Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Review

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is surprisingly pricey ($2400) so everyone wants to know how well this lens performs (previously featured reviews here and here). Now it's slrgear's turn to review this Canon lens. Some excerpts from their test:

    • The Canon 24-70mm ƒ/2.8L II USM is one of the sharpest lenses Canon has produced
    • The Canon 24-70mm ƒ/2.8L II USM keeps chromatic aberration very well under control
    • Going from infinity to close-focus takes well less than one second, and point-to-point focusing is lightning quick

From slrgear's conclusion:

Canon has made dramatic improvements to this lens series, which is sure to become the darling of Canon wedding shooters around the globe. The price tag is significantly steep, but there are enough improvements over the previous lens to more than justify the price.

Specifications:

    Large aperture L-Series standard zoom lens that combines high image quality and enhanced durability.

    New optical design utilizes one Super UD lens element and two UD lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration in the outer area at wide-angle; as well as eliminates color blurring around the edges of the subject, for images with high resolution and contrast.

    Combines 2 types of aspherical lenses to reduce spherical aberration,and achieve high image quality across the entire screen area and throughout the full zoom range.

    Highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh and rigorous conditions.

    Circular diaphragm (9 blades) delivers beautiful, soft backgrounds.

    Ring USM, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithms for fast autofocusing.

    Optimized lens coatings ensure exceptional color balance while minimizing ghosting.

    Fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces reduces smears and fingerprints.

    Zoom lock lever locks the zoom position at the wide end for safe transporting.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

[via slrgear]

 

Olympus OM-D EM-5 vs Canon EOS M Auto Focus Comparison

Yes, the EOS M’s AF is way slower than the EM-5’s AF. It’s a pity on an otherwise such well performing camera as the Canon EOS M. Tomek Kulas at M43.eu wanted to know how much slower than the EM-5. The video above shows a simple test: pointing both cams to the same subject and using touch-to-shoot.

Canon please give us a firmware update that fixes the issue!!

Canon EOS M price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [M43 via PetaPixel]

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 IS 1.4x TC Next To Be Released?

Canon Rumors reports that one of their readers had the chance to play around (in South Africa) with Canon`s so much anticipated EF 200-400mm f/4 IS 1.4x TC lens, and to talk about it with a Canon product manager. Quoting CR regarding the specs:

  • This was the first time that this specific model was on public display.
  • Changes were made post Olympics-this is probably the final version.
  • This one is a production model.
  • Pricing: somewhere around $11000.
  • Weight: No official comment from Canon. Ben thinks it feels nearly the same weight as the 600 F4 II.
  • Focus speed the same as 500 II on 1DX, virtually instantaneous.
  • Flip switch for converter works like a dream-instant magnification.
  • One has to move L hand from front to flip switch, when hand holding the lens more difficult to flip switch than with lens on mono pod.
  • Availability: next 2-3 months.

Looks like production models already exist.

[via CR]

New Canon EOS 7D Mark II Rumor

A  Far East Source told Northlight Images some new tidbits, mainly concerning the position of the the Canon EOS 7D Mark II in Canon`s lineup. NL had word

[…] that the 7D Mk2 is going to be firmly aimed at the sports and nature market, with a lot of features based on feedback from ‘pro’ users. The 10 fps rate is seen as an important feature, along with many features derived from 1DX developments, particularly AF and lower light performance Sensor size would be advertised as 21MP, but faster and less noisy than the 7D (25MP was apparently seen as not offering enough image quality) The 6D is aimed at a proportion of the 7D market, giving more flexibility in upping the 7Dmk2 specifications (and price). The current 7D will continue for some time and surplant the 60D, when the 700D comes along with increased specifications.

While it’s pretty much sure that the Canon 7DmarkII will be announced in Spring specs are coming (and changing) every couple of days/weeks. So take these rumors with a grain of salt!