Messages

1711

EOS Bodies / Re: A grateful end to the DSLR video "revolution"

« on: May 22, 2011, 10:09:45 PM »

Also dont forget, talent will and should always win out in the professional world.  Be limited and questionable in quality regarding videos, remember parts of the TV show "House" is/was shot with the 5D II's as well as avatar (i believe... correct me if i'm wrong).  So they can keep up with the pro video cameras if in the right hands.  I'm no video pro but I did take some video classes at BIP and have first hand experience with video equipment and editing and such... My 7D can do some good shots if on a tripod and such but panning scenes look like crap... I'm still doing what I can to get better with what I've got but thankfully in weddings and such I can set up a 7D or 5D on a tripod and let it capture the moment rather than run and guns... =)

I used to offer high end architecture and real estate photos to several architects and real estate agents... now real estate agents are buying 7d's and rebels and doing their own photography and architects are going to the lowest bidder... You have to adapt some times or you will go out of business, especially in this market and economy.

1712

EOS Bodies / Re: A grateful end to the DSLR video "revolution"

« on: May 22, 2011, 09:43:48 PM »

It's the same rant we're read from professional photographers 5 years ago when DLSRs went mainstream.
And that's the same rant we've heard from music producers 15 years ago when digital recording went mainstream.
...


Technology gets cheaper, that's just the way it is. Does the auther think the availability of cheap, large-sensor video cameras will solve his problem? Why should it? It's just another tool that used to cost five-digit sums and is now available for the masses. In fact, it will make his problem even worse.

The only way to differentiate from the crowd is by delivering high quality work and nothing else.

+1  amateurs are the #1 competition to Professionals all over... Professional Photographers, Videographers, etc... While I have seen awesome work done by 5d's and 7d's and such, I also admit they are done by people who really know what they are doing and come from video backgrounds.  While I will admit I am a professional photographer and NOT a professional videographer, I do offer video work to my clients, however I do offer samples of my work so the clients know what they are getting talent wise.  Hopefully with the next few generations of cameras we will get a better product. 

1713

Lenses / Re: Obsessing

« on: May 19, 2011, 04:39:02 PM »

I just feel that this pursuit of optical perfection is not so much about any practical or creative benefit but rather about profiting from those who are increasingly being led to believe that only the best is good enough. If it continues to push prices higher and higher, I feel sure it will dissuade many in the future from taking up SLR photography as a hobby.

I wouldn't mind some amateurs in the future to be dissuaded from SLR photography, They have to be the 100% competitor for most modern day pro photographers haha.     With that said, I have the 17-40 and use that for my set up and shoot architecture... Then again on my 7D, to get the most sharpness and detail I usually shoot at F8-11  (lower the aperture (16), the worse the degree of the lens softening and the higher (4), the shallower the DOF) and really any architectural photographer would know better than shoot at that if they want corner sharpness.  At stopped down apertures corner sharpness is ok... Plus dont forget a sturdy tripod. 

Lastly, regarding sharpness... should the new 17-40 be announced and is not going to cost me a second mortgage, or third, I would be in line to trade mine and pick up a new one.  Sharpness is one of those things where if you dont want all the sharpness, then it's ok, you dont have to have it, however it's always better to have the extra sharpness and soften in post as needed then not to have it and need it.  Even the 135mm soft focus has the option to have the soft focus on or off... If i want an artsy fartsy effect I would rather have full control in post rather than have no control what-so-ever. 

1714

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 19, 2011, 12:49:20 PM »

Update... 

Canon has had my 7D exactly one week, and I have not yet received a service update from them.  I actually see this as a good sign, because when they did their (in)famous "electrical adjustments to the AF assembly", the entire process - door to door - was ten days.  The fact that they've had it a week already indicates to me that they must be doing some serious work and/or investigating.  In my past dealings with their Irvine service facility, this is the longest I've gone without getting some type of automatic email update. 

Fingers crossed that they are working to get her in tip top shape!

