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What equipment to bring to get the stars

hello,

I'm about to visit an area that has rather low light pollution, so I thought I give star photography a go.
But what's equipment gives the best results?

I found this website with some helpful information:
http://www.davidkinghamphotography.com/

I still have a few questions though and I hope you guys can help me figure them out.

1.) I have a digital crop body and film body + 3 rolls of ilford delta 3200.
-> 3200 iso on the 40D sure is noisy but it's in color + general digital advantages
-> I guess the film body should handle extreme long exposures better (very low power consumption) + being full frame

I'll probably pack both, but which one would be better suited?

2.) lens
I don't think the kit lens will cut it at its wide end with 17mm and f4.0, so the samyang/rokinon/bower 14mm looks tempting.
But then there's this crazy distortion it produces. How well can I take care of this in post?
Are there other wide angle lenses you would recommend? (am on a budget)

3.) iso settings
The website suggest starting at 3200.
I cannot go any further with my setup.
The question is whether the iso is necessary to capture the light of the stars at all or if it's to keep the exposure time low to prevent star trails.

Say I wanted to try a trail, could I go with a lower iso because I want a longer exposure?
Or would that reduce the visibility of the stars too much?


Tripod + head + remote are not a problem.

Thanks guys!

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5D Mark III Live View v Viewfinder Sharpness

Only had my Mark III a few weeks so still have a lot to learn. I've been trying to test the sharpness of my Canon 70-300mm DO lens and my new Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC. I've used a tripod with mirror lock-up and self-timer on all tests and repeatedly find a significant difference in sharpness between Live View and using the Viewfinder, Live view being the sharper of the two. Has anyone else experienced this and is it a cause for concern or normal? I'm finding it frustrating as live view is sometimes too slow or I might want to be more discrete. Should I send my Mark II (along with my Canon lens) to Canon for calibrating? I know that the shop where I bought it will not do a return or exchange and it appears fine in other respects. The Viewfinder is too soft for my liking. Any advice much appreciated.

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Help with transition shooting from dark place to light place

Hi,

I own a Canon 5D Markiii.

I am shooting a one take video which requires the actor to walk from inside to outside. Before this however, the actor walks inside for about a minute. I do not own a manual aperture lens so I cant raise the aperture smoothly. I have to use the 5D's own aperture wheel, however this is not smooth and is sort of slow.

How do you think I can shoot this scene? Will I be able to do something in post by stopping where the character opens the door and combining both footage in post? What do you guys suggest?

Thanks!

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5D Mark III focus points off center

I noticed that the focus points seen in the view finder are slightly off center. Photos on the display show the used focus points slightly in different positions in comparison to the intended spots (~½ focus point width to the left). Is it the same for any of you? I checked two 5D3 bodies at a local store and noticed that the focus points were all over the place on them too.

I brought my 5D3 body to warranty repair and they told me there is nothing wrong. When I showed them what I meant, they noticed it too. Now I have yet another repair scheduled, but I would like to know if anyone else has had the problem and if it was possible to fix it. I would not really like to get unnecessary repairing done on the body. The body doesn't get any better if the problem still exists after additional repairs.

My thoughts:
1) Focusing screen not correctly in place?
2) Focus point display off center?
3) The issue has been there from the beginning. Now it bugs me as the smaller focus point doesn't hit targets.

What do you think?

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Need help with video lighting!!!

What should I get?

I will be shooting a variety of indoor and outdoor. I want to have a variety of lighting options for different situations.

It would seem like I could save money with CF bulbs from Home Depot. But last time I went, I couldn't figure out what to buy. What brand and color temp of bulbs is good? I'm looking for good prices, over quality (unless it's worth it to spend a little more).

What about modifiers? A friend of mine was telling me "china balls" are good modifiers. Where might I get something like that in Los Angeles?

I have a softbox... what's the best way to rig up a bulb in that?

What about spotlights or big fill lights?

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!

EDIT:

I have refined my question...

If you were just starting out with video and needed an inexpensive lighting kit for indoor shooting... what would it be?

