Birds in the neighborhood park --- Green Bee Eater

These days I find these Green Bee Eaters in plenty.

The Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) (sometimes Little Green Bee-eater) is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It is resident but prone to seasonal movements and is found widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal and The Gambia to Ethiopia, the Nile valley, western Arabia and Asia through India to Vietnam.[2] They are mainly insect eaters and they are found in grassland, thin scrub and forest often quite far from water. Several regional plumage variations are known and several subspecies have been named.

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5D3 lens correction profiles - only jpg?

Hello thar!

I did not use the lens correction built into the camera for now, but I have a question. Does it only apply to pics shot in jpg or also in RAW? I know that you can edit Raws directly on the camera regarding vignetting n stuff, could I also use the profiles of the lens correction for that or is it done manually?

Or in other words, does the lens correction do ANYTHING if i only shoot in raw?

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Conversion to Nikon

I'm not much impressed by all the doom and gloom some people talk about Canon on this site. My view is if they really think what they say on here they would be best going out and using what ever it is they think is so fantastic. It would be a lot less stresfull for them.

Having said that I will soon be a Nikon user. My 1Dx is such a great camera it has taken a picture that won me first prize in a national competition, well its in a national paper anyway :), and the first prize is a Nikon.

Well I'll be happily getting the best I can out of that camera now, accepting it for what it is and enjoying my hobby.

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Need filter suggestions - Ordered Canon 100mm f2.8 L macro

I ordered a 100mm 2.8 L lens and should be picking up from the store tomorrow. I am planning to use this lens for Macro and Portraits. I use Hood on my other lenses at all times which I plan to do with the new lens as well.

Please suggest what filters I need for Macro and portrait. I do have a Marumi CP (77mm) that I use on my other 2 lens (77mm and 67 mm with a step down/up ring).

Thanks in advance.

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Landscape tips needed on shooting the Grand Canyon

Hey CR folks,

I'm pondering a few days at the Grand Canyon, and I'd love your advice on a host of things.

WHERE/WHAT I WILL BE DOING

I'm game for level day hiking around the rim, but I'm unlikely to walk/mule the descent into the Canyon itself. I'm sure I will also get a good look at Sedona, the Page/Lake Powell/Antelope Canyon area, and possibly even Monument Valley.

Generally, I will be shooting landscapes (day and night). But street/walkaround stuff (in the touristy places) and handheld macro work (cacti, flowers, etc.) will likely happen as well. I have no desire to go after birds/wildlife unless I stumble across something (please note that I've spared myself the burden of owning huge glass -- madness that way lies, IMHO).

WHAT I WILL BRING

Since I'm driving to this, it will be easy to over pack.

Body + Lenses
5D3
24-70 2.8L (Mk I)
28 2.8 IS
50 1.4
100 2.8L IS macro
70-200 2.8L IS II + 2x III
Hoods for everything

Filters
UV and CPL for all of the above
ND grad 0.6 Hard + 0.9 Hard + Big Stopper only for the 77mm dia lenses above (the two zooms)

Standard stuff
Tripod, ball head, Arca plate, level, remote shutter, batteries, backup cards, etc.

QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS

Now, all that said, here are the questions:

1) Should I consider renting an ultrawide prime or zoom? Given the wide open spaces, one might think I am missing 16-24mm on the list above. Rent a 16-35? Rent a 14 prime?

2) I don't own a flash (no, I'm not kidding), but I can get my hands on a friend's 430 EX II -- how essential is a flash with landscapes? In your answer, please consider that I'm only capable of doing rudimentary flash work at this stage (no trick shot / off-camera / radio stuff). I will learn that someday, I'm sure, but this isn't likely to be that moment.

3) I've never done star trail work but might give it a go one night. I'll read up on how, settings, etc., but is there any specific gear above what I'm bringing needed to do that? Is the weight of my bag enough (15-20 lb loaded up), or should I build/buy some heavy stabilizing weights?

4) For those who have been to the GC, assuming the North Rim is closed this time of year, where is the best place on the South Rim to shoot? I've heard that Lipan Point is a good spot shooting the Colorado from East to West, but I'm game for other great vistas if you know of any.

5) Will I have any flat horizons to use the ND grads against, or will I largely be bracketing for HDR to capture everything I am seeing? I am opposed to HDR just for HDR's sake, but I recognize that with any bright sky I will have to make some tough exposure decisions. Depending on my orientation to the sun, a CPL can only do so much to rein in the sky. Have any thoughts on how to manage this best?


As always, I am in your debt. Your advice is appreciated to no end.

Thanks,
A

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Third Party 70-200mm

Hi all,

I'm currently in the process of building up my collection of lenses and am need of some advice.

I'm look for something in the telephoto zoom range, most likely a 70-200, and I've been looking at the offerings from both Tamron and Sigma. Does anybody have any experiences with either of the lenses? What about the comparison between them and their Canon counterparts?

