Messages

1

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: SL1 or Fuji X-EX1 or Sony Nex 6?? Would like your thoughts

« on: May 21, 2013, 02:29:11 PM »

G15, Sony RX100, Panasonic LX7, Panasonic GF5, Oly PM1, Nikon J1, Nex F3 and 5R, Sony A57. These are all gone

Fuji X10 - and yes, I prefer it to RX100, though technically it's not better...

I've been thinking about buying a RX100.  Almost everybody seems to love them, just curious what you didn't like about it.

It's a good camera, but Nex 3N is almost as small, and IQ is better. When shooting inside, and there isn't much light, it deeps fast into higher ISO, as lens is slow on the long end. I think I didn't quite like how it renders colors and noise starting at around ISO 800. Attached is one picture at ISO 200(play-1-22) and another ISO  800(kids-1-67), maybe you'll feel the same?

But I guess, it just didn't charm me enough for a VERY high purchase price in Canada ($699+tax = $800). There is a bit of intangibility about it, and it also could be part of the handling, which is very matter of fact point and shoot. I already had 6D and Nex 3N at that point, so couldn't see need to keep RX100. 

I was gentler towards Fuji, because I paid a lot less (used $300), and it surprises me occasionally with one of it's trick modes... One pic attached(play-1-7)...

Money no object, I think you will be happy with RX100, as long as you keep expectations at the bay (it's not DSLR quality)

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: SL1 or Fuji X-EX1 or Sony Nex 6?? Would like your thoughts

« on: May 21, 2013, 11:24:29 AM »

tl;dr:
- I though about SL1, but can't see it being a solution because lenses are large, other than pancake, and pancake is too long on AP-C.
- Nex is the best overall compromise with powerzoom 16-50: budget version is Nex 3N, splurge on yourself is Nex 6
- Fuji X10 is weirdly attractive and fairly versatile camera, if you buy used for not too much money
- Nikon V1 is good beach camera for parents of small kids, if you can still find it on clearance

Long explanation:
I had same dilemma (find small body to accompany my 6D) and I tried, bought, stole, sold or borrowed many, many camera trying to solve it: Canon G15, Sony RX100, Panasonic LX7, Panasonic GF5, Oly PM1, Nikon J1, Nex F3 and 5R, Sony A57. These are all gone, but here are ones that are left:

Sony NEX 3N with powerzoom - great compact solution for $500. If I were not stingy, I could have gotten NEX 6 with the same lens for few hundreds more - grip itself may be worth it (plus EVF, and faster AF), but IQ is the same.

Fuji X10 - very beautiful object, and tactile experience camera. I keep thinking I don't need sensor that small, and I keep being surprised with quality of the pictures and colors. I bought it twice: I returned new one I bought (too expensive), but then I bought used one as it kept bugging me, and has some magic draw for me. It could be leather case , or maybe I'm ok with throwing $300 on a gorgeous toy? The only compact camera to not disappoint, and yes, I prefer it to RX100, though technically it's not better... Not sure about X20, supposed to be better, but sensor is a bit more traditional (though NOT traditional), and X10 sensor has couple of neat tricks that I love....

Nikon V1 - I just picked up one on ridiculous sale for $299. Not impressed with IQ, but AF is insane, and because of small sensor, even when it misses, deep DOF usually saves it. Good ONLY in good light (otherwise average)!!! But great parents camera for outdoors, silly good 60 frames/sec and great slow motion mode. I'm still debating if I should return it (I'm still inside of 2 weeks return period), but I'm taking my twins to Greece soon, first hot vacation, and I enjoy though of footage and pics that may come out of it, just because of the speed of the camera. Otherwise, inferior to both Nex 3N and Fuji X10 in terms of pictures appeal.

3

Reviews / Re: The Digital Picture Reviews the Tamron 24-70

« on: May 14, 2013, 11:02:19 AM »

After seeing this:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/09/tamron-24-70-f2-8-vc-issue
How could anyone consider one of these lenses? The company blatantly showed us who they are by bringing these lenses to market.  I spent the money (which was dear), for the Canon and never looked back. Great lens that most likely will last for years. If I see the name Tamron I just turn the page...I would not consider any of their products....I also own non-Canon lenses (Sigma & Zeiss) so my outlook is not just Canon fanboy ism....

