Messages

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Street Photography Advice...

« on: April 27, 2013, 04:12:49 PM »

I could not possibly match the diligence of Ryan's post. Just a couple of comments.
1. Size and shutter sound matter, but probably not as much as you think. The reason is that you will almost certainly stand out in whatever venue in Indonesia you are shooting, and you'll just have to use your wit and streetsmarts to be able to smooth your way through whatever inquiries (official or otherwise) you may get.
2. You have enough kit for anything up to a moon landing. Just take the camera(s) you handle best. Above all, do NOT try to learn new gear on a critical shoot or expensive  vacation. Rent the gear if you must; bvut spend a few days full time playing with before you board your aircraft. I learned the hard way ...
Have fun. John

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Color Differences, 5D3 vs 1D4

« on: April 27, 2013, 03:58:17 PM »

Colleagues: I shoot 5D3 and 1D4. I am a pretty experienced shooter. Recently on a mildly cloudy day I shot several hundred photos with each, under very very similar conditions (photos made from a boat on a lake of other boats on the same lake.) The general hue was mildly greener and muddier in the 1D4 than the 5D3. The image quality had no 'pop', and the images from the 5D3 were clearly superior. I carefully compared the settings (both 'standard'), the ASA, etc. I was able pretty much to correct this in Lightroom, though the white balance really did seem "off" in the 1D4. Does anyone have experience, insight, or further testing instructions they couljld offer me? Thank you for your time.

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Lenses / Re: 135L vs 85L vs 70-200L II

« on: January 16, 2013, 03:37:44 PM »

The 70-200 II is an amazing step up from the 70-200 ... which also was a superb lens. The 70-200 II is my absolute workhorse, and I never leave home without it. If I had to be stranded on a desert island with 1 lens, that's it. Besides, it is sturdy enough to serve as an offensive weapon if needed. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

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Lenses / Re: What lenses should I take to India?

« on: December 28, 2012, 01:21:40 PM »

Very envious of your 6 week shoot. Never done India, but shot China many times. Remember that just because you have glass with you doesn't mean you must carry it everywhere. Presumably you will be in hotel or some more or less secure place? I'd bring **minimum** 24-70 II, 50 1.4 or 1.2, and my workhorse 70-200 2.8 (I never ever leave home without that.) I'd consider the 16-35 II. I lilke my 135 f2; light and sharp. Bring 2 LaCie USB-powered external drives, a spare charger for your batteries  (bring 3 batteries not 2); and ... make arrangements with someone you really really trust to dropship you another body if yours craps out. I never go overseas without at least 2 bodies and a P&S backup. Bring Imodium too.

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Third Party Manufacturers / Request advice on weather-sealed 35 mm lenses

« on: December 10, 2012, 11:01:54 AM »

Colleagues: I would request your advice on a 35 mm prime for Canon . I shoot 5DMkIII's and 1D Mark IV in challenging outdoor environments--dust, rain, sand--but am also a bug on sharp and contrasty lenses. Your thoughts on Canon's 35 L 1.4 vs. Sigma's 35 1.4?  Thank you for your time.

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Lenses / Re: Update for the EF 24-105 f/4 L ?

« on: September 23, 2012, 09:23:51 PM »

I have owned 3 of the 24-105s (dropped the first; sold the second; using the third kitted with the Mk III). I have been very pleased with its sharpness and contrast. I shoot nearly everything wide open or near; this is my daily walkaround lens. In truth I don't think it is as incredibly sharp at my 70-200 version 2; but it is very sharp indeed. Yes, I'd like it to be a 2.8 24-135... but I'd like to be rich and beautiful, too. For outdoor walkaround stuff I think it is a very good choice and good value.