It's been a while since my last blog.  I hope you all are still reading.  Today I chose to write because I think if I left this out of my blog that I would be leaving out something great to all my readers.  Yup, I am about to recommend the Sigma 50-500mm APO DG SO lens for Canon EF Mount.

It all started when one of my clients requested that I shot a watersport activity on a speedboat.  Thinking that my 70-200mm L 2.8 IS II or 70-300mm L 4-5.6 USM may be enough (I had brought an extra 1.6 crop DSLR along for the extra reach), but boy was I wrong.  With the 70-300 I was still quite able to get a decent picture or a close up after I had zoomed in quite a bit digitally in post.  That is an option but for most photographer's I think they'd like to leave that as an option rather then the only choice.  Not to mention, when you zoom in digitally, you are limiting the size of your photo, or should I say reducing the size of your photo.

I was able to provide what my client needed (close ups/medium shots) which was of their clients kayaking in a race, but being a professional photographer, I could not risk the chance of doing another similar photoshoot knowing that their may be a chance the lenses I had on had was not long enough for such reach. So I decided to go out and buy a long zoom lens that was capable of such reach but still had good quality without burning a whole in my wallet.

I came across a few lenses.  First of course, being a Canon fan, I would definitely give the 100-400mm L a try, but after finding out that this lens is around 14 years old, I decided no matter how fine the glass could be, in reality it would be not much better than using a Contax Zeiss Tele Zoom (since the AI/Tech was so old).

Then I came across the Sigma AF 80-400 4.5-5.6 EX APO OS.  I found this lens to be of good value (6800HKD), but I found the AF to be slow and noisy. 

Then I came across the Sigma 50-500 APO DG OS.  Zoom range was great, but usually lenses with such a long zoom range usually performed horribly.  So how did this perform?

Now like my other reviews, i leave the tech jargons and terminology to all those fancy lens review websites.  I am here to tell you more about my experience using the lens from a professional basis (not that I am better than any amateur but meaning that the lens will be used in most likely several situations and take a beating.  Mind you not physically, I take care of my equipment, but by beating I mean really be used and not just by taking a few test snaps.

I was significantly impressed with the image quality.  Shooting at the end of my lens I found very little distortion and the lens was very very sharp.  It felt like the Canon 70-300 L USM but only it was 50-500mm.  I found the lens barely usable in an indoor conference like environment (low lighting) even with the new 5D Mark III/1Dx chips, so it is most likely to say not usable on Digic 4 DSLRs without any ambient lighting boost.

Out on a sunny day, you would not be complaining with this lens.  The AF I found very fast and accurate while, the only downside was really at wide open the lens only opened up to 4.5 and only up to 200mm and after that it's 6.3 all the way.

Built quality it is not as strong as the Canon L series telezooms but I felt it was sturdy enough and it did not give me a sense that it felt cheap or lacked more material.  In fact, because of this "flaw" the lens is lighter and for such a zoom range, it was quite a mobile lens.

Accessories wise, you'd all be impressed. One carrying case, tripod ring, two hoods (FF/APS-C), 95-86 stepdown ring.

The only thing I was quite disappointed was the 95mm ring thread.  You know it cost me 880HKD for the UV filter.  I spent much less on my filter for my 70-200 L USM II which is almost twice as much in price. 

OVERALL RATING **** (OUT OF 5*) 

I would buy this lens over the Canon 100-400mm L due to to the fact that the Canon tele zoom is old and out dated and not to mention much heavier.  Also the black exterior is much better for event photographers. 

Tags ( Sigma EF Mount canon 5D Mark III Watersport Photography )

Well with the recent release of new photographic equipment from various manufacturers, Spring 2012 seems to be the most exciting season for Photographers.  With the new Canon 1Dx on its way, as well as the 5D Mark III and the D800  and Nikon D4 released in March, photography enthusiasts looking for a trade in or a new camera body will have a lot to look forward to.

