Messages

1

Lenses / Re: 24-105 &/or 24-70

« on: Today at 01:54:14 AM »

Just get the Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC and you get the best of both worlds.

well.. only when you get a good exemplar.

every good review website reported great sample variance as far as i know.

Just bought the Tamron. Mine is very good. Go to the Shop and check it in the Shop. I tested also the Canon 24-70 and spoke to the sales about variation in samples for the Tamron. He confirmed that they also received variations in quality of the Canon.
I am happy with the Tamron.
http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=11251.msg273191#msg273191
 

2

Reviews / Re: Review - Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD with Pictures

« on: May 25, 2013, 10:15:44 AM »

It sure is.

Just yesterday I bought this lens.
I planned to buy the Canon 24-70 MKII. Friends would take it from the US that would save me some 400 euro. But they can't come on a transfer to Europe.

So I went to check the Canon and the Tamron yesterday since the Canon had 300 euro cashback and the Tamrom 50 euro cashback.
Now, I am not a pro. I found the IQ between the lenses very close. The Canon was sharper at f/2.8 in the corners. The Tamron had less accurate hits in AI Servo but still good. Vignetting was prominent in both lenses but nothing to worry about.
It was tempting.....to buy the Canon. But 950 euro versus 1650 euro (after cashback is a big difference.
My wallet did not want to pay a difference of 700 euro (Canon more expensive) with such close finish. So for my purpose of photography the Tamron fits very good. Feels good, build quality good, I like the stabilization.

3

Lenses / Re: Infra red filter - question

« on: May 18, 2013, 08:57:31 AM »

Are there any updated resources of what lens to use and what not?

There ya go
http://kolarivision.com/lenshotspot.html

I have no affiliation with them, had done a lot or research before getting my camera converted and the link was in my bookmarks. I got a 600D converted to full spectrum by lifepixel, very happy with their service.

Cheers,
g2

p.s. Not sure how accurate their list is but it is elaborate.

Thanks for that! 

4

Lenses / Re: Infra red filter - question

« on: May 18, 2013, 01:55:33 AM »

I had my 40D converted by LifePixel - they are great! One thing I ran up against pretty quickly, tho, is that a lot of lenses, in particular the 16-35 I was hoping to use for landscapes, have a nasty PITA "hot spot" of reduced exposure in the center of every shot [due to the way IR reflects inside the optics]. I'm currently looking at the Sigma 15mm to use on WA shots, since it is reportedly better. It would pay to research your current lenses before you commit to IR.

The 16-35mm is indeed not recommended for IR work. Here's a link on which lenses are suitable or not for IR photography: http://www.lensplay.com/lenses/lens_infra_red_IR.html

Cheers. 

It seems to be a rather "old" list.
In the list the Canon 16-35mm is mentioned but not the MKII. Does it mean that the MKII does not have the hotspot problem?
I also do not see the Canon 24-105.
Are there any updated resources of what lens to use and what not?

5

Lenses / Re: When is the New 100-400 Coming?

« on: May 18, 2013, 01:44:07 AM »

I'm really surprised by the 4 to 1 out selling of the 70-300.  The 70-300 is vastly superior to the 100-400 from 70-300mm.  While no, it's not a great birding lens, it's extra 2 stops of IS and extra IQ are above and beyond the 100-400.  As far as the method by which it zooms, is a complete non-issue.

I am surprised too.
The 300mm on crop 1.6 (for example 7D) is still 480mm. That is more than 300 or 400mm on FF.
Of course light conditions must be good - so there is a little limitation

6

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Lens for European Trip

« on: May 18, 2013, 01:41:20 AM »

I have the same question for trip to Italy and Switzerland. Was thinking I might take two lenses. I own a 24-105 but am afraid I might want more reach at times so thought of renting a 70-300 or renting that lens and borrowing a friend's 16-35. I have no personal experience with the 70-300 to help me make the decision as far as image quality, size, and weight.

The 70-300L f/4-5.6 USM IS is an excellent lens to travel with as it is light, excellent IQ and gives you excellent reach. That combined with your friend's 16-35 OR your 24-105 are probably the only two lenses you would need.

