Messages

1

Third Party Manufacturers / Re: [advice] My last tripod

« on: May 12, 2013, 12:34:03 PM »

Neuro's choice is spot on as far as I'm concerned. I used the BH55 LR and TVC 34L combo and I will never need to upgrade unless I want to use a wimberly style head. I would recommend a levelling base for pure convenience as well.

I also use the RRS BH 30 on a gorillapod focus for travelilng (currently what's I'm using) and it's a surprisingly good combo.

I haven't had any issue with the lever releases as Noisejammer mentioned. The lever sits quite flush to the camera body's profile once closed so it doesn't stick out very much in my opinion. You also won't fully open the lever if something catches, there's a bit of a friction point (for lack of a better word) that requires you to move the lever a bit further beyond it to open the plate completely. Hard to describe but the chances are small.

Not sure if the mods here like external links but if you use your trusty internet searching tool and search for RRS TVC-34L review you'll find a quick review I did on the combo on another forum of the TDP variety.

Ben

2

Software & Accessories / Re: Need a tripod for a canon 5d3 that i can carry for vacation

« on: March 18, 2013, 04:22:13 PM »

I'm currently travelling the world and have been using a gorillapod focus as my tripod. I've been more than pleasantly surprised, even with the 5D3 and Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II. Tack sharp 30sec exposures.

I've coupled it with a Really Right Stuff BH-30 ballhead which is superb. Could be overkill but at least I'll have something that will last.

Not sure if it will give you the height you need but it will certainly handle the weight (at the right price too)

3

Lens Gallery / Re: Samyang 14mm f2.8

« on: February 16, 2013, 11:45:25 PM »

Good idea! Here's a couple of mine. I love this little lens.


Brisbane City Lights from 70 Stories by Ben__Taylor, on Flickr


Lit up by Ben__Taylor, on Flickr


Kicker! by Ben__Taylor, on Flickr


... by Ben__Taylor, on Flickr

4

Software & Accessories / Re: Rucksack Camera Bags

« on: January 26, 2013, 05:56:37 AM »

Oh, they also don't look like a camera bag, open from the back and they use a removable ICU (internal camera unit) that can be taken out if you want to use it as a normal pack.

5

Software & Accessories / Re: Rucksack Camera Bags

« on: January 26, 2013, 05:55:24 AM »

I don't think you can go past f-stop backpacks. I'm currently carting the f-stop guru around the world on a year long trip with a 5D3, Sigma 85mm f/1.4, Samyang 14mm f/2.8, Canon 35mm f/1.4L, Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II, 580 exII speedlite, hard drives and heaps of other bits and pieces. It's a steel frame with really well designed straps etc. I swear by it. Took it on a trek through Iceland last year in Winter with a similar kit and never had an issue with sore shoulders/back.

Very rugged and well designed. I would highly recommend them.

6

Lenses / Re: what 5 lenses would you want (exclude factors such as buissiness and body)

« on: December 03, 2012, 09:07:28 PM »

14mm f/2.8
35mm f/1.4L II
135mm f/2.0L
300mm f/2.8L IS III
600mm f/4L IS III

For what I currently shoot:
Canon 14mm f/2.8L
Canon 24mm f/1.4L
Canon 35mm f/1.4L
Canon 85mm f/1.2L
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II


If I had more opportunity to shoot wildlife as well as what I currently shoot:
Canon 14mm 2.8L
Canon 35mm f/1.4L
Canon 85mm f/1.2L II
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II
Canon 600mm f/4L IS II

Although this would make the travel bag rather heavy...

7

EOS Bodies / Re: First 6D review up - does [KR] read [CR] ?

« on: November 14, 2012, 05:28:30 PM »

Indeed, I wonder if he's tried shooting at f/1.4 on a bright day. Surely shooting at 1/8000 is easier than attaching and detaching an ND filter every time the light changes.

8

EOS Bodies / Re: Has Canon entered the Graveyard Spiral?

« on: November 14, 2012, 05:09:24 PM »

If Sony hits the graveyard will Nikon follow then? If everyone's so adamant that Nikon's better because of their sensor performance and they use Sony sensors they might be forced to put Canon sensors in   

I'm sure Canon would be supportive though and let them use the original 1D sensor for a reasonable price. 

9

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L 1.2 vs Sigma 85 1.4... Has anyone tried both?

« on: November 13, 2012, 11:05:45 PM »

I did have to micro adjust on the 5D2 to +2 from memory.

On the 5D3 - plug and play. I haven't needed to microadjust at all.

10

EOS Bodies / Re: A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

« on: November 13, 2012, 11:01:34 PM »

Do people actually care about APS-C cameras anymore?

Small sensors are the future, FF is the past. Expect to see more Pros drop FF and get APS-C/DX and M4/3 in the future.

In 5-7 years (maybe a lot sooner) people will look at FF the same way they do MFD today. Sensor technology gets better every generation -- the next generation m4/3 sensor will be better than a present-day 5D3, count-on-it.

I'm pretty much lost for words after this statement...

Those who shoot full frame do so for a number of reasons. One of the biggest for me is the shallow DOF characteristics and closely following that is high ISO noise performance.

As Neuro said, the laws of physics tell me your theory is fundamentaly flawed.

11

EOS Bodies / Re: Has Canon entered the Graveyard Spiral?

« on: November 13, 2012, 02:30:18 AM »

Give the OP a break. He's probably left handed and can't articulate pressing the ISO button. 

If he switches to Nikon he might be able to get a hold of Ken Rockwell's left handed Nikon F100 and then he'll be able to change ISO... but wait... the F100 takes film... oh no... but... wait... err... aaaarrrrrrghghghgh!!!!! 

12

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L 1.2 vs Sigma 85 1.4... Has anyone tried both?

« on: November 07, 2012, 01:38:00 AM »

That's a valid point xopher. If fast autofocus isn't required for what you need to do, and if the price of the 85L isn't an issue then I would certainly grab the Canon.

As for the Sigma, I've had two copies and both have been spot on. I may be lucky but so far so good for me.

13

Lenses / Re: Canon 85L 1.2 vs Sigma 85 1.4... Has anyone tried both?

« on: November 06, 2012, 10:10:51 PM »

Have tried both, although not extensively with the Canon.

But to answer your questions:

1. Yes, it is THAT slow

2. That depends a lot on the body you are using. The Sigma locks focus well in low light with the 5D3.

I use the Sigma, it's pretty much the only Sigma lens I will trust. I dropped mine onto a cobblestone road while travelling through Europe last year and broke it (AF Motor died from the impact I believe). I missed having it so much that I bought another copy in Berlin a day later.

It's a damn fine lens, I use it very often. Does have some purple fringing wide open but only in certain high contrast lighting situations - this doesn't bother me very much.

14

Lenses / Re: Post your wishlist for to-be-released lenses

« on: November 05, 2012, 07:54:59 PM »

As above pretty much.

35mm f/1.4L II that's lighter and with weather sealing.

85mm f/1.2L III that can focus quicker. At least be able to keep up while AI Servo focus tracking my Grandma on her walking frame 

15

Lenses / Re: EF 24-70 f/4L IS & EF 35 f/2 IS

« on: November 05, 2012, 05:54:30 AM »

It does look very small tho... small and lightweight? Discontinuation of the 24-105mm?

That thought did cross my mind also...