Messages

61

Portrait / Re: First paid photo shoot - DATE: 23 March 2013

« on: March 06, 2013, 10:31:54 AM »

Ideally you'd be able to rent a back up body and a lens or two but since that doesn't seem to be in the cards just go with it. If you can go get a properly working flash. You may have trouble using the focus assist with the broken one you currently have. Focus assit will help you lock focus in dim lighting.  A 430 exxii would be more than enough and definately bounce it rather than blasting folks directly in the face with it. You should be able to find a good one used in your area for not much cash. I'd also not venture outside your comfort zone. If you don't normally shoot full manual don't. Id say shoot av f5.6-f8 with flash and auto iso. Then fiddle with the flash ec until you get the look you want on the back of the lcd. Heck you may even just shoot full auto with a good flash. Probably better than fiddling with the settings just be prepared for the limitations. I like the idea of trying to get some shots you've seen online, however I would caution you that the set up for some of those shots may take a bit of time (which you may not have) so don't get too grandiose with your plans. sometimes the best advice is KISS (keep it simple stupid).  Above all else have fun. 

62

EOS Bodies / Re: Need help. Canon 60D for sports--is it better to pony up for the 7D?

« on: March 06, 2013, 12:16:48 AM »

I think you answered your own question when you mentioned it is a big investmemt and youd have to scrape together some cash for a 7d. You'll take a bath on the 60d. Honestly your much better off taking the time to learn your camera and then decide what's holding you back then to make a rash decision based on inane "specs" which won't in any way make you a better photographer. Right now your biggest bottleneck is probably the kit lens you'll be using. It's fine for what it is, but if you work on your skills you'll likely find that its the lens not the camera holding you back. By then you'll have a good feel for what you want and won't just be throwing good money after bad.

63

Lenses / Re: Advice on a telephoto lens for street photography

« on: March 05, 2013, 11:59:05 PM »

I'd go either 135L or 200 2.8 I'd probably debate back and forth the merits of both but I guess realistically since neither has IS I'd probably lean towards the 135 not only is it faster but presumably I can handhold it at 2/3 stop slower shutter speed letting in more light. Plus the 135 is one of those ubiquitous canon lenses you'll use for everything. Total side note, checked out your Flickr, apparently we're Flickr contacts.

64

Lenses / Re: Photozone spanks the 24-70 F4 USM L IS

« on: March 04, 2013, 01:50:45 PM »

Not a wholly unflattering portrait of a lens. Yes price seems a little high for what you get but I am sure the little Japanese guys at canons advertising and marketing department know more than I do so they obviously think there is a market for this lens. I also assume the 24-105 will soon go the way of the dinosaurs or well see an update to that lens (I'd actually be really interested in that) probably at a much higher price point. Fwiw there seems to be little reason to buy this lens unless you have red ring envy or really care about weight, the tamron is cheaper, faster, and also has IS.

65

Canon General / Re: Portfolio

« on: March 01, 2013, 07:50:46 PM »

+ 1 for the ipad or any other tablet

It's easy, always up to date, and it can be tailored for any client. Printed portfolios are also great but they also say "old" which may be fine for some clients, but its up to you to read them.

66

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Hi =) -- Need New Camera -- Need Advice

« on: February 28, 2013, 02:56:56 PM »

Well that royally blows. Do you have insurance?  A home owners policy may provide some coverage. Doesn't hurt to ask.

A 5diii plus 70-200ii would help you through this difficult time

Although a 6d is allegedly better in low light. Actually unless you will use the 5diii af for sports or wildlife the 6d is by and large a better camera. Lighter, has wifi and GPS, an cheaper to boot. That money saved could go towards a nice wide angle lens for your travels.

67

Lenses / Re: Keep or sell??

« on: February 28, 2013, 01:45:25 PM »

Keep it. It's not worth the hassle of selling it for the $60 or so it's worth. I still bust mine out from time to time, maybe twice a year usually family events when I just want something light for a few quick snapshots.

68

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 12-24 f/2.8L [CR1]

« on: February 27, 2013, 10:07:53 AM »

12-24 f2.8...meh at best, price will be well north of $3k.

69

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

« on: February 27, 2013, 10:02:55 AM »

"Best value"?  Depends how you define value.  For IQ per $ it's hard to argue against a 50 1.8. In these terms the value of the kit 24-105, when purchased in the kit, is also pretty high. I'd probably not get the 24-70f4 IS in the kit unless it was heavily discounted and even if the 24-105 was no longer available in the kit it can still be had in the used market for $700 or so.

70

Lenses / Re: EOS 6D with Kit, either Canon 24-105 F4 L or Tamron 28-300mm Di VC Macro

« on: February 27, 2013, 09:54:35 AM »

Your going to be hard pressed replicating the "super zoom" of sorts on ff unless you either don't really care about IQ (the tamron you mentioned) or are willing to carry around a cinder block (canon 28-300L). I'd say get the 24-105 in the kit, it's a steal. If you need longer the 6d files can take a heavy crop, if you don't like the cropping results then look at a 70-200 f4 IS, 70-300 L, or 100-400 L. While you're at it pick up a 50 1.8 simply because it soooo darn cheap you may as well have one.

71

Lenses / Re: Two Lens or One? Which to get.

« on: February 26, 2013, 10:32:12 PM »

It not a video guy so take this with a grain of salt, I'd actually probably only get one of either the 17-40 or 24-105. Seeing as you already have a 50mm I'd probably say get the 17-40 now used maybe $500 or so which leaves you with $600 towards a 70-200, few more months of savings and you'll have the 70-200 used maybe $900ish.

72

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: 12,800ISO 5DMKIII Images

« on: February 26, 2013, 10:25:10 PM »

Tom you should shoot above 3200 more often as your just barely scratching the surface with the 5diii at 3200. For me 12,800 is very useful and even 25k in a pinch and not printing terribly large.

73

Canon General / Re: What am I doing wrong???

« on: February 26, 2013, 03:44:59 PM »

I don't think it's the camera, more so your exposure choices. At f1.4 you have so small a dof (especially at near mfd) most kids won't stay still long enough to stay in it. When I shoot my kids the 5diii custom mode is set to f4 1/125 and auto ISO and ai servo. The 5diii files can take a cranking of the ISO and at 1/125 most anything outside of running will be frozen. It also doubles as the default mode for my wife when she picks up the camera so she doesn't have to fiddle.

74

Lenses / Re: Canon 6D (Body Only) which lens to purchase?

« on: February 26, 2013, 09:44:39 AM »

Buy it with the kit 24-105 lens. It's a steal and may be the only lens you ever need.

75

Lenses / Re: Help me decide... PLEASE

« on: February 25, 2013, 01:08:56 AM »

first world problem for sure...600ii ftw