Messages

1

Lenses / Re: Announcement on January 8, 2013? New Lenses [CR1]

« on: December 24, 2012, 02:01:54 PM »

Compare a 1,4 to a f2? Well, the 1,4 let's in twice the light, do you want that and shallow dof as a result? The answer to that question gives the lens you want... add weatherseal too..

For me it makes sense, I use my lenses stopped down most of the time, but I can be in need of a large aperture sometimes. It's not to compare the amount of light the lens gathers, it's clear the 1.4 is twice as fast, it's to see how sharpness compares with smaller f-stops as well (again in my case). the 1.4 can be sharper with larger apertures but can be beaten by the f2 IS around f8-f11. I can accept some softness with large apertures, considering only a part of the picture is in focus anyway, but when I stop down I expect excellent sharpness all over, since it's likely that everything in the frame will be sharp then. Vignetting and mainly distortion are a big part of the equation too. Weather-sealing is a big plus but not a must for me, IS on the other hand can be an interesting feature....

I had the Nikkor 35mm 1.4 AI-S 20 years ago and finally exchanged it for 35mm f2 AI-S that was sharper, had less distortion an vignetting.

The 35mm 1.4L vs the 35mm f2 IS not like comparing apples and oranges, they are both 35mm USM, one is 1 stop brighter, one has IS, IMO it's worth hesitating a bit....
 

Not that I am comparing to him, but David Noton uses the 35mm 1.4, though likely on a tripod for landscape.

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/david_noton_on_the_eos_5d_mark_iii.do?utm_source=newsletter-december-1-2012&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter

My guess is the old 35mm f2 was not enough IQ for him (picture 3 of the portfolio is a 35mm f1.4, stopped down to f8)

2

Lenses / Re: TS-E 24mm II + 2x Mk III Extender

« on: December 24, 2012, 03:55:28 AM »

I have the 24 TS-E II and confirms it works very well with Canon converters. I use it sometimes with the 1.4x when I need a 35mm equivalent, the IQ is still good, but clearly softer than the 24mm. I am afraid the combination with the 2x converter, although possible, will ruin the IQ of this excellent lens.

I thought about buying the 2x III converter for the same reason, but I think I'll pass and wait for a 45mm TS-E II.

3

Lenses / Re: Announcement on January 8, 2013? New Lenses [CR1]

« on: December 24, 2012, 03:48:22 AM »

Well, I have the 50mm f2.5 Compact Macro, and my feelings are mixed. It is extremely sharp around f4 in the middle, but you need f8 to get perfect corners. The AF is quite inconsistent, the vignetting is a disaster until f5.6 minimum. But I use it for architecture, and it has no distortion at all, combined to an excellent sharpness until f16, good at f22 (only f32 is really bad). The mechanics are awful too, nasty focus, and it gives only 1:2 macro. The only thing that can't be beaten is the price, I got it for 220 Euro.

This is one lens Canon should update in an emergency. Even the old Nikkor 55mm AIS beats the hell out of it.

I could be interested in the 35 f1.4, depending on the tests, I will wait until I can compare the f2 IS and the 1.4 II though.

For the 14-24mm, I have no urgent need, but I would like to see how it compares to Nikon's, hoping it won't be 3.5k.

4

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 35 f/2 IS Resolution Test

« on: December 15, 2012, 07:49:28 AM »

I'd be curious to see how they all perform at, say, f/8.0

I  would never thought buying a f.1ish prime and shoot at f.4, 8 or 11?  Never hurt to ask

I'd be interested to see how it performs with smaller F-stops as well.The first report just shows a preview about the lens capacity at f2. Chroma aberration seem much better than the previous version, corner sharpness should improve a lot as well. The only thing I find a bit disappointing is the distortion, but it can be fixed in post. Let's wait for a full test.

The statement about not shooting fast primes at f4, f8 or f11 is a bit odd. It might be your style to shoot everything f1.4, but there is a difference between having 1.4 when you need it and being forced to shoot everything 1.4.

Here is a link that could show a different opinion (check the showcase and see what f-stops he used, especially on the 35mm f1.4).

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/david_noton_on_the_eos_5d_mark_iii.do?utm_source=newsletter-december-1-2012&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter

5

Lenses / Re: Why no L primes from 14 to 24mm

« on: December 09, 2012, 01:36:41 PM »

Agreed, the 17mm TS-E is too heavy, bulky and expensive, the front lens is very exposed, you cannot filter it and most people don't care about TS functions.

I have one, love it, but cannot recommend it for general photography, it's too much of a specialized tool.

It's time Canon's refreshes the old 20mm f2.8 and adds a 17mm f2.8 USM for half the price of the 17 TS-E.

6

Lenses / Re: New Tilt-Shift Lenses in 2013 [CR2]

« on: December 08, 2012, 08:03:33 PM »

But I don't quite get why someone would choose the 45mm TS-e over the 50mm f/1.2?  Autofocus, bokah, low-light...

because one is a TS and the other is not... Two completely different lenses. I don't quite get why anybody would consider those two lenses to be competition for each other...

