Ask Dave, June 29th (part 2)
I get tons of questions each week, I respond as quickly as possible, and I might just answer them here too. If you have questions you can email me at Learn@DaveShumway.com.
Question:
From... Countless friends/students/strangers/customers
If you could only have one, non professional, camera and two lenses what would you have?
Answer:
Are you saying you are going to take away the lenses that I have?
I will assume that I can also not have any one lens over say $2,000 and that I must stick with the brand of the camera I selected. In part 1 I selected the Nikon D700, so I need to look at Nikon lenses... Well that only leaves me with 7 Nikon lenses that have VR, are under $2,000, and will fit onto the D700's FX (full frame sensor). I like the idea of versatility and have always heard good things about the 24-120/4.0 VR, so that is my first choice. Second is hard because the 80-400 is junk, the 300/4.0 needs VR, they don't sell a 70-200/4.0, and they don't really have much else. The 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II is just over the limit (and I was well under the limit with the 24-120, so can we let it slide?). I would then commence "saving" for some TCs.
In Canon it would be the 17-40/4.0L and the 70-200/4.0L IS (odd loose the IS and those were my first two "L" lenses).
If I could have only one Canon lens to do everything I would get the 28-300L IS, and in Nikon I think I would stick with the 24-120VR because I have not heard good things about the Nikon 28-300VR; but maybe it would be okay.
I really wish I could put Canon glass on that D700 in this hypothetical situation :)
Showing posts with label Lens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lens. Show all posts
June 29, 2011
June 3, 2011
Ask Dave, June 3rd - What to Buy
Ask Dave, June 3rd
I get tons of questions each week, I respond as quickly as possible, and I might just answer them here too. If you have questions you can email me at Learn@DaveShumway.com.
Question:
From... A participant in one of my lectures for the Photographic Institute of the Yellowstone
When should I upgrade cameras and what should I buy first?
Answer:
AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
If you can afford an upgrade, and you can justify it... then you should do it. I am not a big fan of debt, especially credit card debt, so I normally suggest some saving first; but that is just my bias. If you are starting a photography business maybe you should try to get a business loan rather than putting the gear on your credit card, just a thought.
I cannot begin to tell you how many amazing things I photographed with film, before digital, or with shorter/darker lenses before the 300/2.8L IS and 500/4.0L IS became part of my arsenal. At the time I wished I had better equipment, and now I look at those images and wish that I had sprung for better gear sooner.
That said gear does not make the photographer, nor will simply owning/using better gear make you better. I have countless friends who have rented gear for their "big trip" and come home with images worse than what they could/would have created with the "normal" gear. If you don't know how to use it, it will not help you create better images, so you need to have gear that matches your ability.
If you just want better "stuff" to get better images, buy a nice tripod and use it always (you will spend $500-1500+).
As for what you should buy first... If you have bought into a brand like Canon or Nikon then you have started off in a brand that will really let you grow. If you have a Sony/Pentax/Olympus/etc. you might want to think about switching to Canon/Nikon. Inside of Canon and Nikon any camera body, that will focus the lens options you would consider, is a great place to start. Camera bodies depreciate rapidly, while lenses (lately) have proven to appreciate, so I tell folks to "invest" in glass. The other way to think about it is that your vision can be perfect (20/20); but if you are looking through dark fuzzy glasses things will never look quite right :)
Specifically speaking cameras and lenses that I have high regard for are:
I get tons of questions each week, I respond as quickly as possible, and I might just answer them here too. If you have questions you can email me at Learn@DaveShumway.com.
Question:
From... A participant in one of my lectures for the Photographic Institute of the Yellowstone
When should I upgrade cameras and what should I buy first?
Answer:
AS SOON AS YOU CAN!
If you can afford an upgrade, and you can justify it... then you should do it. I am not a big fan of debt, especially credit card debt, so I normally suggest some saving first; but that is just my bias. If you are starting a photography business maybe you should try to get a business loan rather than putting the gear on your credit card, just a thought.
I cannot begin to tell you how many amazing things I photographed with film, before digital, or with shorter/darker lenses before the 300/2.8L IS and 500/4.0L IS became part of my arsenal. At the time I wished I had better equipment, and now I look at those images and wish that I had sprung for better gear sooner.
That said gear does not make the photographer, nor will simply owning/using better gear make you better. I have countless friends who have rented gear for their "big trip" and come home with images worse than what they could/would have created with the "normal" gear. If you don't know how to use it, it will not help you create better images, so you need to have gear that matches your ability.
