Reviews

Radiant Review: Canon 50mm f1.8 STM

Posted by Mike Piatek-Jimenez

I recently reviewed the Canon 50mm f1.8 STM lens.  The 50mm f1.8 II was the first lens I got after buying my DSLR with a kit lens. I really like the 50mm focal length, and it’s an inexpensive lens for the image quality it offers. I recently upgraded to the newer Canon 50mm f1.8 STM, and I’m impressed with the improvements Canon made while still keeping the fairly low price. Watch my full review below.

Radiant Review: Canon 70-200 f4L

Posted by Mike Piatek-Jimenez

I thought I would try something new and do a video review of a product. I typically will check YouTube for video reviews of camera gear I’m thinking of buying, just to see what other people say about it in a more visual way.

I’m not much of a video guy, but decided to give it a shot. So here it is, the inaugural Radiant Photography YouTube video: a video review of the Canon 70-200 f4L lens.

I talk about the quality of the lens in the review, but wanted to provide a few examples of what you can expect from the lens.

First up is a sports image. This lens is great for outdoor sports in smaller arenas. It’s not quite long enough for football, but it does a nice job of capturing the in-field of a baseball game. Here’s one shot I made from the stands:

ISO 400, f5.6, 1/1600s. Notice that even at 1/1600 shutter speed, motion in the frame isn't quite frozen. This is intentional to show the intensity of the action.
200mm, ISO 400, f5.6, 1/1600s. Notice that even at 1/1600 shutter speed, motion in the frame isn’t quite frozen. This is intentional to show the intensity of the action.

If you are photographing concerts, this is a good focal length to use. Note that most standard ticket-holders aren’t allowed to bring zoom lenses into the venue that are this large. Either you have to use it at an open-air event or have press credentials. Here’s one from a Shubha Vedula concert:

200mm, ISO 200, f4, 1/1250s. At longer distances, a lot of area still remains in focus at f4. However, out of focus areas are smoothed out nicely with this lens.
200mm, ISO 200, f4, 1/1250s. At longer distances, a lot of area still remains in focus at f4. However, out of focus areas are smoothed out nicely with this lens.

And another from OK Go:

200mm, ISO 800, f5, 1/800s. There wasn't much light during this event, but the lens is still bright enough to make some good images.
200mm, ISO 800, f5, 1/800s. There wasn’t much light during this event, but the lens is still bright enough to make some good images.

I mentioned the lens’ macro abilities. Now, the 70-200 definitely isn’t a macro lens, but you can get some nice close-up photography with it.

200mm, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/400s. Notice that even though I'm at f5.6, the background bokeh is buttery smooth. The color reproduction is also amazing; this photo has no saturation or contrast adjustments applied.
200mm, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/400s. Notice that even though I’m at f5.6, the background bokeh is buttery smooth. The color reproduction is also amazing; this photo has no saturation or contrast adjustments applied.

Overall a very good lens. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the YouTube comments.