Messages

1

Lenses / Re: New or Refurbished Lens?

« on: March 31, 2013, 01:18:13 PM »

They are back on sale again and a much bigger selection than a few days ago. I own several refurbs as well, always look there first because prices are usually better when they have these sales.

2

Lenses / Re: Did I get a bad lens...or user error?

« on: June 17, 2012, 09:37:29 PM »

I find FoCal is a good way to give a lens a good bit of testing for not only autofocus accuract, but consistency of autofocus.  You can also find out at which settings your lens is the sharpest.
 

Which version of FoCal would you recommend purchasing. I have a 5DII and a 7D that I woulld be using it on. Also is there anywhere state side we can get it, or is it only available on their website in the UK?

Thanks in advance for any input

3

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

« on: June 12, 2012, 04:35:36 AM »

...and it comes with a free ship!   

I was reading the ad and laughing at the engrish too.

must be an engrish ship

4

EOS Bodies / Re: Which 7DII will you buy for $2000?

« on: June 10, 2012, 02:04:02 AM »

Wouldn't be a 7DII if it was a FF sensor, but besides that, they wouldn't cut the FPS either. I would love to see the other features in it that you mention tho... $2000 would be a great price but I am sure it will be above that by a couple of hundred at least. But we can always hope...

5

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: T2i vs T4i for sports

« on: June 09, 2012, 12:56:42 AM »

Here's my thinking, the improved continuous AF works best with the new STM lenses

I think for video it actually ONLY works with the STM lenses. If that is the case then no thanks. I agree, you have to pick between the T2i with a lens or 2 or just get the T4i body only for about the same cost. T2i is less than $500.00 refurb for the body or $560.00 with the kit lens from Canon.

6

Lenses / Re: Which Macro Lens Would You Recommend?

« on: May 19, 2012, 01:34:39 PM »

The only reason I picked up the L version is because I want to use it as an additional portrait lens to go along with the 85L and the IS helps out a bit for the non macro shots...

Since I've got the L now, can you tell me how often you use the 100L or 85L for portraits and why? I wonder if adding 85mm and a wider aperture is really that necessary or if the 100L alone does the job, too.

I will usually carry the 100L with me when I I go out just in case it's needed. The 85 I will only bring if i know I will be shooting someone, or to a family holiday get together.The bokeh on the 85L is obviously one of the great reasons to go for it, it's just not a very versatile lens as opposed to the 100L. Eveyone knows its main weaknesses, extremely slow to focus and it weighs a ton. Portraits are great with the 100L but awesome with the 85L. This is just a hobby for me and I am still learning more every day and I am sure others will have better info to offer, but this is just my take on it.

7

Lenses / Re: Which Macro Lens Would You Recommend?

« on: May 19, 2012, 04:05:41 AM »

I have used both canon 100mm macro lenses. For strictly macro work the non L is more than enough, as others have stated the quality of the images is outstanding. The only reason I picked up the L version is because I want to use it as an additional portrait lens to go along with the 85L and the IS helps out a bit for the non macro shots...and I got a great deal on it too.. You can get the non L for less than $400 used, less than half the price of the L...Either way you go you win.

8

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

« on: May 19, 2012, 12:35:58 AM »

...and it comes with a free ship!   

LOL...I don't even have a mk III but ill get one just for the free ship.   

9

Lenses / Re: What to do??? 24-70 2.8L version 1

« on: May 12, 2012, 06:43:43 PM »

best bet is probably check the canon refurb site almost daily. I have seen things appear on there back in stock at 8pm sometimes. Thats how I got my 430 EX II for $191 when it was 20% off...just have to always keep an eye because there will sometimes be no changes for weeks then all of a sudden there are changes in stock a few days in a row...

10

Lenses / Re: 24-70 & 70-200 = different versions of 70mm

« on: May 10, 2012, 02:36:25 PM »

I just tried the same thing with a 5d2 and a 24-70 and a 70-200 2.8 mk II...I had the same results as you did. I tried the 70-200 mounted both ways, with lens tripod mount and with the camera mounted. They were both different than the 24-70...kinda hard to judge though because when using the camera mount the 70-200 is longer, but when using the lens mount, the camera is slightly higher...both could have caused the results we encountered...

11

Lenses / Re: Canon 85 mm 1.2 II vs 85 1.8

« on: May 09, 2012, 10:31:17 PM »

The 1.2L is awesome, I have never used the 1.8. Like everyone already knows, its heavy and slow, but oooooh man...the bokeh cant be beat...You said "some portrait work" so its probably going to be the 1.8 thats right for you, but I say rent them both and see what you think.

12

Lenses / Re: Suggestions for making my gear uglier

« on: May 09, 2012, 09:07:23 PM »

is this an america only thing? I've been all over the world (except america) and never ever felt remotely concerned about being robbed for my camera gear, obviously i keep it close at ahand and dont leave it lying around for opportunistic thieves but as for being assaulted and robbed? no way

Just like everywhere else, America has its bad spots, some worse than others, and the few that you just dont want to ever go near. As far as the "bad" places, most of the people that would attempt to do you harm wouldnt know the difference between a disposable and a dslr, they would just take it from you either way. For the most part though they are going to leave you alone if you leave them alone. Just remember, safety in numbers so bring a friend or two and let someone who isnt there know where you are and when you expect to return...

Oh yeah, and dont be flashy with your gear or clothing either...

13

EOS Bodies / Re: Is this heresy?

« on: May 09, 2012, 02:24:09 AM »

I vote for the 7D too. Take advantage of the double rebate right now with the 35L 1.4... Just tell her the lens is for her but when it comes let her play with the 50 instead...

14

Lenses / Re: What to do??? 24-70 2.8L version 1

« on: May 08, 2012, 02:25:44 PM »

I think I would be more comfortable buying new rather than used or refurbished.  Do you think if I wait a few weeks they might have a rebate going that would save me a couple hundred?

They have a rebate going on right now but I don't think that lens is a part of it.  I don't blame you for not wanting used, but refurbished can be just as good as new. My 24-70 and 70-200 II were both bought refurbished from canons site. Maybe you can get some cash back from a credit card program.

15

Lenses / Re: Filters - how important are they?

« on: May 08, 2012, 05:09:04 AM »

Was wondering about what filters to get myself. Thanks guys...