“Canon remains steadfast in its mission to address the varied needs of photographers through innovative product offerings. With the RF lens system, we’ve paved the way for groundbreaking lens designs, and the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM exemplifies our commitment to adding unparalleled value to photographers. This lens offers a unique blend of extended super telephoto reach within a versatile zoom range, all while ensuring competitive pricing. Such an offering not only unlocks new creative avenues but also brings previously inaccessible possibilities within the grasp of photographers.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Unprecedented Reach with Zoom Flexibility between 200mm to 800mm

There are two affordable super telephoto prime lenses in Canon’s line-up, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM and RF600mm f/11 IS STM. With the announcement of the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens, this is going to offer zoom functionality, covering the telephoto focal range that would previously require at least 3 different lenses to cover. Whether your taking a bird in flight in the distance, or a motorsports athlete in various defining moments, the versatile 200mm to 800mm focal length range (320mm to 1280mm on an APS-C camera) let users seamlessly capture both close-ups and wider shots of the same subject simultaneously. This can be achieved without being restricted by the focal length or missing out capturing the moment due to changing of lenses. Coupled with the RF Extender 2X, the coverage is extended to 1600mm (2560mm on APS-C camera) sufficient for capturing stunning close-ups of the moon.

Convenient Handheld Shooting: Lightweight and Mobile with Up to 5.5 Stops’ Built-in IS

The RF200-800mm astounding zoom range might worry some photographers, however it only weighs 2,050g and 314.1mm long. This lens is comparable in size and weight to its counterparts that end at 600mm. This mobility makes it easy to follow and capture moving subjects when shooting handheld, even if they occur unexpectedly.

Up to 5.5 stops’ equivalent built-in optical image stabilization (2) effectively corrects the camera shake that becomes more prominent at long focal lengths, allowing sharp, stable images at as slow as 1/20 second even at the 800mm tele end. 

Designed for Action: High-speed AF, Operational Ease

Built for capturing high-speed action, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is driven by the powerful Nano USM (Ultrasonic Motor), which also contributes to the lens’ compact size.  This enables fast and accurate focusing for stills, along with smooth and quiet focusing for video up to the entire image area with compatible cameras. Focus Breathing Correction is also supported. 

Swift, intuitive control extends to lens operations – in addition to a customisable focus/control ring, there are two lens function buttons that can be turned into shortcuts for functions such as AF or exposure control.

Dust- and Drip-resistant Sealing for Better Durability

Similar to an L-lens, the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM features strategically placed dust- and drip-resistant sealing for better durability during outdoor shoots (3). It is also coated with white paint to reduce heat absorbency and internal temperature rise due to sunlight.

Personal Views and Thoughts

The RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens is going to further open up wildlife photography and sports photography at an affordable price, adding great versatility with the 200mm to 800mm focal length range, expanding a photographer’s needs/wants in both sports and wildlife photography. They would be ideal for those who are just starting into sports and/or wildlife photography, for those serious enthusiasts, I reckon. they would gladly welcome such a versatile super telephoto zoom lens especially if they are into sports and/or wildlife photography. As for professional photographers in the sports and/or wildlife segments, this might get their interest as well, as a backup or 2nd lens combo setup.

As a wildlife photographer and sports photographer, I hope to test and review the RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens when the opportunity arises, sharing my photographs, thoughts and views for this versatile telephoto zoom lens.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens will be launched at a recommended retail price of $3,049. The availability will be advised at a later date.

Notes:

1.  As an AF interchangeable lens for full-frame sensor mirrorless cameras that have already been released as of November 1, 2023. (Based on Canon’s internal survey.)
2. At focal length of 800mm with EOS R. Yaw/Pitch directions.
3. This cannot guarantee complete exclusion of water and dust from entry.

Technical Specifications

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

The post Canon announced super telephoto zoom RF200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM lens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Singapore – A major bird migration hub + Bird migration season is coming soon 

Even though Singapore is a small country by land size, we are a major bird migration hub, just like our international hubs for aviation and shipping. Singapore is part of the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway, migratory birds making a pitstop in Singapore, giving bird photographers here in Singapore many opportunities to photograph them in action, the diversity and beauty of those migratory bird species. 

