Topics

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Nikon 14-24 or 16-35 for Nikon D600?

« on: May 18, 2013, 01:51:21 PM »

I'm looking for some input on which lens to purchase....please let me know what you think, and please keep in mind I'm just an amateur photographer.

I just ordered a Nikon D600 as a second camera to my 5D Mark III, and I'm considering purchasing either the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 or the 16-35 f/4.

I already own the Canon 17-40 f/4 to use with my 5d Mark III, so I'm leaning toward the Nikon 14-24 f/2.8 to use with the D600.

My primary uses for the Nikon 14-24, or the Nikon 16-35, would be:
* sports...football, baseball stadiums, and hockey arenas
* cityscapes/landscapes....I'm planning on taking a trip to Mount Rushmore this summer
* astrophotography
* architecture

Thanks

P.S. Attached are a few photos I took with the 5D mk3 and 17-40 f/4

2

Third Party Manufacturers / Will anyone dethrone the Sony RX100 in 2013???

« on: March 24, 2013, 04:21:04 PM »

I currently have the Canon S100, but I am contemplating purchasing the Sony RX100 for a better quality pocketable camera.

There are two things holding me back from making the purchase:

* The RX100 focus range is 28-100mm, and I'd prefer 24mm on the lower end.
* Canon, or a competitor, will release a better pocketable camera in 2013.

How likely is it that Canon will release a Powershot S120 with a 1" sensor, or another competitor, in 2013?

Thanks

3

Third Party Manufacturers / Tamron 28-300mm as walk around lens with 5D Mk III???

« on: March 10, 2013, 05:31:32 PM »

I'm thinking about purchasing the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC as a walk around lens for my 5D Mark III. 

Does anyone have this lens and can you tell me how the image quality compares to the Canon 24-105L on the 5D Mk III? 

Thanks

4

Software & Accessories / Recommended case for Canon G1X???

« on: December 26, 2012, 02:06:47 PM »

For those of you who own the G1X, what do you recommend for a small camera case for the G1X with the 58mm Filter Adapter attached? 

Right now, I'm leaning toward the Lowepro Edit 100.

Thanks

5

Third Party Manufacturers / Nikon D600 price drop $1,996

« on: November 18, 2012, 08:23:48 AM »

fyi....

http://www.nikonpricewatch.com/product/04030/Nikon-D600-price.html

6

Third Party Manufacturers / Sony price watch website???

« on: November 04, 2012, 07:30:28 PM »

I'm trying to find a website similar to canonpricewatch.com and nikonpricewatch.com, but I can't find one.  Does anyone know of a website that lists the best prices for Sony cameras, and also has a feature to set-up an email price alert?

I would like to find the best deal on the Sony RX100, and set an e-mail price alert.

thanks

7

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Refurbished 5D MK3s?

« on: November 03, 2012, 09:52:41 PM »

Why are there no 5D MK3s listed on the Canon refurbished website, or for sale by the major camera stores? 

What happens to the cameras that have been used, and get returned within 30 days to Adorama, B&H, etc...those cameras can not be resold as new, correct?

8

PowerShot Cameras / G15 or G1X for my mom???

« on: October 28, 2012, 06:47:41 PM »

I'm looking to purchase a new point and shoot camera for my mom for Christmas.  My mom is 60 years-old, and she knows absolutely nothing about cameras, but I want to purchase her a camera that takes great photos.  Here are things to consider:

*  She wants an LCD that can be viewed in sunlight....she is always complaining that she can't see the LCD on her current camera in sunlight!
*  I have the Canon S100, but my mom tried it and she thinks it is too small for her, so that also rules out the Sony RX100.
*  The new camera will be used mostly to take photos at birthdays, holidays, family vacations, and the kids/family dogs running around.
*  The new camera needs to have good ISO performance and/or flash performance for different lighting conditions.

Based on these criteria, I've narrowed it down to the G15 and G1X, and I'm leaning toward the G15, because the reviews I've read state the G1X has slow autofocus, which could cause problems when she tries to take photos of the dogs and kids running around. 

What do you guys think would be the best camera for my mom?

Thanks

9

Lenses / 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II not fitting securely to 5DMKIII body???

