Messages

451

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 5D MK III Pano work

« on: May 30, 2012, 09:03:12 AM »

Nice shots.

Here is one I took of Oslo, Norway with the new 5D mk III and the 16-35II (22 pic. shot vertically @16mm)

I stitched it in photoshop cs5. I have never needed a tripod for these shots, as photoshop does a wonderful job of putting them together, IMHO.

I've never tried to do any panoramic  shots like that. Is it hard to get them to line up and look perfect? I assume you need a tripod for this?
[/quote]

452

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What if you started from scratch again? Total Loss...

« on: May 28, 2012, 05:55:14 PM »

That's a GREAT hypothetical question!  Man oh man what would I do.  I still think I'd go with a 5D Mark II for the body.  Then, I'd only buy 3 lenses, like you.  I'd get the camera with the 24-105L kit.  Lens 1.  Then I'd buy a 50 f/1.4, and a 135 f/2L.  I'd shoot with that for a few years until I recovered financially.

+1

That would be my combo too:)

On the other hand, I have been dreaming (as we all do), that if I won in the lottery... I would walk in to the photostore and buy the Canon 800mm, Canon 400mm F2.8, and a Leica S2. All would be paid with a debet card, and not the mastercard;)

453

Lenses / Re: Tokina 300mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro AF lens

« on: May 28, 2012, 05:29:06 PM »

I have a 17mm Tokina, and I like it. I checked photozone.de to find a review of your 300 (as I had never heard of it), but no such luck. I found this, .... http://www.phototestcenter.com/html/tokina_300mm_f2_8.html

454

Lighting / Re: Triggering a 5D MK III with a ST-E3 via my 600 EX RT on my 5D MK II

« on: May 27, 2012, 05:43:37 PM »

Thank you all for your input:)

I just tried to trigger the 5D III (with an ST-E3 on top) by the 600 EX RT and it worked perfectly. According to the manual you cannot shoot several shots at once, no matter what the camera is set to. This is annoying, but not really a problem. I tried to fire it with quick pushes on the button on the 600 and it works well, thus not 6 frames pr. sec, but still ok.

I was happy to see that the flash did not go off when you are using it as a trigger for a camera.

455

Lighting / Re: Triggering a 5D MK III with a ST-E3 via my 600 EX RT on my 5D MK II

« on: May 23, 2012, 02:54:59 AM »

I won't have time to get the SR-NR before the happening, but I will get one finally. I thought that the LC-5 might not work due to the angle. The only option left to me as I see it is to get this Phottix trigger

Then I can stand with my mk II and my 70-200 and shoot him as he is approching the bend, and as he is speeding away again, and then trigger the other camera with the phottix with my left hand:)

I guess I wasn't clear - as long as it's the 5DIII you want to trigger remotely, you can do that right now, without buying anything.  Mount the ST-E3 on the 5DIII hotshoe, and you can radio trigger the shutter with the 600EX-RT.  See p. 68 of the 600EX-RT manual and/or p. 42 of the ST-E3 manual.  Granted, the 600EX-RT isn't the most convenient remote control to hold, but it's one you already own.

The cable would only be needed if you wanted to trigger the 5DII, or wanted to have both cameras capture an image simultaneously when you press the shutter button of only one (can't do that with the Phottix, AFAIK).

Awsome, thanks, and sorry that I did not catch it right away. I will try this tonight after work:)

456

Lighting / Re: Triggering a 5D MK III with a ST-E3 via my 600 EX RT on my 5D MK II

« on: May 22, 2012, 05:10:05 PM »

First of all the ST-E3 is a Speedlite Transmitter, so nothing can be received with it.  Second, the 600EX-RT (or any Canon Speedlite for that matter) cannot trigger the camera to fire (out of the box, at least).

Wow - two wrongs there, and unfortunately, they don't make a right.

The 5DIII and 1D X can be triggered by a 600EX-RT mounted on the hotshoe, from another 600EX-RT connected as a slave unit.  Pre-2012 camera bodies need the Release Cable SR-N3 to connect the 600EX-RT to the remote terminal for triggering. 

An ST-E3 on-camera can also trigger a 5DIII or 1D X shutter from a 600EX-RT connected as a slave (meaning, yes, the ST-E3 can receive radio signals, too).  Again, the -N3 cable is needed for older cameras to connect the ST-E3 to the remote terminal.

Is it possible for me to shoot with my 5D II with an 600 EX RT, and to trigger at the same time the 5D III which stands on a tripod at the same time? If so, does anyone know how to?

You can't trigger the 5DIII by firing the 600EX-RT on the 5DII, though.  You can manually activate the release from the 600EX RT to trigger the 5DIII with the ST-E3 on it.  Check the "Remote Release from a Slave Unit" section of the manuals.

With additional hardware, you could trigger both cameras simultaneously - in fact, you can link up to 16 cameras together for simultaneous shooting, if you have enough ST-E3s/600EX-RTs). 

