Messages

1

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 100 f/2.8L IS Macro

« on: November 29, 2012, 10:31:58 AM »

Please forgive me for "raining on the parade" here, but in the tests conducted by Photodo, the Zeiss Macro-Planar T* 100mm f/2 beat the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro in virtually every optical parameter.  Most particularly, its resolution was significantly better than the Canon.  Yes, the Zeiss needs an extension tube to reach 1:1, but with the time, diligence, and tripod already required for macro work, that doesn't strike me as much of an issue (either lens will need an extension to go beyond 1:1 which is a fun zone as well).   Lack of IS on the Zeiss when used for normal photography at 100mm focal length is perhaps an issue.  Just my 2 cents.

2

Lenses / Re: Is it acceptable that 1 out of 5 copies of the 24-70mm II are really great?

« on: October 17, 2012, 02:15:37 PM »

People, I think we're getting off topic here.  It doesn't matter a bit whether 4 lenses or 5 lenses had to be tested to find a really good one - either percentage (only 20% excellent or only 25% excellent) is completely unacceptable from a major manufacturer such as Canon.

3

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 F/2.8L II USM Zoom Ring Smoothness

« on: October 17, 2012, 09:26:55 AM »

I have noticed clear differences between my new 24-70mm f/2.8L II and my 70-200mm f/2.8L II with regard to both the zoom ring and the manual focus ring.  Specifically, in comparison to the 70-200mm, the 24-70mm the rings have both a very slightly "gritty" feel, and also a very slight bit of play (meaning that I can move the rings slightly either direction before zooming or focus changes begin to occur).  Based on my single samples, I would personally rate the build quality of the 24-70mm about 8.5-9.0 if the 70-200mm is a 10.  I am debating whether to ask Canon Service to check my 24-70mm; but having had some really bad camera repair experiences in the past (even with factory service centers), I'm fearful about it coming back in some way worse than it is now...

4

Lenses / Re: 24-70 II Shipped from B&H

« on: September 11, 2012, 04:11:38 PM »

I also pre-ordered an EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II the first day that B&H would accept pre-orders, and mine also shipped on 9/10/2012 by UPS ground, for delivery in Texas on 9/13/2012.  HOORAY!!  (I was beginning to think I might not live long enought to actually receive it...)

5

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Pushed Back to October?

« on: August 29, 2012, 09:09:26 AM »

For me, as one who preordered back in February, this news is beyond inexcusable!  Canon's photographic division must be completely inept.  At this point, the ONLY thing keeping me with Canon is the TS-E 17mm.   If Nikon comes out with a comparable lens, I'll switch in a heartbeat.

6

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Delayed Again

« on: July 05, 2012, 11:46:54 AM »

This is absolutely ridiculous!  After we've already been waiting 5 months for our pre-orders from major retailers, Canon now tries to tell us that something about the lens needs to be "adjusted".   I, for one, don't believe that lie for one second.   To CANON:  Our patience isn't limitless.   If you want to keep our business, deliver product with a reasonable time!

So just because you don't like the news and are impatient that means they are lying?  This is one of the most anticipated lenses of the year, and surely will be one of the best selling, they can't afford to screw this up.

Let me ask you, if there isn't an issue, then what exactly is the hold-up?  Are you suggesting that all of the 24-70 II's are actually fine and ready to go but Canon just wants to piss all it's customers off?  Obviously there is something that needs to be fixed.  They know how many times they've had to delay stuff and I'm sure they wouldn't do it if it wasn't absolutely necessary.

First:  This lens has been in development for years, and in professional testing for at least several months, yet Canon didn't find a very significant defect until it was already into retail production?  Not likely.  A lens isn't subject to the same magnetude of unknowns as a body, which has both many more components and possible software issues.  I think Canon is holding it up just to ensure that virtually all the Mark I lenses have been sold before they will release the Mark IIs.

Second:  The reason it is a big deal to me is that I'm a pretty old guy who would like to get to use it some before I'm either disabled or dead.

7

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Delayed Again

« on: July 05, 2012, 10:00:25 AM »

This is absolutely ridiculous!  After we've already been waiting 5 months for our pre-orders from major retailers, Canon now tries to tell us that something about the lens needs to be "adjusted".   I, for one, don't believe that lie for one second.   To CANON:  Our patience isn't limitless.   If you want to keep our business, deliver product with a reasonable time!