Before I proceed further, this is NOT a review article. This article are my insights, thoughts, views from my short hands on experience along with my Q&A session with Canon Singapore Marketing. This article would be more like a continuation, Part Two of an earlier article that I published, “The Canon Mirrorless Journey from EOS M to EOS R”. Although it is NOT a review article, it’s a bit lengthy in content.

Through my session with Canon Singapore Marketing, I had a better understanding on the new EOS R cameras and RF lenses. In a nutshell, the EOS Family Hierarchy looks like this

EOS 1DX 

EOS R5 

EOS 5D 

EOS R + EOS R6 

Now let me share my thoughts and views of my short hands on experience with EOS R5, EOS R6 and new RF lenses. 

EOS R5

This is the Canon full-frame mirrorless camera that photographers want and have been waiting for. Canon has listened to photographers and customers feedback, this camera now has dual media cards slot. The iconic and well liked joystick and wheel controls are back on the EOS R5. The body and layout is similar to the EOS R. 

A hybrid camera, best of both worlds, for stills photography and videography, 8K video with no cropping and 45 megapixels. That’s a powerful camera for photographers, videographers and content producers.

8K video recording overheating concern? 

An issue that has been nitpicked by some overseas photography websites, a point to take note but with a wrong approach and mentality by the websites, probably a clickbait to drive web traffic to their website.

I brought up this topic for discussion as I was doing some homework and research from overseas websites and YouTube channels that are talking about this particular topic. From my understanding, maximum recording time is 29min 59 sec.

You can find Movie Shooting Time (or Movie Recording Time) Limit inside the camera’s manual by Canon. Raise your hands, how many of you read the whole manual, whether in pdf format or physical copy? 

When the Canon EOS R5 camera manual is available, I would download and have a read.

Points to take note from a photographer/videographer practical perspective:

• EOS R5 is a hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera that can do stills photography and videography. It’s not a standalone dedicated video camera recorder. 
• If you are looking to shoot non-stop 4K video for a long continuous period of time, you need to look at camcorders instead.The Canon Cinema EOS Camcorders and Camcorders are calling out to you.
• How often do you record video non-stop for 30 minutes and beyond? Unless you are mainly shooting conferences, major seminars presentation or live performances.
• Even if you are into producing vlogs, YouTube videos, short filmmaking, how often do you and can you video for 30mins or more without a break or pause, to check, reshoot? 

Should I have updated information and details on this, I might update it here or in my review article down the road.

In-Body IS + lens IS = holy combo, that’s what it should be, Canon now leads the way 

The photography industry was talking/discussing a lot on internet and social media a few years back. While it may seem that Canon took a much longer time to implement In-Body Image Stabiliser (In-Body IS), they didn’t want to put it in for the sake of putting it in. 

Yes, Canon listen to the feedback on the ground, from photographers and customers. This probably took them a bit longer than launching their full-frame mirrorless camera, a In-Body IS that works with the lens IS, with a new algorithm through new DIGIC X, “talking, coordinating and controlling” both IS on lens and camera body to work in tandem together simultaneously. 

That’s the way it should be for cameras utilising In-Body IS and lens IS, Canon now leads the way. 

Combining the best of the best together

This EOS R5 brings some of the best of the EOS Series, EOS 5D Mark IV (for its stills + video) + EOS 5DS or EOS 5DS R (MF quality stills photography) + latest DIGIC X + new sensor + revolutionary RF technology + EOS R series camera body, all together into that EOS R5.

EOS R6

For photographers who are a fan of the EOS-1DX series, you can go for the Canon EOS R6, it’s a mini EOS-1DX Mark III since it has inherited much of its hardware and technical specifications into the EOS R6 body. 

If you do not need the 8K video functions and high 45 megapixels, the EOS R6 is very suitable and more affordable, you can still shoot in 4K and with 20 megapixels, you can get most photography jobs done without too much worries. EOS R5 and EOS R6 have similar design,  layout and functionalities. The top layout is similar to the Canon EOS RP layout. 

The EOS R6 would be highly suitable for those wanting and ready to move into full-frame mirrorless cameras, whether you are an existing EOS DSLR user, or migrating from other brands, upgrading from APS-C cameras to full-frame camera.

RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens

This focal length range lens hasn’t really caught my attention previously as my setup is towards the holy trinity setup and big prime lens. However, I have to say that this focal length of 100-500mm range is versatile, lightweight and ideal for wildlife photography, sports and events photography too. 

