Messages

1

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: F/8 Autofocusing impressions

« on: May 20, 2013, 01:20:59 PM »

When I bought the Kenko (which still works fine), the primary purpose was to allow AF with an f/8 combination on the 5D2. I soon bought the 5D3 and found the performance to be very good with it at f/8.

I've also got my Canon 1.4X II and 2X teleconverters still - no need to get rid of them.

As for micro-adjustment - I just haven't taken the time to perform that function at all with the 5D3, though I probably should at least with my longest lens combinations. There are a lot of competing variables that conspire to degrade image quality when shooting with long lenses (camera shake, etc.) so having the absolute best AF precision would seem to be more critical.

2

EOS Bodies / Re: Patent: More DO Supertelephoto Lenses

« on: May 20, 2013, 12:51:27 PM »

I owned the 70-300 DO lens for a couple of years. While it wasn't a bad lens, the DO did take a bit of a toll on IQ, particularly in situations where lens flare was likely (strong light source striking the front element). Bokeh was a little awkward/choppy at times also. I understand that the 400/4 DO is a very good lens.

I'd like to see a refinement in the DO design that would produce an even better optical quality. The light weight and relatively small package makes a strong selling point for this technology.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: F/8 Autofocusing impressions

« on: May 20, 2013, 12:09:51 PM »

The Kenko locks up the 5DIII when used with the latest generation telephotos, and you have to remove the battery to restart.

I found this to be true ONLY when AFMA is enabled. Otherwise, Kenko TC's autofocus fine at f/8 and did so prior to the 5D3 firmware update.

Agreed - I had that issue prior to the new firmware also. Could not micro-adjust the Kenko-lens combination because the camera would lock up. The solution was to delete the MA setting for that lens and not use AFMA with my Kenko (which I only used for F/8 AF situations anyway).

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: F/8 Autofocusing impressions

« on: May 18, 2013, 04:14:41 PM »

Further to what Doug stated, it's always been possible to 'trick' Canon's f/5.6 AF points into focusing with an f/8 max aperture, with pin taping or a TC that doesn't properly report.  Canon did not allow the functionality because it wasn't completely reliable.  Their recent firmware, possible coupled with higher density line sensors on the 1D X/5DIII (which is how the past 1-series bodies achieved f/8 AF), allowed them to enable it with confidence.

For the record, utilizing stacked teleconverters or third-party telecons (like the Kenko), I have been able to reliably autofocus with great results on the 5D3 (center region AF points), fair results (center point only) on the 5D2 and 5D, and "hit-and-miss" with the 7D.

Basically, the results I got with the 5D3 were so good that I was surprised that Canon hadn't included f/8 AF on that body right from the start. Perhaps they needed to iron out some issues first, I don't know.

5

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: F/8 Autofocusing impressions

« on: May 17, 2013, 12:27:40 PM »

I haven't given it a good full test yet, but I am enjoying backyard bird photography with the 5D3, 100-400 and the 1.4X II. Focus is reasonably quick, and it is pretty accurate. The image quality is decent, not on par with the big primes, but definitely not bad either. Occasionally, I find some weird pattern to the bokeh, but I think that's more a fault of the 100-400 than anything.

The true test will come with using some of the bigger glass and teleconverter combinations to see how it works for very long distance shooting. I've found, though, that stacking teleconverters does take its toll on IQ so that the results will be slightly less than optimal.

I'm really considering a 500/4 II in the future - somewhat light, and compatible with the 1.4X or the 2X teleconverters to give a variety of very long lens capability without the heft of the 400/2.8.

6

Lenses / Re: EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Announcement Tonight

« on: May 13, 2013, 09:00:58 PM »

Resistance is futile!

I was kind of thinking about the 500 f/4 II, but this changes things a bit. I'll have to give this some very serious thought.

7

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Press event on may 31st

« on: May 12, 2013, 08:18:46 AM »

What I'd like to see (but probably won't) announced...

A 70D with greater pixel density than the 7D, and lower noise.
A pancake lens similar in size to the 40/2.8, perhaps in APS-C, around 20-22 mm. (thinking for the SL1 here)
A pocketable large-sensor camera, similar to the S-100, but with a faster lens and APS-C sensor. Needs to be able to contract the lens so that it'll fit in a shirt pocket.

Hey, a guy can dream, right?

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EOS Bodies / Re: 100D/SL1

« on: April 27, 2013, 08:56:00 AM »

Congratulations on the new purchase!

Like NDA, I'm also looking forward to seeing how the performance works out.

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EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Firmware 1.2.1 for the 5D Mark III in the Wild

« on: April 21, 2013, 09:23:54 AM »

T minus 9 days and counting!

10

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Sigma Announces 18-35 f/1.8 DC HSM Art for APS-C

« on: April 18, 2013, 12:05:47 PM »

Very interesting lens, and a good idea.

Although, I also would like to see a fast, ultrawide full frame zoom instead.

11

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: EOS 5D Mark III Firmware Coming April 30, 2013

« on: April 18, 2013, 12:03:43 PM »

I'm looking forward to the f/8 autofocus, although I have admittedly been cheating by using a third-party teleconverter to achieve f/8 autofocus at times. The camera is very much capable of doing so, and I'm glad that Canon is doing this. It opens some new doors for me as far as super-telephoto lenses are concerned.

Not that I can afford any more long glass, but it would be nice to someday throw the 500/4 II and a 2X teleconverter on with a light graphite tripod and go shooting out in the woods and field.

12

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Announcement Tonight? [CR2]

« on: April 08, 2013, 12:52:02 PM »

We are in the rumors forum for a reason...

True that!

13

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Announcement Tonight? [CR2]

« on: April 08, 2013, 12:49:59 PM »

The new 5D3 firmware??

it's already announced, maybe an official release tonight i guess

That would be nice!

14

EOS Bodies / Re: Canon Announcements on April 23, 2013? [CR2]

« on: April 07, 2013, 12:46:08 PM »

Pay close attention to the new sensor in the Canon EOS SL1 as far as performance goes.

I am for certain paying attention to that. Wondering if Canon has really made a significant change to their APS-C sensor or not. That little SL1 might be a pretty versatile little body for use on a telescope, since it's so small and light. Not quite like a dedicated astrophotography tool, but something that the "weekend duffer" with a decent telescope could use.

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Lenses / Re: New Canon L-lens: EF 16-600mm f2,8 L USM

« on: April 01, 2013, 07:06:40 AM »

What is a fluoride element? Weight savings?

Accepted by the American Dental Association as part of an effective tool to fight tooth decay.