If you just want better "stuff" to get better images, buy a nice tripod and use it always (you will spend $500-1500+).
As for what you should buy first... If you have bought into a brand like Canon or Nikon then you have started off in a brand that will really let you grow. If you have a Sony/Pentax/Olympus/etc. you might want to think about switching to Canon/Nikon. Inside of Canon and Nikon any camera body, that will focus the lens options you would consider, is a great place to start. Camera bodies depreciate rapidly, while lenses (lately) have proven to appreciate, so I tell folks to "invest" in glass. The other way to think about it is that your vision can be perfect (20/20); but if you are looking through dark fuzzy glasses things will never look quite right :)
Specifically speaking cameras and lenses that I have high regard for are:
- Canon 7D (for sports and wildlife)
- Canon 5DII (for portraits and landscapes)
- Nikon D7000 (for sports and wildlife)
- Nikon D700 (for portraits and landscapes)
- The Nikon 3100/5100 are also capable cameras; but they cannot focus some of the Nikor lenses (a downfall as I see it).
- The Canon Rebel line is full of great options; but I like cameras that have some weather resistance and a metal body (they do focus all of the Canon lenses).
- The Canon 1DsIII and 1DIV are great cameras; but not starter cameras, and may be a bit inflated in price (same with the Nikon D3s and D3x).
- The 70-200 is most everyones work horse lens and if you spring for a f/2.8 version you can use 1.4TCs and 2.0TCs to make it more telephoto, as well as extension tubes to make it a macro (my 70-200/2.8L IS II is my workhorse, and the 70-200/4.0L was my first "L" lens, and I still use it to this day)
- The 24-70 is the second most common lens range and for portrait/landscape folks it might even be higher on the list. (I suggest making it a f/2.8 version for sports/events)
- A wide angle like the Nikor 14-24 or Canon 16-35/17-40 are great to have to offer a wide perspective (this is a lens that for landscapes you don't need it to be super fast; but if you shoot events you do want a f/2.8 version)
- Next folks look at super telephoto lenses, and the price can be super too. I am a firm believer in having a super telephoto that you can travel/hike with. I loved the 300/2.8 for its mix of speed/size/weight. I think the 500/4.0 is the most popular for its reach and still manageable size/weight. With Canon shaving weight from their new super telephoto offering lenses like the 400/2.8 and 600/4.0 become more tempting (and I have the new 400/2.8 on order :)
- After that it becomes time to look at specialty lenses. I love tilt/shift lenses while others love fish eye or macro lenses... to each their own.
May 22, 2011
Ask Dave, May 22nd - Focus Calibration
Ask Dave, May 22nd
I get tons of questions each week, I respond as quickly as possible, and I might just answer them here too. If you have questions you can email me at Learn@DaveShumway.com.
Question:
From... Karl
Are you use one of the products available through B&H (as well as other sources), or a different method to micro adjust your gear?
Answer:
I was going to try and make a video of me doing a micro-focus adjust; but I have been a little short on time over the last month. When the heat of summer gets here maybe I'll find the time to make a video; but this will have to do for now.
Originally I had all of my gear physically calibrated by Canon Professional Services and they did a great job; but they don't do that anymore. In the past I used a homemade solution to test, and later to micro adjust my own gear. Now I have and use the Lens Align Mark II. I am not 100% sure that it is worth the $79.95; but it is better than my old, cheap, solution.
It is very important that you know how your gear performs and that you use every means available to dial things as near to perfection as possible. Find a way to correct front/back focusing problems, these days with most Canon and Nikon cameras offering micro-adjustment or AF fine tuning there is no excuse not to.
It is also a good way to see the sharpness of a lens. I was checking the micro adjust on my 5DII with my 500/4.0L IS a week ago and a friend was using a rental 500/4.5L, so we put that lens through the test too, and boy was it far off and soft. We dialed the lens in for his camera; but there was noting we could do about the softness :(
I get tons of questions each week, I respond as quickly as possible, and I might just answer them here too. If you have questions you can email me at Learn@DaveShumway.com.
Question:
From... Karl
Are you use one of the products available through B&H (as well as other sources), or a different method to micro adjust your gear?
Answer:
I was going to try and make a video of me doing a micro-focus adjust; but I have been a little short on time over the last month. When the heat of summer gets here maybe I'll find the time to make a video; but this will have to do for now.
Originally I had all of my gear physically calibrated by Canon Professional Services and they did a great job; but they don't do that anymore. In the past I used a homemade solution to test, and later to micro adjust my own gear. Now I have and use the Lens Align Mark II. I am not 100% sure that it is worth the $79.95; but it is better than my old, cheap, solution.
