All,
Please read this account of a minor odd moment in strobe lighting and tell me if you know what went wrong.

I was photographing interiors and my kit includes both Einsteins and speedlights, Canon and Vivitars. In a small bathroom I planned to shoot from the door and snuck an Einstein head up next to me such that the head pointed straight up at the ceiling over my head. Satin 7.5 inch reflector. Dialed down to something like 100, 200WS, because it was a small bathroom and light in overall color (white ceiling). Attached directly to the 1DsMk3 by its own Buff-supplied PC cord. 17TSE on the body.

This body had been used on other rooms with just Einsteins (multiple heads) all good so far.

I had placed a Canon 580EX in the bathtub to brighten up the shower curtain and the matte-finished tile. It was mounted on a small stand up on top of a Phottix Odin receiver into which I had plugged a FlashZebra orange optical slave made for Canon triggering (FlashZebra has different models.) Odin "on" and set for Group A, Channel One. The speedlite was behind the white translucent cloth curtain pointed away from the lens. The Odin was underneath it and the slave stuck out the "back" of the Odin toward the camera position and therefore toward the strong pulse from the Einstein.

What went "wrong"? This: On first curtain setting only the Canon's light showed up in the exposure. Everything fired, though, and apparently at the same time. Tried it about five times. Get this - I was dragging the shutter to let a ceiling light show in the image, so I wasn't anywhere near 250th. No banding showing on the screen. Change to second curtain and it works fine.

The same combination did it in another room a bit later. Again, second-curtain "fixed" the problem.

Nothing strange about those second-curtain images in post.

Tonight I pulled what may or may not be the same Einstein head and tested the setup. I should have marked the head! Works fine on both first- and second-curtain. WTF? Presumably the Canon is going off milliseconds after the Einstein, as it's the Canon speedlite on a slave.

OK, anyone, any ideas?

(As an aside: One of the things that bothers me about my 580 and 550 is their lack of a PC connector, because when not at an event I think of them as small manual strobes to be hidden here or there or lighting a corner that just fades due to required placement of the bigger units. Before the purchase of the Einsteins this motley crew of Canon and Vivitar units was my only kit for interiors. In most cases optical slaves are fine for that kind of work. The Vivitars have a connector, albeit a proprietary one.)

jonathan7007

Hi I tried to make a post last night with an Image attached, site wont post the Image or text, Image was 2.4mb. I then tried a test post with text only and it posted fine. So after that I tried to post the new topic and I get a message saying I've already posted that subject but its not showing up anywhere. You cant see it in the Forum nor can I see it in "My Posts" under my profile.

Help?

I'm keen to post the image as I need opinions on a problem.

Thanks for any help.

Brian

I take a great deal of pictures at my Kids' sporting and school events. Many parents ask me to try and take some shots of their children. I had an idea of posting these event photos on a website much like the companies do in various running races (5k, 10k, marathon, etc.) and earn some money for my gear. What's the best site to accomplish this task? Or would be better to pay someone to develop a website for me?

Mother-in-law bought a SX150, which 3 months later now has what appears to be a logic chip malfunction. Upon booting up it does everything as expected and then zooms to the long end upon where the user can no longer control it. Live view is still working but that's it.

Canon USA told her she dropped the camera and it isn't covered. Problem is (1) it wasn't dropped or knocked around, (2) there is no physical evidence it has been dropped or knocked around - it's mint cosmetically, and (3) the symptoms of the camera are not consistent with Canon USA's claim that it was dropped.

In this case the husband and the son-in-law of the unfortunate SX150 owner are currently 5D3 owners with a smattering of low to mid-priced L glass (i.e. 24-105, 100L, 70-200 IS II, etc) and up to now had an appetite to add substantially to the respective L collections.

But this incident has left a very foul taste in our mouths. First Canon USA implicitly calls her a liar, then they don't honor their stated warranty, and now she's the proud owner of a mint-looking brick...

Got news for Canon, they can forget ever getting another dime out of me. As for mom in law, she already switched to Nikon. As for me, I'll switch too when it's time to move the 5D3 body. Already moving out non essential lenses in the collection. I simply will not do business with Canon USA or any other company that pulls this sort of BS.

