Messages

1

Landscape / Re: Post Your Best Landscapes

« on: May 19, 2013, 08:25:49 PM »

I have posted the Haystacks picture in the lens gallery, but thought I'd pop it into the Landscape gallery along with another picture. They are both taken in the English Lakes District National Park, the first from a small mountain known as 'Haystacks", looking towards Crummock Water and Ennerdale Water, with High Stile in the middle, at 2,643 feet. I know many around the world will laugh at that height being a mountain ( not those in the Netherlands     ) but to us Brits it's a mountain.

Second picture is taken in Borrowdale by the River Derwent, looking towards Maiden Moor, a paltry 1,887 feet.

All on the 24-105 at f11, at which aperture this lens is as good as anything else really, especially after pp.

Lovely Images Sporgon, I seemed to have missed all these lovely places when I visited the area, seemed to rain an inordinate amount of time, but your shots show just what I missed.

2

EOS Bodies / Re: Eos 1Dx OR...?

« on: May 19, 2013, 08:18:03 PM »

So we know the Op is a Moron, we can leave that point and move on to what I've found a difficult decision in this Thread, who's covered the Op the best, considering his loose grasp on reality.

I think Neuro's comment quickly goes to the top, using the Idiot Ops own comment.

But then Dylan777's achievement award has to be considered pretty damn good.

But, I think the prize should go to "whothafunk", his imaginative end use of a 300f/2.8 L IS Version 2 isn't something we normally consider, but in this case, good idea.

3

Lenses / Re: 400 f/2.8L IS I vs. 400 f/2.8L IS II

« on: May 19, 2013, 08:06:29 PM »

I am only curious, but has anyone ever really done a true comparison in performance between these two lenses (and the 300's as well)?  I just wonder if there are actually any in-the-field performance differences.  The ISO comparion charts look very similar.  I was just curious.  Thanks.

Hi bdunbar79, I've owned both the 300f/2.8 & 400f/2.8 Version i Lenses & currently own the same two Version 2 Lenses.

I cant do a side by side comparison as I sold the Version 1 lenses to own the version 2 lenses, but these would be my thoughts on the two versions.

IQ: Difficult question, looking at my own shots and I haven't a clue about all the charts & stuff, but just blowing up and looking at Version 1 lenses IQ compared to Version 2, there is not too much difference in IQ, if I had to say one or the other I'de say Version 2 is better, but damn hard call.

Weight: well that's easy, the 300 & 400 Version 2 Lenses are a Dream, the 300 is now a 100% hand holdable all conditions Lens, the 400 spends most of it's time still on the monopod or the Tripod (because I'm damn lazy), but it's Hand Holdable for short periods, the Version 1 400 just wasn't unless you had Arnold as a Sherpa.

Focus: the Version 2 Lenses just snap on like the Version 1 lenses didn't, I get very few OOF Shots with the Version 2

I've never for a moment regretted going from the Version 1 to the version 2, if you can get past the price, there's no contest, just the weight alone did it for me, but the upgrade in ability to Focus faster and marginally better IQ, were simply nice to haves.

My own shooting shows I use the 300 slightly more than the 400 (Wildlife), and I pick up the 200-400f/4 (1.4x) in June, the Lens I'll be selling will be the 400f/2.8 v2, not at all because it's not a great Lens, it is, but the versatility of the 200-400f/4 for my own Photography needs will lean more to the versatility (but slower) 200-400f/4 than the 400f/2.8.

So if your in Singapore in the next month or two or three, there's a 400f/2.8 Version 2 looking for a home.

I'm sure you've read this, but if not it may answer some of your questions

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-400mm-f-2.8-L-IS-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

4

Canon General / Re: If the Japanese Yen is now low, why are Canon prices staying high?

« on: May 19, 2013, 01:58:16 AM »

Canon has upped it's profit guidance because of devaluation of the JPY. That basically confirms that there is no price reduction in the offing. Canon is just going to use the forex gains to boost their balance sheets.

Canon doesn't play the fx market -> they price in yen and pay their staff in yen...the 5d mkii was launched in yen as was the mkiii...both actually less than 5000 yen apart despite a 4 year gap, thats fifty bucks increase in american dollars between 2008 to 2012 for all the extra features (more af points, higher iso etc.).

If canon were pricing their products in foreign currency and paying their costs in domestic...well that would be the same as you having a Norwegian Krone home loan whilst being paid in American Dollars => R I S K Y. Stocks who run un-hedged fx risk get hosed by brokers and investors.

Canon guided higher probably because they're selling more products (volume boost) thanks to more affordability in overseas markets thanks to the weaker yen...WHY cos' they price in yen! Would also explain why people on this site recently refer to increase in mkt share that canon is enjoying over other jap cam companies

There are some many misstatements in your above posts I wouldn't know where to begin ... I suggest you read this -

http://in.reuters.com/article/2013/04/24/canon-earnings-idINDEE93N05I20130424

The only Multi National Companies that sell products into Foreign markets that Don't Play/Hedge the FX Market against fluctuation Currencies, are the ones you no longer see in Business. For a Company the size of Canon, with the Majority of sales in Foreign Currencies NOT to take into account FX Exchange rates in their fiscal Policy going forward & Hedge those Positions, is a reasonably straightforward recipe for disaster.

