Messages

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Software & Accessories / Re: Quick release plates: RRS v's Manfrotto

« on: May 14, 2013, 04:19:19 PM »

Neuro, thanks for the quick and detailed reply.  That's exactly what I needed to know - looks like it's eBay and RRS shopping time!

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Software & Accessories / Re: Quick release plates: RRS v's Manfrotto

« on: May 14, 2013, 04:06:33 PM »

For those of you who have used both, is the RRS / AS any better in terms of grip/security?

Over the years, I have (unintentionally) gotten really deep into RC2 heads, plates, L brackets, etc. but I'm considering ditching the plates and brackets to switch to Arca Swiss / RRS.   The reason is that the RC2 brackets, even fully-locked down still have some movement.  This is really annoying me for macro, product shots, and other work. 

I'm wondering if the AS, particularly the quick release is much better at locking down.  Also, Manfrotto has the extra locking lever - but RRS doesn't.  Is that an issue?

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Lenses / Re: Andy Rouse Reviews the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

« on: May 14, 2013, 03:57:11 PM »

What a cool write up to go with the launch - Canon should have him help all of their launches.  The photos are incredible and his humor and honesty left me amused and impressed.  I have been running the numbers in my head all day - what gear can I sell, how much can I put on my AMEX, etc., for this lens.  Alas, I need to get A LOT more paying work before I can afford it.

As for the 100-400 comparison, it is an unfortunate reality that the cost between the great and greatest are so high and the differences so small in relation.  This is true of all fine things, though, whether it's cars, watches, amplifiers/speakers, etc.  I am sure the build quality is significantly higher, though.  In my own experience, I couldn't believe how much better the build of the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II is over my 70-200 f4 IS - made me realize that there was more to the extra cost than just a tripod mount and an extra stop.  I'm sure the same will be true of the 200-400.

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Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: May 04, 2013, 12:43:00 AM »

Just don't ask this same question when you ready for 24-70 f2.8 II. I'm sure you know what to do with your 24-105

Funny you should say that - I actually have the original 24-70 f/2.8, and the 16-35 f/2.8 II.  So far I'm hanging on to the old 24-70.  The improvements from f/8-f/11 don't impress me enough to pay the price to upgrade - at least while it's that much.  Besides, I have the 24 f/1.4 II, 50 f/1.2, and 85 f/1.2 II if I want to shoot anything wide open or anywhere near 2.8.

Point taken, though!

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Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: May 03, 2013, 09:26:38 PM »

After using the f/2.8 for a couple of weeks, I decided to the sell the f/4.  The IS is noticeably better and for me, having f/2.8 as an option makes it much more versatile for me.  I would typically bring the f/4 to my event and wildlife work, but would also have to bring my faster prime lenses, whereas now I can just bring one lens.  So the smaller lens actually ended up taking up more room and being heavier because of the need to bring my 135 and other lenses with it.

If I was just interested in landscape or travel photography, the f/4 (along with the 17-40 and 240-105) would do me fine, but for the work I do, the f/2.8 seems to be the lens I've been missing!

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Lenses / Re: Recommendations for a 180mm macro?

« on: May 01, 2013, 12:54:03 PM »

I saw this the other night and thought I'd add my 2 cents and something funny.  I have the Canon 180mm and love it.  It has the best contrast and color of any lens I own (I have A LOT of L glass) and I find the sharpness perfectly acceptable, especially if you use good technique.  If you do macro beyond 1:2, IS is about useless because you pretty much have to use a tripod to get sharp and in-focus photos.  Being able to use the Canon extenders is great, too.

All that said, I recently forgot my macro and had to use my 70-200 2.8 IS II to shoot some flower gardens for a client.  After tons of garden shots, I threw on my 25mm extension tube and snapped a couple of close ups.  My client didn't say a word about the garden shots (the subject of my shoot!) but loved my macros...  Clients always surprise me!

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EOS Bodies / Re: dual digic 4s vs single digic 5

« on: May 01, 2013, 01:00:23 AM »

Doesn't matter as much since the 70d isn't out, we can't be sure of what it will or won't do.  There will be a space for the 70d and there will be a 7d2 based on rumors.  Depending on what you use it for, it may work out for you - but personally I sold my 7D and my EF-S lens to feed my 5d mk3 fund.