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It annoys me when camera phones try to take credit for professional level gear.

I see these photos on an iphone or windows phone and I KNOW that photo wasn't taken with a camera phone. The bokeh gives it away. It was probably a 35mm f/1.4 (or a 135mm f/2) with a 5dmkiii (or whatever the Nikon equivalent is) with wireless umbrella lighting being side lit from both the right and left.

But no... that was a wide angle camera phone photo which simply looks like a 135mm f/2 was used. So your gear that costs $5000 is really just overkill, since the camera phone's is MORE than sufficient. Ughh...

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+18 AFMA out of the box....return?

Hi all,
I got bored of waiting for a siggy 50 'A' so I bit and bought the canon 50mm 1.4 as I didn't want focus issues.
Lawl.
I've got it and it seemed really soft, and tried an afma.
It's at +18.
My question is : AFMA is supposed to be for dealing with tolerances and mishaps in the field. I know i'm not going to get a perfect 0, but if say, it gets knocked +3, i'm going to have a 1.4 I can't use.
Do I take it back or send it to CPS under warranty?

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Question regarding 70-300L lens

This is my first post, but I have been a reader for quite awhile. I purchased a 70-300L lens to replace my 70-200 f4. I have a question about what I feel is an unusual amount of play in the focusing ring. I am not talking about backlash, but what appears to be more than usual side play or looseness on the ring itself. When comparing this to my other lenses it seem excessive, especially my 70-200. This is my second copy (I returned the first lens). The first copy was the same. Has anyone that owns this lens noticed this. Other than that the lens exceeds my expectations. Sharpness is on par or better than my 70-200. If this a bad run of this lens I don't want to get stuck with a bad copy. Thanks in advance for any info regarding this.

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Buff Einsteins can use any Balcar accessory?

I have a few Einstein heads and reflectors on the way to me. To my surprise a Buff employee told me during transit that these heads take Balcar accessories. I had not seen that on the Buff website.

Has anyone here tried out (successfully?) Balcar modifiers, reflectors, etc., on the Einsteins? Willing to share your experiences?

I have some modifiers here that require a 6-inch flange of thin metal as a connector/attachment. Now I am searching for source(s) of a Balcar-to-6 inch pieces. Buff doesn't have such a thing. Living way out in the boonies I hope to avoid too much shipping cost to try out possibilities. Looks like Kacey Enterprises has one excellent alternative sold specifically for Buff, and I ordered that. Page about this flange shows it on Alien Bees, not Einsteins.

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  • Poll Poll
Who has pre-ordered or will order 200-400

Have you pre-ordered the 200-400 or do you plan to order in the future?

  • How could I resist? I want to be the first on the block to have this new bad guy!

    Votes: 8 7.8%
  • I'll wait a bit to see how the review turn on and then get myself a Christmas/Hanukkah present

    Votes: 6 5.9%
  • I am saving my change, perhaps in a few years

    Votes: 44 43.1%
  • See no use for it. I'd rather a 14-22, update to the 135, ...

    Votes: 38 37.3%
  • I want one, but my marriage is more important

    Votes: 6 5.9%

just wonder if many people will jump on this opportunity.

Grant it is a lot of $ but then again we have had ample warning this day would arrive.

I put myself in line last night, not sure I won't cancel my pre-order (or perhaps I can sell my place in line)

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Advice on 1st flash

Im looking to purchase my first flash unit and looking for help and suggestions. I currently own a canon 60d, 17-85mm ,50mm and the 75-300mm. I mostly do travel and outdoor photography and I'm not 100 percent sure how i want to us the flash yet, I just know I hate the pop up flash. My price point is right about 275, so that would be enough for the 430ex II new. And I was looking for thoughts and opinions on if looking at older used ex flashes would be useful. Want to get the best bang for the buck but also get I flash i will not out grow to fast. Thanks for the imput

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Canon SL1 sensor a step back?

From what i'm seeing, the Canon SL1 images are looking very poor, especially with shadow noise, low light, and video. What the heck Canon?