Dilbert (i have to admit) made an excellent point in his earlier Post, Canon incur costs to get a product to Market, those Costs are incurred with a 3 to 6 month Historical Position, if the Current weak Yen continues for the next 6 to 12 months, you might see a reduction in Canon equipment, but I wouldn't hold my breath, Sales Prices are determined by the Market, if Nikon starts reducing prices, so will Canon, but if demand remains the same, Canon will simply reap the benefits of a weaker Yen/USD, it's called Business.

I'm pretty sure you wont see a Honda/Toyota/Suzuki Car at any any reduced price in the near future, unless the Market dictates it by other Car Manufactures reducing price to get Market Share.

5

Lenses / Re: Canon 70 - 200 f2.8L version 2

« on: May 18, 2013, 10:09:53 PM »

Depends on what you want to do with it. I have both the 70-200 and 70-300 you mention but it is the former which gets used the most. In fact I cannot even remember using the 70-300 in recent weeks, but the 70-200 has been extremely busy.

Both are great lenses, and each has advantages and disadvantages over the other, as I say, it really depends on what you want to shoot with them.

Good advise, you have mentioned Lenses that don't really have the same use, between the 70-200 & 70-300 (I have both), the 70-200 is it, buy a 1.4x Converter and you have a pretty remarkable set up, but it's a bit of a Beast to carry about.

If your looking at Portrait/Street Photography then it's the 85f/1.2 II or the 135f/2, again I have both, the 85f/1.2 is simply with out Peer I feel, this is a superb lens, but, the price point between these two lenses is a deciding point for most, the 135f/2 is a great Lens at a ridiculously low price.

Keep in mind also that the 85 does autofocus slower then the 135, but personally I've not found that an issue since going to the 1Dx & 5DMK III, but it was a concern on the 5DMK II & 1DMK IV.

6

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Nikon 14-24 or 16-35 for Nikon D600?

« on: May 18, 2013, 09:53:00 PM »

I shot 14-24 on D800 through a friend, all I can say is WOW.

My vote is 14-24. I wish Canon can match or do better than current Nikon 14-24.

There are already lenses for Canon bodies whose optical quality surpasses that of Nikon's 14-24.

Read the OP.  You cannot mount a Canon lens to a Nikon Body!! 
 
You should also tell us which superior  14-24 lens is made for Canon bodies that is better so we can avail of your wisdom.

The Nikon 14-24f/2.8 as far as a WA Zoom is concerned, has no pears, I purchased the D800 sometime back as a possible replacement for my 5DMK II gear for Underwater Photography, I already had the 14-24 and was using it with the Novaflex Adaptor on my Canon Gear, works fine but you loose the autofocus.

I have since sold my D800 and Nikon lenses, the D800 in my view simply didn't live up to the Hype and have since Housed my 5DMK III, But I have held onto the 14-24, until Canon bring out an equivalent this Lens remains the best WA Zoom on the Market (as long as you don't mind manual focus on a Canon Body), Canon have nothing to compare.

And before everyone leaps on my back, keep in mind we are talking about WA Zooms here, not primes I have the 17TSE & 24 TSE + The Zeiss 15f/2.8 Distagon T, all absolutely brilliant lenses for IQ, but they are Primes, the Op is talking Zooms, and the price point of these 3 Primes I've mentioned tend to keep them in the Camera Bags of those with True, nothing can help, addiction.

But, back to your question, get the 14-24 if it's in your price range, there's a big difference in price and IQ between the 14-24 f/2.8 & 16-35f/4 Nikon Lenses, I don't know about the IQ of the 16-35f/4, but I cant see it being equal to the 14-24f/2.8, nothing much is.

7

Canon General / Re: If the Japanese Yen is now low, why are Canon prices staying high?

« on: May 18, 2013, 09:34:01 PM »

The Apple/Adobe scenario in fact for Aussies.

You would benefit where you buy your gear in Yen, in Japan, as long as you started out in USD.

Problem there of course is that camera Prices in Japan are not that cheap when compared to the USA, the US benefits by Market size, here in Singapore we try to purchase local equivalent to a US best price using say B&H as a base point, then if we leave Singapore within 2 months we benefit by the GST refund 7%, it's one of the few ways I've found to get a cheaper price than the US.

Hong Kong you certainly can, but you then need to be more concerned about "Grey" Market issues & lack of Support when the shiny new Camera decides to go belly up.

8

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 18, 2013, 08:45:26 PM »

Hi Kernuak, Try this, not the best solution, but works.

+ the Singh Ray 4' x 6' (100mm wide) fits the Lee Holder.


http://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2010/12/ad-hoc-reverse-nd-grad-filters/

9

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 17, 2013, 11:22:31 PM »

My most recent sunset shot. 

Visual Symphony
Canon EOS 5D Mark III ı Canon TS-E24mm f/3.5L II ı Lee 1.2 ND Filter ı Singh Ray 0.9 Reverse ND Grad Filter ı Singh Ray LB Warming Polarizer ı 24mm ı 15s ı f/11 ı ISO 100

Visual Symphony by shutterwideshut on Flickr

Lovely shot, really.

