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  • Canon RF 15–35 mm F2.8L IS USM | Hands-On Review

    Canon RF 15–35 mm F2.8L IS USM | Hands-On Review

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    Canon’s new RF mount already has many interesting (and costly) lenses. This article reviews the 15-35mm wide-angle lens released by Canon in 2019.

    Here are the lens details in a nutshell.

    Name: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM

    • Bright F2.8
    • L-Series Ultra Wide Angle
    • 5-Step Image Stabilizer
    • Nano USM Focus
    • Weight: 840g
    • Minimum focusing distance: 28 cm
    • Customizable adjustment ring at the front of the lens
    • Price: € 2,300 or so
    • Buy from Amazon*

    At the time of writing, I’ve been using the lens for about a month on Canon EOS RP. (Update: Lately I’ve also been using it with the Canon R6). I’ve been shooting mainly interiors, events, nature and products.

    Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8: Extremely Good and Really Valuable

    First things first: I haven’t done a full technical review of the lens and I don’t have experience with other wide angle lenses, so I can’t say how well the lens is technically doing. The Ken Rockwell review has more test images and technical information for those looking for it.

    However, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 lens can be summed up like this: really good and really valuable (expensive). If money is not an issue and you need a RF mounted wide-angle lens, there’s nothing to stop you from getting this lens.

    I liked:

    • Bright wide angle (15 mm is wiiiiiide)
    • High-quality build
    • Quiet and focuses fast
    • Image stabilization saves you from blurry images

    I didn’t like:

    • Nothing I didn’t like (my wallet disagrees)

    Hands-on Review: Canon’s Wide-Angle Lens in Action

    I have been using mostly the Canon RF mounted telezoom (RF 70-200mm F 2.8L*) and this wide angle. Both are fast L-series masterpieces that are nice to hold and admire even when you’re not taking any shots.

    The 15–35 mm lens has opened up my photography to new areas. With this wide-angle lens, I have mainly taken product and nature pictures. Switching between this and the 70–200 F2.8 you can manage almost any situation encountered in non-professional situations. Or even some semi-professional shoots. I personally have not missed the third Trinity lens, i.e. the 20-70mm F2.8L lens.

    • Focus is fast, quiet, and accurate. Usually, it just snaps into the right object from the get-go.
    • Image quality is not an issue. I’m not a good enough photographer to miss anything on lens quality. I believe the same can be said for many other photographers. The lens quality won’t be an issue.
    • What you shoot affects how often you need this. I’ve enjoyed the 15–35 mm especially in cramped interiors where it does the job brilliantly. However, the 70-200mm telephoto zoom is more familiar to me so I tend to gravitate towards that.

    To sum up: if your wallet is thick enough and you need a wide-angle lens, then the Canon L-Series lenses are a sure choice.

    Canon RF 15-35mm with Canon R6

    Since first getting started with this lens I’ve upgraded the body to a Canon R6. It features in-body image stabilization and even though it’s a bit heavier than the RP, it’s on a whole new level in terms of dependability.

    I’m not really a pro photographer, even though I do some product and event photography on the side. That said, I feel a lot more confident with my two L-series lenses and R6 than I did with my RP.

    It feels like I can’t fail.

    The autofocus is snappy, the stabilization is great and more often than not I get the shot that I want. I shoot in RAW so that gives me the ability to fix things in post (yeah, I said it) that I didn’t get right in the camera.

    So, while gear doesn’t make anyone a great photographer it has helped be succeed more often.

    Sample images: Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L

    Product images
    Laajakulma sisätilojen kuvaamiseen
    The fast F2.8 15-35mm is great for making cramped interior shots feel spacious
    It’s not a macro lens but you can get close if needed.
    Luontokuvia RF 15-35 mm -linssillä
    Go wide. Go spacious.
  • Recording Podcasts Remotely: The Best Apps for Podcasters

    Recording Podcasts Remotely: The Best Apps for Podcasters

    Remote recording allows you to bring guests to your podcast from around the world – even from the International Space Station if you wanted! In this article, we’ve gathered the best tools, applications and gear for recording your podcast remotely.

    The best program depends on e.g. the following factors:

    • How many guests are coming
    • What sound quality you want to have
    • What hardware you have available
    • What equipment is available to your guest

    Of the apps in this article, we have tried and used Zencastr, Cleanfeed and Squadcast ourselves. We’ve also recorded Whatsapp over Zoom H6.

    Programs and Applications for Remote Podcast Interviews

    Many of these apps offer a free trial, so you can try to see if the app would suit your needs. Here are the popular programs with their pros and cons.

    Zencastr

    Popular. An extended trial period during COVID, in which the number of guests is not limited. Only mp3 recording in the free version. You can also capture video.

    This is the option we’d recommend. We’ve used Zencastr in remote recordings to capture the guest track both in the cloud and locally during the interview.

