Messages

1

Software & Accessories / Re: new 13" MacBook Pro

« on: February 05, 2013, 12:12:44 AM »

Just purchased the 13" MacBook Pro W/Retna display last month.  I have been using a 15" Sony VAIO, a AUSA notebook, and a home brewed desktop for the past 9-years to manage my digital images.  I made the move to Mac to better (and quicker) view/edit my images.  Even though the MBP(R) has a smaller display, it is far better for my needs.  The resolution and color accuracy are superior to any laptop, notebook, or desktop models I have used in the past!  I originally planned to use it with a large monitor, as I have seen the the 13" used with the Mac, Thunderbolt monitor, by friends of mine and was very impressed.  However, after seeing for myself just how good the MBP(R) is by itself, I might put off purchasing a monitor anytime soon!  Additionally, I have been extremely happy with Canon's DPP, Image Browser and other Canon Utilities programs for many years.  Now, they work even better on my MacBook Pro!

2

Lenses / Re: Your favorite lens is?

« on: January 14, 2013, 09:54:59 PM »

28-300L on my 1DX, if I only carry one body.
Or 24-105L on the 1DX and 70-300L on my 1D4.

3

Canon General / Re: Single point auto focus

« on: January 04, 2013, 09:08:09 AM »

I use back button (AF-ON) focusing in AI Servo mode, exclusively for the majority of my shooting (landscape, wildlife/birding, auto racing (NASCAR, NHRA & ALMS), architecture, people, street, travel, etc.).  Using AI Servo and back button focusing, allows me to track moving subjects (holding the button down) independently of shutter release, which I find results in faster and better results (more spot-on focus).  For static or slow moving subjects, I just press the button to gain focus and release it to lock focus.  This works really well in recomposing the shot while maintaining focus and eliminates having to select other than the center AF point or points (expanded or zone).  I also use the Auto AF point selection method in AI Servo on some moving subjects, allowing the initial AF point to continue to track the subject across the frame.  The back button/AI Servo method allows me to switch between one shot and AI Servo instantly, without having to dedicate another button or make changes by changing camera settings.  I was hesitant at first to use this method.  However, now that I ues it full-time, I wonder how I could ever do without it!  My digital bodies are as follows:  EOS-1D X, 1D4, 5D2, 5D.  Film bodies: 2x EOS-1V and a 1n.  My Lenses are:  20-35, 24T/S, 24-105L, 28-300L, 50 1.2L, 70-200 2.8L, 70-300L and 100-400L.  They (lenses) all work excellently using the AF methods I listed above.
Happy shooting!

4

Lenses / Re: Exposure and focusing help with tilt/shift lenses

« on: January 03, 2013, 03:52:26 PM »

My thanks to all of you for your assistance and shared experience with these unique lenses.  I look forward to giving your suggestions/techniques a try.

Happy Shooting!

5

Lenses / Exposure and focusing help with tilt/shift lenses

« on: January 03, 2013, 10:25:31 AM »

I just purchased a TS-E 24 II.  I know exposure is usually best set before applying any T/S adjustments.  However, there seems to be a lot of difference in the actual exposures, even when using this method.  I set exposure using only the Manual mode (all manual, no auto ISO!), which works pretty well.  Does anyone have a method they use to speed-up the exposure accuracy process?

 Also, I have found that focusing in manual exposure mode, can be difficult in Live-View using the exposure simulation mode (too dark).  So I do not use it (exp sim) except in bright sunlight.  For tripod-mounted shots I have found some workarounds.  However, I plan on doing a lot of handheld work with this lens too where I will be focusing strictly through the viewfinder. Any suggestions or methods out there that have worked well for you? 

Thanks in advance!

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: why does it seem that my 5d3 and 1DX both under expose in auto ISO..anybody?

« on: December 31, 2012, 09:27:47 PM »

Your results are interesting.  My 1DX is nearly flawless in all of the auto exposure modes.  I thought my 1D4's were great.  However, the 1DX is even more accurate.  I have noticed that my 5D2 tends to be about 1/8 to 1/3 on the under exposed side, which usually produces fully acceptable images.  On the other hand, I found the 7D I had, would over expose most images by 2/3 of a stop, to a full stop and a half?  So, I guess there are variables in any man made product.  However, after owning everything from film models (FT-B, AE-1s, AE-1Ps, A1s, EOS 620 & 630s, EOS-1, EOS-5, EOS-1n and EOS-1Vs) and digital models (EOS 5D, EOS 5D Mk II, EOS 7D, EOS-1D Mk IVs and EOS-1S X), I don't think I am alone in having been extremely satisfied with all of my Canon products and their precise metering.

I've owned Canon SLR/DSLRs since the '70s and have always found Canon's metering to be outstanding.  In fact, while working partime as a NASCAR photog (1998-2001) my shots were chosen over those from my fellow photog's, primarily because of my accurate exposures (Provia 100F film, with less than 1/3 stop of exposure latitude).  I never told them I relied solely on the camera's auto metering.  Almost everyone (Pro race photogs) in those days used handheld meters and shot manual exposures.  I trusted my equipment (EOS-1n & EOS-1V) and knew how accurate their metering was.  With the quickly moving subjects and constantly changing lighting conditions at most races, my exposure (and focus) "hit rate" was far greater than most of the other folks I worked with.  And that included almost everyone using top-of-the-line Canon and Nikon equipment.

