Messages

31

Lenses / Re: NEED HELP: SHOOTING A WEDDING...WHICH LENS SHOULD I RENT?

« on: July 10, 2012, 11:01:15 AM »

Dear All,

Thanks for all your helpful and very insightful input.  At the end of the day, I decided not to rent a lens.  The wedding was this past Saturday and I ended up assisting shooting the whole day.  I shot solo from 7:30 to 11:00 until the paid pro arrived.  When he did, I introduced myself and told him I was a friend that will assist in shooting; he was very kind and professional about it.  I made sure and did the best I can to stay out of his way.  I basically shot at angels and spots he was not shooting from.  The church as a bit dim for my 24-105 (my 430 flash wasn't too helpful for the a dim church with pointed high ceilings).  Looking back, I was happy with the overall experience given this was my first full shoot, albeit on the unofficial assisting level.  However, if I could I would probably wish I had at least 2 more lenses at my disposal: 35L & 85L or 70-200 2.8.  I did learn so much though, especially looking at my shots and realizing what I should've done and not done on some of them.  Thanks again for all your help!

32

Lenses / NEED HELP: SHOOTING A WEDDING...WHICH LENS SHOULD I RENT?

« on: July 02, 2012, 12:41:39 PM »

Hi All,

I'll 'unofficially' assist in shooting a wedding for a friend.  They will have a paid-hired pro shooter at the wedding (from 1pm to end of reception, likely 11pm).   However, the pro will not be there from 8:30am  to 1:00
pm, so I will shoot, probably solo during this time (make ups, dress, getting ready period).  I've done this once before a couple years back with a Rebel & CF lens.  Currently I shoot w/a 5D Mark II and have 2 lenses: 24-105L & 50 f/1.8 II (just upgrade to the Mark II w/24-105 as kits lens 3 months ago).

My question is, SHOULD I RENT A LENS?  If so, WHICH LENS should I rent?

Your input is much appreciated.  Thanks!

33

Lenses / Is there a best time to buy new lenses...?

« on: June 30, 2012, 01:02:37 PM »

Hi All,

I'd like to know if there's a particular time of the year to buy lenses for the best price (aside from ocassional rebates)?  E.g.  Does lens prices normally stay the same throughout the year of dip during particular parts of the year, say Black Friday, around Christmas time, etc.? 

I wanted to know if it's practical to time my next purchase, very likely the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM, or 35 f/1.4L.

Thanks for your input!

34

Lenses / Best lens cases for....

« on: June 26, 2012, 03:27:22 PM »

Hi everyone,

I'd like to know what's your recommended strap around waist lens cases for these lenses:

1) 24-105 f/4L
2) 70-200 f/2.8L IS II
3) 35 f/1.4L
4) 85 f/1.2L II

Thanks!!

35

EOS Bodies / Re: LightRoom...HELP!

« on: June 24, 2012, 01:23:26 AM »

Thank you all for your much helpful references and inputs!!!  I started clicking on some of your recommended links and read the reviews for the recommended authors on Lr 4...I find them very helpful and am confident they will be more than enough for  me to start my path to learning Lr 4 as a beginner.  I'm so excited!  Thanks again...I really do appreciate all the helpful hands!

36

EOS Bodies / LightRoom...HELP!

« on: June 22, 2012, 11:46:01 PM »

Hi all.  I just had a friend built me a new pc & had Lr4 & PS installed.  However I have never used them before and would like ur help in directing me to some good, helpful sites with tutorials or lessons for beginners.  Recommendations on good books r welcomed too.  Please lend some assistance. Your help is much appreciated. Thx!

37

EOS Bodies / Re: NEED HELP W/LENSES: What should I get next...?

« on: May 17, 2012, 03:39:23 PM »

Thank You All for such wonderful and helpful insights.  Every bit of advice made sense. 
Before this post, I've been leaning towards getting the 70-200 f/2.8 II as my next lens.
Many of your responses made this more of an affirmation.  So, I'll be saving for that come the holiday season.

After this, I'll see where my needs are at that time...my feeling is, it'll be either the 85 f/1.2 II, or 135 f/2...then the 16-35 f/2.8

That's my foreseeable future.  We'll see where my photography skills/needs are by then.  I'm sure I'll be back for more advice before then    Thanks again!

38

EOS Bodies / Post Processing...PC vs. Apple, Photoshop vs. Aperture...???

