Messages

1726

Lenses / Re: Macro

« on: May 06, 2011, 03:06:35 PM »

If you want to go over 1:1 magnification, the little known secret is this... use 2 lenses... If you have 2 L lenses or super sharp lenses, even better... Get a double thread filter adapter ($7-8 online) that has the filter size thread of both your lenses or close to them and use a step up/down rings to make them fit and basically mount the shorter of the two lenses to the camera and and the butt of the second lens will be sticking out.  You will have a razor sharp and razor thin DOF.  The bigger the ratio from the big lens to the small lens, the more 2x-4x-6x magnification you will get.  Seriously, it's a little awkward however using this you can photo bed bugs and such by moving these lenses over your bed... You will never be able to sleep on your bed again haha.  Use the mounted lens for focus.  This was a technique taught to me by renowned photographer Ralph Clevenger from BIP.  The best thing is it doesn't cost you ANYTHING more than 2 of your everyday lenses and a cheap adapter.  Good luck. 

1727

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 06, 2011, 11:24:06 AM »

It sounds like you have your camera set to autofocus with AI-Servo and are using the manual override to focus.  Then, as soon as you half press the shutter, your autofocus takes over and changes the focus point.

Be sure you have the switch on the lens set to manual focus, mount the camera on a sturdy tripod, use liveview at 5 or 10 X, and focus on the point you want to be sharpest.  You are seeing the actual image on the LCD, so what you are seeing is what you will get.

No, what i got from his post was his lens was on MF however the AF in camera is still active, so the point(s) he has his AF set to will beep when the MF "hits" the focus point, however doing that for percise focusing is not very accurate because of the human element of not completely stopping when the beep sounds... even a fraction of a second delay from the beep sound to when your fingers stop turning the focus dial, it will show OOF even though you got the focus confirmation. 

maharzan,  I'm a pro and I use AF most of the time.  The only time I use manual focus, to be honest, would be product shots, or professional commercial shoots where I trust the model to hold still enough so I can get focus using live view.  Even with that, with people i'm sure you know when zoomed in 10x the slightest flinch or movement within your subject can screw up your focusing. 

The 7D was praised because it was a great stride on Canon's behalf on catching up and in some reviews, beating nikons AF system on the nikon D300s.  To disregard the AF all together, on this camera, would be like buying a top of the line video HD camera and shooting at SD.  Plus, any mis-focus will be even more dramatized because of the high MP.  Focusing in the viewfinder was a common practice with early DSLR's and film cameras, however you cant really do that anymore because of the medium. 

1728

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 05, 2011, 10:10:08 PM »

Ok, another question. Does this happen on other bodies too? Since many people are actually saying I get sharper images in other bodies like the 20D. Wanted to know what difference there is.

The example you posted, neuroanatomist, seems to be happening on my keyboard tests. Its not an ideal test but in real world as you say, aren't perfectly aligned. I have shoot quite some pictures and I have been really sad that few of my 'best' pictures aren't focused due to the same reason. Like I shot a spider one time and the spider wasn't focused but the web was. When viewing in the LCD it seemed focused. When see that, you don't take another picture. Other few pictures which I like are the same. My wife on side of a statue and parts of statue are actually in focus instead of my wife. I mean its really ridiculous not being able to get that perfect focus you know. I have been hiding the fact that I own a 7D because when people invite to take pictures, I don't want to be ashamed of not getting a sharp picture.

There I think lies the problem... Focusing through the viewfinder on these large megapixel cameras manually and waiting for a beep, unless you got the focus on the spot focus within the focus point, it will generally get you "within the ballpark" however if you want to do manual focus, that's is why they created the live view mode with magnifications.  That is probably the only way you MF with consistency.  Remember, digital is getting beyond the capabilities of film and so every flaw in focus will be even more apparent. 

Your camera has a great AF system, probably the best AF system except for the 1D cameras.  I would recommend you would use AF to get more consistent focusing.  If the AF doesn't quite get the precision in focus, thats when micro-adjust comes into play.  This isn't necessarily a camera or a lens issue, it's a user situation knowing how to get the most of the equipment.  Any under focus or over focus from when you manual focus and just slightly bump the focus ring milliseconds after hearing the beep, that will cause focus issues when zoomed at 100%.

1729

Lenses / Re: Lens cap solution?

« on: May 05, 2011, 02:47:46 PM »

I'm fairly sure walmart has a sale on pants and shorts with pockets... They'll hook you up.   

1730

Lenses / Re: Lens cap solution?

