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Messages - RustyTheGeek

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31
Software & Accessories / Re: Gloves for Photography
« on: February 18, 2013, 01:15:29 PM »
WOW!  Great thread.  Since I do so much of my photography outdoors in all kinds of weather, this is a great read.  In my experience, the biggest challenge is achieving adequate warmth to the fingers but still being able to use the camera controls without much effort.  My solutions have evolved and change based on the situation, how cold and how long I'll be in the cold shooting.  It may have already been said but this is some of what I do....

-  Golf Gloves (For mild cool weather, low wind.  They are thin and light.)
-  Fingerless Wool (For cool to cold but not a long time.)
Seirus - HYPERLITEâ„¢ ALL WEATHERâ„¢ GLOVE  (Best solution so far.  Thin enough to wear under the wool fingerless if necc.)

http://tinyurl.com/b3fkl5g

The Seirus Hyperlite gloves I originally carried for hiking and trek pole use.  But they are thin enough to work the camera and still warmer than other alternatives due to the use of high tech materials.  They are designed for tactical gun use but also work great for holding trekking poles and cameras.  I used them this past weekend on a hiking trip for several hours shooting pictures in nighttime astronomy upper 30's temps, low to no wind.  Hands/fingers still got cold but only after an hour or more and very little exertion.  They aren't a perfect solution but so far, I haven't found a *perfect* thin glove solution.  (Where *perfect* means no long term finger/hand chill whatsoever.)  You still need to alternate the hands/fingers in and out of a warm pocket every so often to maintain comfort.

Keep in mind, even thick wind proof Snow Ski Gloves will eventually allow your fingers to get cold.  Mittens are the best way to keep warm but they are worthless for finger use.  So a warm pocket can usually help you keep fingers warm if you keep your gloved hands in pockets or under arms when not in use.

In general, look for the use of high tech synthetic moisture resistant materials like PolarTec, etc.  Stay away from cotton.  Wool is good but not thin enough.

32
What?  No replies?  I was rather thought it was fun and interesting.  Sensual and fanciful.  Maybe even a little erotic but not distasteful or inappropriate.  So I say great work and many compliments to the fearless and beautiful lady in the images.  It looks like she is very comfortable with her body and expressing confidence in the same.  The images are also an expression and appear to be well done, effective and consistent in their execution.  Love to hear more about the behind the scenes when you made them.  Is the lady a model, friend, girlfriend or spouse?  What was your or the ladies' inspiration?  How did you procure the location?  Any assistants?  Thank you for sharing!!

33
Reviews / Re: Why I Chose a Canon EOS 6D over a 5D MKIII
« on: February 08, 2013, 06:49:36 PM »
Nice shots, great review.  I can easily say I pretty much agree with everything you said.  I have both bodies currently but actually may sell the 5D3 soon depending on how the next firmware update addresses the low light AF issue with the 5D3.  The 6D is a great camera and is much more capable than the nay sayers claim.  You simply have to use one to decide.  You did.  And everyone who either owns or has used one has come away satisfied AFAIK.  Thanks for the great info!

34
Lenses / Re: Exposure and focusing help with tilt/shift lenses
« on: February 08, 2013, 03:42:53 PM »
While contemplating throwing an assist at a friend by photographing his business for marketing purposes, I thought I would see what info CR had to offer with regard to TS-E lenses.  Wow!  You guys are having way more fun with them than I was hoping for shooting a boring oil change place!

So my question:  Am I correct in assuming that if I were to rent a TS-E lens to shoot a basic building type shot, is the popular Canon 24 TS lens the one to go for?  Any other tips?  I know the basics but otherwise I've never shot with one and thought this would be a nice little learning adventure.  I figured I would test it out, shoot his business, shoot some friends, shoot the dog's butt, you know all the must have shots.  Thanks.

35
Software & Accessories / Re: Which iMac
« on: February 08, 2013, 09:43:22 AM »
The primary reason I owned a PowerMac a few years ago and consider buying a Mac Pro in the future is for video work.  Sounds like that is becoming less of an advantage.  Oh well!  This pretty much convinces me that a HackinTosh is the way to go so I can save money and use it completely the way I like with whatever OS I like.  I'm not attracted to aluminum that much anyway.

36
Lenses / Re: 70-300L AF IS goes *CLUNK!* (??)
« on: February 07, 2013, 07:15:27 PM »
it could be the 5D3 and the tamron
I know the Kenko 1.4 and the 5D3 are a bit wierd for example if i stack the kenko 1.4 on the canon 2x and the 70-200 f2.8 II then its fine on the 5Dmk2 but on the 5Dmk3 the aperture flicks wildly between f5.6 and f8
Well, FYI - no problems at all with the Tamron 1.4x I have on the 5D3 + 70-200/2.8IS-v1.

37
Lenses / Re: 70-300L AF IS goes *CLUNK!* (??)
« on: February 07, 2013, 06:23:05 PM »
Yeah.  I started this thread for two reasons...

