Messages

1

Canon General / Re: Canon service center

« on: June 08, 2013, 05:42:08 PM »

Actually, it's quite refreshing to see that someone has taken the time to relate a positive and satisfactory experience with Canon, or any company, for that matter. Usually, on this site, people complain about EVERYTHING. No matter what happens, somehow it's always Canon's or someone else's fault. Canon can do nothing right according to some . . . lenses, bodies, AFMA, etc., etc.

Congrats to Canon for doing "the right thing" and to the OP for taking the time to tell us about it, and shoot down all the nay-sayers.

Zen

2

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Real iso's?

« on: May 28, 2013, 07:23:02 PM »

There are basically three 'types' of ISOs:

• Base ISO - this is the 'real' ISO for the sensor before any amplificaition.  For most sensors, this is actually in the ISO 60 to ISO 80 range, not ISO 100 as many people assume.
• Native ISOs - analog amplification applied to the base signal, prior to analog to digital conversion (ADC).  These values have numbers for selection (e.g. ISO 3200)
• Expanded ISOs - digital amplification applied to the signal after the maximum analog amplification, occurring after the ADC.  These valuse have letters for selection (L, H1, etc.).

You're talking about 'tweener' ISOs - those are seen in some cameras but not others.  Some analog amplifiers (most of them, for Canon sensors, actually) are only capable of full stop incremental amplification, so digital amplification (pushing/pulling occurring after the ADC) is applied to the signal after the 'native' full-stop analog amplification.  If you look at Bill Claff's data for Canon sensors, you can see the zig-zag curves that result from these 'tweener' ISO settings, with all their cameras except the 1D X.

So, dilbert is wrong about the 5DII's ISO settings - ISO 6400 is the highest 'real' (aka native) ISO.  He may be confused because ISO 3200 is the highest available ISO when ISO is set to Auto.  I have no idea what he means by stating, " Once the ISO is past the point where IQ drops more than 1 stop per ISO stop" - what the heck is '1 stop of IQ'?!?  Last time I checked, IQ was not measured in stops anywhere outside of dilbert-land (a fanciful place where lenses are sometimes cameras).  But the reality is, noise and DR scale linearly in the 5DII from ISO 1600 all the way through H2, so the 'IQ difference' between ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 is the same as the difference between ISO 3200 and ISO 6400. 

Having said that, the highest ISO one will use is a personal judgement call.  With the 5DII, ISO 3200 was my highest setting for non-emergency use (but that doesn't make ISO 6400 'not real' - it's still a native ISO setting).

How in the world do you guys remember all this stuff, or even better, how do you take advantage of it when shooting your images? I'm completely lost when it comes to this highly technical data. Does it actually make a difference in your images?

Guess I'm a real boob! Just can't seem to get my arms around it all . . .

Thanks for trying to pound it into my thick skull just the same.

Zen

3

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 19, 2013, 05:51:52 PM »

The question is about the use screen protectors on DSLR's.  I'm aware this issue has been discussed but I'll kindly ask for a few updated comments.  I reviewed a variety of threads on this issue last year when I ordered my 5D III and I recall there were a variety of views.   

Do you heavy, serious DSLR users use an after market screen protector of any type?  Film, glass or other type?   

I had one of the Giottos Schott glass covers but was not durable.  It cracked when there was no evident stress on the screen.  Or not much.  The $40 cost of another one is not an issue but I wonder if this type gadget is marketed mostly to use newbies who don't know any better.    I'll appreciate you comments...........




I've used the Giottos for years on all my cams since the 50D. Not one has broken, except once when I was trying to remove one on which the adhesive was particularly sticky [I actually broke it to get it off]. They provide good insurance, and even tho the OE item may be less expensive and easier to replace than they used to be, the add ons are so much easier to get and replace than the original, that there is no comparison or question about my continuing to use them.

I'd recommend you get a replacement. My experience tells me that either there was a flaw in yours that broke, or it took a good lick. Mine have been like iron.

good luck.

Zen

4

Software & Accessories / Re: Quick release plates: RRS v's Manfrotto

« on: May 14, 2013, 07:29:07 PM »

As another aside, you may want to consider the BH-55 over the 40 with your 5D3.

I have the 5D3 with the heavy 70-200 2.8L II and the 400, and have no problem at all with the BH 40. It's a solid rig. The BH 55 will do the job equally as well, but is bulkier, and for your use, may be overkill.

Good luck.

Zen

5

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: [advice] My last tripod

« on: May 12, 2013, 04:40:06 PM »

Another vote for RRS. I have the 5D3 and all the standard L lenses, including the 70-200 II. Have used the 5D3 with the 100-400 with 2x extender for moon shots with no vibration whatsoever. The RRS with the BH40 is terrific; solid as a rock and more than secure. Have had absolutely no problem with the lever catching on anything.

