Messages

1

Lenses / Re: 50 f1.4 vs 85 f1.8.....

« on: May 15, 2013, 05:12:06 PM »

Since you're using a crop sensor, I would recommend getting the 50 1.4, as the FOV is almost equivalent to 85mm. And with 85 1.8, you'll be @ 135mm. Also, you have to take into consideration that the bokeh on crop sensor is not as impressive as FF. So between 1.4 vs 1.8 on a crop sensor, I will go for the extra stop which is 1.4. -- but that's my preference.

Having an FF body, i always prefer the 85 for portraits - both indoor & outdoor. For general use and versatility, I'd pick up  my 50mm.

I totally agree with this.

85mm seems to be the go to for portrait. On a crop, a 85mm is no longer 85mm. A 50mm on a crop is more in like with what a 85mm would be on a full frame as mentioned.

2

Contests / Re: Gura Gear Giveaway!

« on: December 07, 2012, 01:01:16 PM »

I want to win!

3

Pricewatch Deals / Re: SterlingTek LP-E6 Batteries for $15

« on: November 06, 2012, 09:59:20 PM »

SterlingTek are known for their aftermarket batteries. I've owned a couple of them and all work fine with no problems. This is an option for those who don't want to shell out $50 for OEM batteries.

Yes, they are well known and have lots of complaints about poor batteries, even though they have tended to be better than the really cheap ones sold on ebay. 

The US post office no longer allows you to send any li-on batteries or electronic devices that contain a li-on battery thru international mail.   Since they are in a cargo hold, there is no chance for the crew to put out a fire, and the halon extinguishers in the cargo compartment will not necessarily extinguish a li-on battery fire.  You really do not want to be on a plane with li-on batteries in someone's luggage.
All those devices with large li-on batteries are going to cause another air disaster, its just a matter of when,, and how bad.

As I noted, even the best batteries fail, but why increase the odds of failure to save a few dollars?

I don't know where you're reading your reviews. Reviews I've read all state they are good with a few stating they have typical problems but nothing extreme like your assumptions. Rarely do you see news report or people saying that their battery exploded. Same goes for any news for that matter about li-on batteries causing fires.

The chances of something catastrophic is very very minimal. You probably have a better chance of hitting the lotto or like someone said, getting hit with lightning.

4

Pricewatch Deals / Re: SterlingTek LP-E6 Batteries for $15

« on: November 06, 2012, 01:37:22 PM »

Just because 99.9. percent do not overheat and ruin a camera or burn down your house, does not make them a good deal.
And, having been involved with fire safety of commercial aircraft, I cringe at the thought of having them on a aircraft, knowing they have already brought down a 747, and other crashes are suspect.
Please don't bring them on a airplane flight, and never put them in checked luggage.
BTW, I've seen them overheat in a digital camera and swell up like a balloon. 
Even high end Li-on batteries that have stringent QA and safety tests fail far too often IMHO.

SterlingTek are known for their aftermarket batteries. I've owned a couple of them and all work fine with no problems. This is an option for those who don't want to shell out $50 for OEM batteries.

OEM batteries/products also fail whether it be cameras, phones, laptops, etc. They aren't all perfect either. "Don't bring them on a airplane flight" pretty much implies, don't bring any electronics with you at all.

5

Pricewatch Deals / SterlingTek LP-E6 Batteries for $15

« on: November 06, 2012, 12:58:59 PM »

Posted this on POTN but thought I would share with you guys as well

I was on Amazon about to buy something and got a pop up notification saying an item I had in my cart had a price change. I looked and it was for the LP-E6 battery. I purchased this last month for $25 with free shipping but the price has dropped $10 to $15 with free shipping on orders over $25.

If you have a 7D, 5D3, 60D, this is a great battery

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DHKJYM/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DHKJYM&linkCode=as2&tag=dcre-20

I just did a review on the battery on my site and I'm tempted to buy another 2 just to qualify for the free shipping.

6

Pricewatch Deals / Re: Deal: Canon EF 24-105 f/4L IS $749

« on: November 01, 2012, 12:41:58 PM »

Misinformation!!!

bigvalueinc is not an authorized dealer! They will lie to your face that their products have Canon USA warranty. They don't! If you know about Canon warranty and complaint enough, they will give you extended warranty through Consumer Priority Service (CPS) for free.

This happens to a friend of mine who bought something from them and their product didn't have Canon USA warranty card.

Correct. If you go to the auction and click on the Canon USA Warranty in the description, it takes you to Canon USA's website. Here, you will enter the information for the product whether its a lens or body and Canon will give you an ESTIMATE for the repair.