Mark your calendars

[Rex914]

The day to mark is February 21. On that day, Canon will announce the new DSLR, new lenses (at least one lens), and other new imaging and printing products. The source of this statement is a press invitation for journalists.

So to summarize:

February 21
- 1 new DSLR
- At least one new lens
- Compact cameras, printers, and more (I'm personally looking forward to a G6/Pro1 successor and that 10 ink printer that JTL was talking about)

[LoveOfSelene]

woo hoo. any clue on what the len might be?

[cwphoto]

woo hoo. any clue on what the len might be?

One will probably be the EF 85mm f/1.2 L II USM. Maybe a new EF 50mm L (less likely I reckon) and a new EF-S zoom as well.

[aparmley]

My money is on the 50L - They just don't have one right now. 85 1.2L USM is a good bet too. . . Thats the first I read about that and it sounds like a good bet as well.

Thanks for the date.

Oh ya. DSLR - 20D replacement or 20D upgrade/facelift - like 1d MkIIN

[beachluvr]

- 1 new DSLR
- At least one new lens
- Compact cameras, printers, and more (I'm personally looking forward to a G6/Pro1 successor and that 10 ink printer that JTL was talking about)

There have been so many questions why Canon has been so slow to react to recent industry trends. It was bound to happen that they would eventually hit the market with something more current.

A 10 ink printer? Yikes. So are we talking about $100 - 150 to replace ink tanks every time they run dry?

[ReF]

There have been so many questions why Canon has been so slow to react to recent industry trends. It was bound to happen that they would eventually hit the market with something more current.

A 10 ink printer? Yikes. So are we talking about $100 - 150 to replace ink tanks every time they run dry?

slow? what exactly do you mean? isn't this the usual expected time for canon to anounce new cameras and lenses?

[cwphoto]

My money is on the 50L - They just don't have one right now. 85 1.2L USM is a good bet too. . . Thats the first I read about that and it sounds like a good bet as well.

Thanks for the date.

Oh ya. DSLR - 20D replacement or 20D upgrade/facelift - like 1d MkIIN

I hope we're both right - low mileage 85 L Mark I anyone?:D

[cdifoto]

What's wrong with the 85L that it needs to be updated? Is it prone to flare and needs some new coatings or has it just been out for so long that it's time?

[ReF]

What's wrong with the 85L that it needs to be updated? Is it prone to flare and needs some new coatings or has it just been out for so long that it's time?

i was thinking the same thing. i read that it can be slow to focus, but haven't heard any other negs about this lens. i guess i could go on fredmiranda.com and read through a bunch of reviews... but nah. it's way out of my price range anyways.

re-issued lenses pretty much all seems to carry improvements, minor or huge, so i'm all for it no matter which. really wish they'd redo the 400mm f5.6 with IS though - i could swing an extra $500 for the IS but i really can't afford one of them higher cost 400's that are currently available.

[jamison55]

Slow to focus is a big deal. Everyone I've heard that owns an 85L loves the optics but hate the focus times. Remember, your talking about a $1200 pro level lens that takes more time to focus than its $350 little bro. Updating the 85 is a no-brainer for Canon since they are guaranteed to sell oodles of them to pros who already own the 85L as well as folks who have avoided buying one due to the slow focus. Probably means that there will be a bit of a discout on Mk1 85L's on the used market for folks that don't care as much about focus...

On a related note, looks like I will be picking up a 135L this weekend...

[cdifoto]

Never being in the market for that lens, I never read up on it to know it was that slow (ie unacceptable for the price tag). That is pretty sad if lil gold ring brother out-performs it in focusing.

[cwphoto]

i was thinking the same thing. i read that it can be slow to focus, but haven't heard any other negs about this lens. i guess i could go on fredmiranda.com and read through a bunch of reviews... but nah. it's way out of my price range anyways.

re-issued lenses pretty much all seems to carry improvements, minor or huge, so i'm all for it no matter which. really wish they'd redo the 400mm f5.6 with IS though - i could swing an extra $500 for the IS but i really can't afford one of them higher cost 400's that are currently available.

The lens IS slow to focus when compared to just about every lens in the Canon line. There are two main reasons:
1) The lens is a front-focus design - meaning lots of torque is needed to move those huge front elements. The 135 as comparison is heaps quicker beacuse it's a rear focusing lens (smaller focusing element).
2) Canon have designed it with a long focus throw, for precision.

This lens (and also the 50mm f/1.4) are both lacking with regards to reporting of distance information for ETTL-II.

I must admit I occasionally miss some shots due to the slow AF. But at f/1.2 I guess it has to be spot on. I don't know how they could reduce the focus throw without making it less accurate - maybe a new USM motor would help?

[cwphoto]

Never being in the market for that lens, I never read up on it to know it was that slow (ie unacceptable for the price tag). That is pretty sad if lil gold ring brother out-performs it in focusing.

They really aren't pitched to the same market, and they are both stellar performers for their intended uses. But yes, the f/1.8 focuses faster.