It is very important that you know how your gear performs and that you use every means available to dial things as near to perfection as possible. Find a way to correct front/back focusing problems, these days with most Canon and Nikon cameras offering micro-adjustment or AF fine tuning there is no excuse not to.
It is also a good way to see the sharpness of a lens. I was checking the micro adjust on my 5DII with my 500/4.0L IS a week ago and a friend was using a rental 500/4.5L, so we put that lens through the test too, and boy was it far off and soft. We dialed the lens in for his camera; but there was noting we could do about the softness :(
February 15, 2011
Canon's new lens MTF charts...
You can find them at their source on each lenses individual page (i.e.)
I do not claim to be the creator of the content; but I did compile them onto a single page for easier reference.
Take a look, I'll let you draw your own conclusions from the charts.
I am wanting the 400/2.8L IS II more and more each time I look at them.
p.s. B&H now has the 400/2.8L IS II on their site at a price of $10,500.
February 7, 2011
Canon 200-400/4.0L IS
FULL PRESS RELEASE
Canon Inc. today announced the development of a new super-telephoto lens, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x, for use with all EOS SLR cameras, and is scheduled for launch in 2011.
Many of you know that I am first in line for Canon's new 400/2.8L IS II with my Pro dealer; but this lens might change everything. My hope for the new 400/2.8 was that with its improved quality it would become Canon's most versatile lens; but this guy could jump quickly ahead. It is a stop darker; but it is also a 200mm and without having to cary a 1.4TC III it is a 560/5.6 with the flip of a switch, when you need it, and presumably even lighter in weight. I have a few real questions that need answering before I give up my place in line for the 400/2.8L IS II; but now it is something that is really conceivable for me to do. The biggest questions can all be answered by looking at an MTF chart.
Canon has also finally announced the specifications for their new 500 and 600. FULL PRESS RELEASE The 500's MTF chart looks great, and the 600's looks like a respectible improvement from the old 600's; but does not look to be on the same level as the new 300/400/500. The other "big" improvement is that they loose 27% and 17% of their weight making the 500mm a 7lb lens and the 600mm an 8.6lb lens. Remember that the new 300mm comes in at 5.3lbs and the new 400mm comes in at 8.5lbs. Rumor puts the prices at $9,499 (500mm) and $11,999 (600mm) and suggests summer delivery that completes the Canon line with the new 300 and 400, expected to ship in late March, at $6,999 and $10,999.
On a side note, with that pricing and delivery I would guess the 200-400 to ship in late fall (December) at a price point around $8,000. I would love to be wrong and have it ship sooner and at a lower price; but...
Let's look at Nikon's current offerings (Lens - B&H Price/Nikon List):
600/4.0 VR - $10,2999.95/$10,299.95
400/2.8 VR - $8,999.95/$9,549.95
500/4.0 VR - $8,499.95/$8,579.95
200-400/4.0 VR II - $6,799.00/$6,999.95
200/2.0 VR II - $5,999.95/$5,999.95
300/2.8 VR II - $5,799.00/$5,899.95
70-200/2.8 VR II - $2,159/$2,399.95
Compared to Canon's current offerings (Lens - B&H Price/Canon List 'est.')
800/5.6 IS - $12,349/$11,999
600/4.8 IS II- NA/'$11,999'
600/4.0 IS - $8,800/$9,199
400/2.8 IS II - NA/'$10,999'
400/2.8 IS - $7,600/$7,999
500.4.0 IS II - NA/'$9,499'
500/4.0 IS - $6,700/$6,999
200-400/4.0 IS - '?'/'?'
400/4.0 DO - $6,145/$6,469.00
200/2.0 IS - $5,700/$5,999
300/2.8 IS II - NA/'$6,999'
300/2.8 IS - $4,635/$4,879
70-200/2.8 IS II - $2,374/$2,499
Canon Inc. today announced the development of a new super-telephoto lens, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x, for use with all EOS SLR cameras, and is scheduled for launch in 2011.
Many of you know that I am first in line for Canon's new 400/2.8L IS II with my Pro dealer; but this lens might change everything. My hope for the new 400/2.8 was that with its improved quality it would become Canon's most versatile lens; but this guy could jump quickly ahead. It is a stop darker; but it is also a 200mm and without having to cary a 1.4TC III it is a 560/5.6 with the flip of a switch, when you need it, and presumably even lighter in weight. I have a few real questions that need answering before I give up my place in line for the 400/2.8L IS II; but now it is something that is really conceivable for me to do. The biggest questions can all be answered by looking at an MTF chart.
