Messages

16

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Available for Download

« on: May 11, 2013, 09:02:19 PM »

Interesting. I just tried my 70-200 Mk II 2.8 with my YN622c output AF assist trigger and it's definitely faster too. Used to get focus lock confirmation in 1 to 1.5 second range in a totally dark room, now it's half a second or so.

My 24-70 Mk II 2.8 is a bit faster as well. Previously locked in the .5 to 1 second range (usually closer to the half second, now it's in the bit less than half a second range.

Both of them, in short, feel snappier - the 70-200 more than the 24-70 - when using the YN622c AF assist beam capability.

+1

I jumped in the deep end the other day and did a shoot using my FW 1.2.1 5D3 with YN622c/YN568EX (plus two studio strobes), and it worked really, really well.  My 24-70 (Mark I) 'seemed' to focus faster and more reliably.  There was hardly an out-of-focus shot in the entire batch, and the shooting took place in very low light with a fast-wriggling subject.

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Reviews / Re: Review - Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD with Pictures

« on: May 11, 2013, 08:36:06 PM »

Hard to not love the lens when it produces images like this 

I think you give the lens too much credit here.  You clearly have photographic and post-processing talent (don't let it go to your head), so I'm sure you could've achieved the same thing with a different lens. 

IMHO, compositionally the top of this image is distracting - I can't stop looking at the leaves at the top.   I'd suggest that you consider a landscape crop of the lower section containing the flowers.  (Sorry I spend far too much time critiquing photos).

18

Lenses / Re: Lens Not Focusing

« on: May 11, 2013, 08:04:59 PM »

It's an interesting problem.  I'd recommend simply sending it to Canon for repair.

During a location shoot about a week and a half ago, my 50/1.8 started malfunctioning... again, it was a focus issue.  It was 'missing' focus on every shot.  Luckily my client (and subject) is a photography teacher and knew that gear sometimes failed.  I changed to my 24-70mm/2.8 and got the shots I needed, in perfect focus, so everything was fine in that regard.

I won't be repairing the 50mm.  I bought it during a trip to the US in 2004 (from B&H), and it has served me well.  Now, if only Sigma would release a new 50mm Art Series lens, I'd be a happy chappy.

19

Technical Support / Re: Which RAW processing software do you use?

« on: May 04, 2013, 08:20:34 PM »

DPP+Photoshop CS4.

Prior to owning the 5D3 I used Bridge CS4+Photoshop CS4, but Adobe doesn't update the Camera RAW plugin for older Creative Suites, hence DPP.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Available for Download

« on: April 30, 2013, 07:47:36 AM »

Heh, it appears that this firmware has been on Canon New Zealand's website since 18 April... I should have checked earlier, but I had a bunch of paid shoots to do and it wasn't the right time to mess around with firmware.

21

Software & Accessories / Re: How to achieve this amazing editing effect ?

« on: April 22, 2013, 09:17:57 PM »

The rock on the right hand side of the image bothers me.  Damn nature, getting in the way of aesthetics.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5D 3 sales

« on: April 11, 2013, 06:34:10 PM »

I got my 5D3's for 3000$ and 2499$. This was little over 6 months into the release and I'm glad I waited for a good deal. The 5D3 is nearly the perfect camera for me, and currently see possibly never upgrading.

I paid about $4450 for my 5D3 body, and it's awesome.  It needs a couple of minor improvements but nothing that firmware couldn't fix.

23

Reviews / Re: Most Objective and Less Objective REVIEWER?

« on: April 08, 2013, 09:03:48 PM »

I'd have to agree overall really good but he is a bit brutal on 3rd partys

It was The Digital Picture's review of the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens that convinced me to go ahead and buy one (and as you know it's awesome).  Perhaps the reason he is a bit harsher on third party lenses is because of what he says at the bottom of that particular review, meaning these lenses need to justify their value proposition beyond mere image quality:

My standard disclaimer: There are some potential issues with third party lenses. Since Sigma reverse engineers (vs. licenses) manufacturer AF routines, there is always the possibility that a DSLR body might not support a (likely older) third party lens. Sometimes a lens can be made compatible by the manufacturer, sometimes not. There is also the risk of a problem that results in the lens and body manufacturers directing blame at each other.

24

Lenses / Re: ok so i did it and bought into FF... now i need a good standard zoom

« on: April 08, 2013, 09:44:34 AM »

I thought about buying a kit but i got a very good deal for a 2 month old 6D body.
But now i need a good standard zoom for my new FF camera.
So what is the best choice for best quality at the short end?
1000 euro maximum.

