Canon EOS-1D Mark II 8.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $6,499.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Canon's EOS-1D Mark II (successor to the original EOS-1D) is the ultimate professional digital SLR. Nearly doubling its predecessor's resolution to 8.2 megapixels, it also offers an improved shooting buffer for continuous shooting 8.5 frames per second at full resolution--making it the world's fastest digital SLR (as of January, 2004). It also features a faster DIGIC II imaging engine, a rugged yet lightweight weather-resistant magnesium alloy construction, capability for custom and personal presets, and dual storage slots for CompactFlash and Secure Digital cards.

Optics and Resolution
Canon's newly developed single-plate CMOS sensor with 8-channel reading technology delivers exceptional image quality, with approximately 8.2 million effective pixels (8.5 million total pixels) and a generous 28.7 x 19.1mm image size. The sensor's 3:2 aspect ratio is the same as in 35mm cameras, and the sensor's large size realizes an effective angle of view that's just 1.3 times the focal length indicated on Canon EF lenses. It features 3504 x 2336, 3104 x 2072, 2544 x 1696, and 1728 x 1152 pixel resolution settings.

A new on-chip noise elimination circuit eradicates fixed pattern and random noise. A low-pass filter placed in front of the sensor reduces false color and moire effects, while the infrared filter suppresses red fringing caused by sensor reflections and fog.

RAW processing
New Digital Photo Professional image processing software is provided for high-speed processing of lossless RAW files. It enables real-time display and immediate application of adjustments to images and includes a wide array of RAW, TIFF, or JPEG image editing functions, which give control over variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and color tone. It supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces.

Digic II Imaging Processor
Canon's newly developed, state-of-the-art DIGIC II imaging engine achieves super high speed processing that results in continuous shooting of 8.2-megapixel images at 8.5 fps in maximum bursts of 40 (JPEG format) or 20 (RAW format) shots. By handling larger volumes of image data, DIGIC II also contributes to lower power consumption: up to about 1,200 shots can be taken on a full battery at 20 degrees C, or around 800 shots at 0 degrees C.

More Features
The new 230,000-pixel, 2.0-inch color TFT LCD offers nearly twice the resolution of monitors on other EOS digital models, nearly 100% coverage of JPEG images, and a new bolder typeface that simplifies reading of text menus. Photos displayed on the LCD monitor can be magnified from 1.5X to 10X in 15 increments, allowing you to check the focus and exposure of images with high precision.

You can easily tailor the EOS-1D MARK II to meet your own specialized needs:

• 21 Custom Functions with 67 settings include the removal of the ISO speed extension setting to the ISO speed extension menu, the addition of new E-TTL averaged autoflash metering, and the inclusion of AI Servo continuous shooting, which was previously a Personal Function.
• 25 Personal Functions can be installed in the camera at any time, via driver software, to meet high-level customization needs. New features include the ability to append data for data verification and the ability to apply the Quick Control Dial's ON/OFF switch to the Main Dial to prevent accidental changes to settings when shooting remotely with EOS Capture.

Other features include:

• Images can be recorded in the JPEG image format, the RAW image format, or both formats simultaneously.
• Seven Color Matrix settings are provided for JPEG and RAW images, including five factory presets that were previously available and two new settings that allow independent user adjustment of color space, color saturation, and color tone within a prescribed range.
• ISO speeds are selectable in 1/3 increments (100-1600) and may be set as low as 50 or as high as 3200 through the ISO extension menu.
• It offers 10 selectable white balance modes and a new WB Compensation function, which allows adjustment of blue/amber and magenta/green biases in +/-9 steps, as well as combined use of light-balancing (LB) and color-correction (CC) equivalent digital color filters.
• Canon's improved Evaluative Through-The-Lens (E-TTL) Autoflash system offers new averaged metering in addition to the evaluative metering available on other EOS models.
• Designed as a serious tool for professionals, the EOS-1D MARK II offers rigid magnesium alloy in the chassis and external covers (top, front, rear and memory card slot cover).

Lens Compatibility
Canon's lineup of professional EF lenses--including over 50 models ranging from 14mm ultra-wide-angle to 1,200mm super-telephoto--are compatible with the new EOS-1D Mark II (except the EF-S line). Canon's sophisticated electronic lens mount technology communicates with the camera as soon as the lens is mounted to transfer information about the lens, such as its type, f-number and focal length, thus enabling faster, more precise control from the camera.

EF lenses offer professional capabilities that meet wide-ranging needs, including such features as an Ultrasonic Motor that silently drives the autofocus mechanism with very high precision, an Image Stabilizer that automatically compensates for camera shake via microcomputer, advanced aspherical optics, fluorite lenses, Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lenses, and Super UD lenses.

Storage and Transfer
The EOS-1D Mark II offers support for both CompactFlash Type I and II (making it MicroDrive compatible) and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. Images can be recorded on a CompactFlash card or SD memory card alone; on both cards at the same time as a safeguard against losing important data; or on both cards, one at a time, to maximize storage capacity. It connects to PCs and Macs via FireWire (also referred to as IEEE1394, or i.Link) and USB 1.1 (which activates PictBridge printing capabilities).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery pack (NP-E3, included); it also requires one CR2025 for date and time settings. It measures 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches and weighs 43 ounces (camera body only without batteries; battery adds 11.8 ounces).

