Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM vs 18-200mm IS

Canon 18-200mm IS is the new general purpose lens released in Fall 2008 with Canon 50D. This lens is ideal for vacation due to its versatile focal length. 

Canon also have 17-85mm IS USM f/4-5.6. Both are considered in the same class as 18-200mm. But which is better? 

17-85mm auto focus operation is faster and quieter. This lens is also around $175 cheaper. But 18-200mm has 125mm focal length advantage. This allows 18-200 mm users to shoot nature such as birds, ducks etc. Also this lens could be used to shoot outdoor sport. The Image Stabilization of 18-200mm is 1-2 stops better than 17-85mm too.

Here are some observations about these two lenses:

• Shooting at 17mm wide open (largest aperture available) both of the lenses as similar sharpness. 18-200mm is sharper in the center but worse in the corner. 
• Shooting at 24mm-f/4, 18-200mm is sharper in the center. 
• Shooting at 50mm f/5-6, 18-200mm is significantly sharper in the center
• Shooting at 80mm and 85mm f/5.6, 18-200 has worse corner sharpness.
• Shooting at 135mm f/5.6, 18-200mm has very bad corner sharpness.
• Shooting at 200mm f/5.6, 18-200mm is sharp at f/8 but suffers from high chromatic aberration or color fringing in high contrast areas.
  

In conclusion

Overall Canon EF 18-200mm is sharper in the center across the focal length but worse in the corner. At telephoto end, from 150-200mm, this lens suffers dramatic color fringing.

Both lenses are not perfect, but they are good enough for casual use. Mechanically, 17-85mm has a better AF operation but 18-200 has better IS. 18-200mm has also longer focal length.

So does investing $175 more for 18-200mm worth it? it depends on your needs. Are you planning to use the lens for outdoor sport / nature? If yes than you will need 18-200mm otherwise, 17-85mm might serve you well. 

Other alternative for general purpose lens in the same class (consumer class) are 28-135mm IS USM.

Pentax k20d price drop now at $833 body only and $941 with lens

Pentax k20d has a price drop this week from $1000 (body only) couple months ago to $775. with lens, 1150 to 850 (a $225 price drop).

With this new price point, Pentax k20d will compete directly with Canon 40D and Nikon D90. k20D is weather shield camera, able to withstand rain and dust. It is one of the first camera that introduce 14 megapixel for semi-pro class.

Beside famous on the weather shield body, k20d along with other Pentax DSLR is famous for shake reduction capability. This shake reduction help to combat hand shake, so photographer can have advantage of 2-3 stops on any lens that it mounts.

Pentax k20d produces very good image quality, has many features that might be helfpul for professional use, but its auto focus speed in dim light and continuous burst speed are considered pretty slow (3 fps) relative to other cameras at the same price point.

There is no sign that Pentax will launch any new camera soon, especially full frame camera which is speculated earlier this year.

Tamron vs Canon Lenses

Tamron Lenses are famous for their price and focal length. They provides general consumers with a versatile lens walk around lens. Compare to Canon or other brand name lenses (Nikon, Olympus, Sony etc), Tamron lens are not as good mechanically and image quality because Tamron optimized their production on the price and size.

Some notable Tamron lenses are 17-50mm f/2.8. If you need wide angle fast lens for shooting in low light or want to create a great depth of field this lens is for you. Compare to Canon 17-55mm or Nikon 17-55mm, this Lens is a lot cheaper. Canon lens is sold at $1000, Nikon's at $1200. Canon lens has image stabilizer and fast auto focus motor and Nikon has better built quality and fast auto focus motor (AF-S) also. Both Canon and Nikon lens are sharper especially on the edge. Complete review comparison of Tamron 17-50mm vs Canon 17-55mm IS USM is discussed here

Perhaps one of the most popular lens Tamron will be 18-270mm VC (Vibration Compensation). This new announced lens in photokina 2008 trade show has a massive range of focal length with no competition. The size and weight of the lens is also very reasonable for travel. In addition with VC (image stabilization), this lens is very versatile for day to day use. For Canon and Nikon shooters whereas the cameras does not have built-in stabilization, this lens VC will be helpful especially in long zoom. The price factor is very interesting too. It is cheaper from Canon or Nikon 18-200mm lens ($600 compare to Canon's $700 and Nikon $650).

If you have camera with built in body stabilization, Tamron 18-200mm is a bargain lens for you. It is only $275.

