Canon EOS-1D X Mark II review (Is this what the future looks like for Canon? – LensRentals)

Eos-1d X Mark Ii
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Canon EOS-1D X Mark II: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II at a glance:

  • 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
  • Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors
  • 14 fps Shooting, 16 fps in Live View
  • DCI 4K Video at 60 fps, 8.8MP Still Grab
  • 61-Point High Density Reticular AF II
  • 3.2 inch (1.62m) Touchscreen LCD Monitor
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF
  • ISO 100-51200 (Expanded to 409600)
  • Built-In GPS
  • CFast & CF Card Slots

LensRentals had their hands on the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, Canon’s latest full-frame flagship and likely the new gold standard for this category of professional cameras.

They write:

Overall, the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II is without a question, the best Canon camera I’ve ever used. The images looked great, the speed of the camera is unbelievable, and the build is unparalleled. Canon took what everyone loved about the Canon EOS-1D X classic, and improved it on every single level, and managed to do it and keep it cheaper than the Nikon competitor (which in my opinion, is not as good). If you’re a sports photographer, this is your Ferrari. Read the review…

And like a Ferrari, there is a pice tag that sure isn’t for anyone of us, $6,000. However, you get what you pay for: advanced tech and a truly professional DSLR.

If you want to know how 14fps sound and look, then start the video below.

 

eos-1d x mark ii

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 first impression (video)

Zeiss Milvus 50mm F/1.4
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Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 at a glance:

  • EF Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
  • 4 Anomalous Partial Dispersion Elements
  • 1 Aspherical Element
  • Distagon Optical Design
  • Zeiss T* Anti-Reflective Coating
  • Manual Focus Design
  • Anodized Metal Barrel, Rubber Focus Ring
  • Weather-Sealed Construction

In anticipation of his review, photographer and reviewer Dustin Abbott posted a 11 minutes video about the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 where he takes a first look at the design, build, and handling of the Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 along with sharing some sample photos. I like Abbott’s reviews because he always has an approach as photographer in a real world setting. The Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4 is almost a budget lens for a Zeiss lens: it’s “only” $1,200.

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4

Canon EOS 80D review (an all-rounder that’s very easy to like, Photography Blog)

APS-C EOS 80d Canon Eos 90d
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Canon EOS 80D: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Canon EOS 80D at a glance:

  • 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
  • DIGIC 6 Image Processor
  • 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps
  • 45-Point All Cross-Type AF System
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF
  • Expanded ISO 25600, Up to 7 fps Shooting
  • Built-In Wi-Fi awith NFC
  • RGB+IR 7560-Pixel Metering Sensor

Photography Blog posted their comprehensive Canon EOS 80D review. The EOS 80D is getting pretty good press, and here is one more example.

In the conclusion they write:

The new 24 megapixel CMOS sensor produces virtually no visible noise at all from ISO 100 all the way up to ISO 1600, with even the three faster settings of 3200-12800 producing perfectly usable images (although 25600 is best reserved for emergency use). All other image quality aspects are up to Canon’s usual high standards, so top marks go to the 80D in this department. Even the new 18-135mm kit lens is worth considering if you’ve not yet bought into the Canon system.

So while rival cameras may offer better image quality, or better specifications, faster burst modes, or smaller and lighter bodies, the new Canon EOS 80D is a very well-rounded camera that will satisfy most users needs most of the time. That may sound like damning the 80D with faint praise, but in a market where new cameras often seem to excel in one area above others, the versatile and intuitive EOS 80D is an all-rounder that’s very easy to like. Read the review…

Want to have a look into the EOS 80D user manual? Click here!

Canon EOS 80D: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

EOS 80D

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM ART (utterly unique lens)

Sigma 50-100mm F/1.8
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Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM ART at a glance:

  • Canon EF Mount/APS-C Format
  • 80-160mm (35mm Equivalent)
  • Aperture Range: f/1.8 to f/16
  • One SLD and Three FLD Elements
  • One High-Refractive Index Element
  • Super Multi-Layer Coating
  • Hyper Sonic AF Motor
  • Internal Zoom and Focus; MF Override
  • Rounded 9-Blade Polycarbonate Diaphragm
  • Fixed, Rotating Tripod Collar

Photographer and reviewer Dustin Abbott published his comprehensive review of Sigma’s latest of their unique lenses, the Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM ART for APS-C DSLR.

