Messages

1

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Anyone compared sirui and benro carbon tripods?

« on: April 08, 2013, 10:46:43 PM »

I purchased two Sirui N2204/G20X last year which are used to support a 60" dolly during time-lapse shots.  They provide a solid, easily-adjustable pier and work very well.  They're so light and pack so small that I prefer them to my 3541 for long trail hikes. 

2

Lenses / Re: Filters from 17 TSE can be used on 24 1.4?

« on: March 28, 2013, 06:23:25 PM »

I modified a lens cap for my TS-E 17 in accordance with the linked instructions.  After the modification, the cap clips onto the lens normally but the other side provides an annular dovetail interface to which a filter holder, such as the Lee or Conklin can be mounted.  Filters are then installed into the filter holder prior to capturing an image. 

The same filter holder can be attached to the front of conventional lenses such as the 24 1.4 or TS-E 24 using threaded adapters from Lee or Conklin which screw into threads at the front of the lens to present an identical dovetail mechanical interface allowing attachment of the Lee/Conklin filter holder. 

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Software & Accessories / Re: BlackRapid & Kirk clamp hook-up

« on: February 16, 2013, 03:24:19 PM »

Simply attach one half of an OP/TECH Uni-Loop to the camera strap lug or L-bracket and the other half to the sliding member of the BR strap.  Click the strap members together after attaching the Arca clamp.  This does not impede the utility of the BR strap whatsoever. 

This provides a fail-safe should the clamp ever loosen.  I use this approach, but have never observed the Arca clamp to loosen unexpectedly. 

A little paranoia is normal. 

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Lenses / Re: TS-E lens

« on: February 06, 2013, 10:11:00 PM »

I built a copy of the lens cap filter holder described on the Fred Miranda site for the TS-E 17.  Took a few hours for assembly and overnight for the epoxy which affixes the Lee ring to the cap to cure.  But, the result is well worth it.  I am now able to use the Lee filters on my TS-E 17, and all other lenses. 

Be sure to machine off the step on the inside of the Lee filter adapter before affixing to the cap.  This will increase the max shift by a few mm before vignetting.  A straight bearing bit on a router table will made short work of this.   

5

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: EVF for Canon DSLR

« on: January 28, 2013, 07:49:29 AM »

I mount a a SmallHD DP4 to monitor to the L bracket of my 5D3 connected to HDMI to achieve critical focus of my manual-focus lenses when capturing landscapes and nightscapes.  Use of the external monitor DP4 provides several advantages.  Primarily, it allows use of a hood to eliminate glare from ambient light.  Secondly, it allows tilting the monitor at a convenient viewing angle.  Thirdly, it provides focus peaking and other visual aids. 

I also use CamRanger (CR) which provides remote RF tethering to iOS devices, including live view and capture.  The SmallHD and CR each have their strengths and weaknesses.  But both are superior to using the VF or LCD back for critical focus in certain manual-focus scenarios. 

6

EOS Bodies / Re: Patent: Noise & Aliasing Reduction for Small Pixels

« on: January 20, 2013, 11:41:20 AM »

A patent application requires reduction to practice.  The implementation presented need not yet be commercially viable or readily manufacturable, but must exist at the time of application.  So a 2011 prototype could form the basis for a product in 2013. 

7

Software & Accessories / Re: CamRanger?

« on: December 29, 2012, 04:17:15 PM »

I just received this yesterday for use as an aid in night-sky photography.  I was able to connect to my 5D3 camera, remote focus, zoom and live view within a few minutes of receipt.  Connection is made to the CamRanger via an ad-hoc network, the iPad app is trivial to use and LiveView performance is quite good - I would estimate about a 100-200 mS lag, which does not substantially impede manual focusing. 

I ordered the extra battery, but I wouldn't recommend doing so to others.  Removal of the plastic battery compartment door is clumsy and I suspect that repeated removals will break the retaining tangs in short order. 

Overall, I am content with the purchase. 

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Quick Release Systems - What's the best, most flexible way to go for a 5D3?

« on: December 05, 2012, 06:39:27 PM »

...

Personally, I use Blackrapid straps.  I have Kirk 1" clamps (Arca-Swiss type) on the emds of the straps, so I can simply attach the strap to the plates that are on my cameras and lenses, and easily remove the strap when I want to mount to a tripod/monopod.

I use a BR strap and RRS L-bracket also.  While I have some Kirk 1" clamps, I am very concerned that the Kirk plate could loosen enough during use for the camera to slide out of the dovetail and drop.  There are no safety screws on the RRS L bracket.  Your thoughts on this? 

9

Lenses / Re: 24-70 F/4L IS - Why I will Buy/Not Buy this lens.

« on: November 06, 2012, 07:33:19 PM »

Anyone know where I can get a nice, wall-mounted locking glass case for the 600/4L IS II, so I can display it and keep the dust off? 

I can build you one http://serialobsessor.wordpress.com/2012/03/03/wood-shop-tour/. 

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EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Mods get your sh** together and approve the topics that are idle.

« on: October 29, 2012, 11:16:36 AM »

Easy, Caroline. Why the vulgarity?

Great quote - had to research the reference. 

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: FoCal likes the mk3 AF

« on: October 29, 2012, 09:14:05 AM »

Focal Pro detected my 5D3 running Mac beta 1.7.0.224 - after I rummaged for a decent, long USB cable.  I previously calibrated all of my lenses using the latest non-beta Windows version.  But, I thought it'd be interesting to compare against the automated results from the OS X version, but apparently that feature is not yet available regardless of platform. 

The OS X beta did crash frequently in my usage yesterday, so I will revert to the last release version until those issues are resolved.  By contrast, the last Windows release version crashed only once, when I attempted to generate a report. 

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: FoCal likes the mk3 AF

« on: October 28, 2012, 10:51:09 PM »

Yes - in fact, full auto is the only mode available for the 5DIII and 1D X (manual and MSC are not supported yet in the Mac version).

Neuro -

Have you successfully used fully automatic mode using the latest Focal Pro beta under OS X?  I tried it today hoping to utilize fully automatic mode on my 5D3, but the restriction remains.

13

Lenses / Re: Lens and filter options for landscape photography

« on: October 18, 2012, 10:28:35 AM »

I am using an L bracket.  But, I didn't know that the level indicator could be superimposed in LV mode.  Guess I should read, rather than acknowledge the existence of, the manual.  Thanks for the tip. 

14

Lenses / Re: Lens and filter options for landscape photography

« on: October 18, 2012, 09:51:41 AM »

Already have plenty of leveling bubbles: Two on the D4 head, one on the leveling base and one on the tripod.  My camera will be level in four dimensions 

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Lenses / Re: Lens and filter options for landscape photography

« on: October 18, 2012, 02:32:55 AM »

Thanks to all for your helpful responses and suggestions.  Per the advise above, I ordered just two 4x6 grads and a B&W slim screw-on circular polarizer - better to add more later only as needed.  I opted for the TS-E 24mm II.