I would love to try this lens out for wildlife photography when the opportunity arises to review this lens.

RF Extender 1.4x and RF Extender 2x

I sense exciting times ahead for the RF mount lenses. When would the RF300mm f/2.8 or RF400mm f/2.8 be out in the market? 

RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

We photographers and consumers need a mindset change that telephoto lenses must be at big apertures? Can telephoto lenses be lightweight, affordable and easy to use at f/11 aperture? The RF600mm and RF800mm are going to open up leisure (and maybe even commercial) photographers into owning telephoto lens.  

If you have the opportunity to try either one of the two telephoto lens, pair it with the RF Extender 2x and you would be able to see, feel and understand the power of Dual Pixel CMOS AF II in action, check out the AF at f/22. 

The materials used and built quality is pretty good for RF600mm and RF800mm lenses, considering that they are non L lenses. 

RF85mm f/2 IS STM

A popular focal length, the 85mm, ideal for portraits, can also be used as a macro lens as well. Affordable and lightweight. 

Final thoughts and views

Born to rule, a new era in the mirrorless camera segment, usability and durability, commitment to RF mount, EOS R full frame mirrorless. Excitement, Canon full-frame mirrorless is no longer playing catch up, it’s now leading the way.

Canon does listen to customers feedback and concerns, they are aware of the needs and wants of photographers. I still remember these two quotes that I wrote down, given by Canon Inc executives from my media sessions in 2016 at Canon EXPO Shanghai,

“We may look conservative but we know the trends” 

“We are not complacent”

Canon is and has always been committed to the mirrorless camera market, the messages were clear back then, even though there were no specific timeline nor indication of cameras to come. While Canon’s journey in full-frame mirrorless cameras, delivering the EOS R5 and EOS R6 to the market today in 2020, took a bit of a longer route and time, photographers now have a top range full-frame mirrorless EOS R5, accompanied by EOS R6, EOS R and EOS RP. Canon now has a range of different full-frame mirrorless cameras catering for most (if not all) photography genres.

The EOS R5 is highly suitable for production houses, commercial photographers, videographers, filmmakers, almost able to cover all genres of photography. A powerful hybrid camera for both stills photography and videography, the best of both worlds.

The price might be on the high side, yet given the power technical specifications, this is a worthy investment for the next 3-5 years, especially for those commercial photographers and production houses. 

What does the future holds for the EOS R and RF lenses family?

Canon has now set a high level benchmark for themselves and the full-frame mirrorless camera industry. Expectations would now be even higher. More RF lenses are on the pipeline, making the EOS R and RF mount series even more exciting in the very near future. 

An equivalent of the 1DX series EOS R? This would keep me very excited and interested.

On a personal/commercial photographer and videography/filmmaking approach

EOS R5, the hybrid camera for both commercial photography, videography and filmmaking. I always like the EOS 5D series and wanting to own a 5D Mark III or 5D Mark IV. The EOS R5 would be a great (almost perfect fit) as it covers both photography and videography. 

I have held back on getting a EOS 5D series as I am eagerly awaiting the next EOS R series camera even though I am using EOS RP and my trusted EOS-1DX Mark II. Now with the EOS R5 and R6, I have a good headache to plan, strategise and consider, how should I go about setting up my photography and videography combination, maybe it’s time to start my mini production house and digital marketing agency. 

The EOS R5 is the Canon full-frame professional mirrorless camera that many photographers are eagerly, anxiously or patiently waiting and wanting. It has finally arrived! Content creation and consumption of media is moving towards video in this current timeline and near future, the EOS R5 and R6 are going to be your trusted content creation gadgets.

I am most likely not buying the EOS R5 when it is officially out for sale in the market at the end of July 2020, as much as I would love to own this powerful packed (almost perfect) full-frame mirrorless camera, due to financial constraints and current economic downturn. However, I am looking at getting it some time down the road, maybe in 1 year’s time. The EOS R6 is good too, however my preference is the EOS R5. 

On the other hand, I do hope that I would be able to test and review the Canon EOS R5, EOS R6 and many more RF lenses that I would love to test and review, sharing with fellow photographers on Canon full-frame mirrorless photography through my Canon EOS RP Explorer Series Production. 

Canon full-frame mirrorless cameras journey has now transformed even further, setting a new standard for the full-frame mirrorless cameras industry. 

Born to Rule, the Canon EOS R5 has and will, leading the way for new full-frame mirrorless camera industry standards.

