Topics

1

Software & Accessories / Induro Gear

« on: May 20, 2013, 11:28:52 AM »

I found what looked like a great Amazon Warehouse deal on an Induro CT-114 Tripod and an Induro PHQ1 5 way head for under $500 for both.  Did I do alright?  $678 is the normal on-line price.  Induro seems to be a rather good manufacturer.

2

Lenses / Tilt-Shift Lenses

« on: May 20, 2013, 08:34:10 AM »

Short of test driving all of them, is there a guideline regarding choice of focal lengths for TS lenses.  What are the typical needs met by 17mm, 24mm, 45mm, and 90mm TS lenses?  Does it differ is a FF, APS-H, or APS-C body is used?  I just shot the 17mm and it seems to be better suited for large subjects and shooting from lower elevations.  I will shoot the 24mm next.

3

Lenses / Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift Lens vs Canon 24mm f/3.5 Mark I

« on: May 18, 2013, 11:09:30 PM »

These are approximately the same price now.  Would one be preferable over the other?  Yes, I know the TS-E 24mm Mark II is better than both.

4

EOS Bodies - For Stills / iPhone5 or 1Dx

« on: May 09, 2013, 08:46:52 PM »

I've been saving my $ for a 1Dx and my phone is dying.  I'm getting a new iPhone5 which will set my 1Dx fund back a little but that little gadget allows me to take decent images when I am not carrying my 1D3 or 5D2.  I can carry the iPhone5 everywhere, anywhere, and anyytime.  Now, what can I use to mate my L glass to my new iPhone5?

5

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Evaluating Usage of a Canon 1D Mark IV or any other video capable DSLR

« on: January 03, 2013, 08:18:55 AM »

I've been on the lookout for an excellent deal for a used 1D Mark IV and found a few with ridiculously low shutter counts, some at less than 5,000 and many under 10,000.  It just occured to me that thousands of hours of video may have been shot by those camera bodies.  Does anyone know if that affects the shutter counts and if not, does video hours affect the useful life of the camera.

6

Pricewatch Deals / 1Dx for $6489

« on: December 24, 2012, 11:28:50 AM »

PMI Digital on eBay

7

EOS Bodies / Hands On with the 6D at Photoplus CPS Lounge

« on: October 27, 2012, 09:08:31 PM »

I checked out the 6D with a 24-70 II, 70-200 II, and 200 f/2.  It actually had a grip attached. Silent shutter is very nice and the camera/lens combination felt okay.  They did have the shells of both the 5D3 and 6D and no comparison. The 5D3 and presumably 5D2 are tanks compared to the 6D.  It seemed that the fps was noticably slower than my 5D2.  I definitely think new 5D2's are better than the 6D unless you can't live without the GPS and wifi.

8

EOS-M / Hands on with the EOS-M at Photoplus

« on: October 27, 2012, 08:58:38 PM »

I had a chance to check out the EOS-M with the 22mm,  18-55 EF-M zoom, and the EF Mount adapter with a 24-70 II.  It handles fine with the 22 prime but for a longtime DSLR user, it felt awkward to zoom manually without a viewfinder.  I know it's not for me; shooting through the LCD display makes composition harder and I had quite a bit more handshake holding the camera away from my face.

9

Lenses / EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

« on: October 27, 2012, 08:15:22 PM »

I got to check out the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x with a 1Dx in the CPS Lounge at Photoplus 2012.  The lens is a little heavy but utterly ridiculous when paired with the 1Dx.  The venue was limited but AF is fast and the ability to turn the 1.4x "on and off" by flipping a lever makes going from 200-400 f/4 to 280-560 f/5.6 is simply amazing especially when focus is maintained.  The 1Dx kept its 12fps in every mode I tried.  I can't speak for image quality but the lens' flexibility is unmatched.

10

PowerShot / SX50HS

« on: October 06, 2012, 08:43:51 AM »

I wanted a lightweight backup for either my 5D2 (landscape) and 7D (sports) since neither is a good backup for the other.   So I purchased the SX50HS with a 30 day money back guarantee and I just finished my first day with it.  The AF is pretty fast and image stabilization and auto frame assist works very well on the long end.  I've been shooting in auto mode to get a feel for handling the camera.  I've been shooting exclusively with DSLRs with grips since my 20D and BG-E2. The smaller, lighter feel and zooming via a lever takes some getting used to.  I'll get into the creative modes and settings next week when I pop into NYC.

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Considering a P&S SX40 or SX50 as a second camera to carry with my DSLRs

« on: October 02, 2012, 01:07:06 PM »

I shoot sports with my 7D and landscapes/cityscapes with my 5D2.  It seems that carry both on any shoot makes little sense especially with the extra weight.  I'm considering an SX40 or SX50 to fit that role.  Ideally a 1DX or 1D4 as the primary with the 5D2 and 7D as secondary is best but not at 20x the expense.  Any thoughts? I like the reach and fps of the SX50 but the SX40's larger aperture is appealing.  Thanks for your opinions.

12

EOS Bodies / Canon has been shipping a sub $2000 Entry level Full frame body

« on: August 31, 2012, 02:11:19 PM »

It's the 5D Mark II selling for $1979 at Adorama and Amazon.  Why wait for an announcement at Photokina?  It may not even be announced and if it were, it won't be available for another 12-18 months.  My 3 day old $1583 refurb has made me happy this week.

13

EOS Bodies - For Stills / 1D Mark IV Prices

« on: August 29, 2012, 10:15:54 PM »

The prices of 1D Mark IV bodies are going up despite the availability of the 1Dx and rave reviews for the 1Dx.  What's up with the used market?

14

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Received my Refurb EOS 5D2 from Canon CLP

« on: August 29, 2012, 08:21:03 AM »

For $1583 plus tax, I feel like I got a great deal.  The camera had 1553 actuations and is very tight with absolutely no scratches.  Every accessory is brand new.  I'm going to spend a few hours with it today shooting mt 24-70 f/2.8 and learning how to use it.  I had a 50D so the controls aren't going to drive me crazy even though I shoot my 7D for sports.  I'll have to learn all of the nuances with each lens all over again and looking forward to it.  My 200 f/2 can stay attached to my 7D.....

15

Lenses / Washington State National Parks

« on: August 27, 2012, 01:42:44 PM »

I have limited mobility and can handle moderate terrain and no strenuous or steep trails.  I can probably handle a mile or two each way with several breaks.  If anyone has any suggestions for good photo ops in Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks as well as places to stay, I'd appreciate the help.  If there is a better forum, please let me know.  Is Mt St Helens a doable day trip from Mt Rainier or should I spend at least a day or so to do it justice?  I'm planning on mid-July, early August 2013.