If you can get a hold of a Release Cable SR-N3, what you could do would be to connect that to the 5DII's remote terminal, then set up Linked Shot mode, with the roadside camera as Slave and the distant camera as Master (either camera would work for either, AFAIK).  Then, the pressing the shutter release on the Master would trigger both cameras to fire at the same time.

From looking online, it appears that Adorama has the Release Cable SR-N3 in stock.

Thank you Neuro and Jerry.

I won't have time to get the SR-NR before the happening, but I will get one finally. I thought that the LC-5 might not work due to the angle. The only option left to me as I see it is to get this Phottix trigger:

"The Phottix Aion Wireless Timer and Shutter Release takes wireless triggering to the next level. The revolutionary wireless/wired timer and shutter release offers photographer an amazing number of triggering options, including auto-bracketing for HDR.
 
What does the Phottix Aion offer?
•Timer and Long Exposure Functions
•Shutter Release Functions
•Wired or wireless operations
•2.4 GHz frequency
•60m range
•Backlit LCD
•AAA batteries
 
Timer Functions
•Self, interval and long exposure timers
•Number of frames setting
•Auto-bracketed timer setting for HDR photos
 
Shutter functions
 
Two-stage shutter button for AF and shutter release
Instant, continuous 5 shot, 2 second delay and bulb shutter release mode.
 
Phottix Aion sets for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus are available.
 
 
Technical Specifications
•Range: 60 meter
•Batteries: AAA
•Storage Temperature: -10 C to 60 C
•Standby Timer: 48 Hours
•Timer
•Transmitting power: ≤-10dBm
•Working voltage: 3.0 V
•Size: 130.4 mm X 46.2 mm X 22 mm
•Weight: 56.5g
•Receiver
•Receiving sensitivity: -90 dBm
•Working voltage: 3.0 V
•Size: 85 mm X 37.4 mm X 30.9 mm
•Weight: 37.5 g"

I hope it works with the mk III, and I will call the store tomorrow.

Then I can stand with my mk II and my 70-200 and shoot him as he is approching the bend, and as he is speeding away again, and then trigger the other camera with the phottix with my left hand:)

Again, thanks.

Gerhard.

457

Lighting / Triggering a 5D MK III with a ST-E3 via my 600 EX RT on my 5D MK II

« on: May 22, 2012, 03:39:56 AM »

I am shooting pictures of my friend on a motorcycle track in a couple of days. We have planned a frogs perspective wide-angle shot with either the 14mm F2.8L or my 16-35mm F2.8L II, mounted on the 5D MK III. As there is danger involved by being roadside, we have to use a trigger to get the shots, and I have a st-e3 and a 600 EX RT at my disposal. I will also stand at a safe distance with my 5D MK II with my 70-200mm F2.8L IS II (and maybe the 2x III teleconverter).

Is it possible for me to shoot with my 5D II with an 600 EX RT, and to trigger at the same time the 5D III which stands on a tripod at the same time? If so, does anyone know how to?

Or is it better to use the Canon LC-5 (the reach should be good enough, but it is infrared (so do I need to be in front of the receiver to use it?).

Thanks for your reply,

Gerhard.

458

Lighting / Re: Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT - I'm impressed!

« on: May 21, 2012, 06:20:10 AM »

Does anyone in here have a good tip for a lightweight and strong stick? monostick? (don't know the english word) to handhold a softbox or umbrella up high?

I was looking for something similar and finally got a 3-sectioned Velbon monopod. The Speedlite screws on to it nicely and it extends quite a bit. Not too heavy either, and it cost like 20USD. I think it said: "Velbon UP-400" on it.

Thank you:) I went to the photostore, and explained what I wanted. He told me that I should just use my Benro Carbon monopod. So I bought a Lastolite adapter for umbrellas, and I tried the other day to shoot of my new 600 on it, and it works great. Also it has little weight to it.

459

Software & Accessories / Re: Diffuser panel, white/silver reflector panel

« on: May 19, 2012, 05:14:34 PM »

Hi, I need some kind of diffuser panel and white or silver reflector panels on the outdoor sessions. For example:
http://www.apart.pl/gallery/galleries/%20Australia_backstage/Apart%20Australia%20020.jpg
http://www.apart.pl/gallery/galleries/%20Australia_backstage/Apart%20Australia%20023.jpg

It costs a lot of money more than 1k$ (in Poland). So it's too expensive for me. But I want to build something like this. And here is my questions: have you ever made something like this? Could you recommend me some kind of materials? I thought about diffuser: PVC pipes and (I dont know how it is in english) http://www.agro-market.pl/files/biala1.jpg, it's a material that you put on plants in winter  I think that dimensions should be: diffuser 2,5m x 1,5m and white/silver reflector 2m x1,5m.

Or maybe it's a waste of time and I should buy:
http://www.quantuum.pl/detal.php?id=942&lang=gb&curr=PLN
http://www.quantuum.pl/detal.php?id=1804&lang=gb&curr=PLN

But those are smaller than panels...

