Messages

1

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

« on: April 24, 2013, 09:57:15 AM »

Hi Radiopath,

Have a read of Ken Rockwell's review of the 5D MkIII. There is a demonstration of the lens correction about half-way through. It will vary between lens models, but you'll get the idea.

Swanny.

For anyone about to rant about Ken - yes I read his site, and I agree with a lot of what he says, and I strongly disagree with some stuff as well. At least we both started with a Minolta SR-1 

2

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

« on: April 24, 2013, 08:42:55 AM »

Hi Radiopath,

Good call getting the 50mm, although you'll love getting a wider lens.

I only received the 24-105 a couple of weeks ago, so I don't have enough experience to give you any useful information about it.

Instead, I'll let you know that I have taken some really good photos with the old 28-105 thanks to the 5D's inbuilt lens correction software; just like the 6D. You can have this already with the 400D shooting raw with DPP (and probably other software too). The 400D was lready hitting the limits of this lens - however it was only using the central portion of the lens - moving to full frame at twice the resolution wasn't as bad as I thought - and your lens should be better again.

It is a significant step-up then using the 17-40, both in feel and contrast/detail. I do love to zoom-in (pixel-peep) and see all the great detail  - whether it be leaves on a tree or the detail in the iris. For really great shots I then add DLO in DPP which normally means there is no need for any sharpening. Not a perfect lens (none are) with poor extereme corners at 17mm, but 17mm is  w i d e.

The combination is another world from using the 400D.

By the way, I keep my 400D for my wife, loaning to friends who don't own SLRs (that gets them interested) and as a point-and-shoot (when compared to the 5D + 24-105)

Swanny.

3

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

« on: April 23, 2013, 05:01:47 PM »

Hi Radiopath,

Last year I did a similar upgrade 400D to a 5DIII. The difference is much bigger than I had hoped, so i recommend it. I am biased to FF as I only saw crop sensors as a temporary measure until the sensor price could be made reasonable.

When I upgraded, I could only afford the body, so I went back to using my old 28-105 f3.5-4.5 from the film days. Your 28-135 is a bit better again. Overall it was a decent improvement on the old setup, but I have finally just purchased the 24-105L. Before that I grabbed the 17-40L which has been great and my first super-wide (it just made me realise that the old lens wasn't holding up too well anymore.

Anyway, I'd suggest that you consider the 6D, with some later lens purchases when the funds are available. Your 50mm will shine on a 6D (and a 85 or 100mm would be a great addition)

Swanny.

4

Canon General / Re: Why you should take your camera to family Weddings

« on: October 03, 2012, 03:53:37 AM »

If you aren't the primary photographer, it really pays to find the shots that the 'pro' is likely to miss. Examples include:

* Wide / ultrawide shots of the bridal party / posed group shots with all the onlookers, church, etc
* Young kids waiting around (get down to their level)
* General candid conversations

Swanny.

5

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Coming [CR3]

« on: May 22, 2012, 06:38:04 AM »

Having just purchased a 5D3, this seems like a strange lens to release, or want. But put one on my old 400D, or any xxxD body, and I can see the attraction of a fairly small combination.

Overall though, it is most likely designed for a new camera.

6

Lenses / Re: Hoya UV filters

« on: May 07, 2012, 06:08:24 PM »

I found the UV filter reviews on Lensip to be a worthwhile read.

7

Software & Accessories / Re: Film Scanners - any user recommendations?

« on: May 01, 2012, 12:22:36 PM »

I haven't had a lot of experience with other scanners, however I have had good results with a CanonScan FS4000 that I picked up second hand. Combine this with VueScan software, and calibrate it. I purchased a Kodachrome and a Fuji IT8 target as i shot Kodachrome for many years, and then transitioned to Provia. Again its only good for 35mm (or APS!).

Swanny.

8

EOS Bodies / Re: Upgrade from 400D to 5D MKII after 5 years, thoughts?

« on: April 16, 2012, 09:18:22 AM »

I am also upgrading from a 400D, straight to the 5D Mark III. I have been saving for a while (and I am still ina  bit of denial about the price). Like many, just waiting for the camera to arrive.

For what it's worth, the best purchase I made for the 400D was the Canon 85mm f1.8 - and it will be more useful on the 5D; and not too different than your Sigma 50mm f1.4. I also have the 50mm 1.8, but the inconsistent  focus is a pain. No problem with my USM lenses.

I'll be stuck with the 28-105 f3.4-4.5 as all money will be gone, but at least I have 3 primes (Sigma 24mm f2.8, not-so nifty 50mm & 85mm f1..

I believe that the centre focus point on the 5D mark II is the same as the 400D (ie an f2.8 cross), but here are also the hidden assist points it has over the 400D.

Wishing you a wonderful experience withe the upgrade - and keep the 400D for times when you're worried about damaging the camera. For example I have swum across a river holding the camera in the air to then sit on a submerged rock to get a great waterfall shot - not something I'll be doing with a camera worth $3,500!


Swanny.

P.S. I love Raw for the lens fix you can get with DPP, and other software.