Photography related discussions

[Adam]

Today, the 200 f2 IS of canon will be mine.

Fixed.

 

[Highlander]

What does the nikon 200 f2 look like?

Imagine a bazooka and you'll get the idea. All my gear is in the Highlands at present awaiting my return this Thursday. I'll see if I can get a photo to post that will allow you to fully appreciate its size. Actually, the lens looks as big as it does not because of its length but because of its thickness.

We can do without any wise cracks here.

It's when the hood is fitted that the lens looks especially large.

This lens is my pride and joy. As Sheep has pointed out it cost a small fortune. However, in my opinion it was worth every penny. In general I buy lenses for their sharpness (rather than, for example, the bokeh they can produce) and this lens delivers it in spades. It is widely regarded as one of the sharpest lenses ever made. As a bonus, it is also regarded as being one of the finest lenses for producing bokeh. I certainly find this lens generates greater creative opportunity than any of my other lenses. That said, I would still have to class myself overwhelmingly as a landscape photographer.

What can I say; I love my hills.

 

[mike c]

Fixed.

with a price tag of 6k USD ... errr, i wish!

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-200mm-f-2-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ProductCatIndexAct&fcategoryid=153

Imagine a bazooka and you'll get the idea. All my gear is in the Highlands at present awaiting my return this Thursday. I'll see if I can get a photo to post that will allow you to fully appreciate its size. Actually, the lens looks as big as it does not because of its length but because of its thickness.

We can do without any wise cracks here.

It's when the hood is fitted that the lens looks especially large.

This lens is my pride and joy. As Sheep has pointed out it cost a small fortune. However, in my opinion it was worth every penny. In general I buy lenses for their sharpness (rather than, for example, the bokeh they can produce) and this lens delivers it in spades. It is widely regarded as one of the sharpest lenses ever made. As a bonus, it is also regarded as being one of the finest lenses for producing bokeh. I certainly find this lens generates greater creative opportunity than any of my other lenses. That said, I would still have to class myself overwhelmingly as a landscape photographer.

What can I say; I love my hills.

200 f2 would be killer for portraits if you move to full frame, it'd be even more useful for portraits. but i guess you're the outdoors kinda guy which makes the crop cam useful in boosting your 200 to 300

 

[Highlander]

Forgot to add to my list:

Tripod: Gitzo GT3530LS

200 f2 would be killer for portraits if you move to full frame, it'd be even more useful for portraits. but i guess you're the outdoors kinda guy which makes the crop cam useful in boosting your 200 to 300

Not only that, I have the 1.4x Teleconverter (again, forgot to add to list), so my 200 f/2 on my body is like a 200x1.5x1.4=420mm f/2.8. The telconverter barely detracts from the sharpness of the lens on its own.

 

[s52e368]

wife got me a clean 180 for my 4x5 pretty excited about that and shooting some t55 again.

 

[mazersteven]

All I have to say is "Holy Sh-it" WOW

 

[Highlander]

what does the nikon 200 f2 look like? one day, the 200 f2 IS of canon will be mine.

Photo attached; lifted from a photography forum. As mentioned previously, and as per the equivalent Canon lens, the hood adds massively to the impression of (and actual) size.

 

[Sheep]

Imagine a bazooka and you'll get the idea. All my gear is in the Highlands at present awaiting my return this Thursday. I'll see if I can get a photo to post that will allow you to fully appreciate its size. Actually, the lens looks as big as it does not because of its length but because of its thickness.

We can do without any wise cracks here.

It's when the hood is fitted that the lens looks especially large.

This lens is my pride and joy. As Sheep has pointed out it cost a small fortune. However, in my opinion it was worth every penny. In general I buy lenses for their sharpness (rather than, for example, the bokeh they can produce) and this lens delivers it in spades. It is widely regarded as one of the sharpest lenses ever made. As a bonus, it is also regarded as being one of the finest lenses for producing bokeh. I certainly find this lens generates greater creative opportunity than any of my other lenses. That said, I would still have to class myself overwhelmingly as a landscape photographer.

What can I say; I love my hills.

I haven't seen any measurements of the 200mm F2, but the 14-24 is insanely sharp, especially for a wide angle.

SheepStar

 

[Highlander]

I haven't seen any measurements of the 200mm F2, but the 14-24 is insanely sharp, especially for a wide angle.

I know, I use this lens for my stitched panoramas. I am also familiar with the data from www.Photozone.de, having thoroughly researched the lens before buying.

Trust me; the 200 f/2 is noticibly sharper, 'bitingly sharp' as one (reputable) reviewer noted.

 

[Sheep]

I know, I use this lens for my stitched panoramas. I am also familiar with the data from www.Photozone.de, having thoroughly researched the lens before buying.

Trust me; the 200 f/2 is noticibly sharper, 'bitingly sharp' as one (reputable) reviewer noted.

