Photographic Equipment

WHAT IS BACK BUTTON FOCUS?

March 13, 2024 by infomatique

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM MURPHY

Traditionally, focusing and taking a picture is done with a half-press of the shutter button. Back-Button Focus separates these functions:

Focusing: You assign a button on the back of your camera (often the AF-ON button) to activate the autofocus system.

Taking the Picture: The shutter button now only handles the job of releasing the shutter.
Why Use Back-Button Focus?

Here’s why many photographers shift to BBF, especially in action or dynamic situations:

Greater Control: You decide exactly when to focus and when to release the shutter. This prevents the camera from constantly refocusing as you might slightly move or recompose a shot.
Improved Accuracy with Moving Subjects: With continuous autofocus (AI Servo on Canon, AF-C on Nikon/Sony), you hold down the back button to track a moving subject while only taking pictures with the shutter button when you want. This reduces missed shots due to focus problems.
Focus and Recompose Freedom: Focus on your desired point, then freely recompose your image without the camera trying to refocus on whatever is now under the central focus point. This is especially handy for portraits or off-center compositions.
Avoid Accidental Refocusing: Imagine branches in front of your bird subject. Traditionally, the camera might grab focus on the branches. With BBF, you focus on the bird, release the back button (focus is locked), and shoot away, even as branches pass in front.
Considerations

Practice Needed: Like any change, BBF takes time to master. You’ll need to retrain your muscle memory.
Not for Everyone: If you mainly shoot static landscapes or controlled situations, traditional focusing might be perfectly fine.
How to Set Up BBF:

The exact process varies between camera brands, but the general idea is to find the settings that allow you to:

Separate autofocus from the shutter button.
Assign it to your chosen back button (often AF-ON).

WHY DO I USE AN OLD CANON 5DIII

March 7, 2024 by infomatique

ARE MY SONY CAMERAS NOT BETTER

I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.

A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew tat I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a a 5DIII in a competition but as they had not real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.

Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:

You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:

Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge.
Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD).
This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.

Key Points:

DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders.
CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan.
Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.

While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:

Pros

Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors.
Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments.
Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time.
Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition.
Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras.
Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.

Considerations

Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:

Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen.
Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.

Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken).

Who Is it Right For?

The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:

Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market.
Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations.
Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life.
Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.

NEW SIGMA 500MM LENS

February 29, 2024 by infomatique

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A REVIEW

The Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports: A Closer Look at a Super-Telephoto Powerhouse.

I have the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS which I got at a very good price but I have only used three or four times because of its size and as it attracts way too attention attention. I am now considering the possibility of getting the Sigma

While we await final specifications and real-world reviews, the Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports promises serious potential for Sony photographers needing a powerful super-telephoto lens. If Sigma delivers on performance and price, it could be a compelling choice.

Sigma continues its impressive expansion into native E-mount lenses with the announcement of the Sigma 500mm F/5.6 DG DN OS Sports. This super-telephoto prime lens promises to entice wildlife, sports, and aviation photographers with its combination of reach, optical performance, and a relatively approachable price point compared to similar offerings.

Let’s dive into its key features and considerations before it hits shelves.

Standout Specifications

Focal Length: 500mm grants immense reach for capturing distant subjects.
Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 offers a good balance between light gathering and lens size/weight.
Optical Design: Incorporates SLD (Special Low Dispersion) and exotic fluorite-type elements for exceptional sharpness and reduced chromatic aberrations.
Autofocus: Dual Hyper-Sonic Motors (HSM) promise fast, accurate focusing, crucial for tracking action.
Optical Stabilization (OS): Compensates for camera shake, essential at this focal length.
Sports Designation: Built with dust and splash resistance for demanding environments.
Weight and Dimensions: (Insert when available) – likely lighter and more compact than many equivalents.

Why Consider the Sigma 500mm?

Reach and Resolution: Ideal for photographing subjects where getting physically closer is impossible or undesirable. Expect high detail rendition.
Affordability (relative): Sigma often sets competitive prices, likely making this more accessible than first-party super-telephotos.
Travel Potential: If its size and weight align with expectations, it could be a more travel-friendly option.

Potential Alternatives

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS: Offers zoom flexibility at a similar price, potentially sacrificing some outright reach.
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD: More affordable still, but also with zoom flexibility vs. the Sigma prime.
Used First-Party Lenses: Older, used 400mm or 500mm primes might be an alternative if top-tier autofocus isn’t essential.

Important Considerations

Aperture: f/5.6 may necessitate higher ISOs in some lighting conditions.
Technique: 500mm demands good technique to maximize sharpness handheld. A sturdy tripod is highly recommended for extended use.
Subject Matter: Evaluate if you truly need this much reach for your primary photography interests.

Sigma’s E-mount Track Record

Sigma has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, often more affordable lenses for Sony E-mount. Their Art series primes are particularly well-regarded. The Sports line prioritises performance and ruggedness, making this 500mm a logical addition.

Conclusion