Recently I also have the issue of Sigma 18-35mm lens cannot produce sharp image with my Canon 70D. I also try to perform the micro adjustment in the camera itself but still not very happy with the result might be due to the camera micro adjustment only have two setting per lens (W or T) therefore in some situation the output picture still not sharp enough. Until I purchased the Sigma USB dock to perform the micro adjustment now i am happy with the output for the lens

The USB dock allow you to adjust your lens with different focus length (if your lens is a zoom lens) and also based on the object distance away from the camera. You can see the image below showing the before (top portion) and after (bottom portion) effect of the fine tuning.

I had attached two jpg file, one is the before & after of the fine tune result and the other is the fine tune setting using the Sigma application with the USB dock. You can see the difference between the before and after fine tune really have a lot of difference in term of its sharpness. Hope this will help those who face the same issue as me.

Sella174 said:

mackguyver said:

... I found the whole thing mocking instead of funny.

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I found that the "press release" captured the essence of why I haven't "upgraded" my current Canon EOS bodies ... Canon is on the one hand simply recycling the same old stuff (e.g. the EOS 700D), and on the other hand not pushing "innovation" down to "traditional" photographers (e.g. the on-chip AF of the 70D is useless if your technique is through the viewfinder).

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Of course, IMO, that's something of an unfair criticism. Like most traditional photographers, I take more than 99% of my shots through the viewfinder, but for the occasional shot where I do use live view—whether because I'm using extenders with a slow lens, holding the camera over my head to get a better angle, using a rain hood, or whatever—I find that there are no words for how much the focusing speed sucks.

Sure, that feature isn't at all critical, and I certainly wouldn't trade other features for it, but I definitely wouldn't complain if it found its way into every camera in Canon's lineup, just as long as there are other significant sensor improvements along with it.

I couldn't wait for the review so I just purchased it for the wife .. I tried it on my 70d for a couple of shots and I liked it .. I know she will also like it ... I then sold the 55-250 mkll which I purchased wright after I got the wife a SL1 ........ just then they announced the 55-250 STM ........

Pi said:

I do not quite agree with the author. Lies or made up "facts" are not what I consider BS even though some of them are. The most sophisticated BS is when somebody presents arguments ... which are BS. It is not like they are not telling you how they "know" what they "know", they do. But it is BS.

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I am with you regarding the presentation of arguments. As long as a poster brings arguments, even if these turn out to be wrong, at least the poster is trying to be constructive. As such I don't consider what is presented as BS, even if it is totally misguided nonsense. We cannot expect anyone posting here to have a background allowing the person to see through marketing slogans or technical details or engineering processes or the like.

lastcoyote said:

Viggo said:

I have owned 30 lenses on 4 afma enabled bodies, all of them calibrated properly with Canon and it's only ONE lens that needed no afma and that was one of the three copies of the 50 L, but I write that off as pure luck. All lenses to all bodies should be calibrated through Reikan Focal or other equally good methods. I don't believe that one can own 8 lenses and two bodies and no afma needed. There's a difference between good enough and optimal and everyone is different in how much they see or care about it.

If you only shoot stopped down and never larger than f4 I can understand the statement, but f2.0 and bigger will show it. My 200 f2.0 is calibrated at the same place as my 1d, and it needed +4 and the difference is highly noticeable. It's sharp at 0 also, but mindblowing at +4.

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actually i totally agree with you here.
people are different on what they consider 'good enough'. as i mentioned before out of the box i considered my 70-200 f/2.8L IS II to need little or no AFMA. if I hadn't been playing around with AFMA yesterday I'd of considered it needed no adjustment. but just a bit of testing and tweaking showed that actually you can get even better results.

i should really spend time to properly callibrate all my lenses even though i'm more than happy with how they perform now.

viggo it sounds like you send your lenses to a canon service center to be professionally calibrated. do you always send your body along with the lens? and does it always come back performing perfectly?

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I rarely send my lenses for calibration, but I do send my bodies. In my experience the bodies can get quite a bit more accurate with a calibration and that also makes the lenses hit better. But if I service a lens for something else I ask them to adjust focus also. They always come back better for sure, but I always run them through Focal and do afma myself.

privatebydesign said:

Viggo said:

Hmm, anyone have a link to that "spider-webbing" ? That just sounds like what I saw in my 200...

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Many types of advanced fungus have a stringy spiderwebish type look and is a certain differentiator between bad dust and fungus.

https://www.google.com/search?q=lens+fungus&client=firefox-a&hs=SkD&rls=org.mozilla:en-USfficial&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=lZxoUu_PKoahkQfrwICIAQ&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1265&bih=681

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Thanks ! That is def not what I see on the 200, it's like it's around the edges so that the whole element is displaying some weird pattern along the edges.

Don't buy from digitalrev, thier "no questions asked" return policy is anything but that.

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=17132.msg317090#msg317090

MonteGraham said:

BlackRapids RS-7 on 5DIII/70-200 2.8IS with or without battery grip? Pros and Cons?

