Topics

1

Software & Accessories / Sensor Loupes

« on: March 10, 2013, 02:50:12 PM »

I just received an Opteka. Pricing was reasonable and construction seems OK.

However, the focus distance is fixed and it seems to be focusing just above the sensor. I didn't notice a "For XXX Camera" option when I ordered it.

It helped, it picked up a couple of bigger pieces.

Any user feedback on other sensor loupes?

Thanks

2

EOS Bodies - For Stills / DSLR and zoom lens for ~$1,000.00 USD?

« on: August 28, 2012, 01:22:51 PM »

Given a budget of $1k USD, what new (new as in not used) items would you buy?

If that budget could be stretched to $1.5k (max, no more), what changes?

Looking for "ease of use" (amateur, no prior DSLR experience) and a zoom lens.

I am initially drawn to the T4i with the 18-135 IS STM lens kit and possibly the 40 shorty.

PowerShot?

Thanks.

3

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Sensor Loupe Alternatives?

« on: August 01, 2012, 08:08:28 AM »

I've seen pictures of the stuff offered by the bigger vendors, but haven't used it. Read lots of reviews.

The one thing that keeps coming to mind is how cheap and cheesy these things appear to be made, but with pricetags approaching $100 USD.

What could be substituted for the ready-made versions?

4

Lenses / When does the age of a pro lens influence the price? or does it?

« on: July 29, 2012, 09:14:02 AM »

I recently saw a 400 f2.8 for sale, but it had a UN06 date code, which is a 6/1999 manufacture date. The price was in line with much newer lenses, but towards the low side.

Is there a point where the age influences the pricing a bit? Yeah, the glass doesn't "wear out", but there are parts inside that may. Could the lens mount could be replaced to conceal brassing from use?

What is the expected service life of the IS portion? I suspect there is no way anyone outside of CPS would know the "on" time of the IS unit.

The rubber seals?

Lots of "touch up" paint?

Or, is it just buy one and hope it lasts.....

5

Lenses / Lenses, Focusing Speeds and Teleconverters

« on: March 30, 2012, 11:02:02 AM »

Expanding on a couple of threads concerning long lenses and teleconverters...

Do lenses focus at the same speed on any given camera body?

Does a 500 f4 focus any slower or faster than a 400 f2.8? If there are differences, could a 400 f2.8 + 2xIII equal a 500 f4 + 1.4x III as far as focus speed is concerned?

It seems that a 300 f4 does focus slower than a 70-200 II f2.8. Unscientific, seat of the pants test.

Does a 7D drive the lens any differenty than a 5DII or III?

6

Lenses / Going Beyond 300mm... for the birds

« on: March 18, 2012, 12:17:04 PM »

Is there a next step without breaking the bank?

If I want more reach than a 7D + 1.4xIII + 300 f4L IS, what is next?

How does the 2x TC fare?

Stacking TC's? Does that work, or turn the images to mush?

Thanks.

7

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Canon 10 x 30 IS Binoculars

« on: March 11, 2012, 03:51:27 PM »

Anyone use these?

Are they as good as the reviews say?

8

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Panoramas or Stitching + Interior Shots

« on: February 19, 2012, 12:33:30 PM »

Over in the lens suggestions for Grand Canyon thread, I was reminded about how an ultra wide angle lens can make things seem really far away.

I notice this effect using the 16-35 II at 16. While I can get the subject into the frame, the results are not always what I want.

I have tried handheld stitching and panoramas, and for close work the results have been bad.

I did a small stitched panorama (handheld) when I went to the Grand Canyon as a whim (panorama, not the trip), and it turned out nice once it was put together by Photoshop. I wish I had done that a couple of times.

If I wanted to stitch together an interior shot of a room and not try to fit it all in using a (ultra) wide angle lens, what is the best approach for someone that isn't well versed in Photoshop?

9

Software & Accessories / Sling Straps: Black Rapid, Sun Sniper

« on: January 30, 2012, 09:20:38 AM »

Ok, so what keeps the attachment point from loosening and then the camera falling?

Is the tripod attachment point on the camera body engineered to work this way (will the use of this system cause the threaded insert to be pulled out)?

10

Lighting / Canon ST-E2 use as a Focus Assist only?

« on: December 07, 2011, 06:25:27 AM »

Is it possible to set up a camera to use the focus assist lamp on the ST-E2 and not fire a flash, and have correct white balance for natural light?

11

EOS Bodies / Used 1DsIII Prices

« on: October 29, 2011, 09:20:27 AM »

When will the used prices come down? These still seem to be selling for a lot.

 

12

Canon General / "Old Lenses" and "Digital Camera Compatibility"?

« on: September 14, 2011, 07:18:39 AM »

Are "old lenses" that predate digital cameras different in some way?

I ask because I have a Tokina 28-80AT-X Pro f 2.8 and the images aren't right on my 5DII.

I purchased the lens used and sent it off to Tokina to be checked out. It was sent back to me as OK, but there was a note on the work order that the optical formula for digital camera lenses is different (can't remember the exact wording).

I messed with it a little yesterday, and it seems that the lens may just be front focusing. I'll need to try some more tests when I have some time.

Thanks for any input.

13

EOS Bodies / Used 1Ds Mk iii vs New 5d Mk ii...

« on: May 01, 2011, 04:10:05 PM »

The video part isn't important to me... I'll just get that out of the way first.

A new 1Ds is out of the question, and it is at the end/near the end of the product cycle. I do not see the next 1Ds being any less expensive.

I do not see the next 5D being less expensive, either. Used ones are commanding close to new prices.

A used 1Ds >$4k USD is also a bit on the rich side, and still a significant portion of new.

At what $$$ point is it considered "reasonable"? Opinions on the ability to retain value for a few more years?

Given the aging of the technology... and the similarities, sensor wise, between the 1Ds and the 5Dii. I understand that they are not the same thing.