Messages

31

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Sigma 8-16mm vs Tokina 11-16mm

« on: March 09, 2012, 06:45:23 AM »

I own the Sigma 8-16 and use it on an T2i.  I cannot speak to the Tokina's capabilities since I have never used one. The Sigma though is superb. I absolutely love it not just because of its insane width at 8mm, close to almost being a fish-eye, but also because at the more relaxed 12-16mm range you lose that distortion and can grab some really intriguing shots. There is a Sigma group on flicker that is worth checking out for its capabilities.

But as some one has mentioned, the bulb design does rule out filters and you do have to be careful since it is somewhat prone to being knocked. The lens is well built though.

I think the question you need to ask is how wide do you want to go. Is the 11-16 wide enough for your purposes. For me, being able to use the 8-10mm is a bonus, which is what you get with the Sigma but you still have the 11-16mm, which the Tokina provides.

So in short I think it comes down to the question of filters and it is something that has bugged me a little to be honest but I have never thought of trading it for the Tokina or a 10-22.

32

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Does the 5D3 have a better IQ than 5D2 at ISO 100 ???

« on: March 08, 2012, 10:48:07 PM »

They seem very similar to me. I do note that the foreground seems a little sharper on the 5d3. For example the 'taps' on the candy jar seem more defined to me and the colors jump out a little better. But I am also color blind and myopic!

I too am interested in the banding issue since I also own a 5d2 and have experienced it when processing RAWs.

33

EOS Bodies / Re: What is the new 5d3 Groundbreaking Feature that will shake the industry?

« on: March 01, 2012, 07:01:20 AM »

The price?

34

Lenses / Re: All Around lenses

« on: December 20, 2011, 05:34:16 PM »

I'm going to revise my earlier recommendation. 

Since you are brand new to photography, 14 years old and learning, you need to bring gear you can use effortlessly, very fast, and without thinking about it. 

You don't want to be 'that guy' who has a duffle bag full of gear and is always fumbling with lenses and tripods, and holding everyone up.

You want to be able to capture a memory as quickly as possible - and get back into the action with your friends and family.

You don't have enough time between now and April to get comfortable with 3 lenses. 

Pick one lens, and get to know it.  You have a lot of trips ahead of you. 

I'll often take a trip and bring one prime lens (e.g. 50mm).  It forces you to think about composure rather than taking lenses on and off.

Read this:
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/06/09/why-shooting-with-just-a-35mm-lens-can-help-your-photography/

I'd say bring one lens and learn it:

Either:  17-40mm f/4 if you want a zoom
Or... if you want to become a better photographer, bring only a 24mm 2.8 prime and learn composure (thats equivalent to a 38mm perspective)

I see your point and it is very good, but as I'm not really sure what kind of situations I will be in during the trip, I don't really want to have one lens, and then regret not renting one that could have given me the chance to get that photo I need the other lens for.  I guess I could rent the lenses (only 2 or 3) for a bit of extra time, and get to use them for a few days before the trip, how does that sound?

I just wanted to back up Scrappy's point and reiterate mine from earlier. When I first started I made the mistake of buying lenses and kit I thought I needed but then found I didn't. You've got a few months before your trip, would strongly recommend you getting to know one lens well (I'd say either the 18-55 kit or the 15-85), and taking it from there. I totally get your point about wanting to be prepared for the trip, however you'd be surprised how effective one lens (even just a prime - I was in New York recently with my fiancee and used a 35mm 95% of the time) can be, and it forces you to think about composition too. I've also been in situations where I've missed shots and opportunities whilst faffing with lens choices! Getting pleasing results from your first DSLR (with any lens) is not trivial either, so there will be a learning curve from the outset.

If you are dead set on a lens/focal length then go ahead - but if you aren't sure then save the cash for now and pull the trigger later

All the best.

I don't know. This whole thread seems to be kind of out there: a 14 year old buying his first DSLR along with a pile of higher priced lenses. The learning curve with a DSLR is pretty steep so I like the recommendation of keeping it simple and spending the time on learning how to actually use the camera. I love the recommendation of using either just a 35mm or a 50mm to master the craft. Any shots missed are more likely that you did not see them and not because you had the wrong lens!

35

United Kingdom & Ireland / Re: Jessops (UK) - Canon price increases??

« on: October 31, 2011, 05:51:23 PM »

Use this website http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/cat1.html

5d mark II is still at an all time low price.

Thanks for the link!
So what do you guys think is the reason for the price increase?

Either end of Canon wholesale discount/incentive or exhaustion of stock.
Prices could drop tomorrow if new incentive on offer.

Prices at Vistek, a Canadian store, have risen due to the floods in Thailand.

http://www.vistek.ca/store/photoprice.ca/239663/a.aspx

They have posted this on their site.

Perhaps this is the reason?

36

EOS Bodies / Re: Big 5D Mark II Price Drops in Canada & USA

« on: October 26, 2011, 08:44:12 PM »

that mean something new coming?

I just purchased a 5D Mark II from a store in Toronto and I asked about the price drop. The sales person told me that Canon has established a deal whereby a store must sell a minimal set of 5D Mark II's at the new lower price ($1999.00) and, if they meet that target, then Canon applies a rebate to the cost of having bought that number of cameras. So presumably the idea is that if you meet the stipulated quota the store will pay a lower price for the camera itself and therefore make a profit. He also said that with the current price the store will not make a profit until they reach the quota, which for his store was a 100 in total.

Now whether this is true I do not know but this is what I was told. I guess supporting evidence for this is that  through out Canada many stores are selling at this same price:

 http://www.photoprice.ca/product/02699/Canon-EOS-5D-Mark-II-price.html

But again, I am only reporting what I was told.

I then asked about the 5D Mark III and the sales person said he would not expect to see one in his store before later next year. Moreover, he said that Canon would not put a 5D Mark III up against the new EOS 1D X, a camera he does not expect to see until next April.

This makes sense to me but I again I am only reporting what I was told.

Thanks

PS Very,very,very happy with my new camera. The shutter sounds like an elastic band! 

37

EOS Bodies / Re: Big 5D Mark II Price Drops in Canada & USA

« on: October 26, 2011, 08:25:34 PM »

Did anyone buy the body from Henrys or any of Canadian sites? Can you give me an idea of how much I have to pay when the shipment goes through the custom? or there is no fee at all?.... Btw, Hernys is a reputable seller right?

I live in Toronto and Henry's is top notch. So is Vistek. Both stores are very impressive and extremely professional. I would be shocked if you had any problems with either one. I cannot speak about cross border duties nor US taxes.