Messages

121

Site Information / Re: In Sympathy for CR Guy

« on: July 17, 2012, 09:41:51 PM »

Hello Craig

What sadness you must be going through now as a family.   

I do hope you, your wife and firstborn child have the support of friends and relatives at this time.

My prayers for you all.

Paul

122

1D X Sample Images / Re: Any Thing shot with a 1Dx

« on: July 17, 2012, 09:30:43 PM »

Hi Gary

Congratulations with your 1DX, and the 'super' lens... what a great combination. 

I appreciate your sample photos, beautifully natural and lovely compositions of wildlife.  These are the sort of photos I like. 

Gary, do you feel the AF is 'best you have ever used'?  How would you compare it to other Canon DSLRs you've used?  (I have a 7D and have managed to squeeze out lots of good photos, including bif).

I'm sure the 1DX is obviously superior to the 7D in every way.... but just good to hear your thoughts and see those sample photos. 

Neuro.... yes... keep repeating to yourself.. you must.. keep strong... for all of us... 

Cheers!!

Paul

123

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Information.

« on: July 11, 2012, 07:59:25 PM »

Eh...I think that was the 2011 sign, the new 2012 London Underground signage (in preparation for the Olympics) has been revised - see below:

I thought they got rid of all the Aussies.   

ROFL @ the modified sign

As an Aussie, I find this thread (esp the modified sign) so funny!   

And as someone who used to live in London for several years until about 10 years ago... [yes, I eventually moved to greener pastures... Romania... then back to Australia 5 years ago....] well, I found it funny an underground station could / would state DSLRs are not allowed.  Then the additional post about this being a museum (with the explanation) made sense.

About the Canon 40mm f/2.8 - pretty much all the reviews (both pro/site reviews and user reviews) I have seen and read about this lens indicate very positively.  I had the Canon 50mm f/1.8 mkII but was never happy with the AF, nor the quality of the bokeh in many situations.  But the AF (inaccuracy - esp in low light, sluggish speed and horrible noise) 

Probably out of frustration, and partly out of totaly 'being in love' with Canon's USM... I 'vowed' to myself that I would only get a lens that has true USM (or equivalent eg HSM) for a 50mm prime. I've seen too many reviews with problems about the Sigma's AF erratic nature (as much as I see that lens has amazing potential with it's sharpness and wonderful bokeh).  I believe it can be 'hit or miss' in terms of getting a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens that 'gets AF right' with one's camera body.  I don't want to take this risk, and I've had issues with Sigma AF before (on an ultra-wide, though I have praise in other ways for the Sigma 10-20mm EX HSM)

The Canon 50mm f/1.4 doesn't quite cut it for me with the 'micro USM'... plus most copies are not sharp enough / contrasty wide open.  The 50mm f/1.2 L is overkill for me, and it also has 'speed' issues and focus-shift phenom.   The STM focus mechanism seems a decent alternative to 'true USM' - and I would probably really like to use the 40mm STM and 18-135mm STM lenses for a day out in the field (variety of conditions) to 'test this new lens AF system out'.

40mm on an APS-C is just a bit too wide for my likes.  50-60mm would probably be my ideal for a 'walk around prime' for subject isolation.  When I need more focal length, I use my 100mm f/2.8 non L macro (where I find the USM focus is really good and fast enough, esp when I use the 'minimal focal distance limiter' - though some ppl complain the 100mm f2.8 (non L) macro slow to AF (but I don't - especially not on my 7D!)  And I can use my 70-300mm L USM IS as a 'candid portrait lens' (it has great bokeh, and awesome image quality!)

f/2.8 is also not fast enough for a prime where I really want the background blurred, the subject needs to be too close (eg distorted faces).  I could see the 40mm f/2.8 being more useful as a 'a lightweight street lens' on a FF. But as I don't plan on moving to FF (at least not any time soon... and I expect I'll always keep / have a APS-C)... and really do love my Canon 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 USM IS on my 7D for most 'street shots' that are in decent light, or don't require fast glass.

That means, I can see the 40mm having a lot of potential for some people, but for my style of shooting, I'm still looking at a 50mm - 60mm fast prime (I have ruled out the 60mm macro, because I really do want faster than f/2.8 ).  If a 50mm f/1.8 with better (read "true USM" or STM, or equivalent) lens comes out, that will probably be the last lens I feel that I 'need' to complement my existing lenses, and fit into my lens arsenal.

