Ultra Cool Gadgets

With a Canon TS-E lens, you can control the angle of the plane of focus and the picture’s perspective. The effects of large-format camera movements can be obtained with TS-E lenses for EOS cameras. Although manual focusing is required, automatic aperture control enables auto-exposure and auto-exposure bracketing. The tilt and shift axes intersect at a 90° angle. They can be made parallel at an authorized Canon Service Facility (modified at owner’s expense).
The normal lens in the TS-E system, and an excellent choice for product shooting and other applications calling for a natural perspective. It allows up to 11mm of shift off-center, and even more impressive, tilting of the front standard up to 8° to modify the plane of focus. Among the TS-E 45mm f/2.8’s optical highlights are a floating optical system (focusing down to 1.3 ft/0.4m), and a precise rear-group focusing system.

Technical Details :
* EF mount; tilt shift lens.
* Floating optical system.
* 45mm focal length.
* f/2.8 maximum aperture.
* Manual focus only.

Customer Feedback :
Amazing lens. The learning curve is a little steep, but if you stay with it then you will be really happy with the results. Excellent build quality. The photographs it produces are really nice. Certainly does not replace a camera with more movement, but a good addition to my 35mm kit.

With a Canon TS-E lens, you can control the angle of the plane of focus and the picture’s perspective. The effects of large-format camera movements can be obtained with TS-E lenses for EOS cameras. Although manual focusing is required, automatic aperture control enables autoexposure and autoexposure bracketing. The tilt and shift axes intersect at a 90° angle. They can be made parallel at an authorized Canon Service Facility (modified at owner’s expense).

The widest tilt-shift lens in the Canon system, and a marvelous problem solver for architecture, scenics, and many other applications calling for a wide-angle perspective. With floating optics, it’s sharp from infinity down to 1 ft. (0.3m), and it uses a ground and polished Aspherical front element to assure excellent quality. Like all the TS-E lenses, it has a fully automatic diaphragm, so there’s never a risk of forgetting to stop the lens down.

Technical Details :
* EF mount; tilt shift lens
* Ultra-low Dispersion glass with Fluorite elements; aspherical lens.
* 24mm focal length
* f/3.5 maximum aperture
* Manual focus only

Customer Feedback :
The lens allows 11 degrees of shift to either side of center, and it rotates, so shift is either left/right, or up/down. Out to 5 degrees of shift, I am finding the auto settings are not too perturbed. After 5 degrees, some manual setting skill is needed. I will develop more of those soon, I can tell. The lens also allows tilt capabilities, which produce a nice selective focus effect, not unlike a lens baby. I don’t use much of that, but may do some portrait work with it.
The build quality of this lens is rock solid. The optics are very nice. I got a Hoya UV filter, and there is not much light loss, although I think there is some peripheral CA.

Perfect for expanding your creative options on compact cameras and entry level EOS DSLRs, Canon’s new Speedlite 270EX adds power and flexibility for enhanced flash photography anywhere. Light, compact and small enough to fit in your pocket, the Speedlite 270EX features 2-step coverage for 28mm and 50mm focal lengths, plus a highly useful bounce-flash function for amazingly easy, polished results. Powered by 2 AA batteries, Speedlite 270EX is easily set up and controlled through your camera’s menu system (with select models), communicates color temperature information with your camera for optimal white balance and recharges silently in less than 4 seconds. An indispensable complement to your Canon Camera, Speedlite 270EX is a perfect extension of your photographic genius.

Speedlite 270EX Highlights :
* Compact, lightweight design with 2 AA batteries; ideal for compact PowerShot cameras (G-series and select SX-series).
* 28mm and 50mm. 2-step Coverage Angle Selection.
* Bounce feature for an even greater range of picture-taking options.
* Simple set-up using the camera’s rear monitor.
* Color temperature communication.
* Optimized recycling time (approx. 0.1 to 3.9 seconds).
* Quieter charging.
* Easy storage soft case.

Technical Details :
* Compact, lightweight design – ideal for compact PowerShot cameras (G-series and select SX-series) and EOS Rebel class cameras.
* 28mm and 50mm. 2-step Coverage Angle Selection.
* Bounce feature for an even greater range of picture-taking options.
* Simple set-up using the camera’s rear monitor.
* Color temperature communication.

Pros :
* Light & small, fits in a shirt pocket.
* Forward tilt angle doesn’t cause lens shadow on a 24-105IS when fully extended.
* Usable bounce angles.
* Takes just 2 standard AA batteries.
* Fast flash recharge.
* Quite operation; way better than my 430ex Speedlite.
* Good color temperature, not too blue.
* Simple foot lock switch.
* Easy operation with both the 5dII and 9G.

Cons :
*Less impressive build that more expensive Canon Speedlites.
*So-so flash coverage when lens is 24mm or wider.

Further development of Canon’s flagship Speedlite has led to the production of the 580 EX II. This is the premier Speedlite for all photographers, including professionals. Newly designed to match with the EOS-1D Mark III in terms of improved dust- and water-resistance, body strength, and the ability to control flash functions and settings from the camera menu (EOS-1D Mark III only). Other features include improved communication reliability through its direct contacts, and recycling time is both 20% shorter than the 580EX and is completely inaudible.

Speedlite 580EX II Flash Highlights :
* Approximately 20 percent faster recycling time compared to 580EX.
* Superior build quality, including a metal foot for higher rigidity.
* Max Guide No. 58 at 105mm setting (GN 190, feet).
* Auto conversion of flash coverage with compatible digital SLR cameras.
* White Balance info communicated instantly to compatible digital SLR cameras.
* Full swivel, 180 degrees in either direction.
* AF-assist beam, compatible with all AiAF points on every EOS SLR.
* Dust- and water- resistance to match the EOS-1D Mark III.

Technical Details :
* E-TTL operation with all EOS digital SLRs; PowerShot G2, G3, G5, G6, and Pro1; and the following EOS film cameras – EOS-1v, EOS-3, Elan 7N series.
* Guide Number 190 (at ISO 100, feet) / 58 (meters); flash head at 105mm zoom setting.
* About 100 to 700 Flashes with fresh AA-size alkaline batteries / Uses Four AA-size batteries – alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable Ni-MH usable.
* AutoFocus Assist Beam.
* Fourteen Speedlite Custom Functions built-in; set on Speedlite’s LCD panel.

Customer Feedback :
The 580 – in case you don’t know – is capable of serving as the master in a master/slave relationship with other Canon flashes. It can, when used in ETTL mode, configure and determine the flash needs of up to three sets of flashes. You can set ratios, create sets and program everything from this one flash.
Alone, it’s one powerful little beast! True, it’s not a studio monolight, but try taking a set of those out to the park – or even the front yard – to get shots of the kids on prom night. This is a lot bigger than my 430, but not so big that it isn’t part of my ‘everyday’ kit.
For those considering a lesser flash – if you ever intend to use multiple flashes or need a more powerful flash, that 430 or 220 will limit what you can do. If I could do it all over again, I’d certainly purchase the 580 first, last and everything in between.