Any opinions/advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks :D

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Need lens rental advice for group photo

Hi guys,
The company I work for has a yearly photo (about 60 people this year) and i've got the honor of setting this up. I did this last year as well, but I want a higher quality result and will spend more time arranging the scene+people this year.

The last photo was taken on a tripod at eye level (over 6 feet) with a 5D2 and Zeiss 21mm Distagon @ 5.6. Two wirelessly-triggered flashes were used (580II + 430II) cross-firing across the scene through umbrellas. To further complicate things, the group of people is standing with their backs to a large set of open windows overlooking a city square. (actually here's a small version of the photo instead)
Av6ES.jpg


I know that this year, i want to elevate the camera (5D3, maybe on a ladder) and perhaps move it off-center. This will help make everyone more visible, and hopefully be more compositionally pleasing.
I also know that the Ziess 21mm, although world-class, isn't the best choice for this situation (horizontal distortion towards the edges).
Would the 17/24mm TS-E be a good choice for a group portrait? I'm mostly interested in minimizing distortion/bulging limbs and faces, and keeping things wide enough to capture the whole group. Sharpness is important as well, since a fair amount of the image will be cropped.
My other choice would be the 24mm f/1.4L, but i'm open to any suggestions.

So yes...any ideas on lenses?
Thanks!

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Advice 5d3, wide angle

Hi all,

I have just got a 5d3 after a few good years with a 50D. The Sigma 10-22 is APS-C so it's going on ebay.

I have the 24-105 which is a great lens and the 24mm is wide. But the 10-22 was wide.

So, the question for those have either, which would you do?

A) Zoom Option, 16-35mm f2.8 mk2

B) Prime Option, 24mm f1.4

C) Cheep Option, Keep the 24-105mm f4 and get the 50 f1.2!

Thanks for looking..

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So, only the 600EX-RT Flash is compatible with the Canon ST-E3-RT controller?

I'm starting to plan out next years equipment.....gotta budget, save...etc.

I'm looking to finally get flash for my camera next year, and trying to plan and think ahead.

I like the idea of the radio control set up of flashes as I get 2 or more of them as time goes by.

But I'm getting from what I'm reading, that the latest and greatest from Canon, the ST-E3-RT controller basically only controls one flash..the latest, greatest and most $$ from cannon, the 600 EXRT...is this the case?

Is there a chance Canon will come out with an equivalent of the 580....that can be radio controlled?

So, if I went this route on controller with Canon...that means for now and the foreseeable future, the ONLY flash I could use with it would be the 600?

Thanks in advance,

cayenne


PS...what is an autofocus assist beam and what does it do for you?

Thanks!!

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Any words on 70-200 f/2.8 L II (non IS version)?

As we all know, the EF 70-200 f2.8 IS II has been out for a while now. Any words if its sibling 70-200 2.8 L II is coming out any time soon? The lens was released roughly about 17 years ago (since 1995) and it is still a good lens.

I am thinking to get a 2.8 non IS version and afraid a new one is on the list being released soon. I don't need it right away, so I can wait.

Heard anything, anyone? Thanks

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Recovering data off a card from XF300...suggestions?

Hi All,

This past Saturday, I was working with a couple guys, trying to shoot a commercial for submission to the Doritos superbowl ad...

I did one a couple weeks before with my 5D3...working on editing that.

This past weekend another guy that does more pro stuff...brought his XF300.
While on location, we actually played back some footage to review...working fine.

I got a call yesterday...they can't get any video off the card...and apparently it doesn't play in camera any more.

Is there any way to 'coax' the data off a card that is being troublesome? I've used some forensic type software in the past, to recover deleted and semi-deleted files off a harddrive...but not sure what the Canon stuff is formatted as, or what utilities or tricks might be out there available.

Suggestions? Links?

We can't get out to reshoot this with deadline, etc...so, if we can't get the footage, we can't get this one together to submit.
:(

Thanks in advance,

cayenne

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Advice needed aps-c long prime

Hi,

I am a rebel user and love indoor soft light style portraits, using window light etc.

I use a 50mm 1.4 + Samyang 85mm 1.4 MF. Both are superb.

I wanted to purchase something longer with AF (using the samyang MF requires a tripod) than can be used for candid head shoulder shots, both indoors and out no flash.

I was looking at:

canon 85mm 1.8
canon 100 2
Canon 100mm macro L IS 2.8
Canon 135mm f/2

Obviously the price range of the first 2 options is opx 1/3 then the second two.

Any of our seasoned users can give me some input ?

thanks

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Why The EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Delay?

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/2012/11/why-the-ef-200-400-f4l-is-1-4x-delays/"></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/2012/11/why-the-ef-200-400-f4l-is-1-4x-delays/">Tweet</a></div>
<strong>The million dollar question….