Here is the review that I found and they also compared the SL1 low light results to the Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 and the SL1 is by far the worst:
Canon Rebel SL1 (100D) Hands On Review

You can download the raw files here: http://learningcameras.com/reviews/4-dslrs/150-canon-sl1-review
What the heck? I hope this is not the 70D sensor.

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Andy Rouse Reviews the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

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<strong>A great review</strong>
<a href="http://www.andyrouse.co.uk" target="_blank">Andy Rouse</a> has spent 6 months with the new <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">EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x</a> and has posted a pretty extensive real world review.</p>
<p><strong>Says Andy….</strong>

<em>“It is no secret that I am in the Shakira fan club, you know that by now. Its even less of a secret that I am in the 200-400 fan club, in fact I am a fully paid up lifetime member. I just love this lens. As you have seen above, I have really used it hard in a variety of situations during the 6 months I have had it, and it has simply done everything that I have asked. No failures. Nothing to complain about. I have inspected all of the images that I have taken for any distortion, chromatic aberration or lick marks and I can say, hand on one of my two Vulcan hearts, that I did not find any. And remember I have been using a prototype, your production ones will be mint.”</em></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/index.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Read the full review</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x: <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></strong> | <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></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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M RAW or "full" RAW on a Canon 6d?

Just curious what most are using with their 6D or even Mark III? M RAW to save file space, or "full" RAW? According to the manual it is faster to shoot in full RAW, but the files are about 30% larger. How much quality will I lose if I shoot in M RAW? What are the drawbacks? When would you shoot ful full RAW, and when would someone shoot in M RAW? Also, why would full raw, with larger files sizes be faster in burst mode than M RAW?

Any info or help on this would be great, thanks!

Canon Creates Video Camera X-Series Look Picture Style

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<p><strong>London, UK, 14 May 2013</strong> – Canon today announces the release of a new in-camera Picture Style pre-set for its range of EOS DSLRs. Created following direct feedback from video enthusiasts, the new Picture Style, called Video Camera X–series-look, enables users to capture EOS Movie footage with lower contrast levels, allowing for easier colour grading during post production processes.</p>
<p>Similar to that available in Canon’s range of X-series camcorders, the new Picture Style works by lowering colour saturation levels and contrast during filming. This makes it ideal for videographers during post production grading processes, especially if complementing with pre-existing footage shot with Canon’s X-series models, or alternatively for those who instantly want to add atmosphere to Full HD movies. In addition, the new Picture Style can also be applied to still images captured in RAW or JPEG formats.</p>
<p>The new Picture Style can be downloaded now from: <a href="http://software.canon-europe.com/">http://software.canon-europe.com/</a></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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Announcement: Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

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<p><strong>London, UK, 14 May 2013</strong> – Canon today adds a new category to its range of high-performance super-telephoto lenses, with the introduction of the <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">EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x</a> to Canon’s acclaimed L-series. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a flexible 200-400mm focal range with a fixed f/4 aperture, 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer and for the first time in a commercially available lens, a built-in 1.4x extender. These features combine to provide an outstandingly versatile lens for professional sports or wildlife photographers. A robust magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialised lens coatings also make it ideal for mobile use, combining with the finest quality optics to deliver exceptional results, even in the harshest conditions.</p>
<p><strong>Get closer to the action with superior image quality</strong>

The reach of the <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">EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x</a> is boosted by its internal 1.4x extender, which is engaged or disengaged at the flick of a lever to provide an extended focal length of 280mm to 560mm – allowing photographers to get even closer to distant action. Ensuring the highest image performance, the optical design includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, which help minimise chromatic aberration and eliminate colour blurring. Advanced anti-reflection SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Super Spectra Coating also reduce ghosting and flare. Thanks to the use of the latest optical technologies, image performance is unaffected when the integrated extender is used.</p>
<p>With a constant f/4 aperture the use of high shutter speeds to capture fast-paced action or a low-light scene is possible. A newly designed optical Image Stabilizer, which provides users with a four stop advantage, while IS ‘Mode 3’ applies image stabilisation only at the time of exposure – ensuring that photographers can pan with fast-paced action without IS overcompensating for movement. This feature is ideal for sports photographers, who typically have only a split-second to capture a subject in front of them.</p>
<p><strong>Powerful, flexible focusing</strong>

