Messages

16

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 22, 2013, 12:38:36 AM »

I decided to buy one of the glass protectors for my 5D MK III due to the integrated  lcd / cover.
 
The new one is made of glass, fits fine, and doesn't seem to cause a issue with light.
 
HOWEVER - It shows oil, moisture, and finger marks something horrible.  The oils bead up on it and that does bother me.  I've cleaned it with eyeglass cleaner, and that helped, but it is not as good as going without.
 
For now, I'll keep cleaning it to see if it looses whatever coating is causing the issue.  Its like my car after a wax job, the moisture beads up on it.

17

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon EOS 70D Coming in July? [CR2]

« on: May 21, 2013, 04:17:38 PM »

If this is accurate, I don't know why there would be a need for  much "final testing" if the 70D is to have the same sensor as the 60D.

I'm also not sure why everyone assumes that the 70D and 7D II will share the same sensor if the 70D gets a sensor upgrade. Canon has three sensors in three full-frame bodies. It's very possible we could see a new 22-24 mp sensor in the 70D and then an 19-22 mp sensor in the 7D II.

The rumor didn't say the same sensor, just Olog-hai there preemptively complaining.

Yes, we can get complete expert reviews based on a rumor with no details.
 
It's sad that Canon is so predictable.  The reviews are probably right-on.

18

Animal Kingdom / Re: Hawk

« on: May 21, 2013, 04:14:07 PM »

great images with High ISO

The second one used flash, so its ISO 400.  I forgot to put the settings for the 2nd image.

19

Animal Kingdom / Hawk

« on: May 21, 2013, 02:36:06 PM »

Young Hawk. 
 
5D MK III + 70-200mm f/2.8L MK II @ 200mm ISO 5000 f/3.2 (cropped)
 
 
 
Here is a cropped close up.
 

 

20

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon Refurbs

« on: May 21, 2013, 11:22:43 AM »

Is there a way to get email notices from the Canon website when a refurb comes back in stock?

 
The easiest way is to signup at Canon Price Watch, there are third party apps as well
 
http://www.canonpricewatch.com/canon-refurb-stock-tracker/.

21

EOS Bodies / Re: Patent: More DO Supertelephoto Lenses

« on: May 20, 2013, 11:25:41 PM »

I owned the 70-300 DO lens for a couple of years. While it wasn't a bad lens, the DO did take a bit of a toll on IQ, particularly in situations where lens flare was likely (strong light source striking the front element). Bokeh was a little awkward/choppy at times also. I understand that the 400/4 DO is a very good lens.

I'd like to see a refinement in the DO design that would produce an even better optical quality. The light weight and relatively small package makes a strong selling point for this technology.

Canon has a number of recent patents for new DO lens technology, but it seems to be exceedingly difficult to manufacture.  It is based on small particles immersed in a resin compound.  The resultant radial dispersion of particles can produce a superior lens element that varies its properties radially.  The issue is getting the spacing of the particles right in a consistent way, and that may never happen.  You can't just pour a powder in a vat of resin and mold a bunch of identical lens elements.  Every one will be different.
 
They did not specifically mention this technology in the patent, but did talk about a resin compound, so its in there somewhere.

It may not be as easy as simply mixing "power" with resin an getting ideal results every time...but I would be willing to bet they could mix lightly charged particles with slightly varying charges in resin, and before it cools use a magnetic or electromagnetic field to disperse them properly.

Actually, Canon does give some information about their process in the patents for the diffractive lens.
I do not think that the particles are magnetic.
 
"DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] This embodiment provides an optical system with a radial gradient-index optical element having a refractive index that changes in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis in a medium. In comparison with an axial gradient-index optical element having a refractive index that changes in an optical axis direction in the medium, the medium of the radial gradient-index optical element has a refractive power caused by refractive index distribution, So the radial gradient-index optical element has an advantage of correcting the chromatic aberration by setting a proper refractive index distribution.

[0023] In the gradient-index optical element, when a refractive index distribution for each wavelength can be independently controlled, the chromatic aberrations for the d-line, the C-line, the F-line, and the g-line can be simultaneously corrected. However, it is difficult to independently control a refractive index distribution for each wavelength when the gradient-index optical element is actually produced.

