Messages

241

Software & Accessories / Re: Lee or Cokin system?

« on: March 16, 2012, 06:38:52 PM »

I forgot to mention, you can always hold the filters in front of the camera if you have a tripod.  I do it all the time when I don't feel like getting the holder out and putting it on.  Unless you're using a polarizer, hand holding is super simple, and I know a lot of guys do it.  You can also feather the grad by moving it slightly during the shot.

242

Software & Accessories / Re: Lee or Cokin system?

« on: March 16, 2012, 06:34:59 PM »

If you have tons of money and want to wait like 6 months (not exaggerating) -Lee

If you want decent filters right now for a low price - Cokin


I will say that the Lee ones are amazing.  If you're selling photography and want stellar stuff then go Lee.  I couldn't afford them, so I bought Cokin.  They are amazing for the price, and their polarizer is just as good as anything out there, and I got mine for 35 bucks on eBay.

The Cokin grads and NDs will leave a huge purple color cast on long shots, but can remove them with software.  I usually just end up making my shots bw to save time.  I have talked to people that use Lee, and they say that you still get the purple, but I can't imagine that it is nearly as bad as the Cokins.

My advice is to start out with the cokin filters, and if it is what you really love you can always buy some lees that will fit in the same holder.

Just remember, Lee stuff almost always has a huge back order.  You can find them on eBay, but if they aren't there you will wait.  Also, lee is all glass, and and they break.  If they break you will be sad.  You will be very sad. Cokins are some sort of resin, and won't break.  They will scratch, but they are like 20-30 bucks, so it's no big deal.

243

EOS Bodies / Re: Cancelled 5d mk III pre-order for D800?

« on: March 13, 2012, 11:30:12 AM »

Look at the sample photos on the canon site for all their lenses and cameras.  About 90% of them look like crap, and taken by some dude on the street that they handed a camera to.

I agree that the pics a not that appetizing, but search Flickr for 5Dii pics and you will see that they are incredible.  I have a hard time believing that canon didn't at least improve on them.

To me, everyone said that the 5D2 was the perfect camera minus AF and lower useable ISO.  It looks like the addressed that and much more.  I think the only thing people are bummed about is the huge price increase, and the fact that it is pricier than its Nikon rival.  I think Canon must be pretty sure of HW sweet this thing is to price it where they did.

But, who knows. In the end I think they are probably both going to be amazing cameras and ones that a good photographer will be able to take amazing pics with.  I don't see a reason to switch, but then again I am heavily invested in Canon with lens, flashes, triggers, etc.  I also love the Canon system on the camera, and I don't want to learn a new one.

Either way I think you will be happy with either camera and some good glass.  I'm not even considering switching, but I don't think I can blame someone for doing it.

244

Lighting / Re: Blackest material. Paint or, fabric?

« on: March 12, 2012, 12:46:45 AM »

the blackest material is any material without light on it!  but that black velvet sure does help.

245

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III Kit - Why did Canon choose the 24/105 f.4 IS?

« on: March 08, 2012, 07:23:31 AM »

Probably because it is one of the "lower" priced L lenses, and it probably doesn't sell as well as other lower priced L's.  Also, it has a nice range to it.

246

Canon General / Re: Canon coffee table...

« on: March 07, 2012, 06:27:39 PM »

The best part is that the picture looks like crap.  They must have had to use their camera phone since all their cameras were being used up!

247

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 30D to 5D Mark III - Too big of a jump? (advice please)

« on: March 07, 2012, 12:23:08 PM »

it depends on what lenses you already have, what type of photography you are doing, and how much $ you're looking to spend.  I would say get the 5Diii if you have the dough.  But if you do sports and have long zoom lenses that you love you might want a 7D which seems like the same camera but with more "reach" and higher pixel density.

248

Landscape / Re: Where Do You Print Your Pics?

« on: March 07, 2012, 10:46:03 AM »

Thanks for all the info.  I have a much better idea of where to look.

Now, what type of paper do you guys normally use?  Sorry to keep asking all the questions, but I really want to get the best quality for the price.  Thanks again everyone - I am applauding all of you.

249

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Mark III or D800 for Landscape - HDR Shooting

« on: March 06, 2012, 05:10:20 PM »

I have never liked HDR shots.  Granted, the are some amazing ones out there, but the vast majority I can not stand at all.  But, if you really want HDR shots then the Nikon has two more bracketed shots.  It is also cheaper and has much more MPs.

But, if you already have canon lenses, then is that enough to switch?

Also, the most important thing to consider is IQ.  I have never used a Nikon, so I can't say anything about them.  However, about 90% of my favorite landscape shots on Flickr use a 5D2.  I don't search them it, but when I check the EXIF it's almost always a 5D2.  If the 3 has even better IQ, and you already have canon lenses, and you don't care about the 2 extra brackets, and the MPs I say get the 5D3.

P.S. - you can save yourself hours of computer work by just getting some filters!  Not the same look as HDR, but perfect exposures and crisp images.

250

Lenses / Re: Will these lenses be suitable for the new MkIII

« on: March 06, 2012, 10:26:07 AM »

Why not just get the non L 100mm?  It is amazingly sharp, and I do mean amazing, and about half the price.  I know it doesnt have IS, but when doing macros I almost always use a tripod anyway.  It is also a great portrait and all around lens.  If you are getting the 5D3, then you're high ISO capability will reduce the need for IS even more.

I tried the L and the non L of the 100, and didn't see any real reason to pay twice as much for a bigger and heavier version of an already perfect lens.  I actually saw one reason - that pretty red line 

251

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: March 05, 2012, 11:41:50 PM »

I wish I knew why a sparrow will sit on a bird feeder for half an hour, but a cardinal won't stay more than half a minute. 

When I saw him, he and his female mate were both right there perfectly positioned.  While I grabbed the camera and changed lenses, Mrs. Cardinal took off.  This was the only shot I got with the whole bird in the frame and in focus.

Now every time it snows I stalk back and forth past this window, but no more luck since then.

I posted some pics of a cardinal about a page back, and believe me I know what you mean.  They are incredibly skiddish.  i set up my camera on a tripod (left it on manual focus after i set it), and i hid it behind some plants and used a wireless trigger to set it off.

it took a couple days before it didn't mind the shutter noise.  but those boring little sparrows aren't scared of anything.

252

Landscape / Re: Where Do You Print Your Pics?

« on: March 05, 2012, 08:26:48 PM »

I use White House Custom Color (WHCC).  Is mpix better?

For my high quality landscapes I use Weldon Color Lab, they are local Los Angeles.  I highly recommend Weldon if you are in the area.

They definitely look cheaper than mpix.  I'm just curious with the difference in quality between the two.  Are you happy with your prints from them?

253

Landscape / Where Do You Print Your Pics?

« on: March 05, 2012, 04:33:24 PM »

Admin - feel free to move this, but I couldn't find a perfect fit under any of the categories.

I was thinking about making some nice prints and trying to sell them, but I'm not sure of the best place to get prints.  I'm thinking around 12x18 +- a few inches.

I can buy a bigger printer, but I don't want to do that, because I'm not sure it would make sense.  Currently, I have a Canon that does amazing 8.5x11's but like I said, I want something bigger.

Then, where do you guys/gals buy mats and frames?

Thanks.

254

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: March 05, 2012, 12:18:40 PM »

Cardinal, House Sparrow - Canon 50D 100mm

Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk - Canon 50D 100-400mm

255

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: March 05, 2012, 12:17:08 PM »

 Cardinal - Canon 50D 100mm