The other thing worth to notice is the new Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Macro lens. This lens is also $300 cheaper than Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 usm. I thas decent macro capability and sharpness but it lack of auto focus speed which is essential for sport photography.

For the macro lens, Tamron has an excellent 90mm f/2.8 lens. But because the price differences are not that wide, I will suggest you to get brand macro lens instead.

In conclussion, if you are not into fast action such as sport photography, then Tamron lens give you versatility and price that irresistible. But if you are very picky about image quality and do not mind about price and mechanical quality such as auto focus noise and speed, then Tamron lenses might not be for you.

Related article:

• Canon vs Nikon Lenses
• Sigma vs Canon Lenses
• Olympus vs Pentax vs Sony Lenses

Click on the table below to see the comparison between some Tamron and Canon lenses
BC = Built Quality IQ = Image Quality

Nikon D90 vs Nikon D80

Nikon D90 has shocked the DSLR for photography enthusiast this year with many new features such as movie recording ability, auto sensor cleaning, 50% faster continuous burst, better iso and 2 extra megapixel.

But it is worth it for users to upgrade from Nikon D80? Or for first time buyer, is it better to buy D80 and save some money rather to buy D90? And are there any other options outside of Nikon?

It is back to the users if they value the enchantment provided by D90.
Some improvement will make photographer life a lot easier, but some other does not significantly help the job. Let say 2 megapixel increase is not significant.

Here are some improvement on D90:

• 2 extra megapixel
• 1 stop extra iso up to 6400
• 3" LCD with higher resolution
• Live view and movie recording capability
• Faster continuous burst from 3 fps to 4.5 fps
• Option to buy kit lens with VR 18-105mm

Same:

• 11 points autofocus points
• Same body construction and similar buttons placement

Improvement on ISO and VR lens will help new photographers better in low light condition. Live view mode will help on macro and precise focusing, and movie recording will be a nice extra features for recording casual events, artistic project or even recording a new flash for web.

Read More...
But movie recording capability is not perfect. Taking movie by hand will result on shaky movie. In addition to that, there is no auto focus. But the nice thing about this feature is the ability to use different kind of lens to get various exciting effects, such as shallow depth of field and ultra wide effect.

Users who are only focusing on taking artistic and casual photography might not use many of the improvement. Thus, Nikon D80 will provide enough features. Also, the price of D80 now is very affordable. The price differences are up to $500.

But if you are photographers that interested to expand to another medium such as video, and will do many low light assignments or action photography, D90 is a better well-rounded camera for those purposes. I can imagine that you will use this camera for a long run.

Another camera to consider is Canon 40D, which has the same price point as D90 and features better body/handling and faster continuous burst (6.5fps) but no movie recording and lower iso sensitivities (3200). These features make 40D is better suited for sport/action photography.

Related Stories: Nikon D90 vs Canon 40D

Books for beginner photographers

For beginner in photography, books along with internet browsing are very important to improve your photo taking skills. Basically, they are three kind of books, one is equipnment oriented, which is geared to how to use specific equipments such as field guide to your camera. The second one is more of the techniques, how to achieve kind of photography effects. The last one is more about philosophy of photography.

I believe all kind of photography books will be useful. But I believe the most important to master is the equipment which is camera and/or lens. After we know basic camera operation, then we can move to techniques and then expand your creativity by reading deeper philosophical ideas.

Withour further ado here are some book I've read and I recommend it to beginner to intermediate photographer.

These are books that explain about how to use/master your equipments

1. Field Guide to [your camera]
2. Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby

Although not entirely discussing about equipments, Scott deals give many important tips that missing from your manual book. He used Nikon equipments mostly but he also explain on Canon equipments. Although he tend to focus more on Nikon, but any digital slr camera users can get benefit of his tips.

These are books that explain about various photography techniques.

1. Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
2. Understanding Shutter Speed by Bryan Peterson
3. Learning to see Creatively by Bryan Peterson

Bryan Peterson wrote easy to understand book with many of sample pictures. You will learn and inpired in the same time.

Sports Photography - Women - Men Tennis

Today, I took some Tennis matches photos. To take Tennis' photo, we'll need at least 70-200mm or 70-300 zoom lens.

Since tennis players usually stay in the certain position (not like soccer/football where the players are running around), using prime lens such as 85mm to 200mm will not be a problem.

