Messages

76

Lenses / Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

« on: March 30, 2013, 11:42:46 AM »

Now that the Canon EF 35mm f/2.0 is officially discontinued but still available new at reasonable prices, I'm tempted to get one of these small primes before they become unavailable. The question however is if it's worth it.

I previously had one that I purchased second hand. It was on old, tired lens from 1990 or so and the performance was not what I expected from it, especially when compared to my fantastic 50 mm f/1.8 Mk I. So thinking it was a dud, I sold it on.

What's your experience with recent copies of the 35 mm f/2?  And how should they compare to the 50 mm f/1.8 Mk I? Intended use is on full frame as well as crop.

77

Canon General / Re: 24-70Mk2 fell off my 5DMk3 and smashed

« on: March 30, 2013, 09:38:49 AM »

To dislodge or remove the lens from its breach-lock system mount you need to deliverately press the release button and twist the lens barrel counter-clockwise.  Any veteran canon user knows this.

You can knock-off the lens if it was half-hazzardly mounted and not hearing that re-assuring click.

I know I shouldn't be picky, but the Canon FD system was a 'breech-lock'. The EOS system ( and virtually all other systems ) use a bayonet mount. 

Originally, yes. Then the FDn lenses became bayonet mounted with a lens release button on the lens, not the body

The breach-lock is a pain in the @$$ IMHO (I still have some old FL stuff that's breech lock).

78

Canon General / Re: Think I need a 12 step program

« on: March 30, 2013, 07:20:56 AM »

Sometimes I buy new gear to push my creativity. I must admit I've taken some really great photographs when on a 'testshoot' that I would otherwise have missed. New kit inspires me!    Latest acquisition was the Sony NEX, opening up a whole new world of possibilities

So it looks like I've made a habit of my bad habit too... 

79

Canon General / Re: 24-70Mk2 fell off my 5DMk3 and smashed

« on: March 29, 2013, 12:32:59 PM »

 

Are you sure the lens was properly 'locked' in the first place? I can imagine it could fall off if the lens release mechanism wasn't engaged.

80

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: White residue on 1DX top dial?

« on: March 28, 2013, 04:51:17 AM »

You can probably get rid of the residue with a cue-tip and mild application of vinigar.

81

Lenses / Re: 50mm: Wich one?

« on: March 28, 2013, 04:48:35 AM »

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is optimized for APS-C

If it were, it would have a reduced image circle and be a lot smaller.

I love mine on FF, it's a solid performer. So either I know how to handle the shallow DOF well or I have a brilliant copy (or both).

82

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: White residue on 1DX top dial?

« on: March 27, 2013, 04:53:28 PM »

It seems like it might be related to the problem that caused T4i's to be recalled.

I would agree with you on this one. Haven't experienced it on any of my camera's.

83

Lenses / Re: 40mm f/2.8 Wow what a lens

« on: March 27, 2013, 02:16:13 PM »

I've a 40 mm Voightlander and it's a nice lens, but I can't make 40, or 35 mm primes work for me (that's on FF or equivalent focal length). Most of my shots are 30 mm and wider, or 45 mm and longer. Anything in between is occasional only and best covered by a zoom. So no 40 mm Canon for me 

84

Lenses / Re: 50mm: Wich one?

« on: March 27, 2013, 01:23:38 PM »

I'm perfectly happy with my Sigma 1.4! I MF when critical focus is necessary (but that's the case with any lens shot at wide aperture).

Oh, and I have a 50mm f/1.8 MK I that's really great when I need something compact

85

Lenses / Re: New 100-400 to Launch with EOS 7D Mark II [CR2]

« on: March 27, 2013, 12:47:18 PM »

Am I the only one that loves the push/pull zoom?

I find it great for football (american, but both would probably apply; as well as any other large field games, rugby, polo, baseball, etc.), you can see nearly the whole field at 100mm to scan for interesting action, and almost instantly be at 400mm to get in to the action.  If you're constantly going from one end of the range to the other, it's much faster with the push/pull.

The push/pull was much less useful, but in no way a hindrance, for things where I was staying at the same focal length for long periods of time; like when I shot a "Dirty Girl" mud run.

Would I want all zooms to be like that?  Absolutely not!  But I do think the 100-400 and it's common uses lend themselves to the more expedient, brute force method, that the push/pull provides.

Neuro and I also love the push-pull. Also, regarding the 70-300L, it's a great lens but too short for me too. An f/5.6 400mm is about the best compromise for a super telephoto that you can throw into your cabin luggage.

Count me in, it's great for motorsports! And the lens can double as a prime at any focal length when you tighten it down

86

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark II - Light stain on a body!

« on: March 25, 2013, 02:52:40 PM »

  You should see all the marks on mine... comes eventually, even with careful use   

87

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5Dc a good option?

« on: March 25, 2013, 05:24:06 AM »

If I was to buy a 5Dc I may have enough money next year to buy a 5D3 and keep the 5Dc as a backup, also the 5Dc is the cheapest way to get into/practice with full frame.

So I guess from what I have been reading I have to options, they are:

•   Buy a used 5Dc for around £400 and buy an 85mm 1.8 (Which I think will fit in well because my two L lenses are f/4’s - EF 17-40 f/4L and 70-200 f/4L, although I do have a 50mm f1.8 )

This, the way you put it, sounds like the most sensible option. Even if you haven't saved up enough for a 5D3 by next year, you could go for the MkII. Having 2 bodies is always nice, and well, you could also sell the 5Dc at a tiny loss if you find you don't need it.

88

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5Dc a good option?

« on: March 24, 2013, 03:45:25 PM »

And there is the sRAW mode to decrease the stored MPixel count to keep files smaller (never tested it but it should be the case).

I shoot SRAW1 all the time on the 5DII, and MRAW on the 7D. This gives an effective resolution on each camera of about 10 Mega pixels, sufficient for my needs. Processing these files does however still require significantly more computer grunt than did the 10 Mega pixel files from my previous 40D.

Quality wise it's fine and I believe grouping of pixels in this way helps a little in the way of built-in noise reduction.

89

Canon General / Re: A Camera Walks Into a Bar, Scary Review

« on: March 24, 2013, 03:35:50 PM »

The rest of the story:...

I like the continued story, except the shotgun bit: that's just too American and these are Japanese companies so they must have different ways to deal with unwanted future son-in-laws

Ach ja, zu amerikanisch aber auch. Anyway. The all-American way would be the baseball bat in that case (golf club for Leica users of course). Japanese may prefer swords or martial arts? Or any other cliche you can think of?

Maybe I misread, and Nikon grabbed a Can(n)on 

Somehow that doesn't work the other way 'round

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5Dc a good option?

« on: March 24, 2013, 01:18:39 PM »

Be careful going full frame: there are hidden costs there as these cameras demand a lot more of your glass. I would suggest going for a 7D if you're on a budget. It's a great camera and you can tap into APS-C glass as well as full frame.