Messages

76

Lenses / Re: Looking for EF 24-105 f4L aftermarket replacement...

« on: June 14, 2012, 12:46:56 PM »

I would save yourself lots of time and pain sending a Sigma or Tamron in for adjustments or sending it back for refunds etc.  I've been there and done that.  I ended up with a 24-105mm L that I found used and like new for around 800.  You can find one at that price these days. 

You have not mentioned what other lenses you do have.  Perhaps you would be better suited with a Canon 50mm f/1.4, if you already have a super wide and a telephoto zoom such as a 70-200mm.

If you need a zoom and cannot swing for the 24-105 L, I would recommend getting a 28-135mm used fir around $250 and the get Nik Software's Sharpener plugin.  That might hold you over.

77

Lenses / Re: 50mm 1.2

« on: May 21, 2012, 12:24:41 PM »

I guess I should chime in on this discussion, since I started on on FredMiranda.com a month or so ago.  There I discussed the bokeh quality of the 50mm 1.2L vs the Sigma 50mm 1.4.  I still have both and kinda prefer the Sigma's bokeh.  Note that at 1.4 both appear to be equally sharp..at least to my eyes. 

I had to try two Canon 50mm L's before finding a keeper and 3 Sigma's before finding a keeper.  I strongly recommend that, if you decide to get either that you go to a store where you can try them out on your body before buying.  Previous copies of both the Canon and Sigma had AF issues.

Also note that the Canon will suffer more CA at 1.2 and 1.4 than the Sigma.

Link to my discussion:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1107121/0

78

Canon General / Re: Canon EF 200 f/2L IS & EF 800 f/5.6L IS Service Notice

« on: May 19, 2012, 10:44:05 PM »

Man...glad I sold my 200mm f/2L before the 5D III came out.  I would have been pretty unhappy with the noise on my new 5D III and having to pay lots to ship back to Canon.  Also, how does this affect resale value of the 200mm f/2L?

My 200mm f/1.8L works splendidly with the 5D III!

79

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 35mm 1'4L USM or 50mm 1'2L USM for weddings

« on: May 15, 2012, 12:01:20 PM »

I'd recommend the 35mm f/1.4L first.  It is phenomenal and I would not think of parting with it.  If I had to let go of one, I'd get rid of the 50mm f/1.2L first.  I have a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 that is the optical equal to the 50mm L at f/1.4 and I prefer the bokeh delivered by the Sigma better actually.  So, you probably could get the 35 L and Sigma 50mm for just a bit more than just the 50mm L. 

Kind regards,
Jason

80

EOS Bodies / Re: Really Right Stuff L-Plate 5D3

« on: May 04, 2012, 08:49:57 AM »

Thanks for the feedback rsk7.  I think you meant March 18th.  I know RRS revised there initial design for the l-bracket, which probably delayed things. 

81

EOS Bodies / Re: Really Right Stuff L-Plate 5D3

« on: May 03, 2012, 11:41:58 PM »

The Kirk L-bracket is out and they will be shipping one out to me tomorrow.  Ordered it last Wednesday. 
~snip~

I also pre ordered the RRS L-Bracket for the 5d MK III...

Why would you purchase both the Kirk and the RRS L-Brackets? My RRS L-bracket is in transit to me in Canada but I have decided to reject the shipment when it arrives given all the bad press it has been getting around here and other forums.
I too really like the fit, on paper at least, of the Kirk but I have decided to wait until there are confirmed reports of a nice fit rather than being an early adopter. I look forward to hearing what you think about the Kirk L-bracket when it arrives.

Well...I placed an order for the RRS L-bracket a month ago now and they told me then two weeks to receive it.  Called today and I'm half-way on the list...so doubt I will get it before the end of May.  I'm missing having an L-bracket so decided to check with Kirk and they seem to have better supply chain or something, plus it only take a few days to arrive at my door; whereas it takes a week to get here from CA. 

Me thinks I will be canceling the RRS L-bracket order.

I will update with my findings of the Kirk plate once I have it in hand (early next week).

Regards,
Jason

82

EOS Bodies / Re: Really Right Stuff L-Plate 5D3

« on: May 03, 2012, 09:11:39 PM »

The Kirk L-bracket is out and they will be shipping one out to me tomorrow.  Ordered it last Wednesday. 

To me the Kirk plate looks a bit better and I've never had problems with the trigger remote connector on my other two Kirk L-brackets ( one for my 7D and another I had for my 5D MK II).