</strong>We’ve been banging on the proverbial doors trying to find out why the known EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x has yet to be officially announced, priced (it’s going to be $10,000+) and made available to the  people that need it.</p>
<p>The latest we’ve heard, and from a pretty knowledgeable person is that the lens has needed a redesign in regards to the “bump” that holds the built-in 1.4 TC. The person wouldn’t elaborate as to why it was an issue, but it was brought to the attention of Canon at the Olympics that some pros were complaining that the “bump”, or a function of the “bump” got in the way of something. Again, what the something was wasn’t elaborated upon. If anyone out there knows, I’d love to hear it.</p>
<p>This is about the only explanation I have received beyond “manufacturing issues”, which could also be playing a small roll I suppose. However, lately we’ve seen that the new super-telephoto lenses are now making their way to “in stock” status around the planet. Maybe we’re closer to the new supertelephoto finally being announced.</p>
<p>Sorry we can’t be more conclusive on this one, this is the best information we have.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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A Brief 2013 Canon Roadmap [CR1]

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<p><strong>What’s in the pipeline

</strong>As always, things quiet down after an announcement. The two recently announced lenses seem to have generated quite a bit of talk, and that’s always good, even if a lot of it was negative towards the pricing. I hope to have both the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898652-REG/Canon_6313b002_EF_24_70mm_f_4_0L_IS.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">EF 24-70 f/4L IS</a> and <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/898726-REG/Canon_5178b002_EF_35mm_f_2_0_IS.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">EF 35 f/2 IS</a> in the hands of our new reviewer sometime in December.</p>
<p><strong>EOS

</strong>Two new DSLRs will be coming in the first quarter of 2013. Most likely APS-C cameras. Definitely a Rebel and most likely one of the 70D or 7D Mark II.</p>
<p><strong>EOS-M

</strong>New lenses in Q1 of 2013 will be announced. Expect a fast prime and a telephoto lens. No mentions of a new EOS-M camera. We’re all hoping for a firmware update to improve the AF of the EOS-M.</p>
<p><strong>Cinema EOS

</strong>Going with some previous reports, we’re told that new Cinema EOS lenses will be announced by the end of January. No cameras are in the immediate pipeline. We’re still waiting for the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/855962-REG/Canon_EOS_1D_C_EOS_1D_C_4K_Cinema.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">EOS 1D C</a> to make it to market as well as the <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/889545-REG/Canon_EOS_C100_EF_Cinema.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">EOS C100</a>.</p>
<p><strong>The Big Megapixel Camera

</strong>They’re out there, announcement is unknown. It is definitely 40+ mp and will be geared to studio and landscape photographers. Apparently there’s lots of new technology in this upcoming body.</p>
<p><strong>Same info received at [<a href="http://www.canonwatch.com/rumor-canons-2013-roadmap-lenses-new-rebel-eos-70d-high-res-dslr/" target="_blank">CW</a>]</strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

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Plan to get a 5D3 for $1

So I just saw another members signature joking about a kind soul who would donate a 5D3 that good Karma would be upon them etc.

Now what if you did a first come first serve list of 3500 people. Now in this list Everyone donates a dollar to the "raffle" because obviously the cost would be 3,500 if everyone gave each other a dollar and it would wash out but if it were designed like a weekly drawing, you would have a change at a new camera for 1 dollar with fairly low odds. I know I"d be willing to take that risk every week for a year.

Not sure how many others would be on board but if you can think of a good way to administer it.... unsure if pay pal is a safe enough place to hold those funds in escrow while we do this?

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Which extender is best

Hi all,

When I am fotographing, I sometimes need a focal lenght beyond the focal length of the lenses that I own.
Because the lenses nowadays are not getting much cheaper, buying for example a 400mm lens is not funny!
Therefor, as I am usually shooting during daytime in well lit environments, I would like to buy a zoom extender (TC). That way, I can keep using the lenses I already own without having to buy new ones for those rare occassions where I need them.

It so happens that both Canon, Sigma and Kenko sell teleconverters, but I find it hard to pick one.
Therefor my question "Which one would you pick and why?".
Shooting all kinds of subjects, so no particular purpose for the TC other then "just extending" :).
I am curious about the results!

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5D mark III Locks up in Live View Mode Error 80

I just purchased a 5D mark III and the new Canon 24-70mm f2.8L II USM zoom lens. The first time I activated Live view mode and took a picture, the camera locked up with an error 80 message and a frozen image on the LCD that wouldn't even go away when I turned the camera off. Only solution was to remove the battery but the problem kept happening every time I took a picture with Live View activated. I tried reformatting the cards and shooting only with one card, but the problem persisted, so I took the camera back to Samy's Camera, where I purchased it. The manager swapped my lens with an identical zoom lens and after a few tries was able to reproduce the error. So without hesitation he gave me a new 5D body and we tested it with my lens. The exact same problem happened when I took the first picture in Live View mode. At this point the manager brought a third 5D body and I took about 20 pictures with my lens without problems, so I've taken this new body home with me, but something tells me there's some type of communication problem between this new lens and the 5D mark III. Has anybody experienced something similar?

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