Not really a photography question but I know there's a few optical wizards about so thought I'd post away . I'm working on a system that uses a 850 +/- 10 nm infrared photodiode and what I'd like is an easy way to bench test the device. It'll be illuminated and if it worked in the visible range I'd use black, 50% grey and white cards to test it with, it doesn't have to be very precise just a way to take a few readings across the range of realistic readings, as opposed to putting in an enclosure or pointing at a mirror.

Because the filters on infrared remote controls are visibily dark and farily transparent to IR but designed to block visible light I know the rules of play are quite a bit different at that wavelength. I wondered if anyone had ideas on materials to use or maybe some reference to a database of how reflective various materials are at various wavelengths?

HughHowey said:

Awesome reply. Much appreciated!

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the 24-70 II does have more distortion at 24mm than the primes though, quite clearly

Viggo said:

clicstudio said:

lola said:

One should not expect 'mind-blowing' image quality from 1DX. It's an amazing body with an ordinary sensor.
Not that I resent mine but IQ is just not one of its strengths... For everything else, it's fantastic!

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I agree. I'm happy but not blown away. Specially when u can get 4 extra MP on a 5D III for $3K less and the same sensor.

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I totally disagree. I like the 1d X files much better than the 5d3. It has better DR, better sharpness, better low iso etc.

With very underexposed images like the one in the OP, it will show more noise. Try shooting it over and pull it down instead.

I haven't tried the much acclaimed 1ds3, but the 1d X kicks all other Canon bodies butt....

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I also disagree. The RAW files from the 1D X are substantially better than the ones from the 5D MK3

+1 on the 100mm L IS USM Macro with 3 different distance settings. Razor sharp as well but there were some excellent points made on the TSE90mm as an alternate although (great idea) I think the OP wanted AF.

Bosman said:

Forget Canon 6D I want this!

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This mini-thing might focus better than the 6D.

(hey, someone had to state the obvious)

Basically I have two doubts.

Should I get 6D for $2100 or add an extra $700 and get 5D mark III. (No doubt there'll be some discounted mkIII soon).
The other one is 5D II or 6D, but I belive AF speed, -3EV, sensor in general and Digic5+ would put me in 6D direction.

The opposite

5D3 arrived today, full price. I have no WA lens. What to do? Save my money. Earn my money from the 5D3. Buy a 17-40.

Why does it bother people KR gets more traffic? Do i care if this guy profits from it? No. Some of his info has been helpful over the years. As in any news or info you take what makes sense and leave what doesn't, no diff with KR. Its his blog he is allowed to do whatever he wants and if people want to advertise with him or pay him somehow that is up to those who believe it was worth it. His hyper sharp, hyper saturated work is crap when it comes to family photos but he isn't a total looser with landscapes. He does know a lot about cameras and he has opinions and he is sometimes wrong in my opinion but what do i care? He does a lot of sample image work not to wow you just give samples to demonstrate performance of diff cameras and lenses. I don't advocate him just realize he does offer something of value regardless of opinion.

Pentax already beat the 6D by a week or so:

Pentax K-5 II AF:


11 point SAFOX X autofocus system

New, highly advanced and accurate 11 point SAFOX X autofocus system offers the widest EV focus range in its class and is ideal for focusing in low conditions, as low as -3EV.

Type: SAFOX X TTL phase-difference 11 point (9 cross) wide autofocus system with light wavelength sensor
Focus modes: AF Single (w focus lock, focus/shutter priority selectable), AF Continuous (w focus/FPS priority selectable), Manual
Focus point adjustment: Auto 11 Point, Auto 5 Point, User-Selectable, Center
AF assist: Yes, via dedicated LED AF assist lamp

This thread was basically what I was looking for. I have a 60D and 5DmkII, and was considering a 7D upgrade for the crop.

The only thing I could really find that the MKII had that the MKIII doesn't is stereo mics . . .

So there's no real advantage (other than having a backup body) if I get the MKIII --- right?

chabotc said:

Ok so it's only been 3 hours since my copy arrived but the initial impressions are very good:

1) Focus is out of this world fast and accurate, more so then the 70-200 II which was my previous benchmark of best focusing system

2) Sharpness is incredible - so much so that I think it'll make me watch the shutter speed and/or use tripods even more then before - it's so sharp that you'll be able to tell when you moved a tiny bit, and when it lands perfectly, well it does blow away the sharpness of my 24 1.4, 35 1.4, 50 1.2 and 70-200 II by a decent margin - boy do pixels look amazing with this lens!

3) Feels great on a 1DX, balance works out great, even though it's not a super light lens its a pleasure to hold and use on that body

4) Color, saturation is damn good as well - relieved about this since sometimes sharpness / saturation are a trade-off in optical design, and this lens is nailing both of those

In short - it's looking like this will be my new most used lens!

