Messages

31

Lenses / Re: New EF-S Lenses Are Coming [CR2]

« on: November 21, 2012, 07:28:44 PM »

Seriously?  Lighter, cheaper, and in the case of the 17-55, no FF equivalent (i.e., FF equivalent 27-88 f2.8 with IS).

Again, I chuckle. Guffaw, even.  While it's true that there's no 2x-7/8x f/2.8 IS zoom for FF, the crop factor affects DoF for the same framing and FF sensors collect more total light meaning lower noise. So, the real FF equivalent of the 17-55/2.8 is a 27-88mm f/4.5 lens, meaning the 24-105mm f/4L IS on FF is wider, longer, and faster (DoF for same framing), still has IS, and is a couple of hundred dollars cheaper when bought as a FF kit lens. The >1.3-stop lower noise more than compensates for the loss of 1-stop of aperture, in terms of shutter speed.  All you lose are the f/2.8 AF point(s).  Don't get me wrong - I loved the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS and I think it's the best general purpose zoom for APS-C, but the 24-105mm f/4L IS on FF is better spec'd and delivers better IQ than the 17-55 on APS-C.

I was thinking more about light capture, but you bring up good points about DoF and better ISO performance for FF.  Maybe my aversion to FF isn't quite justified.

32

Lenses / Re: New EF-S Lenses Are Coming [CR2]

« on: November 21, 2012, 06:08:46 PM »

...a new “pro” APS-C camera, currently expected to be the EOS 7D Mark II.

I'm interested in this.  I wonder what 'pro' means?  I'd love a redesigned APS-C sensor with significantly lower high ISO noise, in a 1-series style body with the 1D X's AF system.  That's what 'pro' means to me... 

After upgrading my glass, this is where I'd like to go next.  I just can't justify FF and a pro APS-C camera should be in 6D pricing territory, hopefully cheaper.

33

Lenses / Re: New EF-S Lenses Are Coming [CR2]

« on: November 21, 2012, 06:01:54 PM »

What is the advantage of EF-S glass? 

Seriously?  Lighter, cheaper, and in the case of the 17-55, no FF equivalent (i.e., FF equivalent 27-88 f2.8 with IS).

34

Pricewatch Deals / Buying Used Equipment on LensRentals.com

« on: November 20, 2012, 06:39:05 PM »

Ok, so does anyone have any experience with getting used equipment from them.  I hesitate because rented stuff (e.g., cars) are usually not treated all that well, so what you usually get is some very beat up equipment that won't last as long.  I was hoping to get some feedback from the community as to whether this is an acceptable way of getting good equipment a little cheaper.

35

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Amazon Lighting Deal @ 9:30 am EST on Gitzo GT3840C Series 3

« on: November 20, 2012, 04:31:38 AM »

$499.99?

That's the current price.  The Lighting Deal will be lowered, but is not yet advertised.

36

Pricewatch Deals / Amazon Lighting Deal @ 9:30 am EST on Gitzo GT3840C Series 3

« on: November 20, 2012, 03:11:16 AM »

I don't know what the price will be, but this item just popped up to be on sale at 9:30 AM EST.  It's a little small for my needs, but figured I would give you all a heads up.

Gitzo GT3840C Series 3 Basalt Compact Tripod

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039YP180/ref=gb1h_img_c-3_2662_ASNHDV14H6I9J?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=1Q968G9Z9RT2XAT6KCW0&pf_rd_i=384082011&pf_rd_p=1417532662

37

Lenses / Re: 70-200 F/4

« on: November 19, 2012, 11:53:24 PM »

I picked up the 70-200 f4 for about $450 from Canon Refurb when they had 20% off.  With that said, I live in sunny Florida and I use the lens exclusively outside, so fast shutter speeds are very common.  I love this lens and seem to get a good DoF with f4.  Could it be better if I had the 2.8?  Sure, but my wallet just didn't want to cooperate with me.

