***DSLR/Photography MegaThread***

[rinkrat]

Amazon.com: Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Auto Focus Lens - Refurbished: Camera & Photo

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-55-250mm-4-0-5-6-Telephoto-Digital/dp/B0011NVMO8/ref=pd_cp_p_2

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f-3-5-5-6-USM-Lens_W0QQitemZ270486501152QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamer a_Lenses?hash=item3efa407720

[VF]

If you are looking in the 17-50 range, I would also take a look at the EF 35 f/2.0. Zooms are very complex and hard to get right, which means you need to make sacrifices when buying them, either in price, quality, or speed. The 17-50 Tamron is a pretty good balance (at a very seductive price), but it looks like it gets a bit soft on the long end. If you can find a place to rent, that will be your best indicator. All in all though, it does appear to be a pretty nice lens for the price.

My personal two cents is that when spending this amount of money, it is best to stick to primes to get image quality that delivers.

[DRGinLBC]

Now you guys have me looking at this lens. Maybe I just need to get used to using my feet as a zoom...

Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

[DRGinLBC]

Now you guys have me looking at this lens. Maybe I just need to get used to using my feet as a zoom...

Amazon.com: Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Standard & Medium Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Standard-Medium-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00009XVCZ/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3RL14NQEGR4Z6&colid=XD5OZOA583SS)

Question about this lens. Would this be a sufficient "everyday" lens? Or is it only good for certain situations?

[santiclaws]

Question about this lens. Would this be a sufficient "everyday" lens? Or is it only good for certain situations?
Well, what do you like to shoot? The 50/1.4 should be an excellent quality lens, but there is a reason different lenses exist. For landscapes, for example, you would want a wide angle lens. For sports, you usually want something in the 200mm + range. For portraits this would likely work well, but I don't know whether this lens has nice-looking out of focus areas (bokeh).

Generally, I prefer the versatility of a zoom for a walk-around lens. Most lenses of a certain minimum quality level will be sharp enough for 95% of what you would use them for, unless you're printing 2'x3' posters or critically examining them at 100% on your screen. At up to 81/2" by 11" print sizes, a good zoom will give you results which most of the time will be indistinguishable from a prime. That's my opinion, anyway, others will disagree.

[DRGinLBC]

I tend to take a lot of landscape pictures...and I usually bust it out to take pictures of things "up close." Enjoy seeing the detail of things from close on.

Example...a beer bottle next to a freshly poured beer. Enjoy blurring out the background...but there are times where I want the background. That is when I tend to get confused. :)

[SmytheKing]

I tend to take a lot of landscape pictures...and I usually bust it out to take pictures of things "up close." Enjoy seeing the detail of things from close on.

Example...a beer bottle next to a freshly poured beer. Enjoy blurring out the background...but there are times where I want the background. That is when I tend to get confused. :)

You could do that just fine with the 50mm you currently have. It takes very nice pictures with deeper depth of field. Your only limitations that would come along have to do with the size of the room you're shooting in. SOMETIMES, things might be a little close to do what you want. That's where a different lens would come in handy. I'd suggest wearing out that 50mm for a while to see if you can find a comfort zone in what you can/can't do with it.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mgl3789.jpg

[rinkrat]

Toronto Maple Leafs Photo Shoot on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/7442386)

[VF]

The EF 50mm f/1.4 is a nice lens, it is more often than not the one that is mounted at any given point on my camera. The f/1.4 is a bit faster than the f/1.8, a bit sharper, and has a bit better color, but it doesn't completely blow the f/1.8 out of the water. In my opinion, its greatest advantages over the f/1.8 is it has a metal mount, and 8 blade aperture (f/1.8 has a five blade, so the f/1.4's bokeh is a bit smother), and most importantly, it has full time manual focus (you can manual focus without having to flip the switch off of AF, this is something I can not live without).

The downside of the 50 f/1.4 is the AF motor is that it has the micro ultrasonic motor, not the ring ultrasonic which is in all of the nicer lenses. This makes the focus ring a bit stiffer, less of the silky action you get on an L lens, and the micro USM has a higher failure rate then ring USM (manual focus just stops working). The barrel also extends a small touch when focusing (I think the f/1.8 does that as well), and it doesn't come with a lens hood. All that said, I do love that lens. Would I rather have the EF 50mm f/1.2 to get the ring USM (and a slight bit faster), absolutely, but the f/1.4 is a pretty good lens for the money.

Since you already have the f/1.8, is there another focal length that you are interested in, or is the f/1.8 just not cutting it for you?

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/zampelli.jpg

I was looking at this new Kings contest when something caught my eye. The background looked very familiar.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_8017.jpg

Things that make ya go hmmm...

