Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: [advice] My last tripod

« on: May 12, 2013, 03:24:04 PM »

Since you want a 3 section, I'd strongly recommend a Gitzo GT3532LS systematic version 2.  It has the latest tech and new features that have won many industry awards.  RRS is great too, but the Gitzo is just as good for less and they have a $150 rebate running now!

2

Lenses / Re: Canon 500 F4 IS vs Canon 300 f2.8 IS II

« on: May 11, 2013, 10:16:57 AM »

Hiya,  I think you made the right choice with going with the 300mm f/2.8L IS II.  I had the 500mm f/4L IS for about 2 years and it was good, but the 300mm f/2.8L II has a clear advantage in IQ.  The new IS is awesome and there is a new mode 3.  The AF speed is stellar with the new Mark III teleconverters.  I use the 2x III on the 300mm and the images are super sharp at f/5.6 (wide open).  Pared with a crop sensor camera and you have a beastly setup.

Needless to say...I also picked up a 600mm f/4L IS II which mostly lives with a 1.4x III or 2x III on it.  It works great too, but I still think the 300mm f/2.8L IS II is the sharpest.  I don't think I will ever get rid of the 300mm unless for the replacement version. 

Best of luck and happy shooting!

3

Software & Accessories / Re: arca swiss help please.

« on: May 07, 2013, 10:58:27 PM »

I also used to use the Krik 1'' clamp on the end of my Black Rapid strap.  But now I use a Acratech Swift Clamp that has a built in loop for the Blank Rapid strap to hook into.  Plus it's quick release. 

http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=86

As others have said, you will love the Arca Swiss system of plates and clamps etc.  The RRS brand is probably the most comprehensive of them all and they make super stuff with wonderful aesthetics.  I use a mix of Kirk and RRS plates and replacement feet.  Ball heads are RRS BH-55 and BH-40 with the screw type clamps.  Wimberly full gimbal with the RRS cradle with the quick release.  Gitzo 4 Series systematic carbon fiber tripod for the heavy stuff with an RRS universal leveling platform.  Gitzo 2 series explorer and a center column basalt series tripod for the smaller stuff.  RRS monopod with the RRS monopod head (this doubles as a self-defense weapon; it's that big and sturdy).

Best of luck with your selections.  Cool thing is that the Arca Swiss compatible stuff from the major players works will together; in most combinations.

4

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L II AF speed on 5D III???

« on: May 03, 2013, 01:53:10 PM »

Love the AF performance on my 1Dx.  I need to check it out on my 5D III, where I've only used it for portraits. 

Got these a few week's ago:


 


I am very pleasantly surprised by the results from the 85mm f/1.2L II on the 1Dx in AI Servo.

5

Lenses / Re: A Walk Around Lens for a Trip

« on: April 30, 2013, 09:51:04 AM »

Is there a reason you think you need a focal length beyond 85mm or 105mm?  I've never been to that part of the world, but imagine that most of the photo opportunities will be on the wide to normal focal lengths.  Remember that the 7D is a crop body and will provide an effective 1.6x zoom on the lenses you decide to take on the trip.   If you are set on taking your Tokina 11-16mm, I'd recommend a 24-105mm f/4L IS zoom.  They can be had at very good prices for a lens that was sold as part of a kit; maybe better priced if you don't mind a slightly used lens.  I think you will find that 105mm on a 7D long enough and if not, you have 18MP to work with and crop.

If you wanted a one lens solution know that there are IQ compromises with any of the super zooms that you mention.  If again, you can live with 85mm on the long end, I would recommend the Canon 15-85mm EFS USM IS lens.  It is wide enough that you might just leave the Tokina at home and travel ultra light.  Maybe throw in a 40mm f/2.8 USM (cheap at $150) for the times you need a wider aperture. 

Good luck with whatever you choose and have a fun time in Israel!

Kind regards,
Jason S.

6

Lenses / Re: EF 800mm f/5.6L IS II [CR2]

« on: April 29, 2013, 11:41:26 AM »

I can also testify that the 600 mk II with 1.4x is sharper than the bare 800mm.  It is not by a lot, but still noticeable.  The bonus is that the 600mm mk II can take the 2x very well also.  I've been able to get great results with that combo. 

However, for those that want to get past 500mm, I think a used 800mm is now an excellent value.  I would only assume that a new 800mm II would be priced around 15k or more (Nikon version is what 18k?).  I am still not sure what a 800mm f/5.6 II + 1.4x III would give as an advantage over the 600mm II + 2x III.

600mm II + 2x III on 1Dx:



another at 1200mm:


 
Kind regards,
Jason

7

Lenses / Re: 50mm 1.2L vs 35mm 1.4L for events photography...

« on: April 25, 2013, 12:17:46 AM »

Yep to get back to the original posters question...I would agree that a 35L is going to be a better option.  Paired with a 85mm f/1.2L and you can cover nearly every situation, provided you have room to move around and frame your shots without much restriction. 

Kind regards,
Jason

8

Lenses / Re: 50mm 1.2L vs 35mm 1.4L for events photography...

« on: April 24, 2013, 11:41:09 PM »

+1 Sounds like advice from an owner.

