Messages

31

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.

32

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.

33

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.

34

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.

35

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

« on: March 10, 2013, 10:10:55 AM »

I've been using a Yongnuo 568ex for the last month or two (exclusively with Eneloops), without any issues.  I use it both on and off camera (mostly off), with yn-622 triggers and ETTL.  I just set my 5D3 to manual mode, dial in the settings I want (I've shot happily at 1/4000s using HSS) and the ETTL does the rest.

I cannot imagine that a flash that is this cheap will last anywhere near as long as a top-shelf Canon equivalent though.  But hey, just look at the price.  And flashes only stay compatible for so long with newer cameras coming out all the time... my Sigma 500 DG Super doesn't work with either my 40D or 5D3 because it's too out of date.  The Sigma still works fine off camera as a manual slave though, and I've owned it for nearly 10 years (a testament to its reliability).

36

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: First flash unit advice?

« on: March 10, 2013, 09:49:48 AM »

The flash is worth it's weight in gold.

And that's how much they charge for it... 

I hear a lot of comments that it is overpriced etc but when you look at its competition, it is not overpriced at all ... Nikon SB 910 (which has no built in Wireless Radio) costs $547, Canon 600 EX-RT (with a built-in Wireless Radio) costs $559. If Nikon were to make a built wireless radio, in their SB 910, for just $12 more than everybody would have gone ga ga over it ... well, the 600 EX-RT has already done that.

I'm still not convinced that it's not overpriced - mostly because outside the US, the 600ex-rt generally sells for US$760 - except for the UK where its RRP is US$1000.  How much would you be prepared to pay for it?  My view is:  $559, fair value... $760, hmmm not really... $1000, hell no!

37

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: First flash unit advice?

« on: March 09, 2013, 11:15:43 PM »

The flash is worth it's weight in gold.

And that's how much they charge for it... 

38

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Chinese aftermarket guns

« on: March 09, 2013, 04:36:57 PM »

I've never actually owned a Canon branded speedlite - just a Sigma EF-500 DG Super and the Yongnuo 568EX (the one with HSS).

The Sigma feels like a cheap plastic toy next to the Yongnuo.

If I were shooting weddings professionally I'd probably buy Canon speedlites, but as I'm merely a serious hobbyist Canon would have to drop their prices by at least 50% to entice me to buy their flashes.  I just can't see the value proposition of the 600EX-RT at nearly 5 times the price of the 568EX (in my country anyway).

39

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

« on: March 09, 2013, 06:00:31 AM »

I like the fact that the 622 trigger doubles as an AF assist light. :-)

40

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: First flash unit advice?

« on: March 09, 2013, 05:54:35 AM »

I'd also recommend looking at the Yongnuo flashes if you're keen to save some cash.  I recently bought the yn-568ex and it works really well, both on and off camera (using a pair of yn-622 triggers). It supports high speed sync as well.

41

Technical Support / Re: im thinking about buying a DELL 2713HM - how important is wide gamut?

« on: March 07, 2013, 05:00:40 AM »

I own the 2713HM and my unit appears to be fine.  In fact, after calibrating with a Spyder4 Pro, the data shows that it produces 100% of the SRGB space and 82% of the Adobe colour space.  I use it for Photoshop and gaming.

My second monitor is my old Dell 2407WFP.  The first one I owned died after a year, but Dell provided a 'next day' replacement with a unit that has been working reliably for the last 6 years.

No dead pixels on either unit.

The 2713HM uses an LG IPS panel - a newer version of the one found in the Apple Cinema Display.  When investigating monitors I'd recommend checking the technical details on www.tftcentral.co.uk to find out exactly what you're getting.

42

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D3 hiccup?

« on: March 02, 2013, 05:30:51 PM »

I've had this problem once before, but only when using a Pixel branded battery grip.

43

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: sigma 85 1.4 focus problem

« on: February 27, 2013, 01:47:12 AM »

I haven't experienced this problem with my 85mm on a 5D3.  And I often shoot at its minimum focussing distance.

44

Lenses / Re: Best lens for baby portraits?

« on: February 25, 2013, 07:08:20 AM »

I take a lot of baby photos, and tend to use the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 85mm f/1.4.  (They are a good option if you don't have thousands of dollars to spend.)

Sometimes I'll attach my 24-70mm f/2.8L if I need some flexibility, but most of the time it's just the two primes.  The downside to the 85mm primes (of all brands, as far as I'm aware), is that the minimum focussing distance is around 1 metre (approx 3 feet).

If Canon update their 50mm f/1.4 I'd probably buy it, otherwise I'll upgrade to the Sigma 50mm in the near future.

45

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Film EOS Body

« on: February 20, 2013, 11:45:06 PM »

I've never used a 3, but I own and use a 1V (which I love).  So if the 3 is almost the same camera, but much cheaper, then get it.