Along with the new line of camera bodies, their are also a few accessories that have been released that many people will be very excited to get their hands on like the new Pocket Wizard Plus III, and the Canon 600EX RT speedlite.

Now like a lot of my reviews, its never about how good these improvements are but whether I believe the switch is worth the money.  So here's my analysis on the following new items...

Canon 600 EX RT Speedlite

Pocket Wizard Plus III

Canon 24-70mm L F2.8 USM II

Canon 600EX RT

*Size wise, the new 600EX RT is slightly longer by about an inch.

*LCD screen is significantly larger with a more easier to read green background.

 Menus

The menu system has been fully re-worked. It is easier to read and understand (especially the more complex wireless menus). There is no more remembering or looking up the magic numbers of the Custom Functions. Granted, with the latter cameras, it was possible to change custom functions using in-camera menus, but trying to do it on the 580EX II flash itself was a real mind game. Both Speedlite 600EX and 600EX-RT are more intuitive to operate.

*Buttons are translucent providing easier access in low lighting conditions.

 Buttons

One of the minor issues we always had with the 580EX II flash is the fact that the controls are not backlit. Even after using the flash for years, we still find it uncomfortable not being able to see the buttons under very dim lighting conditions. Well, with the new Speedlite 600EX, it is not a problem anymore. All buttons are backlit, except for the select button on the dial, which we believe is perfectly fine.*The 600EX RT comes with a filter adapter

*The 600EX RT now has a built in radio transmitter  

Zoom Range and Power

The 580EX II flash head is capable of zooming from 24mm to 105mm. The new head design extends the range of Speedlite 600EX on both ends: 20mm to 200mm. (With the built-in wide angle panel, both flashes cover 14mm angle.)

Canon specifies Guide Numbers for their flashes at the maximum flash zoom setting. Therefore, 600EX is listed with the Guide Number of 60, whereas 580EX II is at 58. This may lead users to believe that the new flash is more powerful. In reality, if you compare the Guide Numbers at identical zoom positions, the power output of both flashes is very similar, if not identical. So, there is no extra kick to be expected from the new Speedlite 600EX or 600EX-RT.

My Conclusion

Buy it if this is your first speedlite purchase.  If you own a 580 EX II, then maybe this is a pass.  The improvements although nice, but not enough for me to fork out $5100HKD (approximate retail price).  I myself is a monolight guy and I really don't see myself using all the new fancy functions.  I had two 580 EX IIs and I really never experienced issues with them (nothing that other speedlights didn't have as well, like slow refresh, limited lightshaping options, etc...).  In terms of the new built in radio transmitters, are they compatible with Pocket Wizards??? No? then it's garbage.  Long have I left the 3 Canon Speedlite lighting setup (due to many different problematic issues), so if the wireless transmitter only works between speedlite to speedlite then I don't see how that is a big bonus for photographers.  Let's face it, if you can afford 3 600 EX RTs, I think you may own Pocket Wizards as well.  So my conclusion is, well if you have the kind of money to splash, go for it.  I don't see how this purchase will improve your photography significantly.  Event Photographers may benefit more from these improvements, but even with that said I would still think twice before trading in the 580s for the new 600EX RTs.  

Pocket Wizard Plus III 

Although, there isn't a great significant of change ot the PWIIIs, I definitely think it's now a much better buy than the PWIIs.  Firstly, the reduced price.  YES!!! REDUCED PRICE.  You can now get one here in Hong Kong for roughly 1000HKD, compared to 1400HKD.  This is a significant price drop and I can assure you that has plently to do with the recent lawsuit Pocket Wizard has filed against Phottix for copyright infringement.

In terms of channels, the PWIIIs is now an improved 32 channel wireless transmitter, compare that to the 4 Channel PWIIs, need I say more?

I haven't held the actual product on hand, but I can tell the built quality looks a lot more improved and the LCD screen makes the interface a lot cleaner and also user friendly in low light conditions.  I would recommend this purchase for new user and existing PW Plus II users (since it is PW Plus II compatible).