I do a lot of event work with a 5D3/70-200L 2.8II and a second 5D3/50L. I love the 35L but once I shifted to the 5D3s, the 50L is just about the best lens for me. It's my standard carry when I go for one rig. Great portrait focal length, pure cream bokeh and now, with the AF of the newer bodies... it's killer combo. For event work it shines, and gives the unique 50 perspective... great for photojournalism. The 50mm 1.4 is ok, had the same experience Random Orbits... cheap build and if your making money can take a crap on you when you need it.  It also hunts in sketchy light. Not the 50L though, locks on and its built like a tank. Love my 35L too but it now takes a back seat and with the new Sigma, I'd be checking it out too. I own  3 Siggys and the all perform flawlessly and are built well, so the 35 is looking like something I might need to try.

I'll probably keep the 35L until after the 35L II is out for a while and the prices soften.  I mostly use it for portraiture and as a walk around lens, so I don't need it to be critically sharp into the corners because my subjects aren't in those locations anyway.  Most people know that the 24-70 II is sharper than the 35L, but according to TDP, it is also sharper than the Sigma 35, so in either case, the user that is concerned about sharpness the most will opt for the 24-70 II in either case.  Canon's next generation primes should be able to beat the 24-70 II.  If not, then Canon will lose potential sales because more people will opt for the 24-70 II rather than buying a few primes with higher total sales within that focal length range.

 
I have the 24-70mm II and the Sigma 35mm f/1.4.  Both are great, but have to disagree that the 24-70 II is sharper at 35mm than the Sigma at 35mm.  If you compare the IQ from both at f/2.8, the Sigma has an edge in center and mid frame sharpness.  This comparison can be seen at the the-digital-picture.com:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=829&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=3&LensComp=787&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=2&APIComp=0

And the Sigma is two full stops faster; makes a big difference in the bokeh department. 

9

Lenses / Re: About a REPLACE MENT FOOT RRS LCF-52: Foot for Canon EF300mm/f2.8 IS-II

« on: April 24, 2013, 03:02:39 PM »

I went with the Kirk replacement foot for the 300mm II.  It is basically the same design as the RRS with the middle part cut out of it.  Makes for a nice place to stick a finger to reassure oneself that the foot is securely in the hands.  It works very well with the RRS Lever clamps. 

http://www.kirkphoto.com/Replacement_Foot_for_Canon_300mm_f_2.8_IS_II_USM.html#

For my 600mm II I went with the RRS replacement, since it has the extension going back which helps balland the lens; especially when equipped with a 1Dx and 2x III extender.  The new telephotos are not as front heavy, so need that extra on the back end of the foot.

Best of luck with your new 300mm II, no matter what foot you get!  It is an amazing lens!

10

Lenses / Re: 50mm 1.2L vs 35mm 1.4L for events photography...

« on: April 23, 2013, 11:51:55 PM »

You might also want to check out the new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 "Art" lens....  rivals the 35mm f/1.4L....

+1, I would definitely recommend the Sigma 35mm f/1.4.  You can probably get the Sigma 50mm also...the price of these two Sigma's is about what a 50L costs new. 

11

Lenses / Re: EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Available Mid 2014?

« on: April 23, 2013, 01:35:06 PM »

Perhaps Sigma will be out with their new 120-300mm f/2.8 OS Sport lens before long and throw in a 2x converter with it. 

I personally got tired of waiting and got the 300mm f/2.8L IS II: cheaper and works a charm with both v3 teleconverters.

12

Lenses / Re: Just got the canon 16-35 ii and having a hard time seeing the value in this uwa

« on: April 22, 2013, 12:23:12 PM »

After reading through this thread, I got inspired to take my 16-35mm with me over the weekend to a Tae Kwon Do tournament that my children participated in.  I'm glad I took it, even though I only used it for a few shots.


 

13

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: 135mm f/1.8 DG OS ART Next from Sigma? [CR1]

« on: April 21, 2013, 05:23:48 PM »

Just sold my 50mm L and might need to sell my 135L.  I'd definitely consider a Sigma 50mm Art lens and a 135mm f/1.8. 

14

Lenses / Re: Street Photography 35mm/50mm + DC？Help

« on: April 18, 2013, 06:11:51 PM »

I'd probably go with #4.  Sigma 35 f/1.4, Canon 50mm f/1.4 & 85mm 1.8. 

I think you will find the 50L to be a little disappointing...I did.  I just sold it and got a Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar ZE lens.

Kind regards,
Jason

15

Lens Gallery / Re: Sigma 35mm f/1.4

« on: April 16, 2013, 11:23:18 AM »

I am loving my Sigma 35mm!  I thought I would not get another 35mm prime, after selling my Canon 35L off last year.  I sold it because I used it seldom and had just got a 24-70mm f/2.8L II.  However, at the price I was able to get the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for (I had Amazon points), I could not pass it up.  I have been very pleased by the results, which I will say are better than what the Canon 35L was able to do.  This thing is bloody sharp at f/1.4L and resistant to harsh flares and chromatic aberrations.

Some samples taken on my 5D Mark III: