For photographers who specialise in the portraiture photography genre, the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens would definitely be of interest to you! The 85mm focal length is one of the popular focal length choices used by portraiture photographers. Having tried out the EF85mm f/1.2L and EF85mm f/1.4L lenses, and having reviewed the EF85mm f/1.4L previously, I personally prefer using the f/1.4 focal length.

I would be keen to test and review the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens, some time down the road when the opportunity arises. Using my previous knowledge and experience using the EF85mm f/1.2L and f/1.4L lenses, the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens would be able to continue on Canon’s 85mm L lenses legacy.

With the announcement of the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens, I now have an option to choose from both EF and RF lenses, the 85mm portraiture lens that I have been considering to add on to my setup. How I would want to build my Canon EOS RP and RF lenses setup, it’s still a work in progress (and a lot to strategise and plan) since I have my existing Canon EOS-1DX Mark II DSLR inside my setup.

For those who have just started/concentrating on the Canon EOS R and RF lenses system, you have less headache and can start to welcome the new RF lenses being announced and arriving into the market. The new RF L lenses announcements showed Canon’s commitment to the Canon EOS R and RF lenses lineup, I am looking forward to more lenses on their RF lenses roadmap!

Let me share with you more information and details on the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens:

“We are proud to introduce the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS, a powerful lens that achieves the highest optical performance among Canon’s interchangeable lenses with 85mm focal length,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “Equipped with Canon’s  original DS coating and f/1.2 maximum aperture, the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS makes significant and smooth ‘bokeh expression’ possible to achieve.”

Unique DS Coating for Smooth Bokeh

With Canon’s proprietary vapour-deposited coating technology, the DS coating has the effect of gradually decreasing the transmittance of light from the centre to the periphery of the lens. This produces a smooth gradient bokeh that provides that beautiful expression as soft blurring can be achieved all around the outline of the bokeh. To optimise the effect, DS coating is used on the front and rear surface of the lens, allowing users to achieve high optical performance when shooting. The optical performance of the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS, together with the previously released RF85mm f/1.2L USM lens, even surpasses that of the renowned EF85mm f/1.2L USM lens.

With the large aperture of f/1.2, the soft and smooth gradient bokeh effect of the DS coating is maximised. The unique DS feature of the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS adds a special touch to images in various settings, ranging from weddings and portraits, fashion or lifestyle scenarios.

A Large Aperture Lens with Superior Resolution

When it comes to large aperture lenses, the 85mm focal length has been the ideal choice for portrait photographers, allowing them to create natural-looking portraits with beautiful bokeh in the background. The RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS has an optical design of 13 elements in 9 groups, including Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR) optical element, 1 UD and 1 ground aspherical lens element. The BR and UD lenses help to greatly suppress chromatic aberration, resulting in excellent rendering performance.

The lens also features Canon’s proprietary Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to reduce lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections, as well as enhance image clarity and contrast when shooting back-lit subjects.

Thanks to its bright aperture of f/1.2 and 9-blade circular aperture, the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS delivers beautiful and soft background blur. The large aperture also allows users to capture sharp and crisp images in low light environments with a higher shutter speed.

The lens achieves a minimum focusing distance of 0.85m and 0.12x maximum magnification, expanding the shooting area from close-ups of people to shooting small objects.

A Brand New Shooting Experience

The RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS also features a new “control ring” found in new RF lens series, allowing users to assign settings that include aperture value, shutter speed, ISO sensitivity and exposure compensation. The tactile control ring gives the user precise control allowing accurate adjustment without looking away from the subject.

When the control ring is operated alongside the main dial and quick control dial on the EOS R camera, user will have three dials to set the aperture, shutter speed and ISO sensitivity respectively, simplifying the complex operations that initially required several steps to achieve.

For flexible adaption to changes in the environment, users can assign exposure compensation to the control ring during portrait shooting. In the case when there is a sudden change in lighting conditions, the user can use one hand to operate the control ring and adjust exposure compensation while simultaneously using the shutter button with the other hand.

Being an L-lens for professionals, the RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS’s weatherproof construction also makes it dust and water-resistant, making it the perfect choice of lens for photographers who enjoy outdoor photography.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing and availability will be advised at a later date.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

The post Canon Announced RF85mm f/1.2L USM DS lens appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Canon has announced that a new firmware update for the EOS R and EOS RP is now available for download. As part of the effort to continuously improve on the user’s experience every step of the way, the new firmware update improves on both cameras’ auto-focus capabilities and ensures that users never miss out on a shot.

This new firmware version offers the following key areas of improvement, enhanced for a seamless experience with the EOS R (v1.4.0) & EOS RP (v1.3.0):

1. Enhances eye detection Auto Focus (AF) for improved face and eye recognition at greater distances.
2. Improved Auto Focus (AF) performance helps the camera to focus on smaller subjects.
3. Reduced lag time between the actual Auto Focus (AF) and the AF frame display for images in the viewfinder or on the LCD.

With this firmware update, Canon delivers on its promise of “Delighting You Always”, ensuring that users have more control over their craft and are empowered to capture the shots they want.