Canon 24-70L 2.8 USM II

According to Canon, the updated lens will feature a new combination of lens elements and coatings which supposedly will result in improved color reproduction while avoiding ghosting and image distortion. It also sports a zoom-lock switch and has seen its aperture’s old 8-blade mechanism replaced with a 9-blade mechanism which Canon claims will deliver “incredible bokeh”. It is expected to see a launch in April for $2,299USD. 

Conclusion, to be honest if these improvements were made to another lens, I would not give this review a "BUY", but it is the 24-70mm L, my favorite lens and also favorite to many fashion photographers.  What I didn't like about the present 24-70 is the probably the slow speed of the lens itself (in AF mode), and it could be sharper.  I am hoping the new lens will be as sharp as the 70-300L, if so I would definitely trade it in even with the significant price difference. 

Tags ( Pocket Wizards 5D Mark III Phottix photographers lighting 580EX II 600EX RT Pocket Wizard Plus III Canon 24-70L USM II )

Although this is not a thorough review, I would like to give everyone a fair opinion of my experience between the two cameras.  I had the chance to go up to Canon Headquarters in TST this afternoon and out of curiosity I decided to play with the 5D Mark III once again.  

Now what I am concerned with isn't the fancy HDR, or Rate It functions (useless), but rather the AF response and speed of the actual camera.  Of course as some of you guys may know, I have recently purchased a 1D Mark IV.  I decided to go with the 1D Mark IV over the 5D Mark III for several reasons.

1) Speed of the Camera (10/FPS)

2) Overall Built Quality and Feel of the Camera

3) Shutter Life (300k vs. 150K)

4) Uncertainty of the new 5D3 AF system

5) Better weather sealing than the 5D3 system

6) I wanted to go crop sensor because I was kind of sick and tired of the vignetting with wide lens at FF

7) PRICE, at $34900HKD, the 1D4 is a steal, where as the 5D3 at $27400HKD is a bit overpriced (especially if you think about the fact that you will need to buy a brand new grip with it at around 2500HKD).   

8) No Optional Grip Vs. Optional Grip.  The 5D2 grip was a pain in the ass.  Always had a problem with the grip loosening itself and thus loosing power to the camera and it never really felt right where the 1D4 had a built in battery grip, and the grip felt much better than the 5D2 grip (maybe this will improve with the 5D3, we'll have to wait and see. 

CONCLUSION

Well after trying the AF of the 5D Mark III for over 30 minutes, I do find it to be slightly faster than the AF on the 1D Mark IV.  Mind you though, I was comparing it with the 1D Mark IV at the canon showroom which is about 2 years old with a poorly conditioned battery (Battery power has a lot to do with AF speeds and also shutter speeds), while the 5D3 is obviously a installed with a brand new battery less than a week old.

SO WHICH IS THE BETTER CAMERA?

I would still say 1D Mark IV for stills photographer.  WHY?

Well mainly because the 1D was also meant for serious stills photographers of all kinds but since the last 5D (5D2), 5D is now more a videographer or indie filmmakers' camera.  So it's hard to say which is better.  Rather the question should be which is more suitable for your needs?

So does that mean I don't like the 5D Mark III?

No, not at all.  I think it is a great camera.  The shooting ISO at speeds up to 3200 is great for event photography and I think the AF improvement will make many event shooters go with the 5D3 (since 1D4 is only good up to about 1600iso).  The new fancy functions are plus and although I would probably hardly use them it's nice to have.  I still consider the 5D3 a prosumer camera and not a professional camera due to its built quality and slow shutter speed.  It claims 6FPS, but it is still slower than the 7D nevermind the 1D4.  I also felt the 1D4's battery strength is more meant for professional photographers.  5D3 can shoot about 600 RAW photographs with dual batteries (with the optional battery grip), while 1D4 can shoot 1500 RAW photos.  That's an amazing difference especially if you are on the road or in an intense situation where you don't want to find yourself fiddling to replace your batteries.  As well, as mentioned previously, I hate optional battery grips.  Unless canon changes the design for their optional battery grip with the 5D3, or else it's definitely not a comparison with 1D4's built in battery grip.

