New Species of Bird Discovered in Phnom Penh

- sorry I do not have a picture but am hoping someone here does!

A team of scientists have discovered a new species of bird with distinct plumage and a loud call living not in some remote jungle, but in Phnom Penh, Cambodia!

Called the Cambodian tailorbird (Orthotomus chaktomuk), the species was found in Cambodia’s urbanized capitol Phnom Penh and several other locations just outside of the city including a construction site. It is one of only two bird species found solely in Cambodia.

From: http://www.wcs.org/press/press-releases/cambodian-tailorbird-discovery.aspx

I posted this here as so many people seem to love taking pictures of birds, and finding a new one is pretty exciting. Plus, as there are a couple of members from Cambodia here then we might even get some pics! Until then, Google Images will have to do I guess. :-)

Here is one which may be similar (the website describes it as the Dark-necked Tailorbird Orthotomus atrogularis:

http://twearth.com/images/cisticolas-and-allies/dark-necked-tailorbird-591243286a486660507b8e82c5278b42.jpg

Have you ever discovered an unknown species before? What is the rarest type of bird, or any animal, you have managed to take a picture of in the wild?

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Canon 300 2.8 IS II with Gimbal Head

Hi everyone,

Just awaiting arrival of a new 300 2.8 IS II + 2xTC III and looking for feedback on the following setup for it:
Jobu Design Pro2 Gimbal Head with LCF-52 RRS on the The Gitzo 3532 LS.

Thoughts and experience appreciated as this is my first foray into such a serious setup.
Mostly for birding and various wildlife..

Many advance thanks,

Michel

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new lens advice

Hi All,

I need help. I "believe" I need a new lens but you know how that goes. I have a 6D body. The only lens I have is 85mm f/1.8. I primarily enjoy shooting people but from time to time I enjoy the ability to shoot landscape, etc.

The problem is...I don't know IF/WHAT I need.

For example...there was a robin's nest on my porch with three blue eggs in it that I wanted to photograph. I had to climb high on a ladder to focus with the 6D and 85mm.

What would best suit my needs?

I can spend roughly $1,000 but I'd rather keep it in the 7-800 range.

Thanks!

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EOS M or EOS SL1 ??

.
Let me know if I'm wrong, but I haven't seen any thread specifically comparing the EOS M and the EOS SL1. They appear to target the same basic market demographic and have very similar capabilities to produce images. As I think about purchasing the M, I can't get the SL1 out of my head. The M probably wins in ultimate compactness (pocketability?) but the SL1 is also quite small, especially with a 40mm pancake mounted. Same basic sensor, as I understand it, access to all Canon EF lenses (with adaptor for M), AF being improved with M firmware update so perhaps not much difference there. I'd like to get a sense of the opinions of folks on this forum. How do they stack up against one another for you? Which would you choose and why?

When I look at purchase, this is what I see:

EOS M:

$479 with 22mm f/2.0 lens (I can't find anyplace selling body only.)
$150 lens adaptor for Canon EF lenses


EOS SL1:

$650 body (very close to EOS M with 22mm lens and adaptor)

Flash is one uncertainty for me. I don't know if the EOS M works with speedlites other than the one made for it (90EX @ $150).

I know the EOS M has video capability, but no idea how it compares with SL1. Since I don't do video, that would have no influence on a purchase decision for me. Others may differ, I know.

Obviously, the optical viewfinder is a deal breaker for many buyers, especially ones on this forum I suspect. But from a heads up comparison, it comes down to that and perhaps a small difference in pocketability.

What say you?