[rinkrat]

I know that among concert photogs that the 50 mm 1.4 is a mandatory lens for low light shots.

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4048/723256884_hKm3N-L.jpg

Grains in the Sunset tonight

Took a few pics round the hood



http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4152/723299617_9gPGT-L.jpg

Slow night for laundry


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4166/723308838_WbQ6P-L.jpg

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4100/723265202_Y25C9-L.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/4133008902_59c8cc6210_o.jpg

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4162/723304755_NQDD3-L.jpg

Love these old neon signs so I had to revisit

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Various-Long-Beach-pics/MGL4010/723245368_inRq4-L.jpg

[FBJ]

Good stuff! That first one is brilliant!!!

[rinkrat]

I'm gonna send that off as a stock shot.


I'm really pleased with the neon shots because there is very little ISO noise or graininess.

I'm thinking that the little lens flair on the grains pic might get it rejected but I'm crossing my fingers.

[HeShootsNScores]

So... I miss shooting. I wish we could do something like the photo challenges again, however those kinda fizzed out huh?

[SmytheKing]

I'm thinking that the little lens flair on the grains pic might get it rejected but I'm crossing my fingers.

I would hope not. I get why they might do that, but those sorts of things add character to a photo in my opinion. You can almost feel yourself squinting while looking at it.

[FBJ]

I'm thinking that the little lens flair on the grains pic might get it rejected but I'm crossing my fingers.

I'd like to see them try and take that picture and not get lens flare...

I don't think they'd reject for that.

[FBJ]

So... I miss shooting. I wish we could do something like the photo challenges again, however those kinda fizzed out huh?

Yeah. That's times past, I think. I've been thinking of all kinds of things to use as themes for them, though. Ain't that a bitch?

[HeShootsNScores]

Yeah. That's times past, I think. I've been thinking of all kinds of things to use as themes for them, though. Ain't that a bitch?

Yeah... I wish there were something LIKE the photo challenges, but not the photo challenges.. like motivation to make me go out and shoot stuff.

With my camera, that is.


Also, were you at the game on Saturday Glenn? If so, congrats on the weight loss.... You're a shadow of your former self!

If not, well... dang it, you have a thin twin running around STAPLES center.

[FBJ]

Yeah... I wish there were something LIKE the photo challenges, but not the photo challenges.. like motivation to make me go out and shoot stuff.

With my camera, that is.


Also, were you at the game on Saturday Glenn? If so, congrats on the weight loss.... You're a shadow of your former self!

If not, well... dang it, you have a thin twin running around STAPLES center.

Yeah. I hear you. I've been lacking motivation lately, as well. Maybe just a "Photo Theme Thread" or something like that? Stickied at the top? Let it run as long as it still gets new stuff put in it? No rules, just right? I don't know...we pretty much do similar stuff without a specific theme in this thread already. Besides, something like that could end up creating a TON of stickied threads...

And nope. That wasn't me. I didn't make the game last Saturday. Besides, I'm only down 45 pounds, so I still have a lot of self with which to make shadows. About 45 more to go, really. Give me until June.

[rinkrat]

Maybe a weekly theme? Monthly?

[PuckMonkey]

Sounds cool, just no more "Things You See on a Southwest Airlines Tarmac" themes. That one was hard as hell.

For most of us, anyway...

[FBJ]

What? Huh??

[FBJ]

http://www.letsgokings.com/bbs/f15/december_2009_photography_theme_ugly_made-143351.html

Now will you all quit bitching?

;)

[HeShootsNScores]

sa-wheet!

[FBJ]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/4153457215_e032a61c22_o.jpg

It'll look better the next time I take it, since there'll be presents underneath it.

[rinkrat]

istockphoto.com accepted my "Grains in the Sun" photo as a stock photo. It's only the second pic that I have had accepted because their requirements are so stringent that nearly any photo from a "pro-sumer" camera is too noisy. Looks like I found the remedy for that! Time to start taking a lot more stock pics alongside the usual stuff!

[FBJ]

Grats!

[rinkrat]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2500/4163740819_58ce197372_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/4164503476_f354797941_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4164502682_d6ef678a18_o.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/4174290589_c3137dbe61_o.jpg

My captive subject

[FBJ]

Good stuff. Nice DoF and perfect lighting and focus.

[Kingsfan31]

I was curious if anyone here has any hands on experience with the 7D. I currently have a 30D and was headed to get the 50D until I saw this one came out. I currently have a 24-70 2.8L that I use as my everyday lense and was going to purchase a 70-200 2.8L to go with it. I photograph my son mostly as hes getting into sports now.

