A little over two years ago, Canon celebrated the production of their 40 millionth EF lens since 1987. Well, in those two years, they've managed to add another 10 million lens. Yep, that's right, they've just reached the 50 millionth lens mark.

They reached the milestone during a production run for the EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens (one of which I've just taken delivery of - although I'm guessing it's not the 50 millionth lens!). 

The press release points to 5 milestones in the production of the EF lens range, starting at the beginning with the release of the first lens to feature an Ultrasonic motor (EF300mm f/2.8L USM - 1987), progressing through the first IS lens (EF75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM - 1995), the first DO lens (EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM - 2001), the first SubWavelength coating lens (EF24mm f/1.4L II USM - 2008), and finally the first lens with hybrid IS (EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM - 2009).

I wonder, between all the readers of the blog, how many of the 50 million we can account for. Hit-up the comments and let us know how many EF lenses you've had, or currently have.

Spot AF eh? Sounds like a great idea doesn't it? You know, use a smaller area of the AF sensor for more precise focusing?

Yes, we like the sound of that. Trouble is, it's not the answer to all your prayers and it's certainly not the  best AF mode to use on the EOS 7D by default. In fact, use it and you'll probably find it's not as good as you thought - unless of course you use it wisely. And that means only in situations when it's appropriate. 

The reality is that spot AF is good in bright light on fairly static subjects when you want to focus 'through' obstacles, or when shooting portraits and you want precise focus on the eyes. In all other situations, it's a bad idea to use it - it is slower to track and harder to keep the point on the exact spot you want to focus on. More than that, in low light, it takes longer to focus as well due to the smaller area of the AF sensor being active and therefore less low light sensitivity. 

In short, use it with static subjects, in good light, or when shooting portraits. For all other situations, look elsewhere in the four other AF selection modes for focusing nirvana. 

There are similar restrictions with the other AF modes too, especially Zone AF and AF Point expansion. But I'll save those for future posts. For now I just wanted to get Spot AF off my chest as I've had several emails about it recently. 

Not so long ago the ugly head of controversy raised above the parapet and threatened the world's largest wildlife photography competition.

It seems the rumours and accusations are true. The competition has taken the most drastic step of disqualifying the 2009 winner, Jose Luis Rodriguez stating it is in breach of rule 10.

For those unaware of the story, a month or so ago, claims surfaced to suggest his image of a wolf jumping a fence was not actually a wild wolf like he claimed, but an animal model that can be hired for film and photo shoots. Clearly this goes against the concept of 'wild' life and breaches the rule stating animal models are not permitted entry to the competition. 

It's been a drawn out process involving investigation and a re-convening of the judging panel. Mr Rodriguez still strenuously denies the charges and asserts the wolf is indeed wild. 

It appears there will be no successor to the winner's crown for 2009 which does somewhat leave a hole in the proceedings. 

A statement from the NHM and BBC Worldwide can be read here.