-  Get opinions/reactions from others with regard to the anomaly
-  Inform others in case this truly is a possible hazard to the lens

I don't see how a TC could cause damage (or change the AF mechanism) but I guess you never know.  I'm glad to hear someone has used the Kenko successfully.  I'll consider obtaining that one perhaps after I see some more posts.

I've never had a problem with this TC before on any other lens I've used it with.

38
Lenses / 70-300L AF IS goes *CLUNK!* (??)
« on: February 07, 2013, 04:50:26 PM »
Some of you may remember my little poll a while back asking what to replace my 70-300 IS EF lens with after a barter trade with a buddy.  Well, I finally did the deal and I decided to get the 70-300L.  So now I have a nice Thinkpad X301 all tricked out (from the trade) and a new 70-300L.

What's interesting is this...

-  Slap that 70-300L on the 5D3 and point it all over the place, AF performance is fast and smooth, fairly quiet and nice.
-  Add a Tamron 1.4x TC (140F-CA) and the AF slows a bit.  Not unexpected.  Still works pretty good.  HOWEVER...

... when the TC is attached, the IS tends to JUMP from time to time and makes a CLUNK NOISE.  You can feel the clunk too.  It still autofocuses on the target but the IS going CLUNK is weird.  I haven't been able to detect a clunk or jump when the TC isn't connected.  Anyone have some thoughts?

I've had the Tamron TC for quite a while and from what I have read around this forum, the Kenko 1.4X DGX is (I guess) the ideal TC but I don't necc want to buy another TC.  Anyone have a Tamron 1.4X TC like mine and like it just as much?  Curious how they compare.

39
EOS Bodies / Re: on the verge of buying, just need some final moral support
« on: February 07, 2013, 01:39:53 PM »
Most of what I'm reading so far I agree with.  The 6D will do you fine.  I have both the 6D and the 5D3.  I honestly gravitate toward the 6D more often.  It's lighter, focuses better in indoor/low ambient light and is less complicated.  I do enjoy using the 5D3 but if the next firmware update doesn't improve the low light AF, I'll probably sell it.  The 5D3 dominates the 6D in fps speed in good light so if you are planning any sports shooting, it's the one to go with.  I don't shoot birds, etc but if that is part of your shooting, the 5D3 is the better choice.  IQ is about the same so don't worry about that.  At the moment it's pretty nice having both but since most of my shooting is ambient light journalistic style shooting, the 6D works better for me.

Either wait to see if the price drops more due to the Yen or go for it now and start getting satisfaction from your purchase.

I also strongly agree that you should get the 24-105 + 6D Kit.  It's a great deal.  You won't regret it, but you might regret later when you want the 24-105 for $200+ more price.  And you will, trust me.

40
Lenses / Re: I can't stop thinking about A MONSTER!
« on: February 07, 2013, 10:35:44 AM »
I think you should wait another week or month and see if you still really want this lens.  The allure may likely wear off.  I think the 100-400 lens is a good alternative, esp for your needs.  Keep in mind that even serious pros don't buy this lens often.  They rent it.  At many major events where photographers work there are tents or areas set up for them to check out the larger gear.  This way they don't have to carry it themselves, risk loss or damage, etc.  I would definitely rent this lens before you buy it and that experience may help convince you one way or the other.  There are lenses that are no brainer purchases and then there are lenses like this one that are not.  Nothing you have told us really says you should buy it other than wanting it because it is awesome.  That's sort of a red flag all by itself.  (Spoken by someone who knows.)

Another thing to consider:  How would you sell it later?  (Because I suspect you would be selling it sooner than you think.)  Buying is easy.  Selling is hard.  Keep in mind that many of the buyers for this lens would not be interested in buying it used because at this price level they would simply avoid the risks associated with a used purchase.  It's like trying to sell a used Ferrari.  There is a small niche market of folks that can afford it and will tolerate a used one.

My advice:  Just rent the thing, get your jollies and then move on and buy a smaller mainstream lens that is good enough and easier to manage and later sell.

41
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Emergency wedding, of sorts.
« on: February 06, 2013, 10:10:19 PM »
Wow.  Thanks guys.  I appreciate the kind words.  I'm glad I can contribute to many of the other great posts I've read here.  It's my pleasure.

This is likely the longest I've ever kept up posting to an Internet Forum.  In most cases, I would have long ago tired of all the drama and emotional ego driven drivel many other forum threads inevitably sink to.  This forum has fairly consistently kept up a good reputation and the occasional rant or two is just a simple change of pace.

And FWIW, I can't wait to hear how the OP's adventure turns out.  I think it will turn out fine, esp if plenty of practice and planning is done ahead of time.  As another post points out, depending on the individual, jumping in the deep end sometimes generates an epiphany of sorts and we may see some amazing images.  Photography is so subjective and the OP may have untapped natural talent that is capable of overshadowing the lack of experience.

And now that there is more time to prepare, perhaps the OP can assist another exp wedding photographer to get a better idea of what works as a starting point.

