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.

Here’s a throwback in time to my previous years articles on World Photography Day, my thoughts, feelings and photographs that I shared at that point in time. Looking back in time on my previous years World Photography Day can be pretty nostalgic.

• World Photography Day 2019
• World Photography Day 2020
• World Photography Day 2021

For World Photography Day 2022, what does this year 2022 mean to me for my photography?

On a personal photography basis, It has been a fun, reviewing and testing the Canon EOS R3 in Q1 of 2022. Currently in Q3 2022, I am reviewing and testing the Canon EOS R7, the mini stories that I produced and published with the two latest cameras from Canon, bringing back the fun in photography, exploring and my visual story telling. 

For World Photography Day 2022, I would be sharing some curated photographs shot with the Canon EOS R7 review camera to tell my thoughts, feelings and connections with my visual stories/photographs.

Another milestone for me would be bringing my visual story telling and photographs from a digital world to a physical (book/zine) print world, with the upcoming official launch announcement of my second photography zine.

A return to leading photography walks, combining with photography coaching/teaching and photography/cameras consultancy. This is a sector that I haven’t fully tap into, and I am going to do more in this sector.

On the business/commercial photography sector, it has been a constant challenge, adapting and evolving with the changing media landscape, types of media consumption. The future can’t be just standalone photography, it’s a hybrid of photography, videography and social media marketing, a mini digital agency.  

On World Photography Day 2022, let’s continue to explore, photograph, document and share our visual stories. Once again, to all fellow visual story tellers and photographers, wishing you all a Happy World Photography Day 2022!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R7 Explorer Series Production * 

The post Happy World Photography Day 2022! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Business 

Economic situation is still challenging, no doubt some had it better than others. That’s how running a business is like, the competition, not everyone is on the same level or pace. It had always been tough and difficult, it had got even harder over the past few years and the global pandemic situation threw in extra weight into it.

From previously diversifying back into certain photography genres, I would relook again, and make the strategic changes if necessary. 

Social Media Marketing 

At the start of the year 2022, social media marketing had moved up as part of business services provision along with my photography services. I had good hopes for this segment as I started off doing social media marketing for a food business. However, things didn’t go to plan, I would have to continue rebuilding up this services again. 

Training & Consultancy 

A growing photography business segment, that would an area that I would look into more in-depth, beyond training & consultancy for photography for corporate side of things, I can look into photography education/training for learners too.

Personal

A constant reminder to myself that not everything about my photography is about commercial work, I have to remind myself of my own personal photography projects.

I need to finish up with the tweaking and editing of my second photography zine, thereafter I can discuss with my local printer to get it published. During Q2 2022, I met with some delays, procrastination (again), time management issues, it’s high time for me to get it completed. 

As for personal projects, I would keep you all posted on my website! It’s time to finish up documenting and photographing some districts in Singapore, they would be changes to their physical landscapes and surroundings. 

Travel 

An area whereby I didn’t put much expectations and goals at the start of the year, that wasn’t any disappointments that I didn’t fulfil any of my travel goals. I had been observing and following the travel and tourism industry changes over H1 2022, they are moving forward, from both demand and supply side of things. It would still take time to ramp up as the world starts to fully restart travel and tourism, I am running an ongoing Special Theme Q2 2022 – Fully Restarting Tourism, sharing travel and tourism stories and happenings taking place around the world.

On a personal note, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I am able to go for a short personal travel holiday in Q3 2022 (if not Q4 2022) whereby airfares and the levels of the travel and tourism industry are back to a more normalised level. 

From a travel writing/photography/content creator perspective, not many opportunities in this segment, I have to continue networking with different sectors of the travel and tourism industry, maybe opportunity would arise in the near future.   

Please be kind, Please do not Judge!

The world is getting more difficult to live and work in, we are not helped by the world economic situation as well as our social media driven and instant gratification glamorous lifestyle. The world needs more kind and understanding citizens, less judgemental people. 

Please be kind, Please do not Judge! A reminder to myself too.

What’s next for Q3 2022 and H2 2022?

Just when we were working towards exiting a global pandemic situation that had caused so much disruptions to our economy and daily living from 2020 to 2022, the world entered into another crisis situation, the world is facing high inflation, ongoing conflict situation in Europe, a recession is looming above us, throw in possible stagflation too. Not to forget that we are not officially out of this global pandemic situation. 

