Messages

1

Lighting / Re: 270 ex ii or 430 exii for vacation

« on: May 10, 2013, 01:23:30 PM »

with a Stofen.

why? for outdoor shots, it's not like the flash is going to bounce off of anything... a sto-fen would just cost you flash power.

People shots, fill flash, softening, don't see how your going to be able to us a bounce flash much if at all at Disneyland.

I'd also use manual and dial it down a bit too for close-ups

That's the point. the sto-fen Omni Bounce is exactly that: it simulates a bare-bulb effect, throwing light everywhere, so it bounces off of every available surface. It's not a softbox, and the apparent flash head size is the same, so you'll still get the same shadows you'd get without it. You're just throwing light in other directions that will be wasted instead of landing on your subject. Might as well not use it and just use a bare flash head. Or, get something like a Lumiquest softbox that goes onto the flash head and softens the light, if that's your goal.

No doubt, a little soft box on your flash head would be much better but a little bulky for walking around Disneyland.    And of course the Stofen diffuser is not ideal but I'd rather have it than direct flash for a little fill-in flash.

2

Lighting / Re: 270 ex ii or 430 exii for vacation

« on: May 10, 2013, 10:40:00 AM »

with a Stofen.

why? for outdoor shots, it's not like the flash is going to bounce off of anything... a sto-fen would just cost you flash power.

People shots, fill flash, softening, don't see how your going to be able to us a bounce flash much if at all at Disneyland.

I'd also use manual and dial it down a bit too for close-ups

3

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: May 10, 2013, 10:07:29 AM »

Feedback on my purchase

Well I got the last of my stuff delivered yesterday and all I can say is the Really Right Stuff is awesome stuff.  I'm an extremely impressed with precision, the machining, engraving, and the finish of every little detail.   I love how you can adjust and set the drag to increase the fluidity of the ball.   I got the quick release style clamp and their Arca Swiss custom plates (body, lens, grip).  Now that I've had my hands on the AS system I could never go back. 

As a bonus benefit, I ordered one of these clamps http://reallyrightstuff.com/ProductDesc.aspx?code=B2-FAB-F&type=0&eq=&desc=B2-FAB-F-38mm-clamp-with-flat-back&key=it so I could attach my Black Rapid fastener to it.  With the fastener loctited on, I can quickly switch between bodies without disrupting the secured fastener.

Yes RRS is a little pricy but IMO, it is not over-priced.  You really do get a lot for your money.

So if you are reading this and researching heads:

Is RRS worth the cost? - yes
Arca Swiss? – a big yes


The Gitzo tripod, what can I say, rock solid, precise, and light weight.

I even unloaded my old tripods via Craigslist and recouped a fair amount.

Thanks all again for your help!

4

Lighting / Re: 270 ex ii or 430 exii for vacation

« on: May 10, 2013, 08:32:43 AM »

Yip, where's that RT replacement for the 430?   If it where I, the 430 or 600 with a Stofen.

5

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: LCD Protector

« on: May 01, 2013, 01:35:44 PM »

How about no protection at all?   I tried a screen protector a few years ago and didn't like it.   Once I found out how inexpensive it was to have it replaced by Canon Service I pulled it off.  I prefer a clear bright screen.    It would be nice if Canon made the screen user replaceable.

Do you remember the cost?  If I send the camera in for cleaning, the shipping is already paid.  Otherwise I shipping can add $40-60 to the cost.

I do not recall, it was here on CR that someone posted the cost.  If you call CS, they should be able to give you a price over the phone if its just the protective cover and not the actual LCD. 

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: LCD Protector

« on: May 01, 2013, 11:37:07 AM »

How about no protection at all?   I tried a screen protector a few years ago and didn't like it.   Once I found out how inexpensive it was to have it replaced by Canon Service I pulled it off.  I prefer a clear bright screen.    It would be nice if Canon made the screen user replaceable. 

7

Lenses / Re: A Walk Around Lens for a Trip

« on: May 01, 2013, 09:27:10 AM »

Concur with all the others on the 15-85.   I had this lens when I was a crop only shooter, very sharp and well built lens.  Definitely pick up a lens hood since it does not come with one.  I would expect a lot of harsh light in Israel.   (You might even benefit from a 72mm CPL depending on what you plan to shoot and how much time your given being on a tour.)  Be aware, just moving off 15mm by a couple and you are already off f/3.5 and of course at 85mm you're at f/5.6.  The IS works excellent for a couple of stops so you should be just fine.  For those low light and after hour shots, I'd pack a small flash like the 430EX II which will cover the wide end of the 15-85. 

Good luck, enjoy, and stay safe. 

8

EOS Bodies / Re: Download Firmware 1.2.1 link for 5DIII

« on: April 26, 2013, 08:20:16 AM »

Canon USA has a link posted for April 30th. I'm waiting at least until then, they still might be tweaking it.

9

Lighting / Re: OC-E3 ettl-cord original vs 3rd party quality?

« on: April 25, 2013, 08:31:59 AM »

I have the Canon brand OC-E3 coiled cable and a 3rd party OCF 33' non-coiled cabled.  Neither have had heavy use.  The. OCF seems to be at least the quality if not better than the Canon.  I  wouldn't hesitate to buy an OCF Gear cable.

 
http://ocfgear.com

10

Lenses / Re: which lens to keep

« on: April 23, 2013, 10:28:34 AM »

Sell both and get a new 24-70 f2.8 ii

It's what I'd do and if your going to buy online in US, do it before this Internet wide sales tax kicks in which looks like is going to happen soon.

11

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Where is this new flash?

« on: April 22, 2013, 12:36:00 AM »

Got a couple of 600s but it sure would be nice to have a smaller RT unit for travel and walk-around.

12

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 19, 2013, 07:38:40 PM »

I was looking at those on RRS's website, I do see myself adding one later if needed.  I'm ok spending extra to own both because I'm sure there will be times I won't want the bulk of an L bracket.  Besides I see myself leaving the plate attached the majority of the time.

I really hope they release more like the L-bracket for the 1D X - it actually converts from an L-bracket to just the base plate, and the hex wrench for the conversion is stored right in the plate.  It's an awesome design, IMO.

The RRS 60D L-bracket has this design too.  Much better than the 1-piece 5D2 L-bracket IMO.

FYI, called RRS yesterday, they have no plans to design and build a 2 piece modular L bracket for the 5D3.

13

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: FoCal or LensAlign - Which is better?

« on: April 19, 2013, 01:32:46 PM »

I have used both.  Go with Reikan FoCal, get the Pro version.  FoCal is much easier, quicker and I believer more accurate. 

First I used the LensAlign mkII version.  The construction is flimsy, very difficult to disassemble without breaking, and the plastic ruler can sag effecting your readings.  I sold it for a few bucks on ebay.

14

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 18, 2013, 10:48:54 AM »

And this.

http://www.promediagear.eu/promediagear-l-bracket-for-canon-eos-5d-mkiii-grip.html

Thanks for the links

15

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 18, 2013, 10:32:01 AM »

Other companies are making that modular design now too.

Anybody doing one for a 5D3?  Not in a huge rush, like to have by mid May at the latest.