Also, after doing some reading it seems the 70-200 non IS is the way to go for shooting mostly moving objects and the IS is best suited for still shots. Any truth to that from anyone with experience with them?

[rinkrat]

IS is really good for low light because ypou can shoot at 1/30 of a sec and still track objects. If you are with a tripod you have to turn it off. I have had a 70-200 f 4 and now have a 70-700 2,8 IS and there is a world of difference.

All I've heard if great things about the 7d. I own a 50D and LOVE it s I imagine the 5D is even better since it's basically an improved 7D.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4215254660_c843c07547_o.jpg

[nocturn]

Anyone get any new gear for Christmas?

[rinkrat]

I got a photographer's vest to carry all your gear on commando style but I don't think I would ever wear it so I'm taking it back.

[santiclaws]

I got a photographer's vest to carry all your gear on commando style but I don't think I would ever wear it so I'm taking it back.
You mean wear your vest and nothing else? It would certainly be a bold choice. I suppose it depends on what you're shooting. I wouldn't recommend a Kings' game, but it might be OK for the T-birds.

[santiclaws]

Vasquez Rocks County Park, Santa Clarita

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/santiclaws/general/VasquezBW.jpg

Shot at sunset with a polarizing filter. PP with Nik Silver Efex Pro - basically, a b&w conversion with a yellow filter effect.

[Kingsfan31]

I ended up getting the 7D, 70-200 2.8 IS, 100-400L and a 430ex flash. That hurt, but I should be set for awhile. I can't wait to get out and use them.

[rinkrat]

Excellent choices. You'll be amazed at the quality of image you can crank out with that combo. Next lens I'd recommend for your setup would be the 17-55 2.8 if you need and everyday walk-around lens.

[rinkrat]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/4223435096_4a3136d363_o.jpg

I noticed this huge bird at the top of a tree while walking the dog. I's about 2-3 ft high and about 25-30 lb I'd say. I stood and watched it for awhile and then came back an hour later with the camera since it kinda looked sick or like it was resting and would be there awhile.

I think it's an Grey Heron..

[Kingsfan31]

Excellent choices. You'll be amazed at the quality of image you can crank out with that combo. Next lens I'd recommend for your setup would be the 17-55 2.8 if you need and everyday walk-around lens.

Thanks, currently I use the 24-70 as my walk around. I was looking at the 10-22 as my wide angle but the budget is done for now. I love them so far.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_3249_753819.jpg


I use the 10-22 for my wide shots that you see here on LGK.

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_3379.jpg

[VF]

I use the 10-22 for my wide shots that you see here on LGK.

What are you using with the 1D? Just the 70-200? And how has the 1D been for you? I am very currious to see how the MkIV does.

[Kingsfan31]

Rink, what is your lens of choice at the games as well as body? Do you use your 50D mostly? How do you like the 10-22? I've heard a lot of good things about the Tokina 11-16 also.

[rinkrat]

I use the 1dmkIII with the 70-200 2.8 IS and I use the 50D with the 10-22 for wide shots. I keep the 50D on a stool in front of me and when they come to my side of the rink I start firing the wide shots. Occasionally I use the 24-70 for something different. Using 2 cameras works great for hockey and concerts to get a good variety of shots.

I was going to get the mkiv but the savings and less headaches from upgrading Adobe and other considerations made me go for the older model. The upgrade from the 50D to the mk3 is amazing. With the mk3, what you see is what you get. Gives you a lot of power as a photographer. My Skinny Puppy pics showed me that this camera kicks serious ass.

As far as the 10=22, it's a great wide angle look but it's only for cropped sensors and is only f/4, besides that it rocks!

[SmytheKing]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4246648281_3caf20c37f.jpg

[Blurker]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4246648281_3caf20c37f.jpg


Great Shot!

[kozak]

So I won a Nikon D5000 at the company Christmas party. I am a total DSLR newbie. Have always had point a shoot cameras.

It came with 2 manuals and 2 DVD's to teach me how to use the thing. Since I don't have the patience to study all of this, can anyone offer advice, websites, magazines that can give me pointers on how to use this new toy?

[SirJW]

Read this thread!

[FBJ]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4246648281_3caf20c37f.jpg

Nice! I've been wanting to get up there for quite a while to do just that sort of image.

This is one of those scenes that just screams "DO ME HDR-STYLE." And by that, I don't mean over-cooked HDR, I mean very subtle HDR...maybe just a two-exposure blend via layer masks to help bring out more detail and color in the highlights and shadows.

[FBJ]

So I won a Nikon D5000 at the company Christmas party. I am a total DSLR newbie. Have always had point a shoot cameras.

