Topics

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Software & Accessories / Quick release plates: RRS v's Manfrotto

« on: April 16, 2013, 08:57:34 AM »

I've been looking into tripods / ball heads for the past few weeks, trying to decide which one would suit my needs. This recent thread: http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=14209.0  (Help me finalize my tripod & ball head choice) really hit the spot for me. Thanks for those who responded

I've decided that the Gitzo GT2541 + RRS BH-40 would suit my needs (max load would be shooting 5D3 with grip + 300mm f4).

This will compliment my existing monopod (Gitzo GM2541 + Manfrotto 496RC2 head).

However, just a question about the quick release plates. Would the plate that fits the RRS BH-40 work on the Manfrotto 496RC2?  I ask because I notice that the RRS plate requires an allen key to attach/remove. While I'm happy to keep this on permanently, that could be an issue if I'm swapping between the mono / tripod. Currently, I have the Manfrotto plate on the 300mm lens, as I use that for birding pic's. A solution could be to have the RRS plate on the camera and leave the Manfrotto plate on the 300mm. But, I know one day, while I'm frantically setting up the tripod, there could be tears.....

2

Third Party Manufacturers / Picked up a Zeiss 15mm f2.8

« on: April 06, 2013, 06:04:13 PM »

The hours and minutes ticked down last week, as I waited for the arrival of the new lens I had ordered. Yesterday was D day. And what a lens it is to hold
Perhaps not a great example of what this lens can do, but this is one of pet interests, astro-photography (and astro time lapse/star trails). Its sharp, from edge to edge. Well, this'll keep me busy for the weekend. Any work needed around the house can wait

The southern sky. The Southern Cross and pointers are roughly in the middle, above the antenna (20sec, f2.8, ISO 3200, Canon 5D3)

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Third Party Manufacturers / Suggestions for UV filter to fit Zeiss 15mm f2.8

« on: March 28, 2013, 12:02:06 AM »

I've just ordered a Zeiss 15mm f2.8 and I'm after suggestions for the UV filter (it takes a 95mm). I usually go with B&W filters for my gear, which I'm happy with, but does it need to be a slim filter?

Not having one of these beasts before, I presume it does.

4

Lighting / Speedlite ST-E2 v's ST-E3-RT

« on: February 13, 2013, 09:38:06 PM »

I'm trying my hand at flash photography at the moment and I'm looking to expand my flash gear range, I started looking at slave units such as the ST-E2 and ST-E3-RT. I have access to 2 x 580EX II units (one is mine, the other, from a friend) and a 5D m3.

Perhaps I'm having a blond moment here, but what's the (notable) difference between the two ST units?

5

Lenses / 300 f4 + 1.4 TC v's 500 f4.5

« on: February 02, 2013, 04:35:09 PM »

I've been dabbling with bird photography over the past month or so. The 300 f4 has done a sterling job, but, a 500-600 lens would be more suitable.

I've been offered a Canon 500mm f4.5, which appears to be in very good condition (it was previously owned by a private individual, so, well looked after). The price is around $3,000 which is about standard here in Australia. A new 500mm f4 is, well, worth a small car, and I have one of those (the car)

How does the IQ compare between the 300 f4 plus 1.4 TC?  I realise that combination doesn't quite make the 500mm mark, but the extra reach is nice.

I'm using a 5D m3.