May 25, 2013, 10:07:53 PM

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Messages - rmfagan

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Lenses / Re: Help Me Build My Lens Stable!
« on: February 18, 2013, 09:16:02 AM »
First off, I'm tremendously grateful for such a number of insightful posts. Thank you all so much!

When I originally posted, the only two things I felt sure about on that list (besides the unanimously approved decision for the 50 1.4) was that the 5d III was for me and the 70-200 upgrade was a no brainer. So it is interesting to me that it appears that these two items are the least supported for my uses. I'll admit my very first thoughts were to save the difference with the 6D, but comments about its AF scared me off. I sorted my catalog and indeed found the reduction of SS would have factored into less that 1% of any shots I've taken. Also the build quality was of slight concern, though I suppose I haven't broken my 60D yet, so...

As for lenses, I had never considered the fact that the FF jump would breathe new life into the 70-200/4. That's a great point, so thanks SiliconVoid and all. I can always rent is I NEED the 2.8 and buying later is still on the table, but for now, that potentially saves $2k from the camera upgrades. Anyone want to offer a counter point on why I should still jump to the 2.8? I will say that weight doesn't bother me.

On a secondary note, I could see forgoing the 2.8 to buy a 300/2.8 IS I at a later date as well. Compressed portraits, wildlife, etc. At ~3k used, thats not terrible.

I had no idea on the 24L II...glad I posted. I don't play with star field much, but I'd like to. I've now seen the samples illustrating the coma. I wonder can that be PP at all? It would also appear that EVERY Canon UW or wide has coma or sharpness issues that preclude it, yet I see some great examples even with these so-called tainted lenses. Is this a case of good enough is good?

Regarding the 85... it is such a great piece of glass. Pricey. I'm surprised nearly everyone has told me to forgo the 135 for one thing or the other, given that arguably my greatest focus is on portraiture, yet I'm looking for versatility to branch out. My biggest nudges towards the 135L were focus speed (just how bad is the 85, really?) and price. Talk me into this...

Lastly, those that looked at that site, which admittedly needs some work. Any constructive critiques? You're dead right in that photography does not yet pay all the bills, though it does a few. I'd love to hear what I might improve.

Thanks so much for all the help. Just one of many reasons CR is a daily read for me.

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Lenses / Re: Help Me Build My Lens Stable!
« on: February 17, 2013, 08:52:44 PM »
I may consider the 6D but given that I quite enjoy wildlife and even a lot of wide aperture portraiture where focus-recompose can be an issue, the AF worries me. I also have never been a "normal zoom" range type and so see no utility in the 24-105 for me. I don't even really care to purchase the 24-70 II, though I'd rent it, perhaps, for a wedding if needed. I'm typically a shooter who likes 50, or knows whether I want wide or tele, so the rest seems wasted on me, given the utility in the other options I mentioned. Perhaps I'm missing something...

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Lenses / Help Me Build My Lens Stable!
« on: February 17, 2013, 07:38:41 PM »
So I'm making the switch to full frame, not all at once, but over the course of this year. I could use some feedback on my choices and the order I should be purchasing to maximize utility and versatility. I currently have a 60D, 10-22, 50 1.8 II, and 70-200 f/4 IS, and 430EX II.

I shoot a lot of portraits. I quite enjoy shooting wildlife and do so on several trips a year (though I am inclined to rent for that as needed). I enjoy landscape as well and while I consider it a priority, I don't know if I do so enough to warrant the 24 TS. I've also been working on starscapes and such. I travel quite a bit and take a fair bit of street stuff as well as finding myself in dim churches, museums, etc meaning I'd like some fast glass. Also macro. Lastly, while I haven't shot a wedding, I have done some events and performances and would like to make that a larger part of my shooting. I also may be gearing toward work as a PJ at some point soon.

What I'm looking at...

(sell 60D, 10-22, 70-200, keep 50 b/c why the hell not?)

5D III (toying with the 1D IV for build and speed but perhaps as a second body next year?)

16-35 II (traveling, street, some landscape, group or environmental portraits even)
70-200 2.8 IS II (everything...weddings, events, portrait, some closer wildlife)
135L (covers my portraits, some street stuff, events/stage stuff)
24 1.4L (not as good as the TS but it's more versatile. churches, markets, lowlight, astro)
100 Macro (L or not? IS can come in handy and its only a $240 difference, weather sealing is a selling point)
50 1.4 (better bokeh than the 1.8, which I'd keep as backup or lightweight setup)

MAYBE a 600-RT but that likely comes last.

So...help me out. What would you change given my shooting tastes? Does the order of acquisition matter? I considered the 50L but I figured I'd have low light covered well and the difference in price nets me the L macro at a minimum.

Thanks in advance for all the help! If you want some degree of feel for what I shoot, visit www.rfaganphotography.com.

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Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits
« on: February 04, 2013, 10:27:30 AM »
Loved the color in his eyes!

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Landscape / Re: Post Your Best Landscapes
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:57:09 PM »
A few of mine... new poster here so feel free to critique

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Animal Kingdom / Re: Your best animal shots!
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:43:44 PM »
Pretty new poster here... Any critique is always appreciated. I like the first...kinda a "who you lookin' at" thing. He was actually pretty aggressive. The tortoise, not so much. The Coyote was at Yellowstone trying to sneak in for a bite of a wolf's elk kill. No shots of what ensued but entertaining for sure.

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Animal Kingdom / Re: MY dog
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:33:19 PM »
A couple of my pup... this is probably the only time he's ever actually slept  :o

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Portrait / Re: Post your best portraits(street, studio, candid etc...).
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:21:08 PM »
First time uploading shots. A few of mine. Any thoughts?

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