Messages

31

Lens Gallery / Re: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

« on: May 28, 2012, 06:07:43 AM »

Summer is Coming, Bayfield, ON, Lake Huron by Christopher Brian's Photography, on Flickr

 Now this is just what I needed to see. I spent 23 summers at a cottage north of Goderich. Good times.

32

Software & Accessories / Re: Automatic Microfocus adjustment software

« on: May 26, 2012, 10:34:12 PM »

Just did a couple of test shots outside with my 24-105. I used FoCal to make the microadjustments. I have to say that I'm impressed with the difference.

33

Software & Accessories / Re: Automatic Microfocus adjustment software

« on: May 19, 2012, 03:52:24 AM »

Just downloaded FoCal tonight and have been micro adjusting my lenses. So far so good. I test each lens twice to make sure results are consistent, although my batteries died shortly before I finished the second test of the telephoto end of my 24-105.

 The sun had long since set, and I don't have a studio, so I rounded up all the lights in the house that I could to make a makeshift testing environment. I'm going to try it again tomorrow when the light's better to see if I get the same results.

 So far the adjustments are as follows:
17-40 L W -3  T +3
24-105 L W +6  T +5

 Now, let's see what tomorrow has in store.

34

Software & Accessories / Re: Tripod for macro photography

« on: May 18, 2012, 02:37:03 AM »

Fair enough. To each their own, right?

35

Software & Accessories / Re: Tripod for macro photography

« on: May 17, 2012, 10:45:44 PM »

Also check out the Gitto's MTL9 or MTL2 line with the adjustable centre column.

 I considered the Manfrotto, but thought that the adjustable centre column being restricted to 90 or 0 degrees too limited. The Giotto's can go from 90 to 0 to everywhere in between, making it a bit more versatile, imho. I got an MTL3361B and love it.

You adjust the centre column angle by changing the lengths of the legs 

 True, but on the Giotto, you can just tilt the centre column, which I think is easier, less complicated, and less time consuming than fiddling with the legs.

36

Software & Accessories / Re: Tripod for macro photography

« on: May 17, 2012, 03:13:29 AM »

Also check out the Gitto's MTL9 or MTL2 line with the adjustable centre column.

 I considered the Manfrotto, but thought that the adjustable centre column being restricted to 90 or 0 degrees too limited. The Giotto's can go from 90 to 0 to everywhere in between, making it a bit more versatile, imho. I got an MTL3361B and love it.

37

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Some 7D Punishment

« on: May 17, 2012, 01:43:52 AM »

Higher end DSLRs are surprisingly durable. My 5D classic got soaked in my bike panniers during a five hour rain storm. I simply left it in my tent on a hot day and after it dried out, it worked just fine, and it didn't even have weather sealing. They really can take a beating.

38

Software & Accessories / Re: Tripod for macro photography

« on: May 16, 2012, 03:25:17 AM »

I highly recommend the Manfrotto 410 geared head. It allows for very fine adjustments. I love mine.

39

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: DXOMark website - mistake and careless on their part...

« on: May 15, 2012, 04:00:09 AM »

Meh, no biggie. English isn't their native language. Hell, the people at dxo can probably speak and write English better than many English speakers.

40

EOS Bodies / Re: After DPREVIEW of D800 would you still get the Canon 5d mark iii?

« on: May 09, 2012, 09:08:05 PM »

You know what? I think the D800 sensor outperforms the 5D3. But, I'm not going to let that ruin my enjoyment of using the camera. Sure, its sensor isn't as good as the D800, but it's still a hell of a camera (a vast improvement from my 5D1) and I don't regret buying it. Just because the 5D3's sensor isn't as good doesn't mean the 5D3 is a shitty camera. So I tip my hat in congratulations to Nikon for their success and for raising the bar.

41

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Great review for D800 vs. 5D3 and DxO

« on: May 09, 2012, 08:26:19 PM »

I know this has been said before, but I really don't understand why the D800 images have to be downsized to 22mp to match the 5D3 when comparing the two. Surely, people who shoot the D800 are going to be shooting at its max resolution, so downsizing seems to lack real world practicality. I realise that comparing a 36mp image to a 22mp is more difficult, but surely D800 users aren't going to shoot at 22mp often, if ever.

42

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Combining Sensors...is it possible?

« on: April 30, 2012, 07:29:23 PM »

The Gaia spacecraft will use 106 CCD sensors to survey the stars and will have a combined resolution of about 938MP.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_%28spacecraft%29

 

43

Lenses / Lenses to shoot the Milky Way. Is a 17-40 enough?

« on: April 29, 2012, 01:49:22 AM »

Just like the title says, I've always been awed by photos of the Milky Way and have long wanted to try it out. For the last four years I've been using a 5D1 and all my lenses are f/4.

 But now I've got my 5D3 and am curious to know if my 17-40 is up for the job, or whether I should invest in a 16-35 or a 14mm 2.8. Obviously, the best way to find out would be to go and actually take some shots, but lacking a car makes that a bit difficult.

 I intend to do some testing, but I'll have to wait until July when I do my 14 day self-supported cycling trip from Calgary to Banff to Jasper and back, but I thought I'd get your input. I'm going to rent either the 16-35 or the 14mm 2.8, and am curious to know which one you think would be better suited.

 My gut tells me to go with the 16-35 and then sell my 17-40. I'm usually on a bicycle or hiking trip when I shoot, so simply swapping out the 17-40 for the 16-35 makes sense simply to keep the weight down. After all, it's easier to carry two lenses than three when weight is an issue. But, if the IQ of the 14mm 2.8 is much better than the 16-35, I'd consider it instead.

 I'm curious to know your thoughts.

44

Lenses / Re: 16-35mm or 17-40mm owners--what filters do you use with your lens?

« on: April 18, 2012, 07:12:45 PM »

I've got the 17-40 and almost always use a circ pol, but I've got an UV filter if I'm shooting in low light.

 I've only recently got my hands on the Lee graduated filter set and am eager to try them out. I've pretty much reached the limits of what the LR digital graduated filter can do (blown highlights).

45

Software & Accessories / Re: FoCal Pro Beta for 5D MK III AFMA

« on: April 09, 2012, 07:30:03 PM »

I'm looking forward to your test results and subsequent post.

 As am I. I've been looking at FoCal for some time now.