Ok... a bit 'off track' - but I do actually like what I see Canon doing with their new 40mm pancake.  Applause to them, for quality and price, and thinking 'outside' the usual square!  Hopefully this will herald in more 'new lenses' - and one that is right for me. 

Paul

124

EOS Bodies / Re: Should I get 7D now or wait for MKII?

« on: July 09, 2012, 09:22:32 PM »

My recommendation is for you to get a Canon 7D.  I have the Canon 7D for a few years now, and I love the camera. It's a powerful, flexible tool- capable of capturing a variety of quality photos.  I upgraded from a Canon 350D (my first DSLR). 

The Canon 7D is certainly a much superior camera than any 'Rebel' / beginner or entry level camera. I also find the 7D more intuitive and powerful enough to still be a great 'current buy' (eg liveview, powerful AF, frame rate, etc).

It's a great handling camera. Sure, pixel peeping will show it hasn't got the lowest ISO of any camera, but really - for most photography, it's still good and very capable of superb photos. The upcoming firmware will add some functionality too.   

While some people say "you need a full frame (FF) camera to capture high quality images" - this is absolutely not true. Many current APS-C cameras have quality that is far beyond what the people who own them can get out of them.  I will not argue that the latest FF cameras have superior image quality... but the difference is often very hard to perceive at normal viewing levels.  And yes, I've used a Canon 5DmkIII... to compare make this statement.   

My lenses (wide to tele):
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 HSM EX
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM
Canon EF 70-300mm L f/4-5.6 IS USM

The only lens that I feel like I'm still 'waiting for' is a new Canon EF 50mm USM fast prime. I previously had the Canon 50mm f/1.8, but the bokeh or focussing was not up to my standards. I previously had a good copy of the Canon 28-135mm which had decent image quality. But I sold this when I  bought the Canon 15-85mm, as the 15-85mm is much more suited to an APS-C (1.6x crop) DSLR, providing a 35mm focal length equivalent 24mm - 135mm. Additionally the Canon 15-85 has superior overall image quality, and is my main 'go to lens'.   

A few other considerations for my recommendation for you to start with an APS-C camera, and consider lenses like I have above.
  1) the fact that APS-C cameras often get better corner to corner sharpness of many lenses (I like this... it almost means that getting the same sharpness corner to corner requires less expensive lenses, or more flexible lens options).
  2) I obtain 'greater reach' at the tele-end, (ok, due to higher pixel density on the 7D than any FF camera) - particularly on my 70-300mm L (which gets me to a 480mm equivalent!)

Other accessories I have and use frequently, which you might like to consider:
Lowepro shoulder bag (for camera and 2 lenses)
Lowepro backpack (holding 1 DSLR and all my lenses)
a sturdy, portable Manfrotto tripod
Nissin DI866mkII flash (compatible with Canon 7D, half price of Canon's 580EXII)
Hahnel wireless remote (also functions as an intervalmeter)

I hope this helps.  For sure, if you feel that you NEED to go full frame in the future, then do (if you can justify / afford the expense of course).   But... I know many people who own APS-C cameras with good lenses (good glass is the most important) - and obtain great photos.   

Regards

Paul

125

EOS Bodies / Re: FIRST one in GERMANY

« on: July 09, 2012, 08:57:51 PM »

Congratulations!! I hope you have a fun first few days with your camera, getting to know it - and most of all, taking special, beautiful photos with it.

I look forward to seeing some (more) real life shots with it.   

Best wishes!!

Paul

126

Pricewatch Deals / Re: New Canon Product Preorders

« on: June 08, 2012, 12:37:19 AM »

The other things I note as being useful for still photography are:

• 5 fps continuous shooting (that's very decent for the Canon XXXD / Rebel / entry level line!)
• Integrated Speedlite Transmitter
• Spot metering

I wonder if the 18MP sensor is new, or the same as the 7D, etc...?  Hmmmm

The increased ISO capability of 25,600 (*with boost) is also new. I wonder if this is to do with processing power (ie the Digic 5 processor)... or software / firmware upgrade.

Anyway, a decent upgrade .... well done Canon.

Cheers everyone!   

