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MIRROLESS APS-C DIGITAL CAMERAS
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Mirroless APS-C Digital Cameras

APS-C digital camera sensors are smaller in size to “full frame” digital camera sensors. Cameras with an APS-C sensor are usually cheaper, smaller and better for distant subjects than their full-frame counterparts. With Canon and Nikon producing mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors there is now a level playing field in terms of viewfinder format – no more DLSR vs Mirrorless – to distract from the technology at the core of the cameras. We have put 4 important bodies side by side but first lets explore what an APS-C camera really is.

What is an APS-C Sensor?

APS C stands for Advanced Photo System “Classic” which was a format of film that was smaller than 35mm film rolls. The image size is 25.1×16.7 mm compared to a full frame image on a 35mm roll which has space for a negative image 36x24mm. These standard sizes carried on into digital camera sensor manufacture because lens manufacturers all had lenses that worked well on those formats. APS-C digital sensor units are smaller and so easier to make compared to the larger full-frame 35mm digital sensors, the format has been around longer than digital cameras and have some distinct advantages:

1. APS-C digital imaging sensors are cheaper. The imaging sensor in a digital camera is one of the most expensive single parts of a digital camera. A smaller APS-C sensor is less expensive than a full-frame imaging sensor and so APS-C format cameras are usually cheaper overall than their full-frame counterparts so APS-C cameras are often more affordable.

2. Your lenses are longer with an APS-C sensor. If you put a 300mm lens on an APS-C camera body it will look like you are using a 480mm lens if you are used to using a full-frame 35mm sensor camera because the smaller image-sensor crops-in to the middle of the image-circle projected by the lens. This is useful for telephoto lens users who need extra reach, using an APS-C sensor camera will fill the frame more with a distant subject.

3. Dedicated APS-C lenses are lighter. The APS-C format is smaller so the lens needs only project a image-circle to fit to the corners of the APS-C rectangle. The individual optics can be smaller and it is in the glass optical lenses that most of the weight of a lens is held. With this weight saving a dedicated APS-C sensor kit of cameras and lenses can be a fraction of the weight of a full-frame equivalent kit.

Four APS-C Sensor Cameras Compared

Key specifications compared
Fujifilm X-H2SCanon EOS R7Nikon Z50Sony Alpha A6600
Release Year2022202220192019
Resolution Megapixels26.132.520.924.2
Max. Video Resolution6.2K 30P4K 60p4K UHD 30p4k HDR (HLG)
Weight660g612g450g503g
Image StabilisationYes: 7 StopYes: 8 stopNoYes: 5 Stop
Lens mountFuji XFCanon RFNikon ZSony E

Fujifilm X-H2S


Lanched today the X-H2S is a powerful storytelling tool that combines high-end photographic and filmmaking features for full creative freedom. With a 26.1MP BSI X-Trans 5 stacked sensor and X-Processor 5, the X-H2S delivers an outstanding 14-stop dynamic range. For motion professionals, this camera also offers a wealth of recording options, including 6.2K 30P, and up to 7-stops of in-body image stabilisation.

Canon EOS R7


Lanched on May 24th the EOS R7 camera continues Canon’s legacy of formidable next-generation mirrorless tech, packing precision autofocus, state-of-the-art image stabilisation and incredible speed. This RF-mount camera with an APS-C sized sensor provides the ideal balance between resolution, speed and low-light performance for a truly hybrid result that’s capable of competing with other professional full-frame models.

Nikon Z50


The Nikon Z50. A welcome addition to the Nikon mirrorless family, the Nikon Z50 comes as an affordable bridge between beginners to enthusiast consumer camera systems. Inheriting features and inspiration from the successful Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras, including the Nikon Z mount and the impressively fast and wide Hybrid autofocus system; the Z50 features a large 20.9 megapixel DX CMOS sensor and a powerful EXPEED 6 Image Processor. The power of the sensor and processor, coupled up with Intelligent Eye-Detection AF and 209 AF points across the frame allows for edge-to-edge sharpness and detail in your photos and videos. Capable of 4K/UHD recordings at 30p and 20 in-camera effects, this camera offers a whole host of creativity and versatility.