« on: May 17, 2012, 12:06:24 AM »

I know this is probably not the most appropriate place to post it, but since "EOS Bodies" have the most posts/visits, I figured I would get the most feed backs here.

I'm considering to upgrade my computer but have come to a standstill. 

I'm still debating on whether to stay with PC and upgrading it to a newer and more power one or switching to Apple, iMac.  I have no experience or working knowledge of post processing, Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture.

Also, should I go with Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture?

All these equipment is mainly for post processing my photos.

Please help.  Thanks.

39

EOS Bodies / NEED HELP W/LENSES: What should I get next...?

« on: May 16, 2012, 11:13:05 PM »

Hi All,

I need your help on this.

My interest in photography has grown much recently and I want to pursue it with more commitment and dedication. 

As I continue to learn about photography, reading and shooting, I also would like to build up my gears.
I have recently upgrade my camera from a Rebel XSI to the 5D Mark II.  I only have 2 lenses: 24-105 f/4 and 50 f/1.8 II.

My interest is in wedding photography, portraiture, and landscapes (mostly while on vacations).

Which lens/es should I get next (in order if you have more than 1 suggestion)??

Some lenses I have in mind to get next are (but I'm thinking perhaps the order of purchase might help refine my skills for the types of photo shoot I've mentioned above?):

1) 70-200 f/2.8 IS II
2) 85 f/1.2 II
3) 16-35 f/2.8 II
4) 24-70 f/2.8 II
5) Your other suggestions

My budget is about $2,500 every 8 months.

Your insights are much appreciated.  Thanks!

40

EOS Bodies / WEDDING PHOTOGRAHPY...

« on: May 14, 2012, 01:58:23 PM »

Hi All,

I'm from the NYC area and would like to dig deep into wedding photography.  I've never done any weddings, but would like to learn as an apprentice under a professional wedding photography.  Anyone knows how I can go about it?  I know I need to look up/hook up with a pro, but I was wondering if there's any webpages or forums, like this, in which I can do so. 

Your direction is much appreciated.  Thanks!

41

Lenses / Re: Best lenses for...

« on: May 09, 2012, 06:21:48 PM »

Thanks All! 

Looks like the majority has these 4 on the lineup:

1) 16-35 f/2.8
2) 85  f/1.2
2) 24-70 & 70-200

42

EOS Bodies / Post Processing...

« on: May 09, 2012, 03:31:59 PM »

Hello fellow Photogs,

I'm practically new to forums but I'm beginning to become more serious in photography.  Whenever I go on sites such as Flickr, Photonet, or the likes, I have mix feelings of excitment and discouragement when I see awesome pictures!  A lot of the pictures, if not all, have rich colors and sharp images.  I'd like to know as a rule of thumb or in general, how many of these pictures people post on these sites have gone through post processing w/Photoshop, Aperture, or similar programs?  Your feedbacks are appreciated.  Thanks.

43

Lenses / Re: Best lenses for...

« on: May 07, 2012, 07:50:22 PM »

May I add one more:

4) General purpose all-around walking lens?

44

Lenses / Best lenses for...

« on: May 07, 2012, 06:43:13 PM »

Hello fellow Photogs, I'd like your insights on what is the BEST lens/es on a 5D Mark 2 for:

1) Portraiture?

2) Landscapes?

3) Weddings (if you can choose only 2)?

45

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5DII+24-105 or 60D/70D+17-55

« on: April 17, 2012, 12:23:19 PM »

Silex,

I was in a similar situation months ago.  At that time with the rumors of the 5D Mark III coming out, I waited on upgrading from my Rebel XSI.  When it finally came out and the hysteria finally died down a bit, I re-evaluated my needs and decided against the 5D Mark III ($3,500 had much weight, but also I thought as for my first FF--which I really wanted to venture into as my next body, I didn't really *need* the Mark III yet). 

Before I bought my new camera (5D Mark II kit w/24-105) last month, it was down to either the 5D Mark II or 7D.  I chose the 5D Mark II because I wanted to venture into FF and made up my mind on that.   Plus, I thought it would be a logically step to upgrade to the 5D Mark III in a few years or its sucessor at that time.

Since you have the $ to spend on some nicer gears, I would vote for the 5D Mark II and then invest in L lens from hence forward.  That's what I'm doing.  Good luck!