Canon has also finally announced the specifications for their new 500 and 600. FULL PRESS RELEASE The 500's MTF chart looks great, and the 600's looks like a respectible improvement from the old 600's; but does not look to be on the same level as the new 300/400/500. The other "big" improvement is that they loose 27% and 17% of their weight making the 500mm a 7lb lens and the 600mm an 8.6lb lens. Remember that the new 300mm comes in at 5.3lbs and the new 400mm comes in at 8.5lbs. Rumor puts the prices at $9,499 (500mm) and $11,999 (600mm) and suggests summer delivery that completes the Canon line with the new 300 and 400, expected to ship in late March, at $6,999 and $10,999.
On a side note, with that pricing and delivery I would guess the 200-400 to ship in late fall (December) at a price point around $8,000. I would love to be wrong and have it ship sooner and at a lower price; but...
Let's look at Nikon's current offerings (Lens - B&H Price/Nikon List):
600/4.0 VR - $10,2999.95/$10,299.95
400/2.8 VR - $8,999.95/$9,549.95
500/4.0 VR - $8,499.95/$8,579.95
200-400/4.0 VR II - $6,799.00/$6,999.95
200/2.0 VR II - $5,999.95/$5,999.95
300/2.8 VR II - $5,799.00/$5,899.95
70-200/2.8 VR II - $2,159/$2,399.95
Compared to Canon's current offerings (Lens - B&H Price/Canon List 'est.')
800/5.6 IS - $12,349/$11,999
600/4.8 IS II- NA/'$11,999'
600/4.0 IS - $8,800/$9,199
400/2.8 IS II - NA/'$10,999'
400/2.8 IS - $7,600/$7,999
500.4.0 IS II - NA/'$9,499'
500/4.0 IS - $6,700/$6,999
200-400/4.0 IS - '?'/'?'
400/4.0 DO - $6,145/$6,469.00
200/2.0 IS - $5,700/$5,999
300/2.8 IS II - NA/'$6,999'
300/2.8 IS - $4,635/$4,879
70-200/2.8 IS II - $2,374/$2,499
August 26, 2010
New Canon Glass
First off I want to apologize for the extended silence on my blog. After spending a month in the Candian Rockies I came back to a full plate at work. I still have about 4000 images from my trip and two entire Yellowstone trips to edit and get online for all of you. I am working on it.
Now for the reason behind the post... Canon has lots of new glass and I wanted to share the news.
Canon's site with all of their glass, new and old, is here:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup
dpReview has all the news items from Canon, and other PMA announcements, online here:
http://www.dpreview.com/
The biggest news for me was the weight on the new 400/2.8L IS II (8.5lbs).
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_400mm_f_2_8_is_ii_usm
I am going to be taking a hard look at this lens and will likely sell my 500/4.0L IS to make the upgrade.
Now for the reason behind the post... Canon has lots of new glass and I wanted to share the news.
Canon's site with all of their glass, new and old, is here:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup
dpReview has all the news items from Canon, and other PMA announcements, online here:
http://www.dpreview.com/
The biggest news for me was the weight on the new 400/2.8L IS II (8.5lbs).
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_400mm_f_2_8_is_ii_usm
I am going to be taking a hard look at this lens and will likely sell my 500/4.0L IS to make the upgrade.
January 5, 2010
New 70-200/2.8L IS USM II
Canon this morning announced a new 70-200/2.8L IS II.
We have all been expecting this lens for some time and Canon has finally delivered. It focuses closer, focuses faster, has better optics, and features Canon's "next generation Optical Image Stabilization" 4 full stops of anti shake goodness. And thank the LORD it still uses the 77mm filter we have all collected so very many of.
The lens is set to ship in April of this year; but I have not been able to find a price yet (I assume it to be around $2.5k)
I have two other 70-200's so I guess this means I will have to sell mine and buy this new one soon :)
That means if you want my recently (December 2009) cleaned/tuned 70-200/2.8L IS or my 70-200/4.0L let me know.
We have all been expecting this lens for some time and Canon has finally delivered. It focuses closer, focuses faster, has better optics, and features Canon's "next generation Optical Image Stabilization" 4 full stops of anti shake goodness. And thank the LORD it still uses the 77mm filter we have all collected so very many of.
