Are extenders useless?

I've been playing with EF EX 1.4x II and EF EX 2x III together with EF 300 f/4L IS USM and Canon 7D mk2. I've constantly managed to get better image quality (sharper + deeper colors) by just heavily cropping the 300 mm image without extenders. Does anyone agree? Because of this I'm now a bit puzzled as to how to get closer (to birds) while maintaining the image quality of my 300 mm lens without those huge and super expensive 500 mm or 600 mm Canon lenses. What would you suggest? The 100-400 mm ? I like to go out by bike with the camera in my back bag so this is one of the reasons I love the 300 mm.

How to (Easily) Fix the Mirror Hang Issue with an SMC Takumar 50mm f/1.4

Hello everyone. I discovered a very quick and easy way to solve the mirror hang issue with Canon full frame bodies and the SMC Takumar (or Super Takumar) 50mm f/1.4 lens. These lenses are still very intriguing and are inexpensive to grab off Ebay or a pawn shop. If you're interested, check it out:

http://bit.ly/1EW5Jxx

Here's a few unedited shots taken at either f/1.4 or f/2 the day I created the video. (More on the blog post and in the video).

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Any reliable way to differentiate the Samyang 35mm AE?

Confusingly the Samyang 35mm 1.4 for EF is still available in both the original non-communicating model and the 2014-updated AE model.

Even more confusingly, approved Samyang retailers like UK Digital show the unchipped mounting when claiming it's the AE model:

http://www.samyang-lens.co.uk/samyang-35mm-f14-as-umc-nikon-ae.html

Is there a product number or any way to definitely check that it's an AE before ordering?

( I don't have any camera shops within 100 miles so I can't buy physically )

Thank you!

Are ALL brand new Canon lenses defective?

I have gotten in the habit of sending my brand new lenses to the Canon Factory Service Center for warranty repair immediately after I buy it. So far every lens has had something wrong with it. This week I sent in my 11-24/4 and my 16-35/4 and both of them had the same problem. The autofocus module was out of alignment causing slight front focus. Does the Canon factory just not get them right? Are the tolerances for new equipment not up to par with the way CFS specs are?

Phase-out of the 24-105 4.0 L IS?

Hey guys,

this is my first post on this forum so please be patient with me :)
I have been wondering for a couple of days whether Canon might be planning to phase out its 24-105 4.0 L IS? There are a couple of actions that have made me think this might be the case. First they introduced the new 24-105 STM and included it in the official 6D Kit. Now here in Germany the 6D can no longer be bought with the L in a Kit, and prices for the L lens have gone up quite a bit (ok, that might be due to the fact that there will be less white-box lenses available now and because the Sigma 24-105 4.0 is no longer produced). On the other hand I have just read that in the US the L goes for as low as $599 on Ebay - signs of a sell-of?
Now that a new 5d Mark IV might be around the corner, maybe they plan to offer it with a new 24-105 L II? Also the new 5DS is not offered with the old 24-105 L as a kit lens. This could be because Canon knows that it won't look good on a high-resolution sensor, but maybe a new version of this lens could be in the making.. Or they decide to stick to the new STM in the long run..

Would be cool to hear your thoughts on this :)

Pixma MG7150 - not printing some colours

Hi all,
don't know if anyone can help here - we have had said printer for less than 18 months - after 13 months (ie just out of warranty) it started to not print some colours (Magenta, Cyan), as evidenced with a nozzle test print.
I got to recover then with a couple of "Deep Cleans", which seemed to use up half a tank of ink!
It's now gone again, so I'm wondering just how dead this printer is. Have tried another Deep Clean but without any improvement.
I've looked through several of the posts on here about other models of printers, and have ascertained that infrequent use of a printer can cause the tanks/nozzles to dry out, which may be what's happening here, and also that it could be a Good Thing to not turn a printer off, to stop it going through the inordinately long startup/cleaning routines, which could be contributing to the vanishing ink issue.
So.. does anyone know of a way that I can get the printer doing its thang properly again? Is there some ninja cleaning trick that could help out?
We've been using 3rd party ink - is there any evidence to suggest that that might clog/dry any worst than genuine Canon ink?
At wit's end..
Cheers,
Marlon

Did 85L NEED to have slow focus, or just a fluke thing they were trying?

Everyone talks about the focus by wire system on the 85L being slow, but this is accepted as ok by people who use it for portraits, not action.

