Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Ankorwatt goes to angkor wat

« on: April 03, 2013, 11:10:25 PM »

It's striking how many limbs you've photographically amputated. Is that an artistic decision, perhaps some sort of statement about the shortcomings of Southeast Asian life?

b&

*Chuckle* Some of the framing, I'll have to agree with you

Its likely a personal preference, but nothing to laugh at, everyone has their preferences, that doesn't mean right or wrong.

And I should hasten to add that my question wasn't for comedic effect. But I was struck by all the photographic amputations, and figured it couldn't just be a coincidence. And I don't get the significance....

b&

And I hasten to add mine was for comedic effect...hence the "chuckle". We have had several heavy handed chastising of simple comments made in jest. CR would be barren indeed if we censored and sought uniform approval.

2

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Ankorwatt goes to angkor wat

« on: April 03, 2013, 10:39:48 PM »

It's striking how many limbs you've photographically amputated. Is that an artistic decision, perhaps some sort of statement about the shortcomings of Southeast Asian life?

b&

*Chuckle* Some of the framing, I'll have to agree with you

3

Lens Gallery / Re: Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM

« on: April 03, 2013, 10:33:28 PM »

When you shoot tele you deal with a lot of the "transition zone" that can make for some ugly bokeh.  The 70-300L does a nice job with that transition zone.  I have not really seen anything too ugly coming out of it.  Having owned two copies each of the 70-200L (IS and non IS) f/4 zooms, I can safely say that I prefer this lens to those.  I haven't used Canon's 70-200 f/2.8L zooms enough to have an opinion there, but the size of those lens makes them less of a travel option.  I would probably love the 70-200LII for my event work, though.

Indeed, quality of the bokeh in stark gradient areas is a real differentiator and this doesn't always show up in "measurements". In this context, the 70-300L generates really plesant bokeh.

As for 70-200's, I own the f/4 IS and the f/2.8 IS II... While the 70-200 2.8II is a highly competent sharp zoom, it is not the second coming as some fanboys would have us all believe. It is sharp and versatile, but also heavy, and obvious. And most fair-minded people will agree the f/2.8II is not known for its silky bokeh... then again that may not be its main purpose. I periodically knock the 70-200 2.8II here simply because some fanboys just praise it to the heavens... I jokingly call it the "I-too-have-arrived-pricey-but-achievable-newbie zoom", just to poke them a bit .

Here is a 700-200 f.2.8 II image and the bokeh crop...it is competent zoom even on grey winter days but I never found the bokeh something to write home about.

 

 

4

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Ankorwatt goes to angkor wat

« on: April 03, 2013, 09:34:09 PM »

People shots are great like the girl with the hat..I didn't have a chance to go through the exifs but what lenses did ya use? Cheers!

5

Lenses / Re: Canon Inc. Announces Development Of 35mm Cinema Prime Lens, Sixth In A Series Of Compact, Lightw

« on: April 03, 2013, 09:27:25 PM »

This is a clear indication that Canon is increasingly focusing on newer emerging platforms as the established dSLR market gets saturated and sees healthy competition.

Early stages now, but if market adoption of the platform picks up even a little, it could be significant revenue stream for Canon. They will have to sell bucket loads of consumer line cheaper products to make the same money they do from a few copies of these higher end, high revenue, products.

6

Lenses / Re: New Canon L-lens: EF 16-600mm f2,8 L USM

« on: April 03, 2013, 09:19:57 PM »

f/2.8!!! what!! not f/1.4!!! The humanity! Canon disappoints yet again! I am leaving Canon for Nikon! That will learn 'em!

7

Lenses / Re: Is the upcoming 50mm F/2 IS USM for me?

« on: April 03, 2013, 08:44:26 PM »

Again, not a rumor -- just a certainty.   

This lens absolutely will happen in the near future (next 12-18 months).

"Near future"... I like that...as for me, in the near future, I am hoping to have Jetson-style flying cars released...and I  define near future as few years, but over the course of this thread I plan to specify that to be about 5 to 30 years.  Also, with 12-18 months you give yourself a rather wide berth there and one would hope it is tough to miss such a generous timeline. 

