Messages

16

Software & Accessories / Re: arca swiss help please.

« on: May 07, 2013, 10:01:49 PM »

That is the beauty of the Arca-Swiss set up...there are many choices. I mentioned above that I like the Kirk plates and I use Photo Clam ball heads on my two carbon fiber tripods...a Gitzo (light traveler) and a Feisol (more sturdy and larger)...I use these plates, heads and tripods for two camera systems, a FF Canon system and a micro four thirds. MY longest, largest lens is my Canon 70-200mm f/2.8LII w/1.4 Ext....
So the beauty of Arca-Swiss is that I made choices for the camera set-ups that I have and the way that I us them.. Lightweight, Price and portability were my top criteria for choosing my tripods, plates and heads. Since I do not have any really heavy long telephoto lenses..my gear could be (IMHO) lighter weight and less expensive than a photographer using bigger, longer lenses.  I could spend $400-$500 on a tripod (not $1200)..I have found my equipment to be very fluid (does not get I the way of me creating photos, it facilitate it.). Trust me...every time I am around photographers with non-Arca gear...I watch them struggle and fumble and I am glad that I spent the extra money that I did in my Arca-Swiss set-up. For me their is no other choice!

17

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Samyang 24mm f/3.5 ED Tilt-Shift in Stock

« on: May 07, 2013, 08:45:48 AM »

In this case ...the Canon is definitely worth the extra money...

18

Software & Accessories / Re: arca swiss help please.

« on: May 06, 2013, 10:46:53 PM »

I put the custom-fit Kirk plates on my 5DIII and the bracket on my 70-200mm 2.8L IS II. I liked them so much I got custom-fit plates for both my micro 4/3 cameras too. Arca-Swiss "type" setup is the best way to go. (Not necessarily Arca-Swiss actual brand product.)

19

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:30:09 PM »

Good review....with current pricing I can see this is a considerably less expensive option to the 24-70mm 2.8L II....but I think it is a less convincing option to the 24-105mm, no? When comparing tele reach AND price this lens does not stack up unless the IQ is that much better.....
(Did I miss something Justin, or were you actually able to squeeze 73mm out of the lens for the shot of the child in the hat? AMAZING!). 

Thanks, I've never used the 24-105 so purposefully avoided comparisons, I have no doubt somebody on this forum will chime win with some sort of spec/chart comparison to show off exactly how different they are at 37mm f/4.5.

As for the 73mm, that's what the exif read when I "pushed" the lens into Macro mode... not sure how accurate that is, but it *is* at the long end of the zoom range past 70mm on the marker.

Hmm... The 73mm exif data is a bit odd...thanks for clarifying that stat...I should have known that you would have your facts correct!

20

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS

« on: May 06, 2013, 10:29:15 AM »

Good review, I appreciate the style and take. Like others, I think a more direct comparison to the 24-105mm would be useful.

Following Neuro's comment, I've heard repeatedly that IQ is not that much improved by the 24-70mm compared to the older 24-105mm. Anyone care to comment on differences on distortion, particularly on the wide end?

My first thought when I read the announcement for the new 24-70mm was oh no, there will never be a 24-105mm mkii!  I hope I'm wrong on that one, the extra reach has always proved useful to me.

Pensive...yeah... Canon should have just skipped this lens and revamped the 24-105mm.... I just don't really see the need for this lens...especially at this cost.

21

EOS Bodies / Re: No 7D Mark II in 2013? [CR2]

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:39:22 AM »

....on edge of seat...is the 14-24mm L zoom on that 2013 list? huh...huh...huh....

22

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:47:50 AM »

Good review....with current pricing I can see this is a considerably less expensive option to the 24-70mm 2.8L II....but I think it is a less convincing option to the 24-105mm, no? When comparing tele reach AND price this lens does not stack up unless the IQ is that much better.....
(Did I miss something Justin, or were you actually able to squeeze 73mm out of the lens for the shot of the child in the hat? AMAZING!). 

23

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 05, 2013, 08:45:44 AM »

Like your images, seems you have a load of great places for this sort of shooting where you live.
I see an image like this I immediately think "Steven King", waiting for the Dummy to leap out of the frame.
[/quote]

Thanks eml!
This one is a little more Dean Koontz.... :-)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8698114638_e6482b2f72_b.jpg

..yeah...no cock fights (that I know of), in Monmouth County, NJ!

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5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 04, 2013, 09:12:59 AM »

Shutterwideshut, Chuck, lovely pictures!

Bornshooter, there seems to be a problem with your AF. The loch is completely out of focus.

Damn RPT looks like it's out quite a bit lol

I think Bornshooter was using that new AF setting on the 5DIII:

Assisted Specified Spot AF....

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5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 04, 2013, 08:38:07 AM »

Great images emi...REALLY beautiful! ...but those aren't old guys...they are in their 30's!   

Thanks Infared, and your probably pretty close to the truth, these Guys must have smoked a Packet of Kretek Cigarettes each in an Hour, at that rate, rpt is right, they're probably only 18. I had to Photoshop out the exploding embers that are continuously flying out of the end of the Cigarettes, this was more Dangerous than Shooting Leopards.

I did some shooting last Sunday at an abandoned dress factory in PA...but alas...there was no smoke and no blood....

26

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 04, 2013, 07:53:56 AM »

Great images eml...REALLY beautiful! ...but those aren't old guys...they are in their 30's!   

27

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Images

« on: May 03, 2013, 06:01:24 PM »

here's one from the other night.... 2 minute exposure, f20, ISO 100

This is just FANTASTIC!

28

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L II AF speed on 5D III???

« on: May 02, 2013, 06:23:42 PM »

Just confirmed - camera off, mounted the 85L II (set to AF), powered camera on, touched no buttons/dials/etc., and as soon as the self-clean finished, rotating the focus ring extended the front element.

Ditto.

29

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L II AF speed on 5D III???

« on: May 02, 2013, 05:37:21 PM »

Dylan... I love the beast...but it isn't for everyone.  It's slow to focus...but that is not what the lens is about. It creates dreamy images with bokeh that I cannot get from my other lenses (see list below). It definitely has a "look". You will need a copy of LR to de-fringe the CA...but that is common with most large-aperture lenses when used wide open. If you want fast focus..in any way...this is not the lens for you.  I would have to say mine is very accurate to focus. The focusing ring is a bit sloppy, and spinny...etc...
I love the images that come from the beast...It is a lot of money...and many do not have the patience for working with it to get the illusive images..but when you nail it down...nothing else will give you the look that this lens is capable of....
My advice would be to get one with a 30-day return policy..patiently try it out and get the feel for it and see if it is for you.......I really love mine. 

30

Lenses / Re: A review of the Samyang Tilt Shift

« on: May 01, 2013, 07:54:45 AM »

Graham, thanks for posting...I was curious about this lens.....