I'm looking to snag a BG-E11, but the big guys all seem to be sold out (Adorama, BH, Amazon, etc.). There are a bunch of random shops that claim to have it in stock - but I've never dealt with any of them, and the majority seem to have hit-or-miss experiences in their Google reviews.

Should I trust these small guys, or wait for the big names to get more stock in?

Hi,

is it possible to add a device to 580EXII, so it can be RADIO triggered with an ST-E3 or an 600EX?

Thanks,

Ben

Right now, I have a 50mm f/1.4 USM and a 15-85mm f/3.5-56 USM. Both are great, but I'm finding myself wanting to do a lot of indoor wide angle shots with relatively low light. The 50mm is too tight, and the 15-85mm is too slow.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a fast, relatively affordable wide-angle lens for a 60D that might fit the bill? It need not be a zoom lens, but I would like it to be very fast (faster than f/2 if possible; definitely faster than f/3). I know Canon has a 28mm f/1.8 USM, but I've read a couple of mixed reviews about its performance.

I have been very heart set on the purchasing the canon 60d until I saw this t4i. I will be using the camera mainly for film and am wondering how the video quality compares. I am very cautious since for me the video quality of the t3i didn't seem as good to me as the 60d. Which should I get?

So, I get that that Mk3 AF is very advanced vs. the Mk2, etc... what I am finding, however, is that during low light wedding receptions (dancing) the AF takes a second or so longer to lock on that the Mk2 or Mk1 did. I've changed the settings to release priority vs. focus priority so I can at least get the shot even if focus is not locked, but I am somewhat stunned that this advanced AF takes so long to lock in these reception situations. First, I am wondering if there is a setting I am missing, and also is anyone else seeing this? My second shooter and I are both having the "problem", so I thought I would ask. Thanks all!

Do you have experience that might guide my decision regarding choice between Canon’s Extension Tubes (EF 12 II or EF 25II). I will probably use the extension tube for semi-macro work and birding. Some of my lenses that it might be used with are 50 mm f/1.4, 85 mm f/1.8, 400 mm f/5.6L,
70- 200 mm f/2.8L IS II, 24-105 mm f/4L IS, and 16-35 mm f/2.8L II. I suspect that my major use of the extension tube will be with the 70- 200 mm f/2.8L IS II and the 400 mm f/5.6L. I am leaning towards the EF 12 II, because of working range, but recognize that I will give up magnification to achieve that. Cost is not an issue. My Canon bodies are the 50D and the 5D Mark III.

.
Predictions based on generalized long-term knowledge of the history of technology with neither scientific basis nor specific speculation. Intended only to provoke thought and discussion. If you're response is that I'm an idiot, fine, I'll say that right up front and save you the trouble. So...

1. The Canon EOS 1DX (if it ever becomes reality) is the last 1-Series flagship DSLR Canon will ever make. Like the EOS 1V was/is the last 35mm film SLR from Canon, the 1DS will be the last DSLR. Like the 1V it will be around a long time. Its "obsolesence buffer" will be plenty of room for "upgrading" through software application.

2. A new "flagship" version of the APS-C line will be introduced (e.g. a 7D2), and like the 1DX it will be the final flagship of the APS-C line. It also will be around a long time and see upgrades through software. Given Canon's predilection for super pricing I predict it will be over $2500 U.S. And most people who have a 7D today will buy one! It will seem spectacular.

Meanwhile, Canon will lead a transition to new formats that require far less mechanical apparatus than the tradional SLR. I'll leave speculation about exactly what that may be to others.

The fundamentals of a camera are pretty simple. A lens focuses light on a sensor (chemical using film previously and now a light-sensing semiconductor) and there has to be a means for recording and converting what is sensed into something the human visual apparatus can discern. What we consider a "camera" is a device that enables and manages operator variables between that lens and sensor. Photographic composition drives the decisions that create those variables. Few people buy a camera and just start pressing the shutter button with no concept of a "picture" in mind. That's where need for most of the mechanical and electro-mechanical stuff originates in today's cameras. The operator directs all that electro-mechanical stuff to do different things to fulfill his "vision."

