Messages

331

Software & Accessories / Re: Rucksack Camera Bags

« on: January 23, 2013, 10:15:43 PM »

I walk 15 minutes each way to work and always carry a camera on me. I use a Thinktank Citywalker 20. Holds my 5d3 with my 24-70 f/2.8 hood attached. I have a 50 f/1.4 in the bag as well. I also toss my notebook and other work related items in no problem. I never once have had anyone look twice at the bag thinking it was anything other then a work bag with a laptop and notes in it. It is easy to pull my body out and take a few pictures and toss it back in. Bag has gone with me to Peru and Chile without incident as well.

332

Pricewatch Deals / Re: What is the best place to sell your equipment?

« on: January 23, 2013, 09:56:49 PM »

I have used eBay and Craigslist exclusively (60/40, respectively). I've bought stuff from KEH, but never sold anything to them because the prices I've been quoted on their site have been WAY below market value. I'm always stalking CL and eBay for excellent deals an broken equipment (I fix broken lenses, bodies, etc in my spare time).  Most of my equipment has been repaired or purchased by money I make by repairing and selling.

Where did you learn to do repairs? Basic repairs or more advanced? Any special drivers, wrenches or tools needed to tear down/re-build? Thanks!

333

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: I love big gear

« on: January 23, 2013, 07:54:34 PM »

I honestly have started to love gripped bodies (big I guess). Balances out a heavy lens very well and makes it much easier to shoot handheld or even on a monopod. The weight of having to ski, trek or whatnot with it sucks but worth it in the end when you get the shot.

334

Canon General / Re: Best Lightroom 4 Book ?

« on: January 23, 2013, 07:47:57 PM »

Depends on your mode of learning but I've had more success with a couple of months of Lynda.com than any book I ever bought.  There are cheaper yearly alternatives but you can get a monthly premium subscription for $40.  you will learn more with 2 4 hour courses that any book out there.  They are really strong with Lightroom 7 Photoshop.  Can't recommend this highly enough.  After teh 2 days it will take you to master lightroom there are tons of general and specific photography courses.

Absolutely! 

When I read this I had to think about it.. Lightroom & Photoshop. Made me wonder if there was some super secret version of LR 7 floating around from the future~

335

Pricewatch Deals / Re: What is the best place to sell your equipment?

« on: January 23, 2013, 07:45:08 PM »

CL isn't bad but I have had a few interesting people try to "buy" my gear. They demand, berate and treat you poorly (possibly just the Reno/Tahoe area). I went to meet a guy today to look at my 70-200 f/2.8 Mk1 and he just jammed it into his 6D and took one shot and said "Too soft... I can't shoot my first wedding with crap like this! $1200 is a ripoff I'll give you $400 tops" making everyone in the Starbucks stare. On the flip side, I got a RRS versa 2 for $450 and the RRS foot for my 200 f/2 for $25. Managed to get a 100 f/2.8 Macro IS for $700 because the guy used our local store as a "free lens rental service" and did not get it back in time. Had a few other good scores over the years but these are my recent goodies.

Ebay has been good to me as well.. Just got a full gimbal PG-02 RRS head for $600. Sold my 24-105 for $125 more then I paid. The fee's do suck but the convenience of the service isn't bad. Don't mind having my bank linked to pay pal as I accept payments through the service for some of my Consultancy and Photography services. It makes for a good method of saving money for new camera gear for me as well.

336

Canon General / Re: Best Lightroom 4 Book ?

« on: January 23, 2013, 03:09:23 PM »

Kelby and Adobe websites. On occasion Youtube when I want to learn something new and outside the box.

337

Software & Accessories / Re: RAW Processing and what the hell is a DNG

« on: January 23, 2013, 02:55:32 PM »

I've seen people converting to DNG rather than process the raw files but I don't know why?

The videos are explanatory.  The advantages of DNG are minuscule, the disadvantages are huge (to me).  I don't recommend it.  Reasons: 1) Backups.  Lightroom saves metadata in the DNG file.  So with any change in LR, you actually change the file.  There is no option to save xmp sidecars next to DNGs as you can do with raw files.  This creates a back up nightmare.  2) Data.  Adobe says it's a lossless conversion.  Do you believe it?  I'd rather always have the raw data and not risk any adobe conversion artefacts to save a few megabytes.

