76
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Back-up and extra body: advantages/disadvantages of 1D-IIIs
« on: February 02, 2013, 01:56:09 PM »
Suddenly there's a lot of buzz (here) about the late and great 1DmkIIIs!
May 23, 2013, 04:43:10 AM
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77
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Back-up and extra body: advantages/disadvantages of 1D-IIIs
« on: February 02, 2013, 01:29:07 AM »
Do you see better images at the lowest ISOs in studio lighting of table tops, food, architecture, etc.? No need for buffer and motor drive speed or even AF. Use it with my TSE lenses, for example. I has assumed I would look for the full-frame.
Thanks for the tip about serial number lists. I am not at that stage of research yet. Yeah, costs of advertised cameras seemed high.
Appreciate the feedback. Any more users to comment on the DR, file characteristics?
jonathan7007
Thanks for the tip about serial number lists. I am not at that stage of research yet. Yeah, costs of advertised cameras seemed high.
Appreciate the feedback. Any more users to comment on the DR, file characteristics?
jonathan7007
78
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Back-up and extra body: advantages/disadvantages of 1D-IIIs
« on: January 30, 2013, 02:20:35 PM »
All,
Starting point -- I have three bodies: 5Dmk3, 5Dmk2, and a 30D, which I rarely use. I do this for a living.
I see no new bodies coming soon and don't like the sound of (and the reviews of) the 6D. My desire to get more flexibility and back-up in my bodies was accelerated yesterday when I discovered that my 5Dmk2 shoe doesn't work! I have an evening charity event I am shooting Saturday night and was testing everything. There are few rental opportunities in my area but I was lucky to find a mk2 I can rent for flash backup.
I am interested in opinions of the trade-offs for a third FF body between another Mk2, a 1DIIIs, and I guess I'd have to consider another (used?) 5Dmk3.
I should say I am disappointed with the focus ability of the Mk3 in certain conditions so am leery of adding another Mk3. Canon can't duplicate the conditions in which I see difficulties in their repair facilities; Canon and I have gone around and around on this already. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the variability of the Mk3 bodies.
The 1DmkIIIs would be used for product work, food, landscape, portraits, architecture, tripod work in general, when I have the luxury of lower ISO. At or lower than 400 is my guess, and often using lighting. I think I would want to shoot high-speed-sync in some real estate or architectural work to balance windows (HDR still problematic for this in some conditions.) Further, I read that the skin tones are good on this sensor. Would shoot this body tethered a lot.
Did I read about focus problems on some of these?
I *don't* get asked to shoot sports.
I get the "old technology" epithet, but we used to buy a couple of used Hasselblads and their lenses and use those for YEARS in billing good day rates. And in a couple of years there may be another Canon to consider. I have to say that the lack of extra DR in the Mk3's low ISOs (over the Mk2) was a big disappointment.
This sounds like a lot of complaining but I am willing to work with the gear as it is... just find the right mix for me. I have never used a 1D.
Thoughts?
jonathan7007
Starting point -- I have three bodies: 5Dmk3, 5Dmk2, and a 30D, which I rarely use. I do this for a living.
I see no new bodies coming soon and don't like the sound of (and the reviews of) the 6D. My desire to get more flexibility and back-up in my bodies was accelerated yesterday when I discovered that my 5Dmk2 shoe doesn't work! I have an evening charity event I am shooting Saturday night and was testing everything. There are few rental opportunities in my area but I was lucky to find a mk2 I can rent for flash backup.
I am interested in opinions of the trade-offs for a third FF body between another Mk2, a 1DIIIs, and I guess I'd have to consider another (used?) 5Dmk3.
I should say I am disappointed with the focus ability of the Mk3 in certain conditions so am leery of adding another Mk3. Canon can't duplicate the conditions in which I see difficulties in their repair facilities; Canon and I have gone around and around on this already. Leaves a bad taste in my mouth about the variability of the Mk3 bodies.
The 1DmkIIIs would be used for product work, food, landscape, portraits, architecture, tripod work in general, when I have the luxury of lower ISO. At or lower than 400 is my guess, and often using lighting. I think I would want to shoot high-speed-sync in some real estate or architectural work to balance windows (HDR still problematic for this in some conditions.) Further, I read that the skin tones are good on this sensor. Would shoot this body tethered a lot.
Did I read about focus problems on some of these?