The firmware update is available for download via the following links:

EOS R: https://asia.canon/support/EOS%20R/model

EOS RP: https://asia.canon/support/EOS%20RP/model

If you are a Canon EOS R or EOS RP owner, remember to update your camera firmware! Do Pay It Forward and Pass It On, share this firmware update to your fellow Canon EOS R and EOS RP camera owners to update their firmware!

Check out my Canon EOS R articles that I published earlier: Key links and information on Canon EOS R versus Canon EOS RP

Canon EOS R versus EOS RP

The Canon Mirrorless Journey from Canon EOS M to EOS R

Canon EOS RP review article

Canon EOS RP review photos on Flickr

Canon EOS R review article

Canon EOS R review photos on Flickr

* Information courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

The post New Firmware Update for EOS R & EOS RP Improves AF appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

For the shutterbug in the family 

Canon’s first full-frame mirrorless camera boasts a 30.3 MP, 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 8 image processor, focus speed of 0.05 seconds and 5,655 focusing positions, offering the ability to take photography to the next level.

The EOS R also records videos in Ultra High Definition 4K at 30p/25p and offers flexible control over shadows and highlights for excellent visual production, making it a versatile camera ideal for capturing the family’s happiest moments this holiday season.

What’s more, with the new series of RF mount adapters, the EOS R is made compatible with existing EF mount lenses for even more shooting possibilities.

For the creatives who value functionality

PIXMA TS8270	S$299
(also available in white and black)
PIXMA TS9570	S$459

Combining creative fun and productive operation, the PIXMA TS8270 or TS9570 is perfect for the artsy friend who lives and breathes creativity.

Developing prints in vivid colors, this creative printer will meet all her scrapbooking needs with 45 pre-set pattern templates that can be printed directly and A3 printing capabilities make it possible for these gorgeous prints to be used as gift wrapping and decorative paper.

With the new Nail Sticker Creator app, creating and printing customized nail art designs to suit any outfit or occasion is made a breeze. The app is free for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and is compatible with Android 5.1 and later, iOS 10.

For the wanderlust bestie

Powered by the DIGIC 8 image processor that enables high-power zoom, auto lighting optimiser and 4K movie shooting, and a 20.3 MP high ISO speed CMOS sensor, the PowerShot SX740 HS achieves superb image quality even in lowlight conditions. Lightweight and compact, this is the perfect travel companion for any escapade to exotic destinations.

Additionally, the PowerShot SX740 HS’s 4K frame Grab function allows for high resolution still images to be extracted from the exceptional footage taken. With an auto transfer and auto uploading feature, users can also seamlessly share their world and experiences on social media.

For the vlogger sister

Packing a punch with 4K movie shooting ability and an improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the EOS M50 is primed for shooting ultra-high definition movies and boasts of excellent precision focusing even under low light conditions.

Designed for single-handed operation and equipped with a Vari-angle LCD monitor, the EOS M50 is perfect for your sister to capture hilarious moments with her friends or heartwarming moments with the family.

With Wi-Fi and Near-Field Communication (NFC) connectivity, she can also easily connect the EOS M50 to her smartphone or tablet to upload her vlogs to her social media platforms.

For the movie marathoner cousin

Measuring just 105 x 105 x 20mm and weighing only 240g, the RAYO S1 mini projector is easily portable, and media stored on smart devices can be streamed directly via either Wired or Wireless networks. Despite its tiny size, the RAYO S1 punches above its weight with its ability to deliver superior projection imaging quality.

Additionally, the multifunction tool also boasts enhanced features such as a Bluetooth speaker, a portable power bank and an external hard drive for data storage. Be it for projection on a screen, on a wall, or even on the ceiling, this is the ultimate gadget for any movie marathon.

For the prints and sticker-lover niece

Canon’s newest and smallest photo printer weighs a mere 160g, making it light and compact enough to fit into most pockets, purses and jackets easily. Through the Canon Mini Print app, an extensive library of photo-editing tools, creative filters, photo frames and stamps are available to add a personal touch to snapshots with the tap of a button. Features like augmented reality, face distortion and image doodling are also sure to bring lots of fun and laughter to your loved ones.

With Bluetooth pairing, smudge-proof and scratch-resistant glossy photo prints can be printed directly from smartphones anytime, anywhere. Prints also have a peel-and-stick reverse side that adheres effortlessly to the back of any smooth surface, making it the perfect gadget to create personalized stickers and immortalize the happiest moments.

From now till 31 December 2018, every purchase of the Canon Mini Photo Printer will come with a special Tokidoki premiums bundle worth $98, including a special edition pouch, lanyard, charm, printer body stickers and denim tote bag.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy Public Relations *

Dear Santa, I have been a good boy for this year 2018, may I have the Canon EOS M50 as my Christmas 2018 gift? Oh, I would also like the PIXMA TS 9570 for my Small Office Home Office (Photography business and administrative) work and to publish my photography zines! Thank you so much! 

The post Canon Christmas Gift Guide 2018 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.