From a set of uncertainties to another different set of uncertainties, we have to be fluid and nimble that we can adapt should the need arises. While I am restricting and pivoting my photography business into a balanced mix of photography and content creation/social media marketing, I have to be nimble, be ready for changes and opportunities that might pop up.

What’s next for Q3 2022 and H2 2022? Let’s see where this journey brings me in the next quarter and 2nd half of 2022. Do check out my Reflecting H1 & Q2 2022 (Other Business, Technology and Personal) article as well!

Anyway, in this era of instant gratification of showing off photos and videos, who still reads?

The post Reflecting H1 & Q2 2022 (Photography and Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Just like my previous Canon cameras reviews, I would bring them out for as many different types of photography shoots and outings, putting them to the test in various photography genres. Starting my own short visual stories collection titled, “A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production” of my Canon EOS R3 review adventures and journeys.  

First up was Rainbow illumiNation – Celebrating 1 year of Very Momentary Exhibition, supporting local creative artist Wei and his creative artwork creations, World Water Day 2022 and Earth Day 2022 – Invest In Our Planet, bringing wildlife photograph, nature, conservation and sustainability topics out from the photographs that I shot with the Canon EOS R3. There’s also an urban / city landscape photography exploration with the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses that I was also reviewing together with the Canon EOS R3, titled “Singapore Cityscapes (600mm and 800mm perspectives).

The Canon EOS R3 is more than just a fast and powerful full-frame mirrorless camera for the professionals in journalism and sports that place high standards and demand for very fast speed action and accuracy, it’s also for the wildlife, visual story tellers and professional photographers in other genres as well, to capture the priceless moments and presenting them to the world.

You read my visual stories from my EOS R3 explorer series production, now let me share with you my points, thoughts and views from this Canon EOS R3 review.

Aesthetics 

For photographers who own/used the EOS 1D series, the Canon EOS R3 will feel natural and at ease in your hands. It’s just like the EOS 1D series, the looks, feel and ergonomics. The EOS R3 is lighter in weight as compared to the EOS 1D counterparts. The EOS R3 EVF is bigger in size, that is to accommodate Eye AF.

A lightweight magnesium alloy body making the EOS R3 very rugged, tough and durable, able to withstand extreme conditions along with its weather sealing features. Just like the EOS 1D series predecessors, you have the faith and trust in the EOS R3 to rough it out and deliver the goods in extreme conditions. 

Years ago, I felt that the flip screen would not look professional on the EOS 1D series. Fast forward today,  I take back my words, the flip screen is so useful and versatile, providing flexibility and more ways to approach photographing in various situations. The flip screen on the EOS R3 won’t make it less professional, my personal opinion is that this would be most welcomed by photographers in today’s demand for both stills photography, videography and content creation.

There is the joy stick on the EOS R3, it’s really a joy to use, along with the iconic wheel button on the Canon EOS camera bodies that we are familiar with. This combination of using the wheel button + mode dial + front dial + joy stick is more than just an ease to use, it’s handy and great joy to use. 

The Canon EOS R3 gives you full control on the camera body using the LCD screen, giving you another user interface option when operating the Canon camera. The best of both worlds of having both physical controls, dials, buttons and modern technology using touch screens.   

Operations

The legacy of the EOS 1D series has been passed on to the EOS R3, the fast speed auto-focus (AF) with precision and accuracy on the subjects that you are focusing and photographing. Inside the EOS R3, Canon has raised the mirrorless AF speed and accuracy to another level, we saw it in  Canon’s EOS R5 and R6 AF capabilities. The EOS R3 has set the bar higher on another level, it’s not just going to amaze, they are what professional photographers in journalism, reportage, sports, wedding, fast-paced events, wildlife photographers would want to have in their professional series EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera. Not just for professionals, serious enthusiasts photographers would welcome the EOS R3 too! This EOS R3 is capable to line-up in the 1 digit series of the EOS R family, why is not named as EOS R1 and named as EOS R3 instead? Close to the end of my article, I would share my personal thoughts and views on this.

Drive mode

Single shooting / High speed continuous + / High speed continuous / Low speed continuous / Self-timer 10s / Self-timer 2s

Shutter mode

Mechanical / Electronic 1st curtain / Electronic 

The mechanical shutter is awesome, the EOS R3 electronic shutter is even better. You can just put to electronic shutter without too much worries and concentrate on capturing the moments and actions up to 1/64,000 at 30 fps with its electronic shutter. 

