Threads

kentJarrett · Jan 20, 2015

http://kentjarrett.com/final-review-of-canon-7d-mkii-and-canon-100-400-markii/

talicoa · Jan 20, 2015

At the top of the canon Rumors homepage is a link to the review for the Canon 85mm 1.8. I read through it, and also through the discussion thread that followed. This topic really got under a lot of peoples skin. People generally disagreed with some part of the review. A lot of people bashed the 1.8, and a lot bashed the 1.2L. I think I have a pretty good relationship with both lenses and a lot of the bashing is unnecessary.
So why am I bringing this up now? In the discussion of the review, someone even called the entire 85mm 1.8 review irrelevant because the lens was so old. The reason is that this lens is still very relevant. in certain circumstances it is an almost perfect 85mm prime. Why would this be? Read on.

First off when comparing the two lenses, they really both are capable of similar things. Creamy bokeh, Sharp images, good contrast, 85mm focal length. So what is the difference that some people would pay so much for the 85mm 1.2L? There are perfectly good reasons for some people.
Pros for 85mm 1.2L:
[list type=decimal]
[*]Red Ring Prestige
The impressive look of the Glass Canon ball. Even if you don't know what the red ring means, that huge chunk of glass is quite striking.
the look of the large aperture. It creates unique looking images wide open. It just does.
It is f1.2. and has lower light abilities. This can be very important.
Build Quality
[*]
[/list]
If you need or want any of these attributes of the 85 1.2L then have at it. It is a great lens. If I had the money, I would own it instead of rent it when I need it.

So after that, why would you want to have the 85mm 1.8.
The attributes of the 85 1.8 that make it desirable:
weight, it is insignificant when holding it for long periods of time.
The Auto Focus is very quick.
The Auto Focus accuracy, for me this lens has one of the highest keeper rates compared to all of the lenses I have ever used.
Cost, It is relatively inexpensive. I picked mine up used for $300.

So related to Portraits, I need to take a lot of portraits. I will shoot 3-5 photos of up to 150 people in one day. It is not possible with the 85 1.2L. I would miss a lot of shots, and lifting that weight would kill me. My keeper rate with the 1.8 is above 95%. I shoot at 5.6, and use studio lighting. If I was shooting one or two portrait sessions a day, I might consider the 1.2L, because it has a more interesting look when needed. but for what I do, I can't see carrying the extra weight and expense of the L.

What do you think? Do third party options even come into the picture at this level of value?

JoFT · Jan 20, 2015

1.4 85mm is a lens format I love since years. In my analog times I had the Zeiss Planar 1.4 85mm (I think I bought it somewhere in 1985 or 86. I adapted it until I got my 1.4 85mm Sigma lens. And the Sigma is a great performer.

I first published some shots in my blog and updated the blog entry recently

http://bit.ly/1zMZp8Y

What is missing are shots with the 7D MkII... Which is going to come

How is your experience with this lens...

martti · Jan 20, 2015

In 1976 I got the AE-1 with the FD 50mm f/1.8 and pretty soon afterwards I got the FD 35mm f/2.0 SSC.
Ever since, I had the 35mm on a Nikon FE3, on an Olympus OM-2n and now, finally on the EOS 5D III.
Of course, I had to get the 35 mm f 1.4 L.
Everybody knows that it is an old construction, that there is an IS version f/2.0 out and the Sigma ART lense is just so much better in all respects. Only that it is not a Canon L

I got mine finally one year ago and have not been using it much because the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 is so handy and it is always in the bag etc. And then I went shooting with it. It is one hell of a lense to fool around with in a crowd. It is fast, it is discreet, it opens up to 1.4 and the quality at 2.0 is, like, excellent. Bref, I love it.

I am just so much at home with this anachronic lense. Probably, I will get the new version of the 24-70 mm zoom but now, having shot with the 35mm f/1.4 I am in no hurry. In my bag, I have the 100mm F/2.0 for portraits and it is just about 'good enough'. If I need Magic I take the 85mm F/1.2 L.
It feels so good being able to open up and getting the focus on the spot. F the color balance, people are so incompetent when they select the light sources for a ballroom that I have to set the WB here and there and there again in Lightroom.

