Messages

91

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 6D vs. 600D with good lenses?

« on: May 26, 2013, 11:13:29 PM »

I would say 6D and 24-105. I'd also say a tripod is useful but not 100% necessary these days. With the 6D you'll be able to get great shots at ISOs the 600D would cringe at. Add to that 3/4 stops of IS and, really, do you need a tripod? I have one but it rarely gets used (mostly because its big and heavy).
6
Nothing wrong with the 17-55 though it's an EF-S lens and that limits you to crop bodies. Shame cos it's a really nice lens. Even then you get shallower dof with the 24-105 on the 6D. I think the 6D is a bargain, I kinda wish I had waited and bought it instead of the 5D II just for that high ISO ability.

You could look into a second hand 5D II as a cheap alternative. In terms of IQ it's still one of the best out there.

Tripod use depends entirely on how long your shutter speed needs to be.  For long exposures, of course, you will need a tripod.  It doesn't matter how high you can push your ISO.  E.g., as Neuro said, architecture photography to get rid of those extra people, star trails, night photography where you want to record light trails.  That said, yes, you're right, you can't go wrong between a 5D2 and 6D but for a little bit extra, 6D is worth every cents.

Yeah, depends on OPs style of shooting. I doubt as a newbie he would be out doing star trails etc with a 600D and 18-55. my point is for all general purposes you can manage without a tripod. It is only really specialized use like you said long shutter speeds where you will undeniably need a tripod. Therefore a 6D and 24-105 covers the widest range of applications.

92

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: 6D vs. 600D with good lenses?

« on: May 26, 2013, 09:12:30 PM »

I would say 6D and 24-105. I'd also say a tripod is useful but not 100% necessary these days. With the 6D you'll be able to get great shots at ISOs the 600D would cringe at. Add to that 3/4 stops of IS and, really, do you need a tripod? I have one but it rarely gets used (mostly because its big and heavy).

Nothing wrong with the 17-55 though it's an EF-S lens and that limits you to crop bodies. Shame cos it's a really nice lens. Even then you get shallower dof with the 24-105 on the 6D. I think the 6D is a bargain, I kinda wish I had waited and bought it instead of the 5D II just for that high ISO ability.

You could look into a second hand 5D II as a cheap alternative. In terms of IQ it's still one of the best out there.

93

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Advice on 1st flash

« on: May 26, 2013, 01:05:50 AM »

I've had the 430 ex II for a few years now and I'm satisfied with its performance but _NOT_ with the buttons.  They are tiny and unless you are changing the settings through the camera, it's a major pain in the butt.

I also own an ancient Sunpak flash which I always use in manual mode with Yongnuo remote triggers.  It has a slider for 1/32 - 1/1 output power which you can change in a split second and it just works.  Here is a picture showing it in action (at 1/32 power) through a little handheld umbrella (although the picture itself was a failure, since the subject moved way too close to the light).

and here is a more successful result with the same setup:


The point I'm trying to make here is that you can't go wrong buying an external flash.  After you get used to using more than ambient light even the crappiest flash will be able to give you nice results.

+1 those buttons are just idiotic! One way around it it to use a wireless ettl trigger that allows you to control the flash using the in camera menu, I use pixel kings and together they make a pretty decent and affordable combo. It's my go to flexible lighting setup.

For portraits I prefer using manual flashes like the Yongnuo 560 II with RF 603 triggers. You can buy about 5 of these plus triggers for the price of one 600ex rt. cheap way to start out and get creative.

94

EOS Bodies / Re: New AF Technology Coming in July? [CR1]

« on: May 25, 2013, 09:36:42 PM »

Dark AF?? Dunno so I'll just throw in my guess! Maybe improvements in the ability to attain AF in really dark conditions. Like the 6D but better?

