Messages

16

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

17

Lenses / Re: your goto everyday lens and why?

« on: March 10, 2013, 08:59:35 AM »

16-35 II

18

Portrait / Re: First paid photo shoot - DATE: 23 March 2013

« on: March 06, 2013, 06:44:10 AM »

The only suggestion I have is to rent or borrow a bigger flash. Something like the 580 or even 600. You will need plenty of flash while indoors with your lens choices.

Find out which one of your zoom lenses provides a better image and stick with it. The 18-135 may have more design compromises in comparison to the 18-55. I haven't used either.

I can't imagine that you will have the time to put together an "example book" and have time to use it.

If your friend is happy with your work, just roll with it.

Good luck.

19

Lenses / Re: 70-200 f2.8II + 2xIII on 7D vs 300 f4 + 2xIII on 5D3

« on: February 12, 2013, 06:42:29 PM »

Those two lenses utilize different aspects of the AF system- one lens is f2.8 and the other is f4, before the 2x converter is used.

The 70-200 f2.8 seems to focus much faster than the 300 f4. I suspect that part of it is the speed of the USM motor and the other part is the AF sensor type that is used.

Adding the 2xIII to the 300 f4 really knocks down the AF speed.

I think you will be disappointed in the 5DIII - 300 f4 - 2xIII combo just considering focus speed- because it won't, until the 5DIII firmware update is released.

I would suggest renting that combination and trying it before buying it, after the 5DIII firmware update is released. I think you are better off keeping the 70-200 f2.8 II, 2xIII and 7D if the big white lenses are not justifiable. 

The 300 f4 and 2xIII will AF on a 1 series body.

Edit: even adding the 1.4x to the 300 f4 makes a very noticeable reduction in AF speed.

20

EOS Bodies / Re: on the verge of buying, just need some final moral support

« on: February 04, 2013, 06:21:06 PM »

i usually only use single point focus. 

Just keep in mind that the 5DIII has many focus points that can be chosen to use as "single point focus" and the 6D, in comparison, only has a few.

If you only use the center point for your pictures, then disregard. I'd probably choose the 6D then.

21

EOS Bodies / Re: Which is better? 5D MKII or 6D?

« on: January 04, 2013, 01:43:48 PM »

This isn't a question I'm paticularly interested in, but I am intrigued by the articles that say that a new "entry level" FF camera is potentially "better" than camera legendary for its IQ- the 5D MkII. Thoughts?


And yes, I know that better is kinda an open-ended, question, but I meant for it to be that way.

As a 5dII owner, there are some improved and different features on the 6D. I do not own a 6D at this time.

Picture quality is about/essentially the same, based on reviews.

There are minor differences in shutter speed, projected shutter life, flash sync and probably more. If that stuff is important to you, then research it.

One shot focusing with the 5DII using anything but the center point was hit and miss for me. If the 6D is better just in that regard, I'd say choose the 6D.

22

Lenses / Re: 500 x $10K or 600 x$13K

« on: December 31, 2012, 04:17:52 PM »

The obvious choice is 600 x $13k because it is more than 500 x $10k.

That's what I would want.

 

23

Lenses / Re: Buying used lens

« on: December 26, 2012, 06:43:48 AM »

Try to get the date code or otherwise try to find out how old it is.

Exterior appearance is usually a good guide to how it has been treated.

As far as craigslist goes, I'd only do the local and in person thing. If the lens checks out in person, enjoy.

24

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D MKII Pricing Question

« on: December 25, 2012, 11:34:26 AM »

You are buying 4 year old tech.

There has been lots of debate here and elsewhere about the merits of the 5DIII vs 5DII.

There is a huge improvement in plain old single point AF between the 2, the 5DIII excels compared to the II. Off center composition is nice. Selecting off center AF points at wde apetures did not work well for me and the same thing hasn't been an issue with the 5DII yet.

I do not yet know if the "black focus points" will be an issue for me.

With the recent sales at ~$2500, I'd strongly sugget the 5DIII.

If the budget does not allow for the 5DIII, then I'd suggest the 6D over a new 5DII, but the camera body size is not the same between those two.

25

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: World's First EOS-1D C Motion Image Shoot

« on: December 25, 2012, 06:57:57 AM »

B+H photo says the sensor is  24 x 36mm (full frame)

From the linked article in the first post:

Aspect ratio + Crop factor:
What was one of the biggest differences shooting with the camera was the new aspect ratio and crop factor. The 1DC records 4K video using the APS-H format (which is an effective crop factor of 1.3) We’ve been shooting on full frame sensors for a long time so it does take some getting used to the new crop factor when selecting which lens to go to. I absolutely fell in love with the 2:1 aspect ratio (slightly narrower than 16:9) which does (to me anyway) increase the “cinematic” look of the footage. We shouldn’t ignore several other key features such as Clean HDMI output (in HD), 18.1megapixel RAW still capability with the option of up to 12/14 frames per second depending on your shooting mode. All this is housed in an extremely rugged and compact chassis with the ability to run the camera using plug-in external power.

26

Lenses / Re: Announcement on January 8, 2013? New Lenses [CR1]

« on: December 25, 2012, 06:23:50 AM »

Maybe I should write an article for the site on TS-E use as few people seem to know how to get the best out of these extraordinary lenses.

Please do.

27

EOS Bodies - For Video / Re: World's First EOS-1D C Motion Image Shoot

« on: December 24, 2012, 07:59:14 PM »

It has an APS-H sensor...

28

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body for $2599 via eBay

« on: December 23, 2012, 09:11:02 AM »

I received mine from the 12/16 sale and there are no issues.

It was in a 5D3 + 24-105 kit box. Unfortunately, no 24-105 was included

I received all accessories, nothing appeared to be opened, the camera body appeared to be unused.

The serial number on the box matched the serial number on the camera.

29

Lenses / Re: Buy Canon 24-70l II today or wait for Newer version with IS?

« on: December 20, 2012, 08:30:18 AM »

If Canon don´t make changes, then the EF 24-70 f/2.8 II L is delivers a better image quality.

Anyone else notice?

30

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Canon EOS 5D Mark III Body $2599 Shipped

« on: December 16, 2012, 03:22:06 PM »

I'm in the market for a 5D III and I was tempted by this sale.  I noticed that it said a warranty cost $299 extra but the box contents said that it came with a USA warranty.  Any explanation for this?  Thanks all.

I believe the $299 is for one of those 3rd party warranties, not a warranty from Canon.