Messages

46

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: March 05, 2013, 05:48:20 PM »

Hey Justin,

I have found HSS to be faultless in manual in pre 2012 bodies, but it does not work consistently in ETTL HSS.

Here is a test I did in manual HSS with a 1Ds MkIII, the model is cheap

It is actually three 600EX-RT's each in their own group and fired with the ST-E3-RT, just to see how it all worked and what I could expect from it. The most noticeable power "improvement" is the 200mm zoom, that is a great feature, the more I play with flash head zoom the more I like it and the more I wish the Canon system did it remotely, like the Phottix Odins do.

Very cool, and good point about the zoom function - though it doesn't matter as much after I drop them into one of my favorite light mods.

47

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 05:45:23 PM »

There is no need to debate UV filters (again) in this thread. I wish these forums were better moderated.

Agreed - there isn't even a UV filter in the photo, nor do I ever use them, so I'm particularly confused 

The photo on the front page of Canon Rumors has a filter on it.

Ohhhhhhhh, I see now - that's all CRguy. I blame him.

48

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:16:29 PM »

Have you had the chance to compare the Canon to the Sigma or other 85mm primes?

That was actually the biggest thing I found lacking in the review...a lens like this, with such a huge disparity in price for such little extra...well, it practically screams for a head-to-head comparison. A battle of the 85s, if you will.

b&

If Sigma wants to send us some lenses to review I certainly wouldn't object!

49

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:15:52 PM »

Why is the weight listed as a con? What did you expect, the 85/1.2 to be as light at the 50/1.8?  It's like buying a Porshe 911 and listing its price as a con.

Because I prefer to make a list of 3 or more. And the price of a Porche 911 is a con - if it was cheaper everyone would have it because it's so great! 

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Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:14:13 PM »

There is no need to debate UV filters (again) in this thread. I wish these forums were better moderated.

Agreed - there isn't even a UV filter in the photo, nor do I ever use them, so I'm particularly confused 

51

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:11:44 PM »

Did you have any concern with the gap between the protruding barrel and the outer lens body?

Concern? No - it just feels a bit weird when putting it on. But it's such a unique lens in so many ways it doesn't affect how I shot with it.

52

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:10:32 PM »

Did you have any concern with the gap between the protruding barrel and the outer lens body?

Um, there is no filter. The only filters I use are circular polarizers and ND... but not for that shot.

Maybe you're seeing the front barrel extended slightly?

53

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 04:09:17 PM »

A way to get good results would be to take a number of sequential shots of your subject, since a slight change in your posture could throw your intended focus point completely off.

I've always heard this referred to as "poor man's IS." Take a burst of several shots, and chances are good that one will catch you at the apex of your shaking.

Without implying that the 85L is anything other than a superlative lens, I have to put it alongside the 50L as Canon's two worst value lenses. Both the 85 f/1.8 and 50 f/1.4 outperform and often outright spank their bigger brothers in all sorts of ways more important for 90% of photographers, and there's very little the L lenses can do that the non-L counterparts can't.

Unless you actually need that extra half a stop in either case -- and damned few people do -- these lenses are a waste of money.

Of course, for those who really do need that extra half a stop (and, yes, there absolutely are those who do need it), or for those for whom a couple grand is pocket change, it's either a smart investment or a no-brainer.

But almost everybody else is better off in every meaningful way with the non-L versions.

Cheers,

b&

I don't disagree with you - one of the many reasons I don't own this lens myself... I just don't see the value (for my work).

54

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: March 05, 2013, 11:01:27 AM »

Yes, but I'd like to see a series of images shot with ETTL in HSS from a 5D MkII to verify correct operation if it was an important function for me. Like I said, my experiences are that it is nowhere near as consistent as ETTL below HSS.

Having said that, it is not a feature I have needed, HSS yes, but not the combination of ETTL and HSS. I am sure when I get post 2012 bodies I'll use it though    HSS does work faultlessly in manual mode with multiple channels and ratios on my pre 2012 bodies.

As for the RT system, I really like it, even with the limitations my bodies have, and, when compared to the competition, I don't feel the price is too high. When I was making my choice for intelligent radio triggers the only other option I ended up seriously considering was the Phottix Odin, now they have some really nice functionality!

I also want to put it through some HSS paces. It's just been pretty crappy weather here and none of my shoots have been outdoors. Spring can't come soon enough!

55

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon EF 85 f/1.2L II

« on: March 05, 2013, 10:59:41 AM »

The 85L is a legendary level lens. Everyone shooting SLRs on any platform want or envy this lens or atleast know about it. Unfortunately, I couldn't find a use for one in my bag yet. The 135L is just as good for me.

That's exactly how I felt about it. Really nice, if not tricky, lens to use. I got some great shots.

