The Canon EOS-1D X Mk II can not only take the position of the 1D X but also the EOS-1D C, which is Canon’s professional video camera. This dual functionality makes it a very versatile piece of equipment. In some ways, the Mk II looks to be merely a little upgrade over the technology that is present in the 1D X; nevertheless, in other ways, it forges ahead into completely uncharted terrain.
The Mark II’s most notable features are its remarkable continuous shooting mode, its improved focusing system, and its ability to record video in a resolution as high as 4K. Canon designed a camera with the objective of giving “the optimum mix of picture quality, resolution, and speed” in an effort to provide photographers with a “competitive edge.” Canon’s goal was to provide “the ideal mix of image quality, resolution, and speed.”
Even though it is a fully new sensor, the resolution of the EOS 1D X Mk II offers just a little improvement over that of the original 1D X. This is despite the fact that the sensor itself is brand new. It increases to 20.2 million effective pixels, up from 18.1 million effective pixels previously. This may seem like a relatively low number in comparison to the 50 million pixels that are found in Canon’s 5DS and 5DS R, but the 1D X Mk II is designed to be a workhorse for professional sports and news photographers, and as such, its primary focus is on speed as well as shooting in low-light environments.
Best prime lens for portrait photography
1. CANON 50MM F/1.4
Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM Standard and Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon...
- Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting situations and ideal for day-to-day shooting
- Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58 millimeter. Minimum focusing distance: 17.8 inch
- Standard focal length 50 millimeter lens is effective in a multitude of shooting situations and ideal for day-to-day shooting
- Elements, Groups: 7 by 6, Diaphragm: Blades 8, Filter Thread: Font 58 millimeter. Minimum focusing distance: 17.8 inch
- An f 1.4 maximum aperture provides clear imaging in low light situations and shallow depth of field
- Ultrasonic autofocus motor (USM) operation is fast, smooth and virtually silent
- 2 high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference
- This large aperture standard prime lens has superior peripheral brightness even at the maximum aperture
- Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups, Filter size: 77 millimeter
- Optimized for Digital – super multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting – a common problem of digital cameras
- The optimum optical design and molded glass aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberrations, including coma aberration, resulting in superior optical performance
- The Hypersonic Motor (HSM) ensures silent, high speed auto-focusing as well as full time manual focusing capability
Because it has a focal length of 50 millimetres, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 is an ideal partner for shooting in daily situations. In a nutshell, it is comprised of seven different parts and eight different blades. The closest focus may be achieved at a distance of 44.5 centimetres.
The lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for accurate images even in low-light conditions and generates stunning bokeh effects.
Even when stopped down to f/1.4, the lens maintains a greater peripheral brightness because of the huge aperture it possesses. Astigmatism is removed entirely thanks to two high-refraction lens elements and innovative Gaussian optics, which also reduce the amount of astigmatic difference.
When it came to sharpness, each and every one of the pictures I took with this prime lens produced photos that were as clear as crystal while also producing an outstanding bokeh effect.
Although the f/1.4 setting produces stunning photographs, it cannot be used since the depth of focus is insufficiently deep. In comparison to the lenses that came with my camera, this one has a very small lens and significant colour distortion.
When talking about the lens’s physical qualities, it is important to remember that while I was testing it, it was subjected to some rather serious abuse. It can withstand harsh conditions and won’t fail you even if you have to carry it somewhere dirty or damp.
Best wide-angle lens for landscape photography
2. CANON 11-24MM F/4L
Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM Lens
- L-series ultra-wide zoom lens with an impressive 11mm starting focal length
- New optical design and the use of one Super UD element and one UD lens element
- Subwavelength Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
- L-series ultra-wide zoom lens with an impressive 11mm starting focal length
- New optical design and the use of one Super UD element and one UD lens element
- Subwavelength Coating (SWC) and Air Sphere Coating (ASC)
- Inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms
- Full-time manual focus allows manual focus adjustment while in AF Mode
Impressive performance can always be expected from lenses in the L-series. The Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L is an extremely wide-angle zoom lens that has a starting focal length of 11 millimetres. The aperture may go as wide as f/4, and the closest focus distance can be adjusted to 11 inches. The newly developed optical design is in conjunction with the use of one Super UD element in addition to one UD lens element.
One feature that especially appeals to me is the full-time manual mode, which enables manual focus changes even while the camera is set to auto-focus. The lens is excellent for creative perspectives, particularly those involving cityscapes and landscapes. This lens is fantastic for taking pictures of buildings and other structures.
I was successful in obtaining superb interior photographs from edge to edge while also maintaining sharpness throughout the process. The colour reproduction is of an exceptionally high standard.
Even though the f/4 aperture might be restrictive in some circumstances, this lens did not let me down when I was capturing images in low-light settings.
Despite the fact that it’s very hefty, this wasn’t too much of a problem for us. The large portion that faces forward, which quickly collects water droplets and snowflakes, is perhaps the most important feature that contributes to the complexity of the situation.
The basic outside design is outstanding. The production of this wide-angle lens for the Canon 1D X Mark II utilises exceptional materials, resulting in a product of the highest possible quality.
Best all-around lens for everyday photography
3. CANON 24-70MM F/2.8L
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens Bundle with Cleaning Kit, Filter...
