Messages

196

Video & Movie / Re: Formula Drift Streets of Long Beach shot on 5D MKIII

« on: April 14, 2012, 03:34:42 PM »

Interesting.  Why does it do that?  Is it because 1/2000 leaves shots to sharp that they don't blend together? Do you need 1/160 or something like that so they arent as crisp?  Or do you just need something like 120 fps?

197

Video & Movie / Re: Formula Drift Streets of Long Beach shot on 5D MKIII

« on: April 14, 2012, 01:55:19 PM »

Awesome video.  I will say that I was waiting for some slow motion action though.  I really thought you were going to have them come around the corner in full speed, then switch to slowmo for a second or two.  I realize that you'd need to be in 720 for 60fps, but I think it would have been awesome.

Either way, sweet video.

198

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Product Advisory

« on: April 13, 2012, 08:44:58 PM »

I use the top LCD all the time.  When it's dark I tend to use it over the back screen, the main reason is that it's easier to see, and if your camera is low down you can just look straight down instead of getting on your knees.

Don't understand all the anger about canon fixing this.  It's a problem that affects a lot of people, and just because it doesn't affect you it doesn't mean that you have to get mad at the people it does affect.

199

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Service Advisory

« on: April 13, 2012, 03:54:32 PM »

Kind of crazy to think that this might be because of the post on the forum.  Sure, you didn't discover it, but you made it widely known.

Starting to look like you have significant sway over Canon operations.  Nuts.

200

Lenses / Re: Filters - Help!

« on: April 12, 2012, 11:22:57 PM »

The best landscape photographers use filters? Hardly. Do a Google on Marc Adamus who in my mind is probably the premiere landscape shooter in North America. He posted recently that HE DOESN'T use filters.

To prove my point about the sincerity of my post, I am selling a set of Lee filters, yeah, the high quality ones and an adapter kit. Check out my website or do a google for Kijiji in Edmonton.

That's because his shots look HDR.  I can tell by the ones with the sun.

To get pics like that you can either use filters or do HDR, that's just about it.  There is no other way to get that sort of range, unless ther are amazing cameras out there that I don't know about.

And yes, many of the best landscape photographers do use filters, because if you want to get good images without tons of post and HDRs it's the joy way you can do it.

201

Lenses / Re: Help with event lens ( weddings, anniversary's, etc)

« on: April 11, 2012, 11:45:24 AM »

Based on your budget go with the 24-105. If you can spend a little more the 16-35 is also a great option. A little tricky for group shots though. I'd recommend 24-105 for versatility.

thanks. why is it tricky for group shots?

Not sure, but my guess is that it distorts perspective, especially around the edges.  this leads to a cool look, but not desirable when taking traditional groups shots.

202

Lenses / Re: 35mm f/1.4L II rumors?

« on: April 11, 2012, 11:41:48 AM »

i don't think waiting would be wise for this.  look at the reasons:

1) canon has been dirt slow at releasing things after announcing them (1DX, 24-70II, etc.)
2) canon hasn't even announced one, let alone CR announcing any serious rumors.
3) canon has increased their prices like woah - and you bet a new 35L, a lens that everyone wants, is going to be priced like woah.
4) buy it used now, and you can sell it if the new one ever comes out.  it is a beloved lens, and you would have absolutely no problem selling it because the new one will be waaaaaaaay more expensive.  you might lose a 100 bucks, but that would be like paying 100 bucks to rent it for a year or so.
5) the current one is old, but amazing. how much can a new version really be improved (which is probably the reason they haven't made a new one in so long)?

203

Lenses / Re: Help with event lens ( weddings, anniversary's, etc)

« on: April 11, 2012, 11:34:12 AM »

my dream setup for a wedding would be a 5diii with a 16-35L, 50L, 85L and 70-200L.  i think you would be golden if you had a few of those.

EDIT:  didn't see that you wanted wide lenses, so i guess the 16-35 is the way to go.  I have a 20mm 2.8 made by canon which i love.  it is super sharp compared to others.  it's not as wide as a 16 obviously, but its still really wide on a FF.  also, i got mine for under 300 bucks used.

204

Lenses / Re: Which Canon lenses DON'T need an update?

« on: April 10, 2012, 02:31:47 PM »

100mm non L.  Nothing bad to say about it.

205

Lenses / Re: Advise on next lens for my current setup

« on: April 10, 2012, 02:30:39 PM »

Thanks for your answers.

I'm aware that I'm looking at different applications and also different price tags. The reason for this kind of odd question is that I'm loving to shoot with my 70-200, but sometimes feel like I miss some reach and the 100-400 would fit in there very well. However, I don't really have any lens with a good maximum magnification.

