27 August 2015

New Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM Lens

New Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM Lens
New L-Series Lens is First to Feature Canon's Proprietary Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics - That Achieves a Higher Level of Chromatic Aberration Correction For Superb Image Quality

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 27, 2015 - Canon U.S.A., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the new EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens for EOS system cameras - a wide-angle fixed-focal-length Canon EF lens that is the world's first* to utilize the Company's newly-developed and exclusive Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR Optics). This new optical technology utilizes organic material newly developed by Canon to achieve a higher level of chromatic aberration correction than other existing technologies resulting in outstanding high-quality imaging performance.

"As the world leader in production of interchangeable lenses, having produced over 110 million EF lenses since 1987, it is with great excitement that we now introduce a revolutionary new technology to add to Canon's unequaled optical heritage when it comes to chromatic aberration correction," said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO of Canon U.S.A., Inc. "We continually strive to achieve the ideal lens performance, which has driven the development of Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics, found in the new EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens. This technology is yet another 'first' in optical design introduced by Canon to enhance the performance of our lenses for our customers."

Canon's proprietary Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics (BR Optics) incorporate a new organic optical material with unique anomalous dispersion characteristics for use in camera lenses. The molecular design of BR Optics refracts blue light (short wavelength spectrum) to a greater degree than other existing optical technologies including UD glass, Super UD glass and Fluorite, to control color fringing as effectively as possible. When placed between convex and concave lens elements made from conventional optical glass materials, BR Optics help to produce sharp images with outstanding contrast and color fidelity by thoroughly reducing axial chromatic aberration.

In addition to BR Optics, the new lens incorporates two aspherical elements and one UD glass element in a 14 element, 11 group optical formula. The EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens also features Canon's proprietary Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating (SWC), applied to the rear surface of the first and second aspheric lens elements to help combat flare and ghosting caused by light rays entering the lens at a large angle of incidence. The lens also offers best in class minimum focusing distance at 0.28m (approximately 11 inches) resulting in an increased maximum magnification of 0.21x - ideal for capturing close-up subjects. Autofocusing is swift and virtually silent due to a rear-focus optical system and Canon's original Ring USM focusing motor. Full-time mechanical manual focusing is also available even when the lens is set to AF mode.

The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens features improved durability over its predecessor. As with all L-series lenses, this new lens is highly resistant to dust and water - making it ideal for outdoor photography, even in harsh conditions. The high-grade design of the lens provides users with a substantial and luxurious feel, as well as optimal operability. In addition, a fluorine coating on the front and rear lens surfaces helps to repel liquids and dust particles, and makes the lens easier to clean.
Pricing and Availability

The new Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM lens is compatible with 72mm filters and will be supplied with Lens Hood EW-77B and Lens Pouch LP1219. It is scheduled to be available in October 2015, for an estimated retail price of $1,799.00. For more information including specifications and an MTF chart, please  Canon EF 35mm F/1.4L II USM Product Page.


Canon Media Source: Canon USA

20 August 2015

Photography Book Recommendation: Photoshop Lightroom 5 - Classroom in a Book

Photography Book Recommendation: Photoshop Lightroom 5 - Classroom in a book
Lightroom 5  Classroom in a book - Front Cover
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Classroom in a Book
The official training workbook from Adobe Systems
Peachpit 2014


A practical and comprehensive guide by Adobe Systems providing a thorough introduction to the Lightroom 5 image post-processing / workflow process.

I acquired this book mainly for assistance with the following Lightroom 5 methodologies / post-processing techniques:

  • The integrated Lightroom workflow methodology 
  • Lightroom 5 new development / post-processing features
  • Library module: image importing / catalog management 
  • Development module: developing / editing of RAW images 
  • Image exporting / printing / e-mailing / sharing

This official Adobe training workbook is an introduction to the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 post-processing / workflow process. Step-by-step guidance through-out the renown Lightroom's workflow process with detailed demonstrations in all 7 workspace modules (Library Module / Development Module / Map Module / Book Module / Slideshow Module / Print Module / Web Module) for hands-on learning and skills development. 


The 390+ pages goes a long way in providing a good understanding of importing, editing JPG / RAW image files and developing them into curated and fine-tuned photographs ready for web or print.

Chapter Contents
  • Getting started 
  • A Quick Tour of Photoshop Lightroom 
  • Introducing The Workspace 
  • Reviewing 
  • Organizing and Selecting 
  • Development and Editing 
  • Creating a Photo Book 
  • Creating a Slide Show 
  • Printing Images 
  • Publishing Your Photos 
  • Backups and Exporting Photos 

From the back cover - Downloadable Digital Files
'Purchasing this book gives you access to the downloadable lesson files you need to work through the projects in the book, and to electronic book updates covering new features that Adobe releases for Creative Cloud customers'. Source: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 - Classroom in a Book)  


Buy Online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 - Classroom in a Book please visit my Amazon aStore.

Photography Book Recommendation: Photoshop Lightroom 5 - Classroom in a book
Lightroom 5  Classroom in a book - Back Cover
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Camera Book Recommendation: Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D 'From Snapshots to Great Shots Front Cover
Book Cover: Canon EOS 60D
Canon EOS 60D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Nicole S. Young 2011 (Hard Copy)

Although the Canon EOS 70D replaced the EOS 60D DSLR camera in 2013 there is still an active market (and following) for this advanced and feature-rich Canon APC-S DSLR camera.

The book's author / photographer Nicole Young is also author of the 2014 Canon EOS 70D book and the EOS 60D book is written in very much the same professional style as her newer book.

