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Don Haines · Feb 25, 2013

Landtosea said:
Don Haines said:

I would head to a decent astronomy store. They will have a selection of decent spotting scopes and high powered binoculars that you should be able to get at a reasonable price..... and the best thing is you get to touch and try the gear first.

My suggestion is: Print/draw your target with your 1/4 inch hole... plus one or two sizes larger and smaller, park car 300 yards from store with target on the roof, and try out what the store recommends right there..... there is nothing better than seeing it work to let you know that it will work.

Click to expand...

Thanks, but I have done the homework on the spotting scopes and know what models perform and which do not. I am really surprised that senor Steve can see them with his 42x Nightforce, even though that is an expensive high end scope? This is a prime example of glass quality making the difference and why a cheaper spotting scope is not going to help.

What I did not think to try and you brought to mind is my son has a decent telescope. I have to at least give it a shot... I am still interested in my lens options and may pursue the above mentioned 400mm combo.

I was thinking 4"telescope myself..... and a telescope tripod allows fairly easy aiming. I suggested the astronomy store as there are some really nice spotting scopes and astronomical binoculars that you see in astronomy stores that you don't tend to see in hunting stores.... a very different purpose.

BTW, the rifle range at work uses a 4" telescope on the 200 meter range and binoculars on the 100 and 50 meter ranges.

Drizzt321 · Feb 25, 2013

I came across an interesting article on Anandtech.com this morning, and while it's not quite Roger detailed, it still was an interesting read with enough to whet my appetite.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6777/understanding-camera-optics-smartphone-camera-trends

AvTvM · Feb 25, 2013

neuroanatomist said:
AvTvM said:

But Neuro ... especially as a Canon-user it is really tough to spot the feature in the somewhat unwieldy spec list!

Click to expand...

Tough to spot on a Nikon spec list, mabe...but that's better than impossible to spot on a Canon spec list, since it's not there at all (e.g. the 7D has AFMA, but it's not referenced in the specs).

Totally agree on that one. AS I already mentioned when I quoted the D7100 viewfinder details ... it is not possible to find the same, still rather basic product information for a Canon EOS camera on a Canon website.

Feb 25, 2013

Louis said:
neuroanatomist said:

Louis said:

I wonder if its possible to make the 5D3 -EV3 like the 6D?

Click to expand...

Almost certainly not...

Click to expand...

If not then I wonder how they are going to fix this problem

The problem isn't one of sensitivity. Users have reported that while AF is slower with the assist lamp on, simply turning off AF assist results in faster focus - that means even when there's plenty of light as far as the AF system is concerned, AF is slow. So it's an algorithm tweak that's needed, as J.R. stated.

alexturton · Feb 25, 2013

Pixel king triggers are good. They are cheap work support groups and ratios ( with the latest firmware)

wickidwombat · Feb 24, 2013

i've got one of these they are pretty good
also got the passports too

RGF · Feb 24, 2013

Hi

I have heard that this can be done. What is involved?

Does the aperture work correctly? I assume that autofocus will not work.

Anything else? Does the lens focus from near to infinite?

Thanks
Rich

Marsu42 · Feb 24, 2013

Faxon said:
The butterfly brush seems awfully pricey for my needs, however. (Maybe I can modify a ten dollar electric toothbrush).

It is, and I guess it's the one thing you don't really need from the lensrentals method - the blower, silicon stamp and brush are less expensive. Concerning the swabs the lensrentals guy says that wet cleaning is a pita because it leaves smears, and he should know and I believe him - that's why I went the dry cleaning way.

expatinasia · Feb 24, 2013

Thanks everyone. I realise it is easy to update the firmware but was just wondering whether it was possible to skip that part (until they release the next update in May) by checking the serial number. No problem though, the guy at the shop assures me it is brand new and just arrived from Canon so will be interesting to see what it has on it.

Thanks.

RGF · Feb 24, 2013

RGF said:
I would like to have a serious discussion. I am not going switch in haste, I am justing thinking about this issues. So please, no flames, etc. Well thought out comments are welcomed.

Comparing Nikon and Canon bodies here are my thoughts

5D M3 no match
D800 no match, when/if Canon comes out with a high MP body, it is likely to be expensive.

