Messages

106

Lenses / Pano question for 24TSE

« on: May 29, 2012, 01:46:09 PM »

I'm using a Really Right Stuff pano head assembly with the BH55 head and 5D3 and Canon 24TSE lens. 

Has anyone used a similar combination in the field by shifting the lens in both directions and then rotating the camera on the pano head to create a wider field of view?

107

EOS Bodies / Re: Anyone received D5M3 w/lens from Amazon?

« on: May 24, 2012, 05:22:31 PM »

Maybe thats why it took longer, changing the model #'s around to D5M3 takes more time, don't u know?   Just kidding, OK?  Gotta have some fun when you kan. Write?

108

PowerShot Cameras / Re: Anyone have the g1x and are happy with when your dslr is not around?

« on: May 24, 2012, 12:28:30 AM »

Sorry to say I don't have the G1X but wanted to add a deal breaker for me that I've read about this model is the extremely slow focus. Now the IQ is supposed to make up for that however I'm not sure it would fit a jacket pocket.
IMHO, Canon's S100 is THE best P&S camera out there, bare none.  Read the reviews and go see one.  Extremely small, fast focus and more features than you would probably ever use.  Its even got HDR like our 5D3's. !!! I've had most of Canon's P&S cameras over the past 20 digital years and the 'S' series is still the little winner in my eyes.

109

Lenses / Re: 100-400mm vs. 70-300L for basically the same exact price used? Which one?

« on: May 23, 2012, 03:57:25 PM »

I'm fortunate to own both and have used both in similar situations.  The 70-300L is extremely light, focuses fast and is tack sharp.  The 100-400 has a longer reach, is considerably larger, heavier and focuses much slower.
Neither of these lenses function well with a teleconverter from Canon or Kenko.

I used both of these for active sports outdoors and both served their intended purposed well.  I found that I used the 70-300L more since it covered the range I needed most and it was sharper and lighter than the 100-400.

Cons: 70-300L uses a 67mm filter and if you intend to use a step-up filter for any filter larger, like 77mm, its very difficult to use this in the field IF you are using the lens hood.

Price wise, they are very close. Rent them both first if you can to get the feel and experience the IQ of each.

Good luck.

110

EOS Bodies / Re: I love my 5D3, but...where is that 5DX?

« on: May 14, 2012, 10:21:23 AM »

Because my wife sez I need it....HA! wouldn't that be a dream?  Nothing says 'wow' like a large 60 x 40 print that allows you to feel like you're there in the moment.  You need crisp, sharp details with a full dynamic range to sell that feeling.  This is hard to get with some sensors and while the 5D3 is the best I've had and some prints at 40 x 30 look great, I still would like to see how a better sensor could accomplish my goals.  There is always medium format, but with my current investment in Canon glass, it wouldn't make sense to jump ship now.
Additionally, there are software plug-ins that will 'blow-up' images to the desired size, but I've yet to use one I really like.
Anyone else use image upscaling software that provides the best results?

111

EOS Bodies / I love my 5D3, but...where is that 5DX?

« on: May 14, 2012, 12:44:14 AM »

I love my new 5D3 and its ISO performance improvements and speed from the previous 5D2, however, I was really excited when 'rumors' about the possible '5DX'  being a FF 30-40MP camera were flying around.  Any other shooters have new information on this pipe dream other than what has been posted previously in this forum?

112

Lenses / Canon's new 24-70 2.8L II ship date

« on: May 10, 2012, 03:02:16 PM »

Does anyone have an update on the possible ship date for the new 24-70?

113

Lenses / Re: Going to San Diego Zoo next week. What zoom lens would you rent?

« on: May 10, 2012, 02:21:01 PM »

We live in CA and the in-laws live in San Diego, in fact, some of them belong in the zoo....however, 100-400 is a very versatile lens for that zoo. You can always use the range regardless. Its light enough to carry all day.

The 70-300L is a stellar lens but you can not use a teleconverter as it just kills the AF.

Enjoy the warm and hilly SD Zoo and say hello to my in-laws.   
If I recall, they have Panda's too in this zoo.

114

Lenses / Re: Best lenses for...

« on: May 10, 2012, 10:59:10 AM »

1. Portraits, 85 1.2L II OR 135 2.0L. Both are stellar lenses.

2. Landscape, easily 24 TSE 3.5L II with ND filters. The 17TSE is superb but cannot use filters.  Filters, IMHO, can tone down a burning sunrise and balance out the exposure.

3. Wedding, no experience here with weddings, but obviously the 70-200 2.8L II gives you a great range plus a 50mm 1.2L prime for closer shots!

All of the above if money is not a huge concern. Besides, who needs to retire? Put off retirement a few more years and get that lens.

115

Lenses / Infinity focus in manual mode

« on: May 10, 2012, 10:51:44 AM »

Need some feedback on this:  When I shoot in manual focus mode with any or all of my lenses and I need to max out to infinity focus, I find that the infinity focus is off just slightly and I need to push it back a bit.  This is true for all my lenses being 'L' lenses (24TSE-II, 16-35L-ii, 50 1.2L, 85 1.2L, 70-300L, 70-200 2.8L-II... and shooting with 5D3 and 7D bodies).
 
Do you find the same condition to be true?

As an example, wanted to shoot star trails and needed to focus at infinity. However, turning the focus all the way doesn't necessarily provide infinite focus even at all apertures. And with regard to the star trails, I typically would try F8 or F11.

Your reply very much appreciated.

116

EOS Bodies / Any known issues with this combo: 5D3 + 1.4TC + 24 TSE II

« on: April 04, 2012, 03:38:03 PM »

Has anybody used or know of any issues with adding a Canon 1.4 TC to a Canon tilt shift 24 TSE ii on my 5D3? I could use the extra reach.

117

Lenses / Re: Portrait/Medium Tele Lens

« on: April 04, 2012, 02:56:03 PM »

The 85 1.5, 50 1.4, 100 f2.0 and 100 2.8 are all excellent portrait lenses for the value.  The only comment I'd like to share is the Sigma 85 1.4 is a wonderful lens, though a bit pricey, and it has had focus issues.  It is extremely fast to focus once it finds the spot you are registering.  Excellent bokeh and contrast which is also true for Sigma's 50 1.4 for Canon.
In final summary, I'd probably go for the 85 1.8.

Best of luck.

118

EOS Bodies / Re: Amazon is shipping tonight March 21 5D3 bodies ordered March 2

« on: March 22, 2012, 01:41:31 PM »

'The Eagle has landed' or in other words, AMAZON IS SHIPPING and SO IS B&H. I had orders at both and just got emails from both, today, at 10:30am PST.  I ordered bodies only via UPS overnight.  I will obviously sell one after I have both orders in hand.

119

EOS Bodies / Re: Amazon is shipping tonight March 21 5D3 bodies ordered March 2

« on: March 22, 2012, 01:30:14 PM »

Just rec'd a text message from Amazon stating my order for 5D3, body only, will arrive March 23rd by 8PM.  So, they do have some stock to ship.  Calling customer service is a waste of time and just adds to the frustration. They just read the prompts that we read on line.
Yeah baby, come to papa.

120

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Amazon 5D Mark III Pre Order Shipping & Order Status

« on: March 22, 2012, 11:29:43 AM »

I'm sure most of you, like me, are scouring all the threads on the release between the gear talk and rumors but for those of you that aren't I'm going to post my update here, too. I received my order confirmation order at 2:33:02 AM CST. And my camera shipping status just changed to shipping soon.

I started the thread last night about Amazon putting my order in the shipping queue after I rec'd a call from my credit card company that my card had been charged.  I called Chase Amazon and checked my account, they charged for the camera, changed the status to 'SHIPPING SOON' and sent me a confirming email.  At this point I would hate to cancel Amazon's order but what exactly is 'SHIPPING SOON' mean. Christmas is soon and so is a blue moon.  I have the same order also at B&H that was placed March 2nd via Paypal. Paypal orders with B&H take the money from your account on the order day!  So I'm already out $3,500 at B&H, no camera or indication they are shipping before Christmas and Amazon has charged my card $3,500 and still no delivery notice.  At the moment, I'm out over $7,000 with nothing really to show for it.  I've already lost a few nights sleep over this but I'm being optimistic that a few boxes will be here on Monday, ....before Christmas.
Thanks for listening. This is like group therapy, eh?