The <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">EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x</a> features Canon’s pioneering ring-type Ultrasonic Motor providing fast, silent autofocusing. For those who prefer to fine-tune focus themselves, full-time manual override allows photographers to manually focus at any moment when using AF. The Power Focus (PF) mode also increases versatility during movie shooting with the EOS-1D C or EOS-1D X, enabling photographers to achieve an accurate pull-focus effect at one of two speeds, simply by twisting the focus recall ring and stopping at a pre-set distance.</p>
<p><strong>High-performance design for professional demands</strong>

Designed to answer professional demands for superior image quality and versatile zoom range, the <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">EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x</a> a boasts a premium-quality design befitting Canon’s industry-renowned L-series lenses.</p>
<p>The tough magnesium alloy chassis ensures that, despite the inclusion of the 1.4x extender, the lens is a similar weight to lenses of comparable focal length. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements also reduce the ability of dirt to cling to the lens surface, while a dust and water-resistant construction allows photographers to shoot in challenging weather conditions. The combination of outstanding optical performance, versatility, weight and tough construction will make it an essential part of any professional sports or wildlife photographer’s kitbag.</p>
<p><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">EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x</a> key features</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Built-in 1.4x extender, for extra magnification when you need it</li>
<li>Shoot in low light with four-stop Image Stabilizer</li>
<li>High image quality using Fluorite lens elements</li>
<li>Fast AF with USM technology</li>
<li>Robust design for use in the toughest environments</li>
</ul>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Focal Length & Maximum Aperture</td>
<td>Built-in extender at 1x: 200-400mm, 1:4.0

Built-in extender at 1.4x: 280-560mm, 1:5.6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lens Construction</td>
<td>Built-in extender at 1x:

25 elements in 20 groups (incl. 1 rear filter)

Built-in extender at 1.4x:

33 elements in 24 groups (incl. 1 rear filter)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Diagonal Angle of View</td>
<td>Built-in extender at 1x: 12°-6°10′

Built-in extender at 1.4x: 8°50′-4°25′</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Focus Adjustment</td>
<td>Inner focusing system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Closest Focusing Distance</td>
<td>6.6 ft. / 2m</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Filter Size</td>
<td>52mm drop-In</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Max. Diameter x Length, Weight</td>
<td>5.0 x 14.4 inches, 127.7 oz. / 128 x 366mm, 3620g</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><strong>Preorder the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Lens from: <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></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>
<p> </p>

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EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Announcement Tonight

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<strong>Stay tuned……..</strong>


<a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/05/ef-200-400-f4l-is-1-4x-announcement-around-the-corner-cr1/" target="_blank">As previously mentioned</a>, the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x will be announced tonight, stay tuned for full coverage. Get your $12 grand ready!</p>
<p>I’ve had a chance to use the lens and will give you my thoughts!</p>
<p><strong>Below is an overview of the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x


</strong>Designed to satisfy the discriminating needs of sports and wildlife photographers, the EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. With a simple flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280–560mm (f/5.6). This capability is extremely useful in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements, which provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range for professional quality images with high resolution, contrast and color fidelity, while a 9-blade circular aperture helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. It utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. And, with Power Focus mode, focus shifts are quiet and smooth, which is essential for filmmaking. Image stabilization is effective up to four shutter speed steps, with three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) providing excellent results for a wide range of subjects. Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver outstanding color balance, while helping to minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions. A fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels dust particles and makes the lens easier to clean.<strong>

</strong></p>
<p><strong>MTF Charts

</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_13466" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 570px"><a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/200400mtf.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-13466" alt="EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x MTF Charts" src="http://www.canonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/200400mtf.jpg" width="560" height="568" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x MTF Charts</p></div>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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