Thanks for help

I am not sure, but have you checked youtube for Do it yourself (DIY) for these? I have not checked these, but I often look at DIY for light and cameragear. Yesterday I looked at one where you can make a lightsaber flash for portraits.

460

Lenses / Re: B+W Filters compared to Promaster Filters?

« on: May 19, 2012, 10:25:11 AM »

B&w are my Filters of choice. You buy them once for a lifetime.

I dot not trust my image quality to anything less than the Germans!

Interesting! I thought this was a Canon rumor site?

Well, when it comes to filters.

Plus, didn't the Germans make all the basic original optical setups for modern day lenses?

Yes, but I could not help myself;)
According to the Canon Lens Works III (The official Canon story, at least how they want it told, ... The original Kwanon camera was a replica of the german Leica. Hence one could argue that innovation by copying is worthwhile.

461

EOS Bodies / Re: Chinese Did it Again! alternative grip for 5D III on pre order

« on: May 19, 2012, 10:20:00 AM »

I have a Meike MK-7D + their LP-E6 clones that are indistinguishable from the Chinese made original Canon ones. My grip is solid, reliable and matches the body colour and texture of my 7D. Batteries last just as long as the branded ones.

I also use Yongnuo YN-565EX (580 Exii clones w/o HSS & weather-shielding) flashguns which work perfectly with wireless triggering + full ETTL-II metering etc. Plus I've got 2 x PiXeL TD-381 (Canon CP-E4 clones) battery packs that are much faster than the original Canon version. I use generic off-camera hot-shoe sync cords, brackets etc.

And the Yongnuo MC-36R wireless remote shutter/timer works perfectly too.

All of the above cost less than 1/3rd of the Canon branded products that are probably made in the same or similar factories.

Is there a copy made for the 600 EX RT yet?

462

Lenses / Re: B+W Filters compared to Promaster Filters?

« on: May 19, 2012, 10:00:13 AM »

B&w are my Filters of choice. You buy them once for a lifetime.

I dot not trust my image quality to anything less than the Germans!

Interesting! I thought this was a Canon rumor site?

463

Lighting / Re: Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT - I'm impressed!

« on: May 17, 2012, 01:56:15 AM »

Really happy to hear that you all are impressed with the new flash, as I am getting mine on Friday:) The obstacle I was afraid of (given that I don't have the money now to switch all the previous gear (I have a 430 EX II, 580 EX II, and a ST-E2)) was that it could not be controlled by the st-e2. According to the people in Canon, and in the camera store that I have spoken to, it is not a problem for this flash to be controlled by the st-e2. This is great news for me, which gives me the opportunity to upgrade my gear at my leisure:)

Can't wait to get it.

Does anyone in here have a good tip for a lightweight and strong stick? monostick? (don't know the english word) to handhold a softbox or umbrella up high?

464

EOS Bodies / Re: Video-disabled Canon EOS - would you buy one, if offered?

« on: May 14, 2012, 06:45:09 PM »

From a marketing point of view I think the video capabilities are a product of the 90's convergence 'ideology'. I think that both the still and videocapabilities are brilliant. However, IMHO, there seems to be two different kinds of people who buy those cameras for different purposes. I know several people who bought the 5D II for filmproduction (and they never use it for stills, but were so impressed with its videocapabilities at the low price point. On the other hand, most of my friends, myself included only use the camera for stills. Speaking only for myself, the reason I do not shoot video with it (the 5D II) is because I am not good enough, and the lack of AF makes it hard, given that you must know where people are going to move and be positioned - to be able to use any fun apertures... I would be happy to have video capabilities if they could provide me with AF, thus giving me the opportunity to use all my expensive glass for other than stills.

465

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: My first wedding Help!

« on: May 07, 2012, 05:52:51 PM »

with that kit i'd have the 50-150 on the camera all day...

+1
The 50-150. is going to be your bread and butter. It's really hard to catch a facial expression or feel close to the action with a 17-55mm. The only time I would use that is for large groups if you can't get far enough back or for a few establishing shots during the ceremony.

I have a 17-55, love it. But when I shoot weddings, it doesn't see much action.

Sorry, but this is really bad advice, you should be working mainly in the 50mm full frame range (around 30mm on your 60d).

I don't mean any offence, but most of the folks on here are not pro wedding photographers, you might be better asking this question on a forum that is aimed more at that sort of person.

More importantly, you need a spare body.

IMHO the people who has adviced here, myself included have not pretended to be something they are not:) I looked at your pictures, and they are great.

I think the case as it was with me, many people are short on money with all the expenses for a wedding, and in that situation they tend to ask friends who they know shoot pictures more or less well to do it as a favour. It is not because we want to do it, but rather out of an obligation to friends. Alcohol, food, music and other things are expensive, but soon forgotten, while the pictures who will live on is the place many unfortunately feel it's okay to save money...