Please see this:

On November 10, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Jasmin Robert said:

Hi Roger!

Any new problem with this lens? Any others which has failed in the mean time? How does the one repaired hold up now, are they sharp?

I would like to buy this lens but I’m not sure since reading this report, and now that the Canon 24-70mm F/4 has been announced with the macro mode, I’m even less sure! thanks!

On November 10, 2012 at 9:20 PM
LensRentals Employee
Roger Cicala said:

Hi Jasmin,

No new trouble and no more copies to have the second element problem. It’s really doing pretty well, and quite a nice lens.

4

1D X Sample Images / Re: Weddings

« on: May 02, 2013, 11:47:04 PM »

Thanks for explanation of 'flipping'

5

Lenses / Re: Fair price for a used 85mm 1.2L II

« on: April 29, 2013, 11:56:47 PM »

I apologize for quote about pros and gear abuse. It's obvious there are different profile of work and personalities, so generalization was too broad.

My comment did come from discussion with pro that does lots of industrial/journalist photo, and when expensive factory line is stopped so he can take pictures, he has no time to willy-nilly position himself and be careful with equipment...

Obviously, many other pros don't have that kind of demands.

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Lenses / Re: Fair price for a used 85mm 1.2L II

« on: April 29, 2013, 12:23:38 PM »

First off I know these "what's a fair price for a ..." are kind of annoying threads because there are so many variables and so I apologize in advance.  That being said, I am curious what you all think is a fair price for a used 85mm 1.2L II.  I am currently negotiating with someone on craigslist and the seller reports that the lens is in "mint" condition.  The seller has posted pics of the lens, but I haven't had a chance to see the actual lens yet. Assuming it is in mint or very good condition and works well/is sharp... what do you think is a fair price?  The model number shows that it was manufactured in Dec of 2010 and the seller bought it brand new.  I've never bought an L lens used so I am a bit nervous but figure if I could get a good deal it might be worth it.  Thanks in advance.

Well first, do not buy most of the stuff from the pro, as they abuse gear most. Having said that 85 1.2 is studio lens, may not have had hard life, so your call.

I find that I can buy good L lenses for 70% of current least expensive retail option (reputable option!). This is about cheapest I can negotiate (and I negotiate well), and it's not possible for lens in demand, like new 24-70 L II, Tamron 24-70 VC, and 85 1.2 may be in the same category. So you pay up to 75-80% of the lowest new price...

This has been my experience, but I live in a large city with lively second-hand market going, so am not afraid to NOT buy if I don't like the price...

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PowerShot Cameras / Re: Best Point & Shoot that will fit in a pocket?

« on: April 29, 2013, 10:03:20 AM »

Hello,

I'm looking for a great small camera.

I've been looking at:
Canon PowerShot S110
Panasonic DMC-LX7
Sony Cyber-shot RX100, which is a little steep on price.

I basically want a point and shoot to have with me every day. Something to shoot street, meetings, and whatever else that steps in my way. Which one would You choose? or any new recommendation?

Best,
Jin

I was searching for the same thing, and bought/returned/sold few cameras and these are my experiences:

G15 - as one of the posters said, too slow. Returned
LX7 - very good lens, fast autofocus, worse sensor than any other here, hence bad,bad,bad high ISO. Sold it in the first week of ownership, would be great if you take pics mostly outside in good light, doesn't work well inside.
Nikon J1 with 10mm and 10-30 - Not too bad, but sorta straddling two worlds, compacts and mirrorless. Compact with 10mm pancake (27 mm eq) and pics are good, but with kit lens, ISO is not great. Better than other compacts, comparable to RX100, at equivalent ISO, but lens is slower, so you're higher up the ISO most of the time. Sold it, but in retrospect, not remotely as bad as G15 and LX7.
RX100 - returned it, I didn't think colors/IQ were as good. Now, looking back at the pictures, not quite sure if I was right. At worse, it's the same IQ like other compacts, i.e. lesser dynamic range, washed out colors at higher ISO. But, there are number of pictures that are great, sort of stuff that I would get at APS-C, rich colors, clean and smooth. Perhaps I judged little Sony harsher than anything else because of the price ($700 +13% tax in Canada), I am price sensitive.