Yeah, me reviewing the Canon FE 35mm f/1.4 L sounds like 'yess'.
With an L on it. I cannot be objective ( haha, get it, a pun!) about it. It is my lense. My three lense set is this, the dust pump and the 100mm f/2.0. Arigatoo, Canon-San.

YuengLinger · Jan 20, 2015

I'm very sad to hear that Canon's new 11-24mm won't be a fast lens, and very concerned about the direction this suggests.

There are, I believe several strong reasons Canon is stepping back from fast lenses, reasons that would not have mattered as much before the omnipresence of smartphones with decent cameras.

First, the baby-boomer retirees who are big into photography join workshops and camera clubs where fast lenses are simply not seen as especially important. Why? Because very, very few of those type of hobbyists take pictures of people. They love landscapes and found still lifes and birds. And, though they have money, the economy scares them, they don't get anything from CD's anymore, so they save where they can. Why buy a 24-70mm 2.8 when the 24-105mm 4 costs half? Why buy anything in 2.8 when something "just a stop" slower costs less. And, finally for the babyboomers, weight is a legitimate issue, but they will obsess over saving a few ounces.

Then there is the learning curve for fast lenses. Not only is focus tricky below f/2, but effectively choosing how shallow to go takes a lot of trial and experience. I can tell from the great work on your website, you know that just having shallow DoF doesn't make magic; in fact, blurred out jaw-lines and other features, including hands, forearms, etc., can just look awful if overdone or with the wrong perspective. So people who do spend are often disappointed.

As for the user experience, for one example, the ergonomics of the 85mm 1.2 are challenging for many, as is the weird and pokey AF system. Once one is competent with this lens, it is magical, but otherwise, a real puzzle for enthusiasts who think it's all about the gear.

Canon seems scared and uncertain. They go for the fat middle of the remaining DSLR market. News agencies aren't spending for photojournalism much anymore, and the small local newspapers across the USA are nearing extinction. Small time portrait and wedding photographers with business sense have a very hard time justifying spending on fast L primes.

Please, Canon, remember how important fast lenses are for clearly elevating the dslr over smartphones.

Canon Rumors · Jan 20, 2015

Discuss our review of the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG Art lens here.

Jay Khaos · Jan 20, 2015

Hey,

I've been out of the camera gear game for a while so I need some suggestions. I work in a graphic design office and we need to get an office camera that'll work decently most things we'll need it for. I plan on getting a Yongnuo speed light (the one comparable to Canon's 500-series).

I always recommend a crop body and nifty 50 to beginners for the best quality to price ratio, but I need a wider angle for 90% of what this will be used for. Product shots and food shots, mostly.. some portraits.

The budget isn't necessarily tight, but I think I can rule out a full frame and $1000+ lenses. My guess up front is maybe a Rebel with a 24 or 28 would work. IS would help since it will all be handheld, and a lot of handheld aerial shots, but not 100% necessary.

I realize there is not one ideal answer so don't chew me out about this. Not expecting to get ideal results—I just want to weight some options.

Canon Rumors · Jan 20, 2015

HTML:

<p>After <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2015/01/the-canon-eos-1d-c-coming-down-in-price-again/" target="_blank">the report that the Canon EOS-1D C had officially dropped in price in Hong Kong</a>, we’ve been asked a few times if the same is going to happen in North America and Europe.</p>
<p>We’re told that something on pricing will happen on February 1, 2015 in the United States, there was no word from elsewhere around the globe. We weren’t told what the drop in price would be, but to “hold off buying a 1D-C until at least February 1, 2015″.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

Jan 20, 2015

Thought I'd start a topic for beach portraits...

Some recent images using a 5D3/135L with an Elinchrom Quadra into a 1m Rotalux Stnd Octa.
Miranda in Santa Cruz, California - January 18th, 2015

luckydude · Jan 19, 2015

So I'm not a pro, not by a long stretch. But some pros convinced me to get the 200mm f2.0 and they were right.

http://www.mcvoy.com/lm/daryn/index.html

I've seen much better pictures from that lens by people better than me, I'm just stoked that a non-pro like me could get those pics. It's worth
the price. I've got a lot of Canon glass, this one is special and gets used a lot.

photog4hire · Jan 19, 2015

Hello All!