What's in the Box
This package includes the EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera body, rechargeable NiMH battery (NP-E3), AC adapter (DCK-E1), CR2025 battery, and USB and FireWire (IEEE1394) cables. The CD-ROM includes EOS Viewer Utility software for faster image preview, and Digital Photo Professional software for high-speed processing and handling of RAW images. It is compatible with over 60 Canon EF lenses (excluding EF-S lens) and the entire Canon EX series Speedlite flash range. ... Read more

Features

• Supports both CompactFlash Type I and II and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards
• Powered by rechargeable NiMH battery pack; connects to PCs and Macs via FireWire and USB 1.1
• 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor--3:2 aspect ratio the same as in 35mm cameras
• Compatible with Canon professional EF lenses (except the EF-S line)
• Continuous shooting 8.5 frames per second at full resolution; rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy

Reviews (6)

Best (compromise for an) Exploration Camera
I had been waiting 3 years for any manufacturer to market a camera similar in specification to the Canon EOS1. As exploration Health, Safety & Environment advisor, work takes me to middle of the desert or the oceans. The wait was for 35mm film quality, with speed of picture taking (5 frames per second is barely enough to capture dolphins - hence the 8 + fps of the EOS 1 was desired). There was a parallel wait for an Image Stabilised 28-300 zoom lens.

Let's cut the story short. If I want a camera to bring on holiday, it would not be this one - the battery and charger are too heavy and bulky; instead I would choose the EOS20D without hesitation.

But having hundreds of failed 35mm film frames I decided not to wait any longer but to buy the EOS1D Mark II because the 1Ds Mark II is not fast enough at 4 frames a second.

With 35mm cameras, after a few seconds on the shooting, I would have to run back inside to the cabin (of a ship) to change film. If there is large enough memory card in the EOS1DII, there is no need. This camera is built with seals against the environment (and so does the 28-300mm lens). Instead of being scared of running out of film, now it is easy to keep the shutter button pressed while panning (and hoping) the dolphins do their jumps into the air.

With the 28-300mm lens attached, there is no need to change lenses either. Dolphins riding the bow wave of the ship could be captured at 28mm while those further away could be caught with 300mm setting.

It is a disappointment that the battery is not LiOn but the older NiMH. But as with any photo gear requiring a battery it is wise to have a spare, whatever the substance. I just wish Canon package a small travel size charger instead of the standard one which is very bulky. It has connections for two batteries (yet it could only charge one following the other) but most people would be happy using one battery while the other one is being charged. You just try to convince some airport officials to let you on the plane with the above kit, binoculars, laptop, mobile phone, GPS.......ext. hard disk....as hand luggage.

For work, I am committed and therefore bear the weight and troubles of hauling the hardware. But for holidays, I would choose the EOS20D with built-in flash because who would want to lug around 3 kilos all day plus flash gun and possibly a tripod?

The camera gets 4.5 stars but the battery and charger lets it down. Why just 4.5 stars ? One of the beauties I had thought with digital SLR was not having to do anything in processing, just transfer the images to the computer. Wrong. The .jpg straight out of the camera is not sharp enough. Post processing is required. Why ? Why is that necessary when the Canon S60 (which I use for different assignments (with underwater housing)) doesn't need to ? That defeats the point of having a .jpg file at 5.5 Meg when the 1.5 Meg of the S60 looks sharper straight out of the camera ? Still, there is RAW if the standard output is not suficient.

Incidentally, the EOS1DsII also produces 5.5 Meg .jpg and those also require post processing. For those of us who are not interested in working longer than necessary (me) 16.7 Million Pixels would seem a bit wasted.

I am still waiting for the camera which produces sharp .jpg files in-camera without having to post process, and can shoot at 8+ fps with a sensor size equivalent to 35mm film. Meantime I shall have to learn to shoot with RAW files and post process.

Also incidentally, the sensor size of the EOS20D is smaller, which means although itself is lighter than the EOS1D series camera, having to carry around an extrawide lens is not my idea of fun on holiday. The magnification ratio for the EOS1DII is 1.3 whereas the EOS20D is 1.6. This means I could still travel reasonably light (compromise) with the 1DII and 28-135mm IS lens attached. Sure it is possible to use stitching but that is more time spent at the computer and time is precious.

Any regrets ? None what-so-ever. It is state of the technology at the moment. Another benefit of using digital is that, it doesn't matter if you had been shooting ISO 100 all day. come the night if you want to shoot the rig with a moon as backdrop, just change to ISO 1600 without having to bother about "pushing2 the film in developing. It's a beauty when an IS L lens is attached. You'd need IS when there is machinery vibrations and the ship is moving with the swell ! Good job Canon. Now you need to shoe horn in a more capable CPU (to process the images in-camera), fit the 1DsII sensor into this one or this motordrive into the 1DsII and you may persuade me to part with more cash.

Series 1 from Canon, Enough Said!!
I just upgraded from a 20D, and the speed just blows the 20D out of the way!! Image quality runs about the same for both cameras since they're both 8.2MP, but how the camera gets you those images is simply amazing. Fastest shutter out there, low noise, consistent color, spot metering, multiple spot metering, weather sealing, the list goes on and on!! This camera demands the best glass, but you won't be sorry.

If your serious about photography in any field, this camera won't disappoint!! A bit pricey, but believe me, it's worth every penny!!!!