I also pre ordered the RRS L-Bracket for the 5d MK III, however, Mr. Joe J who I spoke to today said that I am still in the middle of the list to receive the bracket.  And that's that I ordered in on April 5th.  I think RRS has a production shortage...they need to better prepare for market demand.  It was like this for the TVC-23 tripod I ordered...had to cancel because I got tired of waiting and found a great deal on a Gitzo GT2830 tripod instead...saved over $700.

The only reason I considered the RRS plate was because I had just purchased a RRS BH-30 ball head with the QR lever clamp.  However, I was able to get a used BH-40 with a pro screw clamp for about the same money as the BH-30.  Needless to say, I'm trying to sell the BH-30, so I have no more lever clamps to worry about.   

83

Lenses / Re: Does anyone use the lens hood on their 35/1.4L? Or any other lens?

« on: April 18, 2012, 12:29:57 PM »

yes.  get yourself the hood.  The hoods for the ultra wides like 17-40 are a pain to carry in the bag...but at least I only have one of those to accommodate.  I don't think I will use the hood that came with my 24mm f/3.5L TS-E II lens.  It is not very substantial and cannot imagine it helps that much.

84

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Ordered the 5d3

« on: April 16, 2012, 01:28:43 PM »

No issue with mine.  It's the best DSLR I've ever had or used.  I've used 50D, 60D, 7D, 5D II, and 1D III.  I once thought that the 7D was the best compromise, but know the 5D III is king.

Best of luck with yours!  I'm certain you will be amazed.

85

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5DII+24-105 or 60D/70D+17-55

« on: April 16, 2012, 12:46:59 PM »

If you think you might go full frame one day, but still want to save on a cheaper body now...I'd go for a used 7D if you can find one in good condition. Then only buy EF lenses.  I'd suggest 17-40mm f/4L USM and 70-200mm f/4L IS USM or 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM (depends on you telephoto needs, the f/4L IS is lighter and zooms internally which is nice).  I would not hesitate buying these two lenses used, if they are in good condition. If you need something in between these lenses, get a low light master like the Canon 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.2L USM.  The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX HSM is also very good, if you can find a good one in a store (that you can test).

Then, when you want to upgrade your body, you don't need to sell off all your lenses. :-)

Good luck,
Jason

86

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon EOS-1D X & EF 24-70 f/2.8L II Delays Officially Confirmed

« on: April 12, 2012, 12:55:56 PM »

If no one bothered to pre-order Canon would be moving a bit more briskly to have it out.

87

EOS Bodies / Re: Curious about B&H & mkiii shipments

« on: April 06, 2012, 01:35:09 AM »

Here in Atlanta, no Best Buy stores will be carrying the 5D3 in the store, you have to order it.  This was learned and verified with a visit to a store that carries the 5D2 and looking at the inventory readout on the BB computer system and looking at the inventory control codes.

I walked into a Best Buy on Sunday, March 25, with a 10% off coupon and a $50 rewards card.  Ordered the camera, the 10% off was honored as it did not exclude Canon DSLR (it did exclude Nikon and Sony), applied the rewards card and was all done for $3165 including tax.   There were 63 in the warehouse at the time.  Now, there are none.

BB called 2 days later and I picked up the camera on Wednesday March 28.



No pre-order

That was extremely lucky.  I tried to do the same last Sat. but was turned down with my 10% coupon.  The fine print does say only in stock items.  You lucked out!  I did order at Beach Camera on 4/03 and it shipped and will arrive on 04/07.  I cannot wait.  Just in time for Easter.

88

EOS Bodies / Re: Ordered 5D3 body only from Amazon 4/2 - shipped today

« on: April 05, 2012, 08:23:05 PM »

Bought my 5D III from Beach Camera on 04/03/2012 and shipped today (04/05) via Fed Ex 2 day service.  Expected delivery is Sat. 04/07/2012.  Best thing is I got 2 day shipping for free and still saved $15 off the 5D price ( $25 coupon code...search google for one).

89

EOS Bodies / Re: Mark III in stock or no?

« on: April 05, 2012, 05:21:26 PM »

Just got a tracking number from Beach Camera for my 5D III...it will arrive on Sat. 4/07/2012.  Really fast...ordered it on Tuesday ( 04/03/2012) afternoon.

90

EOS Bodies / Re: Mark III in stock or no?

« on: April 04, 2012, 05:48:34 PM »

Called Beach Camera this afternoon and they said my 5D III will ship tomorrow.  I hope to have it Friday or Monday...cannot wait.  Hope it lives up to the hype, since I sold my 5D II already.