Messages

121

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.

122

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

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

nice!

123

Macro / Re: Which extension tubes to buy?

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

I like the Kenko tubes myself.  $150 from eBay

124

Lenses / Re: Workaround for Loose Lens Cap on 8-15mm Fisheye

« on: December 25, 2012, 03:13:48 PM »

Indeed, I used superglue.
for me it is important that the lens is protected in my camera bag.
In use, I do not use the lens cap/lenshood at all on my 1DX.

Initially I used your solution with scratch resistant paper, but on several of my hiking trips the lenscap came off in by backpack, so I glued the cap and the hood together

nothing wrong with your solution at all.  I'm considering taping the two together anyway just for that extra bit of security.

125

Lenses / Workaround for Loose Lens Cap on 8-15mm Fisheye

« on: December 24, 2012, 04:17:25 PM »

I've heard about the loose-ness of the 8-15mm Fisheye lens cap and found a quick solution to the problem as I was opening my newly arrived lens today.

There's a scratch-resistant paper on the lens between the front element and the lens cap.  This is how Canon packaged it so I'm assuming it's pretty safe for the protruding front lens element.  If you keep that paper on before putting the lens cap back on and storing it, the lens cap stays on with much more grip and is not as easy to bump off.

I've seen posts regarding this before but couldn't find any specific to this topic.  I remember reading about someone who actually thought to super glue the hood and lens cap together.  Although not perfect, I think the paper in between is a slightly more elegant solution.  Hope this helps someone else.

126

EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests

« on: December 24, 2012, 12:05:10 PM »

I am talking about "working" with the camera...  I shoot weddings, kids, candid moments, shows... for money most of the time. 

I understand that speed is an issue and you want the camera to be as fast as possible.  It just seems there's a bit of an uproar over the issue but the difference in time is less than 1 second (at least for this test).  I'm not trying to say there isn't an issue or that we shouldn't have a camera that's at least as fast as the mk2 for the money paid for the mk3.  It just sounds like some users need to check their settings and play with the "focus priority/release priority" settings. 

@Mike (OP), by chance, did you or can you try running the tests with different settings under the AF2 Menu for both 1st and 2nd shots, as well as the AF3 Menu under one-shot AF release priority?

127

EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests

« on: December 24, 2012, 04:32:45 AM »

so according to those numbers, the mk2 was taking about 1.5 sec/shot (45 sec/30 shots), and the mk3 was taking 2.33 sec/shot.

Noticeable difference but I'm not sure what the fuss is about.  I'm coming from a 60D though so maybe you guys noticed that .83 second difference much more coming from a mk2.

128

EOS Bodies / Re: 6D vs 5Diii vs 5Dii - Speedlite AF Focus Beam Assist Tests

« on: December 23, 2012, 07:13:36 AM »

I don't think I understand the issue.

With the AF beam on, I can achieve focus in practically no light.  Without the AF beam, my camera won't lock focus at all in the same dark room.  Are people complaining about the speed of their AF with the AF beam?  or the speed of the AF with the AF beam compared to the 5d mk2? 

129

EOS Bodies / Re: Are you really serious about 6D?

« on: December 23, 2012, 06:38:15 AM »

If you can't take a good picture with a 6D (or any other DSLR) because of the limitations of your "sensor" or the "lack of cross-type AF points", you're seriously kidding yourself.  My wife takes great pictures with her iPhone. 

If you see no value in the product, then it's not for you.  That doesn't mean it's not the right product for others.  I seriously considered the 6D before I purchased my 5D markIII.  After some research, I decided I wanted the 5D instead and that I would probably get a 6D for a backup body eventually.  Or maybe a 6D mark II in a few years

Side Note: So what if the D600 is cheaper.  I'm sure it has it's own issues.  I bought into the Canon system MAINLY because I could share glass with my photo buddies.  If I bought the D600 and all the Nikon equivalents to all my Canon glass, that would be WAAAAAAAAY more expensive. 

130

EOS Bodies / Re: Are you really serious about 6D?