You should send it to me so I can play with it. Thanks brah.

SheepStar

 

[avaserfi]

These were done today by my partner with a Canon 10D using a Canon EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5. A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II is on the way. She just got gifted this camera from my dad (he got a 10D) and is learning to shoot. First DSLR and first time she has ever really tried to shoot with knowing whats going on. She has played with my Fuji F30 POS, but never so seriously.

Any an dall comments are welcome. She really wants to get better at this.

1. Dawn - 30 minutes before sunrise.

No Flash

Flash

2. Dawn - 2 minutes before sunrise.

3. Sunrise - 5 minutes after sunrise.

4. Late Morning - close to noon.

5. Late Afternoon - Sunny, but in the shade (Note: It doesn't have to be a sunny day, just a few hours past Noon).

6. Sunset - 30 minutes before actual sunset.

7. After Sunset - 2 Hours after sunset (You're going to need a tripod for this.)

(Note the orange background was caused by a streetlamp, not the photo).

 

[Sheep]

Nicely done! The whole exercise is to help you keep the picture properly exposed and the colour correct. I would have preferred the night shots and early morning didn't have the flash, so you just to understand what happens when the shutter is open for long periods of time.

As far as the photo, it's a good idea, but I would have staggered it to the left more, as per the Rule of Thirds. I recommend reading this thoroughly.

This is the shot I used for my photo when I did the assignment.

I thought the sundial worked well with the theme of the assignment.

On that note, I think she's ready for the Second assignment.

White Balance!

Part 1: Using white balance settings effectively, choose one subject (something mobile) and make two photographs of it under 2 different lighting types, using your white balance setting to properly balance the color temperature. For Example, take your favorite stuffed teddy and photograph it in the sunshine and in fluorescent light. If you're white balance settings are working well, the subject should be the same color is both pictures. Choose two from the following lighting types:

1. Fluorescent
2 Incandescent
3. Daylight

Part 2: Make two images that show a creative use and understanding of colour temperature. Don't use the same subject that you did for part 1, but instead try some different scenes and use your white balance settings to add a mood or special effect to your image. For example, use the daylight white balance seating when photographing something in fluorescent light, allowing the greenish tinge of fluorescent to show. Or, use the incandescent white balance setting to take an outdoor photograph, giving the image a cold, blue tint. Choose your subject matter to match the mood created by the lighting.

SheepStar

 

[Sheep]

Again, absolutely NO auto mode.

SheepStar

 

[newaudiofile]

I'm thinking of buying a new camera

I have these two in mind Pentax k2000 and the Canon 1000D

Can any of you enthusiast recomend one.

Sheep any ideas?

 

[GirgleMirt]

Btw, best way to learn, other than taking lengthy and more expensive classes, would be to pickup a book such as Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson. It describes pretty well the basics, and when you understand the them then you can focus on artistic shooting.

Btw, avaserfi, what did she learn doing the exercises? Looking at the pictures, I'd say not much No but seriously. Few hints.

Composition. The most important thing to photography. You can have the technical side nailed down, but if you're unable to take an interesting photo, then what's the point? You should look at existing photos. What makes an image interesting? Take a look at what famous photographers have shot: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/famous-photographers.html Ansel Adams for example: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/ansel/gallery/index.html. Take a look at forums such as http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ and look at some of the photos and critiques (and take these with a grain of salt!).

Check out some info on composition: http://www.colorpilot.com/comp_rules.html or http://www.amateursnapper.com/photography/10-top-photography-composition-rules . Again, these rules aren't set in stone, but they're a decent starting point for beginners.

One thing I hope she learned, light is important... Photography is capturing light, if there's poor lighting, the photo will usually be poor, her first shot is a fantastic example of that. Btw in that shot she could have increased the exposure, making the statue and bush lighter, could have blown the highlights in the top right, but anyhow the focus was the bush and statue, I'd guess... But no miracles to do in such very contrasted situations. Anyhow, the above should definitely get her started! But for someone starting photography, I'd even recommend going auto for a while and just experimenting with composition... Then looking at the technical side more in depth, and a great way to get started would be the fist book I've mentioned.

End of 2009 seems to have brought forth a lot of absolutely fantastic photos in "post your favorite shots" Landscape: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/841828

You know, there's a lot of 'tricks' to get good shots. Have water appear as silk with a long exposure (see page 2 of the above), use of a polarizer, some shots use HDR (High dynamic range), but in the end, it's all about composition, well, and exposure!

 

[droht]

Girgle makes a good point about composition. You need to work on it with the technical stuff hand in hand I think. I like the idea of shooting auto and working on compostion. I'd also find a scene that you like and shoot it using a variety of camera settings. Then compare those photos and settings. I think that is the quickest and easiest way to start to understand what the camera can do. Then move on to more challenging scenes (dim room; motion; bright sun; etc).