So I have the opportunity to get a 6D or 7D MKII and am a bit torn between them. I currently shoot with a 70D and I need a second body. I am not too concerned with high ISO for my general photography. That being said, I have a few weddings coming up this year and low light is a must.

The question is do I get a 7D MKII and rent a 6D/5DMKIII for events or do I get a 6D and have a Full Frame on hand for whenever it may be needed.

An alternative to this is that I get another 70D as a backup, rent both the FF body and the glass for weddings and try to get more glass with the remaining amount of money. (However, there are few FL options remaining given the 1.6 crop factor)

One issue that I anticipate is that I don’t have the glass for events (24-70 or 70-200) on a FF. So I can get the FF but will be left renting the glass when needed (which is fine but does add overhead).

I really want to put this money in a good place (glass is not an option) what body do you think would be the best investment?

Current gear is as follows:
70D | 10-22, 17-55, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.8

MichaelTheMaven · Jan 19, 2015

Finally finished my Epic Shootout on the 7Dii and Samsung NX-1. As some of you remember I ran into a problem with the 7Dii, twice, but haven't had any issues since. The NX-1 is very interesting for it's backlit sensor, but in a head-to-head sports shooting match up, it was not match for the 7Dii. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/GmlzqAy5Q68

Canon Rumors · Jan 19, 2015

HTML:

<div id="attachment_18377" style="width: 441px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-01-19-13.22.201.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-18377"><img class="wp-image-18377 size-medium" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2015-01-19-13.22.201-431x575.jpg" alt="Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L" width="431" height="575" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L</p></div>
<p>I finally own the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0L lens. It’s a lens I have wanted for a long time, but I had a hard time justifying the investment required to own a lens that is less than perfect. It’s not the sharpest, it doesn’t autofocus all that quickly and Canon no longer services it, yet I still wanted to own one because it’s so unique and produces a wonderful image in the right circumstances.</p>
<p>This lens was introduced in 1989 and has since gone up significantly in value. You can see these lens retail for more than $4000 on the used market.</p>
<p><strong>Description

</strong><em>“An ultra-fast standard lens with the largest aperture for SLR lenses in the world at the time. Two large-diameter ground and polished glass aspherical lens elements (3rd & 8th) provide high-contrast with low-flare image quality even at maximum aperture. Curvature of field is minimized through use of four high-refraction glass elements. Spherical aberration and curvature of field at close focusing distance are minimized by floating mechanism. A ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) achieves silent, high-speed AF and full-time manual focusing.” <a href="http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/lens/ef/data/standard/ef_50_10l_usm.html" target="_blank">Read more at the Canon Museum</a></em><strong>

</strong></p>
<p>This is a lens that still gets talked about a lot. Likely because it’s so unique and there’s something about that nice and clean f/1.0 number and the dreamy bokeh it produces. I am going to try and do a review of the lens for fun, but it will require me actually getting good images with it. No brick walls or cats (I don’t have cat)!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

FTb-n · Jan 19, 2015

Do you diffuse your flash when using it on camera for fill?

I rarely shoot with on camera flash and would mostly do so for fill. I'm currently using two different DIY foam diffusers (pictured below). The short one is used frequently off camera to bounce light off ceilings and walls. The bigger one gets very little use and was designed for those scenarios when white-ish ceilings and walls aren't available (outdoors or when ceilings are too dark of too high). Actually, I don't remember when I last used it.

Anyway, I'm discovering the some group shots, such as basketball team photos after a game, might benefit from a little fill.

I do have the RoundFlash that I've used on occasion. It's a great ring light, but can get awkward at events when speed is important.

With the introduction of the Fstoppers Flash Disc, I have become more intrigued with alternatives. Still, when subjects are 7-10 feet away (which is common for me), I wonder about their usefulness when there is nothing around to bounce the flash.

What do you use -- if anything?

