Messages

16

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: How to proceed?

« on: July 14, 2012, 03:58:40 PM »

I'd say go for the 5d2. Pick one up new or lightly used and you'll love the quality. Sure, the AF system is pretty bad, but if you're shooting in decent lighting out on the street (or maybe even not so decent lighting) it'll still be pretty great. You have a nice set of lenses currently, and know what you want to get next. The 24mm will seem new to you, it's going to be a lot wider than you are used to, but it's great

If you're really concerned about cost, go for the 5Dc. I haven't owned one, but everything I've heard about it says it's still a great camera. What about renting one for a weekend when you plan on shooting a bunch of different stuff? It'll prolly cost you $100-200, but it'll really help you make up your mind. LensRentals.com has a 5d2 for ~$140 with shipping for 5 days rental.

That's what I forgot to mention! I ruled out the 5Dc, because I would miss Magic Lantern, it's very handy...

The thing about the 5DII is, if I go full frame, why not spend 2000$ more for the 5DIII? It would last a lot of years anyway...

One more thing is holding me back, the (for me) unfortunate timed rumors about an entry full frame, although I start to disbelieve them...

And yes, I can't wait to shoot the 24mm full frame!! Renting is as well a good idea, I could borrow a 5DIII from a friend, when he isn't using it, what's rare, but possible.

Do you believe that the 5d2 might hold you back significantly? Owning both, I honestly can say that the AF system is the single biggest improvement, although there are lots of small tweaks that are nice, and I believe the ISO Noise is nicer and less than the 5d2. However, you would also be missing out on ML, at least for a while. That and it's also $2K, which you might be better served spending on a lens or two.

As for the 135L? Awesome lens, I love it. Probably the only lens I would love more is the 200L f/2, but that's not gonna happen anytime soon for me. You should get it no matter what.

You may be right about the not to big difference of them two cameras, especially for a full frame novice, who's job doesn't depend on critical moments which are not to be missed.

As for the 135L, no question it's an awesome lens, everyone praises it! I had the opportunity to try it two times and I like it so far, only that the focal length is very similar to my 100L, so the 135L still can wait for me some bit more. I may even trade the 100L for the 135L, have thought about that as well  .

17

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: How to proceed?

« on: July 14, 2012, 01:24:21 PM »

I'd say go for the 5d2. Pick one up new or lightly used and you'll love the quality. Sure, the AF system is pretty bad, but if you're shooting in decent lighting out on the street (or maybe even not so decent lighting) it'll still be pretty great. You have a nice set of lenses currently, and know what you want to get next. The 24mm will seem new to you, it's going to be a lot wider than you are used to, but it's great

If you're really concerned about cost, go for the 5Dc. I haven't owned one, but everything I've heard about it says it's still a great camera. What about renting one for a weekend when you plan on shooting a bunch of different stuff? It'll prolly cost you $100-200, but it'll really help you make up your mind. LensRentals.com has a 5d2 for ~$140 with shipping for 5 days rental.

That's what I forgot to mention! I ruled out the 5Dc, because I would miss Magic Lantern, it's very handy...

The thing about the 5DII is, if I go full frame, why not spend 2000$ more for the 5DIII? It would last a lot of years anyway...

One more thing is holding me back, the (for me) unfortunate timed rumors about an entry full frame, although I start to disbelieve them...

And yes, I can't wait to shoot the 24mm full frame!! Renting is as well a good idea, I could borrow a 5DIII from a friend, when he isn't using it, what's rare, but possible.

18

EOS Bodies - For Stills / How to proceed?

« on: July 14, 2012, 01:02:29 PM »

I am very satisfied with my 60D, but I want to go full frame.

I want the (relative) best picture quality, and while my five lenses 15mm Fisheye, 24mm 1.4L, FD 55mm 1.2 converted to EF mount, 100L Macro and a 200 2.8L (with a 1.4 TC) can/could give me that quality, the 60D can't.

I am shooting a lot of people, as well as getting more and more into landscapes, I am discovering macro photography, doing a fair amount of street photography. Very rarely animals and where it's possible, architecture.

On my lens wishlist remains the 135mm 2L and probably also a Sigma 85mm 1.4. More forward in the future I would like to trade my old Canon Fisheye with the new one, get a TS-E 17mm, and if I feel I could need it, get the 70-200 2.8L II as well.

However, I make no money with my photography, so I have to think twice if I want to spend a bigger amount for a new camera. I was thinking a lot about getting the 5D Mark II used for 1500$, but I don't know if I would be satisfied with the camera. It's getting old and it's still expensive for my taste.