« on: May 05, 2011, 01:18:38 PM »

Every pair of pants I own has an integrated lens cap retainment solution built right in. Works perfect. Never lost one, never wondered where they went, never had to go far to retrieve it. Don't see how this system could be improved.

As for Canon's caps, I replaced all mine with Sigma caps, which have the center-grip thing like Nikon, but feel even better to my fingers. They were cheap, and they make it easy to remove caps with the lens hood on. Works in a pinch, I suppose you could say. 

Hahaha +1  I replaced my caps with ebay ones with a center pinch.  They even have embossed the Canon Logo on it, doubt it was Canon approved but works better and stronger than canons caps.  You cant even accidentally knock it off...  It's sturdy.  Jacket/pants/shorts whatever, almost all have pockets... I always found it annoying when I get a spur of the minute shot and i've got this dangling cap swinging around below of the camera... Kinda distracting.  I want to focus 100% on the shot, not a dangling cap thats tapping my hand or mono pod or whatever. 

1731

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 04, 2011, 03:33:51 PM »

Assuming there is plenty of light that you are able to use without dropping shutter speeds, and if you cant get focus on ANY lens as you said, I would suggest sending your lenses and camera into canon for them to take a look.  What focus mode do you use?  What setting is your NR set at?  If you cannot even micro-adjust, then I would be grasping at straws without physically seeing your camera and settings and troubleshooting in person.  Hopefully canon's techs can help.  Sorry to hear about your problems. 

1732

EOS Bodies / Re: Wait or Bite?

« on: May 04, 2011, 01:32:04 PM »

There has been a lot of people on these forums over the last week asking your exact same question.  The overall consensus is A) we cant guarantee or foresee price decreases any time soon given stock issues and in many cases some stores may run into shortages waiting for new inventory, and B) given the above statement, new releases are likely to be delayed until late 2011 or 2012.  If you have the money, buy it now and at the very least, rest assure with your purchase you're contributing a tad to help the economy. 

p.s.  god forbid a new camera comes out before too long, you can always throw your camera on craigslist or ebay and should make up most your money given it would be less than a year old or such... Just some food for thought.  That's what I did from my 50D to 7D... some stupid person wayyyy over paid for the camera and I paid little out of pocket for the 7D =)

1733

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D focusing question??

« on: May 04, 2011, 10:09:27 AM »

marcm1,  It may be a silly question, however what shutter speed are you shooting at.  Keep in mind, with the 70-200, at 200, with no IS, the slowest you can handhold shoot is 1/200.  If you are shooting indoors, it can be difficult balancing fast shutter, aperture, and iso.  Also assuming you are shooting at high ISO and high shutter, what NR do you have your camera set at?  In any case, do you use a supplemental flash unit to add more light or just shoot as is available light?  It is easy for anyone to throw darts at the board and give advise without having a chance to be there to help you but either way, check those settings, shoot outdoors which may eliminate that low light situation JUST TO SEE if it is the lens or a camera setting.  IF the lens still cant handle plenty of light and all AF settings are reset as needed, then it's the lens.  If it works great outdoors or at least you can get a proper MA and good repeatable autofocus, then it's a light issue.  I hope this helps 

1734

Software & Accessories / Re: Need Backpack recommendations

« on: May 02, 2011, 07:19:38 PM »

That's fine... i'm not really gung-ho on my bag... it's a tool as far as I care... I was just pointing what thought process I had to consider when I made my choice... If a big fathers-day sale didn't take place at the time of purchase which made the lowepro bag drop to under $150 below the kata bags... I probably would have that (with my wife's blessing hopefully) 

1735

Software & Accessories / Re: Need Backpack recommendations

« on: May 02, 2011, 05:27:54 PM »

When I was in the market for backpacks, they only had the R series backpacks.  Now I see they have the R series as well as a Bug and bumblebee setups which are very similar in shape and function... unfocused bag is in their "video SLR" bags with side access pouches, am I correct?  That pack, I would assume would be much easier to notice however with the R series and bug and bumblebee... There is a rear zippered access that allows access JUST to the camera area.  Those backpacks, in a busy situation, maybe even in a stadium, or amusement park, or anywhere where there are lots of people and people running or bumping other people may not be uncommon, and with access directly behind you, unless you got eyes in the back of your head, it may be easy to ignore vibrations or whatever of someone opening your pack and yanking your bag open and running.  Then you get the split second thought of running after them with a half open backpack in which other lenses and accessories can fall out and or break, or zip up your bag quickly and lose a second or two on the runner.  I personally dont know and haven't tested this theory because I didn't buy this bag.  It could be easier to notice than that, however I really dont know first hand. 