[0024] Accordingly, this embodiment properly controls a wavelength dispersion characteristic of the gradient-index optical element, and thereby realizes an optical element that has an effect of correcting the chromatic aberration.

[0025] An ion exchange method, a sol-gel method, and three-dimensional printing are known as a manufacturing method of a gradient-index optical element. These methods can distribute a refractive index by gradually changing a composition ratio of the gradient-index optical element for each location. In this gradient-index optical element, this embodiment properly sets a refractive index distribution so that the following conditional expressions can be satisfied, and the chromatic aberrations for four wavelengths can be well corrected. "
 
However, as with all patents, its easier said than done, so I'm not overly optimistic about seeing a low cost DO implementation soon.

22

Software & Accessories / Re: Flickr is now 1 Terabytes!! For everyone!!

« on: May 20, 2013, 11:05:52 PM »

I received the e-mail.  There are a lot of unanswered questions about limits and advertising.  My wife has the pro account. 
 
I'm glad I use Smug Mug.

23

Reviews / Re: The Digital Picture Reviews the Tamron 24-70

« on: May 20, 2013, 07:44:00 PM »

I got the lens back on Thursday (hey really made it within 3 day). I used FoCal on Friday to check AF calibration. It didn't need any AFMA change on wide end but it needed -13 on telephoto end! That a big disappointment. I gave both lens and camera body to service center and they returned me a "calibrated" lens which still needs -13 AFMA which I must do myself. At least this time the required value was within available range. This change increased quality of focus on "calibrated" lens (according to FoCal units) by 100%. My problem copy is not as sharp as Dustin's copy but it is now satisfying for my needs.

I'd try some FoCal testing at intermediate focal lengths.  If AFMA is set to W = 0 and T = -13, the camera will do a simple linear regression to apply AFMA at intermediate focal lengths.  So, for example when you're zoomed to 35mm, an AFMA of -3 will be applied, and at 50mm the AFMA will be -7.  If those values are far off of what FoCal determines for those intermediate focal lengths, you might consider another try at service.  Personally, my Canon 24-70/2.8L II needs W = 0 and T = 5, and the intermediate focal lengths fall right on the regression line.  If that wasn't the case, I'd have exchanged the lens.

I'd also AFMA your Canon lens.  It is always possible that the camera is off somewhat.
 
This is one of the issues a buyer faces with a 3rd party lens.  Is it the lens, the camera body, or both.  You can't send both to either manufacturer and ask them to make it right, no matter which has the issue.
 

24

EOS Bodies / Re: Patent: More DO Supertelephoto Lenses

« on: May 20, 2013, 07:33:56 PM »

I owned the 70-300 DO lens for a couple of years. While it wasn't a bad lens, the DO did take a bit of a toll on IQ, particularly in situations where lens flare was likely (strong light source striking the front element). Bokeh was a little awkward/choppy at times also. I understand that the 400/4 DO is a very good lens.

I'd like to see a refinement in the DO design that would produce an even better optical quality. The light weight and relatively small package makes a strong selling point for this technology.

Canon has a number of recent patents for new DO lens technology, but it seems to be exceedingly difficult to manufacture.  It is based on small particles immersed in a resin compound.  The resultant radial dispersion of particles can produce a superior lens element that varies its properties radially.  The issue is getting the spacing of the particles right in a consistent way, and that may never happen.  You can't just pour a powder in a vat of resin and mold a bunch of identical lens elements.  Every one will be different.
 
They did not specifically mention this technology in the patent, but did talk about a resin compound, so its in there somewhere.

25

EOS Bodies / Re: Patent: More DO Supertelephoto Lenses

« on: May 20, 2013, 11:12:01 AM »

Smaller diameter, shorter length, and no fluorite crystal, and less manufacturing difficulties using aspherical and diffractive elements instead.  The obvious goal is to produce a lens that is smaller and more affordable than todays super high priced big white lenses, but expect that they will be in the 3500-5000 range at least.
 
