Is this the patent for the next EF 24-105mm F4L IS lens?

Ef 24-105mm F4L IS

A few weeks ago a rumor suggested that Canon may announce a new EF 24-105mm F4L IS lens along with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. Both are expected to be announced in August, ready for Photokina 2016.

This may easily be the pertinent patent for the new EF 24-105mm F4L IS Mark II.

  • Patent Publication No. 2016-71283
    • Published 2016.5.9
    • Filing date 2014.10.1
  • Example
    • Zoom ratio 4.13
    • Focal length 24.70 32.04 102.11
    • F-number 4.10
    • Half angle of view (degrees) 41.22 34.03 11.96
    • Image height 21.64
    • The total lens length 148.96 152.86 207.64
    • BF 35.80 36.22 53.51
[via Egami]

That’s what happens when Leaf Cutter Ants chew away on your gear

The video above tells the story that happened to two photographers who wanted to set up a photo trap to capture a shot of a jaguar.

Things didn’t work out as expected. They were using a Canon EOS 7D, an off-camera flash, and an IR sensor. Everything seemed fine, the surprise came when they went back the day after. A horde of leaf cutter ants destroyed all the equipment. Incredible what this little pesky insects can do!

[via PetaPixel via The Jungle Diaries]

Venus Optics Laowa STF 105mm f/2 (T3.2) lens first impression video

Laowa STF 105mm F/2
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Laowa STF 105mm f/2 (B&H Photo | Adorama) at a glance:

  • Canon EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
  • Aperture Range: f/2 (T3.2) to f/22
  • One Apodization Element for Smooth Bokeh
  • Three Low Dispersion Elements
  • One Extra Refractive Index Element
  • Manual Focus and Manual Aperture Ring
  • Dual Diaphragms: 8- and 14-Blades

This interesting lens was announced back in March 2016. The manual focusing Laowa STF (Smooth Trans Focus) 105mm f/2 (T3.2) is made by Venus Optics. It’s currently available for pre-order at $699.

In the video below, hotographer and reviewer Dustin Abbott breaks down the build, handling, and how the new Laowa STF 105mm f/2 (T3.2) works. He also posted a sample images gallery.

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Laowa STF 105mm f/2 (B&H Photo | Adorama) 

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II overview and tutorial video

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

EOS-1D X Mark II at a glance:

  • Fastest shooting EOS-1D, capable of up to 14 fps full-resolution RAW or JPEG, and up to 16 fps in Live View mode with new Dual DIGIC 6+ Image Processors.
  • Achieves a maximum burst rate of up to 170 RAWs in continuous shooting at up to 16 fps, and 4K movies using CFast cards in the new CFast 2.0 slot.
  • Experience less noise in higher ISO images via a new 20.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, with an ISO range of 100 51200; expansion to ISO 409600.
  • Improved AF performance through 61-point, wide area AF system with 41 cross-type points, improved center point focusing sensitivity to -3 EV and compatibility down to f/8
  • Accurate subject tracking for stills and video with new EOS Intelligent Tracking and Recognition AF with 360,000-pixel metering sensor.
  • 4K video (4096 x 2160) up to 60 fps (59.94), with an 8.8-Megapixel still frame grab in camera. Full 1080p HD capture up to 120 fps for slow motion.
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF & Movie Servo AF for high speed, high frame rate and continuous autofocus during video shooting.
  • View and control high quality stills and videos via the 3.2-inch touch panel LCD with 1.62 million dots.
  • Increased resolution and fine detail, with lens aberration correction and diffraction correction via new in-camera Digital Lens Optimizer technology.
  • Built-in GPS provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code via satellites.
  • The new optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E8A is compatible with IEEE 802.11ac/n/a/g/b, supporting both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
  • Durable and rugged magnesium alloy body with dust- and-weather resistance for demanding shooting situations.

Guess if you have something left you want to know about the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II, then this 1 hour video by Tony & Chelsea Northrup will provide all the answers you were looking for.

Canon CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS servo zoom first sample footage (pre-production model)

CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS
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Canon C300 Mark II (B&H Photo | Adorama) at a glance:

  • Covers Super 35 & APS-C Formats
  • EF Mount
  • T4.4 Constant Maximum Aperture
  • 9-Blade Iris
  • Parfocal with Minimized Focus Breathing
  • Compatible with Servo Lens Controllers
  • Optional Control Grip
  • Image Stabilization & Auto Focus Support
  • 180° Rotation for Focus
  • Lightweight at only 2.65 lb

Canon’s CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS servo zoom is a hot piece of gear for news and documentary shooters. Even if it is selling for over $5,000, it has to be considered “affordable” compared to other cine zoom lenses.

Newsshooter posted some exclusive video footage shot with a pre-production CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS. They used a Canon C300 Mark II for the tests. The C300 Mark II had beta firmware on board to make it work with the CN-E 18-80mm T4.4 L IS.

They write:

If the pre-production sample is anything to go by then I think Canon have a winner on their hands. It might not be as long, or as wide as the ideal lens, but then it isn’t the price of a Fujinon Cabrio or Canon’s own CN7. It is a much more usable run-and-gun lens than the average stills zoom and the range is very usable. And for the price there are currently few alternatives. Read the review…