The post Short Hands on Experience with EOS R5, EOS R6 and new RF lenses appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“With the seamless integration of camera and lens technology in the EOS R platform, we are able to design and produce new concept lenses that were not possible before. The compact and lightweight super telephoto lenses, and the portrait lens that comes with a half macro feature are all designed to be affordable. These lenses will open up a whole new world of photography for our EOS R users,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

The RF85mm f/2 IS STM offers more flexibility with its ability to shoot both portraits and macro, while the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM offers super telephoto focal lengths of 600mm and 800m respectively at an affordable price.

Lightweight, compact and affordable super telephoto lenses

Telephoto lenses are usually associated with big aperture prime lenses and they can be pretty expensive, big and heavy in weight. The RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM lenses are going to change this mindset, designed to lower the barriers of entry for photographers to own super telephoto lenses by making them more affordable, compact and lightweight.

By working together with the DIGIC X image processor and high-performance CMOS sensor in the EOS R series cameras, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are capable of delivering high image quality even at high ISO settings despite their affordable price. All made possible with the RF mount technology that made lenses previously impossible to design possible now. Utilising a single DO (Diffractive optical element) lens instead of the traditional use of multiple lens elements at the front of the RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM has contributed to the lighter lens weight. The single DO lens not only has the optical characteristics of multiple lenses but is able to produce high image quality with reduced chromatic aberration.

High-strength plastics are used for the main construction of both lenses, contributing further to the lightweight design whereas metal parts are used on parts like the lens mount and tripod ring where strength is crucial. The fixed f/11 apertures of both lenses, which omits the need for an aperture adjustment mechanism, also helps reduce the weight. The incredible reduction in weight of the two super telephoto lenses make them possible for handheld use. In fact, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM is approx. 30% of the weight of the much bigger and heavier EF600mm f/4L IS III USM lens. Similarly, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM is approx. 28% of the weight of the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens.

On top of the significant weight reduction, both lenses have a retractable structure which makes them a lot more portable. Users can easily stow the lens away without having to get a dedicated bag just for the lens. The lens barrel can be extended when shooting, while retracting can be done by rotating the lock ring on the mount before storing the lens away.

When retracted, the RF600mm f/11 IS STM is 45% of the length of the EF600mm f/4L IS III USM lens. Meanwhile, the RF800mm f/11 IS STM is 61% of the length of the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM lens when retracted. With the significant downsize, it makes transportation and storage of these lenses a breeze.

The RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are also compatible with the new Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x for RF lenses, making it possible to achieve a maximum reach of 1600mm (when RF800mm f/11 IS STM is paired with Extender RF 2x).

Image Stabiliser (IS) function to assist in handheld shooting

The RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM are equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabiliser feature. The RF600mm f/11 IS STM achieves an image stabilisation (IS) effect of up to 5 stops (based on CIPA standard) and the RF800mm f/11 IS STM achieves an IS effect of 4 stops (based on CIPA standard). The IS function significantly reduces camera shake, which is particularly noticeable in super telephoto shooting and helps to stabilise the image, making it effective to control focus.

Stunning portraits and creative possibilities with macro function

The EF85mm f/1.8 lens has been one of Canon’s best-selling EF lens line up, and the RF85mm f/2 IS STM continues that legacy with its large f/2 aperture, with macro function and Hybrid Image Stabilisation for added performance. The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits while the large f/2 aperture results in dreamy bokeh and low light shooting capabilities.

With a minimum shooting distance of 0.35m and the ability to achieve 0.5x magnification, the RF85mm f/2 IS STM opens up more opportunities for more creative and unique images. This comes in especially useful for wedding photographers who wants a portrait lens that could double up to shoot details of rings and decorations.

When the RF85mm f/2 IS STM is used with the EOS R5, up to 8 stops of image stabilisation can be achieved in tandem with the In-Body Image Stabiliser. This feature greatly expands the possibilities of expression especially when a tripod is not available or cannot be used.

Pricing and Availability 

The RF600mm f/11 IS STM will be available at $1,169 while the RF800mm f/11 IS STM will be available for $1,509. Both lenses will be available for sale from 30 July 2020.

The price and availability of the RF85mm f/2 IS STM will be confirmed at a later date.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR *

The post New Trio of RF-mount Prime Lenses appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is designed for professionals and advanced amateur photographers, for Canon photographers who are familiar with this popular EF lens, the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM lens, this is the RF version equivalent, versatile and with a wide focal length range, ideal for photography genres such as sports, wildlife, nature photography and photojournalism as well.