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No problem what so ever! I have been walking with the 5D II gripped or with my 1Ds III with a 200/2L without any concern. Just today I was taking shots with the 5DII and the 70-200L II. The RS-7 is very strong.

Marsu42 said:

Afaik as far as the warranty is concerned it matters how "visible" the pixels are, i.e. are they near the center and are they dead/black or hot/bright. If there's a hot pixel cluster in the center your chances are good you can replace the item ... let me know if I'm wrong here.

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where the defective pixels are located is not important.
but the type of defect is.

old
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_13406-2

new
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_9241#ISO-9241-302.2C_303.2C_305.2C_307:2008_pixel_defects

if they exchange a monitor depends a lot on the company.

pensive tomato said:

CarlTN said:

Which speedlite do you use? I would like to buy a cheap one that can still do everything. Do you have thoughts on the Yongnuo 568?

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I use the Canon RT system which works great and it's very flexible. One limitation is the cost, although rebates and refurbished units can make them easier on the wallet. There are cheaper options (the Yongnuo units included), but I don't have experience with them. Plenty of people around here at CR can give you feedback about their reliability and features.

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I've read some of it, and thank you for getting back to me. I can always borrow a Canon 580 from my cousin, but would be nice to have my own.

Thank you for the advises and opinions.

bigmag13, I don't mind shooting with single card cameras, all my previous cameras had only one card and fortunately I never had a problem. I realize one card failure is already too many, and I think that having two cards is an advantage, but for me it's not a buy or don't buy point (maybe if shooting single camera). I always always shoot with two bodies, what gives me a kind of redundant system: if one card happens to fail I don't lose everything (I also shoot with small cards).

With the rest I agree, but I think I can work my way around those weaknesses on the 6D.

RustyTheGeek, I think your bottom line is also my bottom line: do the best with what you can afford at the moment. And my business doesn't allow two 5D3's, which would be my choice, but allows two 6D's.

I value having two similar cameras, that is what I always desired when shooting with the 5D2 and 7D, because they weren't: the 7D wasn't usable above ISO 1600 and I ended up shooting interiors with only one camera, having to change lenses, etc etc etc. I like to have two of the same kind.

Since you have both, RustyTheGeek, in your view what are the 6D's weaknesses? I might say 1/4000 max. shutter speed is the only relevant one (when shooting wide open with f1.8 lenses). And about the AF, the outer points are the same as 5D2 or better?

Keep mine as well. All boxes and paperwork are packed up in plastic bin in the basement.

I look at it from a buyer's perspective: picking up a mint FD lens in its original packing can be quite thrilling. I've gone so far and bought original catalogs and manuals off ebay for stuff that I own and care about (camera gear, guitar stuff, audio stuff, microscopes, etc). No, I do have a life otherwise. Not to worry.

Beamengine said:

To be honest I don't like your photographs.

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You are certainly entitled to that opinion. But conversely, the most expensive photo ever ($4.3 million) looks like crap to me--I don't think the photographer cares whether I like it or not, and that bank that cashed the check certianly didn't.

The point being, as others have said--it's not about being a good photographer. It's about finding people that are willing to pay for what you are willing/able to provide. It's tough, requires some luck, but is absolutely possible.

As for the nay-sayers that say "don't ruin your hobby"--although that CAN be true, it doesn't have to be true. I have had some hobbies that have been ruined by doing them for money, and I have some that have only gotten me more interested/passionate by doing them (semi-)professionally. If you think you'll love, then go for it!

lap.texas said:

Thanks for the comments Mt Spokane Photography. I am looking for a configuration that will do autofocus which a 100-400L on a 70D with a teleconverter will not using the view finder. I have very little experience with live view, but for video I will need to start practicing.

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No autofocus with a TC on the 70D. However, with a Kenko 1.4X TC, autofocus may work. The Kenko is not fully compatible with some lenses on the 70D when you use the AFMA feature, and you should be using AFMA. I don't have a full list of incompatible lenses, (its a very short list) the 100L is one that will lock up the camera with a Kenko TC, but the 100-400L is fine.

I was curious to see what Canon’s third-quarter earnings release said regarding cameras, which constitute a single product line, among many. A few highlights:

------DSLRs
“Within the Imaging System Business Unit, sales of the EOS 5D Mark III, 6D and 70D advanced-amateur-model interchangeable-lens digital cameras continued to grow. Furthermore, especially in Japan, the new entry-level EOS Digital Rebel SL1/T5i cameras proved popular, further contributing to sales and helping the company to maintain its top share of the global market.” “…efforts to increase and maintain market share through the introduction of new interchangeable-lens digital camera and inkjet printer products featuring advanced technologies, led to an increase in third-quarter net sales of 14.2% to ¥913.1 billion (U.S.$9,318 million) from the year-ago period…”

-----Compact Cameras:
“Within the digital compact camera, the market is projected to continue shrinking, mainly among low-end models, due to the popularity of smartphones.” “…although total sales volume declined due to the market slowdown and the increasing popularity of smartphones, sales volume increased from the previous year for such high added-value products as the PowerShot SX50 HS and SX510 HS, each equipped with a high-magnification zoom lens that exceeds the capabilities of lenses offered by smartphones.”