You want the best quality standard zoom? A few posts have suggested a 24-70 f/2.8 series-1. Right zoom range....wrong lens. While good copies of this lens are known to exist, most of them are mongrels. I had five over a number of years. Avoid them. They highly likely to disappoint.

You've got yourself a great body, so back it up with a truly phenomenal lens, the new 24-70 f/2.8II. Everything positive you have read about this lens is true. As I mentioned on another thread, photographers including myself are disposing of L primes in the 24-70 zoom range...the new zoom makes them obsolete. It's just that good.

-PW

But where can you get one for less than 1000 Euros?

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Lenses / Re: ok so i did it and bought into FF... now i need a good standard zoom

« on: April 08, 2013, 01:02:19 AM »

I would consider the 24-70 2.8L.  You should be able to find one for ~ $1000.  If I could only have one lens and could not afford the II, this is the one I would get.  It may not be quite as sharp as the new version, but it is a great lens.  I use mine all of the time and get fantastic results.

+1.  This is exactly what I was about to post.  Although if you could find a 16-35mm for $1000 or less then that would also be worth considering if landscape is going to be your main interest.

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EOS Bodies / Re: Canon 5D MK3 or 6D Replacements... when?

« on: April 05, 2013, 06:11:44 AM »

Save yourself some pain and buy a 5D3 now.  Otherwise you'll chew your fingernails off every time Canon makes an announcement for the next 2-3 years.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: need advise on what speedlite?

« on: March 21, 2013, 06:23:14 AM »

The YN's do have an annoying powersaver feature, but it's manageable.

I am thinking about augmenting my two 580exII's with a couple of YN-560 or YN-568ex2 combined with my YN-602 and 622c's and get rid of my old Nikon SB-28's for background.

- What is the issue with the sleep-mode with the YN's?

The issue I have with sleep mode on my YN-568ex is that when it goes to sleep, you have to fire a shot first before it wakes up.  So you miss the first shot.

The wake-up can happen from the camera position though, right? You don't need to physically touch the flash, correct?

That's correct - I never have to physically touch the flash.  But then you need to consider that I'm not leaving them for more than 10-15 minutes, so I haven't experienced a 'deep' sleep like the type that Chris Burch has described.  Or maybe that issue has been resolved with the 568ex?

BTW, the 622c is an excellent trigger - amazing really when you consider the price.  I was using a Pixel branded trigger before, and couldn't get a shutter sync faster than 1/125th (on my 5D3).  With the 622c I can sync at 1/200th easily and with HSS have shot at 1/2000th.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: need advise on what speedlite?

« on: March 20, 2013, 02:36:35 AM »

The YN's do have an annoying powersaver feature, but it's manageable.

I am thinking about augmenting my two 580exII's with a couple of YN-560 or YN-568ex2 combined with my YN-602 and 622c's and get rid of my old Nikon SB-28's for background.

- What is the issue with the sleep-mode with the YN's?

The issue I have with sleep mode on my YN-568ex is that when it goes to sleep, you have to fire a shot first before it wakes up.  So you miss the first shot.

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Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 17, 2013, 06:24:53 AM »

I love the 85mm focal length.  What this review really needs is an update that includes comparisons with the Canon f/1.8 and the Sigma f/1.4.  Even if only because the review asks the question:

"Practically, how does f/1.2 hold up against 1.4? Is the lenses [sic] $2,000 price tag justified? After all, Canon shooters have the option of a Sigma 1.4 at half that price, and the Canon 85mm f/1.8 for about $500."

...but doesn't actually answer it.  Just some constructive feedback there.

I own the Sigma 85mm lens and it's beautiful.  The thought of buying a non-Canon lens (especially one as expensive as the 85mm f/1.4) made me squirm initially, but my hesitation was unwarranted.  Perhaps I got lucky - I haven't had any focus or quality issues with mine (used on a 5D III and 1V).  Yes the minimum focussing distance isn't great, but none of the 85s do particularly well in this area.  The Sigma also features the very versatile 77mm filter thread, whereas the f/1.2L uses a 72mm thread.

If the Canon were the same price (or thereabouts) as the Sigma, I might have bought it, but at twice the price?  Not a chance.

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Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: how reliable are cheap third party flashes (yongnuo)

« on: March 10, 2013, 09:04:53 PM »

I think the point that everyone here is trying to make is that all flashes, whether it's a cheap one like a Yongnuo or a pricey Canon, can die.  The main thing to remember is that if you're a commercial photographer, you need to ensure that you're covered for if/when this happens (and always carry backup units).  If you want a warranty, I'd suggest you buy a Canon flash from a local authorised dealer.