1216
Contests / Re: Holga Giveaway
« on: July 19, 2011, 08:30:52 AM »
3 pages in, and i seem to be the only one with more than 1 post who didn't just sign-up specifically for this comp... 
May 23, 2013, 11:03:29 AM
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1217
Lenses / Re: 2x teleconverter mk2 vs mk3
« on: July 19, 2011, 08:28:39 AM »
Just done a bit more reading, and the 2x mk3 is also a new formula, 9/5 up from 7/5.
and checked my latest prices (at one shop, too lazy to compare), 2x mk2 doesn't seem to be in stock anymore but listed for €325, and 1.4x mk2 not in the pricelist.
both mk3 are €479, that's AU$635 and US$680 at today's rates.
damn, that low US$ must be killing you guys, it's worth half as much in AU$ as i grew up with...
and checked my latest prices (at one shop, too lazy to compare), 2x mk2 doesn't seem to be in stock anymore but listed for €325, and 1.4x mk2 not in the pricelist.
both mk3 are €479, that's AU$635 and US$680 at today's rates.
damn, that low US$ must be killing you guys, it's worth half as much in AU$ as i grew up with...
1218
Contests / Re: Holga Giveaway
« on: July 19, 2011, 08:19:43 AM »
Do I dare leave a comment, and risk my missus having another piece of camera equipment to get annoyed over?
what kind of question is that?
Yes, of course.
what kind of question is that?
Yes, of course.
1219
Lenses / Re: 2x teleconverter mk2 vs mk3
« on: July 19, 2011, 06:45:40 AM »
afaik, mk1 is not sealed, mk2 and mk3 are sealed.
the optical formula has changed, on the 1.4x it's 7/3 instead of 5/4, so there is an IQ difference according to TDP, quoting a bit:
mk3 has less barrel distortion, mk3 uses 'anomalous dispersion glass' for less CA and more contrast, mk3 has Super Spectrum Coating for less flare, mk3 has a better CPU for faster autofocussing (but same precision), and it's been made a bit stronger.
last time i looked, the difference in price was 500 euro to 300. mk3 not worth it for my money (don't have a lens that fits it for a start). the price on the mk3s might come down once the mk2 are sold out, most places seem to still have them in stock...
the optical formula has changed, on the 1.4x it's 7/3 instead of 5/4, so there is an IQ difference according to TDP, quoting a bit:
mk3 has less barrel distortion, mk3 uses 'anomalous dispersion glass' for less CA and more contrast, mk3 has Super Spectrum Coating for less flare, mk3 has a better CPU for faster autofocussing (but same precision), and it's been made a bit stronger.
last time i looked, the difference in price was 500 euro to 300. mk3 not worth it for my money (don't have a lens that fits it for a start). the price on the mk3s might come down once the mk2 are sold out, most places seem to still have them in stock...
1220
Lenses / Re: 300 2.8 (Mark I) Availability
« on: July 19, 2011, 03:48:00 AM »
and fair enough, for the maybe handful of lenses a month they might sell on the high-priced half of the range (300 f/2.8 I, €4500 and up). Margins might be fairly good, but just the outlay for keeping them in stock and the extra security in the shop adds a hefty price tag.
I'd be surprised at any shop stocking them, really, unless it's a really popular shop in a rich city with a massive (US-sized) city population, lots of tourists, and/or good sports/nature nearby (ie, something like Hong Kong or Singapore).
And also, there's not much range in the upper-most price bracket, not the kind of thing you buy on a whim, spending that much you should research a lot first, buying online from a central warehouse is the only way that makes sense...
For the lower end of the range, up to the 28-300L (€2500), they'd churn through them a lot faster, and can afford to keep a few of each in stock at a time. also, there's a lot more variation the cheaper you get, having staff that can talk you into the next model up is a lot more possible in a real store...
I'd be surprised at any shop stocking them, really, unless it's a really popular shop in a rich city with a massive (US-sized) city population, lots of tourists, and/or good sports/nature nearby (ie, something like Hong Kong or Singapore).