What I ended up is Sony NEX 3N with little power zoom 16-50. A touch slow focus, but at beast it compares with my SLR (6D). At worst, well, you throw a lot of pics because they're not in focus. Surprisingly compact, but it's not true compact, more of a jacket pocket, or small belt bag type of camera.

Just couple of days ago I also got Fuji X10 used for $300 including leather case. Now, I actually had new and returned it, it wasn't worth to me $600+tax. But, it kept gnawing at me, as some of the pictures have just a magical colors, and EXR mode and some of the advanced modes make IQ very, very good, like Sony rx100 at its best. Now this is in 6MP mode most of the time. Focus is quite fast, and build is superb, it's very satisfying camera to operate. High ISO is the best in the compact world, short of Sony RX100, and it may be equal or better than Sony in 6MP EXR mode (but you have only 6MP vs 20MP in that mode!). I have no justification for this camera, but I couldn't resist, it's that interesting. Not really pocket camera either.

Hope this helps.

8

EOS Bodies / Re: Good Deal for Used Canon 7D?

« on: April 24, 2013, 11:17:04 AM »

A friend of mine knows that I've been looking for a new camera and his friend is selling his for $700 for body only with 3K shutter count with 1 battery and charger. $820 for the body, battery grip, 4 batteries, 2 chargers, and memory card. The Owner had it for 2 years.

I'm thinking of purchasing it although I really want the Canon 6D coz of low light performance.

What do you guys think or what would you do?

Agreed with other posters that you won't lose much money on buying used 7D at that price. You'll lose some, just not much. But 3K shutter, after 2 years. Seriously? I've done that in a weekend.
I'd check the shutter count, there are programs that do that.

Also, 6D will blow your socks off, so if you're close, keep saving...

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Replacement 400d - 650d vs. 6d

« on: April 23, 2013, 03:52:06 PM »

@Neuroanatomist: Good idea, but since I wouldn't get all that much for the 400d (<150€) I might keep it; not bad to have a second body, especially since I try to get my wife into photography
I'm undecided whether I could afford the 24-105 at the same time as a new body, at least if it's a 6D. (I.e. I do have the money but there are plenty of other fun things in life that require my hard earned cash ) How much would I lose out on in terms of IQ if I were to postpone it? Mine doesn't have issues with barrel creep and the build quality is good enough for me.

If you get 6D, you won't use 400d. I know as I went through similar experience.

In terms of IQ, real IQ gains is at higher ISOs, and of course effect of shallower depth of field. I had 30D and I feel that ISO 800 on 30D was probably equal to ISO 12800 on 6D. Compared to 400D, I'm not sure, but it will be at least 4 times better. At least, maybe 8 times.

And as for focus, I take pictures of toddlers. When they get closer to 2 year old, they are truly hard to catch. So hard that I had 5D Mark III, and found it only a bit better than 6D. i.e. 6D autofocus is good enough. And quality of the picture is really spectacular.

I'd rather have 6D and 50 1.4, than any current crop sensor camera and bunch of L lenses...

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6D Sample Images / Re: Photographs taken WITH the Canon EOS 6D

« on: April 23, 2013, 02:21:27 PM »

Here are few

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6D Sample Images / Re: for those who snub the 6D AF...

« on: April 23, 2013, 02:07:14 PM »

How about subjects moving towards the camera, off-center, shooting sub f/2.8 and that will make the 5d2/6D sweat.

+1 ... Try shooting a two year old kid running about ... The shots in focus will be great, but they'll be a minor percentage of the total shots made.

Yeah, I do that all the time.
I found that percentage of fails was very high with 5d mark III.
Of course 6D is a bit worse, but for all practical purposes I could use either one and expect similar low percentage of in focus pics, and few keepers per each session...

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Pricewatch Deals / Re: EF 24-105 f/4L IS for $770 Shipped

« on: April 18, 2013, 01:34:48 PM »

Even cheaper at Ryther Camera, $729 shipped!
http://www.rythercamera.com/catalog/product_info.php?csv=gg&products_id=35913

Q

Read reviews about Ryther Camera.
Or if you don't, please let me summarize it for you: Don't even think about buying from them...