Canon 1.3 crop in a 1 series body is great, Nikon's FX/DX lacks this feature. The 1.3 crop makes my 500 a bit longer

Not sure how I would compare the 1D X versus D4 (correct body?), but not terribly important since the 1D X is out of my price range.

Canon vs Nikon lenses

Nikon wins in wide angle.
Canon and NIkon both have great mid range lenses (24-70, 70-200). Canon's 24-105 is probably better than Nikons 24-120.

On the long end, similar quality though with the new super telephotos Canon may have an edge in optical quality and definitely on weight. But at what cost?

Nikon has 200-400, Canon has an interested lens in development, not out yet, costs $3000 (?) than Nikon's.

Speciality lenses - Tilt shift I think Canon wins at least for wide angles. Macro - both are great.

Conclusions

Canon - more expensive, lighter weight Super telephotos, weak in the wide angles expect for Tilt Shift
Nikon - less expense, stronger in wide angles,

Anything else?

Thanks for everyone for their serious thoughts.

Since my passion is wildlife, I will be sticking (at least for the moment) with Canon.

Reasoning:

- New 200-400 is rumored to be great, built-in 1.4x converter may allow me to get the shot I would lose will taking the lens off the camera and adding the converter. Plus I have heard that Canon's version will be lighter than Nikon's. Definitely more expensive, though with the weakending Yen, perhaps the lens will not be that pricey.

- With a 200-400, I will sell my 500 F4 and get a 600F4. Again here Canon wins on weight, if not sharpness.

- In the mid-ranges (24-70 and 70-200) the version II Canon lenses are superb.

- Nikon beat Canons in wide angle lens/

- Bodies: AF Nikon wins but Canon is doing better.

I will make my final decision after the 200-400 is introduced.

Thanks again for all the discussion.

bdunbar79 · Feb 24, 2013

I would recommend against buying a 200 f/1.8 lens. It's too old and in my opinion, on average across all the apertures, the 200 f/2L is better.

R1-7D · Feb 24, 2013

Mt Spokane Photography said:
R1-7D said:

Thanks for the responses.

At least I was smart enough to experiment on something first before messing with my $2000 camera:

I know I said it was my 5D2, but I actually was playing with the mount on my 25mm extension tube to make sure it could be removed easily enough first. The reason is that I have quite a scratched mount on my 5D2 and was thinking I could replace it if it were an easy job.

I simply said 5D2 in the thread to for simplicity for getting my question across.

Now that I know my answer, however, I have another question as a result of my stupid tinkering:

Since I had the four mount screws out on the extension tube, will that too throw the focusing out of whack when used with another lens?

Thanks for the help and everyone's patience. In the future I'll try to make myself leave this stuff alone and control my OCD better.

Click to expand...

Extension tubes are very precisely machined as well, the good ones, anyway. Most tube users are not worried about edge to edge sharpness, and you are magnifying the image anyway to only see the center portion.

Unless you see a problem with the image, don't worry. I would avoid messing with the camera mount though.

So would you say over time all lens mounts need adjusting just from long-term use? I would assume that putting heavier lenses on the camera would also theoretically loosen the lens mount as the metal and plastic fatigues over time.

TexPhoto · Feb 24, 2013

A crazy thought i had is this: Russian 35mm cameras like the Kiev (a whole brand of camera) used the Nikon F mount. Essentially they copied Nikon so well the lenses and bodies were interchangeable.

I wonder if in some effort to stay compatible with Russian Gear, they chose to go with Nikon.

Rienzphotoz · Feb 23, 2013

Marsu42 said:
eyeland said:

I guess thatr the Tamron wins hands down for video use over the canon mk2 due to the VC?

Click to expand...

Only if you use handheld static video, but for most professional applications a body stabilization gear is used which prevents the typical IS/VC "skip" when moving around.

+1
When handheld the VC is better than my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II ... but once you set it on a tripod and shoot, Canon lenses produce superior clarity, sharpness & colors. The 24-70 f/2.8 VC is a great lens for its price - basically value for money. But if you want tack sharp image across the image, get Canon 24-70 f/2.8 L II

Rienzphotoz · Feb 23, 2013

RLPhoto said:
This will definitely be my first tilt-shift.

Mine too! ... eagerly waiting for its release.