The 5D Mark III? Sure I could buy it, and I am sure I would love it, but 3300$ for a new camera? I don't know. For this I could get the two before mentioned wishlist lenses (~1600$) and as well trade the fisheye (~450$) and still have a spare 1300$ for, well, traveling ;-). The TS-E 17mm is only a option with a full frame camera. Although I would need higher ISO (a major thing I don't like about the 60D) for shooting f/4 with the 8-15mm Fisheye, as I prefer to shooting during the blue hour(s), and also at night. As well, what meaning has it to get a 8-15mm on a crop?

What did I forgot to mention? I like my gear light (but not all the time), sometimes just mounting one lens on the camera and use this combo all day/on a trip. If I feel like not carrying anything heavy with me, I take my Fuji X100 only.


Soo, If you read all above, you may think, WTF just go outside and shoot some pictures. That's what I am telling myself, and I know I thought a bit too much about my gear future, and anyway, my current path is to shoot the 60D to death and then I will have to get a new camera.

But still, I am curious about your opinion! Am I in some dead end with my gear thoughts, and where is the way out? Or should I just get the 5DIII and enjoy my 5 prime lenses even more? What would you do? Thank you for your answer.


PS Some of you may think, this is a get a new camera or buy more lenses matter, but I would like to improve my photography on all levels, and currently I feel like my camera is the limiting factor (besides taking the time for photography at all).

19

Lenses / Re: How much for a used Canon 200mm f/2.0L IS?

« on: July 10, 2012, 02:46:24 PM »

If I'd buy it, it would zero my bank account. But hey, it's an investment, isn't it? So no loss if I need the money, but maybe I would have to wait to have it sold.

Hardly a investment, and with the world economy in question, but looking poor, it might drop in value.

Come on Mt Spokane, I think your view is too pessimistic. There was a nice article I can't find right now, which explained why lenses are a good investment, basically writing that lens prices increased over the last years.
But even if the value of this lens would drop in the future, I could resell it with a maximal loss of 10%. In this case I would accept this loss as the price I payed for owning and using it. Still disagree?

EDIT: And the lens is a newer one, not old at all..

20

Lenses / Re: How much for a used Canon 200mm f/2.0L IS?

« on: July 10, 2012, 02:17:55 PM »

Thanks guys. BTW, I am located in Switzerland, and the lens as well. And I could get it for 4500$! And yes, the lens is not available new here.
If I'd buy it, it would zero my bank account. But hey, it's an investment, isn't it? So no loss if I need the money, but maybe I would have to wait to have it sold.

21

Lenses / How much for a used Canon 200mm f/2.0L IS?

« on: July 10, 2012, 01:35:13 PM »

How much does one have to pay for a used copy of this wonderful lens? Thank you.

22

Software & Accessories / Re: Benro B0 or B1 ball head?

« on: June 01, 2012, 01:17:00 PM »

The B1 will probably be fine with you camera and lenses, especially if you are using the tripod foot on the 70-200.
I think if you look at putting anything heavier on it though you might want to be carefull

I actually just bought a cheaper copy of the B0 for $30 off ebay for my rolling rig setup i'm making it seems ok
it should be fine for the 5D and 16-35 or maybe a 50mm which is about the heaviest gear that will be mounted on it

Can I have a look at this cheaper copy?

Now I finally managed to make a foot note showing my equipment. Wickidcombat, I've "only" got a 200mm 2.8L II prime, not the zoom! So the B1 should be quite enough for me..

__________________
Canon 60D | Canon Elan 7N | Canon A-1 | Fuji X100 | 15 2.8 Fisheye | nFD 28 2 | 24 1.4L II | FD 55 1.2 S.S.C Aspherical | 100 2.8L | 200 2.8L II | 1.4x II TC | 430EX II

23

Software & Accessories / Re: Benro B0 or B1 ball head?

« on: May 30, 2012, 03:39:22 AM »

Google it, then pass it by.  Their tripods are pretty good, but the ball heads are horrible.  You have to reef down on the tightner to keep them from slipping.  There are plenty of low cost heads that are good.

I did Google it, but haven't found enough evidence to incriminate the accused! Just that for some the B0 is enough, for some not. And as we "speaking" now, I already ordered the tripod with the B1 ball head! 
I decided before 3 months to get one of the two Benros, but every time I looked at it again I wasn't sure which of the two to get, so yesterday I got three more different opinions which was finally enough to decide (, without having the possibility to see them in real before buying). Thanks for your opinion,

But, If you want one anyway, I have two new ones only used a couple of times.  I refuse to sell them to a unsupecting newby photographer!

but I couldn't wait, you came too late.
I know the B1 won't be the last ball head standing, but it will be a good starting point, and very hopefully satisfy my needs for the next 2,3 years! What makes me cry is the recommendation by wickidwombat to get the Novoflex or RRS, they are way to expensive for me at the moment, so no choice! (Thanks anyway, will remember it when the time has come.) Last but not least, these are ball heads in the third generation (or did Benro renew only the tripods?), and what I heard is that the 2nd generation improved a lot over the first, so it can be that bad. Finally thanks again for the offer(?) Mount Spokane, I guess shipping costs to Switzerland would exceed anyway. You could try to make flowerpot holders out of them

If anyone is interested I will share my experiences with the B1 ball head, and maybe some pictures, too!