Silent shutter function on / off

There is a silent shutter function that allows photographers to switch on to use when the shooting situation requires. The EOS R3 has a soft shutter sound, it’s almost negligible that you won’t notice it much when you are using it.

Servo AF 

1 – Versatile multi-purpose setting

2 – Continue to track subjects, ignoring possible obstacles

3 – Instantly focus on subjects suddenly entering AF points

4 – For subjects that accelerate or decelerate quickly 

Auto – Tracking automatically adapts to subject movement 

Subject to detect 

People / Animals / Vehicles / None

With the above four selections, photographers can switch the settings inside the EOS R3 as and when required. Dedicated settings for photographing people, animals or vehicles would be most welcomed by photographers, they are fine-tuned to assist photographers in capturing their subject matters at right moments.  

Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system along with EOS iTR AF X brings Canon AF to another level with improved with Eye Detection AF (Human), Body Detection AF and Head Detection AF. Portraiture photographers would most welcome this improvement when they put to “People” mode. 

For wildlife photographers, the “Animals” to detect mode would vastly help in focusing and capturing wildlife in action. Motorsports photographers, the “Vehicles” to detect mode would be most welcomed by them. 

In addition to EOS R3 fast and accurate AF, the ability to choose the subject to detect makes it even easier and a bigger breeze for photographers. Switching to subject – animals, when shooting wildlife made it so much easier for me even when shooting small birds from far.

Auto-Focus Capabilities/Areas 

Spot AF / 1-point AF / Expand AF area / Expand AF area: Around / Flexible Zone AF 1 (Square) / Flexible Zone AF 2 (Vertical) / Flexible Zone AF 3 (Horizontal) / Whole area AF 

For those who are familiar with Canon AF system, you would know the different AF capabilities and AF areas that you can choose from. One of the EOS R3 strong capabilities that I like a lot is the Flexible Zone AF functions that give the photographers more control and specific areas to concentrate the focusing of their subjects. 

The Flexible Zone AF (Square, Vertical or Horizontal) can be versatile and useful in situations such as wildlife photography.

In-Body IS

The EOS R3 is equipped with an In-Body IS (IBIS), that was first incorporated in the EOS R5 and EOS R6 camera bodies. When coupled with lenses that has image stabilisation (Optical IS), they can achieve an image stabilisation effect of up to 8 stops. That would be most welcome by photographers who need to shoot in handheld low light situations. 

One of the features on the wish list of photographers, Canon’s IBIS capability is now equipped inside the professional EOS R camera bodies. An excellent and most welcome feature for photographers and videographers, yet photographers and videographers may forget about the IBIS that’s aiding them in their low light shoots. 

Eye Control AF

The return of Canon’s Eye Control into the EOS R3. Before you are able to utilise this function, you need to do a calibration with your eye. The calibration is pretty straight forward and not too difficult to complete the Eye Control setup. 

Using Eye-Focus to control the AF point, it’s a hit and miss for me. While I welcome this useful and great capability inside the EOS R3, there were times when I couldn’t fully control the AF point, making me frustrated. 

Some points to highlight would be, I am wearing glasses thus it might affect the eye-control functionality. I also have a short review period, that doesn’t give me a lot of time to get used to the Eye Control and fine-tuning it further to my liking and preferences. 

Eye-Focus can be very useful in situations when the photographer prefers to do it through  the viewfinder, concentrating on focusing on his subjects, pressing the button to photograph the priceless moments that they are seeking/waiting for, and preferring not to utilise the wheel dial and joy stick. 

ISO Levels

ISO 100 – 102,400

The EOS R3 ISO level has a range from ISO 100 to 102,400. Although this would allow the photographer to shoot at high ISO, the tolerance and preferred ISO level to use, can be personal and subjective. My personal tolerance lSO level is 51,200, I would avoid using higher ISO beyond this level whenever possible. 

Record func+card/folder selection 

Equipped with dual card slots, one for CFexpress, one for SD card, it’s very useful if you choose or prefer to record stills photography and video separately into different cards. The future for high speed shooting, volume and buffer recording is with CFexpress card, their pricing is still pretty high at juncture in time, we need to give them more time before the prices would come down, making it more affordable. 

I usually prefer a dual card slots system, giving me the options to record into 1 card or both cards when the situation requires. Having a dual card slot is a great backup function to have on the camera.