The lens is set to ship in April of this year; but I have not been able to find a price yet (I assume it to be around $2.5k)
I have two other 70-200's so I guess this means I will have to sell mine and buy this new one soon :)
That means if you want my recently (December 2009) cleaned/tuned 70-200/2.8L IS or my 70-200/4.0L let me know.
September 6, 2009
Fishtail Area, August 30th
PHOTOS ONLINEJust a few shots taken near sunset in the rain while heading home from Fishtail Montana.
I was playing with the 400DO, and wanted to see what I could make at 1/25th - 1/40th of a second. A decent shot or two. The 400/4.0DO is a nice lens and if you have the money to justify it and already have the 500/4.0 and or 300/2.8 it is something special. The lens is incredibly light weight and is impressive bare, and takes TC's relatively well. I felt the AF suffered with TC's as did the background blur. But hiking ten plus miles with it was much better than doing the same with the 500/4.0 or even the 300/2.8.
Thanks, CPS, for the opportunity to play with a very nice lens.
August 12, 2009
Update...
I wanted to give everyone an update.
The 300/2.8L IS is SOLD (I hope it is as great for you as it was for me David... Enjoy).
The 70-200/4.0L is still on the market. Let me know if you are interested.
I got the 50D and grip back from Canon today (I think yesterday actually). They fixed and cleaned both and gave the both a clean bill of health. I guess that is good because when Canon comes out with the 60D and I get my hands on one both of those pieces will be for sale.
CPS did a great job fixing and getting my gear back to me. I only shipped it out ground on Tuesday night. Canon in California got the package on Friday, and I had everything fixed and back on Tuesday. Great work CPS... If you qualify and are not a member you should be.
The 300/2.8L IS is SOLD (I hope it is as great for you as it was for me David... Enjoy).
The 70-200/4.0L is still on the market. Let me know if you are interested.
I got the 50D and grip back from Canon today (I think yesterday actually). They fixed and cleaned both and gave the both a clean bill of health. I guess that is good because when Canon comes out with the 60D and I get my hands on one both of those pieces will be for sale.
CPS did a great job fixing and getting my gear back to me. I only shipped it out ground on Tuesday night. Canon in California got the package on Friday, and I had everything fixed and back on Tuesday. Great work CPS... If you qualify and are not a member you should be.
August 7, 2009
For Sale: Canon 70-200/4.0L (non IS)
Canon lists price at $970
Best Buy lists price at $789.99 (after -$40 instant rebate)
B&H lists the US versions for $599 (after -$40 instant rebate)
The 70-200 comes with hood, both caps, and soft pouch/case.
The 70-200/4.0 has a date code of UT1212 (December, 2005)
US version in excellent condition, and is of the best quality.
IMAGES ARE HERE
I am more than open to fair offers.
The "buy it now" price (if you will) includes Fed-Ex insured ground shipping, if it is needed.
70-200/4.0L (non-IS) $505.00
As for payment I will take PayPal; but you will be paying the fees. I am open to your preferences.
Best Buy lists price at $789.99 (after -$40 instant rebate)
B&H lists the US versions for $599 (after -$40 instant rebate)
The 70-200 comes with hood, both caps, and soft pouch/case.
The 70-200/4.0 has a date code of UT1212 (December, 2005)
US version in excellent condition, and is of the best quality.
IMAGES ARE HERE
I am more than open to fair offers.
The "buy it now" price (if you will) includes Fed-Ex insured ground shipping, if it is needed.
70-200/4.0L (non-IS) $505.00
As for payment I will take PayPal; but you will be paying the fees. I am open to your preferences.
July 24, 2009
Diffraction
A great essay on Luminous Landscape by Nathan Myhrvold.
The full essay is here.
The quote that really explains the flip side of diffraction limitation is:
We all know that lenses are, more often than not, becoming a hindrance before the physical diffraction of light, especially with wider angles of view. Most lenses get worse as you cross f/8.0 while 21 megapixels (35mm - full frame) suffers from diffraction around f/11.
So does your crystal ball look like you will have a 21ish MP camera with your wide angle set to f/11 while you have your 200-400/4.0DO HIS (dreaming) on a 50-100MP high speed camera and you just don't stop your lens down bellow f/6.4 - f/4.6?
Also remember that the 50D already has the pixel density of a 39 megapixel (35mm) full frame camera.
The only thing we know for sure is that the future will be interesting.
The full essay is here.
