Messages

1

Landscape / Re: Yosemite in the wintertime

« on: February 26, 2013, 11:53:33 PM »

I agree with the OP that winter is the best time to visit Yosemite. Significantly less crowded, especially if snow is forecast (it's great to have 4WD). Here are a few pics from our last trip when we arrived just after a big storm. I hope you enjoy. Taken wih a 5DII and 24-105L.

2

Lenses / Re: Input on Lens Decision

« on: February 18, 2013, 04:47:15 PM »

Thanks for the input everyone. I don't want to rely on the extender as it is not convenient so I tend not to use it. I don't do any video work, stills only. Even though I may not use it alot, I like the idea of having coverage up to 300mm when I need it. Reviews I read stated that image quality on the 70-300L should rival the 70-200 f4L at most focal lengths plus I get the extra reach. I think you reinforced the way I was leaning. Always good to get some objective opinions. Thanks!

3

Lenses / Input on Lens Decision

« on: February 18, 2013, 12:48:26 PM »

Since I upgraded to FF I'm not shooting much at longer focal lengths and rarely use my 300L or 1.4 teleconverter. I shoot some portaits, macro and am doing more landscapes. Here's my current equipment list:

5DII
24-105L
50 1.4
70-200 f4L IS
100L
135L
300 f4L
1.4X III Extender

I'm considering selling the 70-200L, 300L and 1.4 extender to buy a 70-300L. This would allow coverage of longer focal lengths with less equipment. I don't think I'd miss the constant f4 and I rarely shoot over 300mm. I'd  have some money left over to possibly put towards a UWA, since I am shooting more landscapes.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks,

Craig

4

Lenses / Re: Your favorite lens is?

« on: January 15, 2013, 12:05:17 AM »

Has to be the 135L, followed closely be the 100L macro.

5

Canon General / Re: refurbished Canon 5d mk iii

« on: January 13, 2013, 07:50:20 PM »

I purchased a used 5DII in the past year. My considerations were (1) is it at or below below market price (2) excellent condition (3) low actuations (4) 100% positive feedback on Ebay. Nice to haves were original packaging and receipt. I would not have had an issue purchasing a refurb body if the considerations were met. I have purchase refub lenses and P&S and have had no issues at all.

Did the 5Dii have a pin hole in the serial number plate on the bottom of the camera?  Just curious, it sounds like this is something new by Canon and if so, wondering why they decided to do it?

Keeping the original receipt is a good idea, I will be sure to keep it if I decide to keep the camera.

Thanks for the tip!!

My camera does not have the pinhole in the serial number plate, and I would not have even known to check it.

6

Canon General / Re: refurbished Canon 5d mk iii

« on: January 13, 2013, 07:33:05 PM »

I purchased a used 5DII in the past year. My considerations were (1) is it at or below below market price (2) excellent condition (3) low actuations (4) 100% positive feedback on Ebay. Nice to haves were original packaging and receipt. I would not have had an issue purchasing a refurb body if the considerations were met. I have purchase refub lenses and P&S and have had no issues at all.

7

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Tempted to upgrade my 7D to a 5D2 to open up wider indoor shots

« on: January 12, 2013, 01:03:36 AM »

I used a 7D for a couple of years. Interested in going FF I purchased a used 5DII and planned on keeping the 7D for wildlife and as a back-up body. I sold it 2 months after purchasing the 5DII as I never enjoyed shooting with it again after shooting FF. Hopefuly I'll be able to upgrade to a 5DIII in the next year or two.

8

Landscape / Re: Post Your Best Landscapes

« on: December 30, 2012, 05:43:44 PM »

Here's a shot I took in Yosemite Valley over the holiday. I'm still learning and it is one of my favorite landscapes so far.

9

HDR - High Dynamic Range / Re: Post your HDR images:

« on: December 29, 2012, 10:55:02 PM »

Here's one I took at Yosemite yesterday. Sunny day with dark shadows in the valley. Tried to keep it as natural as I could. I'm also fairly new to HDR, but love the flexibility it can provide.

10

Contests / Re: Gura Gear Giveaway!

« on: December 06, 2012, 09:19:04 PM »

I really want to win. Really!

11

Animal Kingdom / Re: Show your Bird Portraits

« on: July 12, 2012, 10:40:57 PM »

Here are a few of my favorites, the first was shot with a 7D and 70-200 f/4, the second with a 7D and 300 f/4:

12

Lenses / Re: EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 HELP

« on: May 14, 2012, 11:30:35 PM »

I used this lens with my 7D for 2 years until I upgraded to FF. I loved it and it was my most frequently used lens. It is sharp and has a useful focal length, along with f/2.8 and IS.  If you are planning on staying with a crop camera for awhile, this is a lens you must own. If it was compatible with FF I would still own it, even though it would be my only non-L lens.

13

Lenses / Re: 85 f/1.2 L II vs 85 f/1.8

« on: April 03, 2012, 12:43:55 AM »

I am planning on using this lens on a used 5D Mark II that I will receive this week. I really wanted to pull the trigger on a Mark III, but figured I would go with the known quantity of the Mark II and add some quality lenses to my collection for the same cost. Once the dust settles on the Mark III (hopefully with a price reduction) I'll look to upgrade in another year or so. I have been shooting with a 7D that I will keep for sports/wildlife. Thanks again!

14

Lenses / Re: 85 f/1.2 L II vs 85 f/1.8

« on: April 02, 2012, 11:51:08 PM »

All,

Thanks for the responses. Neuro, I appreciate the comparison shots and after lurking on this site for quite some time I have really come to respect your knowledge and opinion. That said, I'm leaning towards the 1.8. I don't shoot for a living and the faster AF will provide me with more flexibility in what I shoot. Hopefully I can add another lens with the money I save (already have the 135 f/2)...

15

Lenses / 85 f/1.2 L II vs 85 f/1.8

« on: April 02, 2012, 12:53:12 AM »

On FF is the 85 f/1.2 L II worth the premium over the f/1.8? I know the 1.2 is an L lens and has better build quality, but Photozone indicates the 1.8 is a better value along with having faster focus. I'm also not sure about focus-by-wire.  I'm trying to build a stable of high quality primes, but don't want to spend the extra money if the difference is minimal for portraits outside of a studio. Thanks!