    • Microphones from two hosts directly to Adobe Audition to their own tracks
    • A guest track from Zencastr to Adobe Audition via Loopback (Mac) as the third track.
    • Zencastr files used as backups

    Zoom

    Well-known but somewhat questionable application in terms of privacy. Easy to use, but the sound quality is not the best. In the settings, you can turn off automatic audio processing and record speakers on their own tracks. Props for the video connection which makes it easier to connect with your guests.

    Cleanfeed

    Praised for its sound quality. Simple interface also for the guest. No video connection. We’ve tried this but in our setup we had some problems with audio quality.

    Squadcast

    Really easy-to-use! Specifically designed for remote interviews. Sound can be captured as wav – and also video is available if desired. We would probably use this, but the monthly fee with the video is in the $ 100 range and a bit too expensive for us.

    For business and money-making podcasts, it’s still a great choice. The process is really easy, specially from a guest’s perspective. In addition, editing is made easier by the fact that all tracks and videos can be downloaded to your own computer separately after the interview.

    Skype or Whatsapp or Facetime and Zoom H6

    Audio over the Internet is usually compressed and processed quite roughly which narrows the editing possibilities. That’s why Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet, despite their ease of use, aren’t necessarily the best choices.

    We have recorded many episodes on Zoom H6 and a Whatsapp call. It requires a bit of hardware and the sound quality isn’t the best, but it has worked for us. However, we would not necessarily recommend this system if the Zoom H6 recorder or similar is not already something you have.

    • My Pickups for Zoom H6
    • From your phone, a 3.5mm hook to the Zoom H6’s XY mic
    • Attach your headphones to the Zoom H6

    This way you get all the participants on their own tracks. In principle, you could also use, for example, Facetime’s video connection during the interview. However, it may be laggy and distorted, especially if the connection is weak.

    Bonus: Have the Guest Record Their Own Track

    Sound quality problems can be solved when the guest records their own track on their own computer. However, this requires hardware and technical know-how, so it won’t work for all situations. When we’ve visited other podcasts, we’ve recorded our own mic track on Audition and later shared it through Google Drive, for example.

    If your guest is up for recording their own track, make sure to capture a backup track for yourself in case the file is lost, corrupted, or guests forget to press record.

    Summary: The Best Apps for Remote Interviews

    Give these apps a shot and see if they solve the remote recording challenges and opportunities for your podcast. I have tried all these three and they get the work done.

    • Zencastr : When it comes to getting things done at a reasonable price.
    • Cleanfeed : When there’s one guest coming and you want to use something free. Make sure you have plenty of time to test your setup.
    • Squadcast : When you have money or are spending someone else’s money.

    Have fun with your remote recordings!

  • Where Can You Get Disney+ Gift Cards in Finland?

    Where Can You Get Disney+ Gift Cards in Finland?

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    The short answer to the question is: There are currently no Disney Plus (Disney +) gift cards available in Finland. Online search results look fairly suspicious and we do not recommend trying them out.

    Disney Plus gift cards are available in the United States, but you can’t use them in Finland.

    Disney Plus as a Gift?

    If you want to give away a Disney Plus gift card, you could create a Disney account normally and share its login information with the gift recipient. Charges will go to your card, but the account will be used by someone else.

    This is neither the easiest nor the most secure way, but the only way currently to pay for someone else’s Disney streaming service in Finland.

    In this situation, it doesn’t make sense to use your own email or especially your own passwords. We recommend that you create a new Google Account just for the gift.

    Also be mentally prepared to solve connectivity issues, login issues, payment issues, bad TV series issues, and that’s-not-my-favorite-actor issues.

    What Are the Other Options?

    Although gift cards are not yet available on Disney+, you can give a Netflix gift card as a gift. The same series or movies are not available on all platforms, so donating an alternative service may not make sense.

    Other gift cards for streaming services (such as HBO Nordic, Elisa Entertainment or Viaplay) are also not readily available in Finland currently.

    How Much Does Disney Plus Cost per Month?

    Disney Plus can be purchased for a month or a year at a time. It costs € 8.99 per month and € 89.90 per year.

  • How to Protect Yourself from the Sun in Finland

    How to Protect Yourself from the Sun in Finland

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    In this article, we’ll go through the different types of UV radiation, their side effects, and ways to protect yourself from the sun. For those who are looking for a candidate for the best sunscreen, the summary is this.

    The best sunscreen is:

    • SPF30+ protection factor
    • Broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB radiation)
    • Suits you so well that you actually use it

    Here are a few of our own favorites that meet those three requirements:

    There are other good sunscreens out there, and the most important thing is that you protect yourself. If you’re wondering if you should put sunscreen on, that’s how you know that you should.

    Tanning doesn’t protect you from the sun. Rather, it’s a sign of DNA damage. The sun is not as harsh in Finland as in other countries closer to the Equator but it can still harm your skin if you stay out for long without protection.