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EOS 1-Bodies: Compatibility with AF-confirm adapters

Hello,

if habe an issue as follows:

For use with my vintage manual lenses I normally use adapters with dandelion or EMF AF-confirm chips. Some EOS-bodies have in the 22:00 clock-position a mechanical switch to indicate the presence of a lens. If this switch is engaged, the camera expects to find an electronic contact via the bayonett-connection, otherwise it reacts with an ERR-Message and stops working. I know this issue with EOS 1Ds and EOS D60. A small piece of paper applied to the switch solves the problem, the body works perfectly with the adapters and focus-indicators work. Until you mount an EF-Lens to the bodies, then the paper often falls out of the switch and if you do not recognize it, the next change of the lens to an adapted one lets you miss the af-signalling or receive an error from D60.

My solution: fix the switch with a small amount of cyaneacylate-glue, which is easy to remove with solvent in case this becomes nevessary. Works perfect with adapted lenses - but if you mount an EF-Lens, the glued switch is forced down mechanically, or the EF-Lens is not mountable due to a mechanical stop.

-> inspection with my eyes did not teach me what the problem is, moving the small switch did not show me some other moving parts in the bayonett. So what causes the mechanical stop in mounting an EF lens with the switch fixed in the upper position? Anyone here to be able to give me some advice how to handle the problem?

Kind regards

Joerg

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EF 24-70mm f4... bad below 3m focusing distance?

there is a german review about the EF 24-70mm that came to a pretty bad conclusion.
contrary to most reviews on the net.

now they say it was because the resolution drops significantly below 3m focusing distance (when not in macro mode).
they did a re-test and the figures look much better now.
they use imatest.

Das Canon löst mit durchschnittlich 2.318 Linien extrem hoch auf und stürmt fast unsere Rangliste. Mit unserem Standard-Testchart konnten wir jedoch zunächst im Schnitt nur sehr magere 1.663 Linien ermitteln. Das kam uns merkwürdig vor und spiegelte zudem nicht den internationalen Testkonsens wider. Zufällig stiessen wir beim Autofokustest auf das Phänomen, dass erst aus grösserer Distanz (in der Endbrennweite ca. 3m) die hohe Auflösungsleistung realisiert werden kann. Dafür ist unser Standard-Chart nicht ausgelegt, insoweit haben wir improvisiert. Nichtsdestotrotz sollte man sich bewusst sein, dass - ohne den Makromodus zu nutzen - sich aus geringeren Distanzen unbefriedigende Ergebnisse einstellen können. Wir haben dennoch die höhere Entfernung ausgewiesen, weil sie idR wohl in der Praxis eine höhere Relevanz haben dürfte.


does someone noticed this on his EF 24-70mm f4 that the resolution drops below 3m focusing distance?

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EOS-M or 100D

Hi - I am intrigued by the anticipated firmware update to the EOS-M that may make the AF usable. I see some people are suggesting that the current AF of the 100D is slightly better than the EOS-M. Will the firmware improve the EOS-M over the 100D? I am a little bit not very well informed about the technology but will the faster AF from the firmware update also improve video AF as well for the EOS-M?

As a side note, I was intrigued by the possibility of getting a EOS-M by price matching through Best Buy for the Frys EOS-M w/22MM STM lens for $349.90 but they interpreted the Fry's offering as a clearance sale so best they could do is knock 10% off their own price of $479. I may go to Frys only if I have an opportunity to get there by 6/27 when the sale ends. However, I am slightly nervous buying one until the firmware is firmly offered. What if the final result is less than par - I hope they don't jack up the price again. I suppose I should wait. The main thing for me is if the firmware increases the video AF then I will get the EOS-M. SHould I wait or take a look at the 100D?

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The ULTIMATE Canon lens

The ULTIMATE! Canon lens. Called the Hyper Suprime-Cam, it’s a 870-megapixel ultra-wide-field camera that stands 3 meters (~10 feet) high and weighs in at 3 tons. The 870-megapixel images are captured by 116 individual CCD sensors placed together on a focal plane in a chamber that’s kept at -100° C.

On the front of the camera is an extremely large lens that was manufactured by Canon. It contains seven optical elements, with some of the lenses up to a meter in diameter.