+1
These two lenses are as different as it can be. I am waiting since a long time for the 45TS-E II, but have no interest at all in the 50mm 1.2. Sounds like I'll have to sell my 90 TS-E to get the new one. I am very curious about the mystery 3rd TS-E.

7

EOS Bodies / Re: No RAW support for the 6D in DPP.....shame

« on: December 05, 2012, 09:41:06 AM »

the other general lesson learned here, is to not post huge statements about equipment that is unowned / unused.  I can't even guess at how many times inflammatory stuff has been posted, and then a few pages in we all find out the OP has never even seen the piece of equipment in person, but they "heard" or they "read" about it.

not trying to jump on you, just hoping everyone learns from this.  I sincerely hope you have a better day!  sometimes bad mornings are good for lowering expectations 

You are absolutely right here, I should have asked a question instead of making a statement. Never comment about something you do not know. I know the rule, but obviously forgot it this morning. At least I hope some will see my efforts to apologize and  recognize my ability to admit my mistakes.

Thanks Neuro for the further explanation.

8

EOS Bodies / Re: No RAW support for the 6D in DPP.....shame

« on: December 05, 2012, 09:13:38 AM »

OK, I DEEPLY apologize; no intention to troll though. No "operator" mistake, since I don't actually own the 6D. The confusion came from the fact the first RAW I saw seemed to have been converted with Capture One. The FACT is on the 6D Canon download page, there is no DPP software, only Photo Stitch. My bad, I'll be more careful next time. Once again, I apologize if I hurt anybody's feeling (by the way trollers do not apologize usually). I had a bad morning, I promise it won't happen again.

9

EOS Bodies / No RAW support for the 6D in DPP.....shame

« on: December 05, 2012, 05:42:49 AM »

I posted yesterday to ask if anyone had link to a serious review of the 6D. Marsu42 reminded me that tests take time (he's right) and that we must wait for a Raw converter to get answers.

It took me some time, but then I realized Canon is selling the 6D WITHOUT having updated DPP. I can understand that Adobe or DxO need time to release an update for their RAW engine, but that Canon is selling a new 2000$ DSLR without a proper DPP is for me simply shocking. It's a bit like selling a brand new  car that is limited to 20Mph until its fixed....soon.

I find the commercial method unacceptable, such a camera should not hit the stores without a RAW converter. The 6d will likely be a very decent camera, but without RAW, it's a beta version of a product. Will we soon be buying non working cameras where the firmware will be released 1 month later ?

That was my complain of the day, feel free to comment..

10

EOS Bodies / Re: Can't find a pro review of the 6D yet

« on: December 04, 2012, 01:34:18 PM »

Thanks Marsu, it makes sense, I must learn patience...

11

EOS Bodies / Re: Can't find a pro review of the 6D yet

« on: December 04, 2012, 10:07:18 AM »

You are right, it's likely a bit early, but I did not know what was the official release date. I had a good review from a French magazine a few weeks ago, but they did not want to comment about the AF or the sensor, since it was a test camera with no final firmware.

12

Lenses / Re: 1Dx or lenses

« on: December 04, 2012, 09:58:37 AM »

To be a bit brutal, if you need to ask if you should buy a 1Dx, then you probably don't need it. You already have one of the best DSLRs on the market, I don't see what a 1Dx would add to your portraits. But it's your money, and of course you spend it the way you want.

Even your glass collection is quite OK, the only gap I see is in the wide angle department (the fisheye is a bit of a specific lens). I would add a 24mm 1.4 II or 24-70mm f2.8, the 135mm f2, and the 85mm f1.8 (unless you absolutely want a red ring on all your lenses).

You'll be better equipped than a lot of pros for portrait.

13

Lenses / Re: HOYA Skylight 1B - Something about it?

« on: December 04, 2012, 09:36:30 AM »

Never heard about a Skylight 1B, but if it keeps the same logic as the classic Kodak Wratten code, it would mean it has a stronger effect than the 1A.
For instance, 81 warming filter (light brown) is the lightest, 81A a bit stronger, 81B even stronger and so on.

I would not recommend the use of Skylights, as they'll just add an awful pink colour to your pictures. They are old stuff from the film era, used as UV / warming combination. If you need to protect your lens, use a UV filter or even better a Neutral Protective one.

14

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

« on: December 04, 2012, 09:24:47 AM »

The ones I don't have yet and I could have a use  for :

14mm f2.8 L II
35mm f2 IS
45mm f2.8 TS-E
180mm f3.5 L Macro
300mm f2.8 L IS II

15

EOS Bodies / Can't find a pro review of the 6D yet

« on: December 04, 2012, 06:07:53 AM »

Strangely I couldn't find any professional review of the 6D (by pro I my something like DPreview), not the usual Youtube unboxing, or the blog type hands on. Something with a bit more info than it's small, has 20Mpx and the Wifi.

This is very odd since it seems a lot of people got their camera, and still, no official review yet ?

I you have links, please post....