“As the evolution of the popular EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM serves to strengthen the R and RF lineup by adding native super telephoto capabilities. Its increased range and compatibility with the Extender RF 1.4x, and Extender RF 2x, as well as the new cameras makes it extremely versatile and will surely excite photographers,” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Extra Reach in a Lightweight Package

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is similar in size to the EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS II USM lens, however, it’s 15% lighter in weight and has an additional 100mm reach. From the 100mm to 500mm focal length range, photographers can enjoy 5x zoom ratio, covering medium telephoto (100mm) to super telephoto range (500mm).

The lens’ large diameter RF mount allows for a short lens back focus, and the six UD lenses and one super UD lens within the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM are arranged near the focal plane surface. The ASC (Air Sphere Coating) on the lens elements is also used to reduce ghosting. All this work together to correct optical aberrations and deliver images that are sharp from edge to edge regardless of which focal length a user shoots at.

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM’s well-engineered dust and drip-resistant construction lets it perform at its best even in demanding situations. The lens’ heat-shield white paint suppresses heat from building up within the barrel of the lens, maintaining image quality even when shooting under the hot sun.

Sharper Images even at slower shutter speeds with In-Lens Image Stabiliser (IS)

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM has Canon’s unique Optical Image Stabiliser mechanism, giving photographers image stabilisation up to five shutter speed stops by revising the control algorithm of the optical IS and using Dual Sensing IS.

There are three IS modes on this lens, through the mode selection switch, photographers can toggle between these three modes, based on the movements of the subjects that they are shooting:

• IS mode 1 is best suited for stationary subjects
• IS mode 2 is used for panning shots
• IS mode 3 is suitable for subjects with irregular movements, such as during basketball where movements of players can be unpredictable

The latest Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6 cameras, both camera bodies possess in-body 5-axis image stabilisation, when either camera is used with the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens, an IS effectiveness of six stops is achieved (based on CIPA testing standards) at 500mm focal length.

This is achieved through the coordinated controls between the camera’s and lens’ IS. Motion blur is reduced and users get sharper images even while shooting at 500mm focal length. Users can shoot at lower shutter speed in dim situations to achieve brighter shots, expanding the possibilities for handheld shooting.

Shoot Faster and Closer

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens is equipped with two Nano Ultrasonic Motors (USM) providing faster Auto Focus (AF), achieving high-speed, high-precision still image AF and smooth movie AF in combination with the EOS R series Dual Pixel CMOS AF. By using two Nano USMs to drive the lens, power saving and high-speed operation is achieved without compromising the size.

The RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM‘s unique electronic floating focus control has also made focusing at a mere 0.9m possible and the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is capable of achieving 0.33x magnification on the 500mm focal length (focusing distance of 1.2m) allowing users to focus on close-up objects with ease. With such a short focusing distance and large magnification, users now have more room for creativity in their photography.

Extenders RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x

Canon also introduced two new dedicated Extenders, the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x. Both of them are compatible with RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, RF600mm f/11 IS STM and RF800mm f/11 IS STM, photographers can photograph at  1000mm on RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM and up to 1600mm on the  RF800mm f/11 IS STM without compromising on image quality.

The Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x both achieve high image quality and a smaller size with an optical design that utilises the large diameter mount and short back focus unique to the RF mounts. The total length of the new extenders (length from the mount on the body side to the mount on the lens side) has been reduced by 25% compared to the Extender EF 1.4xIII and Extender EF 2xIII. The extenders utilise the latest high-refractive-power, low-dispersion glass material to greatly reduce chromatic aberrations. The three cemented lens elements with special coating in the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x help reduce the air contact surface as much as possible, effectively reducing ghosting that tends to occur with extenders.

Both extenders inherit the heat-shielding white paint from telephoto L lenses. Designed with built-in microprocessors, the extenders also allow for better communications between the lens and camera to achieve the same high precision AF as though the user is shooting without an extender.

The vibration and impact resistant structure along with the dust and drip-resistant construction of both extenders are designed to be reliable and durable for professional and advanced amateur users.