And also, there's not much range in the upper-most price bracket, not the kind of thing you buy on a whim, spending that much you should research a lot first, buying online from a central warehouse is the only way that makes sense...
For the lower end of the range, up to the 28-300L (€2500), they'd churn through them a lot faster, and can afford to keep a few of each in stock at a time. also, there's a lot more variation the cheaper you get, having staff that can talk you into the next model up is a lot more possible in a real store...
1221
Lenses / Re: Thoughts on primes
« on: July 19, 2011, 01:59:06 AM »
There's also Zeiss Biometar 120 f/2.8 for pentacon six, can get one $100-150 on ebay.
as for AF confirm, you can also get the chips on ebay by themselves.
- No idea how you mount them on an adapter, glue or self-sticky or what
- some sellers will program them for you before shipment to whatever exif you ask for (obviously only lens name and length, no aperture).
- some say you can do it yourself via PC (assuming they give you software and a way to attach it?).
- some say you can do it on your camera (i assume this is a typo, only nikons do that?)
but then, for tilt/shift, live-view is the only way to go, so no point in AF confirm in my opinion. exif would be useful, but unless you have an adapter per lens, or can re-program every time you swap lens, also not very useful for me (with six P6/Kiev lenses)
On the superrotators:
hartblei made them years ago, from Arsenal lenses. look for the deep scalloped edges on the rings like this one. they allegedly used Zeiss glass (or at least the designs from Jena), and were damn good quality for a tiny price.
they used to sell them from hartblei.com
then everyone realised they were good, they stopped making them, sold out of the old stock, and you're lucky if you see them on ebay for the prices they used to be.
then they started working with zeiss 5 years ago, selling via hartblei.de, changed the design to more thinly-sliced focus rings, wrote 'Zeiss' on the front, and now they sell for as much as a canon TS-E (but arguably more versatile)
scratch that, i found a price list. one was $4000, double a canon TS-E 24 II
as for AF confirm, you can also get the chips on ebay by themselves.
- No idea how you mount them on an adapter, glue or self-sticky or what
- some sellers will program them for you before shipment to whatever exif you ask for (obviously only lens name and length, no aperture).
- some say you can do it yourself via PC (assuming they give you software and a way to attach it?).
- some say you can do it on your camera (i assume this is a typo, only nikons do that?)
but then, for tilt/shift, live-view is the only way to go, so no point in AF confirm in my opinion. exif would be useful, but unless you have an adapter per lens, or can re-program every time you swap lens, also not very useful for me (with six P6/Kiev lenses)
On the superrotators:
hartblei made them years ago, from Arsenal lenses. look for the deep scalloped edges on the rings like this one. they allegedly used Zeiss glass (or at least the designs from Jena), and were damn good quality for a tiny price.
they used to sell them from hartblei.com
then everyone realised they were good, they stopped making them, sold out of the old stock, and you're lucky if you see them on ebay for the prices they used to be.
then they started working with zeiss 5 years ago, selling via hartblei.de, changed the design to more thinly-sliced focus rings, wrote 'Zeiss' on the front, and now they sell for as much as a canon TS-E (but arguably more versatile)
scratch that, i found a price list. one was $4000, double a canon TS-E 24 II
1222
Software & Accessories / Re: extension tubes
« on: July 19, 2011, 01:40:31 AM »
Canon tubes are weatherproofed?
I've got a set of Kenko, and never had a problem. Never used them in the rain though, and probably never will take macro photos in the rain (for a start, rain and wind go together, plants and things on plants will be moving, and most insects will be huddling somewhere dry). or maybe that's just me. and i'm cheap, a whole kenko set cost as much as one canon, for 7 different length combinations.
newer kenko models fit EF-S, older only take EF lenses (both fit all bodies).
