Messages

16

Lenses / Re: Wider lens for new FF user - 35L vs. new 28 IS

« on: August 16, 2012, 07:34:56 PM »

So, after all that, my question is this.  As I'm not shooting moving targets where the 1.4 will buy me a usefully faster shutter speed, wouldn't I rather use the new 28 @ 2.8 with its four stops of IS at a higher overall IQ than the 35L wide open?  In my unique need, isn't the new 28 a better choice?

I have one more comment for you, since you're a lensrentals.com blog reader.  The new 24 and 28 IS lenses have been a conundrum to me (and many others) - they seemed overpriced for f/2.8 primes.  For the longest time I struggled to think of why someone would want to buy those lenses at their offered prices. 

Then, Roger at lensrentals figured it out for us.  On your new 5D3, the 28/1.8 IS USM is one of a handful of new "super focuser" lenses (my term, not his) that has a rotation detector, and is thus able to fully realize the advanced AF capabilities in the 5D3 and 1DX.

The current 35L, being a dated design, is not in this category.  Its long-rumored successor almost certainly will be, if/when we see it.

Personally, I have an ancient 5D classic, so I will pass on the new 24 and 28 (plus I have a 28/1.8 I'm pretty happy with).  But if I were in your shoes, I would seriously consider it unless I you feel like waiting for the new 35L (which could be a year off and $2000 and huge).

Here's the blog:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2012/08/autofocus-reality-part-3b-canon-cameras

BTW, love your spreadsheet!

17

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Canon 5dc, better than T1i?

« on: August 12, 2012, 02:23:34 PM »

I think your plan makes a lot of sense.  I generally buy into the "glass before body" upgrade philosophy, but going from a crop body to a full frame body is an exception to this rule.  I went from 40D to 5D and hardly ever pick the 40D up anymore - reminds me that I should probably just go ahead and sell it.  The 5D is really really great.

If you get a 5D, I recommend getting the new 40/2.8 pancake.  Really perfect general purpose focal length (IMO) for full frame, and very sharp images even wide open.  Tiny, well-built and only $200 to boot!

18

PowerShot Cameras / Re: Im looking into getting a new camera

« on: July 27, 2012, 10:51:44 PM »

Alternate suggestion: a used 5D from KEH can be had for $750-ish right now.  This includes a 6 month warranty through KEH.  Pair with a 50/1.8 ($100) or 40/2.8 ($200) if you like primes, or a used 28-135 ($200-ish) if you like zooms.  Not nearly as modern in features as the Rebels discussed above, but if you are looking for the best IQ you can get in your budget, I believe the full frame 5D is the answer.

19

Technical Support / Re: DIY sensor cleaning - what to buy.

« on: July 26, 2012, 03:45:52 PM »

I've had good luck cleaning with the method outlined here:
http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2010/04/how-to-clean-a-camera-sensor

Basically, in order: blower, then sensor brush, then sensor stamp, then sensor pen.  All of these things are available on Amazon, and unless you go for the cadillac brush they show in the video, it's pretty inexpensive.  I just use the brush on the end of the sensor pen.  No fluids or other stuff to mess around with.  I was able to totally clean a very messy sensor (including some oil residue) using this method.

20

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24 f/2.8 IS & EF 28 f/2.8 IS Quick Review

« on: June 29, 2012, 07:56:21 PM »

Really the only complaint you can make about these lenses is the price.  They are a great size, useful focal lengths, IS always a good thing, look to be well built, and USM.  If these were $400-$500, everyone would be falling over each other to get one.

Unfortunately, price is everything.  An easy pass for me, which is too bad because I would really like these lenses otherwise.  I'll stick with my 28/1.8 which still costs $400-$500.

21

Canon General / Re: Pancakes for Good - The Big Life Foundation Fundraiser

« on: June 07, 2012, 10:04:38 PM »

I was "in" for this lens beforehand, now I'm "extra in."  Nice touch, CR. 

Looking forward to my first pre-ordering experience - hope it shows up within a year, Canon!

22

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 40 f/2.8 Pancake

« on: June 06, 2012, 03:58:43 PM »

I love it!  Definitely interested.  Is there room for an AF motor in there?  If not, I'd probably prefer the Voigtlander version that has another stop of aperture.