95

Speedlites, Printers, Accessories / Re: Advice on 1st flash

« on: May 24, 2013, 07:28:36 AM »

On camera 430 ex II

Off camera 600 ex rt (recommend as this is where you'll likely end up sooner or later)

Budget - Yongnuo YN 568 ex

96

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Olympus OMD EM5 or 6D

« on: May 23, 2013, 07:42:45 AM »

I think something I'm looking for is definitely not point and shoot (think: something with a viewfinder).

Thanks for all the advice so far, but I'm really considering the EM5 just because of the smaller profile.
If I intend to shoot with a 6D, its profile is much larger and would probably attract more attention. I believe the less attention that I attract, the more focused I will be when composing..
The 6D also lacks weather sealing ("splashproof", fine.)...

Oh, and one last consideration... I am a student so I don't have few thousand dollars to pull out my arse.
Thus, another plus for the lower priced, Olympus camera.
Sigh.

Maybe I should just give up and start using film (I do have an AE-1 and an AT-1 in my closet)...

Why are people all of a sudden scared of being noticed with a camera? Be confident with your equipment. Point it like you mean it. Otherwise whats the point?

In Japan just about every Jim Bob and his uncle has a camera and they take pictures of just about anything.

I get a lot of curious people enquiring about my 7D and what lens I use. Perfect time to chat to them and maybe get a picture of them too!

If you want discreet an iPhone is just as good as any p&s. it's better in fact cos its more useful!!

yeah well you should visit great britain or the usa.   

then you will notice you are one the same level as a suspected peadophile or terrorist.

did you really not noticed how problematic it is in some countrys to take pictures in public?
i mean... the internet is full of reports and videos about this.

and no.. after a dozend such discussions you don´t have time nor lust to discuss you rights with the police or security guys.
 
while the gov. is monitoring every street corner... photographer (especially with a DSLR) are forbidden to take pictures.

http://lauren.vortex.com/archive/001022.html

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535627/police-reasonably-suspected-photographer-was-terrorist

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/photo-news/535630/photographer-in-police-picture-ban-sparks-met-probe-update-3-15pm

http://www.yugatech.com/photography/that-no-photography-allowed-policy/

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2018.0

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=2360.msg50352#msg50352

Been to Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia. I'm from the UK and that was the only place I ever had police question me. Yes it annoys me but hey I didn't do anything wrong or break any laws. Why should I sweat it. (By the way I am of Pakistani descent and yeah I do get the "terrorist" stare). However what half wit terrorist goes around with a 5D mark II and a 70-200 lens? Yeah if I was a terrorist do u think I would be using that? Twats! (Referring to police).

My point is, if you look like you are on a job (tripod, bag, vest etc) they'll just leave you be. You could also get permission from local authorities before you shoot, that way you are covered if cops turn up.

I think this "guy with a camera must be up to no good" stigma needs to be corrected.

97

Lenses / Re: 50mm.. Upgrade or not?

« on: May 23, 2013, 07:27:17 AM »

Some great points made, which has pretty much made my decision....

I think I will stick with the 1.4 for now and see what happens with the 50 range in the next 12 months. Although, I am now tempted by the 35L again, as from all the reviews I read its way better than the 50L so this introduces another question... Is the 35L a worthwhile investment when I have the 24-70II, I would only be shooting it at 1.4-1.8 if I had one so I guess its down to if its good enough to make me wanna use it over the 24-70II for bokeh shots.

Does anyone else find that when you have money to buy gear you just cant find the right gear? lol

Yes, I wanted Canon to make a cheap 35 1.4 non L without IS and also a mid priced updataed 50 1.4 non L but neither of these materialized. The Sigma has been on my radar for a while. Just waiting for Canon to do something.

35 is the new 50 my friend, especially if you have a crop body 

98

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Olympus OMD EM5 or 6D

« on: May 23, 2013, 02:08:53 AM »

I think something I'm looking for is definitely not point and shoot (think: something with a viewfinder).