If i had the budget for canon tubes, i'd still probably go the Kenko anyway, as long as it's strong enough to mount the lens without snapping (i've had no problem with 7D on one end and 70-300L on the other end, and carrying by the tubes).
if you really must have weatherproofed, there's your answer, but you're gonna pay for it.
meanwhile, which 100mm macro?
both go 0.26x - 1.38x with a 25mm tube.
without a tube, they focus to 1.0x at 300mm.
i'm not sure of the maths, and don't have one to check, but it sounds like if you can still get less than 1.0x with a tube, it will be focussing more than 300mm away, so not touching the lens by any means. (or just wait until someone who owns one can test)
cf my 15-85, it says 25mm tube 'not recommended' because it focuses right on the glass even at farthest focus distance.
also, just as an FYI, using a body-teleconverter-extensiontube-lens setup means you can use a canon-brand T/C with your macro lenses (or any other lens that doesn't normally take T/Cs) (might still have to tape pins though).
I've got a set of Kenko, and never had a problem. Never used them in the rain though, and probably never will take macro photos in the rain (for a start, rain and wind go together, plants and things on plants will be moving, and most insects will be huddling somewhere dry). or maybe that's just me. and i'm cheap, a whole kenko set cost as much as one canon, for 7 different length combinations.
newer kenko models fit EF-S, older only take EF lenses (both fit all bodies).
If i had the budget for canon tubes, i'd still probably go the Kenko anyway, as long as it's strong enough to mount the lens without snapping (i've had no problem with 7D on one end and 70-300L on the other end, and carrying by the tubes).
if you really must have weatherproofed, there's your answer, but you're gonna pay for it.
meanwhile, which 100mm macro?
both go 0.26x - 1.38x with a 25mm tube.
without a tube, they focus to 1.0x at 300mm.
i'm not sure of the maths, and don't have one to check, but it sounds like if you can still get less than 1.0x with a tube, it will be focussing more than 300mm away, so not touching the lens by any means. (or just wait until someone who owns one can test)
cf my 15-85, it says 25mm tube 'not recommended' because it focuses right on the glass even at farthest focus distance.
also, just as an FYI, using a body-teleconverter-extensiontube-lens setup means you can use a canon-brand T/C with your macro lenses (or any other lens that doesn't normally take T/Cs) (might still have to tape pins though).
1223
Software & Accessories / Re: Need Backpack recommendations
« on: July 19, 2011, 12:50:18 AM »
I've just gone into town and picked up my Lowepro ProRunner 350.
the only difference in it, from the 300 is that it has a laptop slot at the back. Use it or not, but it provides another layer of padding between camera and back.
So far i've fit in it:
7D with 70-300L and hood in place, stealme strap with RC6.
Canon: 15-85, 50 f/1.8 ii, TC 80 N3, battery charger and cables.
lensbaby: control freak, 0.42x WA, 0.6x WA, 1.6x TC, extra optic, macro lenses in pouch
kenko: EF/EFS extension tubes
Other: gorillapod SLR Zoom and Cullman Ballhead, Skink pinhole, some sort of 52mm screw-in fisheye adapter, gitzo blower. Step-up/down rings and reversal adapters and extra cards in the front pocket.
All of that is 7kg, and man it's comfortable, i'm about to go for a walk to try it out, it's already better than my Toploader stuffed inside my other Black Wolf backpack i bought for uni work.
I did see those Kata (i think) bags with the hole in the side for easy-camera-access. it's agood idea, but i didn't like them
a) because of the security already mentioned
b) because it was on the side and horizontal, you limit the max length of lens
c) if it was on the top and vertical, weight is higher up which is better for my back
the only difference in it, from the 300 is that it has a laptop slot at the back. Use it or not, but it provides another layer of padding between camera and back.
So far i've fit in it:
7D with 70-300L and hood in place, stealme strap with RC6.
Canon: 15-85, 50 f/1.8 ii, TC 80 N3, battery charger and cables.
lensbaby: control freak, 0.42x WA, 0.6x WA, 1.6x TC, extra optic, macro lenses in pouch
kenko: EF/EFS extension tubes
Other: gorillapod SLR Zoom and Cullman Ballhead, Skink pinhole, some sort of 52mm screw-in fisheye adapter, gitzo blower. Step-up/down rings and reversal adapters and extra cards in the front pocket.