23

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 Pancake Coming [CR3]

« on: May 21, 2012, 11:34:38 PM »

I'm interested in this one, honestly.  As long as it's very sharp at f/2.8 and has ring USM.  I have 50mm and 28mm primes and often wish I had something wider than 50 and longer than 28 to walk around with.

$300 sounds right for a f/2.8 prime, if the IQ is there.  $800 does not, unless it can do the laundry too.

24

PowerShot Cameras / Re: Typical Small Camera Question

« on: May 16, 2012, 12:25:46 AM »

I use a S95.  For me, the decision is: it either fits in my pocket, or it's an SLR.  If I'm shooting in a situation where the bulk and size of my SLR doesn't detract from my enjoyment of whatever it is I'm doing, then I use the SLR.  If not, then I want it to be as small and convenient as possible, while maintaining good image quality.  That points to one and only one camera, so there was little debate: S95 (S100 wasn't yet released when I bought).  I couldn't be happier with the thing - very nice shots in good conditions, takes nice video, f/2.0 at the wide end, etc.

Downside: although the battery lasts longer than reviews would have you believe, the problem is it doesn't warn you before it's about to die.  It can show 3 full bars of battery, then after the first bar disappears it might be dead less than 50 shots later.

Lots of people seem to like these in-between cameras (Canon's G-series, m43, various mirrorless options, etc etc), but for me they're a non-starter unless they go in the pocket.  That's just me though - everyone has their own perspective and needs.

25

Lenses / Re: Is anyone interested in the 24mm2.8IS?

« on: April 30, 2012, 06:03:38 AM »

At the price of the old one, I'd consider it.  For $850, forget it!  Not even remotely on my radar.

26

Lenses / Re: L lens vs Full Frame

« on: April 30, 2012, 06:00:01 AM »

Here's something for you to ponder:

1. Crappy camera body (FF or crop sensor) + crappy lens = crappy picture
2. Crappy camera body + L lens = beautiful picture
3. Best camera body + L lens = stunning picture

4. Best camera body + crappy lens = .......?

27

Lenses / Re: Prime lens to go with 5D III

« on: April 30, 2012, 05:57:11 AM »

I have a 28/1.8 that I use on my 5D (original).  I like it quite a lot and use it more than any other lens.  The 85/1.8 is a technically better lens, but the 28/1.8 is just fine and I find the 28mm focal length more useful for me.  I recommend both lenses highly, and with your 50/1.4 you would have a great 3-prime set for full frame, for less than a 35L.

I don't find the corners of my 28/1.8 to be blurry at all - maybe I got an above average copy.  The whole frame is slightly soft at f/1.8 but sharpens up nicely at f/2.2.  I usually shoot it between 2.2 and 2.8.  The lens really likes being indoors - really outstanding with available light indoor shots.  Outdoors, harsh lighting can wash things out a bit.  Just got a lens hood for it, which seems to be cutting down flare and helping the outdoor shots - recommend a hood definitely.  Boo to Canon for not including lens hoods!

28

EOS Bodies / Re: is the 40D still a good one for 400$

« on: April 05, 2012, 05:20:40 PM »

i would suggest spend a little more and go for a 5D classic over a 40D they must be down to around $700 ish now

I agree with this suggestion.  If I hadn't bought a 5Dc a few months ago for $850, I'd definitely be a buyer right now at $700-ish.  As a 40D user before the 5Dc, I can attest that the 5Dc has noticeably superior image quality.  5Dc does have some downsides in the comparison (inferior LCD, fewer fps, older interface), but the proof is in the pudding: my 40D has been mostly collecting dust since I got the 5Dc.  I only use it when I need more focal length, which is rare.

29

EOS Bodies / Re: What's Next? A General Breakdown

« on: March 07, 2012, 10:06:53 PM »

40mm pancake. Please let it be EF.

+1

I will buy this lens immediately if it is EF.  I agree that EF-S doesn't make much sense, but neither does a $800 28mm f/2.8 prime so I wouldn't be surprised if they did it!

30

Australia / Re: Camera repair in OZ

« on: February 22, 2012, 10:56:02 PM »

I'm in NSW.  I'll try to give the Canon office in Sydney a call and see what they say.  Thanks for the help!

SJP