I have the Lens, but not the skills with it, clearly you do, your use of Filters and time have made a Beautiful Image, well done.

10

1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: May 17, 2013, 10:50:03 PM »

Portraits from the Village in the Mountains.

All shot with the 1Dx & 200f/2 L IS

11

Lenses / Re: 400 F2.8 with Externder or 600 F 4.0 ? help need to take a decision....

« on: May 17, 2013, 03:22:41 AM »

Wildlife & Birds in Flight Photography

Two subjects that require a different approach.

I have both the Version 2 400f/2.8 & 600f/4, and in my own use they are Lenses that I use for different Geography, I'm not a Bird Photographer, having said that, I take Photos of Birds from time to time, but mostly I take Images of Wildlife.

The 400 I tend to use when I know I'm going to be in more Bush type Country, less Open space where I feel I'll be getting closer to my subject, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, the 1.4x series 3 works great on this Lens, but the 2x I feel degrades the Image so I Rarely use it.

The 600 I tend to pack & take on trips where I'm likely to be working in more Open areas, subjects expected to be further away, Tanzania, Kenya, Arctic & Antarctic. Same applies re the Converters, 1.4x matches well with very little degrading of the Image, 2x very seldom.

Another set up may be worth looking at, the New 200-400f/4 (1.4x), more versatile, Image IQ from reports I've seen indicate excellent, and I've handled the Lens myself earlier this year all indicate that this may well be "The Wildlife" Lens, certainly I have a Pre Order in & expect to take delivery mid June, it's a little short @ 560f/5.6 for a dedicated Bird Lens I would think, the 600 has the reach with the 1.4x extender, 840f/5.6. But up to almost 600 you have a huge amount of versatility, worth looking at if your leaning towards "wildlife" over Birds in flight.

All three of these Lenses are in a similar cost ballpark, along with the 500 mentioned by others, I'm sure it's just as good as the other V2 Lenses from Canon.

12

Lenses / Re: I have a weight limit....what would you bring?

« on: May 17, 2013, 03:03:16 AM »

Book an extra seat on your flights and take more gear.

Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

13

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

« on: May 17, 2013, 12:38:57 AM »

Another review on the Lens from an Aussie Pro Photographer, Joshua Holko, some interesting comparison comments regards the 200-400 and the Series 1 300f/2.8 & 400f/2.8


http://blog.jholko.com/2013/05/14/canon-200-400mm-f4l-is-pre-production-sample-lens-review/

14

Lenses / Re: Can the 70-200 2.8L II IS replace my 100L and 135L?

« on: May 16, 2013, 08:28:12 PM »

Everybody will have a different opinion, only you can make the decision for your photography. And you are a superb photographer that gets the best out of both the 100 and the 135.

Personally, I believe, after getting the 70-200 and the initial love fest, you will start to see slight limitations in it, it doesn't focus as close as the 100, we are not talking macro shooting, just tight closeups, and it isn't as smooth as the 135.

I would strongly advise keeping what you can until you have owned the 70-200 for a while, then make a decision based on your actual images.

The one negative that has been leveled at the 70-200 is the harsh bokeh, your images often display very smooth blurring as an integral aspect of the image.

Excellent advise, I have all three Lenses, each have their use, no doubt in my own mind for dead straight IQ, the 135f/2, even though this is an oldish Lens, is just great.

The 70-200f/2.8 L IS II is also about as good as it gets for a 70-200, but in some conditions your going to be thinking "Crap this is getting heavy", that's when you'll regret getting rid of the 135f/2, the 70-200 isn't really your "incognito" type Lens.

The 100f/2.8 L IS is for me a straight Underwater Macro, I don't think I've ever used it on Land, but I may look at Land macro at some point, so it's a keeper for me, great IQ as well.

I find it extremely hard to sell Lenses I no longer use so much, almost like selling my Children.

15

Lenses / Re: Best fisheye for canon.

« on: May 16, 2013, 08:16:23 PM »

Wasn't able to find exactly what you wanted, but I've attached a couple of Images so it may help.

Keep in mind the "Fish Eye" effect is lessened considerably Underwater, mainly due to the Curvature of the Housing Dome, what you do still get is Fall Off to the edges & mostly the corners, using software for Underwater Images to "fix" the distortion is often a lesson in futility.

At 15mm the 8-15f/4 is just simply streets ahead of the older 15f/2.8, but it comes at a price difference, and the 8-15f/4 at less than say 14mm is of debatable real value (to me), although I have seen a lot of very nice Images even @ 8mm, so it's always going to be down to the user & their "artistic" view, someone posted earlier about the positive value of the older 15f/2.8, and they are right, it's a good Lens as well, it's just not up to the IQ of the 8-15f/4.

The Manta Shot: 5DMK II 8-15F/4, Shot @ f/7.1 & 1/125th ISO200

My Son's First Dive B&W: 5DMK II 15f/2.8, Shot @ f/8.0 & 1/125th ISO100