Messages

1

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Best flash diffuser for 580EX/600EX-RT

« on: September 25, 2012, 08:45:26 PM »

Save your $ for the lens.  Use either
Bounce flash or off-camera "bare" flash...

$ for the lens? I guess you mean the new 24-70 f/2.8II. It's on pre-order. Can't wait!

Bounce or bare flash are both useful for the right shot in the right physical environment. At a busy event, there's frequently nothing to bounce off, and straight flash would kill the shot. A diffuser offers another viable choice to use. For the sort of work I do when on-camera flash is the only option, a good diffuser would be the correct choice over 80% of the time. Straight flash is generally at it's best for daylight fill, as you have done in your posted image. Properly balanced against the natural light, skillfully used fill can be barely detectable.

-PW

Does this shot taken with off-camera "bare" flash detectable or worse than on-camera flash?  Being said that, I would avoid using on-camera flash for paid gig wedding/event.  Better of hiring assistant to hold a flash for you.  Direct flash is equivalent to unflattering lighting.

2

EOS Bodies / Re: What does the "D" in all camera bodies mean?

« on: September 24, 2012, 11:16:55 PM »

Do I need to say what Nikon 'F' mean too?

3

EOS Bodies / Re: Best FF option

« on: September 24, 2012, 11:15:55 PM »

Was at $2750 at Adorama in EBay last week or so.  See body forum.

4

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Best flash diffuser for 580EX/600EX-RT

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:48:43 PM »

Save your $ for the lens.  Use either

Bounce flash:



Or off-camera "bare" flash

5

EOS Bodies / Re: What does the "D" in all camera bodies mean?

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:11:01 PM »

D = damn

6

EOS Bodies / Re: DxOMark Sensor Performance: Nikon vs. Canon

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:09:06 PM »

I could careless about DxO and pixel-peep thing .   Got one yourself and be done with it.

7

EOS Bodies / Re: Best FF option

« on: September 24, 2012, 09:07:03 PM »

Get 5d3 when the price comes down to ~$2.5k

8

Portrait / Re: Speedlight for perfect night portraits

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:37:03 PM »

Folks already mentions lot of resources, check out strobist.blogspot.com.  I attach a photo of my kids taken at (I think ISO 1000) with off-camera flash.  I'm using 5d2

Enjoy & good luck!

9

Lenses / Re: How often do you use 35L @1.4

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:31:47 PM »

This lens is near the top of my want list. I have also found 50mm a bit too long to be a dedicated walkabout prime.

Agreed, I bought 50mm f/1.4 and shot only few times.  85mm is better fit for portrait.

10

Portrait / Re: Need help with group picture!!

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:28:41 PM »

Looks good, love the soft lighting.   I like the first edit, well done!

However, if you don't know photoshop well, don't overdo it.  It's good already.

11

Portrait / Re: Beach Portrait

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:25:21 PM »

Actually, it's not a bad portrait.  It however could be improved if you raise 2/3-> 1 EV stop as the shot was underexposed due to backlit scene.  Turning the body to face the light will also help.  Composition wide, either give it more space or closing up a bit more to avoid cutting the body at the join.  It seems handicapped photo as it's cut right at the waist.

12

Lenses / Re: EF 24-70 2.8 II quick review

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:18:52 PM »

No photo ?

13

Portrait / Re: New User - First 5D Mark III Portrait

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:17:17 PM »

Good portrait in overall.  Avoid over-saturate.  Which lens do  you shoot? 

Regarding your question regarding 1dx or 5d3, honestly, if you can afford, go for 1dX. 

Read this review for lengthy review of the 5d3 and the comparison with 1dX.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-III-DSLR-Camera-Review.aspx

For me, besides $$, weight is my other concern.

14

Landscape / Re: Best lens for landscapes for a trip to the mountains?

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:08:15 PM »

Also consider this one: Sigma 11-16mm f/2.8 II over 10-22mm if they carry it.  Read review, lots of rave about it.

15

Lenses / Re: How often do you use 35L @1.4

« on: September 24, 2012, 08:02:28 PM »

If i shoot portrait for a single person like my son, I shoot mostly at 2.0->2.5 and still get super sharpness that zoom lens like 24-70mm f/2.8 cannot at f2.8. 



35mm certainly is my walkaround lens.  However, I still prefer wide-angle lens for environmental portrait like this one, shot with 17-14mm f/4.0, which shows lots of distortion.  I've been waiting for sth like 12-24mm that Nikon gang has .



or

the attached photo