THE BEST DIGITAL
eos-1d mark II digital this camerai use two months a little hardto use because it has a lot of things.
i am not a proffecianalbut i liked very much
the pictures is the best like any camera i had. ... Read more

Asin: B0001G112O
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II 16.7MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $11,999.99 -- our price: $7,999.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Battery lasts for approximately 1200 shots at 20 degrees C, 800 at 0 degrees C
• High-speed FireWire and video out interface offer complete connectivity; optional wireless adaptor delivers high-speed image transfer
• 16.7-megapixel sensor provides sufficient resolution to produce files that convert to 50MB uncompressed TIFF at 24-bit colour depth
• Powered by Canon's second-generation DIGIC II image processor; capable of firing at 4 frames per second for bursts of up to 32 frames in JPEG or 11 frames in RAW
• Features 2.0-inch LCD screen with 230,000 pixels and 1.5 to 10x playback zoom

Reviews (8)

Amazing but expect more PS work
This camera has the potential for pictures with amazing clarity and colors but not straight out of the camera.

I too was disappointed after converting the RAW files with C1 Pro and ACR. Was it possible that my D-Rebel would be better than this monster that gives me neck pains and has made my right arm to start looking like Swartzenegger's arm? Even with L glass the results were dissapointing.

The problem is not with the camera but with the workflow. After using it for 2 months I am getting used to a workflow that will give me the results I am looking for. I had to realize that this camera does not perform any processing enhancements in camera because the pros need to do it themselves. Once I got over the fact that I would have to sharpen and saturate colors a lot more than before I was content and have never touched the D-Rebel ever since.

PS Beware of the severe neck pains when attaching any L zoom lens. Buy the hand strap or a better neck strap.

Some photo samples can be found here:

http://www.trekearth.com/members/nbournas/photos/

Almost perfect
I have been shooting digital for four years now mostly with the Kodak DCS cameras(660 through DCSPro). Being a life long Nikon guy it was a big decision to make the switch to Canon and the 1DS MK2. This camera is light years ahead of any Kodak digital slr. I use this camera for studio product, models, location, low light, you name it. The Canon has never produced anything but astounding images for me. All image parameters including sharpness are far superior to any of the old images I have from my Kodak days. Yes it is pricey but if you are working with this camera you will pay for easily long before it's useful days are over.

Great Camera
I purchased this camera online one month ago from amazon here

[...]

And I have taken pictures from Alaska to Florida and in Washington I love how the Mark II captures images IMHO more clearly than any film SLR could ever take.

Best Camera I have every used ... Read more

Asin: B00064O8Z8
Sales Rank: 843
Subjects:  1. SLR (Single Lens Reflex)    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon NPE3 NIMH Battery for EOS 1D SLR Digital Camera
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $150.99
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Features

• Seams that come into contact with the EOS-1D are lined with silicon rubber packing to enhance water and dust resistance
• Rated voltage of 12V
• Rated capacity of 1650mAh
• Can be recharged using existing NP-E2 charger
• Recharges in about 120 minutes

Reviews (1)

Longest Lasting Battery I've Used!!!
Don't be disappointed because this isn't a lithium ion battery. This battery kicks butt!! It lasted me 3 days of non stop shooting. I started to think that the battery was never going to die! Of course reality set in and had to eventually charge it, but it lasted forever!! The only drawback is that it takes about 2 hours to charge:( Other than that, it will lasts you all day and night. ... Read more

Asin: B000084FD3
Sales Rank: 1650
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)   

Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,399.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; telephoto zoom lens
• Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing; full-time manual focus; image stabilizer
• 100-400mm focal length
• f/4.5-5.6 maximum aperture

Reviews (1)

Pro lens, state of the art, big, heavy, and intimidating
I've been shooting with this lens for a few days now.You can see the photos that I've taken with it on my photo site, the address of which is www.loquor.com.You can also see thisreview with photos taken with the lens side by side on my gadget blog, www.geekcrack.com.On to the review.

This is a serious lens.It is big and heavy and takes fantastic pictures.The image stabilization gets you an extra stop when shooting handheld, in that it minimizes shake enough.I've taken some spectacular twilight shots using this feature.For serious work you will need a tripod or some other kind of support, because this thing gets heavy.Note that the photo on Amazon shows the lens in its shortest configuration... zoomed to 400mm, it is a bit longer than pictured.

It is a fantastic lens.Great sharpness, clarity, no spectral flares that I've noticed-- none at all-- quick, completely silent autofocus.Reasonably fast lens, the image stabilizer effectively makes it a little faster.

The only problem that I've had with the image stabilizer is that it sometimes makes it hard to frame up parallel lines at the edges of photos.The way it works is that it the IS activates when you depress the shutter release halfway.It kicks in about a second later and the viewfinder image gets that steadycam feel.

When the image stabilizer kicks in, the image in the viewfinder shifts a tiny bit.It can throw you off if, like me, you do a lot of cropping in the viewfinder rather than in the lab later.Of course I am using the autofocus in servo mode, so that might have something to do with it.

The full time manual focus ring comes in handy when the AF gets confused, which is not very often, but it really depends on which EOS camera you're using.There is also a ring that lets you easily tighten the zoom, which is essential because the lens is heavy enough to zoom itself if you are not careful.

In fact, I mostly use this lens at fixed lengths, tightening it up at the length I want and shooting for a while, rather than dynamically zooming each shot as I frame it up.The latter style is generally how I shoot with shorter zoom lenses.

This baby comes with a great storage case and an antiglare hood, which I haven't used yet.If you buy this be sure to order the UV filter at 77mm to put on the front of the lens.This will protect your investment and will help with long distance shots because the lens is so powerful, atmospheric haze can be an issue.

