Messages

1186

Lenses / Re: Ultrawide | Prime or zoom?

« on: January 02, 2012, 02:17:21 PM »

neuroanatomist: For a crop - t2i - would you recommend as a "walk around lens" with IQ in mind not budget, the 16-35 ?

Actually, I'd recommend the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS as the best general purpose zoom for an APS-C body.  On the same APS-C body, the IQ of the 17-55mm is better than the 17-40L, slightly better than the 16-35L II, plus the 17-55mm has a broader range and IS.  With a 7D, the weather-sealing of the 16-35L might be a factor, but not with a T2i.

I'd 2nd that, IMO it's sharper than the 24-70, I was really surprised the first time I played with it.  Also it's an effective   However I remember having my T2i and being pretty damn impressed with the 16-35mm on APS-C, the bokeh is very circular and looks beautiful cropped. 

But in terms of versatility, Neuro is right, the 17-55 is awesome.  The only bad thing I've ever heard about the lens is that its somewhat susceptible to dust. 

1187

EOS Bodies / Re: Ebay or Adorama Used?

« on: January 02, 2012, 02:07:18 PM »

+1 for Craigslist. 
I've gotten the following from CL in the past year:
70-200 f/2.8 IS
24-70 f/2.8 (2 diff copies)
16-35mm f/2.8 II
14L II
35L
50L

I got the 85L II and a different copy of the 35L from a local store, both used.  100L Macro and 135L from another local store.  But the best deals came from CL for sure.  Photography is a specialty, so it's pretty easy to feel out how legitimate someone is by asking a few questions.  I've sold quite a few on there too, and of course you get scam emails, but just avoid shipping and whatnot and you'll be fine.

1188

Lenses / Re: Ultrawide | Prime or zoom?

« on: January 02, 2012, 12:35:35 AM »

Are any of the ultrawide primes better than others? I know Canon, Tokina and Sigma all have ultrawide primes. Any advice?

Right now I have a Tamron 10-24 which is fine but has a lot of CA and is far from tack sharp on the edges.

If you're considering a prime, I'd recommend picking a focal length first.  Your Tamron 10-24mm is equivalent to 16-38mm on FF.  Ultrawide is defined as <24mm (on FF).  If you want wider than your current 10mm on APS-C, that means a 14mm prime (Canon, Samyang) or the Sigma 12-24mm zoom.  There is the 17mm TS-E, 20mm primes from Canon and Sigma, and zooms from Canon (17-40, 16-35) and Tokina (16-28).

Of those, the best optical quality will be the 17mm TS-E.

neuroanatomist: For a crop - t2i - would you recommend as a "walk around lens" with IQ in mind not budget, the 16-35 ?

I have the 16-35mm II and the 14mm f/2.8 II and while I love the versatility of the 16-35mm, the 14mm is crushing it in terms of sharpness and color.  14mm is very very wide on Full Frame, but if you want ultra wide you wouldn't be disappointed.  At the same time it's significantly more expensive than the 16-35mm. 

I would 2nd the vote for the Zeiss 21mm, I was pretty blown away with it's sharpness across the entire frame.  I am most likely selling my 16-35mm for a that or a 24L II. 

1189

Lenses / Re: 135L focus ring sticking, any suggestions?

« on: December 31, 2011, 01:03:35 PM »

After thinking about this a little, I'd suggest two things.

First, try some troubleshooting. Turn off AF and see if it ever happens in MF.

Second, try cleaning the electrical contacts between camera and lens and see if it still happens using AF.

Oh, and under all circumstances, use a fully charged battery.

Just some things I'd try.

AF works absolutely fine and it doesn't seem to get hung up , but I shoot MF 99% of the time.  I can rack from infinity and back 10 times in a row and it may not get caught up at all.  And when I say it gets "caught up," its never just gotten completely stuck in one spot.  It just will stick for a second while turning the focus ring, usually around the 4/5 foot focus mark.  Does that make sense?

Thanks for your suggestions guys

1190

EOS Bodies / Re: 7D Mark II for Photokina? [CR1]

« on: December 31, 2011, 12:38:31 PM »

Who wants a 7D mk2 and not a FF 5Dmk3 with more dynamic range?
Would a 21Mpixel 7D with more dynamic range from a better sensor and digic 5 be worthwhile.
New is good, but why would i upgrade from a 60D?

The 7D has a better dynamic range than the 5DII.......And you're talking about 2 cameras that we know absolutely nothing about, but I'm guessing there won't be that much of a difference, probably less than 1 stop.

1191

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III Sooner Than Later [CR2]

« on: December 28, 2011, 04:05:34 PM »

Unfortunately, I think the Cinema EOS 4k concept camera will be a $20,000 product- it was announced to keep Canon video users from investing in Scarlet-X, the only other 4k capable camera out there within reach. If the HD-only C300 is $16,000, it seems unlikely they would undercut that with a 4k DSLR at a lower cost. Of course, I hope I'm wrong.