So, Canon’s focus on the higher end is paying off, and nothing here telegraphs a perceived need to change that approach. They also seem pleased with the low bar they’ve set for themselves in terms of innovation. (I say that as someone who’d hoped the 70D would lessen my leanings toward the GH3 / BMPCC. Although I AM still bouncing a 6D around in my B&H cart….)

J.R. said:

docsmith said:

I played with the 1.4x TC on my 100-400L on the 5DIII in February before the 5DIII could AF. My conclusion was that photos cropped in post had as much or more detail. I was not impressed with this combination and sent the 1.4 TC back. I've been using the 5DIII and the 100-400L together however, and they are a great pair.

BTW....I am another one looking at the 300 f/2.8....almost pulled the trigger last night...

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I'm keeping the 1.4x TC. for now, I'll probably be using it with the 70-200 II and, in a pinch, with the 135L.

Anyhow, the TCs will be essential once I get the 300f/2.8 II ... So no point returning it, I might get the 2x in the meantime

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I have 878 images taken with the 100/400 + 1.4TC, so it gets some use but its not my top lens. Its quite capable but wont take the best images.

Now turning to the 300 f2.8 It works fine with the TC both 1.4 and 2. These will take the best images and are my top lenses.

I hope Bob was further away from that than it looks!
Awesome shot though.

I wanted to share my new photo book with my fellow CR forum members. The subject is a state park about 2 miles from my house that has one of the top gardens in the southern United States. I started shooting there here and again mostly out of convenience, but after 4 years, I decided it was time to put the flower macros, landscapes, and other photos into a book. I foolishly decided I wanted to name the flowers, thinking it wouldn't be too hard. I was so wrong, and if I had to do it again, I would have taken photos of the leaves, stems, petals, etc. because flowers are really hard to identify with all of the cultivation and hybridization growers have done.

There are three free ways to read it from the link below:

[list type=decimal]
[*]Click on the red "Read Now" banner on the cover of the book to read it right in your browser
[*]Click "Buy Digital" button to purchase the free eBook and download a 20MB PDF for viewing on PC / Android
[*]Click "Buy Digital" button to purchase the free eBook and then download the MagCloud app from iTunes for viewing on iPad / iPhone
[/list]

http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/648136

You can buy the printed version as well.

Help! Wonder if any other forum members have had the camera fail to power on. I put in a new battery but it failed to power up as well. Had bought a Mack extended warranty and the camera failed just about a week before the end of the warranty but I was out of country and could not get the camera to them. They refused to honor the warranty! Buyers beware! I will be sending into Canon to get an assessment. Up to this time I have had absolutely no problem with this camera. I have been waiting for the new 7DII but now may move to a FF. :-[

Thanks for the review! I just picked up the 70D and I love it. It is exactly what I have been looking for in a DSLR, especially with the camcorder like auto focus features. It's a winner and is spot on with it's tracking focus. I have come to love the articulating screen as well. I can't imagine not shooting without it especially for those high and low angle shots.

As a pro cinematographer, shooting in manual focus is ideal, but there are moments when you have to capture run and gun footage, documentary style, and I see this amazing auto focus feature as a great tool to have in the kit. Let's be honest, it's really hard to keep focus on those run and gun shots ... not anymore with the 70D. Yes, it's that good.

I am also impressed with the 18 - 135 STM lens. It has become my go-to lens. The stabilization feature in it is fantastic.

The one disappointment I have with it is the lack of a headset jack. Video storytelling is all about pictures and sounds, so it's a bit of a head scratcher to me why the Canon engineers go to great lengths to improve the video features but neglected a headset jack. I can only assume that camera will be here in a year or so.

The perfect camera would be to have the 5DMKIII with the 70D auto focus features plus the articulating screen. When or if that ever happens, I will upgrade to that camera. For now, I am very excited about the 70D.

Hello,

I've been very, very happy with the G15, but do have one complaint - no bulb setting, for longer exposures.

I was hoping to take some night sky photos, milky way photos, etc.

Is there a way around this?

Or, any recommended camera settings that might make great photos at the 15 second exposure, etc?

Thanks for any feedback!

its a pain....i've gotten used to always taking the battery out when I'm not shooting.

make sure you have the latest ACRaw version and plugin for LR

u can get it for around 2800 at the moment - haggle jb or digidirect

For video you can stabilise in a few ways, and in fact will want the choice.

For long lens shots a good tripod with fluid head is the only way, same goes for extended shots such as interviews.

A manfrotto 701hdv, 438 level and 190 legs are a basic, compact, solid, cheap set that will pan and tilt fairly smooth and give you a quick levelling base to shoot from.

There is nothing cheaper worth wasting any time on.

A Sachtler ACE is the king of 'budget' video tripods. A bit more money but a well sorted kit with a head that behaves like those on $4000 tripods.

A video monopod is useful.

An SM-1 shoulder brace is good to emulate the ENG position.

There is no idea FL.

Wider is easier to stabilise. I would say 28-35 is a good starting point. Much wider and perspectives become unnatural.