Good call - I just sold my 7D - after getting my 5D MkIII, and having a 5D MkII as well, the 7D saw almost no action.  And yes, I primarily shoot wildlife, so even the crop wasn't enough.  The files are just so much better from the FF sensors, and the 5D MkIII AF and image quality is amazing!

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Available for Download

« on: April 30, 2013, 08:38:46 PM »

For those of us who use Canon batteries and don't care about video (the minority here I guess  ), the f/8 autofocus on a non-1D body is amazing and I couldn't be happier!  I can't believe that the AF is still so snappy at f/8 and can't wait to get out to shoot some wildlife

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Lenses / Re: 135mm vs. 100mm macro

« on: April 28, 2013, 01:25:47 PM »

I'm curious, just because I don't know any better, why those like Neuro, would take the 135 or 200 f/2 w/o IS at that focal length over something with it?

Because with the 135mm you can get 1/200s at f/2 at ISO 1600 or less in just about any lighting, even indoors in poor lighting.  I would be more leery of the 200mm because the non-IS model is a f/2.8.  Ultimately they're both great lenses (the 135 and 100 macro) and unless you shoot indoor sports (and need f/2) or macro (and need true 1:1) or have unsteady hands (and need IS), you can't go wrong with either lens.

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Lenses / Re: 135mm vs. 100mm macro

« on: April 27, 2013, 12:52:57 AM »

For your uses, I would buy the 135 f/2 and a 25mm extension tube (or set of Kenko tubes).  For wedding/event "macro" you're usually not going for a true 1:1, and the extension tube will get you to .41x.  Plus, you can use the 1.4x and 2x extenders with it.  It was my first L and is still my favorite lens. 

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Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: April 14, 2013, 03:55:06 PM »

Sold mine and wish I had kept it. The 2.8II is fantastic, but heavy to carry.

Zen

I think that sums up my decision.  I'll keep it for now and see how much I use it over the next 3 months.  If I don't use it, I'll sell it, but everyone's posts just made me realize how great it is to have a small telephoto lens, too.  Thinking about it more, I often take it with me when I might need telephoto lengths, even if I'm just planning too shoot with my wider lenses (e.g. architectural work).

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies!

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Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: April 14, 2013, 01:00:48 PM »

I guess I'm different from most of you.  I have the F4.  It's among the sharpest and most versatile lenses that I own and I see no reason to buy the 2.8.  I love the lightness of the lens and it produces simply spectacular images.

That's how I have felt for the last several years, but now I'm doing more photojournalism and sports work where the 135 f/2 isn't flexible enough (still love it though) if I'm stuck in one spot and the extra stop of light has become a necessity.  The f/4 is ideal for just about anything else, and I have been very happy with it.

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Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: April 13, 2013, 04:45:09 PM »

Thanks for the replies everyone.  I think I'll hang onto it for a little while to see if I use it, but I'm really impressed with the f/2.8 IS II and wonder if the f/4 IS will see much time on the camera.  I had also considered selling my 400 f/5.6, but the 70-200 + 2x extender doesn't quite match the quality and the weight is much heavier.  The 400 f/5.6 is a tricky lens, but I love it, especially on my 5D Mark III.

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Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon USA Rebates Starting April 14, 2013 [CR3]

« on: April 12, 2013, 04:40:43 PM »

Well, of course, just as soon as I drop $2000+ on a new 70-200 2.8 IS II...  So much for the previous rumor that there wouldn't anymore rebates until next spring

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Lenses / Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: April 12, 2013, 01:34:34 PM »

I just bought a new 70-200 f/2.8 IS II and still have my 70-200 f/4 IS.  I'm guessing others have probably "upgraded" as well and I'm wondering how many of you kept your f/4 or if you sold, any regret you had.  I have the 85 f/1.2 II and 135 f/2 plus teleconverters so I could use those for travel or when I need lighter weight.

I'm just wondering if I'll ever use the f/4 again, but it's been one of my favorite lenses, so I'm not sure what to do.