You can read about it at:
http://petapixel.com/2013/06/24/this-870-megapixel-monster-camera-has-116-sensors-and-weighs-3-tons/

Attachments

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24-70mm f4 vs 24-105mm f4 (video + still)

A topic with this same name already exists and I skimmed through it's 5 pages without really gaining any piece of mind about my concerns so I figured I'd start a fresh one. I'll summarize what I've learned so far (let me know if anything is incorrect):

24-70mm f4 IS
Best price as of 6/24/13: $1,299 (24-105: ~$750)
Pros:
- improved barrel distortion over 24-105
- lighter and smaller than 24-105
- improved corner sharpness
- overall better sharpness at 24mm

Cons:
- shitty/lose-fitting lens hood (According to learningcameras.com review. Anyone else experience this?)
- less sharp in general (also according to learning cameras.com. I've read mixed reviews on this...)
- high price compared to 24-105
- loses range compared to 24-105


For me, whichever lens I choose would be primarily used for video. When it IS used for stills, it would mainly be used for product/stock shots. A lot of times I try to fill the frame with the intention of removing the background—so this is where the 24-70's corner sharpness becomes a somewhat significant benefit to me.

I understand that the 24-105 is "good enough" and some even argue that it is overall better, especially for it's price. However, for my use, the weight-savings, corner sharpness and IS may prove to be worth the money if they are actually really improvements. I'm really interested if someone has real experience with both of these lenses (especially for video use), and can comment objectively comparing those things

Thanks!
Jay

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Nifty 50 or Shorty 40?

Well, after years of procrastination I'm ready to spend some cash on some new gear.
I'm an amateur who mostly shoots family, holiday and landscapes and want to try macro photography too.

I've pretty much decided on a canon 6d; kit 24-105; 100L macro; 600 ex-rt.

But I've a few hundred left over and want something small, light weight and relatively fast.

So 50 f1.4 or 40 f2.8. I think I would like the wider angle and tiny pancake, but is the 50 a sharper lens? Will I miss the extra stops?

Thanks for any help.

Ben

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Remote video activation

Hi,

I have a Pixel wireless Remote Control RW-221RX on a 500D

The Pixel is cheep cheerful and does what I want for stills.

Recently I had a need to do remote video, wasn't able to use the above.

The manual says an RC1/RC5 should allow remote activation on a 500D. I have the RC5, again I can't get that to work.

I have Remote control Enabled on the video menu and self-timer/remote control (does that have any affect when in video mode?)

Are there any other settings I need to set?

I'm sure an RC1 would work but I need something that works 10 - 15m behind the camera (like the Pixel does for stills)

Would anyone have any recommendations?

PS If it’s not already obvious I’m a complete novice at EOS video, just stumbled into a very specific need for short remote video sequences.


Thanks in advance

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Canon 35mm f2 IS

I've been considering Canon's new 35 since it was released, although the negative response to it and price has led me to hold off on it. Understandably, it has been thrown into the new Sigma 35's shadow for still photography. According to a review by Safari (forget last name) on Youtube, the IS "doesn't work" for video and looks like you're not using an IS lens at all. Also, he says that glaring is an issue as well. His review is the only one I'm aware of that mentions these two negatives...

Despite the negative general consensus that this lens seems to have developed because of it's high price, it still seems like it might be good for me. It seems there really isn't anything else comparable at least for video use (video will be it's main use). Am I missing something? I don't feel like I am... but if I am, someone here always knows...

Here is a list I've put together of pros vs cons based on all of the reviews/videos I've watched:

PROS
- sharper than the canon 35 1.4
- CA is improved over the 35 1.4
- 4-stop IS
- f2
- rounded aperture blades

CONS
- high price
- plastic construction
- questionable IS (maybe?)
- slowish AF
- glare

Does anyone have experience with this lens personally? Especially interested in comments about it's use for video. Any experience with IS in video and... is it true that it's IS isn't as good as other IS lenses?? Should anything in my pros/cons list be modified?

