Looking for 18-135mm STM first impressions

Initial impression is that this lens is an excellent walk around lens for someone that doesn't mind variable aperture and really wants to avoid switching lenses. The compromises are far fewer than they were with the older version and looks to be better than most other lenses that cover this range

The beginnings of my detailed review Canon 18-135 STM lens is taking shape http://digital.photorecommendations.com/recs/2012/08/18-135-stm-detailed-review/

I am happy to answer any questions, What would you like to know about the lens?
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What lens(es) should I consider for next purchase?

scrappydog said:
I have the 24L, 24-105, TS-E 24 II, TS-E 17. My TS-E 24 II is hands-down the sharpest of all my lenses, including the 70-200 f/2.8L II. It is super sharp without the tilt-shift, but is corner-to-corner sharp when the tilt is used properly, even at f/3.5. Although some use tables, LiveView is the easiest way to get that sharpness. My recommendation is to buy a clean used copy. They go for $1,750 USD or so.
how does the TSE-24II handle flare? I can point my 24LII at the sun and it almost completely kills any flare, in many cases it actually does kill it. For the creatives that like flare they will have a harder time getting that look if the 24LII is any indication of the future.
Um adding to the original post i decided to do what i should and investigate.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-TS-E-24mm-f-3.5-L-II-Tilt-Shift-Lens-Review.aspx
"CA (Chromatic Aberration) is extremely well controlled - less CA than the EF 24 L II and much less than the original TS-E 24mm L. Utilizing SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating), the TS-E 24 L II controls flare very well - performing much better than the EF 24 L II and better than the original TS-E 24mm L (review the comparison samples below). Distortion is negligible - slightly less than even the EF 24 L II and noticeably less than the original TS-E 24mm L. Contrast and colors are excellent. Bokeh (foreground and background blur quality) is good."

You just cant go below F3.5 which many who buy a 24 want. But as for landscapes it appears this Lens is the shizz.
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Filters

Vonbon said:
Razor2012 said:
Random Orbits said:
neuroanatomist said:
rahkshi007 said:
Hi, i would like to ask what is the different between B+W F-Pro and B+W XS-Pro.
i only know that XS-PRO has tinner frame. Are Both have the same image quality and both has coating which easy to clean ?

F-Pro vs. XS-Pro refers only to the mount. F-Pro is 5mm thick (except CPL), XS-Pro is 3.4mm thick. The coating is identified by the designation of MRC (multi-resistant coating), Nano (MRC with slightly greater light transmission), or the lack of such a designation (which means single coated or uncoated).

The XS-Pros might be nanocoated by default.

I think so, Nano isn't an option and only comes with XS-Pro filters.

Some store still have plenty of older xs-pro without nano coating. They are slightly cheaper and packed in older light blue box. The newer ones would be black box.

Oh ok, I've just seen the newer black boxes.
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Keep 70-200 f4 IS or go for f2.8 IS II?

Wilmark said:
Razor2012 said:
I had the F4 on the 40D and it's no comparison against the 2.8II paired up with the 5DIII. IQ is close but not in speed.

Honestly i dont know how you can compare these two lenses. There is a huge difference between F2.8 and F4. Most of my shots with this lens are shot at F2.8. Its so damn pleasing. WHen you shoot with the 70-200 you are usually about 20 or more feet away from the subject and your main desire is to have your subject lifted from its surroundings. I hardly ever try to soot a scene or a large group where i want everything in focus with this lens. I would never trade the 2.8 option for 4.0 at these FLs. Now with the wider ranges, I chose to go with the 24-105 F4 instead of the much more expensive 24-70 2.8 options.

Exactly, the 2.8 most definately has the 'pop'. For wide I'm using the 16-35II now, but waiting for the 24-70II to arrive.
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*UPDATE* Canon EF 135 f/1.8L IS

Its hard to imagine the 135L improving and i know thats been said about a lot of lenses but this lens pretty much never fails. I suppose the glass would somehow be improved with the latest coatings and somehow be made to handle higher resolution cameras. I think their lens lineup is gearing up to support a high mega pixel camera. Shoot i read 5yrs ago about them developing a 50 mp sensor but they were smart enough to not release it since the computer and memory age really hadn't made it very affordable to handle tons of files at that resolution in an efficient manner.
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Which cheap telezoom for video?

After thinking it over for a few days, I'm now strongly leaning towards buying a Panasonic FZ200 for my gf to shoot with instead. It'll make things a whole world easier for her having a 24x zoom and AF. 120fps would be a bonus too; I can think of a few nice shots that I could use it for. It'll be nice to have as a multi-purpose camera that I carry with us all the time, taking the total to 3 cameras for the trip (not counting the GoPro's)

I'll wait for the reviews to appear and for some video samples to come out, but I think this option is going to be easiest overall.

Strange that a camcorder has never entered the equation as an option... it's kinda odd that the consumer camcorder world is mostly still trudging around with 1/4" chips, interlaced video, auto-everything, etc, while still cameras (both DSLR and compact/bridge) seem to be making all the advances with large chips, 120fps slow motion, more creative control, better colours, etc.
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Canon EF 600 f/4L IS II Review

M.ST said:
Yes, the EF 1200 is very rare. But only one person (not me) own a EF 3000. The EF 1200 is very heavy, but for the EF 3000 you need a truck.

I have all the latest L lenses and some other lenses with exeption EF 24-70 L I (sold, you know why), EF 17-40, EF 24-105 IS (sold after 3 days use a few years ago), the EF 500 2.8 II L and two of the tilt-shifts.

You have a very impressive kit list - what kind of photography do you do?

Which is your favourite lens?
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looking for portable background stand for botero 7x5feet background

I bought one today but checked with a few Ebay vendors first indicating I wanted quality vs. price. Most pointed to a brand called Linco saying they were the sturdiest. Sure enough I inquired with them and found their stands are much more durable and constructed better supporting up to 15 lbs, 3 year wararnty as well. Here's their store - whether they ship to Euro I'm not sure

Link to background systems: http://img.lincostore.com/Background-Support-and-Backdrops/category/54.html

I know Adorama sells a few of their items as well on ebay and at adorama.com

Good luck
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Stockholm, Sweden

California Frank said:
Hi I am in Sweden. I live here now but I am from California. Are you from Stockholm? Nice pics by the way.

Hi Frank!

You really got som swedish pictures there! :)
I´m not from Stockholm, I grew up in Strängnäs (outside the town on the countryside) wich is about 80 kilometers away from the capital. But, I´m moving to Stockholm from Piteå up north. Just in in about two weeks!

Are you coming back soon? What are your main observations of Stockholm and Sweden overall?

Cheers!
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Suggestion for Camera/Laptop backpack

Kata D-3N1-33 3 in 1 Sling Backpack, Large same price range as lowerpro fastpack 350 fits almost 7d with 70-200 f 2.8 , 17-40, 28-135, 50 1.8 , 70-300 usm,laptop bag + extra space on top for other things, free rain cover

check more at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/656755-REG/Kata_KT_D_3N1_33_D_3N1_33_3_in_1.html

its not about large you should check for how comfortable you are carrying is matters, i am using it not sure about Lowepro DSLR Video Fastpack 350 AW (Black)
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Multiple Flashes During Wedding Ceremony

wickidwombat said:
brianleighty said:
I don't totally understand depth of field yet but the closest I've come is that the depth of field is based off the

Um I dont mean to be rude but if you dont understand depth of field then you really should not be shooting a wedding!

weddings are about as full on shooting conditions that you will ever encounter you need to be 100% clear on how your camera works and all fundamental photography basics

otherwise you might end up here
Judge Joe Brown - Cheap wedding photographer

I agree with the Judge. If you get pay as a wedding photographer, please DON'T use consumer level cameras or lenses...PERIOD

XTi + 18-55 lens for wedding, and NO FLASH??? What's next S100 for wedding??? U gotta to be kidding RIGHT? >:( >:(
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What happens to the olympic equipment

I would assume that they collected all stuff just for olympics to be in one place. They could divide it into regions to support different events around the globe for CPS members.

I dont think they sell it as "refurbished/used". If you think for a while: how many shutter actuations could 1 pro photog take during covering (lets say) one day ? 5 000 ? 10 000 ? even more ? And Im sure that 1 camera goes thru different hands.

Just my 2 cents.
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2012 London Olympics

wickidwombat said:
MiceBass said:
So far I've attended events at the Aquatic Centre, Water Polo Arena and the Basketball Arena inside the Olympic Park, plus Earl's Court and The North Greenwich Arena (O2).

I have taken a 5D mkIII, 70-200 2.8 L II and a 2x extender III and I have not had anything remotely approaching a problem anywhere, with the exception of the O2 where one of the volunteers said there was a limit of 15 cm and so I showed him a printout of the restrictions and he apologised. I sense even without that he would have let me in.

All very friendly, all very relaxed. Will post examples once I've gone through the 64GB (count them!) of images.
Out of interest what are the restrictions for mere mortals that don't have press passes?

Sadly I don't have a press pass. I'm just a swimming fan and a normal member of the public.

But, as mentioned by one of the other posters, the restrictions are here:
http://www.london2012.com/mm/Document/Documents/General/01/25/44/06/Prohibitedandrestricteditemslists_Neutral.pdf
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No more Katzeye for Canon 5D Mark II?

jacktaka said:
hey guys, try www.focusingscreen.com

also, can someone tell me what's so special about brightscreen?
Some say they are better, some not.
They use cut down Canon or other larger screens, and / or make their own. They treat them with a undisclosed process to be brighter than the ones Canon supplies for $45.00.
Making the best possible focus screens is a art, and it can be expensive to make really good ones, as opposed to merely milling down one made for a 1 series camera, or a Hasselblad, etc.
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Best view points for Grand Canyon Photography

Not sure if this is the right forum but there doesnt seem to be one for places and situations arther then gear.
In a couple of weeks I'll be making my trip down to Arizona... I'll be spending a couple of nights at the Grand Canyon South Rim.
Does anybody know which viewpoints are best and at which times of day?
We are going in an RV so will be using the shuttle bus and feet to get around mainly because taking the rv to all the view points would be a pain... also the wife and kids wont want to be driving back and forth to view points at sunrise and sunet!
Any advice you guys have would be appreciated
Thanks

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