Forgot to post the photos. And I posted two of the same photo -- oops.

jepabst · Jan 19, 2015

This was one of those captures that, as a photographer, you can't take a lot of credit for. You just kind of step into something nice. I was shooting way underexposed to get some silhouette shots, and the wind picked up her dress and blew her hair. We were shooting in Chicago on the EL-train platform in the Loop. FYI, the CTA workers will kick you out after about 3 minutes - or as soon as they see you, so you have to be quick when shooting in these locations. See more of my Chicago wedding photography.

This was shot:
Canon EOS 6D
50mm f/1.4
f/4.0
1/125 sec
ISO-1250
View whole set: http://www.pabstphoto.com/chicago-courthouse-wedding-city-hall/

martti · Jan 19, 2015

This strap looks very cool. It also stabilizes the camera while you are shooting and keeps it from knocking around when you are not. It does not get in the picture even when shooting with the 14mm lens. It costs 35 dollars delivery and the Arca compatible plate included. One of the better gadgets I've got. Strong recommendation. Look for Herringbone on eBay.
My friend saw mine and he wanted one also so I ordered another one.

$(KGrHqF,!mEFGL9VlVYRBRmYh+yVlw~~60_12.JPG

martti · Jan 19, 2015

As I got some nice prime lenses that sort of oblige me to shoot wide open, I have delved deeply into the secrets of the 5DIII autofocus system It is a pretty fantastic piece of engineering in addition to which –given the chance– it actually helps you get crisp pictures with the 100mm f/2 and the 35mm f/1.4 in low light.

'Given the chance' means of course that the user selects high enough ISO to stop the movement of the subject and the camera but also that the user know 'one shot' from 'AF-servo' and knows how to select the focusing area.
This, again needs practice and an operating manual to help you get acquainted with the concepts and the terms that are used in the menus.

Now I am reading this: http://downloads.canon.com/CDLC/EOS-1D_X_AF_Guide_for_Smartphones.pdf
While I am not a native english speaker and use strange expressions every now and then, how come Canon with all its international branches of technology and marketing have not assigned anybody with sufficient language skills to write intelligible text? It is frustrating having to read sentences over and over to figure out what it is the writer is trying to express. Thus far I have understood that he is very impressed by the technology involved and that I should be. too.

Yes, I know there are videos on YouTube. They are there to test your patience. INAPPROIATE COMMENT REMOVED BY MODERATOR.

Why is it so difficult? Or is it that I am getting old and my mentation is slowing down?

Is it just me or is the writer dyslexic?

Pushing 'INFO' button while any of [Case] is
indicated in display, then text information
of AF Setting Characteristics or Shooting
Scene Example is indicated.

Bluesfan · Jan 19, 2015

Hi

(also posted this in Lenses, hope that is not against the rules)

I'm off to Kruger & Kgalagadi in 3 months time with a friend. Driving ourselves around for about 12 days in each park. This will be my first safari but hopefully not my last.
I have previous experience of two trips to Antarctica/South Georgia and one trip to Spitsbergen. All three trips done on the same ship and shooting with Canon gear.
Antarctica I had 5D2 and 7D.
The last trip, Spitsbergen, I mainly shot with 5D3, 300mm f/2.8 mk2 with 2x and 1.4 x mk3 extenders, and a 5D2 with 70-200 f/2.8 mk2 and some wider lenses. The 300mm was bought as a lightweight option for this trip.

I then sold the 5D2 and bought a second 5D3 to give me a pair of 5D3's for events including a family wedding. I've also bought a 16/35 f/4.

So, for the Safari my current gear would give me a main setup of:
5D3 + 300mm f/2.8 mk2 with 2x ext mk3
5D3 + 70-200mm f/2.8 mk2
16-35mm f/4
1.4x ext mk3 for either long lens though I will minimize changing lenses in the field.

I interested in comments from those that have done similar trips/used similar gear as to your experiences.
Where could I improve this kit if I could invest in just one piece?
Would love to get 1DX with 200-400 but that is a bit beyond current budget.
Sell the 300mm and get a 200-400 for the versatility?
Or get a 1DX - would frame rate and better auto focus make a difference?
Other ideas?

thanks in advance.