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Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II Mentioned [CR1]

HTML:
<div name="googleone_share_1" style="position:relative;z-index:5;float: right; /*margin: 70px 0 0 0;*/ top:70px; right:120px; width:0;"><g:plusone size="tall" count="1" href="http://www.canonrumors.com/?p=13764"></g:plusone></div><div style="float: right; margin:0 0 70px 70px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/share" class="twitter-share-button" data-count="vertical" data-url="http://www.canonrumors.com/?p=13764">Tweet</a></div>
<p><strong>A new 35L

</strong>We haven’t heard anything in regards to a replacement for the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162614-USA/Canon_2512A002_Wide_Angle_EF_35mm.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L</a> lens in a long time, however this weekend it was mentioned that the EF 35 f/1.4L II is in fact in testing. There is no imminent announcement date,  and it may be held until a new full frame camera is ready to go in 2014.</p>
<p>We’ve talked about this lens a lot in the past and it has been rumoured to be replaced since the EF 24 f/1.4L II was announced. We also know that <a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2012/07/patent-canon-ef-35-f1-4l/" target="_blank">patents do exist for the optical formula</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898831-REG/Sigma_340_101_35mm_f_1_4_DG_HSM.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Sigma’s 35mm f/1.4 DG</a> seems to be taking a lot of sales from the current Canon equivalent, here’s hoping that forces Canon’s hand on getting a replacement ready.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Review from TDP

HTML:
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<p><strong>From The Digital Picture

</strong>Bryan has completed his full review of the Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x (we’re still working on ours). As expected, the review is a glowing one as this lens performs unbelievably well for a zoom.</p>
<p>Says Bryan:

<em>“If the f/4 max aperture is not an issue for you, the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4 L IS USM Ext 1.4x Lens, by virtue of its focal length range, can replace several other lenses in your kit. It will deliver stunning image quality and should stand up to professional use. I’m still integrating this lens into my kit, but … I have been using it for almost everything I shoot since it arrived. I expected awesomeness and the 200-400 L delivered it.”</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-200-400mm-f-4-L-IS-USM-Extender-1.4x-Lens-Review.aspx" target="_blank">Read the full review</a> </strong></p>
<p><strong><strong>Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x $11,799 USD</strong>

</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><strong>USA: </strong><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/973129-REG/canon_5176b002_ef_200_400mm_f_4l_is.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">B&H Photo</a> | <a href="http://www.adorama.com/CA2004004.html?KBID=64393" target="_blank">Adorama</a> | <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQGF8H6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00CQGF8H6&linkCode=as2&tag=canorumo-20" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="http://www.normancamera.com/index/page/product/product_id/28468/product_name/Canon+EF+200-400mm+f4L+IS+USM+Lens+with+Internal+1.4x+Extender" target="_blank">Norman Camera</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><strong>Canada: </strong><a href="http://www.cameracanada.com/enet-cart/product.asp?pid=5176B002" target="_blank">Camera Canada</a></strong></li>
<li><strong><strong>Europe: </strong><a href="http://www.photocineshop.com/fr/vente/products/Canon-EF-200-400-mm-f-4L-IS-USM-Multiplicateur-1-4X-integre-WB0RS5?search=200-400&page=1" target="_blank">PhotoCineShop</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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5D III and EX 580 II flash problems

I purchased a 5D mkIII back in April as an upgrade to my 7D, I've been very happy with the new camera until the other evening when I was shooting in some low light situations with the flash.
For reasons that seem to be eluding me I can't find the setting in camera to activate the focus assist beam from the flash. It fires with the proper exposures though I have to switch to live view for my auto focus to lock on.
When the same flash is on the 7D this is not an issue, the auto focus assist beam kicks in as needed .

Has anyone else had this problem with a 5Dmk III ?

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How do you carry your tripod?

My old tripod bag is getting a bit old and worn. Plus, it has never been that comfortable to carry around. So, I'm curious how other people carry tripods to see if there is a better way.