I *don't* get asked to shoot sports.
I get the "old technology" epithet, but we used to buy a couple of used Hasselblads and their lenses and use those for YEARS in billing good day rates. And in a couple of years there may be another Canon to consider. I have to say that the lack of extra DR in the Mk3's low ISOs (over the Mk2) was a big disappointment.
This sounds like a lot of complaining but I am willing to work with the gear as it is... just find the right mix for me. I have never used a 1D.
Thoughts?
jonathan7007
79
Lenses / Re: Ultimate giclée lens?
« on: January 29, 2013, 02:52:12 AM »
TrumpetPower,
Love the setup, interesting looking target for calibration. I miss my studio space...
You didn't say this outright but you must have decided that the lens profiles that adjust for distortions are not adequate. Or is it good enough for only certain art work? Does, say, Lightroom use Adobe profiles that change the Canon 50 f2.5 much at all? ...and did DxO have any different profiles that were better, worse?
Interesting warning on the shift and merge tactic. I was planning to try that to allow me to pitch local artists for this service. I have the 90 and 45TSE's. I do wish the 45 was sharper. A friend of mine has the 50 macro so will have to try the 45TSE side by side with the 50 -- pointed at the same material -- for comparison.
jonathan7007
Love the setup, interesting looking target for calibration. I miss my studio space...
You didn't say this outright but you must have decided that the lens profiles that adjust for distortions are not adequate. Or is it good enough for only certain art work? Does, say, Lightroom use Adobe profiles that change the Canon 50 f2.5 much at all? ...and did DxO have any different profiles that were better, worse?
Interesting warning on the shift and merge tactic. I was planning to try that to allow me to pitch local artists for this service. I have the 90 and 45TSE's. I do wish the 45 was sharper. A friend of mine has the 50 macro so will have to try the 45TSE side by side with the 50 -- pointed at the same material -- for comparison.
jonathan7007
80
EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 vs 6D AF in low light
« on: January 27, 2013, 01:46:16 PM »
All,
The wild card in these discussions is what appears to be some variability in the 5Dmk3 copies'AF abilities. I feel I got a flawed body and it seems slower than it "should". Unscientific, absolutely, and I should work up a test here that Canon Service can replicate. These discussions are helpful for establishing what the limits should be. My comparison is my 5Dmk2. For any of the tests described the next level is bringing a lot of 5Dmk3 bodies into the same setup and looking for variations in "lock" time. I bought my body in May last year.
I didn't figure this out in time to exchange it. My bad! Canon has already looked at this body once.
I need to find an acquaintance with a 5Dmk3 and time to compare. That would be interesting.
Aaaaarg. <anger>
jonathan7007
The wild card in these discussions is what appears to be some variability in the 5Dmk3 copies'AF abilities. I feel I got a flawed body and it seems slower than it "should". Unscientific, absolutely, and I should work up a test here that Canon Service can replicate. These discussions are helpful for establishing what the limits should be. My comparison is my 5Dmk2. For any of the tests described the next level is bringing a lot of 5Dmk3 bodies into the same setup and looking for variations in "lock" time. I bought my body in May last year.
I didn't figure this out in time to exchange it. My bad! Canon has already looked at this body once.
I need to find an acquaintance with a 5Dmk3 and time to compare. That would be interesting.
Aaaaarg. <anger>
jonathan7007
81
Lighting / Re: The Flash Bracket? Do they really matter anymore?
« on: January 17, 2013, 11:30:04 PM »
I have one of the StroboFrame units... been around a while, now the brand is owned by Tiffen. Camera flips under the strobe. I think I will run into clearance trouble putting more stuff in the shoe. Using camera without battery pack helps.
There's a newer more high-tech rotating bracket I have seen... been looking around. I don't like having to step back in a hurry to get room for a vertical in my current lens choice. At some point I'd trample a little old lady and get in trouble. So for now I will take a rotating bracket to events.
jonathan7007
http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=310-900
There's a newer more high-tech rotating bracket I have seen... been looking around. I don't like having to step back in a hurry to get room for a vertical in my current lens choice. At some point I'd trample a little old lady and get in trouble. So for now I will take a rotating bracket to events.
jonathan7007
http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=310-900
82
Lighting / Re: battery pack for 600EX-RT.. any recommendations?