And not to throw a wrench into the mix, but you might want to consider the 135 f2 or 200 f2.8 primes.  They are both cheaper than either the f4 is or f2.8.  If you just need the reach without the need for zoom, then just get the prime and you'll have better, faster glass for less money.

38

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 17, 2012, 04:47:49 AM »

How'd I do?  Tried to modify the original in Lightroom like the previous post.

39

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 17, 2012, 01:11:24 AM »

slik is an outright terrible brand. i would not spend money on their tripods. avoid promaster as well. total ripoffs.

manfrotto is by far the best in terms of cost for performance. they produce high quality products for reasonable prices. i would also not get a ball head if the intention is to shoot landscapes. i would recommend a geared 3 way pan head. i own the manfrotto 410 geared head and it is a great performer and built to last a very long time. B&H has them listed at 225.00. one of the absolute best purchases i have ever made in photography!

there is a tremendous variety of tripod legs to mount the head to and it depends greatly upon what your needs are as to which set of legs is best suited for you. the variables you want to consider when purchasing a set of legs are min height, max height, center column extension, locking mechanisms, and whether the legs move independent of the center column. i currently own an older manfrotto that does not have independently moving legs and i really wish they weren't attached to the center column as it restricts my ability to squeeze the tripod into creative positions. i also like tripods that are capable of a very low minimum height yet still allow for a reasonable max height. independently moving legs will allow for this as opposed to legs that are attached to the center column. a set of legs can run anywhere from $150 to over $500.

a tripod and head is not something you want to cheap out on as a bad tripod will totally defeat the purpose of getting a tripod in the first place. buy manfrotto and it will last for decades. buy cheap and you will find that it will not function as it should and you will be shopping for another tripod soon.

if you have deep pockets....go gitzo.

The geared head is a little much for my blood.  What about this combo:
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-055XPROB-Tripod-Legs-Black/dp/B000UMX7FI/ref=pd_sim_e_1
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-498RC2-Release-Replaces-488RC2/dp/B002UOCWUK/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_y

40

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 16, 2012, 11:14:30 PM »

How much do you all think I should spend on a Tripod?  I feel like I've read a lot of different articles, some of which say you should spend $800-$1,200, which seems like I'd be better off just getting a 5DIII and cranking up the ISO.  Would I be disappointed with a tripod w/ ballhead that costs $150-$200?
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/131427-REG/Slik_615_315_Pro_700DX_Tripod_with.html

41

Abstract / This is why I love LensRentals - Hostess Photoshoot

« on: November 16, 2012, 06:52:43 PM »

Enjoy!  And thank you Roger for an awesome blog.
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/11/the-great-hostess-snack-cake-shootout

42

EOS Bodies / Re: A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

« on: November 16, 2012, 05:54:43 PM »

Wow, the quality of the 1Dx, and the IQ of a prime, really improves the image.  Both great compositions, although I personally like the first one the best, but even before the 100% crop you can tell the detail just isn't there with the high ISO on the 5DII.

43

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 16, 2012, 05:47:57 PM »

A quick twiddle of the sliders in Lightroom (I couldn't resist):

Wow, that looks fantastic.  I obviously need to learn how to use Lightroom.  I have it, but obviously not using it to its full potential.

Thank you everyone for the feedback.  I agree that they all seem a little under exposed.  It was pretty dark out, which I was trying to convey, but they still seem too dark.

As for a tripod, I am going to wait for Black Friday/Cyber Monday to see if I can find a decent deal on a Monfrotto tripod and ballhead; my current tripod cost $20 and it couldn't even support the weight of my T2i with the 18-55 2.8 (the plate and locking mechanism were pathetically overloaded).

44

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 16, 2012, 07:23:20 AM »

and two more...

45

Landscape / Re: Help Me Get Better - Crashing Waves

« on: November 16, 2012, 07:22:57 AM »

More....