The quote that really explains the flip side of diffraction limitation is:
The diffraction limited aperture for 100 megapixels / 35mm full frame size is f/4.6 , 50 megapixel is f/6.4 . There are plenty of lenses where a 50 or 100 megapixel sensor will show some benefit. Indeed most macro lenses work well open. So do many super-telephotos like 300mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 – they are typically used wide open where there would be no problem with a 50 to 100 megapixel sensors.
We all know that lenses are, more often than not, becoming a hindrance before the physical diffraction of light, especially with wider angles of view. Most lenses get worse as you cross f/8.0 while 21 megapixels (35mm - full frame) suffers from diffraction around f/11.
So does your crystal ball look like you will have a 21ish MP camera with your wide angle set to f/11 while you have your 200-400/4.0DO HIS (dreaming) on a 50-100MP high speed camera and you just don't stop your lens down bellow f/6.4 - f/4.6?
Also remember that the 50D already has the pixel density of a 39 megapixel (35mm) full frame camera.
The only thing we know for sure is that the future will be interesting.
July 22, 2009
New Canon Hybrid IS
I am sure that you have all seen this by now. I came across it late last night and was instantly glad that I have waited on trading my 300/2.8 for a 500/4.0.
I can not stop thinking about how Canon said that this fall would introduce 100 new products, and how they said that 2009 and 2010 would be the years of new lenses. Think about all the lenses that came out 10 years or so ago.
Nikon just got VR in lenses that Canon has had for quite some time. The VR is about equal to what Canon has. And now it is time for Canon's next step and that next step could be very cool.
The release is online here.
From Canon:
New Canon Hybrid IS world's first image stabilizer to compensate for two types of camera shake
Angle camera shake
Shift camera shake
TOKYO, July 22, 2009—Canon Inc. announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world's first* optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be featured in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009.
Several different preventative methods and corrective procedures have been introduced to compensate for errors caused by camera shake, which occurs when a camera moves while its shutter is open and its image sensor is exposed to light.
Canon began researching methods to compensate for camera shake in the 1980s, and in 1995 launched the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable SLR camera lens to feature a mechanism that compensates for optical camera shake. Since then, the company has continued to produce a variety of interchangeable lenses with image stabilization capabilities, and boasts a total of 21 such lenses in its current product lineup.
Canon's newly developed Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for angle and shift camera shake. Sudden changes in camera angle can significantly alter images taken during standard shooting, whereas shift-based shaking, which occurs when a camera moves parallel to the imaging scene, is more pronounced in macro photography and other close-range shooting.
The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.
Canon is actively engaged in ongoing research and development of interchangeable SLR camera lenses incorporating Hybrid IS technology, and is aiming for the early commercialization and inclusion of the lenses in a wide range of products.
* For use in interchangeable SLR camera lenses as of July 17, 2009. According to Canon research
I can not stop thinking about how Canon said that this fall would introduce 100 new products, and how they said that 2009 and 2010 would be the years of new lenses. Think about all the lenses that came out 10 years or so ago.
Nikon just got VR in lenses that Canon has had for quite some time. The VR is about equal to what Canon has. And now it is time for Canon's next step and that next step could be very cool.
The release is online here.
From Canon:
New Canon Hybrid IS world's first image stabilizer to compensate for two types of camera shake
Angle camera shake
Shift camera shake
TOKYO, July 22, 2009—Canon Inc. announced today the development of Hybrid Image Stabilizer (IS), the world's first* optical image stabilization technology that compensates for both angle camera shake and shift camera shake. The technology will be featured in interchangeable single lens reflex (SLR) camera lens planned for commercial release before the end of 2009.
Several different preventative methods and corrective procedures have been introduced to compensate for errors caused by camera shake, which occurs when a camera moves while its shutter is open and its image sensor is exposed to light.
Canon began researching methods to compensate for camera shake in the 1980s, and in 1995 launched the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable SLR camera lens to feature a mechanism that compensates for optical camera shake. Since then, the company has continued to produce a variety of interchangeable lenses with image stabilization capabilities, and boasts a total of 21 such lenses in its current product lineup.
Canon's newly developed Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for angle and shift camera shake. Sudden changes in camera angle can significantly alter images taken during standard shooting, whereas shift-based shaking, which occurs when a camera moves parallel to the imaging scene, is more pronounced in macro photography and other close-range shooting.
The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.
Canon is actively engaged in ongoing research and development of interchangeable SLR camera lenses incorporating Hybrid IS technology, and is aiming for the early commercialization and inclusion of the lenses in a wide range of products.
* For use in interchangeable SLR camera lenses as of July 17, 2009. According to Canon research
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