If you decide to go for it know that you're in for a serious relationship with a serious lens.The payoff is that you have the gear to take incredible telephoto photographs, sharp photographs you can enlarge, suitable for publication. ... Read more

Asin: B00007GQLS
Sales Rank: 648
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Sigma's ultracompact 300mm f2.8 EX APO HSM, has a fast f2.8 maximum aperture as well as two extraordinary low dispersion (ELD) glass elements that reduce normal chromatic aberration. This apochromatic telephoto lens has an internal focusing system that gives you fast, responsive, and accurate autofocusing. Its silent hypersonic motor (HSM) focusing system makes this lens ideal for shooting nature photographs when you don't want to disturb your subject. The optic materials used in this lens are lead-free and arsenic-free ecological glass. This model is dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras. ... Read more

Features

• Optic materials are lead- and arsenic-free ecological glass
• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras
• Two extraordinary low dispersion (ELD) glass elements that reduce normal chromatic aberration
• Internal focusing system
• Fast maximum aperture of f2.8

Asin: B0000501QO
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Sigma 500mm F4.5 EX HSM APO Lens for Canon-AF Camera
by Sigma Corporation of America
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $4,299.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Sigma 500mm f4.5 EX HSM APO ultratelephoto lens incorporates two extraordinary low dispersion (ELD) glass elements, which help reduce chromatic aberration to the minimum limit. With a fast f4.5 aperture, this apochromatic lens also incorporates an internal focusing system to give you fast, responsive autofocus speed. The ultraquiet hypersonic motor (HSM) lets you shoot pictures without disturbing your subjects. Polarizing filters are extremely easy to use with this lens because of its rotary filter holder, located in the rear part of the lens barrel. The optic materials are lead-free and arsenic-free ecological glass. This model is dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras. ... Read more

Features

• Rear rotary filter holder for easy use of polarizing filters
• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras
• Uses an ultraquiet hyper-sonic motor (HSM)
• Two extraordinary low dispersion (ELD) glass elements, which help reduce chromatic aberration
• Optic materials are lead- and arsenic-free ecological glass

Reviews (2)

Other choices are better
Similar considerations apply to Canon, so here is what I said about the 500mm f4.5 Sigma vs similar glass from Nikon:

The Sigma gets decent reviews, but for the same price you can get a brand-new 400mm f3.5 Nikkor (or a used 500mm f4P Nikkor). THese are sharper, faster, and (IMPORTANT!) better-built. Add a TC-14b teleconverter for about 10% more and you also have a 560mm f5 (or 700mm f5.6) that is sharper than the Sigma. A used 400mm f3.5 Nikkor is maybe $1500 to $2000 (this is the choice most people should make, but be sure you can return it if it's a clinker).

A BIGGIE: The resale value of the Nikkor is much better. I could (but never will) sell my Nikkors (bought used) for more than I paid after using them for years.

The only "advantage" of the Sigma is Autofocus, which may not work all that well if other reviewers' comments or my experience with a Sigma 400mm f5.6 are any indication. However, if you are a high-end sports freak or flying bird weenie, you already own high-end AF gear, or will be frustrated until you do. Most other subjects don't need AF. Indeed, in a recent butterfly hunt in a wildflower plot, I got consistently better slides in manual mode than an experienced friend with new Nikon AF gear. It's pretty tricky to get the AF to focus on the butterfly's head instead of its back wing or the flower petals.

Also, the 500mm Sigma weighs almost 7 lb, more than the far more versatile Nikkor + TC-14b combination. (A 400mm f2.8 AF Nikkor weighs 14 lb! What price AF?)

Bottom line: Buy the good stuff -- you get better performance and save money (because of resale value).

User experience with Sigma 500/4.5 EX HSM
I am a wildlife photographer in South Africa and I briefly owned both the Nikon and Canon versions of this lens. I used the lens on a Nikon F100 body and found that it did not autofocus properly, due to presumably software conflict between the lens and the body. I swopped it for the Canon version, but it had the same problem when used with the EOS 3. The Nikon version did not autofocus with the Sigma 1.4 and 2.0 APO extenders. The Canon version did focus with the Sigma 1.4 extender, but not with the 2.0. THe lens has exceptionally good optics, and resolution, contrast and colour saturation is excellent. The build-quality is not bad, but not up to the same standard as the equivalent Canon lens. The large tripod mount is very handy, and the lens is very well balanced when used on a tripod. THe lens is very well priced, but unless Sigma ensures that it functions perfectly with the latest top end Canon and Nikon SLR's, it will not be an option for pro's or serious amateurs. ... Read more

Asin: B0000501QM
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 70mm-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,899.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
• Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; telephoto zoom lens
• Ultra-low Dispersion glass; image stabilizer; inner focusing; full-time manual focus; circular aperture
• 70-200mm focal length

Reviews (4)

Sharpest Lens you'll fine
I have the non-IS version of this lens, so I can't and won't comment on that feature. But the glass is superb. I've taken probably 5 of my 10 or so best shots ever with this lens.

I shoot sports and some other stuff. I had several "news" item shots with this lens published in various newspapers. It is a good all around lens, and makes a great combiniation with Canon's 28-70 L (or 24-70). As far as sports, I shot a lot of basketball without lights in poorly lit gyms, and this lens coupled with good film came through. I've recently gone SLR digital and only used this lens outdoors, but I liked the results (I do have some digital camera tweaking to do!).