Okay, not quite sure where to post this, mods please replace if necessary.

Nephew showing a wee aptitude with a camera, considering getting him something with manual settings should he get more keen.

Couple of considerations:

Price: no more than £100.
Size & weight: he's 9
Control: needs full auto to full manual.

So, either a new basic powershot, a used bridge or rebel...

I used to use a dimage a2, but wasn't great even by contemporaneous standards at anything other than base ISO.
However has decent lens coverage, manual controls and is cheap.

EOS 300d or 350d. Cheap, smallish. Decent sized sensor so can get an idea about depth of field (if he gets into it)

Or any other ideas. Strict budget. He has a destructive little bro. No 5d3 + 35L suggestions purleaaaase!

Don't want to buy something too good just now in case its just a flash in the pan. Have you given a camera to your kids to learn on? Don't want to dampen his enthusiasm either...

Cheers in advance.


PS. Just edited, will need to stop using my iphone, I'm surprised anybody understood my question! Many thanks for answers so far.

Question about the Canon 135mm f/2.0/L. I have a T3i as well as a 6D, my favorite lens today is the Canon 85mm f/1.8. Would I gain any thing buying the Canon 135mm for my 6D, vs using my 85mm on my T3i or would it be a waste of money?

While taking photos of a friend, I encountered a pretty major problem. Halfway through the shoot I started to see a small underexposed area at the botom of the frame, and thought it might just be due to lighting. After adjusting lighting (nothing made a difference) I imported the photos into adobe bridge and switched memory cards to see if it made a difference. The problem has quickly become far worse than it was at the start. Now, half of the photo is messed up. Has anyone seen this before? Is something wrong with my sensor? I can provide a raw file upon request.

I attended a wedding over the weekend. While everybody was oohing and ahing over the bride, I of course was oohing and ahing over the fine photographic equipment in use. The photographer duo used 3 5D3's and a 5D2, some Alien Bee's and a bunch of L's. I counted a 70-200 f/2.8, a 24-70, as well as some other red rings. These guys also moved around like this wasn't their first rodeo. It looked to me like they knew what they were doing.

So, I was surprised when one of the guys was using a 50 f/1.4 instead of an L. Later on in the day, I struck up a (brief) conversation with him. He seemed happy to oblige (I'm assuming that staying the heck out of their way had something to do with it). I mentioned the 50, and he said that while he loves the 50L, they couldn't justify it over the 50 f/1.4 simply because there was a negligible image quality gained for what it cost to own one.

I know that there are several opinions and the subject has been beat to death here on CR, but it was interesting to get the view of a pro who boiled it down to a business decision.

Having used the 200-400 on several trips, I can say that they incorporation of the 1.4 into the lens is a great plus.

I would love to see this in their long lenses, especially 500, 600 and 800.

Don't expect to see this soon, but it would be nice.

The big volleyball season is upon us and our bundle of joy is starting varsity for the possible future state titlist. Spoken like a true delusional sports dad, but I think it could happen.
I'm, of course, the team photographer and use the 100 2.0 and 200 2.8 on my Rebel with remarkable results. There's a better than half chance that I'll be upgrading to the 6D. I use the 100 a lot more than the 200, but do like having both. The focal length on the 135 I guess will be similar to the 100 going from crop to full frame and I could probably do without the 200 (which might be somewhat inbetween on a full frame anyway) so is the 135 on full frame maybe "better" in several ways than the 100 and 200?
Thanks.

Hi,

I make a new video with timelapse processing.

I use two DSLR : EOS 1Dx and 5D 3 and four lens : EF 85mm f/1,2 L USM II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L II USM IS, EF 15mm f/2,8 Fisheye, EF 24mm 1,4 L II USM.

http://youtu.be/zcR8JLn5d1w

Hi all!

A question to all the users of the TS-E 90 lens: Is the shift function useful in this lens?
According to calculations, a full shift on this lens only corrects for some 7° of converging lines. Is that important or even noticeable?
(Obviously shift is important for the wide-angle TS-E-s, as shift corrects for ~38° on the 17mm)

Thanx,
Sulla

Hi all,

Turns out it's been so long since I last logged in, my account's been deleted...

