Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS in stock and ready to ship at major retailers

canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS
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At a glance:

  • EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/22
  • One GMo Aspherical Element
  • Air Sphere and Fluorine Coatings
  • Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Dust- and Water-Resistant Construction
  • Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

What likely is the most exciting Canon lens of 2017, the new EF 85mm f/1.4L IS lens, is now in stock and ready to ship almost everywhere in the US. At the time of writing the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS is in stock and sells for $1,599 at Amazon US,  Adorama and the Canon Store (backorder). B&H Photo still has the EF 85mm f/1.4L IS on pre-order.

More Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS order/pre-order links:

[shoplist 46811]

Sony announce new CFast memory cards in their Pro card line-up

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Sony completes Pro memory card line-up with new CFast range

Ultra-fast G Series CFast memory cards with up to 510MB/s write speed for photographers and videographers

(ASIA PACIFIC, 28 November 2017) – Sony today announced the launch of a range of high performance CFast memory cards designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and videographers. The new G Series CFast responds to the ever increasing capabilities of high-end DSLR and 4K cinema-grade broadcast cameras, offering lightning-fast write speeds of up to 510MB/s and read speeds of up to 530MB/s1. Joining an established range that includes Professional internal SSDs, XQD and SxS cards, as well as the world’s fastest SD card2, the new CFast models strengthen Sony’s position as a leader in professional memory solutions.

Step up to industry-leading write speeds

Professional photographers demand faster speed for continuous burst shooting of higher resolution images like RAW. With up to 510MB/s write speed, far outperforming the capabilities of existing CFast cards, G Series supports high-speed burst shooting of high resolution RAW, maximizing the capability of high-end DSLR cameras like the Canon 1DX Mark 2.

Reliable 4K video recording with VPG130 support

As well as ultra-fast write speed, the new CFast cards support VPG1303 for reliable recording of Cinema-grade or high-bitrate 4K video. A minimum sustained write speed of 130MB/s is guaranteed, making the new media ideal for stable recording of professional grade 4K video such as Cinema RAW light mode with Canon C200 video cameras.

Super-fast read speed for ultra-effective workflow

Efficient workflow is essential for professional photographers and videographers working in challenging environments to tight deadlines. With a blazing fast read speed of 530MB/s, G Series CFast dramatically reduces the time it takes to transfer RAW files, long 4K video footage and high-resolution images to a PC.

Designed for strength and reliability

The new CFast cards have passed a variety of stringent drop, vibration, shock and rigidity tests, making them perfect for shooting in many different locations. They work reliably across a wide range of temperatures and are highly resistant to static. With a hard case and Sony File Rescue software4 included for recovering accidentally deleted photos such as RAW images and videos, professionals can shoot with confidence in the toughest conditions.

The new G Series CFast 2.0 memory cards will be available in 32GB (CAT-G32), 64GB (CAT- G64) and 128GB (CAT-G128) capacities in selected Asia Pacific countries in the 1st quarter of 2018. Please check with the authorized dealers for pricing and availability.

For more information on Sony’s CFast card, please visit www.sony-asia.com/b2b

“NYC Layer-Lapse” is an amazing display of New York City (and shot with Canon gear)

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We featured other works by time-lapse photographer Julian Tryba in the last years. Tryba’s latest effort is a layer-lapse of New York City, NYC Layer-Lapse.

You may wonder what a “layer-lapse” is. Julian Tryba describes it as follows:

Traditional time-lapses are constrained by the idea that there is a single universal clock. In the spirit of Einstein’s relativity theory, layer-lapses assign distinct clocks to any number of objects or regions in a scene. Each of these clocks may start at any point in time, and tick at any rate. The result is a visual time dilation effect known as layer-lapse.

You have to watch the video to grasp the idea entirely.

To realize NYC Layer-Lapse Julian Tryba made 22 trips to New York, spent 352 hours filming, paid $1,430 in Parking Fees, drove 9,988 miles, and took 232,000 pictures. As you can see this is way more than a weekend project. He used five Canon DSLRs (Canon EOS 5Ds, EOS 5D Mark III, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 6D, EOS 7D), a Sony A7rii, and a bunch of lenses (Canon 200-400mm, Canon 100-400mm ii, Canon 70-200mm 2.8 ii, Canon 16-35mm 2.8 ii, Canon 24mm f1.4 ii, Canon 24-70mm 2.8 ii, Zeiss T* 50mm 1.4, Canon 135mm f2, Sony G 16-35mm 2.8, Canon 24-105mm, Rokinon 20mm 1.8).

NYC Layer-Lapse is not your usual time-lapse clip, it is a work of art born from passion and hours of work. More about how it was made can be read here. Kudos!

Canon announce new low-light network camera, the ME20F-SHN

ME20F-SHN
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We anticipated it a few weeks ago, now the ME20F-SHN has been announced.

Canon press release:

Capture Full HD images and complete colour in the dark with Canon’s leading low-light network camera, the ME20F-SHN

London, UK, 21 November 2017: Canon Europe, world leader in imaging solutions, today announces the launch of the ME20F-SHN, a low light network camera with remarkable performance. As a sister product to the ME20F-SH, the ME20F-SHN which now features network capability, further enhances Canon’s Multiple Purpose camera line-up with a solid proposition in producing full colour and Full HD resolution images in limited light scenarios. Perfect for critical surveillance operations, the ME20F-SHN packs incredible low light performance, network capability and built-in video analytics into a lightweight and compact body.