A couple of things about use. First, its better if you use a mono/tri-pod. On rare occassions do I use this without a monopod. It certainly isn't the heaviest lens in the world, but the pod adds more stability to your setup. If you don't use a pod, you'll need to carry your setup by carrying the lens to minimize potential damage to the camera mount. Note that this applies to all EOS film cameras, the Digital Rebel series and the non-1D line. The 1D line of cameras are so heavy, you can probably get away with carrying the body only, but check that. I don't own a 1D(_) and would use a pod with one anyway. The IS feature gives you the ability to shoot without a pod, certainly, but still support the lens on the camera when shooting as such. Since I don't have the IS feature on my lens, my pod comments relate to weight only. I've heard someone actually say a pod is counterproductive to IS lenses; since I don't own any IS glass, I can't comment. Check other reviews or do your own research if you think that will be an issue.

The lens includes a mounting bracket that can easily rotate for portrait orientation shots. Most of my sports work is done this way. The auto/manual focus is easy to get to, and I'd always be aware of how it is set and shoot accordingly. I go manual focus a lot, depending on the body I'm shooting with, and its easy to work with. But you will find some of the fastest autofocus you've ever seen with this lens, even on an early '90s film EOS body. One of my film bodies is a EOS 10S and, coupled with this lens, the autofocus speed was light years ahead of a late '90s production Nikon N90s with the "new" Nikon 80-200 lens.

This lens belongs in every Pro's and advanced amatuer's bag.

This zoom is AMAZING!!!
As all of you "L" users know, the optics on these lenses are just amazing. For those of you looking to buy one of these lenses, this is definitly a good start. This lens is constructed from tank material I'm sure. It not only has superb optics, it also is very fast in low light. The IS is one of the best features, giving you the ability to hand hold the lens in almost any low light situations!! Another beautifully crafted lens from Canon. Highly recommend!!

Nancy ZehnderSumner WA
This is a pretty spendy lens but worth every penny if you take low light action photos.The photo quality is incredible.It is fairly heavy and you'll want a tripod after the first 15 minutes of trying to carry and shoot.My highest recommendation for sure. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I53X
Sales Rank: 781
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 2X II Extender Telephoto Accessory
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $469.95 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• O-ring seals protect mounts and release lever
• Designed to match CANON's Telephoto L Series lens range, with optical performance that visually matches the image quality of the host lens, and high-level weather resistance
• Maintain's AF operation within aperture limits of camera body
• Maintains IS operation
• High level water and dust resistance equivalent to the EOS-1V and Super Tele L Series IS lens range -- suitable for use in heavy rain

Reviews (2)

Adorama is selling used product as new.
Just received Canon EF 2X II from Adorama. Paid $279.95 plus $17.95 shipping. Len has been previously used and placed back in the pouch and sold as new. Len cap is marred with several scratches. Looks to have been handled rough. My advice is bypass Adorama as a third party vendor and buy directly from Amazon. Adorama refunds within 14 days less shipping. Thats $17.95 for me to return a used product sold as new. Won't go there again!

Great addition to my EF 70-200 Lf/4!!!
This high quality extender is a great addition to my Canon EF 70-200 L f/4 !! With a top-notch build quality and a tough, weather resistant design equal to that of their highly respected line of "L" lenses, Canon has produced a great product for its unbeatable zoom lens !! Although the 2X extender renders the A/F function useless on many Canon cameras, I found this to be a Very small drawback overall ( I prefer to manually focus under many of my shooting conditions). This extender is more suited for a low f/number lens due to the 2-stop change in brightness, but it is still VERY effective with my f/4 in normal lighting. A lightweight and fairly inexpensive way to double your focal length, while maintaining the incredible optical quality of the main lens...My backpack will always contain my 2X and 1.4X extenders !! ... Read more

Asin: B00009XVBY
Sales Rank: 1282
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $2,399.99 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; ultra-wide zoom lens
• Super Ultra-low Dispersion glass; inner focusing; aspherical lens; full-time manual focus
• 16-35mm focal length
• f/2.8 constant maximum aperture

Reviews (3)

16-35mm vs. 17-40mm, both Super, but what's the difference?
Well, besides a whole bucket full of money, one of them lets you take photos in lower light, okay, that's obvious. The 16-35mm is a bit heavier, but not so you'd notice, unless maybe you were carrying it around all day, without eating and you're a bit over the hill. So why pay the extra money, unless, of course, you do a lot of shooting in the early morning and late evening?

Maybe you shouldn't, because I've been doing a lot of photo taking with both, film and digital, and as one would expect from the "L" lenses, the photos are crisp and sharp. In fact I keep I the 17-40 on the camera I carry around all day, you know, the one I might leave on the table in a restaurant when I got to the restroom. It's a lot less money to lose to someone looking for a five finger discount. However, my gal pal Sara and I take a lot of early morning photos. She shoots old houses, and she never, ever goes out without the 16-35mm. She swears by it, loves it, sometimes I think better than me.

So there is a difference, I'm the kind of person that could happily live with less expensive lense, Sara is not. However they both deliver gorgeous photos. You can't go wrong if the lense has that red circle around it.

Jack Priest, Sailor Home from the Sea

An "L" of a lens...
Having received some Christmas cash, I put it to good use with the purchase of this lens.It works great with my Digital Rebel and certainly is a fine choice for any of the EOS Canons.Sure, it is pricey and a little heavy, but if you want a fast, wide-angle zoom lens, there is little else that is equivalent.The zoom range takes you from wide scenics to excellent indoor flash shots at 35mm (with a Canon Speedlite EX accessory).The USM focusing motor is quiet and very quick.Comes with a Canon lens hood.Don't forget to add a 77mm UV filter to protect the optics full time!

