Messages

46

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D2 for a day after 5D3 for 6 months

« on: December 21, 2012, 02:56:43 AM »

I kept hearing about all the worry from wildlife shooters in ever giving up the 7D with a 400mm (=640mm) in that they would lose that extra reach.  What they fail to realize is the IQ is in fact so much better than the 7D in that you can crop til your hearts content with minimal sacrificing.  I've used my 7D twice in 6 months for wildlife with the 400mm yet still keep going back to 5DM3 as the photos are just much better IQ.  As you zoom in on a 7D  the images break up much quicker than the 5D

Let's not forget the AFMA on the 5DM3 now offers two settings for zooms: Wide and Tele Mode as well as the dual memory cards.  I don't believe the 5DM2 had either of these.  Additionally there's one more AF zone (total 6) than even the 7D has which is 5.

47

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Cannot Keep Screwing It's Customers Over

« on: December 21, 2012, 02:47:01 AM »

Hmm..I look at this a bit differently.  The camera virtually costs the same now as it did 7 or 8 months ago as there's been no change in product though a minor decrease in cost as more are being sold as it seems now.  So let's say that cost to Canon was $1500 but they were charging $3500 and gaining a $2000 profit in this example.  Now that same $1500 has dropped to $2600..same camera, same parts.  Though their profit margin has dropped per unit they are selling more cameras as the price reductions makes it more appealing to more clients thus picking up in a higher quantity sales revenue stream vs. lower sales / greater profit margin (logical scenario).  Wouldn't they have rather sold more up front and possibly grabbed competitive customers from Nikon or upgrades from crop sensor customers?  I believe they lost some folks to Nikon (just go to Nikonrumors.com and see for yourself)and ticked off others on their high price gouging.  Point being if they were willing to settle on a $2600 price now then why wait the 8 months to do so and lose 'any' prospects?  PS - Some of you that use the camera to make a profit or make a living in photography boast unfairly that you've regained your money back.  We are glad for you but that is a myopic standpoint when there are many others that do feel slighted from this drastic price drop in such a short period of time and earn no income from their photography.  Canon didn't win any points here, they only lost (as there isn't one person that would favor a higher price) as those that are now soured will wait on future releases and no longer be early adopters which I believe are key in their "testing the waters"- net result is unfavorable in any regard..there's no win to anyone there.  My belief is there was too much of a price drop in too short of a period of time.  Not griping about a price drop per say, we all know that is to be expected and I think most accept this but not at 26% (2600 / 3500) as Nikon's decrease seems more in line than the extortion-like routine that Canon pulled. 

48

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 19, 2012, 02:11:25 AM »

revup67,
Absolutely gorgeous shots. Your quest for the Yellow-crowned Night Heron shot reminded me of a movie I watched last week...

Thanks so much for the kind words !  it was well worth the 45 minute journey..can't wait to return there. Thinking about now buying a tent again, well almost

Here's that same Kestrel as a BIF


American Kestrel by Revup67, on Flickr

49

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 19, 2012, 02:06:59 AM »

LSV..that's an amazing shot..don't think I have been to that location.  excellent contribution of the IBIS!

50

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Only 1 lens

« on: December 19, 2012, 02:00:16 AM »

Yep I agree with Dylan.  Take care of that baby first and get yourself a good point and shoot you can live with.  Think of it this way, if you sell all your gear now while it is still working you will get the most cash, if that camera breaks it is worthless as well as the lenses and they all will go at some point..focus motor, shutter, etc.

Best to get as much cash as you can while it all functions properly.  Don't worry about all that gear - it will be available when you get things squared away its not going anywhere.  You could always rent for a day or have a friend with decent gear perhaps assist with shots.   There's alternatives for you.  All the best to you and your family for the holidays.

51

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 18, 2012, 12:45:57 AM »

Also taken today about 15 feet away from this American Kestrel--simply amazing detail at close range with the 400mm 5.6 L on the 5D Mark III.  It was astonishing to be able to get so close without this bird flying away.


