Photography related discussions

[CaliHwyPatrol]

Get the 24-70 f2.8, it's hottttttttttt

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

It doesn't have the same zoom range, but is a faster lens, as well as being an L series.

I'd personally take the L glass over the farther zoom, but you're going to be out of your budget a bit. Hopefully that at least narrows it down for you.

That's probably my next lens. I have a 24-105mm Canon f/4 L now and a 50mm prime L that is like f/1.8.

First off, the L lens really does make a big difference. Like, even an armature like me can tell...it's no 'cable' snake oil. I won't buy anything but L anymore, it's worth the price hike by far.

Another thing I've noticed, is I don't really use the low f-stop of my 50mm prime...there isn't enough depth of field for most things, even people I generally like f/4. Otherwise, their hair and other features beyond their eyes (which I typically focus on), get too blurred for my taste. Plus, the low light performance on my Canon 5D is so good, I can generally just raise the ISO a bit and it doesn't make much of any difference...plus I can still run noise reduction in Photoshop.

So I'd rather have a wider zoom, with a f/4, but an L lens. With my full frame camera, 24mm is pretty wide, but after the telephoto I'll still probably buy a wide angle.

 

[mike c]

That's probably my next lens. I have a 24-105mm Canon f/4 L now and a 50mm prime L that is like f/1.8.

First off, the L lens really does make a big difference. Like, even an armature like me can tell...it's no 'cable' snake oil. I won't buy anything but L anymore, it's worth the price hike by far.

Another thing I've noticed, is I don't really use the low f-stop of my 50mm prime...there isn't enough depth of field for most things, even people I generally like f/4. Otherwise, their hair and other features beyond their eyes (which I typically focus on), get too blurred for my taste. Plus, the low light performance on my Canon 5D is so good, I can generally just raise the ISO a bit and it doesn't make much of any difference...plus I can still run noise reduction in Photoshop.

So I'd rather have a wider zoom, with a f/4, but an L lens. With my full frame camera, 24mm is pretty wide, but after the telephoto I'll still probably buy a wide angle.

if you can save up for the IS version of the 70-200, it would be a better investment (and more useful even indoors). f/4 without flash is useless indoors.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

if you can save up for the IS version of the 70-200, it would be a better investment (and more useful even indoors). f/4 without flash is useless indoors.

Oh, good call, that's what I mean't, the IS version. I didn't see that link didn't go to that.

This is the one I've been saving for (and what I thought he was pointing too):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457678-USA/Canon_1258B002AA_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_IS.html

Is that the best investment?

I use a 5D Mk II.

 

[mike c]

Oh, good call, that's what I mean't, the IS version. I didn't see that link didn't go to that.

This is the one I've been saving for (and what I thought he was pointing too):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457678-USA/Canon_1258B002AA_EF_70_200mm_f_4L_IS.html

Is that the best investment?

I use a 5D Mk II.

i think it is unless you need better and there are only two better 200mm's than the 70-200 f/4 IS ...

the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II which you don't get unless you need f/2.8 (this one is pretty big to be carried everyday)

the next one is the 200mm f/2 IS prime (pretty expensive and not as versatile as the zoom)

i bought the f/4 IS myself because i knew going in that i wanted the 200 prime. the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II (which has a spectacular rebate now btw) would be redundant with the prime IMO and also both heavy.

at least now, i don't hesitate on bringing the f/4 IS along because of it's size and lightweight-ness (if there's such a word).

basically for around 1+k, it's THE best zoom lens you can buy from canon.

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu........ I need to win the lottery. Too many freakin' toys to buy.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

i think it is unless you need better and there are only two better 200mm's than the 70-200 f/4 IS ...

the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II which you don't get unless you need f/2.8 (this one is pretty big to be carried everyday)

the next one is the 200mm f/2 IS prime (pretty expensive and not as versatile as the zoom)

i bought the f/4 IS myself because i knew going in that i wanted the 200 prime. the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II (which has a spectacular rebate now btw) would be redundant with the prime IMO and also both heavy.

at least now, i don't hesitate on bringing the f/4 IS along because of it's size and lightweight-ness (if there's such a word).

basically for around 1+k, it's THE best zoom lens you can buy from canon.

