Messages

16

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Considering switching to Nikon

« on: October 18, 2012, 08:59:26 PM »

Hey RGF (OP), why don't you spend some money on becoming a better photographer and not chasing gear.  I am getting tired of people coming on CR to worship Nikon and degrade Canon.  Why don't you post some of your recent photos and we will be able to advise you better.  My bet is your problems are not with your camera and lenses.  Now get off the computer and study more and go practice what you have just learned.  Then you can justify better equipment.

17

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unreliable AF on 7D with FW 2.0.3?

« on: October 13, 2012, 12:28:23 PM »

Third reply to this topic:  The more I mess with this issue and read  other posts, I am becoming more convinced the FW 2.0.3 update changed something in the power management of the 7D or at a minimum the battery  level indicator was affected in away that shows some charge (in my case 2 bars) when in fact the battery was nearly completely drained.

I usually change out my batteries often, but when this issue surfaced last week, I was on a shoot and my kit was in the car (about a mile away, my bad) and I kept shooting and this focus issue and focus confirmation appeared.

I will call the Canon Tech on Monday and report back his feelings.  I have only called once and the gentleman I got was excellent.

Lesson learned.  Change battery often and carry a spar in your pocket.

18

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unreliable AF on 7D with FW 2.0.3?

« on: October 12, 2012, 08:02:29 PM »

UPDATE:  As I replied earler, I was also having focusing issues.  Believe it or not, a fresh battery solved my focusing and focusing confirmation in viewfinder issues.  All is working fine now and leads me to believe that the FW update may have adjusted power usage in some way.

19

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unreliable AF on 7D with FW 2.0.3?

« on: October 12, 2012, 10:03:19 AM »

I also upgraded to the new firmware 2.0.3.  The last few times I have been out shooting with 17-55 and 70-200mkII, I have noticed that the green focus light seems to stay on or comes on instantly after pressing shutter button without finding perfect focus.  Just noticed some portrait images were not sharp around the eyes, but thought it was user error.  Using "one shot and spot center focus point, no filter."

I am going out today to study this further.  I had not given the problems from yesterday a lot of thought until I saw this post.

20

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Deal: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body for $2899

« on: October 09, 2012, 09:44:04 PM »

Set your alarm for 0'dark-thirty Wed AM (10/10/2012.  B&H will be open after their 10-day holiday and they will want their turn at the party.  They might even be back on-line for ordering now.  I am going to check.

Only other thought is wait for Canon to announce a $300 rebate on top of any dealer's best price like they did last December.  I got my 70-200mkII for under $2000 at B&H.  Love it.

21

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Best flash diffuser for 580EX/600EX-RT

« on: September 25, 2012, 09:54:26 AM »

I use the Demb Pro and had the Demb Flip-It prior to that.  Really like the Pro version.  I shot a lot of events indoors with high ceilings (some very dark) and portraits outdoors and need some gentle fill.  I get great results and should also state I use a Custom Bracket QRS E-2 to get the flash off camera.  I love the combo and it gives me tons of options.  I did turn the flash arm out to the left on the QRS-E2 to get it further "off" the camera and the results are very pleasing.

One thing you will like about the Demb is you can adjust the angle of the deflector.  It is like you always have a nice white ceiling or wall nearby.

22

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Best flash for 5Dmk3?

« on: September 22, 2012, 08:00:42 PM »

In addition to a 580 or 600 Speedlite, get a bracket (I like Custom Bracket) to get the flash off camera.  Next a diffusser, Gary Fong or Demb.  I prefer the Demb system because it is more adjustable.  Have fun, you will get some great shots.

23

Lenses / 7D Crop Factoer Question

« on: September 16, 2012, 03:29:31 PM »

I realize that an EF lens on a crop sensor camera must be multiplied by 1.6 to arrive at the equivalent focal length on a crop camera, but my question; when using an EF-S lens, has the crop factor already been converted?  So that an EF-S 17-55 on a crop would be equivalent to a EF 17-55 (if one existed) on a Full Frame without having to multiply by the crop factor?

It kind of makes sense that on an EF-S lens Canon might have already factored in the crop equivalent when stating the focal length.  And then again maybe not.  Please advise

24

Lenses / Re: Roger at LensRentals impression of 24-70 II

« on: September 11, 2012, 05:45:24 PM »

OK retailers, this is my FINAL OFFER, take it or leave it:  New (USA) 5dMkIII with EF 24-70mm f2.8 MkII -$4,800.  Free shipping with arrival by 9.18.12.  Can't wait....

25

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 7D to 5D III upgrade..worth it?

« on: September 10, 2012, 10:06:59 AM »

I am dealing with the same question.  I really like my 7D, but I have this burning desire for the 5DMkIII.  That is a lot of money for "a little greener grass" on the other side.  I have been thinking that my magic "buy point" is $2800 before June, 2013.  Otherwise, I will just wait for the next round of major sensor improvements to the 7D or 5D series.  And "That's a Memo."

26

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: $2,700 5D III?!?

« on: August 25, 2012, 02:29:10 PM »

NO, save yourself a lot of heartach.  This is a "bait and switch" shop.  Go to the site and the $2700 5DIII is sold out; however, you can "bid" on other 5DMkIII's, all north of $3,000.  If you are the winning bidder, expect a phone call trying (high pressure) to sell you upgraded shipping, extended product warranty, extra batteries (non-Canon), memory cards and more.  If you say NO, you will wait and wait for delivery and it will never come.

You can call and call, get rude people and told every story in the book about when your item will ship.

27

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Firmware update for 7D

« on: August 05, 2012, 09:15:51 PM »

I can't wait either and I won't eat or sleep until I have it installed.

28

Software & Accessories / Using a computer tablet to view images in the field?

« on: June 29, 2012, 08:21:27 PM »

Using a Canon 7D, does anyone know of a tablet that can easily be connected to a 7D for checking images on the fly?  I am sometimes shocked to find that some photos that appear to be good on the camera LCD have focus flaws etc. when downloaded later.

My first choice would be a direct connection.  Second choice would be a tablet that I could connect via a USB CF card reader.

Any thoughts?  Suggestions???

29

Portrait / getting terrible reflections in eyeglasses - suggestions please

« on: June 12, 2012, 04:52:43 PM »

Practice shoot today of a couple celebrating 50 years of marriage.  Both wear eyeglasses, I tried everything but trying to get the plane of the lens below eyelevel.  Will this work?

I even tried my polarizer.  Granted it was in bright sun under a huge shade tree.  Final shoot is tonight after 7:00.  Help please...

30

Lenses / Re: Buying/Selling/Renting Lenses

« on: June 02, 2012, 09:39:30 PM »

Check lensrentals.com.  I have used them several times, twice to confirm my desire to purchase a 70-200mm f2.8 MkII and 17-55mm.  I eventually purchased both lenses.  My other rental was the 135 to shoot my granddaughters dance recitle with very low light, no flash allowed (actually the sign in the lobby said no cameras) and I was way in the back.

I was not happy with the results of the 135 mainly because of camera shake (no IS on the 135).  This year I am going to take my new 70-200 MkII and I am actually looking forward to going to a "boring" dance recitle.  You will be very happy with lens rental, great prices, service and they only send top notch equipment.