At some point the photograher will want to shoot everything with more control and the auto mode will be mostly abandonded. Understand settings will be more second nature, as will composing the shot.

 

[mike c]

rule no. 1 : lighting is king
rule no. 2 : invest on lenses (not bodies)

i went to HK with the 100 macro L and 580EXII flash on my shopping list.

got sidetracked when i was tempted by the 7D+batt grip (i was also -><- this close to getting the old model 1DIII). the 7D makes my 5DII a dinosaur in terms of features. but ISO and PQ is still better on the 5D.
i'll use it awhile before i comment some more.

choosing straps ... when in doubt, buy them all

 

[GirgleMirt]

My god you're a gear freek! "invest in lenses, not bodies". You're one to talk!!!

What lenses do you have? How do you like the 7D & 5D so far? I've always lusted about the 5D but realistically it's much more camera than I need. In terms of price (new FF lens + body) and realistically, my photographic skills aren't quite at the level where I feel like I need the top of the line, surely it could somewhat marginally improve my pics, but I'm not at the level where I can look at my pics and be satisfied, most of the time, well for candids anyhow, I find faults and things I could have done better, and am rarely satisfied. Technique and creative thinking is more what I need to improve than body...

ANYHOW! 5D vs 7D, I've also been tempted by the 7D as an upgrade to my venerably old XT, but as Sheep put it, the not so spectacular high ISO performance, and let's face it quite significant cost (paid my XT 500$ when it was launched), really makes me want to make me wait for the next generation, but that's been a lot of generations skipped now, 20D, 30D, 5D, 40D, 50D, now 7D... And buying a body I'm not totally excited about makes little sens to me... Come on Canon, release something spectacular that I'll have no choice but to buy...

 

[mike c]

My god you're a gear freek! "invest in lenses, not bodies". You're one to talk!!!

What lenses do you have? How do you like the 7D & 5D so far? I've always lusted about the 5D but realistically it's much more camera than I need. In terms of price (new FF lens + body) and realistically, my photographic skills aren't quite at the level where I feel like I need the top of the line, surely it could somewhat marginally improve my pics, but I'm not at the level where I can look at my pics and be satisfied, most of the time, well for candids anyhow, I find faults and things I could have done better, and am rarely satisfied. Technique and creative thinking is more what I need to improve than body...

ANYHOW! 5D vs 7D, I've also been tempted by the 7D as an upgrade to my venerably old XT, but as Sheep put it, the not so spectacular high ISO performance, and let's face it quite significant cost (paid my XT 500$ when it was launched), really makes me want to make me wait for the next generation, but that's been a lot of generations skipped now, 20D, 30D, 5D, 40D, 50D, now 7D... And buying a body I'm not totally excited about makes little sens to me... Come on Canon, release something spectacular that I'll have no choice but to buy...

when you want to upgrade, jump to the 5D. the 7D just pales in comparison (note, i'm an amateur btw, but i prefer to let myself make the mistakes rather than blaming the equipment. when i see something wrong with my pics, i go ... "i'm an ***" instead of, "if i only had the 5D" which has a very useable 6400 ISO)

you only buy the 7D if you need the fast fps, the crop, and the other advanced features. the 5D is one hell of a camera, in fact, if you buy it, lust for other bodies pretty much dies. (i'm especially sick though)

i purchased my 300D (original digital rebel for 1200 bucks )

anyway, i have the 35mm 1.4L, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8 and 24-70 2.8L

i'm selling the 24-70 as i prefer to have something with IS, and i don't plan on using the wide and zoom end at the same time. so i plan on getting a 17-40 4L and a mid zoom with IS.

i've only had the 7D for a day or two, so i'm still looking over the features and functions. i bought it so my 35 1.4L (which isn't seeing much action with my 5D) can become cropped and be a pseudo 56mm 1.4L and then i'm waiting for a mean 100-135mm prime for a two body combo.

i'm mike and i'm a shopaholic.

i should have bought the lenses and extra flash, but the price difference wasn't as big as the body price difference locally.

in conclusion, it looks like you're after the "artsy" shots (or at least you put a lot of thought in your composition), you owe yourself a 5DII.

 

[avaserfi]

These were done today by my partner with a Canon 10D using a Canon EF 28-105mm 3.5-4.5. A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II is on the way. She just got gifted this camera from my dad (he got a 10D) and is learning to shoot. First DSLR and first time she has ever really tried to shoot with knowing whats going on. She has played with my Fuji F30 POS, but never so seriously.

The lens came a few days ago and she really likes it, unfortunately the camera died two days after. She was getting ready to take a shot and the LCD screen started to flicker and displayed half numbers then the camera turned off. The clock battery was replaced and we checked to make sure the other battery was fully charged and it wouldn't turn back on, eventually it turned back on but after a single shot it did the same thing.

We are taking it to a repair shop for an estimate, but have a feeling this it is upgrade time. She is looking at the T1i.