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Lenses / 600mm f/4l IS for $5k - good price?
« on: March 18, 2013, 05:10:43 PM »
Is this a good price for this lens without a scratch on it?
May 25, 2013, 04:44:57 PM
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32
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Why does Canon watermark their manuals
« on: March 10, 2013, 07:07:42 AM »
with the word "Copy"?
It's a PDF. Electronic copy. By definition. They can't send me an 'original' PDF, those bits (or the representation of them) were sent over a dozen networks to get to me.
But right in the middle of the damn thing I have to stare at this watermark on every page. Is this because if I somehow managed to print it, in the same small form factor they do (bound and sized appropriately), that it would be obvious I was making a fake. Seriously?
It's a PDF. Electronic copy. By definition. They can't send me an 'original' PDF, those bits (or the representation of them) were sent over a dozen networks to get to me.
But right in the middle of the damn thing I have to stare at this watermark on every page. Is this because if I somehow managed to print it, in the same small form factor they do (bound and sized appropriately), that it would be obvious I was making a fake. Seriously?
33
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Sell canon 5d3 and return new macbook pro retina to buy the 1d x
« on: March 10, 2013, 07:03:20 AM »
I'd definitely consider it. I personally think the Retina mac laptops pure helium. Can't upgrade the hard drive, can't upgrade the RAM, cost $3500 for what I'd consider a minimum computer. I have one of the first MBP Unibodies and I just upgraded the RAM and drive to a SSD.
My next body is going to be a 1D (notice I didn't say X), hopefully with a lot of pixels.
My next body is going to be a 1D (notice I didn't say X), hopefully with a lot of pixels.
34
Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 09, 2013, 09:04:02 AM »
So I purchased the Singe-Ray reverse grad listed above and the Hard Edge Lee, the Soft Edge being out of stock. Both .9/3 stops, and I did some quick tests last night.
The Reverse Grad made me wonder why I got it on first sight, the reverse gradation is so gradual it seems like a normal GND would work just as well. This is just by visual inspection, it wasn't as differentiated from the GND as I had expected.
In quick tests it worked well though. It was a completely clear and bright afternoon and I get a good view of the setting sun from my doorstep. It gave me a nicely blue sky, detailed landscape with proper exposure between the two shooting directly into the sun. Of course it reduced and in some cases eliminated flare. Nice shots!
The .9 Lee hard edge isn't the appropriate choice for where I'm shooting (not at the ocean) but it worked well and gave me a great sky.
Overall I'm loving the Lee system and the grads, I had the cheap Cokin system previously which wasn't as good an optical quality and vignetted. I use the LowePro Filter Holder to store these filters. I use the Blue tab for the Hard Edge grad (remember blue meaning water), the Red to hold the reverse grad (remember red sunset), white for the soft edge (gradual white edge for landscape) and the Big Stopper on the black code. Make them easy to find and organize.
The Reverse Grad made me wonder why I got it on first sight, the reverse gradation is so gradual it seems like a normal GND would work just as well. This is just by visual inspection, it wasn't as differentiated from the GND as I had expected.
In quick tests it worked well though. It was a completely clear and bright afternoon and I get a good view of the setting sun from my doorstep. It gave me a nicely blue sky, detailed landscape with proper exposure between the two shooting directly into the sun. Of course it reduced and in some cases eliminated flare. Nice shots!
The .9 Lee hard edge isn't the appropriate choice for where I'm shooting (not at the ocean) but it worked well and gave me a great sky.
Overall I'm loving the Lee system and the grads, I had the cheap Cokin system previously which wasn't as good an optical quality and vignetted. I use the LowePro Filter Holder to store these filters. I use the Blue tab for the Hard Edge grad (remember blue meaning water), the Red to hold the reverse grad (remember red sunset), white for the soft edge (gradual white edge for landscape) and the Big Stopper on the black code. Make them easy to find and organize.
35
Lenses / Re: 200-400 f/4 L IS vs 100-400 vII (hypothetical)
« on: March 08, 2013, 01:02:59 PM »
Great advice. Here's the thing, I can wait. Actually I prefer to wait, I am busy with my normal and wide angle and am holding off wildlife as a closer to 'retirement' (8 years away) activity to explore. So I'd rather get the ultimate later rather than a compromise now. Sometime in the next 4 years is fine.
Th 300 is an interesting idea. TCs are a bit of a pain though.
What then do you think is the ultimate? I suspect the 200-400 is.
Th 300 is an interesting idea. TCs are a bit of a pain though.
What then do you think is the ultimate? I suspect the 200-400 is.
36
Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Art Tool or Art Object?
« on: March 07, 2013, 06:50:48 AM »
Oh yes, for me. Photogs love to repeat "it's not the camera" but one reason I love photography is because of the equipment.
There's nothing wrong with that at all, I also enjoy getting great shots (not enough of those)! I'm tired of some photographer who is proud of his beat up, scratched and dented camera, like it proves he works hard. That just proves he doesn't know how to take care of the equipment for his professional livelihood.
