It was during a meet and chat with Iulia, to drop off the disk of images from a recent shoot, that I decided to go for an improvised unplanned shoot with her.
As I always have my camera within reach, we headed to the Dunrossil Drive (famous drive to the General Governor of Australia in Yarrallumla).
I used a Canon 5D Mark II and the newly acquired Canon TS-E 90 mm f/2.8 for this session.
This lens is a real joy to play with (for what it is not designed for) and I’d say that having used the Canon TS-E 24 mm f/3.5 L II, this new TS-E lens is gonna be one of my favorites.
All images are shot with the harsh light of near mid day, both in open shade and full sun.
No plan, no pre make up and no sexy lighting as I use to pack for fashion shoots.
Earlier in the week, I received an email from Canon Australia of what I’ve been expecting:
The revamp of the legendary Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8 L IS USM.
“The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike”
Canon’s press release:
Canon’s new high-performance telephoto zoom lens designed to satisfy the needs of any serious photographer
The new EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens features a winning combination of superior image quality, high performance, and durability.
Sydney, 6 January 2010: Canon Australia today announced an update to its extremely popular EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM telephoto zoom camera lens. Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts alike will be keen to get their hands on the new EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens, which promises high-performance and quality regardless of the shooting conditions.
“This new lens will delight any professional photographer or serious enthusiast with its advanced features,” says Cathy Hattersley, Brand Manager – EOS Professional, Canon Australia. “A robust L-series lens, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM allows photographers even greater flexibility in low-light conditions and in subject composition.”
This new high-performance lens improves upon its predecessor with its new Image Stabilizer, which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster, allowing photographers to shoot in even lower lighting conditions.
The EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens also boasts improved optical performance, achieving high-resolution, high-contrast images and reduced chromatic aberration – thanks to a fluorite element not used in its predecessor and an additional UD lens element (bringing the total to
five). Optimised lens design and lens coatings minimise flare and ghosting. The combination of these technologies also delivers improved colour balance.
The minimum focusing distance has been reduced to 1.2m/3.9 ft throughout the zoom range, which allows photographers another step closer to the subject.
Photographers will welcome the improved usability that the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens offers with its enhanced switch panel, which makes it harder to accidently knock the selected settings, and the new feel and grip of the lens, improves the usability during manual focusing.
With improved durability and moisture and dust-proof construction, the lens is built for professionals operating in the most demanding conditions.
Key Features
• L series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer
• Five UD lenses provide compensation for chromatic aberration
• 5 x UD and 1 x Fluorite elements offers unparalleled performance and low distortion throughout zoom range
• 1.2m minimum focus distance at all zoom focal lengths
• Highly dust and moisture resistant
• Inner focusing design plus ring USM for near silent, high-speed AF
• Telephoto zoom lens, 70-200mm focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture
• Inner focus design with Ultrasonic Motor (USM) offers fast and virtually silent operation
• New high-performance Image Stabilizer with optimum control system offers up to 4 stops of compensation
• Increased moisture and dust protection prevents water and dust penetration in extreme conditions
• Manual focusing enabled even during AF mode (full-time mechanical focusing)
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (RRP TBC) will be available from March 2010 through select Canon dealers nationally. For more information customers can contact Canon on 1800 021 167, or visit the website at canon.com.au.
Related Links
• Learn more about Canon’s EF and L-series lenses
About Canon Canon Australia is a leading provider of advanced, simple-to-use imaging solutions for businesses and consumers. Canon’s Australian R&D company, CiSRA, develops customised solutions for local customers, and exports digital imaging technologies for use in Canon products worldwide. Canon has ranked among the top-three US patent recipients for the past 17 years, and had global revenues of around $US45 billion in 2008. Canon Australia also operates Canon Finance Australia, which offers one-stop shopping for customers wanting leasing or finance services. For more information, visit canon.com.au
On the way home, after a few days away between Xmas and New Year with my family, I stopped by the lake George at the rest area where wonderful staff from the SES offer free coffee for drivers to help them staying awake while driving.
Revive and survive like they say.
Anyway, during our short stop, I took my camera out for a few frames over the lake.
Below are a few images of the power generated wind mills on the other side of the lake.
I used the Canon 5D Mark II with the 85 mm f/1.2 L II lens for these images. The setting of the camera was pretty basic as I used the “sweet sixteen” settings:
ISO = 200
Tv = 1/200 seconds
Av = f/16
Sometimes, you just need to look at things at different angles and levels.
Emotional speech of the brother of the bride during the reception.
Simon’s speech at the Hyatt at the reception of Winnie & Salman’s wedding in Canberra.
I was really honoured that Winnie & Salman chose me to capture their precious moments and wanted to add some fusion into their wedding photography.
This short footage was shot in HD using a Canon 5D Mark II with a 70-200 F/2.8 L IS USM lens.
The sound was captured by the built in microphone.
Two days after the wedding in Nomea, the couple and I went “out for lunch” at the groom’s resort, about 1 and a half hour drive from Noumea.
The set was an awesome resort with bungalows in the middle of the jungle, overlooking to the mountains and there is even a river running near by.
What happened after the lunch was abit expected: we went for a TTD session. It was a pity that the river was almost dry though. I couldn’t push my vision to the limit of a TTD …