I have never heard an explanation of why they gave it that focus system rather than a more common one. Was it just something Canon was trying out, which perhaps didn't pan out, or does this unusual focus system in fact do something better for some kind of use (portraits?)?

I know they can make big glass focus quickly, so I don't think the trade off was made for that reason. I don't get the impression it was a cost saver. I suppose it could be a space saver somehow, but it couldn't save all that much space. Anyone know the answer?

A Canon 50mm f/1.2L Replacement [CR1]

HTML:
<p>A new <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/03/canon-ef-50mm-f1-8-stm-coming-next-month-cr1/" target="_blank">Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM is expected sometime in April</a>, although the exact date isn’t known. I suspect it could show up after the new Rebels begin shipping.</p>
<p>We have received two mentions over the last few weeks about a replacement for the EF 50mm f/1.2L. We’re told the latest design of the 50L is slightly smaller, and a bit heavier. The front element is bigger than the current version, and that the focus shift issue will be gone thanks to a floating element.</p>
<p>We think the next L prime from Canon will be a replacement of the EF 35mm f/1.4L, and that a 50L replacement will be in the distant future, likely 2016 at the earliest.</p>

Review: Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG Art via LensRentals.com

HTML:
<p>LensRentals.com has completed their comparison review of the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG Art series lens. They have put it against the 24mm fast prime options from Canon, Nikon and Rokinon. This Sigma certainly holds up well, especially when it comes to sharpness in the center. Although, the endorsement for this lens isn’t quite as enthusiastic when compared to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG Art or the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG Art.</p>
<blockquote><p>The new Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art lens does, indeed, out resolve the offerings from the major manufacturers, at least in the center of the image. At the edges, though, the advantage disappears. More importantly with any 24mm f/1.4 lens, try as you will, unless you really stop the lens way down you aren’t going to get a flat field of focus. And if you are going to stop the lens way down, why invest all the extra money for a wider aperture lens.</p>
<p>That doesn’t make these bad lenses. There are clearly some types of photography that this focal length is invaluable for, and in that case you just learn to work around the shortcomings. In many cases, though, the old rule that the best 24mm f/1.4 is a 35mm f/1.4 and a few steps backwards is often true.</p></blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/04/just-the-lenses-sigma-24-f1-4-art-comparison#more-22105" target="_blank">Read the full comparison review</a> | Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art $849: <a href="http://adorama.evyy.net/c/60085/51926/1036?u=http://www.adorama.com/SG2414CA.html%20" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1120085-REG/sigma_24mm_f_1_4_dg_hsm.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a></p>

Canon Lenses not able to handle 50Mpx Resolution?

Hello everyone,
I don't know if this has been discussed before but rumors are spreading on on the web that the upcoming 50Mpx Sensors are a waste of money since current Gen Canon Lenses are "only" optimized for 35 Megapixel Sensors.
What are your thoughts on this Issue? How would an Image shot with a lens optmized for 35mpx actually differ from a one which is optimized for 50mpx?

Cheers,
Flux

DPR reviews d5500 and says it is a ISO-invariant camera.

They added a new section for Raw DR: Exposure Latitude & ISO-invariance which is very interesting. Iso 100 image pushed +5EV in post processing is same as correctly exposed image at iso 3600. Looks like one can shoot at iso 100 without worrying about proper exposure and correct it later. They compared it with 7d2/70d/6d.
According to DPR, following is the advantage of underexposing image:

"The idea is that if the scene has highlights that are clipping at ISO 3200, you will be better off by keeping the same aperture value and shutter speed, but turning the camera back down to ISO 200 and brighten it later, from Raw. This way you can get essentially the same shadow noise performance but with an extra 4EV of highlight information. And this is made possible by the incredibly low noise floor of what we're calling an 'ISO-invariant' camera."

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d5500/9

Does it mean exposure triangle is going to be redundant? I am still not able to understand how pushing using software preserve highlights. If some one is going to underexpose by 5EV in order to preserve highlights from clipping when we push +5EV using software, we start clipping highlights again right?

5Diii Mirror box and AF sensor

I purchased a refurb'd 5D mkiii in June '13. We had just had a baby and I was too tired to mess with it for a few months and just continued using my Nikon on shoots. When I finally got around to messing with it I noticed that the right cross-type af point was a little off. I mainly use a 50mm at 2.0 - 2.2 so it wasn't a big deal and I could get around it. Recently, I have been using 85L lens. Below 2.2 it is a whooping. I can AFMA the lens at +4 for the center point and far left cross-type sensor. But, for the far right cross-type sensor I have to have it on +20 to nail focus every time.

