Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF Review (image quality perfect for portrait work)

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review
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A Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review, Samyang aka Rokinon’s new autofocusing lens for the EOS R system.

Dustin Abbott posted an exhaustive Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF review. While we recommend you head over and read his review, which comes with test charts and sample photos, and comparisons with similar lenses, and likely can answer any question you might have about this lens, here is a short summary of Dustin Abbott’s conclusion:

[…] For those interested in portrait photography, but without incredibly deep pockets, the Samyang RF85 ($700) is a godsend. It gives them a quality build (yet reasonable weight), good autofocus performance (with excellent Eye AF results), and image quality that is, essentially, near perfect for portrait work.

[…]

The list of shortcomings is fairly brief, with the typical wide aperture short telephoto traits of vignette and flare being the chief optical complaints.  The autofocus performance is roughly on par with what I saw from the Canon 85L lens, which is to say very good but not as quiet, smooth, or fast as the very best that I’ve seen.  I also wish the lens had support of Canon’s Lens Aberration Corrections (like the 14mm F2.8), but hopefully that will come via firmware in the future.  That’s about as much as I can come up with, as overall I think the lens is a wonderful addition to the RF catalog and a lens I plan to add to my own Canon RF kit.

Read the full review at Dustin Abbott’s website...

For those who prefer watching a review, here are two videos, the first one the short version and the second one the full review. You can follow Dustin Abbott on his YouTube channel.

The Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 RF is available at $699: [shoplist 62302]

Sigma Patent: 70-200mm f/4 DG DN OS Lens For FF Mirrorless Cameras

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A Sigma patent application for a 70-200mm lens for full frame mirrorless cameras. Let’s hope for the EOS R system too.

Sigma patent application 2020-86133A discusses the optical formula for a 70-200mm DG DN OS lens , “OS” being Sigma’s denomination for in lens image stabilization.

  • Zoom ratio: 2.68
  • Focal length: 72.50 118.13 193.95 mm
  • F number: 4.00 3.99 4.00
  • Angle of view: 33.22 20.36 12.38
  • Image height: 21.63 21.63 21.63 mm
  • Lens length: 200.60 200.60 200.60 mm

Canon patent applications are listed here.

Nik Collection 3 Released, And We Give Away 4 Licenses

nik collection 3
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Update: the giveaway is over but you can still purchase Nik Collection 3 with a 30% discount.

DxO has released the brand new Nik Collection 3. Enter our giveaway and win a free license, or you buy it right away with a special discount.

Now, you definitely want this legendary photo editing software, and we might help you get it. First, enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a full license for Nik Collection 3 (the more you interact, the more chances to win you have). Second, if you’re in a hurry or haven’t been lucky with the giveaway, you can buy Nik Collection 3 at the special launch price of $99 instead of regular $149 (exp. 6/30). A 30 days trail version is also available.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some videos explaining what this amazing software can do.

DxO press release:

Nik Collection 3 By DxO: A faster and more creative user experience in Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom Classic

DxO, one of the most innovative companies in the photography and image-editing industry, has announced the immediate release of the Nik Collection 3 by DxO, a major upgrade to the famous plugin suite for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, and DxO PhotoLab. The Nik Collection 3 By DxO has become even more powerful and versatile with each new version. It features a newly designed Nik Selective Tool, the suite’s plugin launcher for Adobe Photoshop, and new quick edit tools. Nik Collection 3 By DxO also offers a new non-destructive workflow, a unique feature that is perfect for Adobe Lightroom Classic users, as well as an eighth geometric correction plugin, Perspective Efex. Finally, the Message Center lets Nik Collection users stay informed about new upcoming features and access new online resources.

Quickly unlock your creativity in Adobe Photoshop with the Nik Selective Tool

The Nik Selective Tool is a dedicated palette that gives users direct access to the suite’s various plugins from Adobe Photoshop. The new Nik Selective Tool has been completely redesigned. This latest version revolutionizes how Nik Collection By DxO is used by simplifying the suite and providing faster access to each editing feature. The new version of the Nik Selective Tool features a new design that makes it easier to identify each plugin and clearly display your favorite presets. To optimize the workspace in Adobe Photoshop, the palette can be automatically collapsed with one click. The tool is also fully compatible with HiDPI screens and can be used in dual monitor mode for an even more productive experience.

At the same time, the Nik Selective Tool has been expanded to include lightning-fast retouching options. Its new “Last Edit” feature recreates the last preset applied in a single click so users can quickly edit their images in the plugins of their choice. This feature is especially useful for editing batches of images or when users want to create a preset after editing a photo. Its brand-new “Quick Edit” option even lets users edit their images by applying the last action used without having to launch the plugin interface—all in a single click. Lastly, Silver Efex Pro and HDR Efex Pro now offer direct access to favorite presets, in addition to Color Efex Pro.

“The new Nik Selective Tool is a great way to make my post-processing workflow even more effective,” says Soli Kanani, professional photographer and DxO ambassador. “Just like a real-life assistant, it’s by my side around the clock, which lets me quickly open all the plugins I need at every step in the editing process, all without losing sight of what I’m doing.”

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Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Deal – $699 (reg. $899, limited time)

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 deal
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Authorized retailer Adorama has a very good Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 deal.

Get the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD lens (Canon or Nikon mount) on sale at $699. Compare at $899. Free shipping. Limited time offer, free shipping.

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 deal key features:

  • High-resolution image quality
  • Appealing background bokeh
  • Fast F/1.4 aperture and high-speed
  • Prime Lens
  • Lens Format: Full Frame
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.4
  • Lens Type: Wide Angle SLR Lens
  • Image Stabilization Type: No
  • Lens Series: Tamron Di Series

Want to know more about this lens? DPReview’s video below might answer your questions.

More hand-picked deals are listed here.

Win a license for the brand new Nik Collection 3 or get it with 30% discount.

Today’s Gold Box and one day only deals at Amazon US, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, B&H Photo, eBay, Adorama.

Refurbished lenses and DSLRs at Canon Store (best deals might be found here)

Save $10 on Luminar 4 and/or Aurora HDR 2019 using our code “WATCH” at checkout.

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COVID-19: Canon Software For Counting People And Crowds In Real Time

coronavirus covid-19 ransomware Chipmaking
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Not photography related but never the less an interesting news concerning Canon. A software to keep up with social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press release:

Canon U.S.A. Announces Crowd People Counter Software to Capture Crowd Sizes in Real Time

Software Aids in Social Distance Monitoring, City Planning and Crowd Control at Stadiums, Airports, Train Stations, Houses of Worship and Other Large Venues

MELVILLE, NY, June 1, 2020 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the Crowd People Counter, a video content analysis software which can quickly provide event management teams and law enforcement agencies the ability to gather crowd size data in real-time. The gathering and analysis of this data can help detect overcrowding and potentially prevent accidents at a variety of locations, including stadiums, airports, train stations, houses of worship, and other venues. An additional application of the software is the ability to support city planning projects.

“Now more than ever, cities and venues are extremely conscious about crowd control and social distancing,” said Tatsuro “Tony” Kano, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Canon U.S.A.’s Imaging Technologies and Communications Group. “With the current COVID-19 pandemic, it has become extremely important to be able to monitor the density of crowds. Our new Crowd People Counter software can help to manage crowds in real time and will provide valuable data to help keep people safe once large gatherings and events return.”

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