    Why Protect Yourself from the Sun?

    UV radiation from the sun causes cancer and ages the skin. To protect yourself from the sun:

    • Avoid direct sunlight
    • Protect yourself with clothing
    • Use sunscreen

    Ultraviolet radiation is invisible to the human eye. You can get sunburn on a cloudy day, too. The UV Index is an easy-to-read way to estimate the amount of harmful UV radiation. When the UV index is above 3, you should protect yourself. In Finland, the UV index is higher during the day than from 3 May to August between about 10 am and 5 pm, in northern Finland for a slightly shorter period.

    At the end of this Duodecim article, they summarize the reasons and tips for protecting yourself from the sun:

    • Ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer and aging
    • Avoiding the sun and protective clothing are better ways to protect yourself than sunscreen
    • A good sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB radiation
    • Sunscreen is a great extra layer of protection when you apply it it properly

    Here are some tips: Use quality sunscreen in fair amounts and don’t rely on it for doing all the protecting.

    What Does the Sunscreen Protection Factor Mean?

    Sun protection factor 15. Sun protection factor SPF 50 + … Sunscreens almost always have an SPF protection factor somewhere on the label, usually between 10 and 50.

    The SPF ( sun protection factor ) reflects the protection provided by sunscreen against UVB radiation, which causes reddening of the skin. The SPF protection factor does not yet indicate protection against UVA radiation, i.e. protection against skin aging.

    The SPF protection factor is easier to understand when looking at the protection it provides against UVB radiation.

    • A cream with an SPF 50 lets through 2% of UVB radiation.
    • SPF30 lets through 3%
    • SPF15 lets through 10%
    • A cream with no SPF at all can transmit 100% of UVB radiation (at least close to 100%)

    Suojakertoimella aurinkoa vastaan The difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is thus quite small (letting through 2% vs 3% of harmful radiation). Whereas the difference between SPF15 and SPF50 is considerable (letting through 10% vs 2% of harmful radiation). The difference between unprotected and even small factor (SPF15) is huge (lets through almost all harmful radiation (100%) vs only 10%).

    When sunscreen rubs off it no longer provides protection and should be added at regular intervals (every other hour) and more often if you sweat, swim or otherwise rub off the protection.

    Here is the price difference between SPF30 and SPF50 as actual products:

    Thus, the difference in price per liter may not be very large even if the product provides slightly better protection.

    UVA and UVB Radiation Are Not the Same

    The ultraviolet radiation of the sun has two significant wavelengths: UVA and UVB. UVC radiation filters out in the earth’s ozone layer, so sunscreen is not needed to protect against it.

    Most of the energy in the sun’s UV radiation is UVA radiation. As we saw above, the sun protection factors indicate the effectiveness of sunscreen against UVB radiation. Therefore, a good sunscreen is broad-spectrum, meaning it also protects against UVA rays.

    UVA Radiation

    UVA radiation is long-wave (320–400 nm) radiation that penetrates deeper into the skin than short-wave UVB radiation. UVA radiation ages the skin and causes wrinkles.

    UVB Radiation

    UV radiation is (280–320 nm) medium-wavelength radiation that affects the surface layer of the skin and causes DNA damage and thickening of the skin. UVB radiation causes sun burns.

    UVB radiation in particular increases the risk of skin cancer. Tanning is a sign of DNA damage.

    The Best Sunscreens for the Face

    Good sunscreens applied to the face are light, inconspicuous and also suitable for the skin around the eyes. Other good properties include non-gloss, good spreadability and the fact that they do not clog up skin pores.

    The same general guidelines apply to sunscreens for the face: that is, protection against both UVA and UVB rays should be provided, as well as an adequate protection factor (at least SPF30).

    Sunscreen Under Makeup

    Makeup alone does not protect you from UV radiation, so it’s a good idea to apply sunscreen before you put on makeup. Light and easy-to-apply sunscreens are suitable for this.

    We’re a big fan of this sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Ultra-Light SPF50 + 50 ml*

    Don’t Forget: Sunscreen for Lips

    It is also good to protect the lips from the sun. There are sunscreens and lip balms specifically made for this purpose. Sunscreens for the skin are not designed to taste good, so a lip balm or lip balm is more comfortable to use.

    Here are some examples:

    The Best Sunscreens for Kids

    The effects of UV radiation accumulate on the skin during life, so protecting children’s skin from the sun is extremely important. Sunscreens are not recommended for babies, so avoiding the sun in other ways is the way to go. Sun-protective clothing and sunscreen are recommended for play-aged children.

    Enjoy the Outdoors – Safely!

    Summer is my favorite time in Finland and Scandinavia. Enjoy the outdoors more by protecting yourself from the sun!

    This article is not medical advice. Consult an expert if you have any questions related to your skin and sun protection.