+2
That is what I would take.
16-35 (narrow streets, indoor, open landscape)
70-300 (anything else, portrait and situations to zoom in)

7

Lenses / Re: When is the New 100-400 Coming?

« on: May 16, 2013, 09:23:21 AM »

I am curious about the IQ and if it is push-pull design or not. If IQ is on par with the IQ of the 70-300L and if the design is not push-pull, I may replace my 70-300L for extra reach.


EDIT: Currently I am considering to add the 400mm f/5.6

8

HDR - High Dynamic Range / Re: Post your HDR images:

« on: May 12, 2013, 01:15:06 PM »

Time to post some new and fresh pictures.

It's an old abandoned theater.







The rest of the pictures are on my site.
http://maximlinssen.com/eastern-cinema/

Hope you like them! Feedback is welcome...

MxM

Maxim, I like them very much. very interesting subject and good HDR. Exactly fit the purpose and not overdone. Well done!

9

Lenses / Re: Sigma 120-300m F2.8 DG OS HSM (S) First review

« on: May 12, 2013, 10:38:17 AM »

Following their product realignment and QC improvements, Sigma grouped all their lenses into C (Contemporary), A (Art) and S (Sport). New lenses have one of these letters after all the other acronyms. Sometimes they spell it out like 35mm f/1.4 Art.

Thanks. Got it.

Just saw that there is a huge price difference as well.
The 'old' one is selling for about 2000 euro.
The new one is being offered for 3500 euro. That is in the Netherlands

10

Lenses / Re: Sigma 120-300m F2.8 DG OS HSM (S) First review

« on: May 12, 2013, 08:21:31 AM »

Following their product realignment and QC improvements, Sigma grouped all their lenses into C (Contemporary), A (Art) and S (Sport). New lenses have one of these letters after all the other acronyms. Sometimes they spell it out like 35mm f/1.4 Art.

Thanks. Got it.

11

Lenses / Re: Sigma 120-300m F2.8 DG OS HSM (S) First review

« on: May 12, 2013, 05:51:20 AM »

Interesting review.


Is this version of the lens an update on
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/629-sigma120300f28oseos?start=2


I noticed the (S) in the naming of the lens. I may have missed something here?

12

Software & Accessories / Re: If buying last standalone CS6: Mac or Windows version for longevity?

« on: May 10, 2013, 01:11:01 PM »

..................
Sufficed to say...I refuse to rent my software. I buy it (if you want to get semantically correct, I license it) for stand alone use for as long as I wish.

I will not be forced to rent software that requires a connection to the internet for phone home capabilities. I will not be held hostage for my files by a company with these policies.

So do I. I am with you but......the future development is more and more software available through cloud only and with a lease model. (and license subscription for a certain period)


Heck, you see it with spotify. Don't buy the DVD, take a monthly subscription and stream the music you want.


Now Adobe and Microsoft have similar concepts. More companies will follow until it is the common way of using your software


Or isn't it?

13

EOS Bodies / Re: No 7D Mark II in 2013? [CR2]

« on: May 06, 2013, 08:44:17 AM »

I have to say that, if this rumor is true, I am just a little bit disappointed. It would be great to have a better 7D this year but I can still manage another year with my 7D.
Looking forward to what lenses will be released this year. An update of 135 f/2? Or perhaps 50 f/1.4?

14

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 7D Rear Dial Cheap?

« on: May 04, 2013, 04:18:36 AM »

Just purchased a 7D and the rear main jog dial feels cheap. 

This is the third body I've used and one of the two previous ones were like this too.  Best way to describe it is a cheap, flimsy plastic feel.  It works just fine, but pushing the SET button makes a popping/clicking noise.  The dial itself turns just fine and has good tactile response but some play if you tap on it vs. turning it.

This is unlike any other EOS body with a rear dial I have tried.  Again, 2 out of 3 have been like this.

Is it just me?

Like you I own a 7D and a 5D MK III.
There is a difference between the quality of the rear main jog dial between those 2 cameras. I guess it has to do with both cameras being in a different price league. The difference is, in my case, not that big. And, I must say, it never bothered me.

15

Lens Gallery / Re: Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS USM

« on: May 03, 2013, 10:08:08 AM »

and...another one...