My hunch is they'll improve the video in the 5DIII to match the 1DX (with maybe a few other goodies- HDR video, anyone?), and let us, the low-budget filmmaking crowd use that while they market the 4k Cinema EOS camera for the Hollywood/rental market/higher budget crowd.

There is nothing suggesting the CDSLR will cost that much, just bc it's 4k doesn't automatically mean it's going to be more expensive (Scarlet is 4k and costs less than the C300.  I'm just saying that if the C300 was their "big gun" they would have waited and announced that first.  It would have been foolish to release a new camera and announce a better camera at the same time. 

I doubt it will have HD-SDI outs, built in ND's, etc like the C300.  If you figure the 1DX is $6800, take away the costs for the crazy AF and the 10-12fps and I'm sure it could be taken down to $5k.  What could they possibly add to that body that would increase the price by $12k-$15k and make it a better camera than the C300?

Technology is getting cheaper by the day, and hell the new iPhone does 1080p and looks damn good for what it is.  This camera isn't going to be announced for another year, so who knows how much cheaper things will be by then.

Even at first glance it seems apparent that the C300 is the superior camera (based on looks of course).  If the CDSLR is $20k that would mean that the 5DIII is the next video DSLR (even though both the previous 5D's were still cameras), and that move just doesn't make sense.  There are photographers that never use the video features on their 5DII and there are videographers that don't use the still features of the camera, so why make both segments pay for features they don't need/want?

I could be completely wrong about all of this, but that's my reasoning more or less.

Last thing, check out the group shot of all the cinema gear :
If the CDSLR is the "flagship" of the line why is it tucked off in the corner?

1192

EOS Bodies / Re: Why are people so sure that a 5d3 will be realised in 2012?

« on: December 28, 2011, 09:47:32 AM »

Handsomerob - I think you make some good points, however I think the only real one that would force a 2012 date is a d800 for obvious reasons. The reason I am skeptical is that there is zero proof of a 2012 release date, not a jot. The question was more of an attempt to explore people's reasoning rather than anything else.

If the hypothesis of a 2012 date is true, what else must be true:
- d800 will definently be released in 2012 or
- 5d2 is selling very poorly or
- canon have publically committed to a 2012 release date

None of these have happened.

The price drop tends to elicit confirmation bias, a price drop in itself signifies nothing, it could be a sign of a price drop but then it could not, but people tend to only see what they want and expect to see and don't try and disprove their beliefs, in this case 'have canon dropped the 5d2 price before without a 5d3 release?', yes they have. As such unfortunately a price drop in the 5d2 suggests nothing.

The 5d3 rumours seem a very similar (just more drawn out) version of the iPhone 5 rumours of 2011; The more something is repeated the more truth is imputed to it, despite a lack of credibility of the source(s).

Personally I take the honest route about this in that "I don't know when it will be released".

You're one of those super technical people aren't you?  Like if I were to casually say "Man I was running like the speed of light," you'd be one of those people that would be like, "OH OK, YEAH RIGHT MAN!, SO YOU WERE RUNNING 186,202.1083508132756082735 MILES PER HOUR?  YOURE AN IDIOT NO HUMAN COULD DO THAT OR THEIR SKIN WOULD MELT OFF BLAH BLAH BLAH!."  You police the internet waiting for someone to be incorrect so you can stick it to them right? 

Why are you being so damn cynical? Why are you so mad that some people think it will come out this year?  I THINK it will come out this year, and I think this because of all of the information I've received in regards to the matter.  I don't think anyone is saying "I'm 1000% sure the 5D will come out this year."  And you can say "I don't know when it's coming out" all you want, but it's apparent that your answer is "2013 or later."  But your answer is no better than anyone else's, just an educated  guess based on the information you have. 

The 5DIII is LONG overdue, you do realize the 5DII will be 4 YEARS OLD in August right?  That's ancient in the technology world.  Do you know how many customers Canon would lose if it waited until 2013 to release it?  Honestly I think if it weren't for all the natural disasters we would have heard an announcement already.

The reason I think its going to come out this year is because (aside from the reasons already stated) Canon Rumors has been saying it was going to be announced in Feb-Apr 2012 for over a year.  And from experience, when the guy CR2's something its more than likely going to happen. 

Oh and save my screen name and come back in April so I can say I told you so.

1193

EOS Bodies / Re: Shooting on a higher shutter over buying an ND filter?