Cheers.

I'm savin'.

 

[Warpdrv]

Ok so what software is everyone using for RAW images.

I'm looking for something simple but powerful with a more intuitive GUI. I've tried Photoshop but I just can't wrap my head around that megalith of a program...

Gimme some suggestions....

 

[mike c]

Ok so what software is everyone using for RAW images.

I'm looking for something simple but powerful with a more intuitive GUI. I've tried Photoshop but I just can't wrap my head around that megalith of a program...

Gimme some suggestions....

Adobe Lightroom can export your RAWs to other formats.

It can act as a layman's post processing (less powerful than photoshop) but simpler.

It can act as your digital photo album.

 

[jeffsg4mac]

Adobe Lightroom can export your RAWs to other formats.

It can act as a layman's post processing (less powerful than photoshop) but simpler.

It can act as your digital photo album.

I second lightroom on a windows machine the only thing better is Aperture but you need a mac for that. Lightroom is a close second though.

 

[Warpdrv]

I'm leaning towards the 15-85 right now. All boils down to pricing.

She won't sell the 50mm, she loves the low f on that one (1.8). It's worked phenomenally for low light portrait shots.

I'm lovin my 16-85 Nikon VR, great lens for a good variety and pretty darn fast...
The wide view on that lens is spectacular....

I'm also lookin pretty hard at Nikons 28-300 VR...... I'm pretty confident that I'll end up just dumpin my lesser quality 18-105 kits lens....

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Ok so what software is everyone using for RAW images.

I'm looking for something simple but powerful with a more intuitive GUI. I've tried Photoshop but I just can't wrap my head around that megalith of a program...

Gimme some suggestions....

Lightroom is a great image organizer, but I still would recommend giving some more goes at Photoshop. They have some overlap, but are mostly different.

Lightroom is awesome for sifting through images, doing initial processing, and so on...but down to it....My general process is Adobe Bridge (the 'connection' program between all things Adobe) into Photoshop Camera Raw. Any RAW file opens automatically into Camera RAW, where you can do your do. Then, it will open in Photoshop where you can post-process and save it.

So, I'd recommend using Lightroom... but, once you get that down, don't forget to try Photoshop again. Softening skin, removing pimples, some great plugins for just about everything.

Here is a great book to get:
"The Adobe Photoshop CS5 Book for Digital Photographers" by Scott Kelby:
http://www.amazon.com/Photoshop-Digital-Photographers-Voices-Matter/dp/0321703561

 

[Highlander]

...what software is everyone using for RAW images...I've tried Photoshop but I just can't wrap my head around that megalith of a program...

I know what you mean. While I do use Photoshop for one or two tasks, it really is just one or two. I use Nikon Capture NX2. In my opinion this is a superb program that makes powerful editing a breeze. Highly recommended.

If you go down that route I would also highly recommend the book Real World Nikon Capture NX2 by Ben Long and/or the e-book The photographer's guide to Capture NX2 by Jason P Odell (member of Nikonians). Both are very well written and easy to follow.

One thing to bear in mind is that RAW converters for image editors other than Capture NX2 are likely only to read the White Balance tag embedded in the RAW file. Other tags representing additional in-camera settings, for example Picture Control and Sharpening, are likely to be ignored. Being proprietory to Nikon RAW files (NEFs), Capture NX2 reads everything. This may or may not be important to you.

Cheers,

 

[Warpdrv]

I'll give those programs a look, I have read a bunch of people talk highly on CaptureNX so I think I'll give that a try as well...

thanks for the tips guys... always appreciated..

 

[CaliHwyPatrol]

I use Lightroom 3. Pure awesome. I almost never open Photoshop any more.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Ok so what software is everyone using for RAW images.

