Messages

196

Lenses / Re: Portrait Lens

« on: October 01, 2012, 04:54:08 PM »

Great shots, Neuro! It looks like all that geek knowledge of yours actually translates to good photos.

197

Lenses / Re: Portrait Lens

« on: September 30, 2012, 06:28:56 PM »

One of my main reasons for getting the 85mm f/1.2 was that I was disappointed with the 85mm f/1.8 performance @ f/1.8.
.....
Maybe I got a crap copy of the 85mm f/1.8.

or maybe.. just maybe.. a 2000$ lens is just better then a 350$ lens... 

the 85mm f1.8 is not razor sharp at f1.8 every review will tell you that.

True. But the Canon 50mm f/1.4, 100mm f/2.8 L, and 135mm f/2 are all stellar, and they cost < $1k. So price isn't always commensurate. I'm sure there are people who rate the 50 f/1.4 as an equal performer to the 85mm f/1.8, but that wasn't my experience. I'm definitely cool with the 50mm f/1.4 for now. 85mm was the only length in Canon's lineup where I felt like I needed to pay that embarrassing amount. 

198

Lenses / Re: Portrait Lens

« on: September 30, 2012, 05:23:57 PM »

One of my main reasons for getting the 85mm f/1.2 was that I was disappointed with the 85mm f/1.8 performance @ f/1.8. I found myself reaching for the 50mm f/1.4 before the 85mm f/1.8. I can nudge the 50mm f/1.4 up to f/2 and get better sharpness (and still have that nice bokeh). Maybe I got a crap copy of the 85mm f/1.8. But it seemed to follow the same stopping-down pattern as the 50mm f/1.4, which is that it's soft until you stop it down a bit.

If I hadn't been able to afford the 85mm f/1.2, I would have opted for the 100mm f/2.8L or a 24-70mm f/2.8. But because I also shoot the 135mm f/2, 85mm is definitely a key length for me. And that's how they get ya!

199

Lenses / Re: What 3 lenses do you dream of and long to own?

« on: September 29, 2012, 03:07:47 PM »

It seems the 200mm F/2L is the most desired lens here. 

If the average photographer were 11 meters tall, the 600mm would probably be the most desired lens. And so it makes sense that, since we're mostly under 2 meters, a 200mm is the most desired. And even the 200mm sounds like it's heft is a bit of a limitation.

Doh! The American here (me) got his meters wrong. What I meant to say was that a 6 meter tall person would find the 600mm to be a good proportional fit.

200

Lenses / Re: What 3 lenses do you dream of and long to own?

« on: September 29, 2012, 01:46:49 PM »

It seems the 200mm F/2L is the most desired lens here. 

If the average photographer were 11 meters tall, the 600mm would probably be the most desired lens. And so it makes sense that, since we're mostly under 2 meters, a 200mm is the most desired. And even the 200mm sounds like it's heft is a bit of a limitation.

201

Lenses / Re: Lens Tweaking Service

« on: September 28, 2012, 03:09:07 AM »

Great idea.

I would definitely pay extra when I have a lens I think needs to be tested and calibrated properly. Also, AF testing would be nice too. It would be great if someone could definitively tell me what AFMA settings to use on a particular body.

202

Software & Accessories / Re: Need help on neck/Shoulder Strap for camera body...!!!

« on: September 27, 2012, 04:06:30 AM »

I'm definitely going to try the Luma Labs Cinch strap. The Black Rapid RS-7 does a great job of keeping the strap out of your way WHILE SHOOTING, but the camera has a tendency to swing around when you're walking with the strap loose (as most people do). The Cinch appears to address the stability problem, while still keeping the strap out of the way.

203

Lenses / Re: What 3 lenses do you dream of and long to own?

« on: September 27, 2012, 03:01:55 AM »

Even if I had the money for a 200mm f/2 L, I don't think I would get one because I'd be paranoid about damaging it.