"Unacceptable for the price tag"? Well, it all depends what's important to you. It's a compromise I have been satisfied to make given the outstanding image quality and unmatched flexibility it offers in low light (EOS-1Ds, 1/40s @ f/1.2, ISO 800):

[jamison55]

You handheld a non IS 85mm lens at 1/40? Your most impressive feat to date! There's no end to what you will do to avoid using your flash!

[cdifoto]

You handheld a non IS 85mm lens at 1/40? Your most impressive feat to date! There's no end to what you will do to avoid using your flash!


I kinda wonder if having the heavier 1Ds body helps steady the slower handheld shots...

Impressive photo nonethless Christian. And I wasn't saying unacceptable altogether...just that I would agree that it needs updating if the technology is there to improve it.

[cwphoto]

You handheld a non IS 85mm lens at 1/40? Your most impressive feat to date! There's no end to what you will do to avoid using your flash!

I think I'm getting a reputation around here...:eek:

[jamison55]

Speaking of, the lens I'm most jealous of in your sig right now is the 24mm TSE. Some folks on the wedding forum have been using them to create some really cool focus effects (like a lensbaby, only not crap). Have any samples of really wild shots playing with the focus plane?

You know, this kind of stuff (only with people): http://www.pbase.com/wenduine/85pcd_micro&page=all

[coldrain]

A very nice photo, cwphoto, and it shows how nice non-flash photos can be.. natural and showing the atmosphere. Great lens too.

[erichlund]

I think I'm getting a reputation around here...:eek:
Hey, it's a good photo, and well done. I'd say it's only one stop slower than recommended hand holding for your full frame camera, which is good, but not an impossible shot, but nailing it with minimum dof is what makes it impressive.

Of course, the real bottom line is that it's like any other physical activity. Repetition is the key. Knowledge is essential, but theory doesn't make that shot actually happen. Only makes it possible. The physical repetition is what makes shots like that one become routine for a pro.

Just out of curiosity, what would you say is a ballpark for average number of shots per week in your shooting? I ask this because it might be instructive to some people who think the next great piece of equipment is going to make them a great photographer.

I'm not minimizing what you did with that photo. You should rightfully be proud of a photo like that, because it's the result of years of hard work. It's nice that the right equipment was in place to help make it possible, but the equipment is like the knowledge, it only makes the shot possible. You're hard work made the shot happen.

[aparmley]

I ask this because it might be instructive to some people who think the next great piece of equipment is going to make them a great photographer.


One way I disagree with this statement is this; If a new "Better" piece of gear is going to perform better than said old piece of gear thus giving this someone the possibility of taking better photos - if thats makes them feel better, if that makes them that much more confident, if that is a motivator then I say buy all the gear you think you need, because confidence, motivation, and just being plain excited about your tools makes photography that much better and more enjoyable.

The way I agree with this statement which is exactly what you were saying eric; the whole, you can wear the same shoes as Michael 'Air' Jordan, doesn't mean you're going to perform like him.

Both valid arguements that I see.

The only thing that I have to say about the 85 L upgrade is that the current 85 L - the whole thing was just as christian put it - Its about precise focus and at 1.2 - 2.0 thats extremely important - focus speed aside - accuracy is most important here. Does it need to be as fast as the 85 1.8 USM? Nope - to me it doesn't - it sure be nice though.

[JTL]

A 10 ink printer? Yikes. So are we talking about $100 - 150 to replace ink tanks every time they run dry?LOL...it uses individual tanks like the i9900...so you only replace the colors as the run out! You never lay out all of the money at once. And some colors last for months while others last weeks (PM and PC go first, of course). The real advantage of this printer is not the upgrade from 8 to 10 ink cartridges, but the use of Canon's archival quality pigment-based inks. I used this printer at the Canon Expo with some shots I took with a 5D...I nearly died and went to heaven...words can not adequately describe the results. Their wide-format professional printers only use a 6/1 ink system...just to give you an idea of the color depth that is possible with the new printer. So, whatever it costs to feed it...I'm getting one! :D

You would have thought that I would have taken a picture of it at the show (doh!), but finally found a picture of it here: http://ascii24.com/news/i/topi/article/2005/10/26/658752-000.html?geta

[Rhys]

The day to mark is February 21. On that day, Canon will announce the new DSLR, new lenses (at least one lens), and other new imaging and printing products. The source of this statement is a press invitation for journalists.

So to summarize:

February 21
- 1 new DSLR
- At least one new lens
- Compact cameras, printers, and more (I'm personally looking forward to a G6/Pro1 successor and that 10 ink printer that JTL was talking about)

But I'm happy with what I have!

[JTL]

But I'm happy with what I have!Contentment = Death (or, at the very least, a cow!) :D

[Rhys]

Contentment = Death (or, at the very least, a cow!) :D

Then I shall be a cattle baron soon :d

[cwphoto]

Speaking of, the lens I'm most jealous of in your sig right now is the 24mm TSE. Some folks on the wedding forum have been using them to create some really cool focus effects (like a lensbaby, only not crap). Have any samples of really wild shots playing with the focus plane?