Lightroom is Non-destructive. Any change you make are saved separate from the file. To embed the data into the file you have to save the meta data (ctrl/Cmd+S) to the file but it is still NON destructive as you can step forwards or backwards through the changes. This goes for .DNG and .RAW. Data conversion is only lost if you select that option to save a few MB. If you do not it stays the same. Try it some time by looking at a .CR2 vs .DNG (converted without the conversion to smaller file size) they are identical.

On the .DNG note. Adobe has committed to support the format for years to come. Who knows when .CR2 or the other .RAW formats will change at the whim of the camera gods. I see zero difference between the two formats and use both.

338

Street & City / Re: Your best street shots of any kind.

« on: January 23, 2013, 01:14:14 AM »

Sort of stuck out at me...

339

Lenses / Re: 70-200 IS2 + Canon 1.4x teleconverter question

« on: January 22, 2013, 10:01:55 PM »

I have the 70-200 IS2 and just ordered the Canon 1.4x teleconverter, should be here next week some time. I looked at the chart shots of this combo at http://www.the-digital-picture.com/ and liked what I saw. However, the shots are only at 200mm plus the converter. I read the info on the converter and it says its only compatible with 135mm and longer.

So my question is what to expect out of this pairing when zoomed under native 135mm? I am assuming it will not be very good on the short end. Is that what owners of this combo have found? Or is it still good IQ even on the short end with the converter?

Of course I'll find out for myself next week, but knowing what to expect will help me evaluate if its a good copy, so thanks in advance for sharing what you know.

For the converter being only compatible, it is with Lenses 135mm and longer (I THINK it works with some of the TSE and other specialty lenses). The lens + TC becomes a 100-280mm. The IQ should stay the same throughout the zoom range with a little loss (depending on if MkII or III).

340

Canon General / Re: The tax monster is coming soon. What are you planning on doing with your refund?

« on: January 22, 2013, 04:48:18 PM »

So who is going to buy something fun with their tax refund?

Personally geting close to $4000 back and putting it towards a 7DmkII or 1Dx depending on the stats on the latter.

And what makes you think that everyone is getting a refund? I don't think I'll be making any major "investments" in anything fun any time soon. Especially since taxes just went up (despite what some people are trying to tell us).

Ditto that more taxes equals less money in your pocket I feel the weight. 

Yes my tax rate increased but so did the amount of deductions I can take for my consultancy and business. Learning good tax preparation over the years has given me the benefit of either paying very little ($100-200) or being owed due to a deduction/credit that I can take advantage of that I learn about. Sorry you are not getting refunds I had nothing but good intentions for this thread.

341

Lenses / Re: 70-200 f/2.8L IS II Problem

« on: January 22, 2013, 02:00:59 AM »

I had also bought this very same lens from Amazon, and had an issue with it < 1 year of having it. Since it was outside the return policy for Amazon, I sent it to Canon, and they got it back to me within 2 weeks. It has worked beautifully ever since. So even if for some reason Amazon won't help you, Canon will.

+1

Canon service is pretty awesome.  I'm lucky to live a half mile away from the Canon Service Center in Irvine.

Lucky indeed!

342

Lenses / Re: CPL + Wide Angle = Sadness

« on: January 22, 2013, 12:37:21 AM »

Possibly use a Graduated ND filter during the shoot? A drop in style may work where you take one shot with and one without? Drop in would prevent most of the screw in issues with Wide Angle.

343

Lenses / Re: 70-200 f/2.8L IS II Problem

« on: January 21, 2013, 07:15:19 PM »

Did you buy it from a dealer such as amazon or B&H? Or via Ebay used? Like Neuro said Return if you can. Three weeks may be outside the time limit for returns but if you explain your situation I am sure any reputable dealer would listen. If still under warranty Call Canon and ask them. I got a DOA 600 EX-RT and they told me best course of action, Had a working one next day no problem.

344

Lenses / Re: weather-seal gasket replacement

« on: January 21, 2013, 05:16:31 PM »

My wife bought me a 16-35 II at the LensRental sale last cyber monday.  I'm loving the lens, however there's several nicks in the weatherseal gasket on the back.

I'm aware that this is really easy to replace, however I have no idea where to source the gasket part itself.

Does anyone know where/how I can obtain this part?

Has to be sent to Canon if I am not mistaken. That part is integrated into the lens mount.

345

Street & City / Re: Your best street shots of any kind.

« on: January 21, 2013, 02:41:09 PM »

I rarely shoot street shots.  This one is a repost.  60D, 50/1.4.

LOVE it.