I could certainly go for a small 500mm f/5.6 telephoto if I could afford it.

 
Here are a couple of excerpts of the translated wording. (I believe the word sheets refers to lens elements)

 
 "EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[Effect of the Invention]
 [0012]
 according to the present invention -- manufacture -- an easy, small, and lightweight optical system and imaging device can be provided.  "
 
 
"It is preferable that the diffraction optical element DOE which has at least 1 diffracted-light faculty D is provided by the 1st lens group L1. By providing the diffraction optical element DOE, it becomes easy to correct a chromatic aberration, without increasing lens number of sheets, and even if it does not use anomalous dispersion glass, such as fluorite whose specific gravity is comparatively heavy, correction of a chromatic aberration is attained. At this time, since the further weight saving can be attained, it is preferable.  "

26

Lenses / Re: Purchasing a used 135mm f/2

« on: May 19, 2013, 05:12:12 PM »

I prefer B&H, Adorama, Norman Camera, Kenmore Camera, or my local Camera stores depending on the situation. 
 
The 135mmL is relatively simple, no IS to go wrong, so a used one is less likely to have issues.
 
You may save a few dollars by negotiating directly with a dealer.  They have a minimum advertised price, but often will go lower.
I'd buy a new one for $989 and have the 30 Day return rights.  Used ones are not that much less, and one trip to Canon will result in a higher than new cost.

27

Lenses / Re: Who do you recommend for Lens Rental?

« on: May 19, 2013, 04:59:23 PM »

I am looking at renting a lens for an upcoming trip.  Renting a lens will be a first for me.  I'm hoping for some recommendations for a US based company to use....or to avoid.  Who do you rent from?

Lens Rentals is the most popular and has a excellent reputation.  Each of their lenses is tested for sharpness and any IQ / operation issues when it returns from a rental and before it goes out again.  Unfortunately, not everyone does this, sometimes its the next customer who does the testing.
 
Be aware that lenses can be damaged in shipping. so give yourself time to get a replacement if its time critical.  Make sure you are insured for the same reason.

28

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Kenko teleconverter questions

« on: May 19, 2013, 04:55:05 PM »

1. How do teleconverters affect a lens's Minimum Focus Distance?

2. When I AFMA a lens with FoCal, it gives me a figure (+3 or -2, etc.) that I manually dial into my AFMA menu on my 5D3. But when I then attach a Kenko 1.4x teleconverter between that lens and body, the body goes nuts. To regain control, I must remove the battery for at least 5 seconds. If I disable AFMA, I can attach and use the lens and teleconverter without a problem. So, is there any way to get AFMA to play nice with Kenko teleconverters, or must I always remember to disable AFMA before using it? And do Canon teleconverters face this same issue?

The Kenko will display the issue on 5D MK III and other newer camera bodies with certain lenses.  It might be a problem for future lenses as well.  Kenko has not issues firmware updates, so if they offer a fix, you might have to send it in for a upgrade or buy another every time Canon puts a new lens out.
 
I returned mine, because the only lens I wanted to use it on, the 100L wouldn't work with it, and my 100L requires AFMA.
 
My Canon TC's will not work with a 100L either, but there are no issues with supported lenses, and my MK II TC's cost the same as Kenko ones.
 
Kenko has yet to acknowledge the issue, or even the green dot / blue dot differences.  They still say its compatible on their website.

29

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Nikon 14-24 or 16-35 for Nikon D600?

« on: May 18, 2013, 08:17:25 PM »

I shot 14-24 on D800 through a friend, all I can say is WOW.

My vote is 14-24. I wish Canon can match or do better than current Nikon 14-24.

There are already lenses for Canon bodies whose optical quality surpasses that of Nikon's 14-24.

Read the OP.  You cannot mount a Canon lens to a Nikon Body!! 
 
You should also tell us which superior  14-24 lens is made for Canon bodies that is better so we can avail of your wisdom.

30

Canon General / Re: If the Japanese Yen is now low, why are Canon prices staying high?

« on: May 18, 2013, 08:12:34 PM »

Prices did not rise when the yen went up, they won't drop unless its a deep and long term drop.