Messages

1096

Lenses / Re: EF-S L Lenses

« on: February 12, 2011, 05:56:35 PM »

I'm going to be contrary and say: "absolutely yes."

The minute Canon's market research shows that they can make a profit on "L" type lenses in the EF-S format, they will make them. Canon (like any other company) couldn't care less if the people buying their products are "pros."  (What does that term even mean these days?)

Sure, they may give it a designation slightly different from "L" so as not to undermine their full-frame camera sales. But, if they see the market is there, they will gladly fill it. And, frankly, looking at the market trends, I think the market either is there, or soon will be.

Keep in mind that "L" is an arbitrary designation that Canon created to market high-end lenses. It's not consistent across the line. It can and does mean different things for different lenses.

In fact, one could argue that Canon already has at least two "L" lenses that that they are marketing as much to APS-C camera users as to full frame users. The 70-300mm L and the still-to-come 8-16 Fisheye.

When used with EOS bodies featuring APS-C or APS-H sensors, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM produces a more traditional, full frame fisheye view. (Canon Press Release)

.

So, yes, my prediction is that Canon will develop "L" quality lenses in the EF-S format, if the market keeps growing and if they think they can make a profit doing so.

1097

Lenses / Re: EF-S 15-60 f/2.8 IS [CR1]

« on: February 11, 2011, 05:51:04 PM »

I could be lusting after this lens. I love the 15-85mm. But, I would seriously consider sacrificing the longer range in exchange for the faster aperture.

1098

Lenses / Re: Your lenses wishlist for 2011 - RESULTS

« on: February 10, 2011, 06:39:44 PM »

Thanks for the analysis. It's fun to see.

I agree with Neuro and would add my own two cents worth. First, it's pretty hard to draw any conclusions when the total number of votes separating the #1 choice from last place is only five votes.

A few comments on EF-S lenses. Keep in mind that there is already a tremendous amount of redundancy in the EF-S line. Two-thirds of the entire line significantly overlaps. Photographers already have lots of choices in this line so, it's not surprising that there isn't a big demand for a "new" EF-S lens.

Plus, EF-S lenses concentrate at the wide-angle end of the focal length spectrum. Beyond wide-angle lenses, it's easy to substitute a full-frame lens for an EF-S lens. Is a 70-300 mm lens a full-frame lens or is it an EF-S lens? It depends on the camera it's on.

Finally, Canon has (In My Opinion) not done a really good job of producing enthusiast, prosumer or professional quality lenses in the EF-S format. That seems to be gradually changing and I expect it to change more as the 7D and 60D market expands and as Canon reacts to the more aggressive development of quality APS-C lenses by Sigma, Tamron and Tokina.

I did find Scale's chart very interesting. It's worth letting the numbers sink in: DSLRs account for less than a quarter of all cameras sold but represent more than two-thirds of the value of camera sales. I found that very reassuring because I sometimes worry that the DSLR market could be shrinking in relation to the Point and Shoots. Clearly Canon has a real incentive to invest in and grow their DSLR products.

1099

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 40D Shutter button **FAILURE**

« on: February 09, 2011, 01:27:30 PM »

I'm guessing you are in Great Britain. I don't know if Canon offers a trade-in program in England, similar to the one available in the U.S. It's been discussed in other forums and on this site, but basically, you can upgrade your dead Canon for a refurbished different model at a deep discount. Not available online and not advertised, you need to call Canon customer service directly and inquire.

It might be worth a call to Canon to find out.

1100

Software & Accessories / Re: Canon 320EX & 270EX II Announced

« on: February 07, 2011, 06:59:17 PM »

At first glance, the price of the 320EX seemed a little steep in comparison to the street price of the 430 EX II.

But in reading about the new strobe, I see some features that will really differentiate it. The video light obviously, but perhaps at least as significant is the ability to use it as a modeling light. That could be very useful for still photographers.

The ability to remotely fire the camera from the flash is also pretty intriguing. I'm not exactly sure when I would use that, but I can imagine some possibilities.

I think there are enough features to justify keeping the 320 EX close to the 430 EX II. Now, I'm anxious to see these features incorporated into the next generation of the 430 and 580. I'm guessing we won't be waiting too long before that happens.

1101

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D - buy now or hold off?

« on: February 03, 2011, 02:29:06 PM »

I'll echo what other 7D owners are saying. I love this camera and have absolutely no regrets. It is impossible to predict when any camera will be updated, but from what I can tell from this site and others, there is no reason to believe a 7D upgrade will come any time soon.

Right now, the 7D is selling in the U.S. at an all-time low (below $1,500), so it's a good time to buy. Price drops seem to be incremental and marginal, so I doubt if you will save big bucks waiting and you may actually see a price increase.

Canon has been careful not to cannibalize the major features of the 7D and the things that count (resolution, auto-focus, frames per second, etc.) are still at the top of the line on the 7D.

One thing that I think is very telling: On this and other forums, you'll almost never find comments from disappointed 7D owners. I haven't seen any ratings, but I suspect that it has an extremely high rate of customer satisfaction.

You mentioned the 430 EXII. Because the 7D has a built-in infrared trigger, you can buy the 430 EXII and use it off-camera as a slave or remote if you want.

Someone else on the forum put in a pitch for the 17-55 f2.8 EF-S lens. I will also recommend the 15-85 mm EF-S lens.

It's a matter of personal preference, and comes down to which is more important to you: the constant f2.8 aperture of the 17-55 or the wider range of the 15-85mm. I came down on the side of the versatility of the wider range. Others want the speed. I use other lenses when speed is the deciding factor. The fact is, I dutifully fill my bag full of lenses and then find at the end of the day that I've used this lens for almost everything.

Just a few thoughts. Main one though is: Buy the 7D. You won't regret it.