I'm glad they are taking their time with the camera rather than doing a rush job.  I've spent time thinking about your striping issue (banding) and since it's in a particular area, I would hate to think it's a bad sensor... I know they issued (a while ago) a firmware update that dealed with some banding issues, however if you have a fully up to date firmware, then I dont want to do the disservice and make suggestions without really looking at the camera and knowing the situation first hand. 

Fingers crossed and give us updates as you get your camera back. 

1715

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 16, 2011, 12:20:33 PM »

I see that the 2 images were taken with the 70-200 2.8... Does this banding show up in every picture with every lens in the same location?  OR, does it come up in a certain lens combination?  That's an interesting phenomenon.

So far I've only seen it with the 70-200, but then again, I haven't looked through enough photos yet to be sure.  Also, it's inconsistent even with the 70-200, and only appears with certain types of lighting.  Odd.  I'll dig some more into my archives and see what I can find.

Take a look to see if you can see it on any other images on other lenses... perhaps it could be a light leak with the lens but if it is with other lenses, then it could be with the sensor...

1716

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 16, 2011, 11:55:01 AM »

justsomedude... Just thinking about your tokina situation... The general rule of thumb has been, with 3rd party lenses, to go to camera stores and test several versions of the lens to get the sharpest because QC and repairs would be so troublesome, however in the terms of camera upgrade that gets thrown out of the water since it's pairing with a new camera. 

Awin and Neuro - thanks for the responses.  I don't think I'm going to kill myself over the Tokina clarity, it's just not worth it.  Once I get the 7D back and (hopefully) all my lenses check out OK, I'll give the Tokina one more visit to THK service.  If that doesn't fix it, off to the auction block she goes... maybe for a canon 17-55 EF-S, we'll see.

But one last item of concern:  what are your thoughts on the vertical "light" band I've been finding in some of my images (I forgot to mention it before)?

http://www.akphotodenver.com/images/7D/band1.tif   (warning - 51 MB file!)
http://www.akphotodenver.com/images/7D/band2.tif   (warning - 51 MB file!)

This is almost more troublesome than the damn focus issues!

I see that the 2 images were taken with the 70-200 2.8... Does this banding show up in every picture with every lens in the same location?  OR, does it come up in a certain lens combination?  That's an interesting phenomenon. 

1717

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 16, 2011, 12:13:23 AM »

justsomedude... Just thinking about your tokina situation... The general rule of thumb has been, with 3rd party lenses, to go to camera stores and test several versions of the lens to get the sharpest because QC and repairs would be so troublesome, however in the terms of camera upgrade that gets thrown out of the water since it's pairing with a new camera.  When I moved to the 7D, my sigma 135-400mm lens, while having sharp images, especially on continuous focus, just couldn't keep up with the 7D... it was always half a second (or longer) behind and couldn't catch up when I needed the shot, it wasn't there... So it gave me the excuse to upgrade to the 70-200 L... it doesn't have the extra 200mm which i only used once in a blue moon to be honest with myself but was faster, lighter, and an L lens in quality, construction and optics.  I understand the tokina is a nice lens, and given the product production, perhaps that could give you an excuse for another lens?  If not anything but selling that lens for full market price on craigslist (there's always suckers) and buying a brand new lens in which you can test at the camera store.  I know that's not the suggestion you're hoping for but for what it's worth.  If not, try sending to a local camera store that does repairs... see what they offer since they aren't necessarily brand exclusive.  Maybe it could be something simple we aren't noticing. 

1718

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 15, 2011, 11:47:34 PM »

Awin, thanks again for the detailed reply - your patience and help is MUCH appreciated.

