Messages

31

Lenses / Re: Canon 85mm f/1.8 vs Other L and non-L Canon Primes

« on: January 13, 2013, 12:36:35 AM »

same problem here. I was thinking about getting 85mm1.8 but also considering the 100macro L IS. 15mm is not big difference unlike 50mm going 85. I have the 50mm 1.4 and I honestly don't like and that is why I sold it and got myself a Sigma 50mm 1.4. The 100mm f2 is almost the same as the 85mm in terms of build quality, AF speed, sharpness and so on. So better yet consider having the 100mm macro rather than the regular 100mm. Although of course the L lens is much more expensive than regular lens. But you brought it on your list so obviously money is not an issue.

I already have extension tubes but still thinking if I should get the 85mm 1.8 or the 100mm macro IS. 1:1 macro is not my main goal although of course its nice to have that option as macro photography is fun to do. Just like you, I will also be working more on portrait and not so much with macro and landscape.

I guess it boils down to two lenses. The 100mm IS macro vs. the 85mm 1.8. Lets see what others have to say with this problem.

32

Software & Accessories / Re: What brand of ND filters do you have?

« on: January 11, 2013, 03:10:18 PM »

@Neuroanatomist

Thanks for clearing it up.

@Eli

thanks, but Big LEE stopper is nearly impossible to find. I tried ebay and has been checking it everyday and nothing comes up. LOL, what do you expect, duh? Do you know any store/website or any other possible way to get a hand of LEE stopper?

33

Software & Accessories / Re: What brand of ND filters do you have?

« on: January 11, 2013, 02:30:45 PM »

Why do you say Cokin does not? Any particular reason. Is having resin instead of glass a bad thing?

34

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II

« on: January 11, 2013, 02:26:52 PM »

@NormalNorm
That's good to know. However, canon and other lens/camera manufacturer, professional lens rental stores, professional and experienced individuals recommends to annually (preferably 2X a year) to send lens to their own respective manufacturers or other professional camera store that offers calibration to calibrate lenses in order to 1. calibrate the lens for optimal use and 2. to service the lens itself for longer life. But point taken, the mark I version has its own flaws and one of which is the front area being too heavy thus making it vulnerable for easy misalignment. It is undeniable that LensRental is also bias on there review because they don't want people to buy their own lens but instead rent it. *People* will not call it a workhorse for no reason if this problem occurs a lot. LensRental review is very subjective as it does not portray a real world accidents that happens in terms of the lens being bump-in while walking in real world. After all, why would they have such lens on their store if the mark I is really vulnerable on this area. Don't you think that is a little pain in their *ss to keep fixing it the mark I lens every time this happens. Furthermore, why would they still keep the mark I on their inventory if mark II is been out already. I mean, sure, people still wants to rent it to see what is the mark I all about, specially for people that are thinking of buying one in the used market. But why keep many? I called LensRental and ask them how many do they have in their inventory as I told them I might need several copy for my friends and they said they have a lot.

35

Software & Accessories / What brand of ND filters do you have?

« on: January 10, 2013, 11:23:50 PM »

I own several ND and graduated filters from Hoya and B&W varying from 3-10 stops including the B&W 10 stop ND filter.

My question is, if I am to upgrade from screw-on filter to a one size filter such as the LEE Big Stopper and other brands, which one is better if not best and why? Im planning to use it on portrait and landscape.

Feedbacks and comments are very much appreciated. Thank you.

36

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II

« on: January 10, 2013, 11:11:22 PM »

@ trulandphoto
I agree with you. I have the mark I and even if I have the money to buy the mark II, I wouldn't. The lens design of the mark I and including the 28-70 is much better than the mark II. Given that it is lighter and smaller it doesn't justify the new design as it is vulnerable in some situations. For example, from DigitalRev, Kai have mentioned and showed on youtube video that he dropped there company's 24-70 mark I and the only damage it has is the dent filter thread. Now imagine that happening to the new mark II lens. With its plastic filter thread, I cant imagine whats going to happen with that lens. Now I know that the chances of that happening is slim to none but if that happens, well, you better pray to the God of lenses.

On several occasions, one, when I was shooting a model on location, someone just pass by and bump in with my 24-70 mark I on it with the hood on. I was confident that nothing happened with the barrel because the hood protected the lens while I was shooting approximately at 35mm. On a separate occasion, I was walking around for a casual street photography, someone bump in again to my lens. And sure enough, I wasn't worried the lens was damage because the barrel was protected by the lens hood.

As I mentioned, even if I have the money to buy the mark II lens, I wouldn't, just simply because of the lens design. I just wish that the sharpness it has is also at the mark I version (based from users and reviews). However, when I was watching the review of SLRLounge on youtube comparing the mark I and mark II side-by-side, I can't see *any or *big difference against the mark I. Maybe because of the fact that I own the mark I and not the mark II that the ownership ego is getting the best of me to *blindly not admit the difference between the two versions. I would like to hear some comments regarding this issue after you watch the lens review from SLRLounge.