Recent research findings have also indicated that Singapore’s status as a major migratory bird hub has grown in stature, Singapore now has become the intersection of 2 major flyways, adding the Central Asian-Indian Flyway to the East Asian-Australiasian Flyway.

Bird Photography with Canon EOS R6 Mark II

In my earlier #WMBD2023 article, I shared about my bird photography with Canon EOS cameras, from Canon cameras that I previously owned or those cameras that I reviewed. For #WMBD2023 14th October, I would be sharing about my bird photography with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II camera that was recently added not too long ago into my Canon photography setup. 

My bird photography/wildlife photography tips are published earlier in May 2023 article that you can check it out, have a read if you are starting out on your bird photography adventures with Canon EOS cameras and lenses.

As the bird migration season in Singapore is just round the corner of year end 2023, I would set aside more time for bird photography with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II whenever I am able to, visiting the various nature reserves (Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Central Catchment), parks (Pasir Ris Park, Jurong Lake Gardens) and beaches for bird migration season in Singapore.

World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October Edition)

To all fellow bird and wildlife photographers, nature and wildlife conservationists and supporters, we all can do a part in spreading the awareness for our birds, water and nature areas, not just on World Migratory Bird Day itself. 

Let’s continue to spread the word, awareness, conservation and protection for our wildlife and nature areas, in Singapore and around the world.

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

The post World Migratory Bird Day 2023 (October 14th) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is based and innovated upon the EF300mm f/2.8L, a classic Canon telephoto lens for sports and action photography, that is renowned for its technology and excellent optical quality.

“With the new EOS R and RF lens ecosystem, Canon continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in photography. The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM is a testament to this – delivering superlative optical quality with its fast constant aperture and a useful range of focal lengths. As a game-changer for photographers who demand speed, flexibility, and versatility, the RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM empowers them to capture decisive moments with unparalleled precision and clarity.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

 Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM – The Speed and Flexibility to Capture Decisive Moments

Constant Aperture f/2.8: Freeze action decisively from wide to close-up

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM’s constant aperture design allows users to utilise the large f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, even at the 300mm tele end. With this, users can freeze decisive moments at faster shutter speeds, which gives them a better chance of getting their desired shots. 

The distinctive, extremely creamy bokeh achieved through telephoto shooting at f/2.8 makes the RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM useful for creative expression even in genres such as portraiture, fashion, and weddings.

Zoom convenience: Multiple lenses in one lightweight body

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM’s 100mm to 300mm zoom capability (160mm to 480mm on an APS-C camera) covers the range that typically requires at least two or three lenses to achieve (Combinations previously required to achieve 100-300mm at aperture f/2.8: 70-200mm f/2.8 lens + 300mm f/2.8 prime lens, or 100mm + 135mm + 300mm prime lenses). Users can now conveniently zoom to track and keep dynamic subjects, such as soccer ball or birds in flight within the frame, even in locations with restricted mobility. It also means less gear to carry.

Extender compatibility: Reach up to 960mm f/5.6

For occasions that require greater reach, simply attach one of the compact, lightweight RF extenders. With Extender RF2x, you can zoom up to 600mm (full-frame camera) or a whopping 960mm full-frame equivalent (APS-C camera/APS-C crop mode) while maintaining a maximum aperture of at least f/5.6! 

Lightest 300mm f/2.8 Constant Aperture Zoom Lens for Full-Frame Cameras on the Market (1)

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM + EOS R3 combination is lighter than the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x alone, weight over 1kg less. It also offers substantial mobility savings than the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM + EOS-1D X Mark III while offering 3x zoom functionality. 

Fast Focusing, Optical Excellence

Driven by precise dual Nano USMs, AF is quick and accurate, complementing deep learning-based subject detection and tracking on cameras like the EOS R3. An innovative new electronic floating focus control system improves image quality while reducing weight, enhancing the signature RF mount L-series optical quality. This would enable sharp shots of swift action, right down to every sweat drop or feather detail.

