Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS Review (photozone)

[shoplink 11699]EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS[/shoplink]

ephotozine.de posted a review about Canon’s new kit zoom lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS [shoplink 11699](price & specs)[/shoplink]. The lens was introduced with the Canon Rebel Sl1/EOS 100D and is the new kit zoom that Canon will deliver with their entry-level DSLR. ephotozine writes:

[…] the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS – is a little different since Canon came up with a completely new lens offering not only an updated optical design but also an improved construction as well as a new AF motor […]

Excerpts from the conclusion:

[Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS] the is a pretty darn sharp lens with only a minimal decrease in contrast fully open. However, it is not a lens without flaws. There is a bit of field curvature so expect a slight corner softness when shooting flat objects at max. aperture. The CAs are generally quite low but they are easily visible in the image corners at 18mm. The 18mm setting is also a weak spot both in terms of distortion and vignetting although this is actually nothing out of the ordinary for a lens in this class.

and:

Canon improved the mechanical quality of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS compared to its predecessors. It remains, of course, a “plastic” lens but we can celebrate the comeback of a dedicated focus ring and the implementation of a non-rotating front element as well as a generally higher build quality. The new STM AF is really silent and pretty speedy. Canon’s IS (image stabilizer) is a proven technology by now and it’s a welcome feature to help out in low light situations.

Sample images are also provided.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 STM IS price check: [shopcountry 11699] [via ephotozine]

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Review (The Phoblographer)

Tamron 90mm f/2.8
Image courtesy: The Phoblographer

The Phoblographer reviewed the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US lens [shoplink 8690](price & specs)[/shoplink]. A Canon EOS 5D Mark II [shoplink 254](price & specs)[/shoplink] was used for the test. With a price tag of $799 this lens is rather affordable. The review comes with lots of sample images, it’s definitely worth to be read if you are looking forward to get this lens.

Pros

  • Extremely sharp image quality
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Simple design
  • Fairly compact for a long lens
  • Extremely light
  • Included lens hood just makes the images look so much nicer
  • Fast focusing except when going down to the macro levels
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Our version needed a bit of micro-adjustment
  • We wish there was weather sealing incorporated into the lens

Conclusion:

Macro lenses are very fun to use. Not only do they give you some outstanding close focusing abilities, but they’re also usually characterized as being extremely good as portrait lenses. In our time with the lens, we couldn’t find a single reason to not purchase this lens if you’re in the market for a telephoto macro optic. One potential flaw may be that one may want an f2 lens instead of f2.8, but keep in mind that you’ll get the best results with this lens (and mostly any lens) if you incorporate the use of flash to emphasize the specular highlights that really make this lens shine.

Indeed, it was a pleasure to use this lens. It breathed lots of life into my Canon 5D Mk II and I’m going to miss the lens. However, I personally don’t shoot enough macro images to justify this purchase. And as far as portrait lenses go, I’m very happy with Sigma’s 85mm f1.4 EX–which is in some ways a competitor to a lens like Tamron’s latest addition.

But in the end, this lens renders color so well, we’re pleased to say that it is right up there with Zeiss and Rokinon. Though the three companies render color totally differently, the colors from this lens will appeal to many pros interested in a lens like this.

Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di MACRO 1:1 VC US price check: [shopcountry 8690]

  • 90mm Macro Prime Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2.8-32
  • 1:1 Maximum Reproduction Ratio
  • Vibration Compensation
  • Internal Focus System
  • Ultrasonic Silent Motor Drive
  • eBAND Hybrid Lens Coating
  • Extra-low Dispersion Optical Elements
  • Moisture-Resistant Construction

[shoplink 8690]Tamron 90mm f/2.8[/shoplink]

[via The Phoblographer]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM vs EF-S 18-55mm IS II Comparison (Resolution and more)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM resolution at 18mm – Image courtesy: dicahub.com

Korean site dicahub (translated) posted a comprehensive Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM the EF-S 18-55mm IS II lens review and comparison. How does Canon’s new STM lens, the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM [shoplink 11699](price & specs)[/shoplink] compares to the previous 18-55mm kit lens? The EF-S 18-55mm IS STM was announced along with the Canon Rebel Sl1/EOS 100D [shoplink 11240](price & specs)[/shoplink].

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM core specs:

  • 28.8-88mm Zoom Lens (35mm Equiv)
  • Aperture Range: f/3.5-38
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • Stepping Motor, Internal Focusing System
  • Supports Movie Servo AF Feature
  • Smooth and Quiet AF Ideal for Video
  • EF-S Mount for APS-C Format EOS Cameras
  • One Aspherical Element
  • Manual Focus Override in AF Mode
  • Accepts 58mm Filters

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM price check:  [shopcountry 11699] [via dicahub]

Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Resolution comparison #1 – Image courtesy: dicahub.com
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM
Resolution comparison #2 – Image courtesy: dicahub.com

Canon EOS 650D vs. EOS 700D Comparison Video (which one is best for you)

DigitalRev’s Kai wants to know the differences between the Canon EOS 650D / Rebel T4i [shoplink 5623](price & specs)[/shoplink] and EOS 700D / Rebel T5i [shoplink 11242](price & specs)[/shoplink]. Does the EOS 700D have enough nw features to make it worth over the EOS 650D?

Canon EOS 650D price check: [shopcountry 5623] Canon EOS 700D price check: [shopcountry 11242]

Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D Sample Pictures

Lots of Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D [shoplink 11240](price & specs)[/shoplink] sample pictures for your viewing pleasure. Check how the world’s smallest DSLR performs at the following links:

  • ephotozine has plenty of images, ISO tests included. High res pics can be downloaded
  • DPreview has 35 sample pictures and three videos
  • photographyblog has samples covering the whole ISO range a sample video

Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D core specs:

  • 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 5 Image Processor
  • 3.0″ Clear View II Touchscreen LCD
  • ISO 100-12800, Expandable to 25600
  • Full HD 1080 Video with Continuous AF
  • 4.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • 9-Point AF System
  • Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
  • Compact and Lightweight; Weighs 0.8 lb
  • Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses

Canon Rebel SL1 / EOS 100D price check: [shopcountry 11240]

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Update Sneak Preview

Jeremy from Atomos gives us a look at the highly anticipated firmware update for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III [shoplink 2431](price & specs)[/shoplink]. The video was recorded at NAB 2013 and comes from oliviatech. The EOS 5D Mark III firmware update will most probably be released to the general public next week, April 30.

Canon 5D Mark III price check: [shopcountry 2431] [via nofilmschool]