« on: December 23, 2012, 06:28:22 AM »

This thread tracks the usual dissatisfactions:
1) Why would anyone be interested in a camera that I'm not interested in?
2) If a camera doesn't meet my personal needs, then it is a "crippled" camera.
3) Whatever features a camera has, it should have had some feature(s) of the next more expensive model, but without the added cost.
4) If a camera has features I don't need, but can easily be turned off or ignored, I must still complain as if they can't possibly be useful to anyone.
5) If they don't offer the specific camera that I want at this moment, within my present budget, then the company is headed in the wrong direction.
6) If DxO thinks my brand's sensor is inferior, then it must be inferior and I must complain about it and/or switch brands.
 

LOL

131

EOS Bodies / Re: Are you really serious about 6D?

« on: December 23, 2012, 06:21:32 AM »

Hate to admit it, but I agree.

The 6D could have been so much better and appealed to a much larger audience without the cost being too much more and without compromising on the 5D, with a real hybrid between a XXXD, XXD & 7D with a full frame sensor

If you are looking for a longer term investment a 6D just isnt one to get in my mind.

I didnt expect the 6D to have poor IQ, and it has proven itself, it appears to be fantastic. But if you are an amateur used to the 9 point system the 11 point isnt a massive upgrade apart from one point, even the 650Ds are all cross point, but it will feel similar... not sure i like the idea of that price and the camera AF feeling similar. But I wouldn't buy a 2k camera that really doesn't improve much apart from IQ it needs to be across the board, a camera consists of more than just a good sensor. IQ means nothing if only one point is worth using.

What happens if you want some nice primes like a 50mm 1.2? taking full advantage of that IQ? focusing with the single point and recomposing at this fine DOF will return poor focus and as the other 10 are pretty much useless.... makes the IQ worthless, unless you plan on manual focusing most of the time. How often is your subject bang in the centre?

It has a few cool quirks with the Wi-fi & GPS. But really if everyone were to be honest it could have been better, it has clearly been detuned so not so step on the toes of the 5D MKIII but people who buy that camera are in a different market in my opinion. The D600 although also having its quirks, is a better option if your an amateur without too much invested.

I make money with my camera and buy what i need. If i was an amateur then I would feel even worse! It is an improvement over the 5D MKII but not 4 years worth of improvement. With the 5D MKIII not much more it doesn't make any sense in my mind to buy a 6D. £2k for a 5D MKIII or £1600 for the 6D? I bought a 5D.

I disagree on a few levels.  Looking at al lthe bells and whistles on the mk3, and seeing the reaction to the price (many saying it should be $2500), where does that leave any room for improving the 6d? 

Center point only, yeah it seems like a step back, but, looking at all the amazing images the 5d2 has cranked out over the lifetime of the cam center point may do just fine!  Many claimed the 5d2 was only really usable to ISO 3200, and would push it to 6400 in a pinch if it was the only way to get the shot.  It seems that the 6d is following the 5d3 in ISO, so ISO 6400 -12800 being usable is a huge upgrade!

Different strokes I guess, also, everyone looking at these bodies has their own needs to fill.  For me, I have a mk3 so this would be a backup body.  Yeah, the price difference isn't that huge (in the sticker at least, it's closer to $1200 difference after tax though).  To me, that is the cost of a 135 f2L.  If your on a mk2 looking to upgrade though, then yeah the 6d may not be as big of a leap as you want.  But if your on a 60D, then just the FF sensor alone is reason to buy!  Different strokes!

+1

132

EOS Bodies / Re: It's Christmas Eve !!

« on: December 23, 2012, 06:08:57 AM »

Ordered my latest lens from B&H because it was a great price ($1139 for the 8-15mm Fisheye with free overnight shipping). 

I always FEEL better when I buy stuff from them, knowing I can always call if there is an issue and that there are people there.  They've never given me any grief about returns or exchanges either.

133

Lenses / Re: Advice 5d3, wide angle

« on: December 22, 2012, 04:32:50 PM »

So..... I ordered an 8-15mm fisheye!!!!!! 

B&H had a great deal ($1139+ free overnight shipping).  It arrives on Christmas Eve before 1030 a.m.

134

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: I feel like a kid again....

« on: December 22, 2012, 04:14:06 PM »

btw, I'm getting an 8-15mm fisheye for Christmas!  I can't wait to play with it.

135

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: I feel like a kid again....

« on: December 22, 2012, 04:13:02 PM »

I love this thread

+1 What a great thread! =)  Happy Holidays to you all