I know there's been a lot of threads about lens recommendations and I've spent the last 2 days going through the forums, but would really appreciate some feedback on my particular upcoming lens purchases.
I currently own a 5DMkII, 24-105L and 50 f/1.8. My wife and I are off to the US & Canada in about 4 weeks for a big road trip and I'm curious to hear what lens suggestions some of you might have?
My budget is £1500 - £2000. I really want to upgrade that 50 f1.8 to the 1.4 - I just hate that plastic feel of the 1.8... and other than that I'm currently considering the 70-200 f2.8 L IS II, the 135 f2 L, and 70-300 L IS f4-5.6.

My thoughts on the above:
70-200 2.8 L IS II --- I have been lusting after this lens for many years now and I can finally afford it. I would deffo have use for it after the trip as I shoot a lot of portrait and studio work, along with some weddings and events. Trailing through the forums some seem to think this is too heavy for travel? Although we're going to be driving a lot to specific spots so I don't think we'd be walking more than 2 hours at a time. Is the added weight really that bad? (I'm 33 - average build and weight)
135 f2 --- I love the photos this lens produces, and the wide aperture, plus lighter weight could come in handy on longer hikes and event work. I also like the fact that it's not white which would make it less conspicuous for candid street work while traveling.
70-300 L IS f4-5.6 --- I hear it makes for a great travel telephoto zoom thanks to the additional reach in FL and the comparably light weight, and overall pretty good IQ. Then again... I'm really put off by the reversed focusing and zoom rings and the limited use this lens would probably find after our trip. Also not a big fan of extending barrels on zoom lenses. It's my main gripe with the 24-105.

I'll also be bringing 2 tripods, 2 speedlites, radio triggers for the trip, and although I'm vaguely considering adding more focal length at the wide end for this trip, I sold my 17-40 L about 2 years ago, as I just wasn't using it anymore after upgrading to FF from a 400D. So not sure if it's really worth me exploring that end. Doesn't seem to suit my style anymore, I find 24mm plenty wide on FF.

So... any ideas, suggestions or am I even going way over board here and should simply take the 24-105L on the 5DMkII and upgrade to the 50 f/1.4 and be done with it?

Thanks a lot guys,
Steve

I made this video testing the new raw video function that Magic Lantern provides.
http://youtu.be/X9uH5rxwW1w

I read that the 1DX has the 100000 RGB Metering while the 5D3 reuse the 63 dual layers from the 7D.
I wonder if anyone has more info on this.

1) How does it affect image quality or
2) Does it just affect the exposure metering?

Nasim Mansurov points out in the article at Photographylife.com that Nikon VR lenses need a few seconds to stabilize before vibration reduction is really effective. He also indicates that VR is only beneficial when the shutter speed is less than the focal length of the lens. It may actually hurt image sharpness otherwise. His testing was with supertelephoto lenses, 300mm and up so this may or may not apply to shorter lenses.

http://photographylife.com/proof-that-vibration-reduction-should-first-be-stabilized

Does anybody have any information if this is also true for Canon IS lenses? I plan to do some testing myself at some point when time allows.

Hello everyone,

I'm about to take the step into FF with a 6D kit + 24-105 f/4L from B & H
So far I always used filters to protect my lenses. What would you advise?
I do not have a huge budget but I do not want to buy some low end filters.

Here is what I found:

- B+W UV Haze SC 010 Filter ($39.99)
- B+W UV Haze MRC 010M Filter ($71.75)
- B+W XS-Pro UV MRC-Nano 010M Filter ($89.99)

- Hoya UV Haze NXT HMC Filter ($53.90)
- Hoya Ultraviolet UV Haze HD (High Density) Digital Filter ($127.90 -> $84.99)

Is the SC010 enough or should I get a better model ?

Thanks !

Rode VideoMic Pro VMP Shotgun Microphone

http://www.amazon.com/Rode-Videomic-Shotgun-Microphone-Rycote/dp/B00CAE8PM4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1376816815&sr=1-2&keywords=shotgun+microphone

Rode VideoMic Pro VMP Shotgun Microphone

http://www.amazon.com/Rode-VideoMic-VMP-Shotgun-Microphone/dp/B004K8WPUQ/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1376816815&sr=1-7&keywords=shotgun+microphone

Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone w/Mount

http://www.amazon.com/Rode-VideoMic-Directional-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0007U9SOC/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1376816931&sr=1-6&keywords=shotgun+microphone

Which one should I get ?

