Messages

1

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: EOS 5D Mark III Firmware 1.2.1 Available for Download

« on: April 30, 2013, 11:38:32 PM »

Is the CF formatting after the firmware update really necessary, or removing the firmware file is enough?

Wondering about the same thing.

2

Software & Accessories / Re: Cleaning a circular polarizing filter--how, when?

« on: April 28, 2013, 06:57:03 PM »

Thanks to Mt. Spokane and neuroanatomist for your suggestions.

I didn't have cleaning supplies (aside from a blower), so I went to a local store (Calumet Photographic), and they did exactly what you two have suggested (nice of them to do a cleaning job for me).  I'll now be able to do the same.

I purchased a Lenspen, microfiber cloth, and a small bottle of "Ultra Clarity lens cleaner", which may be identical to Zeiss lens cleaner.  (The cleaner is from Nanofilmtechnology, and the company's website mentions that their "Board of Directors is comprised of current and former senior executives for BFGoodrich, RPM, McFarland Dewey & Co., and **Zeiss** . . . .[emphasis added]".)

I feel a bit silly after seeing how easy it is to clean my filter, but I'm glad to be able to call upon the experience of others who know what they're doing to guide me.

Thanks again to you both!

3

Software & Accessories / Cleaning a circular polarizing filter--how, when?

« on: April 27, 2013, 11:24:53 PM »

I have a B+W circular polarizer.  On the inner surface there seem to be two flecks of something relfective, like pieces of glitter.  They appear to be slighty larger than the size of a period seen at the end of any given sentence in a canonrumors post.

Should the filter be cleaned?  If so, with what or by what method?  Will dust or the "flecks" I see affect photographs?  I suspect that they will not, or at least not any more than they would if they were on a lens surface, but would like to know more from those of you who have experience with this.

I am hesitant to clean the filter too agressively.  This is what I have:

http://www.adorama.com/BW77CPLKS.html

Suggestions and thoughts?

Thanks

4

Lenses / Re: Better for head shots, portraits: 100mm f.2.8L Macro IS or 70-200 f.2.8L IS II?

« on: April 18, 2013, 05:53:50 PM »

Thanks to everyone who has chimed in on my question.

In reference to David's (dafrank) reply about the range of focal lengths in portraiture, I agree completely and indeed use focal lengths other than 100mm for portraits.  I asked my question with specific reference to the 100 focal length only because I remember reading that other--namely, non-macro--lenses seemed to have been preferred by folks commenting on the matter (I wish I could remember the thread where I read those comments).  I wonder if nehemiah is on to something with his idea that a "macro" label could have something to do with perceptions of the lens as not ideally suited for portraiture compared with non-macro-designated lenses.

At any rate, this forum is as helpful as ever.  I appreciate all the comments made so far, and I look forward to learning more about experiences others have had with either or both lenses.

Cheers to all of you!

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Lenses / Better for head shots, portraits: 100mm f.2.8L Macro IS or 70-200 f.2.8L IS II?

« on: April 18, 2013, 03:05:05 PM »

In terms of image quality and out-of-focus rendering or (also?) “bokeh”, does one of these lenses have an edge for portraits and head shots at 100mm?

70-200mm f/2.8L IS II (8 rounded aperture blades)
100mm f/2.8L Macro IS (9 rounded aperture blades)

If there is no substantial/significant/notable/etc. difference between the two lenses at 100mm, I would be inclined to use the 100mm macro on a shoot because it is lighter.

However, if the 70-200mm lens (at 100mm) has some sort of appreciable advantage over the 100mm macro lens, then extra weight would be unimportant to me, and I would use the bigger lens.

From what I believe I have read elsewhere in Canon Rumors , but am unable to find exactly, is that the macro lens is not recommended generally for portraits (?), and that the 70-200mm is preferred, along with primes such as the 135mm f/2L or the 85mm f/1.2L.

Might anyone share thoughts or insight regarding this question?

6

Lenses / Re: Insurance on camera equipment

« on: April 17, 2013, 11:49:41 PM »

I have covered my equipment with State Farm because of what I read on this thread.  Great advice here, and perfect coverage from State Farm (zero deductible, full replacement coverage).

7

Software & Accessories / Re: What editing software do you use?

« on: April 13, 2013, 09:56:26 PM »

Currently, I use Photoshop for everything.  I expect to get LR soon for more "everyday" use.  The reason I use Photoshop is because I've been using the program since version 4 (from LONG ago in the 90s), so it's familiar to me.

8

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: i need a new tripod, any recommendations? please help.

« on: April 13, 2013, 12:09:00 AM »

For an alumimum model, try this:

http://www.adorama.com/INDAT413.html

Very strong, only $217, 67.5 inches high (171.5 cm) with center column retracted (The carbon version is around $665).

9

Portrait / Re: We, The Photographers......Self Portaits..a Who's Who on CR

« on: April 09, 2013, 12:27:53 AM »

A shot in the dark

10

Canon General / Re: Which eye do you shoot with?

« on: March 13, 2013, 03:45:33 PM »

I will shoot with both eyes, but mostly with the left.

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

« on: March 12, 2013, 11:23:28 PM »

Anthonyhnj,

Can you tell more about why you're not keeping the ST-E3-RT?  What are it's benefits or shortcomings relative to the Youngnuo 622Cs for what you're doing?  Just curious since I am considering buying it.

Thanks

12

Software & Accessories / Re: RECHARGEABLE - POWER-EX - ENLOOP - IMEDION

« on: March 12, 2013, 12:06:12 AM »

I offer yet another endorsement for the Eneloop XX.  As others have written, use a charger that holds several batteries.  Currently, I'm using a Pearstone charger (model  AA-8LCD) that holds 8 batteries.

13

Animal Kingdom / Re: MY dog

« on: March 11, 2013, 08:39:22 PM »

A shot of my friend's dog.  Friend was sitting at a kitchen island, with her torso and thigh forming the upper left and part of the lower elements of the "triangle frame" (blue portions).  Her arm forms the upper right side of the triangle (she was wearing a black sweater).  The rest of the bottom side of the triangle is formed from a granite countertop surface.  The dog was walking around the kitchen and happened to step into this triangle frame.  I took a shot.

14

Lighting / Re: Calumet Pro Series wireless trigger--black bar at bottom of screen at 1/200

« on: March 11, 2013, 08:11:00 PM »

I've replaced the batteries, and everything is perfect again.  How nice to have so easy a fix.  I'm glad you suggested the battery possibility, Studio1930.

Thanks to everyone who's chimed in on my question.  This forum is a wonderful place.

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Lighting / Re: Calumet Pro Series wireless trigger--black bar at bottom of screen at 1/200

« on: March 11, 2013, 01:23:31 PM »

Thank you for the suggestions.  I'll try going with fresh batteries, as the current ones are around a year old and have seen a fair share of use.  I don't believe I have the option of tweaking the timing settings on my Calumet trigger, but I will look into it.  For now, I hope that a fresh set of batteries will get things right for me.  I'm making do with the Calumet set until I ge the ST-E3-RT.

Thanks again to you both for your ideas.