What makes this lens unique is the constant aperture f/1.8, same as on the also outstanding Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM. There are no other lens with such features.

The video above is the review, which can also be read and comes with many sample pictures. In the conclusion Abbott writes:

The Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM ART is an incredible lens. The image quality is seriously impressive, and this lens exhibited none of the focus woes I encountered with the 18-35mm. Not only is the resolution extremely high on the lens, but the overall look of the images it produces is extremely nice. The tradeoff is that you are going to have to deal with a uniquely large and heavy APS-C lens that is also unmatched in the weight department. My most serious gripe is with the poor implementation of the tripod collar, but I suspect that most users will adapt. I could wish for weather sealing or Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer, too, but the ART series has given me no reason to expect that. If your wrists can handle the weight, and your wallet can handle the hit ($1099 in the US), then I can think of no other serious reason why you wouldn’t want to own this lens.

Dustin Abbott also tested the Sigma 50-100mm on a full-frame body. Even if the lens is not meant for a FF body, it can never the less being mounted on such a body. The video below reveals the findings.

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

Sigma 50-100mm f/1.8

[via Dustin Abbott]

Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm T4.4 overview video

Canon 18-80mm
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Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm T4.4: Adorama | B&H Photo

Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm at a glance (taken from Adorama’s product page, pre-orders possible):

  • Covers 18-80mm Focal Length with Servo Control Capability: The lens is equipped with an electronic zoom that delivers smooth, quiet and stable zooming from high speed to low speed across the entire 18 80mm zoom range.
  • High-level 4K Optical Performance: Designed to fulfill contemporary 4K production standards, the lens provides superb optical performance with 4K support through the entire zoom range, from the center to the perimeter of the image.
  • No-step Iris Mechanism for Motion Picture Shooting: Smooth, no-step iris operation can be controlled manually or electronically. The iris can be closed at the minimum aperture.
  • Focus Breathing: Featuring zoom and focus mechanisms suitable for video shooting, the variance in angle of view during focusing is minimized
  • Newly Developed Servo Drive Unit: The newly developed servo drive unit allows you to control zoom, focus and iris over servo.
  • Compact and Lightweight: For Increased Mobility and Versatility
  • Autofocus Function: The lens is equipped with an ultrasonic motor (USM) to support Dual Pixel CMOS AF (Auto-Focus) and the Dual Pixel Focus Guide.
  • Image Stabilization: Featuring optical-shift image stabilization, this lens provides strong IS from low to high frequencies to help enable stable shooting
  • EF Communication Functions Ideal for Video Shooting: The lens supports various EF communication functions via the electronic contacts of the EF mount

Canon’s Technical USA Advisor Brent Ramsey discusses the features and benefits of the Canon COMPACT-SERVO 18-80mm T4.4 EF. This lens can be ideal for the cinematographer moving up from EF lenses, combining the functionality of EF lenses with the video shooting features of Cinema lenses, as well as benefits of compact size and lightweight (only 2.7 lbs.) for outstanding mobility.

Canon ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera Overview Video

Canon ME200S-SHCanon ME200S-SH: B&H Photo | Adorama

Canon ME200S-SH at a glance (taken from Adorama’s product page):

  • CANON SUPER 35MM CMOS SENSOR: Geared to meet a wide range of video production needs, the ME200S-SH camera’s Super 35mm Canon CMOS Image Sensor allows for cinematic image capture
  • DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF (AUTO-FOCUS): The ME200S-SH camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF (Auto-Focus) technology helps provide smooth and consistent autofocus,
  • VERSATILE BOX-STYLE DESIGN: The ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera was designed for a wide variety of applications.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH EF-MOUNT LENSES: The ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera is compatible with select Canon EF mount lenses.
  • RC-V100 REMOTE CONTROL: The ME200S-SH Multi-Purpose Camera can be controlled via either of the two remote terminals offering a mini-pin or RS-422 connection that utilize Canon’s OK protocol, and are compatible with the optional Canon RC-V100 Remote

Canon USA’s Technical Advisor Brent Ramsey gives an overview of the ME200S-SH multi-purpose camera. Ramsey discusses the main camera features as well as the plethora of applications and scenarios that this camera can be used for.