« on: January 17, 2013, 11:09:57 PM »
Based on research, a lot of pros like the Godox PB820. BP820? I ordered one to use with a Canon550EX at events. I will report in this forum if there is any problem. Cowboy Studio supplies Amazon with units at a bit of a discount over the $$ direct with the Dallas outfit. Be aware that many of the sellers -- even in the Amazon interface -- will not ship the Godox over water. I am in Hawaii and I had trouble finding one that would ship here. ALSO -- watch the ads carefully as some of the sellers do not include a pack-to-flash cord. These are different for various systems.
Quantum always was a very good brand for external battery packs a while back. For a while Quantum was the only player in after-market fast recycle packs.
jonathan7007
Quantum always was a very good brand for external battery packs a while back. For a while Quantum was the only player in after-market fast recycle packs.
jonathan7007
83
Lighting / Re: Phottix Odin: Inaccuate high-ISO metering problem
« on: January 17, 2013, 09:47:26 PM »
Love it! That key-light-to-the-side look (with appropriate fill) is EXACTLY why I want that kind of rig. Now I see why the Odin controller was "loose" on its wire in the shot you posted earlier. Now all I need is a low-cost two-legged light stand to hold the high-key light at events! B&H carry those? Aaaah, shipping to Hawaii is too high...
I used to do this stuff with just optical and quick math (square and square root) reflexes. Too old now for those quick reflexes. <grin>.
jonathan7007
I used to do this stuff with just optical and quick math (square and square root) reflexes. Too old now for those quick reflexes. <grin>.
jonathan7007
84
Lenses / Re: 600mm F/4L IS AFMA settings
« on: January 14, 2013, 07:11:29 PM »
I started outside a couple of weeks ago and although my tripod is super steady (old aluminum Gitzo Tele Studex 5-section model that must weigh 20-25 lbs) the wind was moving the board on which the target was pinned. Big light stand but too much "Sail" area. It's always windy here in the middle of the Pacific where the trades blow in after last touching land 3,000 miles northeast in California.
Two light stands with weights might work so positioned as to allow the clamps to attach to each side of the mounting board... also smaller board area around the target. I have a 300 to test in the mix so some distances involved. Wish that Mk3 test wasn't crippled by Canon's software interface.
I can't really whine about this as the opportunity to test this independently on a lens-by-lens basis is terrific.
jonathan7007
Two light stands with weights might work so positioned as to allow the clamps to attach to each side of the mounting board... also smaller board area around the target. I have a 300 to test in the mix so some distances involved. Wish that Mk3 test wasn't crippled by Canon's software interface.
I can't really whine about this as the opportunity to test this independently on a lens-by-lens basis is terrific.
jonathan7007
85
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: My never ending Focus woes with my 5DMK3
« on: January 12, 2013, 03:08:02 PM »
All,
This is a valuable thread that I will revisit with manual and my own Mk3 in hand, because I have had focus problems and inconsistencies with my Mk3 that have lost shots. I have spoken to other pros with the same experience.
Absent in this thread is the caveat that there may be "focusability" (made-up word) inconsistencies between Mk3 bodies. Manufacturing? Who knows. So CR posters reply with their bodies' performance in described situations (extremely valuable feedback) but it can hard to determine to scientific tolerances where the problem lies with so many variables.
As a CPS member I sent my Mk3 to Canon once (expensive action where I live) with documentation and I got a "could not reproduce..." letter. I know that recreating the shooter's exact conditions and issue is nearly impossible. If that's the criteria it will be tough to get satisfaction, but that is reasonable -- or more exactly "realistic" -- for a manufacturer to require.
So I will
1. continue to learn more about my Mk3, because I recognize that that *I* may be the problem and
2. probably sell my body to someone with lower AF expectations/needs and try not to agonize over the cash lost in swapping copies. (I bought mine early summer so no discount)
This post is also a thank you to all who post here, especially the regulars that shoot tough situations -- with professional-level expectations -- all the time, like bdunbar, PWP, neuro, others.
jonathan7007
This is a valuable thread that I will revisit with manual and my own Mk3 in hand, because I have had focus problems and inconsistencies with my Mk3 that have lost shots. I have spoken to other pros with the same experience.
Absent in this thread is the caveat that there may be "focusability" (made-up word) inconsistencies between Mk3 bodies. Manufacturing? Who knows. So CR posters reply with their bodies' performance in described situations (extremely valuable feedback) but it can hard to determine to scientific tolerances where the problem lies with so many variables.
