Messages

1

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Advice on 1st flash

« on: May 14, 2013, 08:39:28 PM »

More love for the 430 EX II. I started with a 430 EX, when it died I considered moving up to a 580 or a 600, but couldn't justify the price (I do very little off camera flash). And with my 60D I can fire it as a off camera slave anyway.  For the price, it's got great power, great flexibility, and great quality. 

2

Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe Creative Cloud - Adobe Owns you!

« on: May 10, 2013, 05:31:57 PM »

Am I the only one who thinks $10 a month is a pretty good price for PS?

3

Lenses / Re: 17-40 f4 L discontinued???????

« on: May 08, 2013, 02:51:29 PM »

I seriously doubt it.  It's one of Canon's best selling lenses. 

4

EOS Bodies / Re: 60D on the way out?

« on: May 04, 2013, 02:07:47 AM »

I did forget to mention the AF system and AFMA. Probably because it really isn't necessary to have the hi performance AF with a slower shooter.  It seems to me the reason for the better AF in the 7D is because of the higher frame rate.  Again, something I don't need as a landscaper.

5

EOS Bodies / Re: 60D on the way out?

« on: May 02, 2013, 11:21:25 PM »

To me it always seemed that the 60D is the "slower" version of the 7D. Same sensor, nearly the same body size. Some pro features.  The extra money for the 7D went to the magnesium body, the weather-proofing, and the faster fps.  This is why I went with the 60D a year and a half ago, I'm a landscape shooter and I don't care a lick about the fps. (but the extra weatherproofing and magnesium body would have been nice, but not $600 nice) A lot of the reviews I read put the IQ of both nearly equal (with some even giving the edge to the 60D in IQ).  This leads me to believe that the 2 (potentially) upcoming cameras will have roughly the same relationship. 

Nearly equal IQ

higher fps/weatherproofing on the 7DII

$500-$700 more.

6

EOS Bodies / Re: Safe to leave lens on camera?

« on: April 20, 2013, 03:14:36 PM »

I'm with neuro. Lens on. Laying on left side. I WON'T leave a speedlite on for more than a little bit though. Or a super-gigantic-tele.  (Not that I have any of those anyway.)

7

Lenses / Re: $1000 budget, need lens recommendation for Canon t1i

« on: April 12, 2013, 11:36:12 PM »

I think Drum has a great point.  A good intro to photo class could help more than anything. Especially if he won't shoot anything but auto.  As far as gear goes, this is where my money would end up

Canon 430ex II flash $254 - For the light - (Add a Sto-fen Omnibounce for $10... trust me)
Canon 55-250mm IS $233 - for reach
Canon  50mm f1.4 $339 - for low light

Total $836

I own all of this stuff and I think it's the best bang for your buck. Spend the additional on the KelbyTraining.com classes for 3 months and learn as much as you can.

8

Software & Accessories / Re: Camera Bag Suggestion Needed

« on: April 11, 2013, 12:03:43 AM »

Start by looking at Lowepro.  They've got lots of options in various styles and are very reasonably priced. Even if you don't buy one of theirs, their website can give you some better insight into what you'l need/want.  I've got a PRO TREKKER 400 AW.  It's a bit bigger than what I think you're looking for but I love it, and it's carry-on compatible.  Whatever you do, DON'T buy a bag that just fits your current setup.  Always leave enough room for your next purchase, whatever that may be.

http://www.lowepro.com/

9

Software & Accessories / Re: Has anyone signed up for Creative Cloud for personal use?