Good luck with your search and selection. Can't go wrong with RRS.

Zen

6

Canon General / Re: Slot canyon advice

« on: April 15, 2013, 07:57:03 PM »

At Monument Valley, try to get a tour on which you are the only party; will give you more time to get some of the spectacular shots that are there.

At slot cyn, don't forget your flash, and be careful with WB.

Good luck. Will be a great trip.

Zen

7

Canon General / Re: the rebate program... what a sham!

« on: April 15, 2013, 07:51:16 PM »

So don't buy the thing! Wouldn't want to fall for a sham . . .

8

Lenses / Re: Keep my 70-200 f/4 IS?

« on: April 14, 2013, 02:50:46 PM »

Sold mine and wish I had kept it. The 2.8II is fantastic, but heavy to carry.

Zen

9

5D MK III Sample Images / Re: Set From Death Valley National Park

« on: April 14, 2013, 02:45:01 PM »

I agree that some type of watermark may be necessary, but this one is way too obtrusive.

Moreover, if the OP is so worried that someone looking at the images might steal them, why did he post them to begin with? Isn't looking at photos the very reason we make them?

zen

10

Site Information / Re: Minimum CR Forum IQ?

« on: April 11, 2013, 08:56:48 PM »

...the most intellectually gifted nikon missionaries would be barred from spreading the holy words of DR on CR

Wow!  I'm impressed - an oxymoron and a rhyme in the same sentence. Bravo!

"intellectually gifted nikon missionaries" may be an oxymoron. But "the most intellectually gifted nikon missionaries" need not be an oxymoron because it might refer to the least moronic of a bunch of morons.  Isn't language strange.

Wait a minute; I'm not an ox or a moron; I'm from Bahl mer [that's in Murlund], so now what do I do?

11

EOS Bodies / Re: AFMA – Easy or Not

« on: March 23, 2013, 01:54:30 PM »

According to DotTune, my 24-70 2.8 II is spot on at 0!

I've checked all my lenses and all are quite acceptable. Don't understand why others have so much trouble!

Maybe my standards are lower??

Z

12

Canon General / Re: your scariest photography moment?

« on: March 14, 2013, 07:44:24 PM »

Had I been in Striker's or Wyoming Bill's shoes, I would have died on the spot. Many who live in the east and who have never seen buffalo in the wild simply cannot appreciate how big they are in the wild. Most zoo buffalo don't do the wild beasties justice.

Several years ago, in Y'stone, I made the mistake of getting out of my motorhome to get a shot of a lone bull, who was placidly grazing near the road near Y'stone Lake. My mother wanted the shot and I tried to oblige her. Luckily, I had listened to the old timers and was carefully watching thru the view finder as I moved forward. When I saw the tail go straight out, I knew it was time to leave, and I did! He was 6 feet at the shoulder, prob 2000 lbs, maybe an old outcast, etc., and I suspect a bit cranky because I had interrupted his peaceful meal. I didn't argue!

A year later, I was on the willow flats east of the Snake north of Jackson searching for a beaver dam I knew was there across one of the little streamlets, when I met a moose cow coming toward me, tearing up the willows as she came. I turned tail, and afterward saw her hoof prints up close; 6" wide, 2" deep into the soil. Again I didn't argue.

Glad I took those chances then, but wouldn't again.
Zen

13

Canon General / Re: How to Pre-Visualize like Ansel Adams

« on: March 14, 2013, 07:04:47 PM »

I too instinctively visualize what the finished print should look like.

My problem is that I can't make my brain and fingers and feet move into the right positions and make the right settings to achieve what I see in my minds eye. Knowing all the rules of composition and lighting and exposure and all the rest of the settings that make the camera capture what I envision is where I am lacking. Thus, I experiment or practice or "dry fire" a lot. Sometimes I retain what I learn from that and other times I do not.

This and other forums that invite members to post their shots, which are then critiqued by professionals and advanced amateurs are extremely helpful to me. Thanks to Graham and all those advanced guys and gals out there who are willing to teach . . .

Zen 

14

Software & Accessories / Re: Tri Pods!!!!!

« on: March 12, 2013, 07:42:31 PM »

I agree with Chilled Express - buy top line the first time and avoid going thru half a dozen cheaper ones and discarding all of them. After going thru 4-5 of the cheapies, I finally went with RRS and wish I had done it long ago. Rock steady; top quality; light carbon fiber; easy to set up; positive quick release; top quality good fitting cam plate, etc., etc.

Check out their web site . . .

Good luck.

Zen

15

Lenses / Re: Price for used 70-200mm F4 IS?

« on: March 10, 2013, 03:42:42 PM »

I sold mine 6 mos ago for $900, including the optional tripod ring and attached UV filter. It was like new, complete with original box, papers, case, etc.

Good luck in your search. Around here, Western New York, they're scarce.

Z