Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L vs Mitakon ZY Optics 85mm f/1.2 lens shootout (video)

The “Battle of the Bokeh” videos by DigitalRev TV are back. This time the contenders are the highly regarded [shoplink 135]Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 29791]Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2[/shoplink], the latter being a new and affordable option for those who need a 85mm f/1.2 lens on a Canon body. But how do the lenses compare? We are comparing an $800 lens (Mitakon) to a $2,000 lens (Canon). Watch Kai to learn.

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II price check: [shopcountry 135];
Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2 price check: [shopcountry 29791]

Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2
Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2
Mitakon Speedmaster 85mm f/1.2
Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L

[CW2] More Canon EOS 6D Mark II talk (to shrink and move upmarket?)

Canon RumorCanon Rumor
New bits about the Canon EOS 6D Mark II surfaced on the web. Again the EOS 6D Mark II is said to “move upmarket”, though this time only “slightly”. I do not believe the EOS 6D Mark II will move upmarket. It will remain Canon’s entry-level full-frame DSLR. It may be that the EOS 6D Mark II will have a higher price tag than the [shoplink 7139]EOS 6D[/shoplink] had when it was introduced, but that doesn’t mean moving upmarket. The rumor also says the EOS 6D Mark II will be an evolutionary update of the EOS 6D, which, in my opinion, contrasts with the “move upmarket”. Just my two cents.

The rumor also suggests the EOS 6D Mark II will be smaller in size and of lighter weight. The EOS 6D Mark II will not feature the same sensor as another Canon FF DSLR, just like the EOS 6D. NFC should also be on board along with a not specified “new connectivity feature”. The announcement of the EOS 6D Mark II is expected beginning of 2016.

Time ago we got a supposed EOS 6D Mark II specification list (which you should take with a huge grain of salt):

  • 28MP
  • 6 fps
  • ISO 100 – 102400 (expandable to 204800)
  • new AF system (but not the same as on 5DS)
  • 98% viewfinder coverage
  • Single SD card slot
  • WiFi, NFC, and GPS
  • small improvements for video features
EOS 6D Mark II
The Canon EOS 6D

About our rumour rating:

  • CW1 – probably fake rumor, not reliable (less than 15% chance to be real)
  • CW2 – rumor from an unknown/new source, but otherwise at least a plausible rumor (15%-40% chance to be real)
  • CW3 – around 50% chance to be real, coming from a known source, or from new source with good insight in Canon’s business
  • CW4 – rumor from a known source that was right in the past, high probability to be true (60%-80% chance to be real)
  • CW5 – as good as certain to be true
[via CR]

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II vs EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lenses shootout

EF 50mm f/1.8 STMEF 50mm f/1.8 STM
EF 50mm f/1.8 II (left), EF 50mm f/1.8 STM (right)

Since the new Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, the successor of the legendary Nifty-Fifty, the [shoplink 173]EF 50mm f/1.8 II[/shoplink], was readily available and in stock, there are more and more reviews coming up.

PetaPixel posted an exhaustive review that’s also a good read if you want to learn about the differences between the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM and its predecessor. A long list of pros for the new [shoplink 29241]EF 50mm f/1.8 STM[/shoplink] in the conclusion:

  • Much improved corner sharpness. Usable, even wide open.
  • Overall improved sharpness when shot wide open.
  • Better controlled chromatic aberrations, although still noticeable.
  • Faster and more accurate auto focus.
  • 7 aperture blades and new aperture blade design lead to nearly rounded bokeh lights, even at narrower apertures.
  • Auto focus more silent.
  • All-time manual focus override after half-pressing shutter.
  • Lower minimum focusing distance: 0.35m instead of 0.45m.
  • Metal mount.
  • Thread for lens hood. Compatible lens hood ES-68 available. Lens hood with release button.
  • Non-plastic feel.
  • Overall better build quality.
  • New lens cap design works better with lens hoods.
  • Broader focus ring.
  • Still very light and is a small lens that can stay in your bag.

The review has a lot of sample shots that can be downloaded in original size. Crops and comparison between the two lenses are also not missing, still it is not a review just for pixel peepers. Want to learn everything about Canon’s new Nifty-Fifty? Head over to PetaPixel for the full review.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM price check: [shopcountry 29241]

50mm f/1.8