Messages

16

Lenses / Re: Canon 100mm macro IS vs non-IS - any further input?

« on: January 05, 2013, 11:34:43 PM »

I have no used the non-IS version but I do own the IS L version. I looked at the other but decided to go with the L series mainly because I want to walk around and shoot macro pictures without the need for a tripod. The IS works very well and I have gotten some amazing flower pictures without a tripod. If you want really small subjects such as insects, you will still need a tripod. The L series weather sealing is nice too. I have to admit that the 100mm 2.8L is my favorite lens. It is amazingly sharp. I am using a 5DIII too. I say, if you can afford either, get the L.

This is handheld in a park with the 100 IS L with hybrid IS on. That was the first shot so don't worry about having to take a ton and hope one comes out not blurry. This IS rocks.

17

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Anyone still using a 20D?

« on: January 05, 2013, 12:47:52 AM »

I was using the 20D until about 6 months ago. I have moved on to newer and better things.

18

Lenses / Re: 70-200 2.8 MkII price?

« on: January 03, 2013, 11:52:03 PM »

No way will it go to 2499. I'm guessing it will be 2199. Even before the holidays it was at about 2199. I got lucky and picked mine up for 1850 on amazon a couple weeks ago. I say... pull the trigger and enjoy. It's a great lens and you get 2% back in an amazon gift card.

Also, if 2013 is anything like 2012, there are usually rebates so don't worry if you miss them.

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Lenses / Re: Canon 24-70mm F4 IS - anybody bought one yet ?

« on: January 03, 2013, 03:09:52 PM »

I am not going to put much faith on that test. First, both lenses need to be taken at the same focal length. Second, they should use a full frame so corner sharpness can be determined. Who legitimately tests an L series lens on a cropped sensor anyways...?

For what it's worth. I love my 100mm with hybrid IS. I feel that it works amazingly well.

20

Pricewatch Deals / Re: EF 24-70 f/4L IS Available January 7, 2013

« on: January 03, 2013, 02:29:55 PM »

I feel that I have too many uses for a 24-70mm to limit myself to f/4.

21

Lenses / Re: 4 weeks Trip around California

« on: January 03, 2013, 12:14:08 PM »

I live about an hour from Yosemite and about 2 from the California coast and I would definitely recommend a wider lens, preferably the 16-35. Since you are on a budget and want less weight, the 17-40 would also work out great for you. The wider lens will allow you to take pictures of the beautiful coast and also the mountains at Yosemite. Also, room can be scarce sometimes when taking pictures of giant sequoia trees so unless you want only half the tree in your shot, you need that wider lens. If you venture about an hour south of Yosemite, you can visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. They are not as impressive as Yosemite but they are home to the 4 largest trees by volume in the world. Lastly, if you plan to visit 4 or more National Parks or federal recreation lands you should invest in the $80 park pass which is good for a year and can be bought at any National Park entrance. Normal entrance fees are $20 per park and the park pass will also discount some park services. Enjoy!

22

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon has Refurbished 5DIII for $2240

« on: December 31, 2012, 06:09:56 PM »

That's probably the one I returned with hot pixels everywhere

23

Lenses / Re: Please help, did I receive a defective lens? 40mm f/2.8

« on: December 31, 2012, 05:10:27 AM »

I just got mine out and tested it. Here is what happens. Under autofocus it makes noise when the camera does it. It makes no noise when I move it myself. Under manual focus, it makes the same noise as if it was under autofocus and the camera was moving it. So, YES it does make noise in manual mode and it is quite loud. I am using it on a 5dIII with the updated firmware.

24

Lenses / Re: Buying used lens

« on: December 27, 2012, 09:35:35 PM »

If I were you I would just buy new if I could not see it in person. It is only 150 dollars under new price. I literally just bought the same lens for the same price new sold and shipped by amazon so look around and use coupons and get it new for almost that price. Also, I am not sure if the warranty will transfer to you. That alone might be worth the price difference.


I looked into the post a little and just to let you know something seems a bit off.

http://asti.bakeca.it/foto-videocamere/canon-ef-70-200mm-5pih45967738
Look familiar? That was posted 9 months ago in Asti, Italy. It doesn't even list the mark II.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-65337-2.html

He might be legit but I highly doubt it. I would avoid unless I could get it in my hand and thoroughly test it. Seems like a scam to me.

25

Canon General / Re: Recommended photography books

« on: December 26, 2012, 03:59:20 PM »

I found Tony Northrup's How to shoot stunning digital pictures to be a great starter book. It puts into words and examples a lot of useful information that you may already know but arn't exactly sure about. For the kindle price of 10 bucks I consider it money well spent. If you are already an experience photographer then it might be useful for a quick look up of something you have forgotten. In any case, search inside of it on amazon and see what you think.

http://www.amazon.com/Tony-Northrups-DSLR-Book-Photography/dp/0988263408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356555255&sr=8-1&keywords=stunning+digital

26

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: What photo/video gear did Santa bring you this year?

« on: December 26, 2012, 03:52:38 PM »

I heard Santa got a 10% off coupon for amazon and went crazy and bought me a 70-200mm 2.8L II, B+W filter and a rc-6 remote.

27

Software & Accessories / Re: B+W "Kaesemann" CPL versus regular

« on: December 26, 2012, 01:19:41 PM »

I honestly cannot tell you if it is worth it because I live in a dry climate but if I was going to an area such as Costa Rica I would definitely want it. As fotoray says, the slim line has no threads on the front and the cap falls off a lot I hear. That is why I bought the B+W 82mm XS-Pro line Kaesemenn CPL MRC nano. The XS-Pro line is an all around better filter. The XS-Pro has a threaded front, a nano coating to bead water even more, 1mm less thickness and is made of brass while the slim is made of aluminum (for production purposes). Price difference is about 20 bucks. Also, I can confirm the XS-Pro adds no vignetting to the 16-35 2.8l II.

XS-Pro: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752977-REG/B_W_1066401_82mm_XS_Pro_Digital_MC.html

Slim-Line: http://www.amazon.com/Slim-Line-Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Multi-Resistant/dp/B0002O73AY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1356545385&sr=8-2&keywords=82mm+slim+kaesemann

BTW the slim line version of this filter has been discontinued according to BH. Probably replaced due to the new XS-Pro line.

28

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Cannot Keep Screwing It's Customers Over

« on: December 21, 2012, 05:56:33 PM »

When you buy tech items within a month or two of their release.... of course you will pay a lot more than half a year or a year later. Can canon continue this? Well, you were an early adopter, I was an early adopter and other were as well so yes they can as long as we keep buying. Also, it is hard to find the 5DIII much cheaper than 2999 from a reputable dealer. I stick with amazon, adorama and BH and they wil not have it much cheaper than that unless its a very special deal somehow. I got "lucky" and amazon dropped the price to 3350 for a few hours one day and I made them price match me since I bought mine for 3499 a week before lol.

The key is to wait until it drops, buy when you absolutely need it, or buy it and enjoy it and not worry about the price drops that will always come a half year after a tech item is released.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Am I the only one without 5D3 Problems?

« on: December 11, 2012, 04:41:27 PM »

My first 5dIII suffered greatly from stuck pixels. I couldn't take a picture at sunset without a larger purple dot. My second 5dIII has been great. No problems so far with it.

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EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5DmIII for $2,199

« on: November 17, 2012, 03:51:04 AM »

Since it is happening multiple times, I would suspect them doing it on purpose to lure people to their site. You will not find the 5dIII at that price for a good 5 years lol.