by Gavin Seim: Canon just released version II of the 70-200 2.8 IS, which may be their most legendary lens ever. My friends Ben & Molly from Nickles photography just got the new 70-200 2.8 IS II in their hands, so I went over for some tests (thanks for the help Ben). Being that the V1 is such a great lens, many (including myself) have been wondering how much it could be improved. And with a price tag of nearly $2500, it better offer something new. According to Canon the V2 “increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the 70-200, while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend“.
Well the images are in and so is this lens. I think Canon nailed it. Now granted their can be differences between one lens and another of the same model and my V1 lens is a few years old. It’s still in excellent working order however so I feel the comparison is pretty fair. These examples were all shot in RAW on the 5D MK2 under the same conditions and settings for each sequence. Images were processed in Lightroom 2, but no adjustments were added except that Camera Calibration in was set to Camera Standard.
Aside from the image quality I found a couple of interesting things. The V2 seems to shoot nearly 1/3 stop brighter and with a tad wider view than the V1. I checked this using a tripod for the detail tests to make sure the camera position would be the same. The V2 does indeed seem to be a few mm wider. I don’t know what that would be, I’m just showing what I found. I don’t see this as a big problem however. In fact the V2 letting in more light seems a good thing.
So far I’m impressed. See for yourself below. I’m posting full frames alongside tight details crops of each image. You can click any for a larger view,. You can also download the package of full res JPEG files at the bottom of the post if you want to take a close look. You can find this lens here on B&H or here on Adorama or here on Amazon. OK lets get started.
Image Stabilization Tests.
For each test I hand held 2oomm at 1/20th, supporting the lens barrel with my left and pressing the body firmly against my face. I took 5 consecutive shots for each comparison so I could account for variations in my own steadiness (or lack thereof). The results shown are the sharpest image from each sequence of five images, as well as crop zoomed in view of the same. While the V1 was good, the V2 of the lens was clearly better, producing consistently better IS performance.
It can't be said that IS is not useful. Even on the V1 it makes a huge difference. But on V2… Well read on.
Continue reading ‘Canon 70-200 2.8L IS II Review. V1 vs V2 Comparison:’
by Gavin Seim: Those who listen to the podcast know that while I spend much of my time in Lightroom, I’m a fan on OnOne’s plugins for Photoshop and I look forward to getting my review copies to check out and tell you about. Well I learned that they’ve released FREE versions of their Photo Tools and Photo Frame plugins. Yep I said free. Of course the paid versions are still available, but this free sample model is cool. It’s something I’ve used successfully for my Seim Effects for some time and it’s always a winner.
What more is there to say. Obviously these are stripped down form the pro versions, but useful tools just the same. You can get the free downloads here. By the way we also have a PPS reader deal with OnOne so if you decide you want to pick up any of their paid products use code PRPHTPC at checkout and you’ll save 15%. Enjoy… Gav
Click To Listen>> Photography Podcast. PPS #66
Review in iTunes – Vote on Podcast Alley – Direct Podcast Feed
The Panel... Gavin Seim – David Ziser – Dennis Zerwas – Douglas Coon – Barry Howell
This week the panel discusses the latest news, nigh photography, Ansel Adams, business ideas and more.
Podcast #66 forum discussion:
Notable Time Indexes:
- 00:00 Random news and ideas.
- 47:43 Lets talk tips and business.
- 1:15:24 Zisers Secret. FUTURE FEELINGS.
- 1:51:20 Promoting to venues.
Viveza2 is here. You can save 15% with code PPS.
LumaVue panels are a great way to stand out.
OnOne’s new suite is here too. Save 15% with code PRPHTPC.
Olympus E-PL1 a $600 pen camera.
Get David Zisers new book. Captured by the Light.
Aperture3 is here. What do you think.
Treys. World in HDR book is available.
Gavin’s Color Fantasies Lightroom presets are here and ready to rock.
PICKS:
Thanks all… Gav
If you didn’t receive yesterdays copy of the Photo Couch newsletter which included the PPS/Seim Effects Christmas gift pack, I figured I would post it here along with a big Merry Christmas to all you readers. It’s been great having you part of the community in 2009.
PPS has teamed up with Seim Effects again this year for our annual gift pack. This years download has a nice selection fresh photo editing goodness including some Lightroom presets and photo textures. The best part is their free. Hop over to the Seim Effects download page below to get your copy, then share the joy. Also check out the deals page for some the promo codes and specials we’ve worked out over the past year.
Here’s to a great new year. Lets keep out businesses, creativity and kindness alive and well in 2010. Merry Christmas and see you on the forums… Gav
You can also join the Photo Couch mailing list below.
cforms contact form by delicious:days
Click To Listen>> Photography Podcast. PPS #64
Give us a Christmas gift. Review in iTunes, Vote on Podcast Alley
The Panel... Gavin Seim – Kevin Swan – Dennis Zerwas – Matt Bamberg
This week we talk about the latest, cool gadgets and great booking jobs.
Merry Christmas. It’s time to take a look at some cool gadgets and get optimistic and practical about profit in 2010. Don’t miss the last half of the show when we get down to serious business.
Podcast #64 forum discussion:
Gavins Lightroom Power LIVE online workshop. Registration is open.
Notable Time Indexes:
00:00 Introductions news and errata.
28:23 Christmas gifts and gadgets.
1:00:10 Business & Profit in 2010
Kevin throws the MK4. Also How to camera toss article.
Canon 1D MK4, Nikon D3s.
High end point and shoot talk.
Olympus Pen E-P1
Panasonic GF1.
Canon G11
All the fun gadgets.
Honhl Light modifiers are pretty cool.
Continue reading ‘Pro Photo Podcast #64, Christmas & Marketing’
I’ve been a fan of OnOne products for awhile now. I did the review on V4 some time back and it nailed a 7/10. Plugin suite is a nice collection of tools in a single package. V5 is now available for order and the folks at OnOne have hooked readers up with a sweet deal. I’ll be getting hands on for a closer look at whats new in version 5 soon, but for now here’s some details.
The sale is for $200 off the complete suite. That’s over 30% off, making it $399. It ends Dec 5th 2009 however. Here’s the direct link, or you can just use coupon code PPS200 at checkout.
If you found this post after the sale ends you can still use code PRPHTPC for 15% off. You can also check for other specials over the the PPS Deals page. Have fun… Gav
- Resize images using Genuine Fractals 6.
- Remove unwanted backgrounds with Mask Pro 4.
- Color correct photos with PhotoTune 3.
- Put the focus where you want with FocalPoint 2.
- Get the professional look with PhotoTools 2.5.
- Add the perfect finishing touch with PhotoFrame 4.5.