- 1 x Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens | 1 x 82mm 4 Piece Close-Up Macro Lens Kit | 1 x 82mm 3 Piece Filter Kit | 1 x Heavy Duty Lens Case | 1 x Full Size Deluxe Tripod | 1 x Cleaning Kit | 1 x Microfiber Cloth
- 1 x Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens | 1 x 82mm 4 Piece Close-Up Macro Lens Kit | 1 x 82mm 3 Piece Filter Kit | 1 x Heavy Duty Lens Case | 1 x Full Size Deluxe Tripod | 1 x Cleaning Kit | 1 x Microfiber Cloth
- EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format | Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
- One Super UD Element, Two UD Elements | Three Aspherical Elements
- Super Spectra and Fluorine Coatings | Ring-Type Ultrasonic Motor AF System
- Weather-Sealed Construction | Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L features a maximum aperture of f/2.8, as well as a ring-type ultrasonic type auto-focus motor, and it also allows for full-time manual focusing. In addition to that, it comes with 82 mm filters and has a 1.25-foot closest focusing distance.
If you know how to use it, this EF lens can outperform prime lenses, and you can get rid of almost all of the other lenses in your bag. The quality of the lens’s construction is excellent. It is able to resist several falls, kicks, and other inappropriate uses without losing any of its performance capabilities.
I was pleasantly delighted by the overall image quality after taking photographs of a variety of locations at various times of the day. This lens exceeded many primes in terms of both its ability to portray colour accurately and contrast effectively, as well as its responsiveness.
When it comes to image quality alone, you may expect results comparable to those of prime.
In AI servo mode, it demonstrates superb corner-to-corner sharpness while also being exceptionally quick, accurate, and precise. If you are in a financial position to purchase this precious stone, you should do so.
It is one of those all-in-one lenses that will offer you amazing results in every given setting, and it won’t let you down, regardless of the lighting that is around you. The results that you get with this lens won’t be affected by the lighting that is around you.
Best telephoto lens for wildlife photography
4. CANON 100-400MM F/4.5-5.6L
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens, Lens Only
- Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding
- Compact, high performance L-series super-telephoto zoom makes it ideal for sports and wildlife photography
- Rotation-type zoom ring allows for more precise composition and excellent balance when handholding
- Improved zoom torque adjustment ring allows easy setting of zoom tension, Focal Length & Maximum Aperture:100-400mm 1:4.5-5.6, Closest Focusing Distance-3.2 ft. / 0.98m
- New Air Sphere Coating (ASC) helps to significantly reduce backlit flaring and ghosting, Highly resistant to dust and water, and amazing durability enabling shooting even in harsh conditions
The Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is a high-performance L-series super-telephoto zoom lens that is an excellent option for photographing sports and wildlife.
It includes a revolving zoom ring that allows for more fine composition and good balance while handholding the camera. The closest distance at which focusing can be achieved is 0.98 metres. Flare and ghosting are both greatly reduced because of the lens’ air-sphere coating.
Because it is particularly resistant to dust and water, the lens is a fantastic option for adventurist photographers who spend a lot of time shooting outside. Even when shooting with the aperture wide open, images maintain a sharpness that is unrivalled, and the maximum aperture is adequate for use in low-light situations.
It seems like the camera likes to search a little bit more than I would want it to. I adjusted the auto-focus range of the lens to be from three metres to infinity, which made the situation somewhat better but did not completely resolve it. And that, my friends, is perhaps the single aspect of this telephoto lens that I do not enjoy.
The EF 100-400 mm is really good throughout all four stops. The photographs I captured hand-held with a single room light bulb at 1/10 of a second were just as crisp as I had anticipated they would be. The lens has superb build quality, which brings us to our last point.
It is clear from the way the lens appears on the outside that it is designed to be used in environments with severe weather. It will be effective in both wet and dry conditions, giving good results in both.
Best macro lens for macro photography
5. CANON 100MM F/2.8L
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR...
- 100 millimeter focal length and 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The EF1.4X II; EF2X II extenders cannot be used with this lens. There are no compatible close-up lenses
- Lens construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups
- 100 millimeter focal length and 1:2.8 maximum aperture. The EF1.4X II; EF2X II extenders cannot be used with this lens. There are no compatible close-up lenses
- Lens construction consists of 15 elements in 12 groups
- 23.4-Degree diagonal angle of view
- Inner focusing system with USM and full-time manual focus option. Closest focusing distance 0.99 feet; 0.3 meter (maximum close-up magnification: 1x)
- 67 millimetre filter size. Filter Size: 58 millimetre. Lens hood: ET-73
- Compatible with 67 millimeter filters
- Canon's first mid-telephoto macro "L" series lens to include Canon's sophisticated Image Stabilization
- Near-silent Ultrasonic focusing
- Enjoy life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter
The Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L is built with 15 elements organised into 12 groups, has an inner focus mechanism with USM, and offers the ability to focus manually the entire time. The closest focusing distance is 0.99 feet, and the highest magnification available is 1x.
The first “L” series lens from Canon focuses on mid-telephoto macro photography and has the company’s advanced Image Stabilization technology. This lens is extremely crisp for both portraiture and close-up work.
I find that shooting macro with manual focus while in live view gives me the most exact control over the subject. The fact that the image quality and sharpness remain exactly the same regardless of whether the image stabiliser is turned on or off is something that astounded and amazed me.
This lens is a prime lens, which means that there is no zoom ring on it; instead, there is simply a focusing ring that is nice and wide and has a very smooth action.
With this lens, you can stop down to f/2.8 while maintaining a wonderfully smooth bokeh and a very shallow depth of field. You may also increase the value of the scale to bring into focus a larger portion of the image you’re taking.
The image quality produced by this lens is extraordinary. Its 15 elements will generate photographs that are extremely crisp and have a lovely creamy bokeh for you to enjoy.
Because the bokeh produced by this macro lens is among the greatest I have seen produced by a macro lens, you should be aware that you will probably want to use it as a portrait lens.
