Messages

106

Software & Accessories / Re: Oddest kit purchase?

« on: January 04, 2013, 03:21:13 AM »

black shower curtains for a cheap backdrop

I too have used the jar opener for a cheap follow focus

I use these little silicon bracelets that bands/musicians give out for free at shows to protect my focus rings when I put a follow focus ring around my lenses.  I have the kind with screws

one thing I use a lot... the neighbors white garage door as a really big reflector.  the sun hits it just right through most of the morning and afternoon and I never have to pull out a reflector

I like the idea of using the beer bottle/water bottle holders to protect my lenses.

107

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 5D Mark iii + 50 1.4 ii?

« on: January 03, 2013, 03:37:03 AM »

I think it's a great match up.  I like the 50mm 1.4 more than the other "normal" range lenses around that price point.  It doesn't really get THAT sharp until stopped down to about 2.2-2.8 or smaller but sharpness isn't always the PRIMARY concern.  If it is, the 40mm 2.8 pancake is a sharper lens for half the money.  But if you want it for it's wide open aperture, it'll do for now.

108

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

« on: January 02, 2013, 01:39:06 AM »

I paid about $5150 for my 5D3 and 24-70 II (purchased together).  It went down in price again a few weeks later during some holiday sales.  I'm fine with it cause I have a badass camera!  I only shoot weddings part time but I'm very happy with my purchase and I love knowing that I have the best camera on the market. 

I love a great deal as much as the next guy but if you're really hurting for that spare cash, you should probably be re-thinking your spending habits.

109

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D II or 5D III or 6D?

« on: December 29, 2012, 07:08:53 AM »

I would take 5D II out of the equation for one reason, fixed auto ISO @ 400 in "M" mode.

6D or 5D III
A. Take 5D III if you want to have the best AF system
B. Take 6D if you plan to shoot center AF with slightly less precise

Goodlucks

+1 for not even considering the mk2.  The fixed ISO...well, manual ISO in manual was annoying when I borrowed a friend's mk2.  I'd prefer to at least have the option to set shutter and aperture while letting the camera decide on ISO.

I vote for the 5d mkIII.  no regrets here.  no looking back thinking I could've/should've gotten something better.  Save a little longer! 

As far as the more complicated AF system is concerned, it's got more options, yes, but that means more flexibility.  It took a little reading, a little shooting, and a little tweaking to get used to the whole new AF system but it was worth it for me.  You can dumb down the 61 points of AF by using AF "Zones" instead of AF "Spots" or AF "Areas" so that the AF selection acts more like the 9-pt AF system in my 60D.  It really isn't that much info to read up on.

110

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Bought 5D III

« on: December 29, 2012, 06:49:51 AM »

oh yeah, and congrats to the OP on the new purchase.  have fun shooting with it!

111

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Bought 5D III

« on: December 29, 2012, 06:49:18 AM »

I think the one main issue with the earlier releases of the camera was the "light leak issue".  Just do a google search on what serial number ranges were affected ad compare your serial number (on the bottom of your camera).

"Issue", which affects your metering if you have your lens cap on while shining a flashlight at the top of your camera. I wound't worry too much about that, unless that's your typical shooting scenario.

hey...he asked what to check for.

112

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 6D or wait for New 7D?

« on: December 29, 2012, 06:45:28 AM »

to me, the jump to full frame was an immediate and obvious upgrade in my photography.  I don' think I'll go back to a crop sensor after the differences I've noticed.  The other big jump in image quality came when I switched from Aperture to Lightroom 4!

As for the 7D, If I find I really need that much more speed than what my 5d mmiii offers, I'll have to look into getting a 1DX.  For your needs, I'd say go for the 6D for the sensor alone unless you can afford (the time) to save and get a 5D mk III

113

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Bought 5D III

« on: December 28, 2012, 04:42:00 PM »

I think the one main issue with the earlier releases of the camera was the "light leak issue".  Just do a google search on what serial number ranges were affected ad compare your serial number (on the bottom of your camera).

114

Lighting / Re: Getting started with 600EX-RT, advice?

« on: December 28, 2012, 04:39:53 PM »

+1 for Syl's stuff.  The Speedlighter's Handbook is a great read, too.

http://www.amazon.com/Speedliters-Handbook-Learning-Craft-Speedlites/dp/032171105X

Some of his main points are to:
1) get the camera off of the same axis as the lens
2) "getting interesting light means using interesting shadows"

115

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/4L IS Coming [CR3]

« on: December 28, 2012, 08:46:17 AM »

I beg to differ. The 24-70 f/4L IS will go nicely with the 70-200 f/4L IS. Only 24-70 2.8L II goes nicely with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II. You have to match your lenses or they will feel uncomfortable 

Does not make any sense to me. I have various lenses with various f stops and they all go 'nicely together'.

Neither to me - it depends on what you want. If a shallow dof is required f2.8 on a wider lens is more important than on a tele lens. If the lens is required to be "fast" for low-light shooting it's the other way around.

Hasn't anyone noticed the smile icon  in my post ?

I actually agree with this completely.  My 2.8 zooms didn't like their 24-105 f/4 adopted cousin (bought used)  and he was sold on Craigslist soon after the arrival of the 24-70 II.  The newest member of the family is having a rough time fitting in as an f/4 (8-15mm) but he's a special child so the others are a little more accepting... even though he has a tendency to lose his hat (lens cap) for no apparent reason.   

116

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

« on: December 28, 2012, 08:30:00 AM »

Santa dropped off 2x 600EX-RT's , ST-E3-RT , EOS M , 22mm f/2 EF-M , 135mm f/2L and a 85mm f/1.2L in a pear tree

Wow...Santa must love you

I feel like I've posted my recently added gear a million times but since it's the thread topic, I'll post again. 

Early (december) Christmas gift from Santa (self):

5D mk3 and 24-702.8 II

Christmas gifts from wifey:
8-15mm fisheye, Lightroom 4, both of which I absolutely love
Assassin's Creed 3 for PS3
iPod Shuffle =)
a trip to Vegas =)

117

EOS Bodies / Re: Any update to the 60D in next 6months?

« on: December 27, 2012, 02:43:00 PM »

I recommend buying a used 60D.  I'm actually selling mine (and it's still under Canon Warranty til May).

This way you're upgrading but you can get a really decent price for a used one.

118

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D MKII Pricing Question

« on: December 25, 2012, 03:48:22 PM »

If you've got your heart set on the mk2, I say go for it.  It's a great camera.  at roughly $1500, it a hell of a value

I borrowed a mk2 before I brought my mk3.  Some of the things that made me choose the mk3:

auto ISO in manual mode (mk2 is FULLY manual)
AF system (61-points)/new AI Servo settings flexibility
headphone output (for when I do video)
dual card slots
a little faster fps
some available features for my 600ex-rt that are only available on 2012 (or later) camera bodies
(I urge anyone else to add to this list as I'm sure I'm forgetting other stuff)

If these things aren't worth ~$1000 premium to you, I'm sure you'll be fine with the mark 2. 

You might want to consider the 6d for ~$300-500 more.  WiFi and GPS options alone are worth more than that if you buy those accessories separate for the other bodies.  of course, that's if you'll use them.  I've read lots of people find those features useful.

119

Macro / Re: Couldn't do this again if I tried

« on: December 25, 2012, 03:30:05 PM »

nice!

120

Macro / Re: Which extension tubes to buy?

« on: December 25, 2012, 03:28:58 PM »

I like the Kenko tubes myself.  $150 from eBay