If you are travelling light on a short walk - say only an hour or two - what do you do? Do you use a tripod bag? Do you keep your camera attached to the tripod and dangle it over your shoulder for instant access? Do you attach a strap directly to your tripod? Any other ways?

I see Lowepro have some bags (the Flipside Sport 10L and 15L) which look fairly small but still seem to have a good tripod attachment points. Has anyone used these? Are there any other good small bag options?

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Does it make sense to keep my EF 100mm f2.0?

I have a EF 100mm f2.0 i use for portraits.

Now i will buy the 100mm f2.8 L IS Macro lens.

I ask myself it it makes sense to keep the 100mm f2.0?
Will i use it when i have the L?

Does f2.0 vs. f2.8 makes such a big difference that i like to keep the f2.0?
I use the EF 100mm f2.0 at f2.0 or f2.2 most of the time. I bought it for shallow DOF.

Or will the Macro be so good that i don´t use the EF 100mm f2.0 anymore?

Anyone who was in the same situation?
What do you think?

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24mm options...

Hi all,

I had recently been considering getting the TS-E 24 II as a landscape/architecture lens, however, after great advice from you guys (http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=15485.0) I have re-evaluated my needs.

I shoot at 24mm a lot, for landscape, buildings and street (in that order of preference too).
I'm looking for an increase in IQ and speed over my 24-105
IS is not needed particularly, but would not be snubbed at, AF is required though
Size and weight are a consideration but not a major one... I carry my camera with me always so lighter is always nicer.

My current thoughts are:
24mm f/1.4L II
24mm f/2.8 IS
24-70mm f/2.8L II

I'm leaning more towards a prime as i am quite happy with my 24-105 as a "one lens does all travel lens". I do not have any urgent need to go wider at the moment and am happily waiting for a 14-24.

Any more great words of advice/wisdom?

Thanks,

John

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  • Poll Poll
How ready is your camera gear usually?

How long to gather all (required) your gear?

  • They are all in the car already, 0 min

    Votes: 7 6.4%
  • All in my bag, just pick it up and go, <1 min

    Votes: 50 45.9%
  • Most in the bag, maybe flash or one lens is somewhere around, <5 min

    Votes: 33 30.3%
  • Around certain area, just need to gather them, <10 min

    Votes: 18 16.5%
  • Here and there around the house, might find them all <30 min

    Votes: 1 0.9%
  • Not sure about the battery or card space, I think I know where the camera is, <1 hour

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Haven't used for while, not sure of location, and battery flat for sure, >1 hour

    Votes: 0 0.0%

One day I got thinking, I was quite busy elsewhere so when I got back home I had to pretty much just grab my bag and go, hoping all I needed was in the bag. Most of time my gear is <5 minute ready, meaning I have both camera and flash batteries either close to full, or charged after last event, and lenses/bodies are typically within 6 feet from my bag, and most in the bag anyway. So when I need my gear, just get my bag and check the adjacent floor and shelves for missing items, pick them up and I'm ready.

So say your friend gave you a call and tells there's awesome event you must come to shoot right now, gives the address but doesn't tell exactly what the event is, how long it would take you to leave your house with at least your main body plus most/all your lenses so regardless of the event you're set for the shooting. Flash(es) I would count in, but not strobes or anything that magnitude.

Choose either appropriate wording or the estimated time it would typically take you to get driving.

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If You Could Have One 1 Lens...

Alright everybody, here's the hard question. Someone's gonna ask it! :)

You can only pick 1 lens for the rest of your life from today's current lineup. What do you do?


Take some time and think about your answer for

1. A Crop Sensor camera

2. A Full-Frame camera

Also, let us know what you normally shoot (weddings, landscapes, macro, etc.)


I'll start it off:

(I shoot Weddings and Events, primarily)

1. EF-S 17-55mm f2.8

2. EF 70-200mm f2.8 II (amazing lens)

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