Pricing and Availability

The pricing and availability of the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, will be confirmed at a later date. Both the Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x will be available from 30 July 2020, for $829 and $1,000, respectively.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and GLOO PR *

The post Canon RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Upon reading the brief description of the Canon EOS R5 that is currently being developed, I am really excited. I have (followed, documented, reviewed, used, sold, bought) Canon’s mirrorless journey from EOS M to EOS R, from using the EOS M (my parents camera), sold it off and we changed to the Canon EOS RP. The development of Canon EOS R5 reinforces Canon’s statement and commitment to the full-frame mirrorless camera segment. From the time when I attended Canon EXPO Shanghai 2016, I published “The Next Wave and Trends”, they have come a long way since then with their mirrorless cameras segment.

When the Canon EOS R5 is officially released along with 9 more RF lenses in 2020, I can start on part 2 of my continuation of Canon’s mirrorless journey, EOS R family and RF lenses.  the Canon EOS R5 could be the game changer in the full-frame mirrorless camera market. They fulfil the requirements/desires that photographers wish/want inside their camera. Although I did speak about/debate whether IBIS is a must have in my previous articles, if it’s packed inside the Canon EOS R5, I am happy too!

What can we expect from the upcoming Canon EOS R5? Let me share with you more information below:

Canon EOS R5

The new full-frame mirrorless camera currently under development will fully leverage the advantages of the EOS R System to realise high-speed continuous shooting, 8K video recording and expanding the boundaries of visual expression. In addition, it can contribute to more efficient workflows thanks to improved transmission functionality, operability and reliability. These enhancements and more will help the new camera elevate the EOS Series concept of “Speed, Comfort and High image-quality” to a higher level.

Canon’s EOS R5, the first of the next-generation full-frame mirrorless cameras in the company’s EOS R System, will include a newly developed CMOS sensor that makes possible advanced features such as high-speed continuous shooting – up to approximately 20 frames per second (fps) using an electronic shutter and up to approximately 12 fps using a mechanical shutter – to facilitate shooting of athletes at sporting events and other fast moving subjects. In addition, the camera’s 8K video capture capability will enable users to extract high-resolution still images from video footage as well as process 8K video into higher-quality 4K videos, opening up new possibilities for visual expression. What’s more, the EOS R5 will be the first Canon camera equipped with a high-performance coordinated Image Stabilization (IS) system that integrates the camera’s in-body IS with IS systems on attached RF lenses. The camera will also feature dual media card slots and support automatic transfers of image files from the device to the image.canon cloud platform.

From Canon Marketing Japan YouTube video above, the Canon EOS R5 looks really solid and impressive, the built, aesthetics and design, looks really close to the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics will begin on 24th July 2020, my personal view/prediction is that the Canon EOS R5 would make their debut and appearance during this international sporting event in Tokyo, Japan (about 5 months from the announcement today on 13th February 2020)

9 x RF Lenses on the horizon in Year 2020

Canon is also developing a total of 9 RF lenses scheduled for release during 2020, including the RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x.

As more RF lenses are introduced into their lineup, this would be good news for photographers who wish to invest/switch into the EOS R and RF lenses setup. What are the lenses on your wish list that you would like to be on the RF lenses setup? Maybe the RF 135mm, RF 100mm Macro, RF 24mm? Just some of my own predictions here!

With the introduction of the Extender RF 1.4x and 2x, this to me is an indication of the big RF prime lenses to come, maybe the RF 300mm f/2.8L, RF 400mm f/2.8L ? Or the RF 500mm and RF 600mm? I am making my own predictions here!

RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM

A new RF lens being added to their RF family of lenses, five stops IS capabilities, giving photographers more affordable RF lenses options without compromising image quality. The small and lightest RF zoom lens available to date, weighing only 395g and 88.8mm in length. They are reasonably priced and available as a kit lens for EOS RP and EOS R.

The Canon EOS R5, RF100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM, Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x will be on display in the Canon booth at the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show 2020, to be held from 27 February to 1 March at the Pacifico Yokohama convention hall in Yokohama, Japan.

At this point in time, I am really excited, the Canon EOS R5 might just be the camera that I am looking at, to slot into my current setup, in between my Canon EOS-1DX Mark II and Canon EOS RP. My initial plan is a Canon EOS 5D Mark III or EOS 5D Mark IV, I didn’t go ahead as I am waiting for Canon to announce the high end EOS R model before deciding, with the announcement of the Canon EOS R5, it seems that it has now come true!

Would the Canon EOS R5 eventually come into my setup? Maybe yes! There are also now more RF lenses arriving soon for photographers to build up their system.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Ogilvy *

The post Canon EOS R5 and New RF Lenses Coming Soon! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.