This book is highly recommended to all current or prospective Canon EOS 60D owners: It explains the Canon EOS 60D's features with detailed photographic demonstration / instruction and EXIF data - Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera together with lens focal length.

Canon EOS 60D: Basic to Advanced Photography Tutorials
Very easy to follow with detailed explanations and imagery on various basic to advanced shooting modes. In this book you will learn how to get the best out of the Canon EOS 60D with specific reference to shooting modes and photography genres / styles (landscape, portraits, sports and low light photography). Working through this book will provide the reader with a good insight into a variety exposure options and techniques (using Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed) for application in the Canon EOS 60D's Creative Zone (P / Av / Tv / M modes).


The 250+ pages are packed with the author's expert knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a well-structured combination of camera settings / features (with images) and detailed explanations and demonstration on how to achieve similar shots.

Chapter Contents
  • Canon 60D Top Ten shooting tips (right out of the box)
  • Things to know before taking pictures
  • Using the camera's mode settings
  • Settings / features to make great portraits
  • Tips, tools and techniques for landscape photography
  • Tricks for shooting sports and more
  • Low light photography: Shooting when the light gets low
  • Improve your picture with sound compositional elements
  • Making movies with the Canon 60D
  • Canon 60D advanced techniques 
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Buy Online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase the hard copy 
Canon EOS 60D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Canon EOS 60D 'From Snapshots to Great Shots Back Cover
Back Cover: Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D BOOK FLICKR GROUP >>
Canon 60D DSLR Camera - Key Specifications
  • 18.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor
  • DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor
  • ISO 100 - 6400 (expandable to 12800)
  • Improved EOS HD Video mode
  • Movie Crop recording in 640 x 480
  • Vari-angle 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor
  • 5.3 fps continuous shooting up to approx. 58 Large/JPEGs and 16 RAW.
  • 96% viewfinder coverage allowing you to see more of your image in the viewfinder.
  • Enhanced iFCL 63-zone
  • Dual-layer metering system
  • 9-point AF system utilizing a high-precision, f/2.8 cross-type center point.
  • In-camera features allow RAW to JPEG conversion
  • Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
  • Compatible with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.

Canon EOS 60D Book Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

15 August 2015

Three More Awards for Canon EOS and EF-Lens Products

Canon is recognised with three esteemed EISA Awards for EOS and EF-lens products

Canon is recognised with three esteemed EISA Awards for EOS and EF-lens products

London, UK, 15 August 2015 – Canon today announces it has received three prestigious awards from the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The EOS 7D Mark II has been named the ‘European Prosumer DSLR Camera 2015-2016’, both the EOS 5DS and 5DS R have been honoured with the title of ‘European Professional DSLR Camera 2015-2016’, while the Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM has been awarded ‘European Professional DSLR Lens 2015-2016’ – highlighting the outstanding quality of Canon products throughout its DSLR and lens range.

Voted for by panels of editors representing nearly 50 prominent magazines from across 20 European countries, the EISA Awards honour products which combine the most advanced technology, intuitive design and sought-after features, while also providing genuine value to end users. Each of the awarded products has been received with great acclaim since launch, and the EISA award recognition is further testament to their exceptional quality and performance.

“Canon has a warranted reputation for producing high-quality products that our customers really value,” said Steve Marshall, Product Marketing Director, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe. “For us, photography is all about expression and discovery and as a company we consistently strive to produce pioneering, class leading products and technologies that enable people to tell their own stories through quality photography. Each of our awarded products is a fantastic example of our dedication and commitment to pushing boundaries and bringing new capabilities to both professionals and consumers, so we are truly honoured to receive such distinguished awards from the EISA panel.”

Discussing the three awards, the EISA panel said:


Canon EOS 7D Mark II
EUROPEAN PROSUMER DSLR CAMERA 2015-2016
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
The Canon EOS 7D Mark II is one of the best APS-C DSLRs ever made, offering features normally only available in professional full frame models. The 65-point AF system gives fast and responsive focusing in a wide range of conditions, even when tracking fast moving subjects. It can shoot at 10 frames per second, with a huge buffer even when shooting in Raw. The build quality is superb, with full weatherproofing that can cope with almost any conditions. Overall the 7D Mark II is perfect for sports, action and wildlife photographers who like to capture the most fleeting moments.

Canon EOS 5DS R
EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL DSLR CAMERA 2015-2016
Canon EOS 5DS/5DS R
The Canon EOS 5DS and 5DS R are the highest resolution full frame DSLRs on the market. The two models give photographers a choice: the EOS 5DS includes an optical low-pass filter to suppress digital imaging artefacts, while the EOS 5DS R cancels its effect for the sharpest possible images. The 50.6-million-pixel sensor, dual DIGIC 6 processors, reduced mirror vibration and reliable metering deliver superb image quality, while the 61-point AF with 41 cross-type points ensures reliable and fast AF performance. These two cameras are the perfect choice for professional photographers for whom ultimate image quality really matters.

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens
EUROPEAN PROFESSIONAL DSLR LENS 2015-2016
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM
With the 11-24mm f/4L USM Canon’s engineers have constructed one of the best wide angle zooms ever made. The world’s widest rectilinear zoom provides class-leading image quality, with exceptional sharpness at all settings even on high resolution sensors. Distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting are all kept reasonably low. Construction is superb, with weather sealing for outdoor use, and the autofocus is fast and silent. Full-frame users specialising in landscape, architectural or interior photography who demand exceptional optical performance need look no further. It’s bulky and expensive, but for those who can afford it, it’s an absolutely outstanding piece of glass.

Canon Media Source: Canon Europe