Messages

1

Lenses / Re: Canon 50 L II

« on: March 28, 2013, 12:51:52 PM »

I feel like we should start a petition to sigma:

... unfortunately, the less good/up to date/reasonably priced Canon lenses are around, the less reason there is to use Canon at all - for me, it's Magic Lantern, but if it wouldn't be for that I'd really think about switching to Nikon.

+1
You are right.  One of Canon's big strength is its high quality lenses.  Nowadays the third parties are making really good lenses.  Switching system is very possible.  However, most people cannot make decision here are because they have many stuff for Canon system.  That's why I also will stay with Canon for at least years.
By the way, Magic Lantern is very good for those xxD and xxxD.  I used to love ML firmware for my T2i and 5D2.  However, I think I don't need ML for my 5D3.  Magic Lantern is not the reason to keep me staying with Canon already.

2

Lenses / Re: 40mm f/2.8 Wow what a lens

« on: March 27, 2013, 04:47:08 PM »

I believe it's a nice lens as well, for the price, however, I think it's a bit lacking in contrast on my 5d m3.

agreed, usually set contrast +1 or +2 and color sat +1 in DPP.

It's a useful lens for high contrast scenes then

+1
It's a useful lens.  I really like the pancake design.  I really have a lot of fun with this lens.  Hopefully Canon can make 30mm pancake lens, so I will like to buy it and use it on SL1.

3

Lenses / Re: 50mm: Wich one?

« on: March 27, 2013, 04:42:53 PM »

I have Sigma 50mm F1.4.  The AFMA for this lens was 13 when I just bought it.  I believe it would be a problem if I used it on a body has no AFMA feature.  With AF adjustment, the lens is perfect.  Few months ago I sent it back to Sigma maintenance center to adjust AF.  I received the lens in two weeks with a perfect AF adjustment.  The AFMA setting for this lens now is 0.
My points are:
If your camera body has AFMA feature, you don't need to worry about the AF issue.
If your camera body has no AFMA feature and you don't mind to send the lens back to Sigma maintenance center, the AF issue of this lens is also not an issue for you.
Otherwise, Canon 50mm F1.4 might be a better choice.

Unfortunately AFMA is not that simple for this lens.   Some of the lenses exhibit "schitzophrenic" AF.
See Roger's Take here:
http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/normal-range/sigma-50mm-f1.4-dg-hsm-for-canon
If you AFMA one of the lenses that exhibit this characteristic...you will throw the focus out at one end or the other.
He is a very reliable source and I am sure he has handled many of these lenses....his word weighs heavy for me.
That being said...I have a Sigma and have not really had a consistent focus problem. I get mostly keeper.
Really love the lens, especially considering what my other choices are for AF lenses.

I heard that before I purchased Sigma 50mm F1.4.  However, I also read some comments from other websites about the improvement of this lens for its new version from 2011.  Some people mention that the new version has much better QC and improved AF.  That's why I decided to give it a try last year.  I thought the worth case was returning the lens.  Fortunately I gave it a try.  The lens is excellent and I am very happy with it.

4

Lenses / Re: 50mm: Wich one?

« on: March 27, 2013, 12:55:23 PM »

I have Sigma 50mm F1.4.  The AFMA for this lens was 13 when I just bought it.  I believe it would be a problem if I used it on a body has no AFMA feature.  With AF adjustment, the lens is perfect.  Few months ago I sent it back to Sigma maintenance center to adjust AF.  I received the lens in two weeks with a perfect AF adjustment.  The AFMA setting for this lens now is 0.
My points are:
If your camera body has AFMA feature, you don't need to worry about the AF issue.
If your camera body has no AFMA feature and you don't mind to send the lens back to Sigma maintenance center, the AF issue of this lens is also not an issue for you.
Otherwise, Canon 50mm F1.4 might be a better choice.

5

EOS Bodies / Re: refurbished 5d III, what do you think?

« on: March 05, 2013, 12:03:43 AM »

During last holiday season many 5D3 sales around 2600 without tax.  If you can wait, you should see 2500 deal in 6 to 8 months.  If you cannot wait, go to get the refurbished one.  From statistics point of view, electronics items has high defect rate in the first few weeks use.  Once there is no problem in the first few weeks use, they usually last for years.

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Finnish wearing on my 5D Mark III

« on: March 01, 2013, 02:34:16 PM »

This is a known problem, check this topic: http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11571.0 . You should take this up with Canon

Thanks for the information.