The "mirrorless" design concept has already begun to transform the mechanics inside cameras. I think it will not be long before the flapping mirror and mechanical shutter will be seen as whimsical relics of a primitive age. Since we seem addicted (many of us anyway) to seeing exactly what is seen through the lens (in contrast to rangefinders and today's electronic "viewfinders,") manufacturers may adapt this in new ways. A shutterless camera, for example, might have nothing between the lens and the sensor-- except for maybe a lens cap. When power is turned on, the operator sees exactly what the sensor is seeing (ala today's "live view" projections). I can see this being done through a classic viewfinder and/or using an extremely hi-def display that is part of the camera body as we now have. Pressing the "shutter" would only tell the sensor to save that particular instant. This will likely require different and better sensors than we are using at the moment, and some lens "focus" adaptations may have to be made. I'm guessing most of the fundamental research has already been done, allowing this to be seen as viable options for a camera manufacturer.

I don't know that any of us can predict exactly how this future technology will work, but I do believe it will happen sooner than most us us can imagine. It was less than 15 years ago when I was recording visual images chemically. I could then see that the silicon revolution was going to somehow overwhelm this process just as surely as it was doing with audiotape and videotape and print media, etc., etc. I couldn't
say how, but I knew, sure as shootin', that is was coming.

Perhaps 20 years from now there will be discussions on these kinds of forums about how the old shutter and mirror systems "couldn't be beat" as a recent poster here has posited about film. And ebay may be full of old 1DX cameras for those who want to try their hands at old style picture taking. And, as always, there will be old timers telling newcomers how tough things were in the good old days. "Why, we had to manually clean the dust off our sensors in those days. We didn't have that refractive oxidation process you take for granted today!"

Anyway, that's my sunny Sunday afternoon contribution to the intellectual process here at CR. May the force be with you!

Hi

Does anyone have any information on if this lens will be sharp? Don't really want to get it if its going to have the same quality of a normal kit lens. Also the variable appeture puts me off as I do a lot of video.

The other two lenses I'd get with it would be the 40mm pancake STM and a Tokina 11-16. Would this be a good 3 lens combo?

This might be my imagination (or wishful thinking) but if anyone can confirm my hearing it would be wonderful. Right now, Spain is playing Italy at Euro 2012, and during any peak action, you can hear a camera shooting around 12fps. It has to be the 1Dx.

Does anyone know if the 650D will have digital zoom like the 600D? If the 650D does have it, I'll buy it but if not I'm going to have to go for the 600D!

I've litterally read/watched every review I can find on the internet with no information about it..?

Please somone telll me it has it. ;D

Just curious to see how many here have preordered the 1DX. Many people post that they have. I decided that a poll would give us some numbers.

I love the 600ex flashes and don't think I will go back to using pocket wizards, however I have one major complaint about them and I was curious if anyone else had the same problem. I have three of them that I use at wedding receptions. One on the camera and two slaves on stands. I always have the slaves set to manual at a low power (usually 1/32 or 1/64). I started to notice that some of the slaves stopped working and I just figured the batteries were out. I got battery packs hoping that they would last all reception which they should because my 580exII flashes lasted all reception with no battery packs. Well even the 600ex flashes with battery packs stopped working at really bad times which is annoying because if you have them all linked and one stops working then they all stop firing. I hate that so much and I don't know why it works that way. Last night I noticed the back of the flash that stopped working the whole display was a a reddish orange. Anyone know what that means? I turned the flash off and turned it back on and it worked perfectly the rest of the reception. Then the other slave flash did the same thing and again I turned it off and back on and it worked perfectly the remainder of the time. I just don't understand what is going on. I am using them at a very low power level it isn't like I am rapid fire shooting at full power. These wonderful flashes seem to have a serious problem.

Without wanting to get flamed, I just want to say that I see too much discussions here about what lens, what camera, what gear etc here on the forum. Its nice talking about the gear but to be honest, if we are talking too much then it means we are not shooting.