I mainly use the right cross-type af point in portraiture. So, this is becoming pretty inconvenient to have to switch the AFMA for the center point when I need to use the center af point.

I am going to call canon in the morning, but, I was wondering if anyone knew how much it would cost to replace the mirror box af sensor.

Traveling in Robust Style – Review of Pelican Progear Elite Luggage

I have used Pelican and Storm hard cases for several years, in sizes ranging from small (Storm im2050 for my EOS M kit) to large (Storm im2720 for a 600/4 and 8-10 other lenses). The cases are waterproof, crushproof, and offer excellent protection at home and away. While I use most for storage at home, I often use a Storm im2500 as carry-on luggage when traveling with camera gear, just in case a gate-check is forced. Most of my trips were overnight, with both the camera gear (in smaller cases like a Lowepro Toploader and Lens Cases) and my personal items in the one hard case. Fitting camera, 1-2 lenses, a travel tripod (RRS TQC-14), change of clothes, and toiletries in one carry-on case is often a tight squeeze, but far more convenient than checking luggage.

I have recently begun to travel for business more frequently, usually on trips longer than a single night. It occurred to me that it would be nice for the rest of my stuff to have a higher level of protection than offered by typical luggage, both from the vagaries of airline travel and from the elements during transfers, e.g. walking to a hotel in the rain. In addition, on longer business trips I generally take a personal laptop (17” MacBook Pro), and it would be convenient to put that, the travel tripod, and sometimes other electronic gear into checked luggage.

To meet those needs, I recently purchased a set of three of the new Pelican Progear Elite Luggage. It uses a double-wall construction so it’s lighter than typical Pelican/Storm cases (note that lighter doesn’t mean light), while still being waterproof (including submersion), crushproof, and impact-proof.

01%2520-%2520cases.jpg


The three available sizes are pictured above: the 22” Carry-On which meets airline carry-on size regulations, and the 27” Weekender and 30” Vacationer which both meet airline checked bag size regulations. The full dimensions are as follows:

Dimensions%2520Table.jpg


As I stated, despite Pelican’s claims of being ‘lightweight’, the 30” Vacationer at 15.6 lbs may account for 30% or more of your checked bag weight limit, depending on airline and class of service. Then again, many 28-30” soft side cases are in the 8-10 lb range and similarly sized hard side cases are in the 8-12 lb range, so the Pelican cases aren’t too much heavier…and those other cases generally not water/impact/crush proof.

The cases are constructed from injection-molded HPX polypropylene resin and have the typical rugged Pelican build quality and their lifetime guarantee. Basic features include a locking, retractable handle and ball-bearing wheels that roll smoothly (they are two-wheeled cases).

Looking at the dimensions prior to purchase, it seemed the The 22” Carry-On would be a good size for a 600mm f/4L IS II including the reverse-mounted hood. I also noticed the very tight tolerance between the exterior dimensions of the 27” Weekender and the interior dimensions of the 30” Vacationer (as little as 0.1” in one dimension), and I wondered if the cases would be able to nest for storage – the answer is yes.

02%2520-%2520600%2520II%2520and%2520nested%2520cases.jpg


A zipper closure is a common failure point on typical luggage, but that’s not an issue here. The cases close securely with Valox press-and-pull latches, two for the 22” case (front) or four for the 27” and 30” cases (front and sides). The operation of the latches is similar to those found on the Storm cases, which can be opened and closed with minimal effort and no noise (unlike the double-throw ‘knuckle-buster’ latches on Pelican cases which make a distinctive and unavoidable ‘snap’ that sounds quite loud when leaving a hotel room for pre-dawn photography…or so my wife informed me on a trip some years back).

03%2520-%2520latch.jpg


The cases feature Pelican’s automatic pressure equalization valve to maintain ambient pressure with changing elevation; the valve’s Goretex membrane prevents water ingress.There is also an integrated TSA-approved lock for security, with a user-selectable three-digit combination. The hasp for the lock clips down below the lock when not in use.

04%2520-%2520valve%2520and%2520lock.jpg


Those used to Pelican and Storm cases will notice a few design differences in the Progear luggage. Instead of fold-down handles, these cases feature three recessed handles that are essentially rubber-covered stainless steel straps. The flat design takes up less space on the exterior of the case, but is not as comfortable to hold for longer durations as the solid round handles on Pelican/Storm cases.