« on: September 01, 2012, 10:15:40 AM »

There is a tiny bit of play when my 70-200 lens is attached to my 5DMKIII....and when I say a tiny bit of play, the lens hardly moves, but it is noticeable.  This is my second 70-200 lens (I returned the first lens, because it had dust in it), and both lenses had the same amount of play when attached to the camera body.  Is this play normal for the 70-200 lens?  It doesn't effect the image quality (attached are a few photos I took with the lens).

By the way, my other lenses (24-105 & 50 f/1.4) attach securely to the camera body and do not move at all.

10

Lenses / Another I need advise on a lens thread......

« on: August 12, 2012, 02:03:09 PM »

I'm sorry, I know there are a ton of threads on lens recommendations, and I've read a lot of them, but I am looking for advice on my specific situation.

I'm a new hobby photographer, and I am lucky to make a good income at my day job, so I can afford the high camera equipment.

Here is what I currently own:
5D Mark III
24-105L f/4
70-200L f/2.8 IS II
50 f/1.4
Speedlite 220 EX
Speedlite 600 EX (I just order it)

Ideally, I'd like my next lens purchase to be flexible for a variety of situations, including low light, but still provide excellent image quality.

I shot mostly family photos, and also landscapes during vacations.  From time to time, I take photos at sport events, such as baseball, hockey, and football.  I'd also like to start shooting the nighttime sky, so a lens that is good in low light would be a plus. 

Here are the lenses I am considering to compliment what I already own.

24L f/1.4 II - I've read nothing but good things about this lens, and it sounds like this lens would be good for low light sports, nighttime sky, low light indoors, plus excellent for landscapes.  This focal length is wide enough for me 90% of the time, but it would be nice to have a wider lens for shooting the inside of a sports stadium or for tight spaces.  Also, my thought is the IQ the 24L lens delivers would allow me to crop, therefore act as a zoom lens, if I need a tighter shot.

16-35L f/2.8 II - Obviously, based on what lenses I already own, this lens appears to make the most sense for the focal range that would be the best compliment to my current lenses.  I've read mixed reviews about this lens, and 24mm is wide enough for most of my needs.  Maybe I would be happy with getting a 17-40L later down the road, if I find I need it for those situations when the 24L f/1.4 II is not wide enough???  The only problem is the 17-40L is probably not that great for outdoor low light, but I could use the Speedlite 600 with it for indoor shots.

24-70L f/2.8 II - This lens isn't out yet, so I don't know how good the IQ will be, but assuming the IQ is much better than the 24-105L, it might make sense and it would be better in low light situations.  The IQ of the II model would have to be significantly better than the current 24-105 for me to justify spending $2,300, otherwise I might as well get the prior 24-70L f/2.8 for half the price!

14-24L f2.8 - I'm in no hurry to purchase my next lens.  Based on the rumor that this lens could be announced by year end, maybe I should wait to see what this lens has to offer.  My guess is this lens will cost around $2,500, and I don't know if I want to spend that much on one lens, when I could get two quality lenses for the same price.  Plus, I don't know if the focal length would fit my needs on a regular basis.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Canon 5D Mark III v. Nikon D800 from an amateur's POV

« on: August 10, 2012, 08:13:30 PM »

First let me say, I have been an amateur hobby photographer for only 3 years.  I started with a Nikon D90, then I moved to a D700, and I pre-order a D800 the day it was announced.

I finally received my D800 in May, but I did not like the camera at all.  Half of my photos were out of focus, and the camera was just not fun to use!  Frankly, I was regretting the purchase of the D800, and I was wishing I still had my D700. 

After ready numerous reviews, last month I purchased the Canon 5D Mark III, and I love the camera!  I just sold my D800 on eBay.

Here are the things I like about the 5D Mark III:

•   22 mps is the sweet spot for resolution
•   High ISO performance
•   6 fps for action shots and sports
•   The autofocus is quick
•   The high resolution LCD
•   The camera feels better in my hands than the D800 did
•   The C1-C3 recall settings are great to have!

The few things I hope Canon will improve for the next version of 5D Mark III is the menu layout….it’s difficult to skip from one section on the menu to another.  Also, as others have mentioned, the dynamic range is lacking compared to Nikon.  I also wish the battery grip would give the camera 8 fps.

Here are a few photos I shot with the 5D Mark III.