« on: December 27, 2011, 11:58:52 PM »

I've been wanting to buy an ND filter but after messing around with a higher shutter rate I feel that I don't need to drop the cash. The only major issue I have is that I just have to be really carful with my movements (example at 20 seconds). Anywho what do you guys think of the video 

BY NO MEANS AM I TRYING TO BE PROFESSIONAL, just one of those "once in a while" videos for a hobby.

http://youtu.be/BtBcIP704lo

EDIT: GREAT NEWS! I guess my Dad did have an ND filter... I just don't know if the filter is enough to give me enough stops to maintain the 1/50th with a 1.8.

Dude with video your shutter stays locked, it's out of the equation.  1/50 if you're shooting 24fps and 1/60 if 30fps.  You can use higher shutter speeds for action sequences or things of that nature, but not more than 1/200 or so, definitely not 1/2000.

1194

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III Sooner Than Later [CR2]

« on: December 27, 2011, 11:54:00 PM »

Unfortunately I don't think the "Concept" DSLR is going to be targeted for the 5DII video market.  Canon announced and purposely showed off that "Concept DSLR" camera in their marketing materials next to the C-300 and the new cine lenses and PL mounts with the same "C" branding in red, therefore I think that camera is aimed at THAT market solely - Hollywood, where it was announced...not at the core 5DII community that shoots video.  I think it will be targeted to be used in conjunction with the C300s as B cams etc or others (indies with funding) as primary that are buying the $8K-$15K cine lenses as well... all the pictures I've seen of it from Canon show it with one of the new CN-E lenses which are obviously going to be well above EF-L glass in price.  I also don't think it was THAT early of a prototype either, else they wouldn't have included it in the C-300 announcement.  I think it's closer to market version vs concept.

Like you, I'd like to see a stills camera similar to the 1DsIII too (or alternately a new model/series FF stills camera in the $3-4K range) but since everyone is including video now I don't think we will.  With the 1Dx inclusive of video, I think that the prospect of a stills-only studio camera has left the building, even if the rumored huge MP camera comes out, I'm sure it will also shoot video.  I think the 5DIII will be targeted at the same exact market that loves their 5DIIs (stills and/or video both) in the $3K range, with no real surprises in the price/market area.  I'm guessing much akin to a FF 7D (AF, etc) hopefully with some of the new sensor/video features of the 1Dx.  Maybe we will all see soon now...

The announcement was that it was in development, they weren't actually announcing the product (no specs aside from 4k).  And a lot of people were saying that the C300 would be the great B cam, so I don't see why they would be so interested in the Cinema DSLR.  Of course the red "C" seems like it's geared towards the hollywood market, but that's only based on the products you've seen so far.  Yes the new Cinema primes will fit on the CDSLR, they're EF mount!  Any other Canon lens will fit on it so that doesn't tell us anything....

All I know is I'm part of the 5D video segment and I only got into DSLRs for the video side.  But there are things I hate about the 5DII and I really want a DSLR designed to shoot video.  NOT another stills camera that happens to shoot great video... 

I was thrilled when I saw that Canon was making an announcement, but disappointed when the C300 was revealed (since its not in my price range).  But I was only disappointed until I saw the concept DSLR, and that's what I'm waiting for.  It just seems like they only mentioned that to let the prosumers know that they will have something for them down the line.  And I'm sure Canon knows how eager people would be to get their hands on a "Cinema EOS" product. 

Of course the 5DIII will shoot video, but the 5D series is a stills camera at heart.  Canon didn't know the 5D would take off in the video world the way it did, they wouldn't be such a pain in the ass to shoot video with otherwise.
 

1195

United States / Re: Prime lenses you currently own or on your wishlist.

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:44:47 PM »

Currently Own:
Canon 50mm f/1.4 II
Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro (non-L)
Loads of non-Canon manual glass (Rokinon, Zeiss, Asahi, Helios, Kiron)

Wishlist:
Canon 24mm f/1.4L
Canon 85mm f/1.2L
Canon 90mm f/2.8 TS-E
Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS
Canon 500mm f/4.0 L IS
Leica Noctilux 50mm f/0.95

There isn't a 50mm f/1.4 II......

1196

Lenses / 135L focus ring sticking, any suggestions?

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:33:24 PM »

My 135mm f/2 is getting stuck while focusing, i mean the ring keeps spinning, but you can see the distance marks stopping.  It doesn't happen every time, just here and there.  Any ideas as to what may be causing this?

1197

Lenses / Re: So what kinda gear did Santa bring you this year?

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:24:50 PM »

Santa gave me a IOU for two new L lenses.  I now have to decide which one I get at least one of them before the Jan 7th rebate season is over.  First I am hoping to get a 35 1.4L II assuming it is announced in January.

Next I am debating to get either the 100L IS Macro or the 135L.  I had the 135L in my collection for a breif moment until I decided to swap it for the 70-200 2.8L ISII zoom.  However I miss the 135 and regret parting with it.

