Messages

16

Lenses / Re: How about Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HS

« on: March 31, 2012, 07:14:03 PM »

My Sigma 85mm f/1.4 is spot on (no MA needed) but my 50mm has front-focussing issues at f/1.4. I set my cameras to +20 but that was enough, I think it needs about +25. Tried another copy, same issue. I can live with it until I get a Canon 50L although these are still 2,5 times more expensive secondhand than a new Sigma. I definately prefer the Sigma over the Canon f/1.4 I had before because of the bokeh and a better focus ring.

17

Lenses / Re: EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II VS Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS ?

« on: March 21, 2012, 02:34:51 PM »

The MTF chart of the II looks better

Some people say the IS has improved a little too.

Some people say the moon is made of green cheese, too.      The optics are identical in both versions.  At least, Canon made no official statement to the contrary, and the size, weight, number of elements and groups, and most importantly, the MTF curves, are identical.  Ok, the MTF curves are not exactly identical, because of an error on Canon's website (honest mistake, or trying to make the lenses look different?) - the 55mm MTF on one is identical to the 250mm MTF on the other, and vice versa.

I didn't even notice that because they are slightly different in size.
So it's all a matter of cosmetic preference. Maybe the resale version of the II is better?

18

Lenses / Re: EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II VS Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS ?

« on: March 21, 2012, 06:10:33 AM »

The MTF chart of the II looks better, check
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_s_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_is_ii#Overview
vs
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/lenses/ef_s_55_250mm_f_4_5_6_is#Overview
Some people say the IS has improved a little too.
I would return the lens myself. At least settle the price difference, if any (the II is actually slightly cheaper in Holland).

19

Street & City / Re: Right place, right time: Hollywood, CA

« on: March 19, 2012, 08:45:13 AM »

Very nice Dilbert!  Was that with your 70-200mm?

According to the EXIF it's the EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM on a 5D Mark II.

20

United Kingdom & Ireland / Re: My Focus 2012 Report (featuring 5D MkIII, D800 and X-Pro 1) LONG!

« on: March 09, 2012, 02:38:23 AM »

Shutter lag:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II    73ms
Canon EOS 5D Mark III   59ms
Canon EOS 7D                 59ms
Canon EOS 1D Mark IV   40-55ms
Canon EOS 1D X              36-55ms

21

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: [POLL] I'm a 5D Mark II owner and...

« on: March 01, 2012, 02:41:51 PM »

I'm waiting for the price to drop first, by that time there should be enough reviews for me to reconsider the upgrade. I could also get the 1D X and sell both my 7D and 5D2 but I will probably keep a smaller camera for e.g. street photography. The G1 X might work for that.
In any case, the 24-70L II is higher on my wish list.

22

Lenses / Re: Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II

« on: February 07, 2012, 02:46:08 AM »

http://usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_24_70mm_f_2_8l_ii_usm

About 150g less heavy? That's not too bad, I wonder if they left out the front element again.
I think I'll start saving up for this lens (or just sell my 7D and 17-55), especially if they also fixed (or reduced) the field curvature. But I will wait for the some proper reviews first, and by that time the price might also have dropped a little.

23

Lenses / Re: Three New Lenses~~~

« on: February 06, 2012, 08:18:25 AM »

The IS switches are usually below the AF/MF switch (see the primes), and the zoom lock is usually on the other side like in this picture (also compare e.g. the 70-300 IS).

Current 24-70L:


The new one looks a bit like the 16-35L:

(or it might just be the shade of black in the picture)

24

EOS Bodies / Re: Quick thoughts on the legitimacy of seeing 5D/7D "X" versions...

« on: February 06, 2012, 06:26:16 AM »

(...) I was confused how they could call it the tenth generation, when at best you can count  eight separate cameras in the 1D line (including the 1D II N).

As far as I know, these are the 10 generations:

• Canon F-1
• Canon New F-1
• Canon T90
• Canon EOS-1, 1N and 1N RS
• Canon EOS-1v
• Canon EOS-1D and 1Ds
• Canon EOS-1D Mark II and 1Ds Mark II
• Canon EOS-1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III
• Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
• Canon EOS-1D X

So yes, the EOS-1 series and the 1v count as a generation.

25

Lenses / Re: Canon 100-400 L

« on: February 04, 2012, 06:12:23 PM »

The 100-400L emits a whirring noise when IS is active.
Can you hear it when half-pressing the shutter button?

26

Canon General / Re: Headed to Paris with Camera Gear

« on: January 31, 2012, 08:15:03 AM »

To quote the Louvre rules:

In permanent collection rooms, visitors may take photographs and videos.
However, the use of a flash or any other type of lighting equipment is prohibited.
In temporary exhibition rooms, visitors may not take photographs or videos.
Visitors may not use their cell phone, smoke, consume food or beverages, speak loudly, touch any work of art, or run in any room of the museum.

So if you use your phone to take pictures then make sure flash is turned off.
Be careful not to knock objects over with your backpack, often you have to buy what you break.
Some policemen in tourist areas might get nervous when they see a tripod. Stay friendly and act professional if they ask you to leave or if they think you require a permit (which you only do for making movies as far as I know).

27

Software & Accessories / Re: Sling Straps: Black Rapid, Sun Sniper

« on: January 31, 2012, 06:04:41 AM »

Any users of the double-strap style ? Wondering how useful, as I just added a second body to my arsenal and have been fairly happy with the single RS-5, but a little annoyed that the phone pocket is too small for an iPhone in a case.
With the double - strap, how does it feel bringing the camera up, c/w with the single (where the strap feels stable ACROSS the chest, but with double, it is coming up more from the side) -- too much swing ??

It does swing more when walking, so make sure to use the front and back straps to stabilize them somewhat.
Also you have watch your balance when switching cameras, especially with heavy combos like 1D + tele prime.
The CoupleR that came with my double strap doesn't fit (I still have to contact them about it), but just using the front strap works fine for me and I am usually stationary anyway.

28

Lens Gallery / Re: Sigma 30mm f1.4 EX DC HSM

« on: January 30, 2012, 07:20:24 AM »

"It will produce massive dark corners if used on a full frame camera" according to Kurt Munger.
Same for APS-H sensors.

29

EOS Bodies - For Stills / Re: Professional / DSLR Cameras forbidden at events

« on: January 28, 2012, 08:29:22 AM »

Sometimes it's no problem if you ask for the event or press manager on site, even if you're not a pro. Just be patient and friendly, and if they are hesitant you might be able to persuade them with a promise that you will send them some pictures ("some" being the keyword, don't say "all" or "full-res"). Or be bold and directly ask for their e-mail address as indirect approval. Keep business cards at hand (get them free or really cheap on the internet).
For closed (i.e. not public and/or not free) events you should contact the organisation at least 2 weeks beforehand, the earlier the better chance of getting a guest photographer's spot. For example, I already booked an event in August last September.


New Year 2012, Museumsquare Amsterdam, 1D IV + 70-200 f/2.8L IS II

30

Lenses / Re: f2 2x zooms

« on: January 27, 2012, 08:17:21 AM »

Wasn't there a rumour because of a17-55 f/2 patent somewhere in 2010, as well?

That's right: Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2 IS Patent.
I checked ip.com but unfortunately it doesn't provide any more info on the patent.