Has anyone every used Canon binoculars in particular the 18x50 IS? Just after an opinion on what their like?
I hear that they are around 10yrs old, has anyone heard any new upcoming models? There is hardly any info on the web about Canon binos, from most reports they are brilliant but hardly any info!

Since I've made the switch to FF I've lost the ability to use telephoto lenses. :-[ I can't mount my 55-250 on there without some "modifications." I shoot RC car drifting with my 24-105 usually at the 105 end.


Fatlace Fridays by THGBrian, on Flickr

I have been looking at the 70-300mm USM as I can get it around $330 used in my area. Are there any good telephoto lenses around the $300-500 price point that I should consider? Thanks you!

It seems everyone on the face of Earth wants a 50mm that is as sweeeeeet as the Sigma 35mm.

My prediction as to why they haven't yet released same is that Sigma wants to incorporate OS/IS into the lens. Maybe that takes more time to perfect? Any way you look at it, Sigma is KILLING it.

I was wondering how people price their landscape photos. I have never really sold anything but have been recently approached by a hand full of people who want to buy one of my shots. (A friend of a coworker of a family member saw it liked on my facebook page). There are 7 people who want the image, they started with asking for the full resolution file and they would print it out themselves. I said no as I want to have control of my work and know who has copies of it. However they then asked if they could buy a print of it. I have no issue doing so and am actually rather excited that strangers that I have never met like and want one of my photos.

The problem I am having is I don't know what is a fair price to ask for. I don't want to under or over value myself. What is the going rate for a landscape photo from an amateur photographer?

I don't think the shot is particularly good, but who am I to argue.

I was thinking somewhere in the $50 range would be fair for a 30x20 inch print. Does that seem like a fair number considering the quality of the shot or am I way off base.

Image was taken in Bancroft Ontario Canada at about 12:30am August 8th 2013. 30 sec, f2.8 iso 6400, 5dm3, 24-70 f2.8L v1 at 35mm, minimal processing of the raw file in lightroom 4

Hi all,
I have just over €4000 to spend and I want to upgrade to a FF camera. At present I have a 60D with the following FF lenses - a 50 f1.4 and a 100-400L. ( my other lenses are crop and so are probably going to be sold)
I shoot mostly Family events, including the kids sporting endeavours, Portraits, some landscape (but not much) and I do some stuff for my kids school, all of which is as an amateur.
I have a few options in regards as to what to buy and I thought I would share them with you to get a sounding board as to possibly what my best options would be, or possibly what I haven't Thought of, My only stipulation is that there is a standard range zoom.

By the way I'm basing this on EUROPEAN E-BAY prices from sellers with x000 positive feedback and bases within the EU so no import taxes ( I am happy with the protection paypal offers as it went horribly wrong on a previous transaction and Paypal sorted it out)

Option 1 5D mk3 + 24-105 kit with a 135L f2

option 2 5d mk3, Tamron 24-70 f2.8 ( just too much for another lens)

option 3 6d, Tamron 24-70, Canon 70-200 f2,8 ISii (ok a couple hundred over)

option 4 6d +24-105 kit, 135L f2 , 70-200 f4 IS (again maybe a bit over)

option 5 6d Tamron 24-70, Tamron 70-200 f2.8

As you can see I have a lot of options, Which would be your choice?

Is Canon 5D Mark ii (body only) for about $1,300 a good price?

The guy has taken about 65,000 shots with it, but never used the video option as he's a professional photographer (weddings, events, etc...). Took real good care of it.

My question is- Is $1,300 US dollars too much for this specific camera with over 65,000 shots (even though he took great care of it and constantly cleaned the sensor?

What are the known issues with this camera? What's the max you would pay?

This is my first potential DSLR and I mainly want to use it for mostly shooting video/films.

I would appreciate any help!
Thanks!

8)

Testing Canon 600D/T3i with 18-55mm lens

I know, bad focusing lol. This is my first video testing.