42
I could suggest the durable and rugged Canon D20 but it might not be fast enough.  I've used it hiking mostly and it makes pretty good pics but not RAW.  It is durable and fairly easy to shoot with one hand.  You can't really hurt it, no matter how much beer and slobber you spill on it or if you drop it a few times.  It can be tethered to you fairly well so no one can run off with it.  It just looks like a regular P&S so maybe no one would want to try and steal it anyway.

You know, you could always just get an old Rebel and kit lens and treat it like a throwaway.  It would be pretty small and light.  Pop up flash too.  Then you would have RAW and fairly quick shooting and zooming.  Just a thought.

Let us know what you decide. 

43
Camera phones seem to be popular for things like this, otherwise a lightweight P&S like the GXX series or even the S series would take quality photos.  One of the Go Pro video cameras might also be interesting. Hands free and you get a closeup when kissing the pretty girls.  You might hide it in your hat.
+1

I like the hide GoPro in hat idea!  Then perhaps carry a SX50 (or similar) for stills.  Tons of reach when necc.  Shoots RAW.  It would be useful other times as well.  Not so expensive to totally make you puke if it's lost or stolen.  Also, with that in mind, you might consider taking several memory cards and changing them often so if something happens to the camera, you'll have plenty of images safe in your pocket, not all in the camera that could end up missing or something.

44
EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Emergency wedding, of sorts.
« on: February 06, 2013, 01:12:46 PM »
I think there are a lot of poor and somewhat fair photographers out there working as "professional photographers" because they have a website and price list.  The number of skilled, experienced and talented photographers out there is a much smaller percentage.  Notice I didn't include the word professional the second time.  IMHO, the word professional only indicates the fact that the photographer charges for their services and hopefully can pull off the job to the clients' satisfaction.  The word professional in no way vouches for the quality of the work.  Today's great (or not so great) professional is merely yesterday's up and coming amateur.  Everyone has to start somewhere.

It's all about the individual.  For example, there are many "photo moms" out there that are "professionals" because they do photography as a part time side business and it helps pay for their gear.  This is how a lot of professionals start out.  It's only after a lot of time and work has been performed that the photographer gets better in all aspects, be it working with subjects, scheduling, billing, delivery of images, whatever.  Like anything else, the more you do it, the better you get.  And you only improve at what you do.  If one never ventures outside their comfort zone, they don't grow much, they just improve in that niche they are in.

Like most things, you get what you pay for and mediocre photographers won't get away with charging what highly respected and reputable photographers with a following can charge.  (For good reason.)  It's up to the buyer to be diligent and look at the past work and references of any provider of services.  I look at the wedding pictures we have from our wedding in '95 and I'm blown away.  And of course they shot with film then.  Mostly medium format.  At this point in my photography experience and with the great gear I currently own, I think I *might* be able to duplicate maybe half the shots if I was really lucky.

There is no replacing skill, talent and experience but it can be earned and the photographer doesn't have to be paid to earn/learn it.  So with that said, IMO the only thing that matters is the work.  Some non-pros will easily shoot circles around some pros and vice versa.  And I think Wedding Photography is perhaps the hardest and most demanding photography out there.  It's essentially journalistic photography in all the hardest situations but with a demand of top studio level excellence and quality.  My hat is off to all good and great wedding photographers.  All others have my sympathy.

45
Software & Accessories / Re: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4... DOH!!!
« on: February 04, 2013, 10:59:59 AM »
Keep your current WinXP PC the way it is and get another PC for your photography with Win7 Pro x64 and run Lightroom 4 on that.  Get a good higher end IPS display for the photo pc.  The Photo PC is just another tool.

Excellent idea.  I've been tolerating Win 7 just to run LR 4.  There has not been one positive thing I've gained with Win 7 but instead lots of things that annoy me.  I'm seriously considering building a dedicated Win 7 photo PC while my main PC is XP.

Full Disclosure - I am in IT, I see and support many types of systems and OS versions.  I used XP x64 as my main workstation up until a couple months ago.  I still use it for some things (through an RDP session from my new Win7x64 workstation).  I sympathize with folks that don't want to change.  For those that the PC is just a tool, upgrading/changing the OS is a hassle.  Still, please be aware that the time is nearing when all updates, support, etc are going to end for XP.

XP will become a dead OS in April 2014http://www.technibble.com/windows-xp-support-ends-in-april-2014-what-technicians-need-to-know/

What this means is you will no longer receive updates for security, drivers, etc.  The OS will still function but it will cease to exist as far as Microsoft is concerned.

Windows 7 is actually a great OS and it isn't that hard to become comfortable with.  It performs better and much more reliable and secure.  You would like it even more on a laptop.  Lightroom or any other similar software is going to benefit from a 64 bit OS and at least 8GB of RAM, preferably 16GB.  Just do it and don't look back.  It's not that big of a deal.  Then after you are comfortable with Win7 on the Photo PC, start deciding about your main workstation.  My suggestion on that is to go to buy.com or eCost.com and purchase a refurbished HP or DELL Core2Duo workstation PC with Win7 Pro for about $250.  I would suggest to stick with Intel Core2 or i Series CPU + Chipset and away from AMD or Pentium 4.  Here's a good example... http://tinyurl.com/aza9qt5

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