So, some more detail...  the 50mm is the cheapie 1.8 (yes, I'm on a budget).  But even with that said, I really wouldn't expect such glaring inconsistencies in sequential photos.  Check the following full resolution samples (and note, all three are sequence photos, with a good pause between shots for reacquiring focus)...

http://www.akphotodenver.com/images/7D

justsomedude,

thanks for sharing your photos... as neuro mentioned, it does appear to be severely front focused however i'm not sure about your options regarding the tokina lens.  If there is any consolation prize, you can live with it, call it art, and charge 3x the price  =).  I used to have quite a selection of sigma lenses once I started upgrading my gear from the 10D to 30D...  Once I moved to the 50D I joined CPS and still am with CPS.  Ever since then I only have 1 sigma lens left (10-20mm) which I will keep until I make the leap into full frame completely.  The reason I did that was in the long run, if i needed anything fixed within canon, it's just one company to deal with than sigma (and or tokina, tamron, etc)... If you have a full MA and you still cant get + or - 20 something doesn't seem right.  IF and that's a big IF it is the case and there is a severe incompatibility, I would ask if you still have your 40D and if it still works great with the 40D.  If you got rid of the 40D, just asking, but is there a chance it was dropped or something happened to maybe loosen an element to cause it to be so far off?  Just trying to rule that situation out. 

Regarding the 50mm 1.8, I cant say I've used that lens so I cant speak for that lens...  From what reviews i read, it was a good bang for your buck lens with the 1.4 and 1.2 being just a tad sharper overall which speaks a lot for a lens averaging just about $100.  The 1.4 is a good lens, however in another forum post, i gave my 2 cents on that lens... It's sharp from 1.8 and up... however the crappy micro usm causes me to almost wait a second or two to allow the lens to fully catch up to me shooting which is ok for portraits, so-so for event photography, however for fast shooting, is a nightmare.  It's a lens issue for that lens.  Also the focus mech for the 1.2 I tested left me wanting a lot (A LOT) more.  I dont know if the 1.8 issue is because you're shooting to fast (not fully waiting on the focus beep) like my 1.4 has or if it is a MA issue.  That's one of those hands on things I couldn't tell ya unless i'm there.  As far as upgrading, i would wait and see if and when the 1.4 gets replaced.  Then I'd buy one once they are out and reviews come back glowing. 

You mentioned you sent in your camera again... I hope you sent all your lenses in because I would hate for the adjustments they made last time to make the 28-135 and the other lens to get screwed up just to make the 50mm up to par.  As always, if you have any more questions or concerns, feel free to email me or post a message for me.

1719

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 15, 2011, 01:18:32 AM »

Whatever great 7D is on paper, it shouldn't be so tedious to get that sharp focus while other cameras seems to do it in instant. Afterall, so many people in so many forums cannot be wrong, you know. If they get sharp pictures easily on 40D,Xsi etc, it shouldn't be so hard on the great 7D. I just feel something is wrong. I never had any experience on other DSLRs but even cameras I used back then (analog) was easy to focus, even if it was manual. I just hate having to spend 30 secs trying to get a sharp focus or 4-5 shots to get 1 good shot. With technology, things should be easier and faster not the other way around. I am definitely going to consider another body in near future. Life should be easy you know.

I understand where your coming from, however hindsight is always 20/20 in regards to photography and camera gear.  With the 7D it magnifies so much more due to all the extra MP that any and every little flaw in focus and or lens will be that much more magnified.  I had the pleasure a few months ago to run into a CF card with pictures I didn't delete yet which were from my old 30D and sigma tele lens... During the time when I had that camera, it seemed to constantly pop out amazing photos one after another, however looking back at that card and photos, now with my increased expectations, I would be ashamed to show any of those photos on my portfolio due to stuff I may not have noticed during my time using that camera.  It doesn't mean the camera was bad, but my increased expectations of me, of my current gear, of my skill set has changed.  Comparing different, especially older generations of cameras is apples to oranges due to that same reason.  7D is a beast of a camera, but on the same note, any slight issue will be that much more magnified. 

1720

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 15, 2011, 01:12:57 AM »

justmedude, thanks for your response regarding your camera situation.  While I have used the 28-135 and have my preconceived notions on that lens, I'm glad the camera was repaired to work well with that lens.  Regarding the 50mm... which 50mm is it?  The 50mm 1.2 was very shaky on my camera with a low keeper rate when I tested it through CPS, however on my 1.4, while plagued with the crappy micro motor, is more consistent.  The 1.8, while I honestly cant say I've used that lens, it is what it is... The 1.2 i've heard lots of complaints about the focus issue so i'm sure it's the lens, however it cannot confirm or deny if it is a lens defect or not.

Regarding the 11-16 tokina... dont get me wrong, i used to love tokina's... That was one of my favorite lenses out of college because they offered lenses I could afford on ebay with a small budget, especially on the wide end.  I haven't played with the lens you got so i cant speak for it, however you said you had great photos with it with the 40D and now you cant with the 7D?  While I doubt canon would be willing to adjust the tokina to meet the cameras sensor for optimum focus, that's a tough one.  If MA doesn't work for you... well lets put a hypothetical out there... is the OOF consistant...  Lets say you shot a similar scene over and over and over with that lens, is the area in focus (that you were intending to be OOF) is that scene consistantly in focus meaning the AF is working properly however with the combination of the sensor and the lens, it is outside the range of MA allotment?  Or is it sometimes front focusing, sometimes backfocusing, just all over the place?  I guess that would be the first place I'd check is the see the consistency of the focus issue.  In that case, i would have to say perhaps there is a possible fix...  If not and it's all over the place, I would have to say it's a compatibility issue. 

I have heard hints through the intrawebs that some lenses have certain issues with compatibility with newer bodies, for evidence of that see the issues about some of the older canon lenses and tamron lenses not seeing the correct ID's of the lenses in the metadata... Without being there and seeing the situation myself it's pure speculation on my part so dont get me wrong.

I dont mean to come off on a "its the operators problem, stupid" attitude, sometimes we all get lemon equipment, however I also came from humble beginnings during and out of college with little money to start my gear, using my first credit card to buy my 10D and shopping for lenses on ebay because that's all i had to start with.  I had lenses and equipment that had issues and I couldn't afford to fix them so i had to learn to overcome it...  Sometimes I feel people give up too quickly without putting in the time to learn to overcome obstacles.  Then when people start blanket stating their in the heat emotions on the internet about equipment that may or may not be true and or thought out, I think it does the internet community a dis-service in that regards.  I hope to hear back from you regarding your issues. 

1721

Lenses / Re: 15-85 vs 17-40

« on: May 14, 2011, 12:14:10 PM »

Perhaps yours is one of those issues brought up in the "my lens is soft" article on canonrumors regarding the 30d. My 17-40 wasnt as sharp on my 50d as it is on the 7d. Given this, I would have to say it's a camera issue and not a Lens issue. Dont know if it's worth it to you to send the 30d and lens to be calibrated together. If one ldns is sharp one one camera than another, I would have to say that reflects on the camera, not the lens

1722

Lenses / Re: EF 50 f/1.4 II & EF 50 f/1.8 III [CR2]

« on: May 14, 2011, 11:51:06 AM »

I am holding my breath on this rumor and taking a wait and see approach on any new lenses, especially in the near future.

1723

Lenses / Re: 15-85 vs 17-40

« on: May 14, 2011, 11:33:04 AM »

Nikon apologist: Ken Rockwell loved this lens in his review, don't forget the digital picture review as well as others. Yes, is there room for improvement and no, this isn't the best wide angle in the world but in comparison to current offerings, it's at least in the discussion.

1724

Lenses / Re: 15-85 vs 17-40

« on: May 14, 2011, 11:24:47 AM »

I have tested sigma and is no where near the lens the 17-40 is. Review sites from photozone to dpr and even the famous nikon apologist even praises this lens saying it's better than the 16-35 first generation to as good as the second generation. Not saying your wrong with your lenses but it is a very good lens.

1725

Lenses / Re: 15-85 vs 17-40

« on: May 14, 2011, 10:55:09 AM »

Also, the 17-40 is always brought up in conversations of the best wide angles of canon. How often is the 15-85 brought up?  Just saying.