7

Lenses / Re: Which one, TS-E 17 or TS-E 24?

« on: December 27, 2012, 05:39:38 PM »

Thanks agin for all of your help!  Just ordered the 24 from B&H...got the rebated price and free upgrade to three-day shipping.  Take care and Happy New Year/shooting!

8

Lenses / Re: Which one, TS-E 17 or TS-E 24?

« on: December 27, 2012, 02:44:59 PM »

Thanks PBD, that is exactly the kind of info I was hoping for when I wrote the post!  I have had my eye on the 24 for many years, now that it has been updated, it looks like it might be the one for me.  However, when I saw shots taken with the 17, on the CPN Europe site, it really got my attention...thus the post on which one to choose!  Thanks again for the insight! 

9

Lenses / Which one, TS-E 17 or TS-E 24?

« on: December 27, 2012, 01:09:07 PM »

I am considering purchasing either the TS-E 17 or the TS-E 24 II, for use on my 1DX and 1D4 bodies.  I have two, wide zooms right now, an EF 20-35 and a EF 24-105.  However, I would like a T&S to streighten things out!  Any input from users of both would be greatly appreciated.

10

EOS Bodies / Re: Downgrade to crop

« on: December 03, 2012, 10:06:59 AM »

My first DSLR was the 5D back in 2005.  I chose it because I had over 35-years of shooting Film SLRs and felt it was the logical step into the world of digital photography/imaging.  I purchased the 5D Mk II when it came out and then a 1D Mk IV in Feb 2010.  After using both the 5D2 and the 1D4 for a few months together (shooting the same subjects with both bodies), the 5D bodies stayed home and I shot exclusively with the 1D4.  I never regretted or missed the FF bodies.  In fact, I purchased another 1D4 body in Nov 2010, to allow me to carry one with big zoom and the other with a 20-35 wide one.  I also bought a 7D, which I liked for the long lenses.  However, I never really found myself using it much over the 1D4s.   I sold it (7D) and one of my 1D4 bodies to purchase a 1DX.  I really like the 1DX, however, I am really glad I kept one of the 1D4 bodies.  I now carry the 1DX for general work (24-105) and the 1D4 for all other stuff, mostly with either a 70-300L or 100-400 attached.  To me, having both the FF and the 1.3 crop bodies, fills all of my current needs.  However, if I had to choose only one body for all my needs, it would be the 1D4!

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX "Caution 02" Warnings AND Filthy Sensor.

« on: December 02, 2012, 05:42:44 PM »

Only clean my sensors with a blower bulb (no compressed air or anything else).  If that doesen't do the job, off to Canon they go (Canon Service Center, Irvine CA).  Same story for the many folks I know.  A few people I know have tried cleaning senors themselves, sometimes only to find either they botched the job or worse, had to send their bodies to Canon for cleaning/repair.  For me, it's just not worth the risk.  Plus, Canon does a full system check for you when they have the body for cleaning.  The check also includes an exact shutter actuation count as part of the service report.

12

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1DX "Caution 02" Warnings AND Filthy Sensor.

« on: December 02, 2012, 02:27:28 PM »

Only had "caution 02" once.  It was when I first got the camera and had used one of the factory batteries from one of my 1D4 bodies (less than fully charged) to operate the 1D X while it's battery was getting its initial charge.  Since then, no further occurance so far (over eight battery charges using both 1D4 and 1D X batteries. 
Sensor was fine right out of the box (B&H purchase, Nov 2012).
I have several friends/associates who own 1D X bodies and have not heard of either problem from them.
Hope this helps.

13

EOS Bodies / Re: 1dx Af quick select within a custom function?

« on: December 01, 2012, 09:28:00 AM »

Concur with neuro, there are a multitude of options with this model.  Just remember, in AI Servo, single point AF and single point spot AF cannot be used in Cases 5 and 6!  However, Cases 2 and 4 are good choices when single AF points are needed in AI Servo.  I have found Case 6 with all 61 points selected, works very well for me when shooting BIF with either my 100-400 or 70-300L.  Also, selecting the 9 center points works well in all AI Servo Case choices.
Happy shooting!

14

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 1Dx Af points

« on: November 20, 2012, 09:31:43 AM »

I also use the method Neuro pointed out with great success.  Just remember, you can't select a single af point when using AI Servo Case 5 or 6.  I struggled with the single point selection in AI S until I looked closely at the notes for each "Case" selection in the manual.  However, Case 4 works pretty well as an alternate choice to 5 and 6 and does allow single point selection.  Also, the expanded AF point selection (either choice) does work, so you might try that too when using Cases 5 and 6.  Good luck!

15

EOS Bodies / Re: EOS-1D X Firmware Question

« on: November 18, 2012, 02:03:01 PM »

Thanks Viggo!  I guess I should trust what is left of my mind!