My Thoughts on the Canon EOS R and RF Lenses - Canon's Foray into Full Frame Mirrorless
But the specs of the EOS R were definitely disappointing for me. After such a delayed entry into full frame Canon released a camera with specs inferior to even the 3 year old 5D Mark 4. So this seemed to be aimed at the 6D users. Why? The camera just isn’t interesting enough to look at as an upgrade from either of my current cameras. So now the wait and search continues for alternate camera systems.
This is not a detailed review of the camera and lenses but rather my opinion having handled the camera briefly at a dealership and having poured through the specs and the numerous reviews and feedback from actual users that I have seen on the web.
The Camera
As a Loyal Canon DSLR user for about 20 Years now I have been eagerly waiting for Canon to release their full frame Mirrorless offerings. I have been watching the progress of companies such as Sony and Leica with their full frame and Fuji and Hasselblad with their Medium Format mirrorless offerings and felt that mirrorless has matured to the extent that it makes sense for serious amateurs and even professionals to move to mirrorless due to the unique features and advantages they provide such as Focus Peaking, lighter weight, more compact size, high res EVFs etc.
Given the backdrop of offerings from above mentioned companies and also the newly announced Z6 and Z7 cameras from Nikon and also having owned and used the Canon 5DS-R and 5D Mark iv for a few years now my expectations from Canon was reasonably high. I was looking for a capable upgrade to the 5DS-R and 5D Mark iv. Ideally a camera that combined the best of what both my cameras offered and some more in terms of the latest sensors and mirrorless technology. I was hoping for a camera that had had 50 Megapixels or more and a class leading dynamic range with low noise at high ISOs. I don’t shoot much video and am quite happy with HD Video so video features weren’t so important for me.
But the specs of the EOS R were definitely disappointing for me. After such a delayed entry into full frame Canon released a camera with specs inferior to even the 3 year old 5D Mark 4. So this seemed to be aimed at the 6D users. Why? The camera just isn’t interesting enough to look at as an upgrade from either of my current cameras. So now the wait and search continues for alternate camera systems.
You can view the full specs here
The Lenses
Canon seems to be on the right track with the new lens RF Lens range . The RF 24-105 f4 seems to be a great kit lens with all around abilities. The other lenses in the lineup also seems to be of very high quality albeit a little expensive. Now I just hope that Canon brings out higher resolving cameras with good dynamic range soon to match the new lenses.
Canon 70-200 mm f2.8 L IS USM II Accomplished All rounder
Review of the professional's work horse the Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L IS II.
Quick Facts
MRP : INR 1,69,995
Retail : INR 1,42,000 - 1,55,000
Date introduced : April 2010
Maximum format size : 35mm full frame
Focal length : 70-200mm
35mm equivalent focal length (APS-C) : 112-320 mm
You know you have reached a certain level of ability with your photography when you start considering this lens as a possible part of your camera bag. Usually the first White L lens a Canon photographer will consider (along with the smaller slower sibling the 70-200 f4 L IS) after feeling the need to upgrade to a versatile professional quality telephoto zoom what ever may be the genre of photography one shoots be it wedding and event photography, portrait and fashion photography or even landscape and nature. This is a covetable piece of kit no doubt. It's off white finish, weight and build quality and price all state that you are photographer to be taken seriously
Focusing Performance 9/10
in AF mode the 70-200mm f2.8L IS II is very quick to acquire focus in normal available light situations and studio conditions. The Autofocus performance of this lens make it along with other big white telephotos in Canon's lineup the benchmark for AF Performance.
Sharpness 9/10
This lens produces sharp images even from wide open at f2.8. And not surprisingly is very sharp between f5.6 and f8.0 the sweet spot for most lenses. Stopping down beyond f11 does not given any increase in sharpness. The image contrast and colour rendition are also very good.
Bokeh 8/10
The wide f1.4 Aperture allows one to create smooth background blur(BOKEH) on a full frame camera. I find the bokeh to be mostly pleasing if not as smooth on as on the more expensive primes or zoom lenses in canon's lineup.On an APS-C camera it's performance is more more like that of f2.8 lens.
Build Quality 9/10
The 70-200 F2.8 L IS II is built solidly and designed for the rigours of professional use. Can't say the same for its plastic hood though. It can be little sticky to mount if dropped will scratch easily.
This is a big heavy lens specially when compared to the kit zooms like the 55-200 and 70-300mm lenses. If you have small hands or have difficulty carrying heavy loads this is not for you. You might be better off going with the 70-200mm f4 l IS lens which also good performer.
Value for Money 8/10
The original Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L(non IS version) was priced at Rs 75,000 when it was released.it now sells for around 1,02,000 MRP . That lens is just as good as this new version except for the Image Stabilisation built in which means hand hold ability 2-3 stops slower shut speeds than otherwise. Not sure if this IS warrants such a big premium in price.
But all said and done this is a great versatile lens that most Canon professional photographers own or borrow for regular use.IF the weight and price do not intimidate you then by all means go and get one.
Interested? Shop for this lens here..
Sample images