24

Software & Accessories / Re: Gura Gear Kiboko 22L????

« on: May 29, 2012, 04:22:06 PM »

Anyone could compare the Guru Kiboko 22L to the Kata Owl-272 DL? (http://www.kata-bags.com/owl-272-dl-for-dslr-w-long-range-zoom-lens-5-6-lenses). I am undecided between these two, and I've made good experience with a smaller Kata (467i). Plus the Kata Owl looks fine as well, a bit retro..

EDIT: I forgot to mention that the Kata Owl is less than half the price of the Kiboko!

25

Software & Accessories / Benro B0 or B1 ball head?

« on: May 29, 2012, 04:05:12 PM »

So I want to buy a tripod kit by Benro, but I really can't decide if it will be the C1692TB0 (with ball head B0) or the C2692TB1 (with ball head B1). The weight difference of 250g for the tripod and 50g for the ball head is probably negligible, but it still would be nice to get the lighter one!

More important is that the ball head will hold my gear, which is not that heavy at all, Canon 60D (around 700g) and my heaviest lens until now the 200mm 2.8L II (maybe 850g). And from time to time a 430EXII flash..

Does anyone have experiences with these two ball heads? Because I read in some reviews that the B0 can't hold really that much weight, even with (only) 2kg on it. Is this true and do I need the B1, or is the B0 enough for me? If I attach everything on the ball head and move the tripod, will it hold? Thanks in advance for all answers!

26

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What if you started from scratch again? Total Loss...

« on: May 29, 2012, 02:27:29 PM »

750sq/ft apartment near the beach in México.

How much is that? And why Mexico?

27

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What if you started from scratch again? Total Loss...

« on: May 29, 2012, 02:19:45 PM »

As much as I love my L glass I should have gotten Zeiss stuff in the first place.

Why? What about autofocus? I can guess the answer, because the Zeiss is sharper!?

I am experimenting at the moment with a A-1, and logically, manual focus lenses. I have to admit, I like to manual focus very much, and I will convert my 55mm FD lens to EF!

Until I got the A-1, manual focus was no choice, 'cause as lazy as I am, I am not using the manual focus ring with my L lenses. But now I try to discover, at least the FTM, so this week there was some insect flying in front of my 100mm Macro lens, and it was too small to put it on a AF point, and also quickly moving to follow it with a AF point (60D), so I tried to catch it sharp focusing with the focus ring. Did I succeed? Well kinda, see yourself. Probably the aperture was still to wide open (f/5.6) to get the whole thing sharp.




Still I would say for half of my pictures I need the AF, otherwise I would miss the moment..

28

Lenses / Re: FL 55mm 1.2 or FD 50mm 1.2L?

« on: May 16, 2012, 09:23:57 AM »

If you decide against, please PM me the link, One of my two lens copies was destroyed during testing by a careless drop.

Ouch, I am sorry about the drop, and also that I bought it now.  Together with a A-1 from the same seller, so I can use the lens till your adapter is finished! Cheers.

29

Lenses / Re: FL 55mm 1.2 or FD 50mm 1.2L?

« on: May 15, 2012, 01:48:25 PM »

Quickly, hit buy it now. The kit is a week away from ready, I have a working prototype in my hand.

Wait wait :-), the price at the moment is only at 215 USD! I would love to pay not more than that...Why pay the double, when I can (or can't) have it for the half? I know it's still cheap for 480 USD....isn't it?

EDIT: Hmmm...I need some more convincing words to push the button Anyone, please?

30

Lenses / Re: FL 55mm 1.2 or FD 50mm 1.2L?

« on: May 15, 2012, 11:35:10 AM »

Thanks for all the thread contributors! I've learned some things..

Now I found a Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 SSC Aspherical lens, for 480 USD, and I am curious if it is a good price for this very lens? Anyone knows the usual street price?

And I just saw it in the thread: ontarian you mentioned this lens, wrote it is "expensive though" (how expensive? ), and also that a conversion kit will be ready within a month.

Buy or not? Thanks.

EDIT: I checked Ebay, and it goes for over 1000 USD, if this is the usual price I should immediately push the "buy now" button, but as it is an auction I am tempted to wait, maybe I'll get it for even less (or not at all)....