I'm looking for something simple but powerful with a more intuitive GUI. I've tried Photoshop but I just can't wrap my head around that megalith of a program...

Gimme some suggestions....

PS for simple raw file processing is WAY overkill.
Most people would be fine with Lightroom, but I got used to DxO Optics Pro. Even thou Lightroom 3 finally has optical correction, DxO is still light-years ahead with hundreds of measured body+lens configs and automatic processing.
Last is key - DxO makes raw processing a more streamlined process with easier decisions making mechanics built-in
Now on sale for $99 + 30 days free demo.
[I'm not DxO employee or get any kickbacks ]

 

[MidnightSensi2]

I just bought some gels for my second flash, a remote shutter release (Ziekos, cheap but good reviews...hey, for 10 bucks I can't even get a beer here, why not)... and most of all a Canon Extension tube EF 12 II for trying macro photography. For the occasional macro shot hopefully it will be sufficient and let me keep saving for that L lens telephoto.

 

[MidnightSensi2]

Okay, anyone ever travel with their dSRL? I'm going to Germany for some business, but, also playing photographer for what we are doing again.

I want to travel light. I'm going to bring my 5D, two 580EXII strobes, the canon f/4 25-105mm L lens, a canon f/1.4 50mm prime lens (for low light and video), a flash diffuser, extra battery (obviously charger and converter too) and some chips (more on that later).

I've never travelled with camera gear. Anything I should know? Like security wise or safety of equipment? I'm going to bring it all on the plane, it all fits in my Canon backpack with enough room for a book and an iPod for the trip.

I'm on the rocks about taking a tripod. I'd like to grab some B-roll video for our video guys, but even if I check the tripod in my clothing bag its a pain to carry (versus my backpack with all my stuff and nothing in my hands). I might just use my camera bag, image stabilization and do my best - pictures are the most important thing for me grab, video is just a bonus.

I'm flying business class, so the weight and stuff isn't an issue - but I still want to travel as light as possible.

Oh, another question. I need more compactflash cards. I have a 32GB 30mbps and a 8gb 15mbps.... both SanDisk. What's the best deals?

I was thinking of something like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/534913-REG/Kingston_CF_16GB_S2_16GB_CompactFlash_Elite_Pro.html

The 32gb gets a little big, I kinda like splitting the photos up a bit, plus you start to pay a big premium. I donno, what do you guys think? Is the transfer speed just to your computer?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

This one is a bit cheaper, yet has same speed rating:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208337
this one is 32gb, a bit pricier but much faster - x400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208529

I'd pick the latter one.

I have no concerns over Transcend brand - I have several Transcend SDHC cards for my dSLR and they as fast and reliable as advertised.

Ofcourse - Treat them nicely - do proper software Eject first with both windows and mac computers before physically pulling the card out

 

[mike c]

i use a lowepro primus AW backpack for travelling (it's the bomb in terms of comfort)

i've tried to bring a 5D2 + 24-70 2.8 + 50 1.8 (no flash) one tme thinking i didn't need flash with the fast lenses + high ISO capability ... that didn't turn out well.

nowadays i bring a 7D + 17-50 2.8 VC + 430EX + tripod (all my backpacks can carry tripods, but i put it in checkin backage when flying)

if i'm expecting great views or tight spaces, i bring the 5D2 + 17-40 UWA or my zoom fisheye 10-17 (the zoom fisheye [which would also work on the 5D2 even though it's a crop lens] has saved me a lot of shots, tight spaces taking pics of the family)

don't forget to bring a remote for shutter release (useful if you want yourself in the picture)

i don't have cards bigger than 16gb, unless i was shooting raw, i don't find it necessary (i've never filled a card in a single day, so i can change card before the next day)

i'd recommend the sandisk extreme 60mbps. transcend does have a cheaper counterpart (i use the transcend sd on a point and shoot) but i don't really like gambling on the card. sandisk has proven to be reliable.