05%2520-%2520handle.jpg


The hinges are also constructed differently, using a series short transverse stainless steel pins rather than longer rods running along the length of the case. There’s a very practical way in which they are different – the Pelican/Storm case lids have a travel limit that stops the lid from opening further at a bit past 90°, whereas the Progear luggage lids will continue until they are >180° and resting on the floor. The top and bottom of the interior are lined with a durable fabric, and design attention was paid to minimizing the protrusions into the case interior from the wheels and retractable handle, effectively increasing interior volume.

06%2520-%2520hinge%2520and%2520interior.jpg


The cases are available in a range of colors, although with the exception of the orchid with black trim that I chose, they are mostly gray with an accent trim color.

07%2520-%2520colors.jpg


The bright, bold colors are distinctive, and I chose the orchid and black cases as the most easily visible (that, and my daughter preferred the color), which is the same reason my Storm cases are all in the yellow color. The wisdom of that decision was confirmed on my last international trip, where after collecting one piece of luggage in the Zürich terminal, I waited patiently for the other…and waited…and waited. Eventually a baggage handler indicated that all of the luggage was out (there were only ~5 pieces left on the carousel at that point), and I should go to lost and found. As I walked in that direction, I spotted what could only be my missing luggage moving along a belt a couple of carousels over – the bright color was visible across the concourse, and I collected my misdirected case and headed out.

Pelican Elite Progear Luggage can be ordered as the case alone or with the Enhanced Travel System (ETS), which comprises a removable lid organizer, Dopp-style toiletries bag, shoe sack, laundry bag and garment bag. The 22” Carry-On comes with the lid organizer, toiletries bag, and shoe sack; the larger pieces come with those three items and the laundry and garment bags. The extra pieces add bit to the total weight of the case, the three ETS pieces with the 22” Carry-On add 1.3 lbs, the five ETS pieces add 3.3 lbs to the 27” Weekender and 3.8 lbs to the 30” Vacationer (the lid organizer is sized to match the case, all other pieces are identical across the lineup).

The lid organizer completely fills the depth of the lid, and has a large zippered compartment and a small outer mesh zippered pocket. There is also a mesh barrier along the bottom portion of the large compartment to keep things from falling out when the compartment is opened with the lid propped up. The organizer secures to the case lid with eight tabs around the periphery. It’s fairly easy to remove and install, and secure enough to hold fairly heavy items (e.g. a large laptop) inside the organizer.

08%2520-%2520lid%2520organizer.jpg


The toiletries bag is standard, with one small internal zip pocket. For me, it’s the right size for a trip of several days, too large for an overnight and I’d have preferred that a smaller version come with the 22” Carry-On. The shoe sack is appropriately sized with a mesh vent near the back. The laundry bag zips open to reveal a pair of vented internal compartments. The garment bag is open at the bottom and also has mesh at the lower edge (not sure of the need for that redundancy); it holds four suits on their hangers.

09%2520-%2520ETS.jpg


The Pelican Progear Elite Luggage line is many things – robust, waterproof, well constructed, functional, and attractive. One thing it’s not is inexpensive, but good luggage is an investment…and I fully expect this to be the last luggage I’ll ever buy!
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Canon EOS 5DS/5DSR shipping earlier than previously expected?

Just noticed some updated language on Adorama's website for the 5DS/5DSR cameras when clicking the "learn more" link under the Pre-Order information.

"Pre Order Now: Manufacturer will start shipping this item on 06/05/2015. Orders will be filled on a first come first serve basis. We do not charge your card until actually ship the item to you."

Thoughts?

Dinan Viaduct by Night

This viaduct is always beautifully lit. Located in Dinan in Bretagne. Railings have been fitted to try to stem the number of suicides by local youths (averages 1 per month, sadly)

Dinan Viaduct by petach123 (Peter Tachauer), on Flickr

This is its Sister shot. 5 exposures with the delightful but much underused 85mm f/1.2L, and stitched in PS.

Port of Dinan Panorama by petach123 (Peter Tachauer), on Flick

My studio was broken into.

Greetings. Surely most will not know me, as I mainly lurk.