The lens supports focus breathing correction during video shooting, delivering professional-looking footage straight out of the camera.

Other Notable Features

• Up to 5.5 stops’ in-lens image stabilisation; up to 6 stops’ image stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS 
• IS Modes 1,2, and 3: for image stabilisation optimised for different shooting situations
• 5 customisable lens function buttons: for direct lens operation regardless of camera orientation
• Signature white weather- and heat-resistant thermal barrier coating with matching Lens Hood ET-124
• Dust- and drip-resistant construction and sealing befitting L-series lenses

Pricing and Availability

The RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM will be available at the recommended retail price of $14,699 from end May 2023.

Notes:

(1) According to a survey by Canon. As of April 2023.

* Information and picture courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

The post New Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8L IS USM – Versatile Telephoto Lens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Bird photography with EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park

Thanks to Canon Singapore, there was another opportunity to test the EOS R7 further. We had a bird photography outing with the EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park. I was shooting mainly with the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens. 

While this RF-S 18-150mm kit lens is not a dedicated lens for birding, it’s a versatile general lens ideal for daily usage and travel photography. Overall, I managed to capture some nice shots of birds in action or birds in flight shots when I was at Jurong Bird Park using the EOS R7 with RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

Thoughts and views from short hands on with EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park

Since I only had a short hands on experience for a few hours with the Canon EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park. Let me share with you my experiences, here are some of my initial thoughts and views from testing the EOS R7 at Jurong Bird Park:

A familiar feel 

From my various experiences in owning, using and testing many different Canon camera models over the years, there is a familiar feel to the EOS R7, existing current Canon users would be able to get up to speed with the EOS R7 pretty quickly.

Compact and lightweight, packed with powerful technical specifications and new technological capabilities for photography, surpassing its predecessor’s EOS 7D Mark II legacy. 

Quick control dial

This is the all-new quick control dial that combines the Multi-Controller with the Multi-Directional joystick. An interesting and useful feature, small in size placed in a good position for the right thumb to touch and control. 

I like this quick control dial, this might take a bit of getting used to since this is a new design and feature on a Canon camera body.

APS-C 1.6x 

I started my Canon interchangeable lens camera (ILC) journey with the Canon EOS 300D in 2004, an APS-C 1.6x crop DSLR camera. While I have gradually moved on Canon full-frame digital cameras over the years, the Canon APS-C 1.6x crop is something that I am familiar with. 

APS-C sensors have its pros and cons, wildlife and sports photographers would welcome it for its extended reach, landscape photographers may find the wide angle field of view not to their liking and requirements. 

For those photographers who are not too used to the APS-C 1.6x crop, give yourself time to adjust your field of view and point of view when using the EOS R7, you would be fine using this camera, in time to come.

Fast and accurate auto focus (AF) + Animal Priority 

The EOS R7 AF speed is put to the test on bird photography at Jurong Bird Park. Combining its fast and accurate AF with 30 fps and Animal Priority tracking, I was able to capture the birds in flight and birds in action. 

I mentioned earlier that I was mainly using the RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens during the photography outing at Jurong Bird Park, a versatile general lens ideal for daily usage and travel photography. With EOS R7 fast and accurate AF + Animal Priority tracking, I managed to capture some nice birds in action or birds in flight shots when I was at Jurong Bird Park using the EOS R7 with RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens.

I would put this to further testing on birds and wildlife when the EOS R7 unit is available for a more thorough and in-depth review with my other Canon lenses.

In-depth and detailed review at a later time 

I am looking forward to further explore and put the Canon EOS R7 into a more in-depth and detailed review through my visual story telling adventures. 

Keep a lookout on my Instagram and Facebook Page posts when the EOS R7 is available for review and I would be sharing my stories, photos and adventures with the EOS R7 review unit, putting the EOS R7 to the test and its other capabilities. 

This also marks the start of a new short visual storytelling adventure, the Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series, a TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production. 

The post Canon EOS R7 Test Shots at Jurong Bird Park appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.