My 5D3 also has minor peeling problem.  However, that won't affect the IQ of the camera.  Since I am not going to resell the camera for years, I am fine with the issue.

7

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 12-24 f/2.8L [CR1]

« on: February 27, 2013, 04:32:12 PM »

It does sound a bit far fetched to create this with the recent optical quality of their L glass. Personally I'm not interested in something to merely equal the Sigma 12-24 optically.

If the IQ of Canon 12-24 L is only slightly better than the IQ of Sigma one, Canon has better not put this lens on the market.  I had Sigma 12-24 years ago.  The IQ is too soft, so I decided to sell it.  Now I am very satisfied  my Samyang 14mm which has much better IQ than Sigma 12-24.

8

Canon General / Re: Canon to Update Firmware for 5D MK III and 1D X AF with Speedlight Assist Lamp

« on: February 06, 2013, 04:47:03 PM »

Good news

Agreed.

Actor Headshots NYC | Gotham Family Photos | NY Wedding Photography

+1 here.

9

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Lens repair taking forever - option

« on: February 06, 2013, 04:42:45 PM »

I would wait.  Sigma has better build and QC for their new lenses.  There is no reason to get a older version.  Personal I prefer buy new lens because of the warranty service.  I got my Sigma 50mm F/1.4 8 months ago.  The Lens is brilliant when AFMA is 13.  However, I still sent it back to Sigma last week for the focus adjustment service. 

10

Lenses / Re: How do you test a lens at a store?

« on: January 21, 2013, 12:30:21 PM »

i don´t test at all in stores.
all stores in my area suck.

i order a copy at amazon, test it at home and if it´s bad i send it back.
 
returning a lens to amazon is much more hassle free then arguing with a clerk.

+1 ... exactly!

Why would one try to test a lens in a store when it is done so much easier and better at home.

+1

I also like to buy online.  Nowadays returning/exchanging is so easy and free.

11

Software & Accessories / Re: Magic Lantern; innovative software or an expensive brick maker?

« on: January 18, 2013, 12:59:00 PM »

Agree!  If you have basic computer knowledge and know how ML works, you should know ML will never brick your camera.  We need to stop giving this kind wrong information.

I work as a software developer, and I have learned that "never" is a famous last word just before badness tends to happen... But I agree in spirit, the history of ML as well as the caution seemingly displayed by its devs seems to indicate that bricking is very unlikely. BTW, how many of those that fear ML bricking have ever brought their expensive DSLR aboard a boat, into humid/sandy conditions, or somewhere else where the camera could easily have been bricked? Life brings all kinds of risks, take those where the benefit outweighs the drawbacks.

I have installed the alpha 2 on my 7D. I am only interested in still-image features. I have tested the focus peaking feature, but it made my camera restart after 60 seconds or so.

-h

You are right.  I shouldn't use "NEVER".  As an IT guy, I can clearly say an application should not damage a system if the application is not going to deal with the firmware/hardware directly.  ML is just an application, not a real firmware.

12

Software & Accessories / Re: Magic Lantern; innovative software or an expensive brick maker?

« on: January 18, 2013, 12:05:38 PM »

Unless you have, or know of people who've had their cameras bricked by ML (the OP suggests you hyaven't) can i suggest changing the title of this thread.

A lot of people are put off using their really useful software because of the (practically non-existent) threat of bricking their camera. So long as you are able to follow simple instructions there really is absolutely no problems with their stable releases. Their alpha/betas in my experience (about half a dozen cameras including 500ds 600ds 5dm2's 5dm3) are also fine.

Agree!  If you have basic computer knowledge and know how ML works, you should know ML will never brick your camera.  We need to stop giving this kind wrong information.

13

EOS Bodies / Re: New Rebel T4i vs 60d/7D

« on: January 18, 2013, 12:48:02 AM »

Looks 7D is not what you should get.  For me there are only three reasons for 60D.
1. 1/8000 shutter speed
2. Weather sealed
3. Better build body

14

Lenses / Re: Focusing on L lenses vs LII

« on: January 17, 2013, 01:13:52 PM »

AFMA on my 5D3 works well with all my lenses.  If the third party lenses works fine, the older L lenses should be fine as well.

15

Canon General / Re: 70-200 F2.8 mark I or mark II?!

« on: January 05, 2013, 02:12:05 PM »

I had two 70-200 MK1 lenses and have the 70-200 MK2.  I can tell you MK2 is MUCH better than MK1.