Messages

1

Software & Accessories / Re: 5d3+70-200mm: Is there a Sling Bag that can handle this + one other lens?

« on: Today at 12:46:47 PM »

LowePro 75AW Toploader.  Link: http://store.lowepro.com/toploader-pro-75-aw.

I have the old style of the bag, which has two non-padded pockets on the outside.  The new style only has one pocket.  I can fit the 24-105 or 24/1.4II in the pocket of mine, with my 5DII (with RRS L-bracket) and 70-200/2.8II in the main compartment.  It is comfortable to use.  You can add a padded lens case on the side, too.

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Lenses / Re: What the 300mm f/2.8 II did for me

« on: May 17, 2013, 11:07:17 PM »

Thanks for the nice walk-through of the lens.  I have been eyeing it for a while now.  I appreciate your insights.

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Lens Gallery / Re: Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM

« on: May 17, 2013, 10:25:46 PM »

Did someone on CR once call this lens 'garbage" ? 

Many have.  I don't think they've shot with it.

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Software & Accessories / Re: question for RRS/Acratech (high-end) ballhead users

« on: May 17, 2013, 10:23:05 PM »

Any (expensive) ball head from Arca Swiss, Markins, or Really Right Stuff will do what you ask. The question then becomes the head's usability. How smooth does it operate, how much does it weigh, do you like the layout of the controls. I will offer another vote for Markins. The Arca Swiss monoball and the BH-55 are as solid as a mountain, but they are large and heavy....The only negative I can say about the Markins, is that they puzzlingly placed the spirit level on the clamp as opposed to beside it...

+1.  I haven't pushed down on my BH-55 or my Markins Q3T, but both lock down tight with no droop, and both are super stable.  I prefer the tension adjustment on my Markins over the RRS (the RRS either feels too stiff or too loose).

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Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 08, 2013, 10:00:38 AM »

I'm contemplating Capture One for the bulk of my post-processing with Lightroom (with Nik tools) as a backup until Adobe stops supporting its user base too.  I have been a Photoshop user for 18 years.

i was thinking the exact same thing. i have been wanting to get more familiar with Capture One anyway as i hear it has a stellar processor.

Check out this screen shot: http://marcantonydaniels.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/lighroom-vs-capture-one-test/.  Apparently the blogger is contemplating the same thing.  The tonality (especially skin tones) look great.

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Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 08, 2013, 05:57:35 AM »

So.... all the outrage will get everyone jumping ship to what?

I'm contemplating Capture One for the bulk of my post-processing with Lightroom (with Nik tools) as a backup until Adobe stops supporting its user base too.  I have been a Photoshop user for 18 years.

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Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe to Stop Making Packaged Software

« on: May 06, 2013, 07:46:49 PM »

I've looked at their subscription stuff and it simply doesn't make sense for me.

They are trying to smooth revenues through constant revenue flow rather than having big revenue increases during releases.  I have no interest in renting software.

8

Lenses / Re: Viking Burial Fun (eral) topic!

« on: May 01, 2013, 06:43:16 PM »

How would you give your glass a worthy last hurrah or send off?

Not sure.  The first thing that came to mind is Kai from DigitalRev, who destroyed a kit lens using several methods (dropping, burning, etc.).  I would probably disassemble it and play around with the innards.

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Lenses / Re: Samyang 24 TS confirmed for Photokina!

« on: April 30, 2013, 06:35:08 AM »

Not that impressive.

It would help if the person who took the shots actually used the tilt-shift features of the lens other than the overused toy look.  It may be sharp though.

10

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: i need a new tripod, any recommendations? please help.

« on: April 26, 2013, 10:13:05 PM »

If you are in the USA, I would look for used tripods on Craigslist, which will enable you to get more tripod for your money.  If you are outside the USA, look in local classifieds for used tripods.  Try to get the best quality that you can afford, which is to say the most stable and dependable.  If it is flimsy, don't buy it.

11

Lenses / Re: TS-E 17mm or 24mm

« on: April 23, 2013, 05:39:57 AM »

so i understand from reviews the in-focus indicator will be working with this lens. is this also true when shifted or do you better work with liveview? i am currently using a 5dIII.

I only focus my TS-E 17 and 24 via LiveView at 5x and 10x.  This is the case whether I am using the tilt, shift, both, or neither.

12

Lenses / Re: Lenses for WDW

« on: April 22, 2013, 04:50:22 AM »

BTW, I posted shots from my last WDW trip on my Flickr photostream (pages 2-3).  Most that I posted were taken with the 100-400 (animals) and TS-E 17mm (interiors).  Check it out if interested.

13

Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 19, 2013, 07:29:47 PM »

I was looking at those on RRS's website, I do see myself adding one later if needed.  I'm ok spending extra to own both because I'm sure there will be times I won't want the bulk of an L bracket.  Besides I see myself leaving the plate attached the majority of the time.

I really hope they release more like the L-bracket for the 1D X - it actually converts from an L-bracket to just the base plate, and the hex wrench for the conversion is stored right in the plate.  It's an awesome design, IMO.

The RRS 60D L-bracket has this design too.  Much better than the 1-piece 5D2 L-bracket IMO.

14

Lenses / Re: Lenses for WDW

« on: April 18, 2013, 09:26:04 PM »

The 70-200 will be great for the Animal Kingdom Park and the Animal Kingdom Lodge (both lodges), which have savannas with amazing animals in them.  I would bring the 24-105 because of the versatility of the lens.  I would probably bring the 50 for speed because you may want to take shots in low light.

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Software & Accessories / Re: Help me finalize my tripod & ballhead choice

« on: April 15, 2013, 06:33:42 AM »

I have owned the Manfrotto 055CXPRO3, Gitzo GT1542T, and Gitzo GT2542T.  All are good quality.  The sturdiest is the GT2542T.  The smallest are the GT1542T and GT2542T (about 17" with the legs flipped backward), although the GT2542T is a lot beefier.  The design of the Gitzos are much better IMO than the Manfrotto (e.g., can get the camera down low, center column is removable).  The Gitzo hardware is better, too.  If I only had one tripod to get, and if I would not shoot with more than the 70-200/2.8, I would probably get the GT1542T because I value the design, compact size, and weight.

Re: heads, I have the Markins Q3T, which is a very good quality head at a fairly reasonable price ($290 USD).  It is super light and very sturdy.  I also have the RRS BH-55, but it is big, heavy, and expensive.  The Q3T is a better deal and has most of the features of my RRS.