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Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Sigma Announces 18-35 f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C

« on: April 18, 2013, 01:17:03 PM »

I was flummoxed when I heard that this thing is APS-C only.  Why?!  If this is a premium lens aimed at serious shooters, why go crop?  This is not a screaming need for the relatively few APS-C guys who spend big money on glass (i.e. birders, sports guys), so I can't make heads or tails of this.

Why not push for (idk) a 24-50 F/2 for the FF guys?  That would likely have a larger interest level.

- A

If I'm not mistaken, this has to do with technical & feasibility issues. Actual lens diameter for crop can be smaller than for ff bodies, thus making it easier to produce f/1.8. Or am I completely wrong right now?

You're not wrong, but for those saying this is no big deal, I disagree.  This is something that has not been done before for either crop or FF (an f/1.8 zoom), so to dismiss it outright is absurd.  Yes, developing for full frame is more challenging, but this is clearly a step in the right direction and will put more pressure on Canon.  As a consumer, I see that as a good thing

Agreed that it's a big deal, as it's not been done before. But I don't think it makes it any more likely for full frame equivalent lens to be made, as that one would have to be larger.
 
Value is in closing the gap between APS-C and full frame, and if you're Nikon shooter, you have 27-52.5 f2.7 FF equivalent, for serious, but not FF money.

And as to why Sigma did this - I think they were looking for a gap where they can play by themselves for awhile. Crop sensor shooters looking for best/fastest glass they can get (in normal range) is probably not a huge market segment, but they own it now.  And then there is a 'hallo' effect of 1.8, increasing value of their lineup. Smart play...

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Lenses / Re: I need a 24mm focal lenght Lens.. is the 24mm f2.8 IS right for me?

« on: April 18, 2013, 12:24:58 AM »

Here's the data you want, then:

Primes:  http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/06/the-other-canon-primes-why-did-they-do-that

     Basic finding:  24L II @ F/2.8 > 28 IS @ 2.8 (just barely) > 24 IS @ 2.8 
     To be fair, all of these are considerably sharper compared to the old flagship 24-70L I.

Zooms:  http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/01/canon-24-70-f4-is-resolution-tests
Also:      http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/09/canon-24-70-f2-8-ii-resolution-tests

    Basic finding:  @24mm, the new 24-70L II truly does stack up against Canon's primes, beating the 24L II @ 2.8
    in center and border but just barely losing in the corners.  But it's very expensive, and despite improvements
    in weight, it's still not a tiny thing to carry around.

Hope that helps.  I have to make the statement that resolution is but one of a great many variables in buying a lens, but I would imagine that you know that given your years of shooting.  I love the new IS primes as they are small and light, inconspicuous / unassuming (great for street), use a very common filter diameter, are internal focusing, and have the latest focusing tech  -- all being upsides in my book.

- A

+1 on the first link. Short quote OP may find useful:

"Like most newly designed lenses, the strength of these new versions appears to be in the corners. You can tell by the average resolution numbers that the new lenses are doing better in the edges and corners than the older ones (I consider the Canon 24mm f/1.4 a new lens). One of the ways they accomplished that, though, appears to be by allowing more distortion (correcting distortion and maintaining sharpness are sometimes a trade-off in wide-angle lens design). The table below shows the amount of barrel distortion in several lenses.

Barrel Distortion   Percentage
Canon 24mm f/1.4L II   1.00%
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 24mm   0.75%
Canon 28mm f/1.8   1.50%
Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS USM   2.10%
Canon 28mm f/2.8 IS USM   1.55%"

 

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EOS Bodies / Re: 6D Autofocus not impressive

« on: April 02, 2013, 08:29:25 PM »

So, where does the 6D fall in? A market where users who NEED Wifi Controls and GPS built in camera. (Considering Eye-fi cards are a good compromise but don't allow control)

A market for users who want a $1600 camera, not a $2400 camera.

More like a market for a re-badged 1200$ 5d2 performing camera that costs 2000$. 

I had all three: 5d mk ii, mk iii and 6D
Difference btw. mk III and 6D is lesser than difference between 6D and mk II, for my type of use.