1102

Lenses / Re: EF 8-15 Fisheye Availability

« on: February 01, 2011, 11:58:06 AM »

Every time I see a picture of that lens with it's front-element extending so far out, I keep thinking "expensive accident waiting to happen."

Cool lens, but I think I'd almost be afraid to use it.

1103

Lenses / Re: Lens Price Increases Taking Affect

« on: January 30, 2011, 06:11:10 PM »

Anyone notice that Canon bodies are dropping in price? Could just be a coincidence, but 7D is at an all-time low (just under $1,500). Looks like 60D and T2i have dropped as well, but not nearly as much.

1104

Canon General / Re: 70-300IS USM (non-L) now pointless.

« on: January 30, 2011, 04:09:46 PM »

Okay, I actually own the new Tamron 70-300 IS.

I've only had it for about a week, so can't give a real thorough evaluation, but so far I am pleased. I was not expecting it to be of the same quality as the new Canon "L" 70-300 but I did want a sharp lens with a bit more reach than the 55-250 mm EF-S.

Anyone familiar with the 55-250 mm knows that it is an extremely sharp lens and with IS it remains one of the best values available. The biggest problem with the 55-250mm is the build quality (or at least the perceived build quality). It's light and feels plastic-y, although I have to say I've been carrying one around for the past 2 1/2 years and never had a problem with it.

When considering the Tamron, my questions were:

• Would it be as sharp or sharper than the Canon?
• Would the IS be as good or better than the Canon?
• Would the build quality be better than the EF-S lens?
• Would the extra 50mm reach be significant?
  

So far, all the answers have been "yes."

• It is at least as sharp throughout its range as the 55-250 is throughout its range (which is very sharp);
• It's a little premature to tell, but so far the IS seems to turn in results that are at least as good as the Canon and maybe better;
• The build quality "feels" better. But, again, only time will tell. It is a much heavier lens overall and feels solid. (In fact, because it is so much more robust than the 55-250mm I'm actually thinking about keeping the Canon for times when I want a lighter lens);
• The extra 50mm reach really is significant. Of course, on a 7D it's the equivalent of about 75mm.

If I had unlimited resources, would I have gone with the "L" lens? Maybe, but that's academic. For my purposes, I decided this lens was worth trying. I did not want to invest $1,500 in a lens when the truth is, the telephoto zoom I really want needs to be at least 400mm. I can use this lens most of the time, rent a longer lens for travel or special occasions and either wait until Canon or Tokina finally comes out with their long-promised 400mm zooms or Sigma improves on their 500mm zoom.

Some people need or want the "L" version. It's a personal decision. Everyone needs to decide for themselves. Dilbert seems to have decided the incremental value isn't worth the added cost. Neuro decided it was. Neither one is right or wrong, just different viewpoints.

1105

Software & Accessories / Re: Thoughts on 430EX

« on: January 26, 2011, 05:41:06 PM »

Thanks everyone. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something and this confirms that.

1106

EOS Bodies / Re: “1Dsq” & 3D [CR1]

« on: January 26, 2011, 05:39:38 PM »

wait until you think an announcement might be close then cover off a base with a made up (but logical) set of specifications

Scratch the "logical" and I would agree.

1107

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III / 6D from India

« on: January 25, 2011, 09:36:21 PM »

The last thing I need is a touch screen.

I won't entirely dismiss a touch screen, but I do wonder how that would work. As it is, every time I look through the viewfinder I end up with smudges on the screen. I wonder how they'd prevent me from changing settings with my nose. 

Keep in mind too, that with phone touch screens, you have to have special gloves for the winter. Never say never, but I just have a hard time getting my head around the idea that this would be a good thing.

1108

Software & Accessories / Thoughts on 430EX

« on: January 25, 2011, 01:47:52 PM »

I'd like to get the opinion/advice of others on the forum.

I have a 580 EXII which I really love. I'm thinking of adding another flash to use as a slave/fill. Leaning toward the 430EX II. Since I can use the 580 or my 7D as the remote trigger and won't need as high of a guide number for the second strobe, I'd rather save the $170 difference between the 430 and 580.

Can someone give me a good reason why a second 580 EXII would be a better choice, especially given that I can almost buy two 430s for the same price?

1109

Software & Accessories / Re: Assistance with camera backpack

« on: January 17, 2011, 06:58:56 PM »

Just another option. Although you specified a backpack, I prefer to travel with a shoulder bag. I just got back from a trip using the Tamrac Pro 8 shoulder bag. It fit both in the overhead and under the seat (although it doesn't leave much leg room).

It's just a personal preference, but if I'm not hiking I prefer shoulder bags, they hold a lot more equipment for the size and I find them much more convenient for shooting. The Pro 8 holds more equipment than you want to carry and accommodates a battery pack quite nicely.

I have the Kata 3N1-20. It's about the same size as the Tamrac and will fit in either the overhead or under the seat, but I just can't get as much equipment in it and as another commenter pointed out, it doesn't work all that well with a battery pack (I can make it fit, but it's less than ideal.)

Backpacks are great if you know you'll be doing a lot of walking, but I just haven't found one that is as convenient or holds as much equipment in the same amount of space as a classic shoulder bag.

This may sound a little extreme, but I've even used a shoulder bag as a carry-on and then packed a backpack in my luggage (stuffed with clothes, etc, in order to maximize use of space). That way, when I get to the destination, I can use the shoulder bag for shooting urban street scenes and the backpack for nature.

1110

EOS Bodies / Re: More 5D Mark III / 1D Mark V & Lenses [CR2]

« on: January 12, 2011, 03:53:59 PM »

I hope they make the 100-400 at f/4 all the way with twist and turn~

I'd like everything except the $6,000 price tag that would come with it.