Incredible low-light performance
Equipped with a 2.26MP Full Frame 35mm CMOS sensor and DIGIC DV 4 processor, the ME20F-SHN delivers sharp, low noise, Full HD colour video in extreme low light conditions. The sensor’s pixels and readout circuitry use Canon’s proprietary technologies to achieve both reduced noise and exceptionally high sensitivity. With a maximum ISO in excess of 4 million (+75db), which delivers amazing low-light sensitivity, the ME20F-SHN can capture subjects illuminated with less than 0.0005 lux. Even greater detail can be captured in low-light environments by removing the IR cut filter when shooting in infrared mode.

Much like Canon’s Cinema EOS range, this network camera offers Canon Log and Wide DR from the Custom Picture menu, which enables a wide dynamic range of up to 12 Stops (800%), delivering high-quality images across a range of lighting scenarios. The Custom Picture menu has been upgraded, with the addition of the Crisp Img function, which obtains sharp images in well-lit environments and low noise image under low light conditions. These features are invaluable for users needing to capture clear and accurate images.

Enhanced network capability for surveillance applications
Featuring Ethernet, 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI ports, the ME20F-SHN caters for a plethora of video outputs based on users’ application requirements. For local monitoring, the ME20F-SHN has 3G/HD-SDI and HDMI ports; while an Ethernet connection enables remote operation of camera settings, monitoring and recording via web browsers, mobile devices or other video management software. The microSD card slot supports record and playback directly from a microSD card. For unmanned and cost-efficient surveillance, the 6 built-in video analytics functions and Alarm I/O interface enables automated recording and output to external devices triggered by video motion detection and alarm input.

With the Area-specific Data Size Reduction (ADSR) function, the ME20F-SHN enables users to capture absolute detail in selected areas of interest while reducing bit-rates in the other areas of the image to save network bandwidth. For ease of integration into existing video surveillance systems, the ME20F-SHN supports a wide range of video management software through Canon WebView and ONVIF protocols.

Flexible installation capabilities
Operators can select the ideal lens for each shooting and equipment scenario, taking aspects such as angle of view and level of brightness into account. Featuring an EF mount with Cinema Lock, the ME20F-SHN is compatible with a broad range of lenses across the Canon line-up, including zooms, primes and selected Cine Servo lenses for greater control. With PoE+ support, the data transmission via Ethernet and power supply are provided with a single LAN cable, which facilitates simple and rapid installation of the camera. The compact body and lightweight design are invaluable for users needing both a fixed and portable camera.

ME20F-SHN key features:

  • Sharp, low noise colour video in extreme low light
  • Network capable remote configuration and monitoring
  • Supports a wide range of surveillance applications
  • High-quality Full HD output
  • Flexible installation

A Master at Work: Don McCullin in Kolkata

Don McCullin
Sir Don McCullin (Image from Wikipedia)

One of the greatest living photographers, war photography legend, and the man who always has been an inspiration for me (not just in photography), Sir Don McCullin, has been portrayed in a new documentary, McCullin in Kolkata.

In this article at Canon Europe, film director Clive Booth, cinematographer Chris Clarke and Sir Don McCullin’s manager, Mark George, tell the behind-the-scenes story of how they made the documentary film, McCullin in Kolkata.

Don McCullin has been filmed discussing his photography many times during his long career, but rarely has he been shown shooting in the field. So when plans were mooted for making a documentary showing him in action, with the world’s most renowned photojournalist keen on the concept, they knew they had a rare opportunity that would make the photographic world sit up and take note. The questions was, where did Don want to turn his lens…

“We initially planned to film Don in Lebanon, but ISIS moved into the area and it was too dangerous,” says Mark. “We considered filming him photographing Roman buildings in Turkey, but his name has been made shooting people, so we really needed to show him doing that.

“Then Don said, ‘If you want people, we should go to Kolkata. It’s the most unbelievable city in the world.’ When Don tells you that, you know you’re on safe ground.”

Well, yes, Kolkata, a city I visited two times, is for sure on of he most unbelievable cities in the world. But then: this applies to most of India. Btw, Sir Don McCullin used a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV in Kolkata.

Be sure o have a look at the video below. Don McCullin is not your ordinary photographer. This man is what legends are made of.

Black Friday 2017: Sigma announce $100 discount on select Sigma ART lenses

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Deal
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Sigma announced a $100 rebate on a select set of Sigma ART lenses for Black Friday 2017. Sigma’s press release is at the end of the post.

Please note: by clicking on “Amazon” you are redirected to your country’s Amazon (as far as I know Sigma’s Black Friday 2017 discounts are for EU customers too).

Black friday 2017Sigma press release:

Sigma Announces Company’s Biggest Black Friday 2017 Sale on Award-Winning Art Lenses

Ronkonkoma, NY – November 19, 2017 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced its biggest Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale ever, offering incredible savings on its award-winning Art lens line. For a limited time, customers can save up to $100.00 USD on some of Sigma’s most sought after Art lenses. These unprecedented savings are only available through Sigma’s authorized US dealers beginning Sunday, November 19th through Thursday, November 30th, 2017.

Sigma’s award-winning Global Vision Art lenses are defined by their edge-to-edge, uncompromising image quality. Best-in-class optics combined with outstanding craftsmanship give photographers a lens that enables the ultimate in artistic expression. The award-winning Art line of large-aperture primes, wide angles and standard zooms captures portraits, fashion, architecture, landscapes and more with groundbreaking sharpness and clarity.

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