Sony A6600


With this body, it is all about incorporating beautiful detail and high resolution images combined with super-fast and powerful processing, all in a compact shell. The A6600 hits the brief with ease. This system caters to the needs to enthusiasts and professional alike, and in both photography and videography because of the pure quality of its capture. Its compact nature makes it perfect for travel documentaries as well as vlogging. Yet, it can be used for any type of photography with Wex Photo Video’s whole range of Sony E mount lenses.

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Canon RF Telephoto Lenses image
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Canon RF Telephoto Lenses

Canon has expanded its lens range for the full-frame EOS R mirrorless system with the addition of two blockbuster super-telephoto RF lenses:

  • Canon RF 800mm f5.6 L IS USM
  • Canon RF 1200mm f8.0 L IS USM

Canon have made EF versions of these focal lengths in the past, the legendary EF 1200mm f5.6 L from 1993 is incredibly rare. They were made to order, there is only speculation about how many were ever produced and we have never seen one at Fixation. More recently in 2008 the EF 800mm f5.6 L IS USM had the new benefits of Canon image stabilisation and magnesium alloy build for lighter weight however it was still 4.5kg

Times and technologies have moved on and while we saw mark II and mark III versions of the 300mm and 400mm super telephoto lenses which were ever lighter, better balanced, with more advanced stabilisation systems and power aperture control rings, there was never a revision to the 1200mm or 800mm lenses until today.

Lenses are available to pre-order, contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 020 7582 3294 for more information.

Key specifications compared
RF 1200mm f8.0 L IS USMRF 800mm f5.6 L IS USMEF 1200mm f5.6 LEF 800mm f5.6 L IS USM
Release Year2022202219932008
Focal Length1200mm800mm1200mm800mm
Maximum Aperturef/8.0f/5.6f/5.6f/5.6
Weight3.34kg3.14kg16.50kg4.50kg
Image StabilisationYes: 4 Stop ISYes: 4.5 Stop ISNoYes: 4 Stop IS
Close focus distance4.3m2.6m14.0m6.0m
Price£22,449£19,099No longer available£13,549

Lenses are available to pre-order, contact our sales team on sales@fixationuk.com or call us on 020 7582 3294 for more information.

Are they really compact lightweight and portable?

This depends on your perspective, if you are used to using telephoto lenses, especially if you used to use 1990s and 2000s mark I telephoto lenses from Canon then the answer is yes! The difference between those early telephoto lenses and what Canon can produce now is phenomenal. So much so that we often have to double check the cases of the mark III EF telephoto lenses to make sure there is a lens in them. When you are used to the heavier kit, the new kit feels like it is barely there.

On the other hand if you are used to small lenses eg. 70-200mm f2.8, 24-105mm f4.0, prime lenses under 180mm, then the answer is no. Any supertelephoto lens will seem large and unwieldy to start with. They are “long” lenses by definition super telephoto lenses have to be longer and larger to magnify subjects at a great distance. The lenses have their own cases and cannot be put into a normal backpack along with your camera and flash, when travelling overseas this is a significant consideration.

In the end it is down to what you are used to as a photographer, and if you have never used a telephoto lens before don’t worry you can it takes a little practice but the results are well worth it. If you do travel regularly, covering international sport for example, this becomes a normal part of your travel planning.

Telephoto lenses launched April 2021:

Canon has announced three new lenses in the RF range: An RF 100mm f2.8 L Macro USM, Super-telephoto RF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM and, even longer a Super telephoto RF 600mm f4.0L IS USM.

THree new lenses launched by Canon 14th April: RF 600mm f4, RF 400mm f2.8 and EF 100mm f2.8 Macro. All lenses are Canon L series.
Left to right the RF 600mm f4.0L IS USM, RF 400mm f2.8L IS USM, RF 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM

All three lenses use Canon L series optics and are RF versions of tried and tested EF lenses updated for EOS R mount mirrorless digital cameras.

Canon RF 100mm f2.8 L Macro IS USM Lens        £1,449
Canon RF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM Lens                 £12,449
Canon RF 600mm f4 L IS USM Lens                    £13,409

To place an order with our sales team, call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro USM

The 100mm is a versatile lens which delivers excellent macro images but it is by no means limited just to macro photography. The earlier version of this lens for DSLR camera bodies (EF 100mm f2.8L IS Macro USM) was prized for it’s revealing, clear images and used by beauty, product and portrait photographers as well as extensively for artwork reproduction and archive digitization. The image stabilization on a short telephoto was a real boon for early DSLR filmmakers working with the EOS 5D series and Cinema EOS systems.

In short, we’re confident this lens will be a popular choice for a wide range of photographers using EOS R cameras and may tempt more to move to mirrorless.

Fast close focusing

This lens achieves fast, precise and controlled focus, in near silence by using two Nano USM autofocus motors to drive two separate optical element groups. A floating lens group (which required the use of a second focus motor) is used to make the lens more compact and to focus closer for up to 1.5x magnification. Shorter distances within the lens make focusing faster.

The independent movement of the two optical groups also suppresses focus breathing, the subtle change in magnification seen when focusing a traditional optical system.

Rock steady image stabilisation

The hybrid IS system in the RF 100mm f2.8L IS Macro USM delivers up to 5 stops of image stabilisation in the lens alone. Paired with the in-body image stabilisation of the Canon EOS R5 the lens is capable of up to 8 stops of image stabilisation. Both of these measurements have been tested independently by CIPA.

It is worth noting that the stabilisation is tested at a standard subject distance and not at a macro distance. Because macro photography is much more revealing of shake and subject movement, Canon state that the IS delivers 2-stops of stabilisation when shooting at 1x magnification. For greater macro stability the lens has an optional tripod attachment ring.

Spherical Aberration (SA) control

A defining feature of this lens is the addition of a Spherical Aberration Control ring. The SA Control gives photographers more control of depth of field and bokeh by moving the floating element group independently. This allows you to alter the look of your bokeh and defocus in front of and behind the subject.

Canon RF 100mm f2.8L Macro IS USM Lens        £1,449
To place an order with our sales team, call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

Canon RF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM and RF 600mm f4.0 L IS USM

Two fast telephoto lenses are set to bring Canon mirrorless cameras into the world of professional sport and wildlife photography. These lenses give photographers the ability to capture the action while staying safely on the sidelines. 400mm is a standard length for football and rugby while 600mm is the go-to for cricket and golf. Outside the world of sport, the 600mm is highly prized by bird photographers and both focal lengths are used by wildlife photographers around the world.

Fast AF with Dual Power focus drive

These lenses are often used to track moving subjects. Canon have added a second power connection point to the lens mount so that with compatible cameras the lenses can draw more power for faster focusing and more accurate subject tracking.

Both lenses have a full time manual focus override so you can quickly adjust focus without switching focus modes. The 600mm allows you to set three manual focus speeds for precise control.

Portable

These are large lenses, the long focal lengths and wide apertures make these lenses objects that often dwarf the camera attached. Canon have done all they can to make such large lenses as light and easy to use as possible. Using lightweight alloys for the barrels the 400m is the lightest 400mm f2.8 for mirrorless cameras on the market at only 2.89kg. The 600mm is only a fraction heavier at 3.09kg.

Canon are no longer providing these lenses in bulky flight cases instead opting for reinforced soft cases to reduce the overall weight of the kit while travelling.

Canon RF 400mm f2.8 L IS USM Lens                 £12,449
Canon RF 600mm f4 L IS USM Lens                    £13,409
To place an order with our sales team, call us on 0207 582 3294 or email sales@fixationuk.com

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CANON RF 14-35MM F4L IS USM LENS
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM Lens

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM is a new L series zoom lens in the Canon RF range, with a little bit extra at the wide angle. The perfect compliment to the mirrorless EOS R system and a nice alternative to heavier f/2.8 zoom lenses.

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS is £1,749 To pre-order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

The Canon RF 14-35mm f4 L IS USM, left, and a diagram showing the L series dust and moisture seals, right.
Versatile

Ideal for Architecture, Travel and landscape photography this lens adds an extra 2mm on the wide end vs it EF equivalent the EF 16-35mm f4L IS USM. 14mm provides a much wider angle of view than 16mm: 104° Vs 98° angle of view respectively.

Compact constant f4 aperture

It’s not just the extra-wide angle that makes this lens great for travel and every-day shooting. The f4.0 aperture has allowed a much more compact lens design than if this lens had been built as an f/2.8. The optics are smaller which reduces the weight and size of the lens. In case the F4 aperture is not bright enough to keep your shutter speeds high, the RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM has a 5.5 stop image stabilisation system which will give plenty of tolerance for shooting sharp images hand-held. The IS benefits increase to 7 stops when used with an EOS R system camera with IBIS.

Rugged L series design

Canon L lenses are famous in photography and for good reason. They have long set a benchmark for professional reliability and durability. The RF 14-35mm f4L IS USM lens is no different, pictured above is the weather and dust sealing points to keep you lens operating in challenging conditions. The lens also features a lens control ring that can be customised to adjust ISO, aperture or exposure compensation without taking a hand away from the lens.

Our sales team have years of experience helping photographers find the right kit for them. To pre-order contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com The Canon RF 14-35mm f4L IS is £1,749

CANON RF LENS RANGE
Author Jonny Helm Categories News Posted on 0 Comments

Canon RF lens range update

Canon has added the RF 70-200mm f4L IS and RF 50mm f1.8 STM lenses to their growing RF lens range. These two popular lenses pair lightweight portability with the exceptional lens making craft we expect from the manufacturer.

The Canon RF lens range already covers these focal lengths with an f/2.8 70-200mm zoom and an f/1.2 50mm prime however the new releases are significantly smaller and lighter due to their reduced maximum aperture. The DSLR compatible EF 70-200mm f4L IS has been praised by our Canon technicians as an exceptionally sharp lens, and the reputation of the 50mm f/1.8 the “nifty-fifty” is also well established. Canon has improved both lenses optically for their Mirrorless cameras in both their construction and ergonomics thanks to technology available with the wider RF lens mount. These smaller aperture lenses will also be lighter on the wallet compared with their larger counterparts in the RF lens range.

To place an order, contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM

Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM lens

Designed to allow photographers to capture with comfort, the RF 50mm F1.8 STM introduces a novel combined focus and lens control ring. If you are focusing manually the focus ring drives the brand new optical system within the lens. If you are using autofocus the focus ring can be configured to control another camera setting like the custom control ring found on a variety of RF lenses and the EOS-R to EF control ring mount adaptor.

Focus closer with a minimum focus distance of 30cm, a 5cm improvement on the EF 50mm f1.8. The 7 blade rounded aperture is the same as used in the EF version so you can expect to see the same smooth background blur and bokeh from out of focus highlights.

Canon RF 50mm f1.8 STM Key Features:
  • STM Motor
  • Wide f/1.8 aperture
  • Aspheric lens element
  • RF mount
  • Super Spectra Coating
  • Focus / lens control ring

Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM

Canon RF 70-200mm f4L USM Lens

The RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM features a retractable design like its f/2.8 RF counterpart. This is the most compact and lightweight canon 70-200mm lens to date, and the design re-affirms the manufacturer’s commitment to offer full creative potential with a lighter weight kitbag. The image below shows the lens with the hood removed, proportion more often seen on 24-70mm lenses!

Canon has added 5-stop optical image stabilization to keep your shots steady with the EOS R, Ra and RP. If used with the new EOS R5 and EOS R6 camera bodies then the in-body image stabilization and the lens’ optical IS combine to provide 7.5 stop stabilisation. Expect rock-steady sharpness when shooting handheld. At the very front of the lens is a new lens control ring, programmable to let you change settings without moving your hand from a shooting position. In the RF 70-200mm f4L IS the lens control ring is separate to the focus and zoom rings for independent control of three settings.

Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM lens without hood.
Canon RF 70-200mm f4L IS USM key features
  • f/4 constant maximum aperture
  • Dual Nano USM focusing motor
  • L-series lens
  • UD elements and ASC element coatings
  • 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer (7.5-stop combination IS when used with the EOS R5 and EOS R6)
  • Dust and water-resistant seals
  • Lens Control Ring

To place an order, contact our sales team on 0207 582 3294 or email us at sales@fixationuk.com

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