Great glass!!!
What can I say? Yes, it's a bit expensive. And yes, it weighs about a ton. But the quality of this lens is absolutely great. If you own a DSLR like the D30, D60 or 10D this lense effectively becomes a 25.6-56 mm zoom. Which is great since there aren't that many high quality moderate wide-angle lenses available for these DSLR's. If used on a 1Ds or a film SLR then the 16-35 suddenly becomes the stuff that dreams are made of. This is one hell of a lens! If you are planning to buy a wide-angle zoom lens for your EOS camera and are considering the purchase of a non-Canon lens, don't do it! I used a few of those before buying the 16-35 f/2.8L USM and regretted it almost from day one. Yes, they are cheaper, but if you're serious about photography in the long run you'll end up buying the real thing anyway. So better wait and save up a litlle longer. ... Read more

Asin: B00006I53Q
Sales Rank: 1166
Subjects:  1. Photograph Photography    2. Filter (Filters)   

Sigma 14mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical HSM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Sigma Corporation
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $1,119.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Accepts rear slip-in gelatin filters
• Dedicated to Canon AF SLR cameras
• Extra-wide aspherical lens provides higher optical performance
• Antiflare features and crisp-to-the-edges images
• World's shortest, nonfisheye, wide-angle focal length AF lens

Reviews (2)

Good on a digital SLR
My copy of this lens gives good image quality, though it does have slight barrel distortion (things near the edge of the field of view bulge out very slightly). This is typical for this wide of a lens, and isn't noticeable unless viewing something with lots of straight lines near and parallel to the edge of the frame.
I like the lens, but do make sure you really want a lens with a field of view THIS WIDE. It's nice for landscapes, but they will all have everything but the kitchen sink in each shot. You can't use this lens to isolate a particular feature of interest like you can with a standard or a telephoto lens.
One feature nobody seems to pay much attention to on this lens is that it can focus very close! You can do a sort of wide-angle macro work with this lens, if the light is good.
I recommend it as a relatively affordable alternative to the Canon or Tamron equivalents, if you are sure a 14mm lens is something you really want. I like mine, but occasionally have second thoughts about needing a lens this wide. Finally, I should mention that I use a digital SLR which only uses the central 2/3 of the lens.I've seen reports from others saying that edge distortion on this lens is unacceptable with a full-frame film camera.

What a wonderful piece of glass
To echo what is said about the new release SIGMA lenses - WOW.

Canon look out. I was shopping for a new toy for XMAS and settled on the CANON 14mm F2.8L lens. It was very nice but for the price hard to justify. I asked for an eval of the Canon and this, the Sigma alternative at 1/3rd the price. Head to head testing of the lenses on my Canon EOS 50 (ELAN) using ISO 200 film resulted in the Sigma producing a crisper image with better definition and colour saturation. Both lenses have a little "flattening" of the image at the edges as they try to compensate for curvature but the Sigma in my opinion is closer to true.Neither lens had any trouble Auto-Focusing during the day (Canon felt a little faster). The Sigma was a little unsure of itself on when I went for a night/bulb exposure of the starscape. Switched to Manual, set for infinity and away we went. My only other issue with the Sigma is the lens hood is not quite big enough where the Canon is spot on. Still you have to be looking really hard for faults to find them.

Tooling around with the lens has been lots of fun. I had never considered using the lens for indoors shots but it is magic. Architecture photography is going to be a new thing for me I think. ... Read more

Asin: B0000501T0
Sales Rank: 7718
Subjects:  1. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $1,700.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Although the Canon EF 135mm f2 L USM lens has completely automatic focusing capabilities, you can still take advantage of its manual focus function, even while the camera is in AF mode. The two UD glass elements help to correct residual chromatic aberrations, giving your images outstanding sharpness and color. This lens is great for shooting under low-light situations such as indoor sporting events or portraits where you want a blurred background. The EF 135mm f2 L USM lens is compatible with extender 1.4x and 2x; these can increase your camera's focal length to 189mm f2.8 with extender 1.4x or 270mm f4 with extender 2x while still using the AF function. ... Read more

Features

• Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; telephoto lens
• Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; inner focusing ring
• 130mm focal length
• f/2 maximum aperture

Reviews (3)

My Favorite Lense
This is my all time favorite lense. Eat your hearts out Nikon, Olympus & Pentex, because this baby alone is reason enough to go with Canon. I cannot begin to tell you how sharp this "L" lense is. Words fail me. On second thought, no they don't. Use this lense and you'll wind up with photos shaper than an lightening blade, clearer than a ghost's eyes, crisper than a new dawn on an uncharted island.

I shot the portrait on two book covers with this lense. Did the wedding photos for my best friend's wedding and every one turned out better than the ones they paid the wedding pro hundreds of dollars to do. I'm documenting the growth of my child with this lense and I've caught hundred's of my girl's smiles with it and yes, sometimes even a tear or two.

You cannot go wrong with a Canon "L" lense. They are the tops, they really are.

Jack Priest, Sailor Home from the Sea

One of the best Canon lens for about $1000
I believe this is one of the best lens for about $1000. Forget about zoom lenses even if they are L. This lens is far better than 70-200L in my opinion. It is very sharp at f2 and even more sharp at f2.5. With zoom lenses you have to set to f/5.6 for better result and f/8 to match this lens. It is very well built but not excessive heavy, come with hood and bag, but unfortunately, Canon have decided to remove the hard cases for all the L lenses.