Buuuuut... actually using a lens is really important, otherwise it's just a couple grand sitting like a rock.

56

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: February 27, 2013, 04:16:17 PM »

Also, I have been buying gels in the UK from FlashGels who have precut a bunch of Lee filters for the new system.

http://flashgels.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13&zenid=eh3ud620p3jnd0bjjq2702f616

I actually rather like the canon gel holder and the way the gel clips into it. Feels a lot more reliable than the other systems I used on the old 580s.

That's awesome! Long way to send for some gel's - hopefully someone over here will do the same - price is less than Canon's too.  I still want my own die-cut: yes I could cut my own with an exacto blade but who has time for that?

There's really no need to Die Cut filters for the Speedlite 600 filter holder - If you look closely, there are some cut out slits which allow you to use a 3"x3" square piece of gel - Those are pretty easy to cut with a paper cutter or scissors.

Laziest guy in the world right here! 

I just have *so* many cut out rectangles with little velcro pads on them. So using them with my stack of Honl straps is just the "old way" of doing things I'll stick to. I kind of like manually controlling my WB anyway.

57

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: February 26, 2013, 10:52:42 PM »

Speaking as a novice (and newbie to the forum) I'm personally delighted with the 600EX-RT system.

For a long time flash photography was something of an enigma to me. Reading the likes of this forum and even Syl's excellent Speedliter's Handbook, often left me more confused than before. Because of this, I was always reluctant to spend the cash on a decent set of Canon speedlites.

Till now, I had used the Meike 580 (canon copy) and Pixel King wireless triggers. If I'm honest, I only ever successfully managed to the get the things working on one occasion. The painful process that several reviews describe of trying to eliminate where the problems were with third party equipment was something I was very familiar with and simply exacerbated my frustrations and difficulty in developing my understanding of flash photography. As an aside – I whole heartedly do not recommend either of the above – you get what you pay for I’m afraid!

I won’t lie, given the expense of the new 600’s and the likely amount of use I would get from the product, it was not a straightforward decision and purchase for me to make. I’ve spent the last 4 months reading every article on the web, every Youtube clip and every review before convincing myself to make the investment.

I’m pleased to say that I finally picked up two 600’s very recently and I can’t speak highly enough of them from my relatively inexperienced perspective. I defer to those more seasoned and experienced pros and semi pros on this forum in terms of highlighting the weaknesses of the system, but for my photography needs (and understanding), I think they are a great tool. 

The mysterious black art of trying to understanding flash settings, wireless and camera control is completely removed. When working with my 5d Mk III, you just switch it all on and it works. The LCD screen on the back of the speedlite is intuitive and informative so I can understand what the equipment is doing at a simple glance.

What all this means to me is I can now concentrate my efforts on learning about the effect of light and composition rather than get embroiled in the often unfathomable world of flash gear techno jargon.

EOS 5D MK III, 24-105 f/4 L IS, 70-200 f/4 L IS, 50 f/1.8

Not much higher praise can be given then that I think. You can also control the settings from the "Flash Control" Menu in-camera, but why when it's on the top? Options, I guess.  I highly recommend the ST-E3-RT transmitter to get the other flash off the camera, you can use it in tandem with the other to get more power, or start playing around with two-light setups.

58

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: February 26, 2013, 04:54:23 PM »

Very nice review and great pics ... but isn't it kinda late

Better late than never?

Sometimes reviews take me a few weeks to write, sometimes it takes a few months. If late means I had more time with them and thus, more experience using them and putting them through the paces, that could, theoretically, make that a more thorough review, no?

Either way, nobody's obligated to read them - and I'm sure it's new to *someone* out there

59

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: February 26, 2013, 11:35:37 AM »

"little metal screw port that I’ve never seen anyone use…"

What the heck is that anyhow?  It's on the 430EXII as well.  I've always wondered when I notice it there, but never enough to actually look it up.

It's threaded the same as most light stands, so I assume it's designed to mount your flash sideways like that - which actually makes a lot of sense.  Heck, I already have an umbrella bracket that, if I remove the cold shoe, I can screw the flash onto it.  Helps bring the flash back to a more central spot on most modifiers... of course saying I *can* do something and actually doing it are different things

60

Reviews / Re: Review - Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT

« on: February 26, 2013, 11:15:21 AM »

Also, I have been buying gels in the UK from FlashGels who have precut a bunch of Lee filters for the new system.

http://flashgels.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13&zenid=eh3ud620p3jnd0bjjq2702f616

I actually rather like the canon gel holder and the way the gel clips into it. Feels a lot more reliable than the other systems I used on the old 580s.

That's awesome! Long way to send for some gel's - hopefully someone over here will do the same - price is less than Canon's too.  I still want my own die-cut: yes I could cut my own with an exacto blade but who has time for that?