Messages

76

Lighting / Trigger a 580EX II with a Cybersync Commander

« on: March 28, 2013, 09:37:29 PM »

Hi Everyone,
So I received my first Einstein and Cybersync Commander today, and I'm trying to trigger a 580ex ii as a slave.  However, I'm reading that the 580ex ii can't be triggered as an optical slave by a non-Canon flash.  So my question(s) are: 1) Is this true?  And 2) If so, how can I trigger the 580ex ii as a slave?  Can I use the cord from the Einstein to the 580ex ii or do I pretty much have to pony up for another PCB wireless trigger?

Thanks in advance for the help!

77

Lenses / Re: Canon 50 L II

« on: March 27, 2013, 04:58:35 PM »

The current 50mm f/1.2L is less than seven years old, so I highly doubt a mark 2 will be introduced anytime soon.

Case in point: It took Canon 17 years (1989 - 2006) to update the 85mm f/1.2 mark 1 to mark 2.  And the 135mm f/2L is still going strong at 17 years.

So I wouldn't hold your breath.

78

Software & Accessories / Re: Nik Collection for $149

« on: March 27, 2013, 04:52:42 PM »

Duplicate thread.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=13794.0

BUT I did purchase it, and at $125 (see other thread) it's a great value.

79

EOS Bodies / Re: How to spend money

« on: March 27, 2013, 01:53:19 PM »

Ha.  When I read the topic (subject line) of this thread, my immediate response was, "Wait, you're into photography and this is a problem?"  ;-)

80

Lenses / Re: 50mm: Wich one?

« on: March 26, 2013, 01:19:17 PM »

The bokeh is much better on the 1.4, though the 1.8 is supposed to be a bit sharper wide open.

Personally, I never cared for the plastic mount, which is why I went straight for the 1.4.  But I recently sold my Canon 1.4 for the Sigma f/1.4.  I find the Sigma to be a bit sharper, with better contrast.  But it's hit or miss whether you get a good copy.  My second copy of the Sigma was much better than the first.

81

Lenses / Re: Also chasing Tack Sharp

« on: March 25, 2013, 11:20:01 PM »

If you want sharp wide open, you can't go wrong with the 85mm f/1.2L II.  You obviously pay to play with the 85, but mine is incredibly sharp even at 1.2... Significantly more so than any Canon 50mm.

The 135mm f/2L is also incredibly sharp open as well... More so than the 85, and the pictures that come out of that lens are something else.

I hear good things about the Sigma 35mm f/1.4.  I hope to get one soon myself.

82

Lenses / Re: Prime vs zoom

« on: March 25, 2013, 10:01:54 PM »

It really depends on what I'm shooting.  If I can afford to, primes all the way.  However, there are plenty of conditions where you simply have to have a zoom.

If I can take my time and prepare for don't have to rush to swap lenses, I'll stick with my 50, 85, 100, or 135.  However, if I'm on foot (exploring a city), I'll usually stick with my 24-70mm.

So for me, it's really a combination of both!  But if I had to pick, I prefer the picture quality of my primes.

83

Software & Accessories / Re: Nik Software worth it?

« on: March 25, 2013, 07:19:16 PM »

I've been wanting to try Nik for awhile (I hear nothing but good things about Silver Efex).  $126 is too good of a deal to pass up.

84

Lenses / Re: Best tele prime for full frame?

« on: March 25, 2013, 03:10:56 PM »

I own the 70-200mm 2.8 ii, 100mm f/2.8L, and 135mm f/2L.  The latter of which I just recently purchased.  I honestly never thought I'd have a place for it in my bag given that I already owned the 70-200 AND the 100mm macro.  But good lord is the 135mm amazing.  Just the best bokeh you could imagine, and it's incredible for street photography because of its smaller profile and extra reach (over the 100mm).

Not sure if you mentioned what camera you'll be using, but with my 5Dm3 I never wish I had IS on the 135.  The f/2 allows for decent shutter speeds even in low light, and with the high ISO capabilities of the 5Dm3 I wouldn't bat an eye at cranking it all the way up to 12,800... especially if you go b&w -- the extra grain gives it a nice feel.