The bodies and lenses are there to be used on the field. I just got back from a 6 weeks backpacking to SE Asia. Took all the gear I built up over the past few years, that is, my 5DII, 16-35 II L, 24-70 L, 50 1.4 and 70-200 IS. I used to talk a lot about my gear, thinking what to use to shoot a particular afternoon stroll. But when I was out there, I just had my camera and 1 or 2 lenses with me for the day. The lenses got dirty, camera survived a typhoon, and at the end of the day that is what it is all about. The gear is there to be used on the field, out there. And I shot what ever I saw with what ever gear/lens I had with me at the time. Forget about deciding whether you need the 50 1.4/1.2/1.8 or 24-70 with or without IS, when you are out there, that is the least thing you think about. You just shoot. And you shoot with what ever equipment you have with you. And yes the lenses will get dirty, dust will get inside, UV filters might crack, but afterall that is what shooting is all about. I also had my compact digi cam in my pocket. I got some great shots without my 5DII. You dont need the latest lens with a flat MTF chart with IS and the 5DIII, its not all about the equipment.

So if you find yourself talking about a dust speck on the inside of your 50mm you bought 2nd hand from ebay and thinking if you need a 1.2 or what case/bag you might need just for that one time afternoon garden party next week, I really think you are talking too much, and not shooting enough. So go out there and shoot. Get your hands dirty, get your gear dirty and only then will you get some great photos.

With the rumors saying that they are, and competition from Sony, Pan/Oly, and now Nikon, etc., Canon probably will make a mirrorless camera offering soon (just a guess)?? I just have one simple suggestion. Make it a full frame, 35mm, camera. That might specifically be what gives it an edge over Nikon 1 and Pan/Oly micro4/3rds systems, even if it means for a slightly bigger body and larger lenses. Although I must say, the 40mm Pancake at f/2.8 is rather unimpressive.

In many situations I would quite like to trade a large, heavy, Full frame/ASPC DSLR with a hulking L lens for a smaller, lighter, and easily bag-able option. I would probably take a hell of a lot more pictures if I had a more compact/discreet setup. The best option for me currently would likely be Pan/Oly, but I won't trade what I have now for a cropped system. Micro 4/3rds system is also great, and if I could get something like it in full-frame I would most definitely switch, but I don't want to lose the DOF mainly, or even the quality of sensor that I feel Canon does better for stills.

So basically Mirrorless for a small reduction of full-frame (5Dish) body size and weight, along with fast pancake prime lenses. Another idea that might be insane but is worth at least testing, two sensors and two lens mounts on the same camera so that you could walk around with two different focal length pancake prime lenses on the same system or shoot in 3D. I can do without that bit altogether, just a thought.

Flipping through a magazine yesterday and came across the results of the 2012 Technical Image Press Association awards. Best DSLR (professional) goes to the, as yet, unavailable 1D X. Just for the wild optimisim that they show I kinda wish the 1D X gets delayed 'til January. That'll teach 'em! And at this rate that isn't too far fetched.

http://www.tipa.com/english/XXII_tipa_awards_2012_13042012103433.php?iExpand1=70

Anyone else know of gear winning top awards before the finished production article hits the buying public?

One thing that makes me a wee bit suspicious of the whole TIPA award thing is that just about every manufacturer gets an award - best premium camera goes to Leica. Who defines what "premium" means?

Still, kept me amused for a few minutes.

When I read about the new T4i/650D I found it very interesting to learn of the new STM lenses.

I can't help but wonder whether Canon is at a crossroads with regards to its pro 1D cameras. Companies, and some individuals, have spent a lot of money on lenses for their 1Ds. Soon the 1DX will be fully released, but where does Canon go after that? Could it be that if they want to continue to add the latest innovations etc to their 1D series there may come a time, when the best L glass is no longer the best?

It would upset a lot of people of course, but if it is the only way to truly progress what other choice would they have.

What are your thoughts? Do you think within the next 5-10 years Canon may say yes L lens is great but if you want to unlock even more features of your 1D 2017 (body model - year introduced) then you will have to buy L Lens II?

At the moment they introduce new lenses, but these lenses just - or should - improve the IQ and perhaps AF etc. They do not unlock new tech within the camera as such.

Come on, everyone, let's help Canon with the specs of the 7DII .