You know, this kind of stuff (only with people): http://www.pbase.com/wenduine/85pcd_micro&page=all

Not yet Jamie. I do a bit of architectural work and so I've been quite conservative with the use of this lens - only really use it for shifting.

I have seen some of the stuff to which you refer and I will make a note of trying to be more creative with this puppy at one of the upcoming weddings.

Stay tuned.

[cwphoto]

Hey, it's a good photo, and well done. I'd say it's only one stop slower than recommended hand holding for your full frame camera, which is good, but not an impossible shot, but nailing it with minimum dof is what makes it impressive.

Of course, the real bottom line is that it's like any other physical activity. Repetition is the key. Knowledge is essential, but theory doesn't make that shot actually happen. Only makes it possible. The physical repetition is what makes shots like that one become routine for a pro.

Just out of curiosity, what would you say is a ballpark for average number of shots per week in your shooting? I ask this because it might be instructive to some people who think the next great piece of equipment is going to make them a great photographer.

I'm not minimizing what you did with that photo. You should rightfully be proud of a photo like that, because it's the result of years of hard work. It's nice that the right equipment was in place to help make it possible, but the equipment is like the knowledge, it only makes the shot possible. You're hard work made the shot happen.

As usual you guys are too kind. Roughly speaking I reckon I've kept around 10,000 frames for the last 6 months - so I guess I'm running at about 400 frames a week on average + around 20% that get thrown away. Now I was doing some film as well during that time which is harder to measure, but those figures are a good start I guess.

For that wedding, I borrowed a 1Ds from CPS and was warned that it didn't perform as well as the Mark IIs at high ISO - so I tried to keep it under 800. Normally 1/40s is a bit too slow for this lens so I took quite a few to spread the risk, although a surprising amount were sharp. The 85 L is a nice balance on a 1-series though, and if you're careful with your technique you can get away with it sometimes.

The back of a chair comes in handy sometimes too.:p

[Rex914]

There have been so many questions why Canon has been so slow to react to recent industry trends. It was bound to happen that they would eventually hit the market with something more current.

A 10 ink printer? Yikes. So are we talking about $100 - 150 to replace ink tanks every time they run dry?

No, this is high end printer that will replace the aging i9900.

[erichlund]

As usual you guys are too kind. Roughly speaking I reckon I've kept around 10,000 frames for the last 6 months - so I guess I'm running at about 400 frames a week on average + around 20% that get thrown away.
<snip>
The back of a chair comes in handy sometimes too.:p
The first part is pretty much what I'm talking about. Anyone who shoots that much and takes what they are doing seriously, and makes an effort to correct the mistakes they do make, has got to get pretty good eventually.

In anything, there are people with natural talent, and they start with an advantage, but to keep it, they have to work hard, because the person who really wants to be good can get there, and pass them by, if he or she puts in the effort and gets the right help.

Using the back of the chair comes either from long experience or just plain good sense. At the zoo, I didn't have a chair, but I did have a pole to lean against. :)

[aparmley]

Using the back of the chair comes either from long experience or just plain good sense.

Don't let Christian fool you; I told him all about the chair trick after I read it on the back of a Cracker-Jack box! :D

[cwphoto]

Don't let Christian fool you; I told him all about the chair trick after I read it on the back of a Cracker-Jack box! :D

Parm you always take the credit.:D

[aparmley]

The day to mark is February 21. On that day, Canon will announce the new DSLR, new lenses (at least one lens), and other new imaging and printing products. The source of this statement is a press invitation for journalists.

So to summarize:

February 21
- 1 new DSLR
- At least one new lens
- Compact cameras, printers, and more (I'm personally looking forward to a G6/Pro1 successor and that 10 ink printer that JTL was talking about)

Just curious. I just noticed that the offical dates of PMA are the 26th - 1st of march. Is this still accurate, tomorrow Canon announces what will be at the the PMA show starting on Sunday? hmmm?

[Mr. Peabody]

Yeah, I've been looking around all day trying to find NEW information.

[cwphoto]

Patience lads.

BTW, anyone interested in a well-used but optically sound 85mm f/1.2 L?:D

[aparmley]

Patience lads.

BTW, anyone interested in a well-used but optically sound 85mm f/1.2 L?:D

I could afford the shipping to the US! LOL

[TheObiJuan]

a 100mm f/1.4L with ring type USM would be stellar.

Updating the 85L with weather sealing and better focus would also be sweet!

[cwphoto]

Updating the 85L with weather sealing and better focus would also be sweet!

You could probably almost hold your breath on that one.:D

Less than 24 hours now...

[Rex914]

Just curious. I just noticed that the offical dates of PMA are the 26th - 1st of march. Is this still accurate, tomorrow Canon announces what will be at the the PMA show starting on Sunday? hmmm?vn

Yes it is. Even Jeff admits it on the front page


February 21 - Camera Overload

[aparmley]

You're up late Christian!

Obi thats another good lens idea.

[cwphoto]

You're up late Christian!

Obi thats another good lens idea.

Dude it's just after 3 in the afternoon here!:rolleyes: