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Category: Canon Camera Lenses

Published: 29 June 2023

Introduction: The Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for Canon's RF-mount mirrorless cameras. With its impressive focal length range and image stabilization technology, this lens promises to deliver sharp and detailed images, making it an excellent choice for various photography applications. In this review, we'll dive into the lens's features, performance, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality: The Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable for on-the-go photography. The lens features a sturdy plastic construction, which helps to keep the weight down without compromising durability. It feels comfortable in the hand and balances well with Canon's mirrorless camera bodies. The zoom and focus rings are smooth and responsive, allowing for easy and precise adjustments.

Image Quality and Performance: One of the standout features of the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens is its focal length range, which provides a 35mm equivalent of 88-336mm. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, including wildlife, sports, and portraiture. The lens produces sharp and detailed images throughout its zoom range, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.

The built-in image stabilization (IS) technology is a significant advantage, especially when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions. The IS system effectively minimizes camera shake, resulting in sharper images and smoother video footage. However, the maximum aperture of F5-7.1 may not be ideal for shooting in extremely low-light situations, requiring higher ISO settings or slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus performance is generally quick and accurate, thanks to the STM (Stepping Motor) technology. It provides smooth and near-silent focusing, making it suitable for both photography and video recording. The lens's close focusing distance of 0.5m (1.6ft) allows for capturing compelling close-up shots with pleasing background blur.

Overall Value and Conclusion: The Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens offers an excellent combination of versatility, performance, and affordability. It is an ideal telephoto zoom lens for Canon RF-mount users who need an extended focal length range without compromising portability. Whether you're a hobbyist or a more advanced photographer, this lens provides ample opportunities to explore different photographic genres.

While the maximum aperture range may limit its low-light capabilities, the lens's built-in image stabilization compensates for this drawback to a certain extent. The image quality remains consistent throughout the zoom range, ensuring sharpness and detail in your photographs.

Overall, the Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM lens is a worthy addition to Canon's RF lens lineup, delivering reliable performance and versatility for photographers seeking a lightweight and budget-friendly telephoto zoom option.

Technical Specifications:

• Focal Length: 55 to 210mm (35mm Equivalent: 88 to 336mm)

• Maximum Aperture: f/5 to 7.1

• Lens Mount: Canon RF

• Lens Format Coverage: APS-C

• Angle of View: 27° 50' to 7° 25'

• Minimum Focus Distance: 2.3' / 70 cm

• Maximum Magnification: 0.28x

• Optical Design: 11 Elements in 8 Groups

• Diaphragm Blades: 7

• Focus Type: Autofocus

• Image Stabilization: Yes

• Filter Size: 55 mm (Front)

• Dimensions (ø x L): 2.7 x 3.7" / 6.9 x 9.4 cm

• Length at Maximum Extension: 5.3" / 13.5 cm

• Weight: 9.5 oz / 270 g

Packaging Information:

• Package Weight: 0.97 lb

• Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.5 x 4.9 x 4.8"

Details

Category: Canon Camera Lenses

Published: 12 June 2023

Introduction

Canon has long been a leader in the camera industry, renowned for its exceptional lens offerings. One such lens that has caught the attention of photography enthusiasts is the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3. This compact and versatile lens is designed specifically for Canon's mirrorless cameras with EF-M mounts, offering users the opportunity to capture stunning images with a wide zoom range. In this article, we will delve into the features and capabilities of the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens, highlighting its performance, versatility, and why it is a must-have for photography enthusiasts.

1. Design and Build Quality

   The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable and ideal for travel photography. The lens features a metal mount and a durable plastic barrel, providing a solid build quality. Its retractable design allows for easy storage and protection, while the manual focus ring ensures precise adjustments when desired. The lens also incorporates a zoom lock switch to prevent accidental extension while carrying it.

2. Versatile Zoom Range

   With a zoom range of 55-200mm, this lens offers exceptional versatility, making it suitable for various photography genres. At the 55mm focal length, it covers a standard field of view, perfect for capturing portraits and street photography. At the 200mm focal length, it provides a significantly longer reach, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, and telephoto shots. This wide zoom range ensures that users can experiment with different perspectives and create visually compelling images.

3. Optical Performance

   The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens employs a high-quality optical design, incorporating 17 elements in 11 groups. It features Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) glass elements that effectively reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, resulting in sharper images with improved color accuracy. The lens also incorporates Canon's Super Spectra Coating, which minimizes ghosting and flare, even when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.

The lens has a maximum aperture range of f/4.5-6.3, allowing for decent low-light performance and background blur control when shooting at shorter focal lengths. Though the aperture narrows as the focal length increases, the lens compensates for this by offering an Image Stabilization (IS) system. This feature effectively counteracts camera shake, allowing for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, especially at longer focal lengths.

4. Autofocus and Performance

   The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens is equipped with a quiet and responsive Stepping Motor (STM) autofocus system. The STM motor ensures smooth and accurate autofocus, making it suitable for both still photography and video recording. The lens also offers full-time manual focus override, allowing users to fine-tune focus manually even when autofocus is engaged.

In terms of performance, the lens delivers excellent image quality throughout its zoom range. The sharpness is remarkable, with fine details being well-preserved. The autofocus performs admirably, swiftly locking onto subjects, ensuring precise focus. Whether capturing fast-paced action or serene landscapes, the Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens excels in delivering impressive results.

5. User-Friendly Features

   The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens incorporates several user-friendly features that enhance the shooting experience. The lens includes a customizable control ring, allowing users to adjust settings like ISO, aperture, and exposure compensation without taking their eyes off the viewfinder. The control ring's smooth rotation and tactile feedback make it a joy to use.

Additionally, the lens is compatible with Canon's EOS M-series cameras, which offer an intuitive user interface and a variety of shooting modes. This compatibility ensures seamless integration and maximizes the lens's potential. The lens is also compatible with Canon's Mount Adapter EF-EOS M, enabling it to be used on Canon's DSLR cameras with EF and EF-S mounts.

Conclusion

The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens is a remarkable addition to Canon's lens lineup, catering specifically to mirrorless cameras with EF-M mounts. Its compact size, versatile zoom range, and excellent optical performance make it a go-to lens for various photography genres. Whether capturing portraits, wildlife, sports, or landscapes, this lens delivers outstanding image quality with precision and versatility. The Canon EF-M 55-200mm f/4.5-6.3 lens empowers photography enthusiasts to unleash their creative potential, capturing breathtaking moments with ease and confidence.

Technical Specifications

Focal Length: 55-200mm

Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3

Minimum Aperture: f/22-32

Lens Mount: Canon EF-M

Format Compatibility: APS-C Angle of View: 27°50' - 7°50'

Minimum Focus Distance: 3.28 ft / 1m

Maximum Magnification: 0.21x

Lens Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups

Diaphragm Blades: 7, circular

Filter Size: 52mm

Image Stabilization: Yes

Autofocus: Yes

Focus Motor: Stepping Motor (STM)

Full-Time Manual Focus: Yes

Dimensions (DxL): 2.40 x 3.43 in / 60.9 x 87.3 mm

Weight: 9.17 oz / 260g

These specifications provide an overview of the lens's focal length range, maximum and minimum apertures, lens construction, focusing capabilities, and physical dimensions. The lens also features image stabilization, a stepping motor for autofocus, and full-time manual focus override for enhanced control.

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Category: Canon Camera Lenses

Published: 18 May 2023

Introduction

The Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens is a highly anticipated addition to Canon's RF lens lineup. With its impressive focal range, wide aperture, and professional-grade build quality, this lens promises to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility for photographers looking to capture distant subjects with utmost precision. In this review, we will delve into the lens's features, performance, image quality, handling, and overall value, shedding light on whether it lives up to the expectations.

Key Features

The Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens is packed with notable features that cater to the needs of professional photographers and serious enthusiasts. The most remarkable feature is its impressive focal range of 100-300mm, which offers a versatile zoom range for capturing a wide variety of subjects, including sports, wildlife, and portraiture. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, shallow depth of field control, and beautiful background bokeh.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM does not disappoint. The lens utilizes a combination of advanced optical elements and coatings to deliver sharp, high-resolution images throughout its zoom range. Chromatic aberrations and distortions are effectively controlled, resulting in images with excellent clarity and minimal color fringing. The lens also maintains consistent sharpness, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8, allowing photographers to capture stunning details in their subjects.

Autofocus Performance

Canon's Dual Nano USM autofocus system employed in the RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM ensures fast, accurate, and silent autofocus performance. The lens locks onto subjects swiftly and tracks them effectively, even in challenging conditions. The autofocus motor is notably quiet, making it ideal for situations where discretion is required, such as wildlife photography. Additionally, the lens features a customizable focus control ring that allows photographers to fine-tune their focusing experience to suit their preferences.

Image Stabilization

The built-in image stabilization system is a standout feature of the RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens. With up to 5 stops of stabilization, it compensates for camera shake and enables handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, increasing the chances of capturing sharp images in low-light situations or when using the lens at longer focal lengths. This feature is particularly useful for sports and wildlife photographers who often find themselves shooting in challenging lighting conditions without the aid of a tripod.

Build Quality and Handling

As expected from Canon's L-series lenses, the RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM boasts a robust, weather-sealed construction. The lens feels solid and durable, ready to withstand the demands of professional use in various environments. The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and have a smooth operation, providing a satisfying tactile experience. The lens also features a removable tripod collar for improved stability when mounted on a tripod, a welcome addition for photographers who require extra support.

Compatibility and Ergonomics

The Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens is designed specifically for Canon's full-frame mirrorless RF mount, ensuring seamless compatibility with the latest Canon EOS R series cameras. It is also compatible with Canon's Extender RF 1.4x and Extender RF 2x teleconverters, expanding the focal range for those who require even greater reach. The lens balances well on the camera body, and the included lens hood provides effective protection against flare and stray light.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens lives up to its reputation as a high-performance telephoto zoom lens. With its impressive focal range, wide aperture, and professional-grade build quality, it offers photographers unparalleled versatility and exceptional image quality.

The lens's optical performance is outstanding, delivering sharp, high-resolution images with minimal aberrations and distortions. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background bokeh, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic genres, including sports, wildlife, and portraiture.

The autofocus system, powered by Canon's Dual Nano USM technology, performs admirably, providing fast, accurate, and silent autofocus. The lens excels in tracking subjects, even in challenging conditions, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced action or elusive wildlife.

The built-in image stabilization system is a notable advantage, providing up to 5 stops of stabilization. This feature enables handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, minimizing the effects of camera shake and expanding shooting possibilities in low-light situations or when using longer focal lengths.

The lens's build quality and handling are in line with Canon's renowned L-series lenses. Its robust, weather-sealed construction instills confidence in its durability, while the smooth operation of the zoom and focus rings enhances the overall shooting experience. The compatibility with Canon's RF mount and teleconverters further enhances the lens's versatility, allowing photographers to expand their creative options.

While the Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM lens comes at a premium price, it undoubtedly delivers professional-grade performance and image quality. For photographers who demand the utmost versatility and uncompromising results, this lens is a worthy investment.

In summary, the Canon RF100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens sets a new standard for telephoto zoom lenses, combining exceptional image quality, versatile focal range, advanced autofocus, and robust construction. It is a highly recommended choice for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who require top-tier performance for their telephoto needs.

Details

Category: Canon Camera Lenses

Published: 13 December 2017

Macro photography is just way cool. And it is not really that hard to get super quality images, especially when you partner your Canon digital SLR

with the right Canon ef macro lens.  Discover the difference and find out which lens is right for you.

Macro photography is just way cool. And it is not really that hard to get super quality images, especially when you partner your Canon digital SLR with the right Canon ef macro lens.  

Which lens is right for you?

First of all, you can actually take macro shots with many different lenses, but a true close up lens has special construction methods to allow you to get up personal with your subject, whether it be a flower, an insect, or someone's eyeball. The measurement that experts go by is a 1 to 1 magnification, and some go much higher.

What you see when you take a close up shot is not always what you expect. Many times you get some really pleasant surprises. For example, I was shooting a photo of a lacewing butterfly dining on a zinnia flower, and when I uploaded the picture to my computer, I was surprised and excited to see that I had also gotten two tiny little insects mating. I had not even seen them on the plant. And this happens all the time. 

In addition, I am always thrilled with the detail when shooting with my macro lenses. I do take lots of pictures of nature, especially flowers and insects. There are so many "OMG" moments. For instance, when I see the itty bitty hairs on a fly's face and legs, I just have to wonder at the awesome creation that very few of us are aware of being around us.

If you are considering getting into this type of photography, you will not be disappointed with the results. The pictures you take will keep you coming back for more.

As far as focal length is concerned, Canon ef macro lenses come in several shapes and sizes ranging from 50mm up to 180mm. And, as you might guess, the longer the length the higher the price tag. With one exception, which is the Canon MP-E 65mm which is a very special lens (don't go there for your first macro lens).

The shortest focal length is 50mm. There are several 50mm lenses, but only one is a designated macro lens, so be aware that the cheapest 50mm lens is not the one you want for close up photography.

Most popular among this category lens is the 100mm. It comes with built-in quality and awesomeness. It has the magic of close-up that will delight you every time.

And then there is the MAC-daddy 180mm lens. Again, you will have no regrets.

One of the great things about all of these lenses is the image quality

. They are prime, meaning single focal length, lenses. This makes is easier for the engineers to get excellent quality without having to deal with maintaining quality over the zoom range of the lens. 

My personal recommendation is to stick with a prime lens for your close-up work. There are many zoom lenses that claim to be macro, and that is fine if you want the flexibility of zoom, but their main function is not for close-up photography.

Did I mention that these lenses are also capable of excellent portraits? They are. It is one of the added benefits you get with any Canon ef macro lens, except the MP-E 65mm. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

If you choose to get a Canon EF Macro Lens, make sure you check the stats and user satisfaction before you buy.