As a CPS member I sent my Mk3 to Canon once (expensive action where I live) with documentation and I got a "could not reproduce..." letter. I know that recreating the shooter's exact conditions and issue is nearly impossible. If that's the criteria it will be tough to get satisfaction, but that is reasonable -- or more exactly "realistic" -- for a manufacturer to require.
So I will
1. continue to learn more about my Mk3, because I recognize that that *I* may be the problem and
2. probably sell my body to someone with lower AF expectations/needs and try not to agonize over the cash lost in swapping copies. (I bought mine early summer so no discount)
This post is also a thank you to all who post here, especially the regulars that shoot tough situations -- with professional-level expectations -- all the time, like bdunbar, PWP, neuro, others.
jonathan7007
86
Lenses / Re: Need an affordable 300mm
« on: January 12, 2013, 03:53:34 AM »
I, too, like my recently-acquired 300f4L Is. Yeah, clunk on IS action but the lightness is good. I admit I reach for the non-existent zoom sometimes. Glad I found it at a good price. I chose this over the 100-400 as I decided I's not shoot the range 300-400 enough for my clients. Tried a friend's 100-400 and can see the appeal but I saved a fair amount buying this 300 prime.
jonathan7007
jonathan7007
87
EOS Bodies / Re: Shot wedding with 5DIII, dissapointed in AF
« on: January 09, 2013, 09:55:55 PM »
Radiating, your answer is a surprise. He reports slow or no focus in function room lighting, which many others have experienced. ...with the center focus choices. The 5D is said to have a good center focus point but rapidly lose in comparison to the Mk3 for any focus area except the center, and the 6D points are clustered closer to the center than the Mk3.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-lRkFQBlsQ
About halfway through the video he took the 5dMk3 and a 6D (same lens) into a very dark room and compared their abilities.
I am not very happy with my 5dMk3 either but it's not operator error. Have a 5dMk2, also and have been doing this for a long time. Another pro here reports the same. I am NOT talking about AF-assist difficulties. There is something flaky about some of the bodies.
jonathan7007
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-lRkFQBlsQ
About halfway through the video he took the 5dMk3 and a 6D (same lens) into a very dark room and compared their abilities.
I am not very happy with my 5dMk3 either but it's not operator error. Have a 5dMk2, also and have been doing this for a long time. Another pro here reports the same. I am NOT talking about AF-assist difficulties. There is something flaky about some of the bodies.
jonathan7007
88
Lenses / Re: 300 f2.8 Ser 1 vs. Ser 2?
« on: January 09, 2013, 09:29:02 PM »
Nope, it *was* a scam... my answer back this afternoon said, "I happen to be in Italy, so I will send you the lens for inspection and you send Amazon the money..."
Yeah, right.
So there is a new scam lure: high value lenses. The ad was in the "Big Island" section of Hawaii Craig's List but no town was noted, and that, too, made me pause in response. Plus the too-low price...
Beware, all you who lust after big long white glass.
jonathan7007
Yeah, right.
So there is a new scam lure: high value lenses. The ad was in the "Big Island" section of Hawaii Craig's List but no town was noted, and that, too, made me pause in response. Plus the too-low price...
Beware, all you who lust after big long white glass.
jonathan7007
89
Lenses / Re: 300 f2.8 Ser 1 vs. Ser 2?
« on: January 09, 2013, 11:40:05 AM »
No answer from owner, ad not in CL anymore, so who knows? Snapped up right away? Scam? Nigerian prince deported? We'll never know...
(fade to black, drama over.)<grin>
Thanks for the info and history, everyone.
jonathan7007
(fade to black, drama over.)<grin>
Thanks for the info and history, everyone.
jonathan7007
90
Lenses / Re: 300 f2.8 Ser 1 vs. Ser 2?
« on: January 08, 2013, 12:38:33 PM »
Oh, yeah... it's for a Nigerian prince down on his luck. I sent a message to the seller a few minutes ago. The day just starting here... but it may be sold as it was advertised all yesterday.
BTW, Neuro, others, where is a date code chart available? I have wanted one for a while.
jonathan7007
BTW, Neuro, others, where is a date code chart available? I have wanted one for a while.
jonathan7007