Paul

127

Pricewatch Deals / Re: New Canon Product Preorders

« on: June 08, 2012, 12:30:27 AM »

I must sasy that I think Canon has packed a lot into the Canon T4i / 650D... and the RRP looks good. 

Clearly there is a heavy emphasis on video, which is making up a sizeable target market for those seeking to either enter the DSLR world, or upgrade from earlier models.

I'm a still photographer - but am glad to see there are some real improvements (eg more powerful AF, possibly a more useful screen with touch-screen entry functionality, etc)... so I'm hoping that this heralds more real still photo improvements for the 7DmkII.

My current body is a 7D... so - whenever a time for an upgrade comes... competition, advanced R&D and technology are good things!

Happy shooting (&/or filming) everyone!

Paul

128

Lighting / Re: Triggering a 5D MK III with a ST-E3 via my 600 EX RT on my 5D MK II

« on: May 27, 2012, 09:40:37 PM »

Another option is to get one of these:

Giga T Pro II 2.4GHz Wireless Timer Remote for Canon Cameras

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/852088-REG

I have one and it works very well

+1 to this.

I also have a Giga Wireless Timer / Remote - which works flawlessly on both my Canon 7D and Canon 350D DSLRs.  My Hahnel Giga Pro (bought for less than AUD$100 a while ago) came with 2 different mini-cables to connect the 'receiver' part that sits on the hotshoe mount - with the camera body. 1 cable compatible on the 7D, and another that is compatible for my 350D.

Then you press (or use) the 'wireless transmitter' part which can be up to 100 metres away.  I use it for tripod mounted macro photos (to avoid camera shake), advanced timing (eg interval timing, time-lapse, etc) - and it has many great features built in that I've discovered and used since buying it.

Eg, if I want to do a self-portrait, or group shot - it's much easier to use (and can be configured to by in-camera functions about AF) whether to activate AF or just the shutter release.  It is just so much better than a shutter release cable or most of what I've seen from Canon in the way of wireless remote camera accessories.

Paul

129

Lenses / Re: A myth of growing from APS-C to Fullframe or Dealing with anachronisms

« on: May 24, 2012, 07:14:25 PM »

Hi All

I own both a 7D and a 350D, and don't plan on moving to FF at this stage. The balance between size, cost, functionality and having the pixel density on my telezoom end makes me enjoy using crop sensored cameras a lot.   

Having said that, sure there are some times that I would like a FF - particularly for more depth of field control.... but even that will be minimised when I hope to Canon will produce, and then I'll buy a great new Canon 50-60mm prime (eg f1.8 to f2 with true USM and superior IQ wide open).

I see that I might possibly never go to FF (so long as there are always APS-C sensored bodies and EF-S lenses around) - ie to replace my current bodies / lenses when they might 'die'.

From a size perspective, the 7D is ideal for me. I upgraded from the Canon 350D (which I've had since 2005) to the Canon 7D about 2 and a half years ago.  I haven't looked back since.  The 7D's superior handling, AF and image quality were welcome to me. I got used to the 7D's sound very quickly.  In particular the 7D's view finder and screen have been great practical benefits, as well as the higher ISO possibilities.

The 7D is just the camera I want / need.  Sure, I hope any 7DmkII will have improved IQ and perhaps a few additional features.  I'm very happy with the 7D's AF and fps - though any  improvement on either of these would be ok (so long as the price rise isn't too substantial just because of that). Whenever I go back to the 350D, it takes me a bit of getting used to (eg a few minutes of using) - but then I am ok with it.  But the 7D feels more natural to me now. 

My lenses include a Sigma 10-20mm EX, Canon 15-85mm, Canon 100mm macro and Canon 70-300mmL.  The image quality from all of these lenses is very very good - from 10mm to 300mm (in 35mm equivalent: 16mm to 480mm) is well covered. So I find these all work so well on crop sensored cameras, particularly corner to corner of the frame.

From a camera size perspective, I have used a 1D series, and find it uncomfortably heavy / big. I'm a fit - yet fairly small build guy, but having that additional weight of a 1D does take it's toll.  I can use my 7D with 70-300mmL for hours walking, etc, but a bigger camera and lens combination (eg 1D with 100-400mmL) is much more tiring. 