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Thanks for sharing that. I had one pre-ordered and can't wait for it to arrive.

They have to give people some important distinctions between this and the 5d3, and this is one of them.

bdunbar79 said:

Just curious why Nikon can do it but Canon can't.

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Hi bdunbar 79
Why do you say that Canon can't ? Maybe I didn't understand your question.

I might suggest also reading this excellent review pointing out the strengths of this lens and what to do and what not do. Also note the author's mention of turning "off" electrical manual focus" if your camera supports this feature as in the 5D Mark III.

Go here: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-85mm-f-1.2-L-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

At the same web site, if you click on Tools, the ISO.. then pull up this lens on one side and then the say 1.2 version I on the other side you can do some sharpness comparisons. Note the purple fringing at 1.2 and 1.4 and watch it get less and less as you change the F stop to say F10

Hope this helps further.

never had a problem with sandisk cards you have just been very very unlucky

Bow to the stars by K3ntFIN, on Flickr


Golden Moonlight Reflection by K3ntFIN, on Flickr


Hakaniemi, Helsinki - By night by K3ntFIN, on Flickr

superb camera!

G11


Shots

Admittedly, DSLRs with dedicated macro lenses are the best way to do Macro. However, they're not the only way to get beautiful Macro pictures. I've got G11 and it's Macro can get me as near as I can. Do not let your camera limit your creativity.

I've got a 7D and a 5D Mark III. Previously I was concerned about shooting the 5D and loosing the 1.6 advantage, not so. You can crop to your hearts content and the quality of the 5D after cropping will surpass (at a 1.6 equivalent) a 7D especially in the noise dept. I know hard to believe but it's true since I own both.

To get to your question, the 400 5.6 L USM is a reasonably priced excellent BIF lens which I have been using for some time. The trick is to play around with it until you find the right settings. For me, when a BIF is in flight in the sky as a specific example, I push the EV to about +1 or +1 1/3, AI Servo of course and the Af selection I use is Zone AF. If the bird is stationary on a branch I might drop down the EV and use Spot AF on the birds eye. I don't use Evaluative metering, I sometimes shoot for Center Weighted or even Spot Metering for additional improvement. I'll put the ISO on 200, 400 or even 800 to gain the additional light advantage if needed. here's some shots you can reference - these are all hand held and with NR applied in DPP and in Post Processing. The first two are with the 7D and the second three shots are with the 5D Mark III. Hope this helps you. PS this lens does not fair well with UV filter. Use only with built in lens hood to get sharpest picture. The more you use this lens the better you will get as at first it "may" seem disappointing..just keep at it..this is my proof.


Brandt's Cormorant by Revup67, on Flickr


Great Blue Heron in Flight (Ardea herodias) by Revup67, on Flickr


Dunlin in the Mud by Revup67, on Flickr


"Hung Out To Dry, then Eaten" Great Blue Heron with Ground Squirrel by Revup67, on Flickr


Great Blue Heron with Squirrel In Flight (Pt. 2) by Revup67, on Flickr

Take a 4x5" camera, with a 4x5" back.
Put on this little adapter, and instead you can put on a Leaf or Phase One digital MF back.
Take a photo, slide it across the back, take another, etc. Take all (5, 10, 20) of those photos, stitch them together, and you've got a 4x5" 1 GigaPixel (or so) image (and hopefully nothing moved and the lighting didn't change between shots).
That's the adapter, I think they're selling a camera body as well.

Nothing new, really, Alpa have been selling shifting-backs for years...

...according to Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009B0MZG2/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=d01c6-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B009B0MZG2&adid=1C390SKPCKZ6M58A95FD

I don't have much experience on doing landscape on macro terms but here are some that I think will classify. If not, just tell me.

I was considering preordering 6D, but I wondered what if there's gonna be some Thanksgiving or Christmas sales for it.
What do you think, would the sales include 6D too? I mean it'll be a new product.
The other thing is, B&H for example has some 30 day price correction policy.
If I order it soon, but I'm charged only when it becomes in stock (at least they say so about charging your card) will I be eligible for a refund?

Oh it might be better to wait for another $2750 sale for 5D III and get the real thing at least...

I asked them to return the replaced parts

http://www.moonsphoto.com/blog/2012/09/17/canon-1dx-cracked-open/

Long awaited rain has finally arrived in my town - Nova Gradiska/Croatia.
I wanted to test Full HD video capabilities, as well as endurance of my new equipment.
Weather conditions was "wonderful", combination of rain and wind, but that couldn't "touch" my waterproof Canon.
This reportage was filmed entirely using Canon EOS 1Dx combined with Canon EF lenses 16-35mm f2.8 L II, 70-200mm f2.8 & Extender 2x III.
I have no experience with filming, this was my 1st. attempt, and more will follow in time.
Please, stay tuned

http://youtu.be/Aej6pDXye8o

Mladen Bozickovic