Craig

fish_shooter · Jan 19, 2015

Taken this evening with Sigma 85/1.4 @ f/1.4.

downtime · Jan 18, 2015

I have a colleague with 5D MkIII.
Recently I witnessed a subject blinking 10 shots in a row all caused by the pre flash.
We tried different flashes including aftermarket and the same result. I soon realized that it was the cause
of blinking on other subjects as well. Obviously the subjects are very sensitive. Regardless, this has to be turned off.
Does anyone out there know how to fix this? Switching from ETTL to TTL does not come up as an option in the camera's
flash control menu. It does not happen with flash in full manual mode but for this shoot it's not a viable option.

Anyone have an idea how to fix this?

TheAshleyJones · Jan 18, 2015

I know there have been a lot of comparison videos comparing the Canon FF offerings.

But I like to think we have brought something fresh to the discussion. Enjoy.

http://youtu.be/tKlhQgzCIKs

Ash x

TWI by Dustin Abbott · Jan 18, 2015

I have just finished launching my review of the Zeiss Makro-Planar 50mm f/2 lens. While this lens isn’t new, I think its versatility, compact size, and image quality still makes it a worthy contender even after the launch of the new Sigma and the Otus 55. I had a lot of fun with this lens, particularly after I added an EG-S focus screen to one of my 6D bodies.

Written Review: http://bit.ly/1wdxsj3
Video Review: http://bit.ly/14DRZXD
Image Gallery: http://bit.ly/1zhIE5q

Thanks to everyone for reading and commenting on the reviews. I'm launching the Zeiss Distagon 15mm f/2.8 review next, followed by the Canon 100-400L II (I'm having a blast with it right now!) and will have the upcoming Tamron 15-30 VC in hand at the beginning of February. The 100-400LII and Tamron 15-30 VC are probably the two lenses I'm most excited about this year.

Ted Adams · Jan 18, 2015

Winter Day at Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

surapon · Jan 18, 2015

Dear Friends.
Yes, I have so many flashes include : Canon 550 EX, 580 EX, 580 EXII, 430 EX II, 2 Sunpak flashes , that I can use with my dear Phottix Odin TTL Flash controler 2.4 GH. up to 100 Meters or 333 Feet.
Yes, I have 2 more Youngnuo YN565 EXII FLASHES, THAT GREAT ON CAMERA FLASHES, BUT CAN NOT USE WITH PHOTTIX ODIN.
Yes, Sunpak flash are good, BUT not enough Light Power for my need. That why, I order from Amazon , Phottix Mitros+ ( + = Build in "Phottix Odin" control inside= Both Transmitter and Receiver, of the great flash).
Yes, High cost forthis PHOTTIX MITROS+ , MADE IN CHINA = $ 400 US Dollars from Amazon, But It worth the cost in my Idea, Because I already have Phottix Odin = 1 Transmitter( $ 199), and 4 Receivers ( $ 145 Each)---For This Great Flash Phottix Mitros+, I do not need to by another Phottix Odin Receiver = $ 145 Us Dollars.
YES, All my friend that have PHOTTIX ODIN, You must up grade Firmware up to 2015, to use with Canon 1Dx and Canon 7D MK II for Super High Speed flash sync.
After I get this awesome Phottix Mitros +3 days ago, and test drive, The Most item that I love which All Canon Flash do not have = Attached Thick Diffuser, which create the most smooth light with minimum shadow behind the subject---Yes, I can use this "Attached Thick Diffuser" to all my Canon Flashes too, Just add the Velcro strip od the head of Flashes. The Second Item that I love, This PHOTTIX MITROS+ Not only have Build in Phottix Odin, but Also have Optical Sensor that can fire the flash .
Yes, Sir/ Madame, I will continue using this Flash and Report back to you.
Have a great Sunday.
Surapon

http://www.amazon.com/Phottix-Mitros-Transceiver-Flash-Canon/dp/B00GJ32SS4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420826868&sr=8-1&keywords=phottix+flash

Weirphotos · Jan 18, 2015

Hi There, has anyone encountered this problem on a 5Diii and knows of a 'fix', please? When I use AV or TV I cannot apply any exposure compensation using the rear quick control wheel. I can apply Excomp via the Quick control panel but I don't want to be constantly looking at the back of the camera.
This standard feature of applying Excomp works fine on my other 5Ds but not this

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