Video

Movie rec. size

6K RAW (6000×3164) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

4K-DCI (4096×2160) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

4K-U (3840×2160) 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps (PAL)

FHD (1920×1080) 100.00 fps / 50.00 fps / 25.00 fps / 24.00 fps (PAL)

The EOS R3 can record videos up to 6K RAW, onto the CFexpress card, while 4K video can be simultaneously recorded on an SD card. In the current environment and demands, shooting in 4K would be sufficient for most situations in both work and leisure videography. The ability to shoot in 6K RAW is an added bonus for the photographer/videographer should the need arises.

In my personal opinion, the EOS R3 primary function is a stills photography camera for fast paced action. The video is a secondary function that allows the user to record videos, switching in between photography and videography as and when required.

Thoughts and Views

For existing Canon EOS 1D users, EOS R5 and EOS R6 users, it’s very easy and fast for these group of photographers to get used and acclimatised to the Canon EOS R3. The functions and user interface (UI) are very similar (if not most of them are the same). If you are familiar or owns a EOS 1D series, the EOS R3 will be second nature to you, it’s almost exactly the same!

The EOS R3 is a very fast and accurate full-frame mirrorless camera Sports, wildlife and press photographers will love this camera, that would also be for wedding and events photographers as well. AF for mirrorless cameras have improved tremendously over the years, the revolution has started in the EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. In the EOS R3, they have gone up another level higher and better.

Videography for EOS R3 complements the photographer, when they have to shoot videos on top of their photography. 

The EOS R3 is first and foremost a very high speed, very fast AF powerful stills camera, just like its predecessor from the 1D series, the legacy lives on in the EOS R3 even though it’s not named together as the Canon 1 digit series. 

Due to the changing media landscape, media consumption and demand, while stills photography still has an important role to play, video consumption has risen exponentially, whether it’s your filmmaking production level, serious amateur using YouTube/Vimeo, or even using TikTok, Instagram Reels. 

Videography in a hybrid digital mirrorless camera complements the user in their quest to capture both stills and videos for the work/projects required or for the leisure user to have both forms of media production for their social media.  

Eye-Control / Eye-Focus

The EOS R3 eye-control feature that allows photographers to use their eye and focus on their subjects through the EVF. Personally, I like this feature a lot, adding on another method to focus on moving subjects, beside using the joy stick or LCD touch screen, ideal for photography genres such as wedding and events photography.

While it is most welcomed as an additional method to help the photographer focus on their subjects during their shoot, this is like a rough diamond that still needs refinement and improvement with technological and firmware upgrades. 

High ISO 

The EOS R3 maximum ISO is 102,400, allowing photographers to push the limits of their photography in low light situation. Personally, my tolerance level for the usable high ISO is 51,200, the ISO levels beyond that are too grainy for my personal liking and usage. 

1/64,000s 

The EOS R3 can shoot up to an amazing speed of 1/64,000s with its electronic shutter. Is this a myth or a marketing gimmick, some might ask? No, it’s not a myth and not a marketing gimmick. When I had a first taste of 1/64,000s high speed action during my initial short hands on session with the EOS R3, I was more than blown away, I wanted to test it out in the field.

Although during my short review period with the EOS R3, I couldn’t fully put the 1/64,000s shutter speed to more tests/shoots, I managed to photograph some scenes using 1/64,000s.

Shooting at 1/64,000 might sound very far fetch for many photographers, this is true to a certain extent, not many photographers will or need to shoot at 1/64,000. Nevertheless, for wildlife and sports photographers, 1/64,000 might just be the key element for them to nail that shot that they always wanted to shoot e.g. the very fast motorsports action scenes, an artistic scene of water droplets hitting the water or the kingfisher diving right at the moment into the water catching its prey.

Or like me, photographing the fireball sunset shining brightly over the horizon, overpowering the bright sunset and creating an artistic silhouette. 

Why is this not R1 and named R3?

During my first short hands on media session with the EOS R3, after my first touch, feel and testing, the EOS R3 feels and works like the Canon EOS 1D series, I was impressed with specifications and capabilities. During the time whereby I had the EOS R3 for review, I was thinking much further and deeper, why is this not named EOS R1 and named EOS R3 instead? 

