Canon is claiming to be the number one in 2024

 According to this article published yesterday at PetaPixel:

"Canon announced that it had solidified number one in interchangeable lens cameras, mirrorless cameras, and full-frame mirrorless cameras in the United States in 2024 thanks to the runaway success of the R6 II, which was the top-selling full-frame camera in the region last year."

The success of the Canon R6 Mark II comes as no surprise. Its fast autofocus, high frame rates, and superior low-light capabilities make it a perfect choice for wildlife photography, especially when capturing dynamic bird shots or fleeting wildlife moments.

Hermit Thrush

The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) is a beautiful and elusive songbird that you can spot in Florida, especially during the winter months. These birds are medium-sized thrushes known for their lovely, flute-like song, often heard in their breeding range but less so during their time in Florida.

 This is the first time I photographed one.

Karate competition

 Last weekend I took my camera to USA Sport Karate Competition at Orlando, Florida. Here are some of the pictures I took there. 

One of the things I focused on during the event was capturing the emotions of the participants, especially those who did not win.

Here's a moment I captured: a young lady engaged in a heartfelt conversation with her coach, analyzing what went wrong.

This young guy was in tears after losing his first fight. Remarkably, he was still crying during his second fight—which he won!

He won this fight!

Sports photography, for me, is not just about the action—it's about capturing the raw emotions of those who come to compete, giving it their all. Who says you can't capture great portraits at these events?

The highlight of the event was my grandson winning his first Kata 1st Place Medal!

His Performance was amazing!

All pictures were taken using a Canon R6 with a EF70-200 L f/2.8.

From last weekend

Mating season had begun, and male cardinals were actively chasing females, so much so that they paid little attention to my close presence.

 

Using EF lenses in your R Series camera?

 

The choice between EF and RF lenses on Canon mirrorless cameras depends on a few factors, including your budget, existing gear, and what you're shooting. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

EF Lenses on Canon Mirrorless

Canon’s EF lenses are designed for their DSLR lineup but can be used on RF-mount mirrorless cameras with the Canon EF-EOS R adapter (or third-party equivalents).

Pros of EF Lenses:

1. Wide Selection: Canon has been making EF lenses for decades, offering a massive range of options at different price points.
2. Affordable Used Market: EF lenses are readily available on the used market, often at lower prices than RF lenses.
3. Compatibility: Many EF lenses work flawlessly on RF-mount cameras when using the adapter, retaining image quality, autofocus and image stabilization.
4. Long Reach for Wildlife: Telephoto EF lenses, like the 100-400mm or 600mm primes, are popular among wildlife photographers.

Cons of EF Lenses:

1. Bulky Setup: The adapter adds extra length and weight, which might feel less balanced on smaller mirrorless bodies.
2. Not Fully Optimized: While EF lenses work well, RF lenses are designed to take full advantage of mirrorless technology. My recommendation is to stick to "L" EF lenses. 3rd party lenses from Tamron or Sigma may look attractive with a low price but they may not work properly in the R Series Camera.
   

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RF Lenses on Canon Mirrorless

RF lenses are specifically built for Canon’s mirrorless R-series cameras, like the R3, R5 Mk I or II and the  R6 Mark I or II.

Pros of RF Lenses:

1. Better Image Quality: RF lenses are optimized for mirrorless, often delivering sharper images, better edge-to-edge sharpness, and improved bokeh.
   
2. Advanced Features: Many RF lenses include advanced optical technologies like faster autofocus, customizable control rings, and superior stabilization.
3. Compact Designs: Certain RF lenses (e.g., the RF 50mm f/1.8 or RF 70-200mm f/2.8) are more compact than their EF counterparts.
4. Future-Proof: Canon is heavily investing in the RF system, so you’ll be better positioned for future upgrades.

Cons of RF Lenses:

1. Higher Cost: RF lenses are generally more expensive than EF lenses.
2. Limited Budget Options: While the RF lens lineup is growing, there are fewer affordable choices compared to EF.
3. No Third-Party Autofocus Lenses (Mostly): Until recently, third-party lens manufacturers couldn’t produce autofocus RF lenses, though this is starting to change.

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Which Should You Choose?

1. If you already own EF lenses: Stick with them and use an adapter. Canon’s EF lenses are still excellent, especially for wildlife photography with telephoto lenses like the EF 100-400mm.
2. If you’re starting fresh: Consider RF lenses for their better compatibility and future-proof design. You could start with versatile lenses like the RF 24-105mm f/4L or RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L if you shoot wildlife.
3. Budget Constraints: Use EF lenses with an adapter to save money, especially since the adapter maintains great performance.

Specially for Beginners

 This is a perfect video for beginners because it covers all the things you need to buy and that are considered essentials. It also tells you what not to buy, something very important because when you start in this hobby you may end buying stuff that you do not need at all. 

Baby on the run!

This candid photo was capture the last weekend. 

This picture captures a beautiful moment, but the humor lies in the little child confidently striding into the scene, possibly about to photobomb the couple's special moment. The photographer's casual stance suggests they're prepared for anything, but the child clearly has other plans—maybe they think they are the real star of the show!