My studio in NYC was broken into and I lost a good deal of photo equipment, including an IR modded DSLR, three L lenses and some lovely M42 lenses. Not to mention my video games were stolen too! :c

Fortunately, I have some serial numbers under my CPS account so it would make the search a bit easier. After filing a police report and hating myself for not having insurance (as a studying abroad student, this is the last thing I expected to happen), I am here to ask a few things and have some discussion with you.

Okay, my stuff is gone, I filed a police report, what's next? I'm going to call or visit pawn shops around the city and look for clues, but how should I go about it? Even if I find my gear, how am I going to retrieve it from the pawn shop? I'm also checking craigslist frequently, but no cigars yet.

To prevent this foolishness to happen again, I surely need to get insurance. As an international student, I fly around often. What would be a good insurance plan that would cover internationally, or is flexible on rates depending on whether I'm staying within the country or flying?

On the bright side, the day the theft happened, I came to the studio with a Canon 85mm f/1.2 that I bought off craigslist for a fantastic deal. Seller no longer has a studio in the city, and he sold his soul to the Fuji system. I was going to sell my Helios 85mm to a studio mate, but I guess not anymore.

Canon Twin Light Macro Flash MT-24EX + 7D MK11 problem

I keep reading about incompatibilty between the 7D MK11 and Yongnuo flash equipment.

However today as Spring is in the air I dusted down my Twin Lite Macro Flash to take a few flower shots and found I was experiencing exactly the same problem as Yongnuo users when using my Canon Twin Lite Macro Flash MT-24EX conected tho the MK11 overexposure when using ETTL, anyone else with the twin Lite experiencing problems, or is there a problem with the MK11 flash system

EF 11-24 neutral density filter - Kodak Wratten 2 works fine

I received my EF 11-24 F4 today 8) and as its raining here in Zurich I couldn't make any real pictures. I also received the Kodak Wratten 96 ND 2.00 neutral density filter and so I cut it in shape to be used with the new lense (and the old 17-40, I never knew about this possibility in all those years ...). Even dough the manual said you shouldn't use it when on 11mm, I see no reason not to do that, it works fine.

I attached some pictures. I hope this helps others.

-Schlomo

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Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II Information [CR2]

HTML:
We’re told one of the new features in the upcoming Canon Cinema EOS C300 Mark II will be in regards to autofocus. While we weren’t told exactly what the new tech was, it’s apparently an improvement on Dual Pixel technology. The only other information we’ve been given is what you already know, the camera will shoot 4K and have a slightly different form factor.</p>
<p>We should see this camera announced some time next week, before NAB 2015 in Las Vegas begins the following week.</p>
<p>Yesterday, the current EOS C300 dropped in price by a whopping $5000.</p>
<p><a href="Canon%20EOS C300 Body Starting at $6499" target="_blank">Canon EOS C300 Starting at $6499 at B&H Photo</a></p>

Canon developing high-magnification, long-focal-length broadcast field zoom lens supporting 4K produ

HTML:
<p>TOKYO, April 2, 2015—Canon Inc. announced today that the Company is currently developing a high-zoom-ratio, long-focal-length field zoom lens that realizes exceptional imaging performance for use with 4K-capable broadcast cameras employing 2/3-inch sensors. Canon will exhibit a prototype of the 4K field zoom lens at the 2015 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show, to be held from April 13 to 16 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A<span id="more-72955"></span></p>
<p>As 4K-resolution content, which traces its beginnings to the movie-production industry, continues to gain ground in the broadcasting industry, initiatives are currently underway to implement 4K broadcasting in countries around the world with an increasing number of professionals making use of equipment supporting 4K production.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>The new 4K field zoom lens is being developed as a new model in Canon’s DIGISUPER series of studio and field broadcasting lenses, which have garnered high acclaim from professionals in the industry. In addition to realizing a high level of imaging performance supporting the capture of 4K-resolution video, the new lens will feature specifications and a body size that ensure a high level of operability and ease of use that are on a par with Canon’s HD broadcast lens models, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including sports and live concert telecasts.</p>
<p>Although details regarding product specifications and pricing are yet to be decided, Canon is aiming to commercialize the 4K field zoom lens in late 2015, positioning it as the first model in the Company’s new UHD-DIGISUPER series of lenses that brings together Canon’s latest optical technologies for use with 4K-capable and other next-generation broadcast cameras. In this way, Canon will continue responding to the needs of a wide range of users by further strengthening its broadcast lens lineup.</p>

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