Combined with a Tamron 1.4X teleconverter this lens provide very good optical quality on par with any zoom L lenses at 189mm focal length. Yes I know I lost the convenience of a 70-200 zoom lens. But I am really happy that I decide to change the plan of buying a 70-200IS to 135/2L+1.4X. This not only saves me the money but also let me to get better pictures, especially at wide open. Better portrait lenses, like 200/1.8 and 300/2.8, would cost several thousands of dollars. Trust me, once you play with primes, you will not like zoom anymore.

I am also using a 24-70L to shoot my small kid. After using this lens, I don't like it anymore and thinking about change to primes someday, the only reason preventing me doing that is the 1.6X crop factor of digital camera. A 35mm/1.4L will become 56mm which is really not good.

Order from Amazon with free shipping even though it says not in stock. They shipped mine in 2 days and this happened before even though item stated "in stock soon".

Pros:
Very sharp at f2 and super sharp start from f2.5.
Very fast lens with f/2
Very good bokeh (background blurring).
Overall extremely good picture quality with good contrast/color.
Smaller size, less weight and black color compare to those white 70-200s.
It is a L lens: best build quality, fast/quiet ring USM AF with FTM.


Cons:
No hard case.
No inexpensive.
Effective focal length is 216mm on 10D/20D/Rebel/300D which is a little difficult to use for portrait.

Sharpest Prime Lens I have ever owned.
This lens is the best in its class.I wish every lens I had was this sharp.This thing is top notch. ... Read more

Asin: B000053HC5
Subjects:  1. Photograph Photography    2. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $519.99 -- our price: $333.94
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; medium telephoto lens
• Full-time manual focus
• 50mm focal length
• f1.4 maximum aperture

Reviews (10)

Great lens, but cheaper elsewhere...
This is by far a great prime lens for folks starting out.With a prime you can focus on the rest of the key elements to photography (namely lighting and focus) instead of worrying about cropping.With a film SLR, this lens shoots what the human eyes can see (no wide angle nor tele zoom) plus the bokah is really good on this one (bokah is the out-of-focus quality, great for all kinds of photos).

The negative side is that even at new, the prices here are way more than you need to pay.One could buy one of these lens for under $300 new from more reputable online stores.

Still Waiting
This lens has received excellent reviews so I won't repeat what others have already stated.I ordered this lens on March 20 with a shipping estimate of "usually within 24hrs".I just received an updated ship date range of May 5th - May 15th.If you are in a hurry for this lens it might be best to look elsewhere.

Why spend more?

With an f1.8 lens available at a third of the price, why spend so much more to get the f1.4?The answer is, you may not need to.It all depends on your seriousness, budget, and how long you need your lens to last.

If you want a "starter lens" for shooting at 50mm (or with prime lenses in general), the f1.8 would be a great buy.The clarity of the glass is reportedly quite comparable, and it might even be nice sometimes to feel as if a lens is "disposable."You could buy the f1.8 cheaply, regard it as a "play with it" lens, and yet still get geniune clarity in your shots - you wouldn't be wasting your time.(In fact, it would generally surpass zoom lenses in the price range of the f1.4 - prime lenses are great "bang for the buck," quality-wise.)

So why would the f1.4 be among Canon's most all-time popular lenses?"You get what you pay for," and we'll save the best for last.

Affordable but Solid Contruction:the f1.4 will likely have a much longer life than the cheaply fragile f1.8, and retain more resale value.It's an investment, rather than a commodity.And it'll be more certain on your camera and in your hand.

Full-Time Manual Focus:a feature that lets your camera autofocus, with the convenience of further tweaking by hand without flipping a switch.The f1.8 instead requires switching back and forth between auto and manual focus.

"Headroom":on one hand, 1.4 to 1.8 might not seem like much of a difference, and both lenses are (understandably) "soft" wide open.But the 1.4 "gets up to speed" more quickly ("sharp enough" by f2.0, "very sharp" by f2.8, and "unreal sharp" by f4), where the 1.8's probably got to stop down more to the f4-5.6 range for its best results.And when you need all the light you can get (at the expense of some sharpness), f1.4 is actually a LOT more light.

(For instance, I shoot performers in dim clubs, and though the edges are fuzzy at f1.4, there's an "illusion of clarity" created by the blurred background that ends up delivering some very nice results, espec. if it's going to be resized for the web.)

"The Best for Last...":

Now, with both these lenses, you get the advantage of marvelously wide aperture, which can be used for a tight focal plane that lets the background (or foreground distractions) fall quickly out of focus.This is of course a cornerstone of creative photography, and both lenses give you plenty to explore.(In practice, both deliver a pretty shallow depth of field at f2.8 in close-up shots.)

However, there is such a thing as "blur quality," called "bokeh," based on the number of aperture blades within the lens.The f1.8 has five, and the f1.4 has eight.The difference is that the blur from the f1.8 can be rather "choppy," and distant lights and specularities will appear pentagonal.Whereas the f1.4's distant lights will be more smoothly rounded, and the entire bokeh incomparably "buttery smooth."

In other words, there's more to quality than sharpness - there's also quality where your shot is LESS than sharp.And this is where the f1.4, for some people, turns out too good to pass up, even at over three times the price of its diminuitive counterpart.