Thanks for all the advice so far, but I'm really considering the EM5 just because of the smaller profile.
If I intend to shoot with a 6D, its profile is much larger and would probably attract more attention. I believe the less attention that I attract, the more focused I will be when composing..
The 6D also lacks weather sealing ("splashproof", fine.)...

Oh, and one last consideration... I am a student so I don't have few thousand dollars to pull out my arse.
Thus, another plus for the lower priced, Olympus camera.
Sigh.

Maybe I should just give up and start using film (I do have an AE-1 and an AT-1 in my closet)...

Why are people all of a sudden scared of being noticed with a camera? Be confident with your equipment. Point it like you mean it. Otherwise whats the point?

In Japan just about every Jim Bob and his uncle has a camera and they take pictures of just about anything.

I get a lot of curious people enquiring about my 7D and what lens I use. Perfect time to chat to them and maybe get a picture of them too!

If you want discreet an iPhone is just as good as any p&s. it's better in fact cos its more useful!!

99

Lenses / Re: Do you wish your 70-200L were black?

« on: May 23, 2013, 01:54:21 AM »

Be glad they don't come in bright hot pink with flashing LED lights! Perfect for wildlife! 

I wonder which would be better on safari? Black or "putty"?

100

Lenses / Re: 50mm.. Upgrade or not?

« on: May 22, 2013, 10:40:09 AM »

I think it's mostly the price that people grudge about it. They feel that for the extra amount you pay the lens isn't "that much sharper".

There's not really much of an alternative, is there? I mean there's a Sigma 50mm but some say the AF is unreliable. No lens is perfect.

If fifty is your bread an butter then you will benefit from the upgrade as it will be more reliable and less likely to break while on a paid job. That in itself is prob worth the upgrade.

101

Lenses / Re: 50mm.. Upgrade or not?

« on: May 22, 2013, 10:05:19 AM »

If you need the bokeh then yeah get it otherwise your 24-70II should cover any need for primes in that focal range, a 50L seems superfulous to me.

Also you will want at least sone of the persons face in focus for wedding and make up so going down to f/1.2 isn't really ideal. I think f/2.8 is shallow enough on a FF camera for portraits.

If you want to do other artistic stuff then thats a different story.

102

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: Olympus OMD EM5 or 6D

« on: May 22, 2013, 04:50:25 AM »

Another vote for the 6D. Had a play around with it today at a store. I'd also say get it with body only and use the saved pennies for a decent prime lens like a 50mm f1.4 or Siggy 35 1.4, the 24-105 is good but not gonna wow you and I feel the 6D needs some decent fast glass to compliment it's low light ability.

Midrange zooms will lead to midrange photos. Get creative with primes.

103

Software & Accessories / Re: Screen protector question

« on: May 21, 2013, 10:37:21 PM »

I use or used (can't remember if I have taken it off!) a Kenko screen protector. Though its mainly to make cleaning a lot easier and prevent scratches. I wonder are DSLR screens scratch resistant? My iPhone screen seems pretty tough and doesn't need protection so I wonder if my camera does?

104

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unimpressed with 6D + 24-105. Am I doing something wrong?

« on: May 21, 2013, 01:27:29 AM »

I am having the same underwhelming experience with my 6D and 24-105. But I've no idea how to tell if it needs any afma done. Or how much. Or where. Help? Lol 

Search : Dottune MFA method or buy Reikan Focal.

Link : http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1187247/0

105

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Unimpressed with 6D + 24-105. Am I doing something wrong?

« on: May 20, 2013, 09:24:59 PM »

In my experience taking pictures of things in and around your house is not a good test of anything. Everything looks crap. Go out and do some portraits or landscapes. Shoot into the sun to test flare and contrast. Shoot in pitch black to test AF. Take night city shots with long shutter speeds.

I pretty sure if you took that pic with an iphone 5 it would look the same too.

Similar thing happened to me when I got my 7D and 17-55. According to Focal it needed +5. Yeah that made a freakin huge difference. Also how you process the RAW file will make a difference. I notice the full frame images hold up better over aps-c.