A monster and powerful full-frame mirrorless camera for the sports, wildlife photographer, as well as for press photographer and photojournalist too. The EOS R3 is more than ready, it can safely and proudly take over the EOS 1D X series as the Canon’s top range camera yet it sits just below the EOS 1D X Mark III, based on how Canon name their cameras.

The EOS R3 has placed huge expectations for the rumoured EOS R1, what would the ultimate Canon flagship full-frame mirrorless EOS R1 camera be like in the near future?

On a personal and professional basis, is it time for me to fully switch over to Canon mirrorless by replacing my EOS 1D X Mark II with the EOS R3?  

More photographs of my Canon EOS R3 review can be viewed on my Flickr collection! 

Thanks to fellow photographer Isaac Ong for taking my profile photo, shot withe Canon EOS R3. 

* I would like to thank Canon for the opportunity to review the Canon EOS R3 full-frame mirrorless camera. * 

The post Canon EOS R3 Review appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

#InvestInOurPlanet

If we do not Invest in Our Planet, if we do not start to take action, the world will lose our home and only home because we all live on this planet. 

Who doesn’t want a healthy and comfortable home to live in? 

#WhatWillYouDo 

What can you do for Earth Day and what will you do? Earth Day website has a list of excellent recommendations on what you can do!

Some of the things that you can do 

• Use less plastic
• Visit nature and outdoors, take photos of your beautiful landscapes and horizon
• Bring your own reusable water bottle
• Recycle, Up-cycle
• Share your photos and stories

We can all make a difference 

Every individual on earth can play a part, no matter how big or small. Through our civic actions, making our voices heard, spreading the word on climate change, sustainability, eco-friendly measures. 

Not just today on 22nd April, we can continue investing in our planet on a daily basis, making a difference to the world today and for the future.

Photographing Singapore outdoors/nature/green areas/wildlife

With my Canon photography gear and my trusted f-stop gear backpack, going into nature and green areas, enjoying the outdoors, fresh air, it was very therapeutic for me, photographing  nature, green areas and wildlife. 

When I was testing and reviewing the Canon EOS R3 recently, revisiting the outdoors, nature and green areas in Singapore, observing the close proximity of our nature/green areas, urban areas and wildlife living together.

We need to together Invest In Our Planet, I will continue to play my part with my photography and writing. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production * 

The post Earth Day 2022 – Invest In Our Planet appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Just like this Rainbow illumiNation by Very Small Exhibition celebrating one year of Very Momentary Exhibition at Paya Lebar Quarter. Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel, the rainbow arch waiting for us as we move towards it?

It was comforting and encouraging, I reckon many of us shed tears of joy as we can start to embark on the next steps to further opening up Singapore. You can read on ChannelNewsAsia, in full: PM Lee’s address on Singapore’s new phase towards living with COVID-19. At an appropriate time, I might just reflect and recollect my personal, emotional, mental, struggles in both personal and business, and along with my visual story telling together in another article, over this past 2+ years of living, struggling, surviving, learning and growing from this global pandemic. 

We can finally start to see some light at the end of the tunnel, it’s a huge step even, we are not totally out of the woods yet. Many of us would be looking forward to travel out out of Singapore for a break in other countries, we have been cooped up too long on our small island country. 

I don’t wish to make any travel plans or commitments at this stage, I am coming up with some travel plans in mind, maybe a short trip (3D2N or 4D3N) in Q2 or Q3 2022, a long (1-2 weeks) trip during Q3 or Q4 2022.

Would I be able to get my travel photography and writing commissioned works? Or travel media trips? I am keeping my fingers crossed. 

I am just like this Grey Heron perched on the Old Jurong Railway Bridge, eagerly looking up and getting ready to fly away, traveling and exploring in other parts of the world again. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R3 Explorer Series Production *

The post 24th March 2022 – Start to see light at the end of the tunnel appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“With the launch of the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM lenses, Canon’s RF lens line-up is expanding rapidly to offer a range of lens selection to answer the different needs of the photographic community,” said Mr. Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “With the compact and affordable RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM, we now have a suite of telephoto options for different photographers covering different focal lengths, design build and cost-performance levels. Tapping on the design flexibility accorded by new EOSR system and RF lens architecture has allowed us to develop the ultrawide, fast, yet still affordable RF16mm f/2.8 STM, as we continue to develop even more lenses to allow photographers to realise their creative vision.”