- I'm a computer engineer by day, so when I need a break taking a mini-computer out into the world is an extension of that
- I love the challenge of having just the right kit for a shooting situation
- I enjoy using it, holding it, taking care of it all
There's nothing wrong with that at all, I also enjoy getting great shots (not enough of those)! I'm tired of some photographer who is proud of his beat up, scratched and dented camera, like it proves he works hard. That just proves he doesn't know how to take care of the equipment for his professional livelihood.
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Lenses / Re: 200-400 f/4 L IS vs 100-400 vII (hypothetical)
« on: March 06, 2013, 07:13:03 AM »I handled the 200 - 400 L this weekend at Focus on Imaging - it is no way comparable to the 100 - 400, it's got the built-in TC which is smoot, it's way better for IQ, is faster focussing and much heavier, to the extent that you would not handhold it for more than a minute or three - it's a beast of a lens but is massively clever - thanks to handling it the lens is no longer on my "buy" list, but has moved to the top of my "hire" list when it comes out!
What do you mean by clever, the built in TC? Also what do you mean by "hire"?
38
Lenses / Re: 200-400 f/4 L IS vs 100-400 vII (hypothetical)
« on: March 05, 2013, 08:16:58 AM »
Good thoughts. Thanks for the reminder NA - yeah I like the flexibility of the new zoom but for that coin getting a prime might make sense too.
And Mt Spokane - yes I should carefully consider whether I'll want to carry that thing around!
And Mt Spokane - yes I should carefully consider whether I'll want to carry that thing around!
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Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 05, 2013, 05:17:59 AM »
I'm about the pull the trigger on a few filters, but I'm wondering about the 3 stop S-R, is that enough?
For shooting directly into the sun maybe a 4 stop would be better, anybody used a 3 or a 4 reverse grad who can comment?
For shooting directly into the sun maybe a 4 stop would be better, anybody used a 3 or a 4 reverse grad who can comment?
40
Lenses / 200-400 f/4 L IS vs 100-400 vII (hypothetical)
« on: March 04, 2013, 06:37:47 PM »
I max out at 200mm with the 70-200 f/2.8 II and have been holding out for a 100-400 II which will come eventually, probably in the not too distant future would be my guess. I can wait however so no major problem either way.
Now we know Canon is coming out with the 200-400, and while it will be horrifically expensive I could swing it. I'm looking to use a longer lens for wildlife photography.
So I've not used any of the L telephotos, any thoughts on these choices versus any of their other tele's from folks more experience than me? Consider issues such as weight, usability (short and long focal lengths), etc. Thanks for your thoughts!
Now we know Canon is coming out with the 200-400, and while it will be horrifically expensive I could swing it. I'm looking to use a longer lens for wildlife photography.
So I've not used any of the L telephotos, any thoughts on these choices versus any of their other tele's from folks more experience than me? Consider issues such as weight, usability (short and long focal lengths), etc. Thanks for your thoughts!
41
Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 03, 2013, 08:57:36 PM »
Hm, he says the Cokin Z system is significantly cheaper, but while the adapters are cheaper the main holder is about the same. I went with the Lee at any rate.
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Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 01, 2013, 09:10:00 PM »NA, any suggestions for a soft 3 stop then? I like the idea of Glass of course, resin is find too I guess.
Personally, I plan to get a 4" CPL and 3-stop grad hard and soft from Lee, and a 3-stop reverse grad from Singh-Ray.
That sounds good, except I don't need the CPL I think. These guys?
3 stop Lee hard edge
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/745895-REG/LEE_Filters_SW150_9NDG_S_150_x_170mm_0_9.html
3 stop Lee soft edge
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/745895-REG/LEE_Filters_SW150_9NDG_S_150_x_170mm_0_9.html
3 stop S-R reverse grad
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/615228-REG/Singh_Ray_R_63_Daryl_Benson_4x6_Reverse.html
43
Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 01, 2013, 07:36:25 PM »
NA, any suggestions for a soft 3 stop then? I like the idea of Glass of course, resin is find too I guess.
44
Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: March 01, 2013, 09:23:38 AM »Personally I wouldn't waste your time with a 1-stop GND filter.
I have the Lee 2-stop and 3-stop in both hard and soft edge. My most used for landscapes are the 3-stop, which is why when I decided to get a reverse GND filter I bought the 3-stop (in that specific case Singh-Ray).
The Lee resin filters are good and at ~$100 each a lot cheaper than the glass ones.
If I were only buying one GND filter it would definitely be the 3-stop. Hard or soft edge depends on whether the bulk of your shots have an object in the foreground extending into the sky or not (like trees).
So when would you use a hard and when a soft exactly?
45
Software & Accessories / Re: Good GND filter to go with new Lee system
« on: February 28, 2013, 09:29:56 AM »
Is 3 stop really necessary NA? I live in a perennially sunny part of California where a ND is required for landscape shots, I'm getting good results with a 1 & 2.
By the way I got the foundation kit as soon as it came in stock, figured I can't wait until it goes out for a long time again. We probably bought from the same lot.
By the way I got the foundation kit as soon as it came in stock, figured I can't wait until it goes out for a long time again. We probably bought from the same lot.