Topics

1

Lenses / Is An UWA Lens Useful on a Crop Sensor?

« on: May 08, 2013, 06:24:15 PM »

     After stewing to upgrade to FF or not I've decided to stick with my trusty old T1i.  Not to brag, but I really get some great pics.  2 even ended up on our local TV station the other day as a backdrop when there's nothing on.
     I've got a Sigma 17-50, Canon 100 2.0 and Canon 200 2.8 II.  I use the primes for sports and the normal zoom for everything else.  There are times when I could use a little more width, but nothing that's a deal breaker. 
     So, of course, an UWA would help a little there, but in general is an UWA lens a good thing to have for getting more in and also for the distorted UWA look when getting up close?  Is it something that many enjoy having and using?
     Thanks.

2

Lenses / 100 + 200 vs 70-200 2.8 non-IS?

« on: April 02, 2013, 10:45:22 AM »

     I have the 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 for indoor volleyball and other stuff, but am teetering on considering selling them for a single 70-200 2.8 non-IS.  My other lens is the tremendous Sigma 17-50 so the zoom would have the same filter size (polarizing, etc.). 
     I really like the image quality from the primes and the smaller size is a bonus, but keep coming back to the zoom.  Would I take a hit in image quality?  If even a little I'll likely stick with the primes. 
     Thanks for any insight.

3

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Two Bodies/One Software?

« on: March 22, 2013, 04:55:29 PM »

     I'm tossing around keeping my T1i and maybe adding one of the upcoming Rebels.  Maybe the little one with a little prime.
     If I do that (or even go with the little prime on my T1i and maybe a 7D II one day) would I be using the same Canon software for both cameras or would I use the software that came with my T1i for the T1i and the new software with the new camera?  And, if the latter, would the correct software recognize the right camera?
     And my processing software is LR4.
     Thanks for any insight into that whole topic.

4

Lenses / How's the 70-300L?

« on: March 14, 2013, 03:29:45 PM »

     I have a T1i, Sigma 17-50, Canon 100 2.0 and Canon 200 2.8 and am very spoiled by the image quality.  Anything less would be a very large fail.
     We're off for our big Alaskan trip and I'm undecided (for my telephoto needs) whether to just stick with the 200 2.8 and deal with the limitations (in exchange for the ridiculously great image quality), add a 300 f4 IS (which could potentially be a hassle) or get a 70-300L (which could serve many purposes to include outdoor sports and events). 
     Another option might be a 70-200 f4 IS or non-IS or one of the consumer grade 70-300's. 
     Any insight would be great.
     Thanks.

5

Lenses / UWA (to complement 35/100/200)?

« on: February 11, 2013, 08:47:08 PM »

     I just paired my Canon T1i with the new Sigma 35 1.4.  I use my flawless 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 for indoor and outdoor sports with massive success.
     The 35mm Sigma has similar color and contrast of my 30 1.4, but is sharper so I think I made a good move.  So far I have some stunners and use it/plan on using it for everything other than sports - family, travel, landscape, flowers, etc.
     Especially in light of our pending big trip to Alaska would an UWA (which I have no experience with) be an important addition?  I imagine that might be nice for sweeping landscapes and buildings up close both inside and out (in some cases), but do some do well with nothing but a 35mm (50+ equivalent on a crop)?
     Thanks.

6

Third Party Manufacturers / Sigma 17-70?

« on: January 27, 2013, 04:14:31 PM »

     Looks like the new Sigma 17-70 is nearing an intro.  I'm considering replacing my 30 1.4 with it for everything except for sports (I use my 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 for that).  Another option is to keep the 30 and add a Tokina 11-16, but I do like the one-lens-solutions and 17mm might be enough.
     My camera's a T1i and I really like that "L" quality that I get with my prime.  Might a Sigma zoom be at least a little similar in that regard to a Sigma prime?  I got a good one, too, that's sharp everywhere.

7

Third Party Manufacturers / Sigma 30 vs 35?

« on: December 14, 2012, 08:29:30 AM »

Any comparisons on a crop for a Sigma 30 1.4 vs. 35 1.4?  My 30 is GREAT, but I wonder if it's possible to do better and, if so, if it's worth the expense.
Thanks.

 

8

Lenses / 70-300L for Outdoors?

« on: December 06, 2012, 08:31:12 PM »

     After much research I think I'm gonna go with the 70-300L for outdoor sports/school events/etc. to complement my 100 2.0/200 2.8 combo for indoor sports.  Before pulling the trigger does anyone have any final advice or insight into that choice?  My camera's a T1i.  I'll be sticking with that for awhile and probably staying with crop sensors.
     Thanks.

9

Lenses / Normal Lens or High-End Compact?

« on: December 05, 2012, 08:33:49 AM »

My telephoto lenses are flawless works of perfection - 100 2.0 and 200 2.8, but I can't seem to figure out what's the "best" normal zoom or prime (for my T1i).  I currently have a Sigma 30 1.4, but it just doesn't blow me out like the telephoto primes do.  I'm considering, though, the venerable 17-55 (will likely upgrade to the 7D II one day).
Has anyone thrown in the towel and just use a high-end compact for the normal range/general photography, travel, etc. and the DSLR for sports? 
 

10

Lenses / Best Value "Normal" Lens for 6d?

« on: December 02, 2012, 03:34:13 PM »

   I think I'm gonna leap to the 6D (from a T1i).  I already have a 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 so I'm good for indoor sports.  I'll likely eventually get a 100-400 for outdoor sports. 
   There's a good chance that the upcoming 35 1.4 II will be the "best" normal lens.  Any recommendations on what to get in the mean-time (just for general all-around non-sports use)?  Maybe something that would be a good value for now and/or something that'll coexist well with a 35 prime.  40 2.8, 17-40, 50 1.4 or 24-70 4.0 IS maybe?
   Thanks for any suggestions.

11

Lenses / 70-300L vs Tamron 70-200 2.8 for Outdoor Sports

« on: November 17, 2012, 01:19:44 PM »

     I have a T1i and use the venerable and outrageously great 135 2.0 for indoor sports - mostly volleyball.  I tried the 70-200 2.8 IS II and really liked almost everything about the 135 better so it's no more.  I do, though, need an outdoor sports and indoor/outdoor events lens.  The upcoming Tamron 70-200 2.8 looks pretty promising.  What would you say about that, the 70-300 or the 70-300L?  Feel free to throw in the 70-200 4.0 IS, too, if you like.  I guess that could do well indoors with non-sports as well at times.
     Thanks.

     On a side note, my volleyball photo guide is at the top of http://corysteiner.blogspot.com .

12

Third Party Manufacturers / Soon-To-Be-Released Tamron 70-200 2.8?

« on: October 20, 2012, 12:28:51 PM »

     How do you think the new Tamron 70-200 2.8 zoom might compare to the venerable Canon Mk II?  I have a T1i and am currently using the Canon 135 f2 for indoor sports.
     Thanks.