If u had the money for a 200mm f/2 youd also have the money for getting it repaired. Plus the lens is built very sturdy

Well, I had the money for an 85mm f/1.2, but I still worry about scratching that rear element.

Honestly, I don't even want to be so filthy rich that I don't worry about thousand dollar scratches. It's a lot of money for a lens, and I will always respect that. Plus, the 200mm f/2.8 or the 70-200mm f/2.8 are sufficiently amazing to suit my needs.

But, yes, it's still an enticing lens to dream about. ;-)

204

Lenses / Re: What 3 lenses do you dream of and long to own?

« on: September 27, 2012, 01:19:44 AM »

TS-E 17mm L
MP-E 65mm
200 f/2 L

This year, I was able to acquire my first dream lens: the 85mm f/1.2 L. But as with so many people who can afford such lenses, I find myself lacking the time to use it enough because I'm always working. It's a vicious circle.

Even if I had the money for a 200mm f/2 L, I don't think I would get one because I'd be paranoid about damaging it. I wouldn't be able to relax while I used it. It's just too precious. Hell, I'm already paranoid with my 85mm f/1.2 L.

205

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera

« on: September 26, 2012, 08:01:10 PM »

It's almost all mid-tones. Is that the end target, or from that they can make something really nice?

That's the point of a more flat profile, you can always add contrast, but taking it away is where you introduce noise, banding, etc. In the Canon shot, you'll never really recover the blown highlights by the sign or the crushed shadows, unless you are working with really high end gear. With the Black Magic, I could easily re-create that Canon shot if I liked the look...can't do the opposite though.

That means the BM is way more versatile. If you're doing high-key TV work, it produces a nice image with less light (and less light is cheaper). If youre doing grittier work, you can introduce that contrast while being able to keep details. That versatility is everything, because its rare to shoot the exact same video style over and over.

Well-put!

206

EOS Bodies / Re: What does the "D" in all camera bodies mean?

« on: September 25, 2012, 01:47:16 AM »

I look forward to the day when someone is at the store and the sales person asks, "would you like to see the 9D or the 90D?"

What... did I stutter??

207

Lenses / Re: How often do you use 35L @1.4

« on: September 24, 2012, 10:54:35 PM »

This lens is near the top of my want list. I have also found 50mm a bit too long to be a dedicated walkabout prime.

Agreed, I bought 50mm f/1.4 and shot only few times.  85mm is better fit for portrait.

I don't mind using a 50mm for solo portraits. But when I'm walking around, I don't want to change lenses unless I'm going LONG (i.e., to 135mm). A 22MP image means I can crop a 35mm shot when appropriate. Once I get a 35mm, I'll might then be tempted to trade the 16-35mm for a 14mm.

With regard to aperture, as long as I can get the subject in focus... I'll go as low as possible. Likewise, I also set my fast glass to f/2 when DOF is an issue. I tend to be an angular shooter and shallow DOF tends to favor dead-on perpendicular shots.

208

Lenses / Re: How often do you use 35L @1.4

« on: September 24, 2012, 07:45:14 PM »

This lens is near the top of my want list. I have also found 50mm a bit too long to be a dedicated walkabout prime.

209

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Is there analogous 'cinestyle' flat settings for stills photography?

« on: September 24, 2012, 06:24:15 PM »

Lightroom shadow/highlight/tone controls will do the trick.

210

Macro / Re: Canon MP-E 65 1x-5x 2.8 Macro Lens example photos

« on: September 24, 2012, 01:42:52 AM »

Get one of these instead..far more versatile:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUAL-MOUNT-macro-flash-bracket-holder-for-speedlight-TF-22-Nikon-Canon-MT-24EX-/250933721573?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6cd0b9e5

I think I paid about $40 or $50 about 1.5 years ago.  It's well worth the price giving you the utmost flexibility.  I also picked up a macro rail from Adorama (house brand) which I mount on a tripod.  This too comes in handy

Looks like the perfect accessory for those lights!