[Review] EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens (in stock at Amazon)

Canon 500mm f/4L EF IS II USM Lens

Photographer Richard Bernabe got an EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens and shares his thoughts on his blog. An EOS 7D was used to test the lens (samples provided).

 After comparing the new version to the previous one, I would have to say that it’s noticeably faster to grab focus, especially when working with moving subjects as I was. The IS is much more powerful as well. Before even looking at Canon’s lens specs, I noticed a change to the IS performance. Canon claims there is a 4-stop advantage from IS-ON to IS-OFF, which is double the advantage over the older version. There are three IS modes: 1 is for shooting stationary subjects, 2 is for panning in one direction, and 3 is for tracking moving subjects.

The EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM has a price tag of $10.500. Amazon has one (1) in stock (click here, also for product specifications). You can pre-order the lens at Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here)

  • EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM:

    • Redesigned Fluorite Optics
    • Less Chromatic Aberration
    • Magnesium/Titanium for Lighter Weight
    • 3 IS Modes for 4-Stop Advantage
    • Smooth Focus Change for Video
    • Redesigned, Intuitive Buttons/Switches
[via Richard Bernabe]

[Review] Canon EOS 1D-X vs Nikon D4 – And The Winner Is…

Kai and the crew at DigitalRev compared Canon’s and Nikon’s flagships: the EOS-1D X vs the Nikon D4. Sort of Battle of the Titans :-). So, if you want to learn which one is better, then have a look at this 11:32min video. Funny as usual. Check the following shops to order the EOS 1D-X: Amazon US (click here), DigitalRev (click here), Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here). The usual list price is $6,799.

EOS 1D-X price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA

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[Review] Rebel T4i/650D/X6i Full Review By DPreview

DPreview published the awaited review of the Rebel T4i/650D. I didn’t expect it to be that positive, final score is 77/100. However, the “biggest disappointment […] lies in the camera’s ‘hybrid’ AF performance in live view and video modes“. No surprise here. The positive aspects:

  • Comprehensive touchscreen interface that is intuitive and efficient
  • High image quality with good balance between detail and noise reduction in JPEG output
  • Good subject tracking AF in viewfinder shooting mode (compared to mirrorless competition)
  • 5 fps with ample buffering in JPEG-only mode
  • Very responsive operation, with menu access available even when buffer is full
  • Good-looking video output with manual exposure and audio controls
  • New ‘hybrid AF’ is a step forward (compared to its predecessor)
  • Built-in lens correction for vignetting and CA
  • Effective HDR, lowlight and noise reduction multi-exposure modes
  • Wireless strobe triggering via built-in flash
  • Eye sensor to toggle LCD on and off
  • Built-in stereo mics
  • External microphone socket
  • Updated LCD screen minimizes fingerprint smudges from touchscreen use
  • High quality raw converter in software bundle

Rebel T4i/EOS 650D price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA [via DPreview]

 

EOS 1D-X Review By Philip Bloom (worth the money for the video?)

Philip Bloom made a short movie with the purpose of testing the EOS-1D X video capabilities. The 1D-X was announced a long time ago, 8 months if I am not wrong, and is just by now getting stocked in the major shops. The video was partially shot using also a Canon C300. A long and detailed review, with lots of insights in the workflow. Definitely worth to be seen and to be read. About the EOS 1D-X P. Bloom has to say:

Is it worth the extra money? Yes and no. As a stills camera, it is second to none. Video wise, the video is much better than the Mk3, it’s better than the D800. Is it that much better taking into account the price? Yes and no. The Mk3 is still great and much smaller, lighter and cheaper. I wish the Mk3 image looked as smashing as this…I really hope Canon bring out a 7D replacement and a 60D replacement with All-I and the video quality that this camera produces.

Check the following shops to order the EOS 1D-X: Amazon US (click here), DigitalRev (click here), Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here). The usual list price is $6,799.

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[Review] EOS 5D Mark III In-Depth Review (comparison, samples, etc, and a great 5D3 deal)

Image credit: The Phoblographer

Chris Gampat at the Phoblographer published another one of his great reviews. It’s a long term review of the EOS 5D Mark III. Other photographer have been involved. The review covers every aspect of the 5D3 you may be interested in (including video modes). Lot’s of samples are provided. The review has been done over the period of a couple of months. Additional contributing was done by photographers Thomas Campbell and Thursten Kent. A review that is definitely worth to be read if you are interested in the 5D Mark III.

You can get the 5D Mark III for !!. The 5D3 with an EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF is sold for .

EOS 5D Mark III price check: B&H Photo, Adorama, Amazon USA, Amazon Canada, Canon Canada, Canon USA