borders. For those interested in Hummers, take a look at my article on how and where to photograph them.

Costa Rica hosts the largest Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) rookery in the Western Hemisphere and also has an important nesting populations of Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) Turtles. Time permitting, I will do some Humpback whale photography on the Pacific coast as well.

Bringing 3 pieces of new Canon gear and testing them extensively again - EOS-7D Mk II camera, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II and EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II lenses.  In addition, I will be bringing the old favorites - EOS-1D X , EOS-1D Mk IV and EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender lens.

It may not be easy for me to keep in touch because of my traveling schedule and sporadic Internet access but I will do my best. Have to wait till I return in late April to reconnect and write my blog again.

In the meantime, visit my website MichaelDanielHo.com to see photos and read stories from my previous wildlife trips around the globe. Wish me luck on my trip. My Tiger and Rhino safari shoot in India last month was just average. I need a break to get some spectacular sightings and encounters this time.   

Canon Won TIPA Camera and Lens Awards

I am not big on awards. As a wildlife photographer, here is my pick. I would classify the EOS-7D Mk II as the best APS-C camera value, EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II as the best 'L' zoom lens, EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II as the best, handholdable Super Telephoto lens and the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x as the best Super Telephoto zoom lens for wildlife photography. Read my comprehensive reviews by clicking on their links above.


TOKYO, April 9, 2015 - Canon camera products were honored with four “Best Photo and Imaging Product” awards by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA), representing 27 photo and imaging magazines from 16 countries across five continents. The award-winning products are : the EOS 7D Mk II digital SLR camera, the IXUS 160 (PowerShot ELPH 160 in the Americas) / IXUS 1651 / IXUS 170 (PowerShot ELPH 170 IS) digital compact cameras, the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM super-telephoto zoom lens, and the EF 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. This year marks Canon’s 21st consecutive year as a TIPA award recipient.


Best DSLR Expert : EOS-7D Mk II

Selected for this year’s “Best DSLR Expert” award, Canon’s APS-C-size flagship-model EOS 7D Mark II offers impressive specifications that, according to the TIPA jury, “appeal to photographers who know what a DSLR is capable of delivering.” The camera is equipped with an approximately 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s Dual DIGIC 6 image processors, all housed within a weather- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy body. In addition to realizing a fast continuous shooting speed of 10 frames per second, the EOS 7D Mark II employs a 65-point (all cross type) AF system and viewfinder providing an approximately 100 percent field of view. The jury highlighted such “exciting” features as HDR (High Dynamic Range)3 and Multiple Exposure4 modes, as well as an intervalometer and a bulb timer for long exposure capture. Furthermore, the camera incorporates dual card slots for both SD and CF cards, is capable of capturing smooth, highly responsive Full HD video thanks to its Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology, and is equipped with a dedicated stereo microphone and built-in headphone jack ports.

Best Easy Compact Camera : IXUS 160 / IXUS 165 / IXUS 170

With the introduction of the IXUS 160, IXUS 165 and IXUS 170, the TIPA judges said, “Canon has gone against the tide that supposedly swept away the possibility of new and exciting entrants in [the compact] camera category.” Named “Best Easy Compact Camera,” the three “compact and very affordable” IXUS-series cameras provide both “long-range optical zoom and stunning image quality,” features that, according to the jury, camera phones lack. In particular, the IXUS 170 was recognized for being an “exceptionally slim camera … with a very long-range [12x] optical zoom,” and for employing an approximately 20.0-megapixel image sensor and Intelligent IS, an optical image stabilization system that analyzes camera movement and applies the optimal correction method for shake-free stills and 720p HD video. The judges noted that “users can rely on the Smart AUTO mode,” a function that automatically chooses the optimal camera settings based on the scene being captured. The IXUS 165 also comes with Intelligent IS, while both the IXUS 165 and IXUS 160 each incorporate a 20.0-megapixel image sensor and an 8x optical zoom lens.

Best Expert DSLR Zoom Lens : EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM

Winner of the “Best Expert DSLR Zoom Lens” award, the Canon EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM was designed for full-frame SLR cameras, but is “equally beneficial” for APS-C digital SLR camera users who want to gain even more zoom range. In addition to 4-stop image stabilization and a USM (Ultra-Sonic Motor) delivering fast, near-silent AF performance, the lens employs 21 elements in 16 groups, including fluorite and super UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements, making possible “high image quality across the frame.” Furthermore, Canon’s ASC (Air Sphere Coating) technology offers advanced anti-reflective properties to achieve reduced ghosting and flares, while the lens’s nine-bladed circular aperture enables background blur that, according to the TIPA jury, is “smooth” and “impressive.” The judges also focused on the lens’s rear focusing design, with a floating element that “enhances AF speed and ensures uniformity in image quality at all focusing distances.” Other features mentioned by the TIPA jury include the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM’s adjustment ring, which enables users to fine-tune the zoom ring’s torque based on user preferences, and an independent-construction tripod mount that can be detached even while the lens is attached to a camera.

Best Professional DSLR Lens : EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Earning TIPA’s “Best Professional DSLR Lens” title, the EF11-24mm f/4L USM ultra-wide-angle zoom lens provides users with access to the “widest angle of view yet achieved for a rectilinear full-frame DSLR zoom lens.” In addition to boasting an impressive minimum focal length of 11 mm, the lens makes possible “minimally distorted images throughout its range.” It employs 16 lens elements in 11 groups, and incorporates four aspherical lens elements that help “minimize distortion from the center to the frame edge,” as well as an optical array that “provides straight lines with minimal curvature throughout the entire [zoom] range.” The lens also features super UD and UD lens elements that, according to the TIPA jury, “significantly reduce chromatic aberration,” as well as Canon’s SWC coating to reduce flare and ghosting. The EF11-24mm f/4L USM offers a body design that is “well sealed for dust and water resistance,” and allows for manual focusing even when in AF mode.

About the TIPA Awards

Held every year since 1991, the TIPA Awards recognize the best photo and imaging products announced during the previous 12 months based on such criteria as innovativeness, use of leading-edge technologies, design, and ease of use. In 1992, Canon took home its first TIPA accolade for the EOS 100 SLR camera and, over 23 separate occasions since then, has been honored with TIPA awards for a total of 73 products and technologies.