I have small to medium size hands, but my fingers are relatively long for the size / shape of my hand. Many people talk about 'small hands' or 'large hands' - but I think it's to do with many aspects, eg length of palm, length of fingers, 'stubby vs thick' fingers, etc.  The 7D has both a taller and a 'beefier' grip for all my fingers to curl around.  Having said that, I managed to use a 350D for hours - there was some discomfort, but I often just ignored it. I have used a Sony Nex 7 the other day - (helping a friend of mine who needed my assistance) - and I found the whole size and system too 'fiddly'.  I would rather have a good P&S for ultimate portability in that case (as I used to have a few Fuji P&S cameras before I got into DSLRs).

From a perspective of image quality, pixel peeping will at times allow people to tell whether a photo was taken with the latest / greatest FF from an entry level APS-C... however, good photographers can get awesome images from even entry level DSLRs, as they understand about light, composition, technique and post processing. I have seen many many good photos across all levels of cameras, including P&S, though it's true that cameras with larger sensors have discernable benefits - particularly in noise, sharpness-per pixel level and functionality (eg fast focus, low-light, etc).

Some of the photos I took several years ago with my Fuji 3MP P&S still 'wow' people (who are not pixel peepers), as well as many images from my 350D. As I had those cameras for my years (about a decade) living in Europe between the late 90's to late 2008 - I'm glad to have those digital images captured and saved (forever!) However I'm now most content with the 7D, and if I ever go travelling, that is what I take as my main kit - with the 350D as my backup.

Regards... hope my post is useful food for thought!   

Paul

130

Lenses / Re: 100-400mm vs. 70-300L for basically the same exact price used? Which one?

« on: May 23, 2012, 07:32:49 PM »

I own the 70-300L and have used the 100-400L also.  They are more different lenses than their numbers suggest.  The 100-400mm is more of a 'bird specialist' and often focal length limited answer, whereas the 70-300mm is more of a general purpose telephoto zoom.

For me, the choice to go 70-300L was mainly on its much superior portability. Furthermore for most of my telephoto shots, 300mm on my Canon 7D (equivalent to 480mm in FF / 35mm format) was sufficiently.

The 70-300L does have much better IS (4 stops vs 2 stops on the 100-400L) which does make a lot of difference.  I don't like the 100-400L's pull-zoom action.

Good copies of both lenses can produce great photos when used by experienced and knowledgeable users. Though I would say that on the whole, the 70-300L has superior IQ (mine is particularly sharp and contrasty at all focal lengths, even wide open).

If I only had a FF camera - then the 70-300L wouldn't probably be enough reach for more of my needs.  I have recently used a 5DmkIII and the difference from 1.6x crop to FF is remarkable, so I would be 'stuck' - because I'm not so keen on the size and handling of the 100-400L. But with my 7D, the 70-300L does the 'trick' - even making a handy candid / portrait lens.

I really appreciate how good the 70-300L is as a travel combination with my 7D and 15-85mm lens.  I fit both in my shoulder LowePro bag often when I'm out taking photos.  And I can shoot all day with this 2 lens combination.

Hope my perspective is helpful. 
Paul

131

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 70D & EOS 7D Mark II Speculation [CR1]

« on: May 23, 2012, 07:12:04 PM »

I have the Canon 7D, and believe any 7DmkII will be an APS-C (1.6x crop) with quite a similar feature set as the current 7D. 

It appears the current areas Canon might be looking to improve are:
 - basic IQ (eg lower noise at respective ISOs, higher dynamic range)
 - possibly AF / metering improvements
 - maybe minor tweaks to video
 - slight FPS increase

However even if the last 3 didn't improve, I would be interested to upgrade WHEN my 7D retires / dies, etc.  I have taken tens of thousands of great photos with my 7D including landscape, wildlife, macros, etc.   

The build quality, handling and overall feature set are fine for me. A slight improvement to image quality would be all I ask for.  But I don't want it to go full frame, nor APS-H (1.3x crop). If an articulated screen is included, that could be good for some awkward to position macros (for which I often use live view), and certain videoing (which I do rarely).

Let's see what the future holds.  Competition and advances in technology are good. 

Paul

132

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Good Wireless trigger for Canon 5D MKIII?