All of that is 7kg, and man it's comfortable, i'm about to go for a walk to try it out, it's already better than my Toploader stuffed inside my other Black Wolf backpack i bought for uni work.
I did see those Kata (i think) bags with the hole in the side for easy-camera-access. it's agood idea, but i didn't like them
a) because of the security already mentioned
b) because it was on the side and horizontal, you limit the max length of lens
c) if it was on the top and vertical, weight is higher up which is better for my back
1224
Street & City / Re: The Old City
« on: July 19, 2011, 12:30:23 AM »
Leiden, The Netherlands.
7D, 15-85 @ 21mm, iso100, 1/60s, f/11, probably with CPL
I miss this place already.
7D, 15-85 @ 21mm, iso100, 1/60s, f/11, probably with CPL
I miss this place already.
1225
Street & City / Re: The City
« on: July 19, 2011, 12:24:02 AM »
Den Haag christmas tree market op Malieveld, 8.30am, 17/12/2010
7D, 15-85 @ 38mm, iso2000, 1/20s, f/8
7D, 15-85 @ 38mm, iso2000, 1/20s, f/8
1226
Lenses / Re: EF Lens Adaptor for iPhone 3 & 4!
« on: July 18, 2011, 06:44:54 PM »
Well, there is already the Wireless File Transmitter.
can you not send pics from your camera to your phone using that? all the kiddies will buy anything these days if there's an "app" for it.
It might increase sales of the WFT too, surely canon should look into it...
can you not send pics from your camera to your phone using that? all the kiddies will buy anything these days if there's an "app" for it.
It might increase sales of the WFT too, surely canon should look into it...
1227
Lenses / Re: Thoughts on primes
« on: July 17, 2011, 08:02:41 PM »The TS-E 90mm seems pretty long to me for people work but it has been great for product photography, so I'll think that over again.
Also if you'r considering the TS-E 90, especially for product photography, consider a Zeiss Biometar 80 for Pentacon six through a tilt adapter. They're sharp (more), fairly cheap, the only downsides are manual focussing and no shift, neither of which matter for product photography. Can get adapter plus lens under €200, get six of each for the price of one TS-E 90 at €1300...
1228
Lens Gallery / Re: Canon EF 800 f/5.6L IS
« on: July 17, 2011, 05:47:14 AM »i would not say these shots are "amazing" or "awesome"... but maybe thats an american thing, to exaggerate everything.
| "It's awesome, sir". "What, like a hotdog?" | Small | Large |
meanwhile, how far away were these shots? (and how close would you want to get?)
1229
Landscape / Re: Water Reflections
« on: July 17, 2011, 05:10:39 AM »
Now that's a good coincidence of a thread, seeing as i've got one of my favourite shots handy, just printed it on real 4x6 paper friday and i'm considering how big to print it as an enlargement.
haven't done any colour adjustment or anything yet, so still sort of a work in progress, i'd rather it look natural and let the lensbaby-induced illsuion speak for itself...
7D, lensbaby Muse Double Glass, f/no idea, iso100, 1/200s, no polariser iirc.
haven't done any colour adjustment or anything yet, so still sort of a work in progress, i'd rather it look natural and let the lensbaby-induced illsuion speak for itself...
7D, lensbaby Muse Double Glass, f/no idea, iso100, 1/200s, no polariser iirc.
1230
Lenses / Re: Canon Lens Price Increases
« on: July 16, 2011, 03:51:53 AM »Anyone know the zipcode for hell? I want to check the weather forecast
7517, Norway
my ex-local dutch shop looks like they've passed the price-rise on already. doesn't make much difference, cos nothing's in stock anyway. 300 2.8 v1 was already €4500 a few weeks ago when i looked, 300 2.8 v2 is now €6500, 400 2.8 v2 is €10, 000, 600 f4 v2 is€11500, and 800 f5.6 is €75 more (and in stock). 600 f4 v1 is in stock for €8200, think that's about the same as before.
and they're listing the fisheye zoom as €1500, not sure if that's higher than before.
ouch.
i'd sell my house and car for one, but don't have either to sell...