Essentially I think that I would extend what I already know with 100-400, but would open a whole new universe with a macro lens. On the other hand it seems like macro photography needs a lot of dedication with a DSLR (tripod almost a must, special macro flash would be good, setting up the picture is much more complex than for landscape/portrait/zoo animals/ ...).

The other reason which makes me struggle is that I don't really like shooting with my 50mm f/1.4. It seems to me like it's not as sharp (at comparable apertures) as my 70-200mm f/4 and I really prefer the versatility of my zooms. So, I'm kind of biased against primes.

Tripod is actually not a must.  At first I thought it was because I was too scared to shoot above ISO 100.  As the years went on I realized that my camera is fine up to ISO 400, and not that bad beyond.

In fact, the biggest problem with macro shots is something that a tripod and IS can't solve - its the damn wind blowing your subject around.  While I prefer shooting macros with a tripod, it is not something that I always do.  Handheld macros are usually perfectly fine.

206

Lenses / Re: Advise on next lens for my current setup

« on: April 10, 2012, 02:26:44 PM »

I would go for a really well stabilized lens. Once you have become used to not worrying about shaky hands your focussing on the situation improves. an update of the 100-400 should sport a better IS.

Not to be a downer, but IS on lenses like that isn't incredibly useful.  Don't get me wrong, I love it on the 100-400, but unless the image is around 1/1000 of a second your image isn't going to look that good because your subject is usually moving.  The IS definitely helps, but a better IS wouldn't be nearly as beneficial on a lens like that as you might think. 

Also, the new one might require a serious bank loan, whereas you can get the current one used for less than $1,500.

207

Lenses / Re: Advise on next lens for my current setup

« on: April 10, 2012, 02:24:02 PM »

I have a 50D and both lenses, so maybe I can offer some advice.  I've had the 100 non L for a while and I effing love it.  It's amazingly sharp, much sharper than my buddies 24-70L and 70-200L.  I use it whenever I can.  Not only is it incredible for macros, but it is incredible at everything.  Even at 2.8 it is amazingly sharp.  Also, at 2.8, if you focus on something about 15 feet away and get lower to the ground you almost get a tilt-shift effect.

The 100-400 is a complete different beast.  Lately, I use it all the time, but I take a lot of bird shots.  Also, it is not very sharp wide open at the 400 end.  I always set my camera to at least f/7.1 and usually keep ISO at 400 to get nice fast shots.  Even with that you get a beautiful creamy bokeh and a very sharp image.

In terms of weight, you hardly notice the 100mm, so it's perfect for carrying around.  The 100-400 is a little heavier, but it's lighter and less bulky than the 70-200, and I have no problem carrying it around for a full day. 

In the end it boils down to what you really want.  If you want macros, then it's a no brainer (100mm)  If you want incredibly sharp images it's a no brainer (100mm).  If you want a low light lens it's a no brainer (100mm).  If you want a great portrait lens it's a no brainer (100mm).  But, if you want reach then the 100-400 obviously wins hands down.

208

EOS Bodies / Re: How many actuations on your Canons?

« on: April 09, 2012, 12:24:09 AM »

Last I checked I was over 35,000 on my 50D

209

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Want To Justify a 5Diii - Some Questions

« on: April 08, 2012, 11:50:30 PM »

thanks for the reply.  believe me, i would never do stuff for free, and i hope others wouldn't either.  the "foot in the door" tactic just hurts everyone.  people who say stuff like, "it will help your portfolio" and bs like that are people who will never pay, and as long as there are people willing to "build their portfolio" people will always expect to get pics for free.

210

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Want To Justify a 5Diii - Some Questions

« on: April 08, 2012, 10:54:52 PM »

First off, I want a 5Diii like woah.  You don't need to tell me that it's sweet and that I should get one.  So here goes...

I am a poor grad student.  I make some money on the side creating websites and doing odd jobs now and then, but nothing that is bringing in the big bucks.  I am basically a full-time student with lots of free time on my hands when I'm not studying and taking classes.

Currently, I own a 50D, which I love.  I would love to start doing some event photography and possibly weddings and things like that.  If I were to do so I really think I would need a FF with good high ISO capabilities.  Even the though the 50D is great, it just won't cut it for things like that as a primary body.

If you are just starting out, what can you expect to charge for events and weddings?  If I think I can make $3,500 in a reasonable amount of time I will go ahead and pull the trigger.  I will also point out that my fiancé is a great photographer and she would probably go with me and take pictures at the same time to double our shots and perspectives.

Right now I have glass that I am totally happy with (20mm 2.8 - which will be fairly wide on a FF and has a great look on a crop, a 50mm 1.8 - not the best 50mm, but still a sweet lens, a 100mm 2.8 - great macro and portrait lens, and a 100-400L - probably won't be used at events), as well as light (430EXii & YN560), and other extras (tripod, gels, mini bounce, timers, wireless, etc.)

Any real world feedback would be highly appreciated.  Thanks.