American Kestrel by Revup67, on Flickr

52

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 18, 2012, 12:24:23 AM »

After 35 years one of these birds has returned to Orange County (apparently there are a few in San Diego I was just told).  Today was most interesting.  After being on this site for about two years I had the pleasure of meeting for the 1st time another Canon user and a true gentleman.  His moniker here is LSV.  I had admired his photos of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron which has not been seen in southern Cal since 1977.  One was recently spotted at the Bolsa Chica Reserve.  I drove there today (near Huntington Bch area) and contacted LSV as he had offered his cell phone for when I arrived for further assistance.  There is no way - no how would I have ever located this bird as a)the Bolsa Chica Preserve is several acres of wetlands b)this bird was not in an obvious place at all.  Hidden under a leafless tree, in the water and well shaded off a dirt trail.  LSV showed me the precise location and wallah..there was the Yellow-crowned Night Heron. 

Here's one of 10 excellent shots that I was able to snap off.  Note the blown out background was necessary as the bird was almost black due to the excessive shade and well lit background.


Yellow Heron by Revup67, on Flickr

53

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 17, 2012, 02:00:10 AM »

Hi guys, Took this picture of a crow a few months ago. Would love some feed back!

The photo lacks definition especially on the breast of the crow.  We are unable to see any detail of the plumage and the lighting on your subject is not optimum.  Since this bird is difficult in the first place to properly photograph and has very reflective shiny feather properties, its best not photo'd in any direct sun but more even or shaded light.  I would also avoid using B&W processing with this subject as it buries it even more into the limited 256 gray colors that are available in your image.  Stick with color.

54

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 17, 2012, 12:43:08 AM »

RPT - Serendipidy is correct..the settings are on the Flickr site under Actions / View EXIF data

They are:  Canon 5D Mark III and 400mm 5.6 L - 1/1000 @ 5.6 ISO 640, +1/3 EV, Tv Setting about 15 feet away - thanks for the inquiry.  Normally these Finches fly away but this one was so busy prying into the Prickly Pears it could care less about my presence.

55

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 16, 2012, 09:04:45 PM »

Female House Finch caught with Prickly Pear juice on its beak..I just love how the bokeh effect came out on this one !


House Finch caught Red Handed, I mean Beaked! by Revup67, on Flickr

56

Lenses / Re: 2013 - The Year for 400mm Lenses? [CR1]

« on: December 16, 2012, 12:59:00 PM »

That current 400mm 5.6 L is truly razor sharp however in doing some tests yesterday to see how I low I can adjust shutter speed before a blur was noticeable I found 1/500 (referring to hand held) was the absolute lowest but to be safe, 1/800 was a sure fire razor sharp on a stationary object. Of course the ISO goes up a notch to compensate if in Manual Mode.  That IS would sure be a welcome as I have missed a few shots due to lack of lighting.  Luckily the 5D Mark III's high ISO holds up very well along with good PP to offset the current 400mm.

57

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: Post your vacation wildlife shots!

« on: December 14, 2012, 10:19:02 PM »

After remaining almost completely still for about 10 minutes out of nowhere comes this small pack of Coyotes.  This one fairly large in size was staring me down for a good seconds before deciding to go the opposite way.  A good choice


Coyote in the Wild (Black Star Canyon) by Revup67, on Flickr

58

Lenses / Re: Canon 100mm f/2.0 for portraits

« on: December 07, 2012, 10:56:20 PM »

For what it's worth, i'm seriously considering picking up the 100mm 2.8L... I would love a side by side comparison of the two... 5d3 and would be using primarily for portraits, although having a macro feature would be nice for close ups for weddings and such...

Side note for all those who are unaware..the 100mm L 2.8 Macro USM offers a mode no other lens offers "AI Servo Macro".  A very supreme lens indeed.  I shot about 25 different businesses (portraits) recently, macro insect videos etc with this lens..it does not disappoint.

59

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 06, 2012, 11:28:31 PM »

Krob - thank you for the notes..persistence pays off (most of the time)

Katman..never seen one of those birds before--nice catch!

60

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: December 06, 2012, 11:25:27 PM »

Switched from 5D Mark III to 7D for a day

Here's an Island Scrub Jay also from Modjeska Canyon (southern Calfifornia)


Island Scrub Jay (Modjeska Canyon) by Revup67, on Flickr