Make no mistake, the f1.8 would make an excellent "starter" lens.But the f1.4 is an exceptionally SERIOUS lens.$80 is a fine price to pay for a lens you might outgrow,$300 a worthy price for one you won't.So they're both bargains, just buy what's best for you.

(ps - There's also a 50mm f2.5 Macro lens at about 2/3 the price of the f1.4.If you NEED macro, it's reportedly pretty good, and for general purpose as well.But it's a) not even as fast as the f1.8, b) more difficult to manually focus, and c) not as creamy in the bokeh, with six aperture blades instead of eight.And Canon's 100mm version is better for macro work, both practically and qualitatively.The 50 Macro does become a contender though, if what you really need is one decent lens to do as many different things as possible, though none of them as well.) ... Read more

Asin: B00009XVCZ
Sales Rank: 405
Subjects:  1. Photograph Photography    2. Filter (Filters)   

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $569.99 -- our price: $359.94
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM)
• EF mount; telephoto lens
• Inner focusing; full-time manual focus
• 85mm focal length
• f/1.8 maximum aperture

Reviews (2)

This lens makes me look good
I just bought two high quality lenses for my Digital Rebel and what a difference this makes over the kit lens which I wish I hadn't bought.I bought this one mostly for indoor and outdoor portraits of my kids and dogs.It is just amazing!I was surprised by how much difference a good lens can make.I've been playing around and I took tons of shots of my kids today and the portraits are amazingly clear with GREAT background blur -- I feel like a pro.If you use the aperature priority setting and play around, you'll see that you too can make professional level background blur even if you barely know what you are doing (this would be me).In short, invest in a good lens.Don't forget to multiply the focal length by 1.6 if you have a digital canon camera -- 85 mm is really 135mm or so, really a telephoto type lens. Great for portraits!

Best Canon lens for the money.
Probably the best lens for the money from Canon. Good build quality, very fast and quiet AF thanks to ring USM, good bokeh (background blurring), good color and contrast. Sure it is not as good as 135/2L or 200/1.8L, but at this price range you cannot find a 2nd lens come close in picture quality and overall performance. I have several Canon lenses and this one provide the best price/performance ratio. This should be on top of your lens list if you are considering EOS system.

Pros:
Sharp even at f/1.8, very sharp @f/2.8
Very fast (f/1.8) for the money.
Very fast and quiet AF thanks to Ring USM.
Good build quality.
Good picture quality.

Cons:
No bag come with lens.
No lens hood.
135/2L is still a better choice for portrait if you have the space for it.
Canon should have put a red ring, L aka, on it to let let us feel even better. ... Read more

Asin: B00007GQLU
Sales Rank: 444
Subjects:  1. Photograph Photography    2. Filter (Filters)   

Canon 550 EX Flash for G6, G5, G3, G2, G1, Pro1, Pro90 & all EOS SLR Cameras
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $549.99 -- our price: $322.94
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Supports wireless flash with EOS-3
• Runs on 4 AA batteries
• High-output shoe-mount flash for EOS system
• Auto zoom coverage from 24-105mm
• Compatible with all EOS cameras

Reviews (11)

Wireless E-TTL
The best feature of this flash is the wireless E-TTL feature.With two 550ex's one will work as a master and one as a slave and with the ST-E2 both flashes can be off camera and fired E-TTL.The draw backs are: price, no manual control in slave mode for greater light control, and size (this thing is big).The plus side weighs out the negatives.It is a great flash.

Great development.
I am very happy of having gotten this flash.. it works pretty well, and I like its performance.

Expensive but worth it, especially for eos digital rebel
I just bought a digital rebel about a month ago.Love the camera, my old 380EX speedlight integrates with the camera but just doesn't offer enough cycle speed to keep up with continuous mode on the Rebel. This flash does the job for the Rebel and the plug for the external battery pack promises even better performance once I grab that item.Another big selling point that really makes this unit worth the cash, is that it has its own infrared focus assist lamp which the digital Rebel lacks.When this flash is mounted on your digital rebel, you don't get that annoying set of quick flashes that the camera has to set off to focus in low light when using the built-in flash.The Rebel body uses the infrared focus assist on the 550EX to focus the lens; this feature alone is worth the big bucks this baby costs.The flash has tons of features that most of us might never use, but as a advanced amateur I'm glad they're there so I can play with that if I should choose to try out some fancy stuff.The wireless slave capability is handy but you've got to have at least one more 420EX, 550EX or 580EX to use that. I like the digital readout on the back of the flash and also the two way bounce head, it's important to note that you have to press a button to make the head turn either side to side or up/down---this should make the head sturdier than I've seen on some units that get loose after awhile and drive you nuts. This unit is a HONKER--really big, and, no lightweight either.Get yourself a big deep camera bag if you want to lug this thing around with you.What's the difference between this and the 580EX? The 580 has very slightly faster cycle times and offers some fancy new automatic flash exposure bracketing modes, for me anyway it wasn't worth almost two hundred dollars more for the 580. All of the newer EOS camera bodies are fully supported by this unit, it also works on older EOS bodies but there are functions available on the newer ones that aren't there on older stuff.I like this flash it covers well, cycles fast and the controls are fairly intuitive and easy to use.When you get yours don't lose that book, Canon doesn't seem to have them online anywhere I can find and I've seen places that want to charge you 18 bucks for a new one. ... Read more

Asin: B00004THM7
Sales Rank: 1159
Subjects:  1. 550EX    2. Electronic Flash (Flashes)