Messages

31

Lenses / Re: 600mm f/4l IS for $5k - good price?

« on: March 18, 2013, 08:40:38 PM »

If nothing else, get it, with the stated condition if you flip it you split the profit with her.

You may find that you love the reach out and tickle anyone, but make sure you bring an assistant around to carry it.  Do you have a tripod and head able to hold the weight?

32

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon 5D Mark iii HDMI Clean Output?

« on: March 18, 2013, 07:25:12 PM »

The firmware update doesn't change up the frame rate of capture, so it doesn't matter if it's stored locally or sent out via HDMI to a recorder. 1080p30/24 is all she'll do.

33

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Saving video straight to laptop?

« on: March 18, 2013, 07:21:53 PM »

You'd use something like http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/hyperdeckshuttle/ to capture directly to SSD or a http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/ultrastudio/ Mini Recorder if you wanted to capture directly to a Mac laptop (they make USB3 bits for PC's too).

I take it you're shooting static stuff in a studio setup?

34

Lenses / Re: best NON L long lens

« on: March 15, 2013, 11:42:24 PM »

Does anyone that has used it have an opinion on the Canon 200mm 2.8 L, paired with a 1.4x?

Loved the combo on the 7D and T1i, the 200/2.8L is the one lens I have wanted back ever since I sold it.

Long lenses to also consider, Sigma 50-500 and Tamron 200-500mm, but they may not be ideal for the situation.

The only thing bad about renting is when you rent something too good that is out of your price range to buy.
I'm still trying to recover from the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM that lens is amazing!

Give up, there isn't any recovery from the 300/2.8, especially once you've handled the mk II version.

35

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Own a 5D3 - need a backup...

« on: March 15, 2013, 12:49:39 PM »

Love my 1Ds mk2 - batteries aren't that bad if you go non-oem:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817551012

The lcd screen sucks, no 2 ways about it.  But, it doubles as a blunt object if ever dealing with rioters.  Just keep in mind that moving back and forth between them requires you to be fully awake, or in my case 2 coffee's in.

36

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Waiting to Shoot the New Pope with Nikkor 1200-1700mm Lens

« on: March 13, 2013, 02:15:15 PM »

Sigzilla 200-500 2.8 + 2x TCIII + 1.4x TCIII + 1D4 = 728mm-1820mm

Either way, I want to know what the Swiss Guard think of something this big anywhere near the Vatican.

http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/supertelephoto/sigma-200-500mm-f2.8-ex-dg-apo-for-canon

37

Software & Accessories / Re: IMac vs MacBook Pro vs Custom PC for editing?

« on: March 12, 2013, 05:00:26 PM »

I think the OP needs to decide what their time is worth.  All 3.5 options (hackintosh is a half step on custom pc) will work fine, it's more of how you will use them.  Some of the Thunderbolt accessories are really nice and fast, but are currently limited to Apple built machines.  Taking this into the field or working only from your desk? 

Building a pc adds time and complexity, and you have more granular control over things - but this only does you any good if you have existing experience in building and troubleshooting.  Chances are you want to get back to the actual film projects, not trying to fix your computer.

38

Software & Accessories / Re: RECHARGEABLE - POWER-EX - ENLOOP - IMEDION

« on: March 11, 2013, 12:44:31 PM »

Enloop - pick them up at Costco (10 pack of AA's were $20 last time I checked).  They also had 8x AA and 2x AAA with adapters to C/D sizes and a 4 spot charger for about the same.

On the Canadian site, it's $50 for 16 AA's or 12 AAA's for $32

http://www.costco.ca/Sanyo-Eneloop-1500-Battery-Pack-16-x-AA-Batteries.product.100014499.html

39

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Red light a challenge for band photos. Strategies for red light?

« on: March 07, 2013, 02:21:13 AM »

Strobing white would be bad, but what if you gel your strobes green?  A couple remote slaves up high pointing at the stage, turned to a low power setting? (I'm still in lighting 101)

40

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Good TripodHead

« on: February 28, 2013, 01:27:17 PM »

...but a lever release is a non-starter -- a disaster waiting to happen, really

What, you think having thousands of dollars in gear swinging from a clamp with a lever release sticking out, just waiting to catch on clothing or a tree branch and send that gear crashing to the ground is a bad idea?!?     I wouldn't use a lever-release clamp for a BR+Arca solution even if it were given to me for free...

Exactly why the F-1 plate is so nice.  The lever-release Arca is a double jointed setup each with their own failing, just isn't what one would want.

41

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Good TripodHead

« on: February 28, 2013, 01:39:16 AM »

Kirk QRC-1 is what you're thinking of...I have a couple.  The RRS clamp with the flat bottom is pretty new - the older one has metal 'nubs' on the bottom so the BR lug doesn't sit flush. I called RRS about it, since the nubby clamp was pictured in their website with a BR strap attached. Their advice is usually reliable and helpful, but in this case their suggestions were to either 'mash the rubber washer down onto the nubs' or 'just file them off'.    I bought the Kirk clamp instead.

I'm just waiting for somebody -- RSS, Kirk, hell, even BlackRapid themselves -- to get smart and start selling a clamp that's just got a loop suitable for attachment to one of these mini carabiner clamps on the back. No screw hole, no nothing, just clamp on one side and loop on the other, minimum metal otherwise.

b&

You mean one of these?
http://acratech.net/product.php?productid=86

42

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Need help to determine this deal !!

« on: February 28, 2013, 01:35:07 AM »

$3600 from a number of known sellers.  So what in this specific kit will you really use, and compare that to the hassle that may be encountered.  To each their own, and if you want to walk in and do business, it would be much easier.  But to deal with them remotely may not be worth the possible issues.

43

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Good TripodHead

« on: February 27, 2013, 01:53:26 PM »

I'm loving the Sirui k30x with the CarrySpeed Arca plate.  It's rated for a very heavy 66lbs, so stepping down a level may work.  Can't fight the price though - $141

44

Software & Accessories / Re: BlackRapid & Kirk clamp hook-up

« on: February 20, 2013, 09:26:51 PM »

Finally back online...  CarrySpeed plate, with FastenR in place of pin, so Arca plate + BlackRapid FastenR.

There are 2 screws, one on each side of the pivot point. 

45

Lenses / Re: Looking for new lens for vacation

« on: February 20, 2013, 08:58:04 PM »

Go wider or faster?  The 16-35 2.8, the 14mm 2.8 or the 24 1.4 would all be good fun.

Purchase or rent?