Smaller, Lighter and Better

The RF lens mount that the EOS R system is renowned for, has large diameter and short back focus design, that allow both lenses to take advantage of. All these result in both a compact optical system and excellent quality across the entire image, from edge to edge.

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM offers telephoto capability of up to 400mm zoom yet it is compact at less than 170mm in length, making it easily portable for users. Weighing at approximately 635g, the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens is an affordable and lightweight telephoto lens option. It is also light than the RF24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens.  The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is comparable to the EF70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 IS II USM lens but features an additional 100mm to the telephoto end of the focal length.

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens has Nano USM, enabling quick and smooth focusing throughout the entire zoom range, regardless of stills or videos. This makes this lens a a great starter lens for those who are interested in bird and wildlife photography without the bulk.

Users can add the Extender RF1.4x/2x to the RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens, this would increase the focal length to 1.4x/2x, allowing them to enjoy shooting with an ultra-telephoto range of up to 800mm. When combined with Canon’s lightweight mirrorless cameras, users can trek long distances with it or shoot handheld comfortably without much difficulty.

An ultra-wide angle lens with a large f/2.8 aperture traditionally would cost a substantial amount to own. The new RF16mm f/2.8 STM lens is going to change that by overcoming the price barrier, making this lens at an accessible price point. Another outstanding feature of the RF16mm f/2.8 STM is its ultra-compact design. At just 40.2mm tall and weighing approximately 165g, it barely occupies any space in the camera bag. In fact, one can easily mistake it for the RF50mm f/1.8 STM lens, given that both share an almost identical form factor.

New Angle of View and Creative Perspectives

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 1.05m (at 400mm), a maximum magnification of 0.41x can be achieved. These features would come in handy when shooting small flowers and creatures, bringing out the best of the lens compression effect and bokeh of telephoto lenses.

The lens comes with a native 5.5 stops of image stabilisation. However, when it is paired with a camera that has In-Body Image Stabilisation (In-Body IS), the IS effectiveness goes up to 6 stops. This greatly reduces camera shakes and ensures sharp images even at the 400mm telephoto end.

With the RF16mm f/2.8 STM, users can take powerful photos by adjusting perspectives to capture larger images of nearby objects or smaller images of faraway ones. The distortion effect of the ultra-wide angle lens when the user gets closer to a subject (such as animals and children) creates a warped look, resulting in adorable photos.

The ultra-wide angle of the RF16mm f/2.8 STM covers a 110 degree diagonal field of view. This makes it convenient for taking selfies with large groups, shooting video for social media, and taking photos in tight spaces. In addition, its large f/2.8 aperture not only creates pleasing bokeh, but when combined with the wide field of view, it can become an excellent lens for astrophotography as well.

Pricing and Availability

The RF100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and RF16mm f/2.8 STM are priced at $1,029 and $479 respectively, and will be available in October 2021.

Product Specifications

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO *

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Short hands on experience with Canon EOS R3

At the media session, not only did I get a short hands on experience to touch and feel the Canon EOS R3, I had an interactive session with the folks from Canon Singapore. I am going to share some of my personal thoughts and views that I compiled from my short hands on session as well as my own Q&A session with Canon Singapore.

During the media session, I noticed in the presentation that the EOS R3 is positioned below the EOS-1D X series and above the EOS R5 and EOS R6. Personally, I feel that the EOS R3 technical specifications and capabilities are comparable to the EOS-1D X series (and maybe even better!). Equipped with a newly developed back-illuminated stacked CMOS 24.1 megapixels sensor, this could be just right and enough for those into sports, action and press photography. 

The Canon EOS R3 is lighter in weight and slightly smaller in size as compared to EOS-1D X Mark III, it has a very familiar feel and touch if you are an existing EOS-1D X user.

It’s a technologically advanced mirrorless camera with deep learning technology applied to Eye Detection AF on the EOS R3. Eye Control Detection AF is a very useful technology and capability, photographers into sports, action, wedding and journalism would love this feature. 

Examples of Eye Detection AF in action: 

Sports photography: Penalty kick in a football match, using Eye Detection AF technology to focus on the penalty taker, switching seamlessly to the goalkeeper and vice versa. 

Wedding photography: Using Eye Detection AF to switch focus from the wedding couple to the guests nearby, allowing the photographer to capture priceless moments from their position.