« on: April 10, 2013, 11:58:33 PM »

I see it as putting your software on a payment plan.  I use it for Photoshop ($625), Lightroom ($123), Encore/Premiere ($800), Audition ($350), Acrobat ($400). Total RETAIL Cost - $2298. Divide by $30/month = 76 months.  Granted there is lots there I wouldn't pay that kind of money for (Premiere and Audition) but since I've got it, I use it.  I am only a hobbyist, but to me it's easier to justify the $20 a month (for photoshop cloud alone) than the $800 flat. Especially since I can say in 2 months - "Holy crap! What have I gotten myself into with this gargantuan piece of software that is Adobe Photoshop!?!?!  I'll never be able to figure this out.  I guess I'm out $40 after using it for 2 months."  Better than being out $600 for software I never use.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm married to a teacher, so we get the education discount and pay only $20 a month for the full subscription with no contract.  I don't think I'd pay $50/month for the full cloud, but I would pay $20/month for photoshop.  For anyone else who would like to take advantage of the same deal.  Enroll in one class at your local community college for $40 and you too can take advantage of this amazing offer!

10

Software & Accessories / Re: NOT happy with Lexar at this time!!!

« on: April 10, 2013, 11:36:37 PM »

I might look at the hardware you're using it with. Perhaps a bad card reader overvolting the card on read?  Two failed cards of a typically reputable brand sounds to me like there may be something else going on.  Don't rule anything out.

11

Lenses / Re: Is there any chance this is legit?

« on: April 09, 2013, 02:57:59 PM »

Has to be fake. No payment info, no SN, horrible engrish, and an outrageous price.  Move on.

12

Canon General / Re: Think I need a 12 step program

« on: March 30, 2013, 11:31:47 AM »

I have a great solution.  I'm broke.  I can't afford much new gear!  The last lens I bought was a 17-40L and it took me 8 months of saving to get it.  I know not everyone is blesses with this condition that makes it so easy to resist buying new gear. But there is help out there. 

No matter how much disposable income I have or how inexpensive the item I want, I don't allow myself to buy it if I haven't truly mastered the last piece of equipment I bought.  With the case of my last lens, (the 17-40L) I took it to Oahu and spent a couple of days shooting sunsets on the north shore. I did well, but far from perfection.  So I can't justify spending another $2K on a 70-200 F2.8L II IS (next on my wish list) until I know I'm getting the best shots possible out of my 17-40

I can do better than this.  When I do, I'll move on to my next purchase.

Hawaii - Feburary 2013 (40 of 60).jpg by ianwilsonphoto, on Flickr

13

Lenses / Re: Best filter

« on: March 13, 2013, 11:06:32 PM »

I used to buy the "reasonably priced" polarizer until I got my L glass.  Part of the problem I had in the past was that I had lenses various diameter. (52mm, 58mm, 67mm).  All my L glass has 77mm thread so it's easier to buy nicer filters (Now I've only got high end Hoya and B&W) one of these days I'm going to finally put out for the Lee 100mm filters, but not likely anytime soon. 

If your goal is to protect, save your money and use a hood. If your goal is image quality, spend as much money as you possibly can (on Hoya, B&W, or Lee) I've also heard good things about Singh-Ray, but never tried them.

14

Software & Accessories / Re: IMac vs MacBook Pro vs Custom PC for editing?

« on: March 12, 2013, 03:47:58 PM »

All about specs and familiarity. If you have been using PC, I recommend sticking with it, otherwise you may face a rather steep learning curve.  If you have the ability (or a friend with the ability) to build the PC from scratch, you can get a MONSTER PC that would cost twice as much in MAC. AND you're talking about adding another $1000 for Final Cut Pro.  Stick with the PC.  I've used both and it all boils down to personal preference.

Err....Final Cut Pro X is only $300

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/final-cut-pro/id424389933?mt=12

cayenne

My mistake on the price. I was sticking to what I last paid for Final Cut Studio. (Or I should say, what my employer paid for it.)

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Software & Accessories / Re: IMac vs MacBook Pro vs Custom PC for editing?

« on: March 11, 2013, 08:49:39 PM »

All about specs and familiarity. If you have been using PC, I recommend sticking with it, otherwise you may face a rather steep learning curve.  If you have the ability (or a friend with the ability) to build the PC from scratch, you can get a MONSTER PC that would cost twice as much in MAC. AND you're talking about adding another $1000 for Final Cut Pro.  Stick with the PC.  I've used both and it all boils down to personal preference.