My lowepro bag fits more gear than my pelican hardcover 1610 case, however, is it perfect, no.  The tripod/monopod holder is in the rear, and the thing sticks out over the back, especially with a full size tripod.  All you need is to attach some pots to it and you have completed the homeless transient look.  It doesn't look like a photo backpack, it looks like a regular backpack so you may get more attention of security where backpacks may generally be frowned upon, such as stores/shopping centers, concert venues, etc...  All the foaming adds more insulation making it a very sweaty bag on hot humid summer days...

Go to the store, try some out, and find one that suit your needs.  =)

1736

EOS Bodies / Re: Digic 5 vs nikon lineUp

« on: May 02, 2011, 10:36:55 AM »

Before we start getting into the entire Canon vs Nikon debate, for full disclosure, do you plan on upgrading once a 70D and or 7D m2, or 5d m3 comes out?  Or are you just floating a hypothetical out there?  I my opinion, I think Nikon over the last few years have had a slight advantage over canon however over the last maybe 2 years canon have made great strides to narrow the gap, and in the 7D vs D300s, surpassed nikon in many categories.  If you're not fully satisfied with the 60D, consider our options and do whats best.  Also consider lenses and cost of switching over.  Only you can answer that. 

1737

Software & Accessories / Re: Need Backpack recommendations

« on: May 02, 2011, 10:19:18 AM »

Some things to chew on with your decision, when I was looking at the backpacks a few years ago, I was drawn to the Kata bags... They were kinda on the mid to high range of the price points, however they had size/accessibility/and functions I wanted, then saw warnings saying the easier it is to get a camera out of a bag (some kata bags have a quick access pouch with it's own zipper where you can get your camera out within seconds) however lets say you are at an airport, waiting in line to check in, or board, or even waiting for your luggage, or lets say you are shooting an event or walking around at a fair or whatever with your camera in your bag... Someone COULD walk up behind you and get your camera out before you know it because, surprise surprise, your bag LOOKS like a camera backpack and the camera access is sooo easy to get to by design.  You could put a lock on the zipper which defeats the purpose and function. 

I ended up with a lowepro aw trekker backpack... it's got a pouch for a small laptop/lunch/sweater/whatever, a "waterproof" cover you can pull over the pack, and fits up to 2 cameras with lenses attached or 1 camera with a L tele attached, plus 2 flashes and 2-4 lenses depending on size.  I hope this helps. 

1738

Software & Accessories / Re: Neck strap alternatives

« on: April 29, 2011, 05:09:27 PM »

My set up has 2 straps, my canon CPS strap and I also have a hand strap like branden shows... However I swapped out the ebay strap, kept the bottom mounting plate, and used canons E-1 strap... I feels like a higher quality strap and seems more secure.  When I'm actively shooting I use the handstrap but if i'm walking to locations and or not shooting, the canon CPS strap comes into play.  I keep telling myself to get the battery pack for the bottom so i dont need the mounting plate on the bottom and extra awkwardness (it's not the most secure plate when you attach the camera to a tripod), but the battery booster/pack/whatever keeps missing the cut when money comes up in which i can splurge. 

1739

Canon General / Re: Any thoughts on 7D availability?

« on: April 29, 2011, 02:30:57 PM »

Given rumored price increases that has been going, stock levels at the facilities, and price changes between the dollar vs the yen plus canon closely monitoring the market prices of retailers selling their products, I dont see the prices dropping until maybe the holiday time at the end of the year, and that would be because of rebates... Dont know what to tell you.  Canon even sent out emails not long enough I got (and canonrumors posted not long ago) warning of supply levels, even for repairs, that parts and pieces for cameras and lenses may become limited until production is back to full levels at both canon and their suppliers.  Might as well bite the bullet now and enjoy a new camera or you can play chicken and perhaps the price raises in the next few months and you pay more? 

1740

Lenses / Re: What is your experience or practice regarding professional lense cleaning?

« on: April 29, 2011, 01:29:19 PM »

I have no problems cleaning my front element and rear element, however lenses inside the lens, the casing, the interior electronics where dust and grime could seep into... Especially when you get into the more expensive L lenses or higher priced regular lenses, it's always better to have someone else take care of the deep cleaning who carries the liability of the lens, if anything happens god forbid and you're cleaning it, your out the cost for the repair.  If you send it to canon or a store or whatever and something happens, they are on the hook for it.  Especially when cleaning a sensor or such.