The Canon EOS R3 has a maximum shutter speed at 1/64,000 (with electronic shutter) and continuous shooting at 30 fps. These two key features will definitely light up the eyes of sports, action and wildlife photographers. Can you visualise shooting wildlife, sports or action photography at 30 fps with a shutter speed of 1/64,000 using EOS R3 fast focusing AF capabilities? 

Vehicle priority AF is a newly added feature that will excite motorsports photographers, allowing them to detect automobiles and motorcycles with great precision. There is a feature that caught my attention when I read other photography websites especially those from United States of America that had early access to the Canon EOS R3 prior to the coordinated official launch. The Flexible Zone AF allows photographers to change the size of the AF area, this would come in useful for sports, action and wildlife photography. 

The EOS R3 can record up to 6K 60p RAW or 4K 120p 10-bit movie. Some might question why 6K and not 8K? For a start, the EOS R3 target markets are photographers in the sports, action, wildlife and press photography sectors, where still photography with fast and accurate AF are the key features that professional photographers wanted/required. Should the need to shoot video is needed, 4K standards can get the job done and deliver the goods without taking up too much resources on the desktop or laptop, while 6K is a bonus/sweet spot for slightly higher standards than 4K while not over pushing your desktop or laptop resources when editing 8K videos.

Expectations and potentially the super flagship EOS R1 full frame camera in the near future 

The positioning of Canon EOS R3 below the EOS-1D X series was a bit of a surprise to me personally. The technical specifications and capabilities of their latest full-frame mirrorless camera is on par with the EOS-1D X Mark III (even better in my personal humble opinion). I was curious to know more about Canon’s positioning of the Canon EOS R3. 

Based on my understanding as a Canon photographer myself (EOS 300D -> EOS 30D -> EOS-1D III -> EOS 70D -> EOS-1D X -> EOS-1D X Mark II & EOS RP) as well as covering Canon news over the years (probably a decade by now?), naming this technologically advanced and powerful as the EOS R3 is going to set some pretty high expectations for the upcoming super flagship (rumoured and widely speculated) EOS R1 full-frame mirrorless camera in the near future. 

The slogan for Canon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras is “Born to Rule”. When Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 were announced in 2020, Canon showcased to the photography world, their commitment to full-frame mirrorless camera and lenses system, how far and how much they had invested and developed the full-frame mirrorless EOS R camera and RF lenses system. 

I had reviewed both Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 full-frame mirrorless cameras, they were very impressive, very capable and packed with strong features, it was tempting for me to fully switch over to full-frame mirrorless. While I only had a short hands-on session with the Canon EOS R3, I am already very impressed and excited. Now, the call to fully switch over to full-frame mirrorless is getting even stronger. 

What does the EOS R3 bode for the future of Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras? This camera has now set a very high standard and expectations for future Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras. There are a number of speculations and rumours (as usual) going on around the photography sector. My personal speculation is a super flagship (rumoured and widely speculated) EOS R1 full-frame mirrorless camera. 

Canon DSLR users, especially sports photographers, this technologically advanced and powerful packed technical specifications EOS R3 sets the bar and standards for professional, sports, action, wildlife and press photography. 

Last but not least – to EOS R3 or not?

I have a soft spot for the Canon EOS-1D series, they took (and help define) my Canon photography to the next few levels when I started my EOS-1D series with EOS-1D Mark III in 2010. From EOS-1D Mark III to EOS-1D X, followed by EOS-1D X Mark II. While the EOS R3 is not named the EOS-1 series equivalent at this stage, the shape, feel, familiarity and capabilities of the EOS R3 are just like the EOS-1D X family.  

Even with a short hands on experience session with the EOS R3 and not having done a full review, I am already very impressed and excited with this amazing and technologically advanced full-frame mirrorless camera for sports, action, wildlife and press photography. 

For fellow Canon EOS-1D family (especially EOS-1D X Mark II and III) DSLR users, in my personal humble opinion as of now without having done a full review of the Canon EOS R3, you can now have the full confidence to migrate over from DSLR (EOS-1D X Mark III).

Last but not least – to EOS R3 or not? Is it time for me to fully move over from Canon DSLR (EOS-1D X Mark II) to Canon full-frame mirrorless (Canon EOS R3)? Born to Rule – Canon EOS R3.

I would like to thank Canon Singapore for the invitation to the media session to have a first look, touch, feel and understanding more in-depth about the Canon EOS R3. 

The post Short Hands on Experience with Canon EOS R3 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.