Ok, we have a slight issue here... With my new 5d, I have noticed it attracts dust on the mirror/LCD almost every time I change lenses... Never was an issue with my 7d or 5d2 or prior cameras. Anywho today I took a canon brand rocket blower today to knock out the dust and looked into to viewfinder to find 2 small streaks in the scene. After looking around it was the plastic screen above the mirror assembly. I took a dry clean anti static cloth... Nope... Tried blowing warm air on it (like you would glasses) and wiping thoroughly, looked clean but streaks were still there. Ok, seriously annoyed now I get rubbing alcohol and qtips and lightly clean it... That's when things started taking a turn for the worst... I start getting a faint circle outline and more streaks, as if by doing so is removing some coating on the underside of the plastic. Anywho after trying to clean it as best as I could, looking through the VF has a large circle outline that extends from the top to the bottom of the screen perfectly around the center "spot" circle in the middle, and various imperfections in areas... Basically the top plastic in front of the transmissive LCD is going to have to be fixed/replaced. Anyone had any issues like this with maybe the 7d or 5d3? Looking through the VF is saddening, AF and the actual transmissive part appears perfectly fine, and photo is perfect as always... Any suggestions before I prepare to get raped my canons repair services?

If the lens had been under £200 it was a no brainer. At £230, I'm probably not going to bother. MTF's look good, lens form looks good, just the price discrepancy is just obscene.

1. 1D X - $6,800
2. 3D/5D X - high MP - $5,000
3. 5D mkIII - $3,500
4. 7D mkII/9D - FF 18-22MP - $1,800-2,200
5. 70D - 18MP - $1,200-1,400
6. 650D - 18MP - $850
7. Mirror-less - $4-500

Maybe more mirror-less in the high end but i'm only talk about slr.

Ok, I've decided to go try maybe the 70-40MM f/4 lens I posted about earlier.

I'm supposed to meet him and examine the lens tomorrow (Sunday) and if it looks good....buy it for $500.

As you might guess...I'm a 100% noob. I got my first DSLR (5D3) last month.

I've never bought a used lens before...so, what should I look for when examining the lens? What kinds of questions should I ask? As I understand it..this person bought the lens from someone else, so it is at least a 3rd party buy here.

I'm guessing to look carefully at the rear element for scratches? How much is too much? Front lens?

I'm bringing my camera to hook it up..and see how it works, but as a noob, aside from taking some shots to see if AF works....what else should I look for? I'm meeting in a public place....I figure smart for a high dollar item and cash transaction....etc.

Anyway...thoughts on buying a used lens from someone in person?

Thanks in advance, I truly appreciate all the input and advice I've gotten here so far...

cayenne

If rumours are correct, Canon are preparing a high MP camera later this year. The trouble is I have difficulty seeing which market they are going to go for:

1. 1D X price range with high MP
2. 5D Mark III price range.

If they opt for the latter, I can't see anyone buying a Mark III any more unless the Mark III had better noise or they limited the focus on the new High MP SLR, but then the Nikon would still be the best option. The biggest problem is the 5D Mark III noise and dynamic range, if they rocked on the Mark III, then there would be no worry but with virtually no improvement, what do Canon do?

I'm sure we've been over this a millions times before but I just want to put it out there again and hear some fresh input.

Simple problem. I live in the UK (we get charged a lot for camera gear) and my sister is in OZ but is popping back to get married, as you do. I'm getting her to grab me a 5D MK3 and a lens or two that I'm going to have delivered to her in Sydney from Singapore....

All well and good when it comes down to money saving, I'm gonna save myself around £1000 which is just brilliant, the problem is the fact that the warranty will probably be void...? Can anyone shed any light on this as I'm getting so many different answers when reading online.

I've never had any reliability issues with Canon products in the past but yeah, any thoughts?

Thanks,

Ed

Tired of the 5D3 changing from SD to CF or CF to SD every time you take the card out to copies images to your computer? Simply leave the card door open on your camera until you download your pics and reinsert your card. The camera doesn't read what card(s) are inserted until the door is closed, so leaving it open keeps it from knowing you took one out.