I know the 100 and the 135 are two different lenses, but just looking to expand the type of lenses I have.

I remember shooting at an event with the 70-200 2.8 IS (v1) and the 135mm and when I was going through the pictures there were some that I thought were from the 135mm for sure and ended up being from the 70-200.  And considering how much better V2 is of that lens I think you would be better off with the 100mm Macro is a lot of fun....one of the few lenses I regret selling.  IS works incredibly well (only one with hybrid IS), its super sharp and the bokeh is beautiful. 

At the same time, that Zeiss 100mm is sick, I think it would be worth taking a look at if you can live without AF.

Thanks I will have a look at the Zeiss.  I was leaning toward the 100 macro as well for the fun factor and also for getting different.  For the 135. I agree with you that the 70-200 2.8IS II zoom is almost on par with the 135, but my motivation here is to get something lighter when I have to carry it a bit.  I was even considerign adding the 70-200 f$ at one point just for the weight factor.  I love the 70-200 2.8IS II but was only looking for something lighter for some occation.

However while I dont yet do macro, I think I would enjoy doing some from time to time so the 100 macro lenses might get the first vote indeed!

 

Ahh I forgot about the size of the 135mm, this is a very good point.  As soon as you bust out the 70-200 everyone starts fixing their hair/looking nervous, but the 135mm doesn't look that long at all : ). 

I think you'll have fun with the 100L Macro or the Zeiss 100mm.  The Zeiss 100mm is significantly more expensive, but it's the only ZE lens with Master Prime optics (Master primes are cinema lenses that are like $20k/each).  It separates the subject from the background so well that it almost gives the picture a 3D effect. 

1198

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 5d Mark 2 Battery Life

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:18:59 PM »

I'd put money on a bad battery or batteries.

I too just got my 5D2 but I have much better life than that.  I had a job a couple of weeks ago where I came home with just over 400 images - and that's not including ones I deleted on site.  I probably used live view 20% of the time and my image review is set to "Hold."  I was using the 24-105 IS kit lens, and yes, image stabilization was on.  My battery held up just fine throughout.

I agree, mine last forever.  Then again I do have a battery grip, so I guess with 2 batteries you really have to use it nonstop all day for it to die. 

1199

EOS Bodies / Re: To switch or not to switch?

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:18:05 PM »

Hi All

I am currently on my second Rebel body, but with the decreasing price of the 5D Mark II, I am starting to consider going full frame, otherwise it will be the 60D or its successor.  The switch is not that easy for me, because my 2 most used lenses are crop only.

Background, I am an enthusiast only, and most of my photo's revolve around family and the trips we make.  Photo's are thus a mix of landscapes, indoor/outdoor architecture and family (groups mosthly)

So I want to solocite opinions:
1 - Why people (non-pro's), similar to my use, made the switch (outside of weddings and studio photogs)
2 - Why people DID NOT make the switch

Negatives I am concerned about (due to my expected use)
- Lack of pop up flash for quick fill flash
- Size and weight compared to Rebel and 60D

Positives I have identified
- Better low light performance
- Better "apparent" depth of field
- Have some weather sealing

Again for my use, the lower quality AF and burst rate are not important (I am used to a  Rebel), but maybe this played a big role for people who didn't switch.

I am mostly aware of the pure technical differences between the 5D and 60D.  I am more concerned with actual experience using it.  I.E. was it everything it was made up to be when you switch.  Or what is bothering you with the 5D.  Or what specific qualities are stopping you from switching (apart from price off course)

Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

I think most people that haven't switched will tell you that they are waiting on the 5DIII.  I switched from a T2i to a 5DII a little over a year ago and I love it.  Most people switch bc it's full frame (which means better high ISO performance, more shallow depth of field, and all your lenses will feel wider on it). 

I think the menu may be a little intimidating compared to a rebel, but aside from that I think you'll be fine.  I wouldn't worry about the flash, out of the 20k pictures or so I've shot in the last year I used a flash less than 1% of the time (then  again I have a bunch of large aperture primes).

But yeah, the FF sensor will allow you to shoot in lower light than you would normally be able to.  With the 60D/7D you can shoot stills at ISO 1250-1600 with somewhat acceptable results (although I try not to go over ISO 800 on APSC), but with a 5DII 1600 still looks pretty damn good.

If you want to get a feel for it, just rent it for a bit and play around, see how you like it. 

1200

EOS Bodies / Re: 5D Mark III Sooner Than Later [CR2]

« on: December 27, 2011, 01:08:35 PM »

Looking forward to the CR2 specs...wait ....CR3 specs! 

Since the mkIII is going to be a grand or so higher than this, I'm glad I pulled the trigger when I did. I now have a brand new full frame for $2kUS.

It's a great camera and will continue to be a great camera for quite a while, enjoy it : )