But the irony might very well be that Canon's obduracy outlasts even your safer, longer, 18 month prediction.

It seems to me that Canon is focusing on opening up and expanding into newer, high end venues that were not even around a decade ago...such as mega-K cine platforms and its cameras and lens needs as an example. 

Right now Canon has four 50mm models in its dSLR line up ...and their logic would be, though each has its own group of complainers and champions, there is plenty to choose from. I don't see Canon hurrying it up...in the "near future".  However, I do not doubt that the 50mm's will be updated sooner or later (see I am being "high risk" just like you).

But all kidding aside, I will be cheering along with you should your prediction come true and may even consider buying the damn lens.

8

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5d Mark III Shadow recovery

« on: April 03, 2013, 07:51:44 PM »

I am intrigued by blackcard approach...but if I were to guess, a very long exposure of sweeping vistas and swaying foliage may not be all that sharp with blackcard approaches... it would appear to me that quick successive HDR with less total time might be just as good if not better. A disclaimer, I am not a landscape nor HDR maven, so no bias here. Just thinking out loud.

9

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III AF Points with 50 1.2 and 85 1.2

« on: April 03, 2013, 07:39:48 PM »

In the same vein, the shallow DOF and bokeh "seen" wide open at f/1.2 through the viewfinder doesn't correspond in 85L with the image "captured" on the sensor which will have even shallower DOF than what you saw. Even stopped down to ~f/2.0 and even if you press the DOF button to preview, the DOF/bokeh "seen" doesn't change until you stop down to about ~f/2.0+. That is one full f/stop and then some.

But the final image on the sensor will reflect the actual f/1.2 or f/1.4 you set, generating more shallow DOF and bokeh than what you saw through the finder.

Somethings to keep in mind with such fast primes.

10

Lenses / Re: Fingerprint "investigation"? (ef 35mm f/1.4L)

« on: April 02, 2013, 11:34:51 AM »

This is not a big deal...fingerprints happen and brick and mortar stores that I sometimes use are much worse with handling. Does that then invalidate all their lenses? There may be lenses which were wiped down and cleaned up better before packaging that may have unknown problems...so it would be futile to go by fingerprints... Performance is what matters. If the lens is working, own it, and enjoy it.

My 35L, bought new from a brick and mortar store years (and years) ago...has seen tons of fingerprints in its long service, but still works beautifully.

11

Lens Gallery / Re: Canon 50mm 1.4

« on: March 31, 2013, 04:22:00 PM »

Be constructive guys...  His post is very simple and does not suggest this is a master shot. Just that he made one.

I like the crispness of the shot but I agree that the subject looks plastered to the background...no 3D effect that is so easy with this focal length. Also, in corporate portraits you generally don't want to emphasize cleavage or the farmers tan.

Beyond that, perhaps the OP can share a bit about the lighting and its placement with regard to the subject.

12

EOS Bodies / Re: Expect a REALLY Big announcement on Monday

« on: March 31, 2013, 11:11:07 AM »

Did we really need two of the same?

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=13907.0

Yes, what is the point of starting two threads essentially the same?

13

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: 580EX C. fn issue

« on: March 30, 2013, 10:19:35 PM »

You used to be able to get the tubes new off eBay for very little money. They are a bit of a fiddle to change but very doeable with a set of small screwdrivers. If you don't want to do it then any camera repair shop could do it for you too. Much better option than giving up on the flash.

Yup paid full price when it came out so may be worth saving. Not too good at do-it-yourself so I will have to take it to the local store and start there.

14

Reviews / Re: My full street photography kit and why my 5dmk3 is perfect for street shooting.

« on: March 30, 2013, 10:13:01 PM »

It always makes me chuckle when I see people use tape to hide the Canon logo etc.

Still this thread seems to be a good way for Mark to advertise his website. No harm there, I guess.

+1

Ding ding ding

15

Lenses / Re: Expecting some LARGE announcements this Monday

« on: March 30, 2013, 10:02:03 PM »

in view of the amount of bickering that goes on about which camera manufacturer is best, the two have decided to merge. The process will be gradual, and the new company will be called Cankon.

Canon and Nikkor merged lenses will be called "cankers" ...more appropriate I think for fanboys to get them :p