Lens with fast focusing motor will be helpful. Image Stabilization is not required and if you have camera or lens with that capability, I recommend you to turn it off.

To stop motion, we need at least 1/400, to stop the movement of arm and freeze the tennis ball, we need at least 1/800.

What is the recommended cameras?
For the camera, I recommend SLR with highest continuous burst rate and fast focus as possible such as Canon 40D, 50D, Olympus E-3 or Nikon D300. Avoid Pentax K-series cameras. Don't afraid to boost iso up event though you are shooting at bright light. ISO will help on raising the speed to desired sharpness 1/400-1/800. This is especially important in cloudy day. Some entry/mid level camera such as Nikon D90 and Canon XSi will do the job pretty well.

What picture to take?
I tend to like to capture expressions, so I use to shoto close up upper body only, but I also take some full body photos. Beside taking players in action. I think getting some photos of break time such as player drink water or wipe their sweat is a good idea.



Others
It is important to take a good position to shoot, many new photographers make a mistake by positioning themself facing the sun light, that make the object back lit and dark. This is especially important if you take picture at noon. In the late afternoon, usually the sun become more diffussed and it is more ideal to take pictures, but you might have problem to keep the shutter speed high. (Two solutions: raise ISO or use big aperture / fast lens).

That is all what I can share for today.

Photos: Top Right: Ryan Sanburg, Middle: Ashley Globerman and bottom: Dara Dwojewski

Canon new advance camera powershot G90, SX110 and SX10 IS

IN Photokina 2008 trade show, Canon launches three new advanced compact cameras for enthusiasts and consumers. G10 is an update of G9 which I discussed here, SX10 IS is an update for S5 IS and SX110 IS is an update of SX100.

You might confused what kind of camera is the best for you. So I will try to compare them and see what is their similarities and differences.

• All cameras use CCD image sensor which is smaller than Digital SLR camera, so the image quality is one step lower.
• Iso level 80-3200, but usable iso might be only up to 800. In 1600 and 3200 iso, the image will be too grainy to use.
• Lenses are equipped with Optical Stabilization to fight blur due to handshake in long exposure

The differences:

• Price: G10 = $475, SX10 = $400 and SX110 = $250
• LCD Screens : G10 and SX110 has 3" screen, SX110 have 2.5" inch but it is tiltable.
• RAW: G10 is able to capture RAW image (the most detailed image quality)
• Megapixel: G10 has 14.7 Megapixel, SX10 has 10 and SX110 has 9. Megapixel (Megapixel does not translate to image quality such as sharpness and color contrast, but more of print size and detail).
• Lens range : G10, 28-140mm, SX10 has 28-560mm, SX110 has 36-360mm (35mm equiv)
• Size, G110 is the lighter (240 g), G10 (350 g) and SX10 is the heaviest (560 g). SX10's weight is very close to XSi (475 g body + lens)
• G10 and SX10 has movie recording capabilities
  
• G10 and SX10 use new DIGIC 4 processor, meanwhile SX110 use DIGIC III
• G10 offers full manual control like in SLR camera.
  

Based on the specification above, I conclude that:

Canon Powershot G10 is designed more for user that knowledgeable about photography, especially SLR users that want compact camera but still have full control and ability to shoot at RAW for maximum flexibility and detail. However G10 has the shortest zoom compare to other cameras listed below.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS is designed for user that want general all purpose camera, but does not have a budget to jump-in digital SLR camera and lenses. S10 has 20x zoom that covers almost everything you can see. Unfortunately, Canon S10 is not that compact. In the picture below, S10 has almost equal size to Canon Rebel XSi (which is a DSLR), and it weight more than XSi body. But. This camera might be a bargain considering XSi and high power zoom range 28-320mm dslr IS lens will cost you no less than $1500. In addition to that, S10 has usefull tiltable lcd screen to help you on taking picture in extreme angle.

Canon Powershot SX110 IS is designed for user that tight in budget, and more geared for casual photo taking. The lens zoom length 36-360mm is not wide enough in some ocassion such as wide landscape or large group picture.

Compare to Digital SLR Cameras, generally, advanced camera / bridge / compact camera has some drawback such as image quality, ability to change lens for special purpose, operation speed and limited amount of accessories. Advanced cameras also lack in ability to deal with low light and have a grainier result in high iso level (400+).

Top Left: SX110, Right: G10, Middle: SX10, Bottom: Canon XSi/450D