« on: May 20, 2012, 09:43:35 PM »

My recommendation is the:

Giga T Pro II 2.4GHz Wireless Timer Remote for Canon Cameras

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/852088-REG

Noob, there are various answers here, but it really depends on what you ACTUALLY need.

That is:

• simply a 'wireless shutter release' - for 5DmkIII???  OR 
• a 'wireless FLASH' trigger for a certain external flash???

I have the Giga T Pro Wireless Timer Remote for Canon, which works great on both my 7D and my Canon 350D (it comes shipped with 2 different cables, 1 for most 'older' Canon DSLRs and a three pin for some of the 'newer' ones!) I'm very happy with that.

It allows a good working range, batteries have not yet needed replacing, and I like the flexibility of it being an intervalometer (eg that I can do time-lapse and control from inside, while my camera is outdoors)

Plus, it's a simple 'self-timer' / portrait help too. I'm not 100% sure if this will work on the 5DmkIII - but someone else (or google or the Hahnel or Canon websites should tell you!)

If it's option 2) - as I don't have a Canon 5DmkIII, I might have different requirements.  (The 7D can control remote flash, wirelessly by it's own flash, etc).

Best regards

Paul

133

Lighting / Re: looking for my 1st flash

« on: May 20, 2012, 09:22:48 PM »

thanks for sharing your thought.. I'd be happier if these can be fired at HSS and lastly they're only available online from other countries.

With pleasure, April.

Just note - that the Nissin 866 (both mkI and mkII) CAN be fired at HSS.   

Wickidwombat above said that he would prefer the Canon 430EXii as the price of the Nissin 866mkII is similar (which is fair enough if you want to stay with Canon). Just realise the Nissin 866mkII has similar FEATURES of the higher end Canon though (but at half the price) and it even has some features above the Canon 580 EXII, eg sub-flash.

I do realise though that for some, online internet shopping is a risk. It didn't stop me on this occasion, and I'm happy.  While generally I do prefer to have Canon branded photography equipment, there are times I do buy other manufacturers.  For example, I have a great Sigma 10-20mm lens, and a Hahnel wireless remote timer / intervalometer and the Nissin external flash. I'm very happy with each of these... but most of the rest of actual photography gear is Canon.

Best wishes

Paul

134

Lighting / Re: looking for my 1st flash

« on: May 17, 2012, 11:44:05 PM »

I have a Nissin 866mkII flash, and am very happy with it.  Matched to my 7D, it produces great results. 

It's got good power (slightly more than the Canon 580EXII). The user interface took a bit of getting used to, but now that I'm more familiar with it - find it very user friendly.

The LCD screen is better than the Canon LCD screens, imho - especially when working in low light! Plus it has a sub-flash, and construction quality is professional. 

The 7D flash menu can be used for various (including most advanced) functions, OR the 866mkII in-built menu can be used. Note - the Nissin 866 (mkI) works with a 7D, but not all the advanced functions, eg wireless, etc.

I bought the Nissin 866mkII at half the price of the Canon 580EXII! So from that angle, I highly recommend it too. 

Paul

135

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: New camera...shooting macros

« on: May 10, 2012, 08:24:06 PM »

+1 for the Canon 15-85mm.  I have a Canon 7D as well as a Canon 350D.  The 15-85mm is such a great all purpose lens for APS-C cameras. I've used a Canon 24-105mm L lens too - which certainly has a nice L feel and build quality to it.  In terms of image quality, the 15-85mm is very comparable to the 24-105mm: both have great sharpness, contrast and good bokeh.

The difference between 15mm and 24mm is substantial.  15mm on an APS-C camera is suitably wide for many landscapes, whereas 24mm is not so wide. There are going The difference between 85mm and 105mm is not so noticable as many people think.  85mm is sufficient on a APS-C camera for portraits, also as the 15-85mm is sharp wide open. The 50mm f1.8 is suitable for a shallower depth of field, or in lower light situations.

I had a good copy of the Canon 28-135mm, which I used as my walk around before I bought the 15-85mm. Photos of whole flowers usually do not require a dedicated macro lens. I've taken many successful flower photos with both my 15-85mm and 28-135mm. If your wife wants to take close ups of PARTS of flowers, a more dedicated macro lens may be required.  The 15-85mm focusses quite close though.

I hope your purchase decision is a good one, and look forward to seeing some of your photos.

Regards

Paul