Rienzphotoz · Feb 23, 2013

Mt Spokane Photography said:
Thats why smart companies license software and include it in the package.

A example might be Canon Cameras and the software included with them does include patented software licensed from third parties, including MP4 codecs. Its also why you can only download updates from the Canon site. I use Nero software, and they include third party patented software which has its own software agreement and activation before you can use it to play MP4 files.

The point being that they include it, and do not subject you to having to hope to get it from a third party.

I suppose the problem with small start up companies is that they don't have the resources, so they depend on third parties.
When this was a Kick Starter project, I almost invested in it ... but for some reason I did not go through with it.

RiceCanon · Feb 23, 2013

Thanks Mt Spokane. I'll look into the Kenko TC you mentioned.

degies...I watched that Art Morris video a few weeks ago. His work is amazing. All of us mere mortals can only dream about the access to equipment that Canon's Masters of Light get!

starcam · Feb 23, 2013

crasher8,

I am familiar with hyperfocal distance focusing, but not something I've practiced often. Would not have a problem putting that into practice more often.

Mt Spokane Photography · Feb 23, 2013

Totti said:
spinworkxroy said:

Dylan777 said:

With 61 AF points, do you really need re-comp?

Click to expand...

Actually yes sometimes, because i personally only use spot focusing so either i manually move the focus point, or i'll recompose..

Click to expand...

Do not use recompose with a fast prime like the 50mm f/1.2, at least not, unless you are at f5.6 or less.

The depth of field is very shallow at wide apertures, and you will be out of focus most of the time. If you must use recompose, sell the 1.2 and get a cheap small aperture lens that will give you more depth of field.
Thanks for the responses guys. apologies but it's all new to me. I've got a 5D and 2 lenses: 50 1.2, and a 24-105.

When you say you only use spot focusing, is that just the one little dot for focus? I have been using the one with the adjacent points unless I really want absolutely precise focusing..

It's been great delving into the world of semi manual photography. I've never had to specify AF points before (Sony a350 just used to leave it on auto) so while it's been a challenge thinking about where to focus every time i shoot, it's such a joy when you get it right.. Especially on 1.2 =)

dpedro · Feb 23, 2013

Would you buy http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A3BQWXK/ref=redir_mdp_mobile for 479.00 or spend 900.00 to buy 4 used Einstein 3200's? The used kit of 4 comes with 3 stands, a few soft boxes and umbrellas. They are used, but all work.

dpedro · Feb 23, 2013

Ok, so http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A3BQWXK/ref=redir_mdp_mobile or 4 used working Einstein 3200's for 900.00. Includes soft boxes, stands and umbrellas.

SJ · Feb 23, 2013

Congrats my friend 8)

Click! · Feb 23, 2013

Re: The Canon EOS 7D & EF 400 f/2.8L IS II Break a Record

Cool panaroma, so much detail. This is great for contests ...

"Find Mr. Potato"

He's actually in there LoL.

Plamen · Feb 23, 2013

AdamJ said:
[The busy background in this fairground image is in the distance.

It does not matter (much) where it is. It matters how much it is blurred. In this case, the "transition zone" goes more or less to infinity. In the shot with the beer bottles, the background is pleasantly blurred and it is just 3-4m away, if I remember well.

In the boy with the Cowboy hat shot (Sigma), the background is very far and the bokeh is still bad. DPReview has nice portrait shots with the Sigma where the background is close but the main subject is much closer, and the background is well blurred.

Focus a 34/1.4 lens wide open at 4m, or so, and you are trouble with the background. Focus it even farther away, no problem.

cpsico · Feb 23, 2013

wsmith96 said:
I would like to solicit opinions here. I shoot a lot of sports pics of my kids. I'm currently using a rebel T1i which takes great pictures, but I usually miss some great action scenes due to the slow frame rate of the camera. I was looking for used cameras that would allow me to maintain my lenses (EF-S) and I found a used canon 40D that looks gently used. The price is great at around $350. Of course, I would love to have a 7D, but I'm watching my pennies lately and can't afford it today. So, what would you do? Would you save up for the 7D or go ahead and not miss this spring season's shots using a 40D?

Thanks.

The 40d is a wonderful camera, much better IQ than a 50d, it also has 14 bit color. If the price right it's very useful with great color, great in camera jpg.

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