So +1 for the 135mm f/2L from me.

85

Lighting / Re: First external flash? Lots of beginner's questions!

« on: March 25, 2013, 12:16:13 AM »

I'm not too familiar with the 60D but looking at a quick glimpse I see it has no pop-up flash which means you need a master for Off-Camera.

Incorrect.  The 60D has a popup flash, so you could use a single speedlight off camera in slave mode without additional equipment.

I would also recommend the 600RT, though.  The fact that Canon has finally introduced a radio capable speedlight makes it worth its weight alone.  You could also look into strobes.  Paul Buff products are fantastic.

86

Lighting / Re: Einstein Setup

« on: March 23, 2013, 01:06:28 AM »

You guys are really killing my budget.  (But being a photography nerd this comes a no surprise).  :-)

But thank you for the advice!  I'm pretty exited to get started with my own "studio".  I've been almost all natural light to this point, and looking forward to the next challenge.

My current plan is the single Einstein with my speedlight, and hopefully upgrade from there where I need it.  But it's pretty hard to lay off the lens upgrade bug.... Got that 35mm Siggy in mind, and the 24mm ts-e too. :-)

87

Lighting / Einstein Setup

« on: March 22, 2013, 11:04:22 PM »

I finally ordered the PCB Einstein and CyberSync Commander I've been eying for awhile tonight.  I plan on doing a fairly basic setup in my basement as a small studio to play around with lighting.  I also have a 580ex II that I'll use in slave mode as a secondary light.

Most (all) of my experience aside from having my speedlight in the hotshoe is natural light.

So what advice can anyone offer to a beginner at off camera lighting?

Thanks, guys!  :-)

88

Lenses / Re: 24-70 IS ii v 70-200 IS ii

« on: March 21, 2013, 05:09:16 PM »

I was in the same boat five months ago.  Already owned the 24-70mm f/2.8L, and was trying to decide between upgrading to the mark 2, or buy a 70-200mm f/2.8L II.  I didn't have enough capital for both, and eventually decided to go with the versatility of having both lenses over just the 24-70ii.  Hard to take pictures between 70 and 200mm when you don't have a lens in that range.  :-)

That being said, I currently have my 24-70mm mk1 on craigslist and hope someone bites before this current rebate expires.  I'm really hoping to pick up the mark 2 before the end of the month.

89

EOS Bodies / Re: Congratulations Canon to another great Camera release!!

« on: March 21, 2013, 04:47:32 PM »

Good lord, this is why I need to stay away from the Canon forums for a few days after an announcement.  If you guys took pictures half as well as you whined about Canon, you'd all be professionals (and ironically, would complain far less about rebel series SLRs).

instead we all take crap pictures like you and complain about no innovation at canon....

Taking pictures > complaining.

well your not taking pictures right now, you are arguing here... so what?

when you are so good at giving advices... why not following them yourself? 

I'm at work, buddy.  I like to catch a few discussion threads in here when possible, usually to glean whatever I can from the more experienced members.

Like quite a few members of this forum, I use it as a learning tool -- particularly when I don't have my camera with me, such as my paid profession.  I take exception to those who prefer to clog the channels with their complaints about Canon gear.

I learned a long time ago that you shouldn't complain about the decisions you make.  I made the decision to invest in Canon gear.  Of course, I don't always agree with their product direction... but overall I am happy with my gear and feel it suits me.  If I ever feel differently, there's a very simple solution.

But "your" right... I should follow my own advice.  I'm definitely the one with too much time on my hands.

90

EOS Bodies / Re: Congratulations Canon to another great Camera release!!

« on: March 21, 2013, 04:13:28 PM »

Good lord, this is why I need to stay away from the Canon forums for a few days after an announcement.  If you guys took pictures half as well as you whined about Canon, you'd all be professionals (and ironically, would complain far less about rebel series SLRs).

instead we all take crap pictures like you and complain about no innovation at canon....

Taking pictures > complaining.