PhotoPlus EXPERT
BRIAN WORLEY
CANON PRO
Brian is a freelance photographer and photo tutor, based in Oxfordshire. He has unrivalled EOS camera knowledge, after working for Canon for over 15 years, and is on hand to answer all your EOS and photographic queries
NIGHT NOISE REDUCTION
01 I’d like to see less noise in night-time shots at higher ISOs – do noise reduction settings in the Canon camera menus really make a difference?
BRIAN SAYS… Most cameras have five options for high ISO noise reduction: Disable, Low, Standard, High and Multi-shot. The more noise reduction you select, the more you compromise detail. Multi-shot noise reduction can only be used when shooting JPEGs and static subjects. It takes a series of four separate shots, then averages out the noise to create a reduced noise file. If you shoot in Raw, however, you could process the photo with different noise settings to see which is best. Most image-editing software includes tools for reducing the noise in pictures. Typically, they smooth the image, sacrificing some fine detail while clearing the noise.
02 Why don’t most Canon EOS digital cameras enable you to shoot lower than ISO100?
BRIAN SAYS… Finer-grained film, with smaller silver halide crystals, was the route to the most detailed images. But the resolving power of digital cameras is defined by pixel count and that’s the same for all ISO settings. The priority of digital is ease of use and sharper shots, even in a wider range of light. This requires higher ISO settings. A few models (such as the EOS 5D Mk IV) have an ISO50 setting, but it tends to delivers less dynamic range than ISO100.
03 Can you use the Canon RF Extenders with the EF-to-RF mount converter and EF lenses?
BRIAN SAYS… In theory, the EF mount adapter converts EF lenses to RF mount, so it makes some sense and it would mean that one extender could work with EF and RF lenses. But the standard control ring and filter mount adapters are not circular inside. This means that the larger diameter of the front element on the RF Extender can’t fit inside the EF-EOS R mount adapter.
04 I’m thinking of updating my EOS 70D to an EOS R6. Will my lenses still work?
BRIAN SAYS… Mirrorless EOS R series cameras with the EF to EOS R lens mount adapter make it possible to use any EF and EF-S lenses on a full-frame mirrorless camera. I’ve had an EOS R since 2018 and didn’t initially buy any RF lenses for it, I used my EF and EF-S ones. Note: if you use EF-S lenses, the camera automatically crops the shot, and on the EOS R6 that means you get only 7.7MP images with 3408x2272 pixels. You’ll also find all your LP-E6 batteries, SD cards, RS60-E3 remote release and Speedlites will work fine with the EOS R6.
05 How does the focus guide on the EOS R help to shoot macros?
BRIAN SAYS… The focus guide is only visible when using manual focus, and needs to be activated in the AF2 menu. I leave it turned on, so it appears when you use manual focus. You can reposition the focus frame on the LCD in the usual way. As you focus, the dashes above the point move together and turn green when focus is achieved. When there are two dashes over a single one, your lens is focused further away than where the focus point is; this reverses once you’re closer than the AF point. You can reduce the focus frame size by selecting the small AF frame size in the AF1 menu. But you can’t keep the focus guide if you magnify the display.
06 Can you help me find rechargeable batteries for my off-camera flashes?
BRIAN SAYS… I’ve tried a few rechargeable batteries in my flashes and have settled on the rechargeable Eneloop AA cells. I find that the basic white ones are fine for most shoots and seem to have capacity beyond their specification. But, whichever you use, ensure you get a quality charger that can charge each battery individually. I have a Powerex charger with eight bays and it has been in use with the same sets of batteries for years.
07 What’s the difference between a step-up and a step-down ring?
BRIAN SAYS… Step-down rings are designed to let you fit a smaller threaded filter on to a larger threaded lens. So, if your filter is 52mm and your lens has a 58mm thread, you need a step-down ring, but be ready for dark edges in the shot. A step-up ring allows a larger diameter filter to be fitted to a smaller lens.
08 Why does the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens retract when you turn the power off?
The EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, and several other STM-equipped lenses, retract so that they are more compact for storage. STM motors need power to retract; you cannot retract the
