Messages

16

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Thinking of downgrading my 5d3 system

« on: January 06, 2013, 02:11:47 AM »

I don't think that you should make radical changes.  I think that you get the most bang for the buck by selling the 70-200mm f/2.8L II, which has held it's value pretty well, and pick up the MUCH lighter and cheaper, and still sharp-as-a-tack 70-200mm f/4L (non-IS) -- which can be had used for about $450 and new for around $550.  You'd take about $1300 -$1400 out of the deal.  It's a fine lens.  You'd still have one very versatile, fast lens (24-70mm f/2.8 II) for portraits, people, and lower light; I think that's worth keeping.  You don't gain much by moving down to the 6D, I'd keep the 5D Mark III..... 

17

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

« on: January 05, 2013, 04:22:53 AM »

I recently picked up a used G1X, very pleased with it.  Keep it handy and get shots that I would otherwise miss by not having my dslr.  Great for it's purpose.

18

EOS Bodies / Re: Camera (Body Only) or Camera with Bundle Kit

« on: January 05, 2013, 03:58:38 AM »

Another recommendation would be to purchase Bryan Peterson's "Understand Exposure" and Michael Freeman's "The Photographer's Eye."

19

EOS Bodies / Re: Camera (Body Only) or Camera with Bundle Kit

« on: January 05, 2013, 03:55:39 AM »

I would recommend picking up a used 5D Mark II, full frame, for about $1200, then adding the new Tamron 24-70mm (around $1100) or the Canon 24-70mm version I, budget permitting.  If you're not going full frame, then the 60D or 7D with the 17-55mm f/2.8 or the other 24-70mm lenses mentioned above.... 

20

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 200 f/2L IS

« on: December 27, 2012, 12:34:05 AM »

My favorite lens, by far....   iso 8000, f/2.0, 1/100 sec with the 1D Mark IV....

21

Lenses / Re: what 5 lenses would you want (exclude factors such as buissiness and body)

« on: December 12, 2012, 11:18:15 PM »

1. Canon 200mm f/2L IS USM (my favorite lens)
2. Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
3. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II USM
4. Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
5. Canon 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM (or 200-400)

22

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D Mark III Frustrated Focusing problem

« on: December 10, 2012, 01:57:10 AM »

Sounds to me like you're using too wide an aperture, meaning too shallow a depth of field.  Recommended reading: Byran Peterson's Perfect Exposure.

The best book ever written

23

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D MARK III lens recommendation

« on: December 10, 2012, 01:45:02 AM »

Thanks...
Bought following...
70-200 f/2.8L, 16-32 f/2.8L II, 100 f/2.8L Macro

need suggestion for extenders... should i go for "2x extender iii" to gain extra zoom for my 70-200 f/2.8L
or is it better to go for 100-400???

Great start for what you want to do.  The 100L doubles as an excellent portrait lens.  You might want to consider the 1.4x iii instead of the 2x iii as the 1.4x iii is a bit sharper.  Might also consider a faster portrait lens at some point (e.g., 50mm L, 85mm L, or Sigma 85mm 1.4).

24

Lenses / Re: Best Value "Normal" Lens for 6d?

« on: December 02, 2012, 05:59:47 PM »

For a general use, the best "value" would be the 50mm f/1.4 or the 24-70mm f/2.8L or f/4L.  The zooms would give you some more versatility on the wide end and are not too far apart in price.

25

EOS Bodies / Re: canon 1d mark iii 21.1 mp or the 5d mark ii

« on: November 28, 2012, 04:37:12 AM »

l loved my 1Ds Mark III but if you're concerned about low light/high iso shooting I'd recommend the 5D Mark III hands down.

26

Lenses / Re: Please - I do need some wise advise 2choose: EF500II/EF600II/EF200-400?

« on: November 24, 2012, 04:23:52 PM »

I was in Alaska taking photos of bears, etc. and I was glad to have the extra reach of the 600mm f/4 IS.   I used the Really Right Stuff gimbal head but I've used the Wimberley before which is a bit smoother, lighter, and I highly recommend it.  I have the 1Dx now but I had the 1D Mark IV and if budget is an issue, I think that the 1D Mark IV is a great body for your purposes -- it's also a 1.3 crop factor.   

27

Lenses / Re: 1Dx or lenses

« on: November 24, 2012, 04:03:43 PM »

Based on what you're presenting, I'd sell the 35L and pick up either a 24L II, 24mm ts-e II, or the new 24-70 zoom which I don't have but is reputed to be super sharp (if you get a good copy).  Then, I'd pick up the 200mm f/2.0L, which is an epic lens- you won't be sorry.  The 200mm f/2.0L will impact your end product,  what you see, more than the 1Dx will -- which is why we shoot.   I'd definitely keep the 1Dx on "the list" for later   

28

Lenses / Re: Have $2200 budget which lens(es) to get next?

« on: November 23, 2012, 01:35:55 AM »

The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is awesome for weddings and portrait sessions, very versatile and sharp.   You already have the 50mm f/1.2L for low light and soft bokeh.  Down the road, I'd sell the 24-105mm and Tamron and pick up the new Canon 24-70mm II or the new Tamron 24-70mm with IS.  Or, pick up the 135L later on if there are times you want to go lighter.

29

Lenses / Re: Portrait lenses

« on: November 23, 2012, 01:24:45 AM »

The 135L seems like a good option.  You might also want to check out the 100mm f/2.8L IS macro, which doubles as an excellent portrait lens.  I find that I'm using it a lot more than the 85mm f/1.2L II.  And, it has IS.   Now, the 200mm f/2, that's in a league of its own.

30

Canon General / Re: Advice for potential rate/releases

« on: November 14, 2012, 10:54:41 PM »

You're severely undercharging.  Think about the actual cost of doing business, in addition to perceived value.