The Full Frame Vs. Cropped Sensor question? 

I never really understood why some photographers are so stubborn with Full Frame cameras?  In a way I just think its more an image than really something that provides better pictures.  True, with FF, this allows great pixel sizes and thus better light gathering ability since cropped sensors loose about a stop roughly.  But remember, with a cropped sensor you are also shooting at shorter focal lengths when compared to a FF camera.

EX. It should be made clear that the extra light gathering ability of large sensors assumes the same f-stop. This is not always possible in practice as maintaining the same angle of view means using a lens with a longer focal length, which tend to have smaller max apertures, e.g. when using a 200 f/2.0 on an APS-C body, you'll get a similar amount of light as using a 300 f/2.8 on full frame

Also one thing you must remember with cropped sensors because it tends to have smaller pixel sizes, that for print is a good thing.  Meaning that the pictures come out finer with higher detail.  As for ISO issues, I don't mind that their will be tend to have more noise at high ISO compared to a similar camera at FF.  I am a studio or portrait photographer and it's very rare that I hit ISO over 400.

As for some photographers stating that they can never get it right with a cropped sensor due to the change in focal length, well that is really a personal problem.  I can only speak for myself, but framing wise, I use my eyes and not numbers.  A lot of "professional photographers" use focal lengths to decide their framing, I don't.  I think this has to do with the fact that I am not a Prime Lens shooter.  It's like people always say you need to use a prime 85mm for portraiture but honestly if you look at some pros that are famous for portraiture, you will notice in their metadata that rarely do they shoot at 85?  In fact most shoot more towards 90mm-110mm range.  So I don't really get this must shoot at 35 or must shoot at 85 rule of thumb.  Just sounds like nonsense.  The only prime I use is really a 50mm and that's only for street photography/photo-journalism.

So to conclude, I don't find a difference using FF or APS-H, APS-C maybe but not with APS-H.  But mind you I am a studio portrait photographer and at the most at times a photo-journalist.  So for you sport shooters, macro shooters, product photographers... I can't really speak for you all.

I probably haven't covered everything, but you are more than free to contact me if you have any questions...

For more about sensor size and pixel size please visit this site...

http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/15684/why-are-larger-sensors-better-at-low-light

Tags ( 5D Mark III Photography equipment review celebrity portraits， Hong Kong 1D Mark IV )

Canon EOS 5D Mark III (Released March 15, 2012)

Finally was able to find a 5D Mark III in a shop yesterday in Wanchai.  First impression, the camera is slightly thicker than the previous model.  It took me a while to get used to the buttons and interface but I think for most 5D users it will not be a big problem.

The camera does sort of look like the 7D and with that said the grip has slightly improved and now photographers with larger hands will definitely find it more pleasing and secure to hold on to for prolong periods.

The new AF sensor although not as fast as it claims, but definitely an improvement from the previous model.  I can definitely see the 5D Mark III being used for event photography a whole lot more than the 5D Mark II or the 7D.

Overall the response of the camera is a lot quicker.  Also with the a wider LCD and fancy functions like a picture to picture review and HDR function, the upgrade is a must for outdoor photographers but not as much for studio photographers.

One thing that I was not too pleased with is the price.  The 5D mark III is a bit overpriced.  I was expecting the body to be around 25K HKD, but it turned out to be $27430HKD, not the mention the battery grip (which has not been officially introduced by canon) will start at $2400HKD.

At this price I think many people will fight their decision between the 1D Mark IV ($30k HKD) and the 5D Mark III. 

Tags ( canon photographers 5D Mark III review )