It came with 2 manuals and 2 DVD's to teach me how to use the thing. Since I don't have the patience to study all of this, can anyone offer advice, websites, magazines that can give me pointers on how to use this new toy?

Wow! Bitchin' win!! Congrats!

As far as the camera's systems itself, if you're having trouble wading through the manual's techese, I'd suggest Magic Lantern Guides. (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?r=1&ISBN=9781600596186&ourl=Magic-Lantern-Guides%2FSimon-Stafford&cm_mmc=yahoossp-_-plp-_-books3-_-Magic-Lantern-Guides-9781600596186)

If it's actual photographic technique you're after (like the relationships between focal length, aperture, shutter-speed, and ISO and how they effect your images), then this thread is probably a good place to start. Feel free to ask questions and solicit constructive critique from any of us. There's good instructional books out there, too. Or, you can just take a quick course.

Have fun with it!

[SmytheKing]

Nice! I've been wanting to get up there for quite a while to do just that sort of image.

This is one of those scenes that just screams "DO ME HDR-STYLE." And by that, I don't mean over-cooked HDR, I mean very subtle HDR...maybe just a two-exposure blend via layer masks to help bring out more detail and color in the highlights and shadows.

I would love to do something like that. There are two issues that you encounter though that make it difficult. One, the lighting is very low so you end up doing 4-5 second exposures. Two, there are a LOT of people in a narrow canyon so getting two (or three) shots off in a row in the same spot is very difficult. If you have another person helping you on the other side of the wall, that would be the best way to do it.

Having said that, even if you don't get a single picture out of there, it's amazing to visit. You feel like you're in a temple and you just don't want to touch anything, but at the same time you want to touch it all.

[RomJan27]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4246648281_3caf20c37f.jpg

Where is this place at?:heartsm::love29:

[SmytheKing]

Where is this place at?:heartsm::love29:

It's Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ.

Navajo Parks & Recreation - Antelope Canyon (http://www.navajonationparks.org/htm/antelopecanyon.htm)

[Blurker]

Here are a handful of shots I've finally managed to process.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2731/4263883425_d83600e319_b.jpg





http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4264635496_5f943351af_b.jpg





http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4264637952_b0c48ce3ac_b.jpg





http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4264638362_913c6656f6_b.jpg





http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2773/4264632018_0e6a8e5183_b.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/4264624102_a0faaa32d1_b.jpg

I realize that there isn't really any connection between these shots, but they're some of the more interesting ones that I've come up with over the last couple months.

[Blurker]

A couple of newly processed HDR shots. 3 exposures.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4264630578_fa442e0dd0_b.jpg



http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4263884241_d387a3dfaf_b.jpg

[Jeffrock]

Awesome thread , lots of great info in here. I recently bought my wife a Canon 50D with a kit lens, and the 1.4 50mm lens.

So far so good, but the lenses simply are not getting it done for action sports/ice hockey. (My wife enjoys coming to my league games and has become the team photographer/videographer.)

All signs seem to point to me purchasing the 70-200mm 2.8L IS lens in order to handle action/low light situations.

My question is this: Is there another lens I should be considering that can handle hockey as well as portraits? My wife is a wedding planner, who is interested in possibly becoming a wedding photographer. At this point, I cannot afford to just buy lenses that will serve one single purpose. I really want to squeeze the most out of every $ spent.

I did hear that Canon was going to come out with a new version of this lens, hopefully the price will go down a little for this one...

[santiclaws]

I've heard good things about the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8. Much lighter and easier to handhold than a 70-200 beast, much cheaper, and gives you the same coverage on an APS-C body. That said, it is only for crop frame cameras so if she ever upgrades to FF, you're out of luck. The Canon will also probably give you better quality wide open, but at double the price, it should.

[Jeffrock]

Sweet! Hopefully my local shops will have the Sigma to rent. I think I will rent both for a weekend and work from there...

[savemefromtears]

So I won a Nikon D5000 at the company Christmas party. I am a total DSLR newbie. Have always had point a shoot cameras.

It came with 2 manuals and 2 DVD's to teach me how to use the thing. Since I don't have the patience to study all of this, can anyone offer advice, websites, magazines that can give me pointers on how to use this new toy?

Fing good for you mate.

Time to talk lenses...

[VF]

All signs seem to point to me purchasing the 70-200mm 2.8L IS lens in order to handle action/low light situations.

My question is this: Is there another lens I should be considering that can handle hockey as well as portraits? My wife is a wedding planner, who is interested in possibly becoming a wedding photographer.


I've heard good things about the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8. Much lighter and easier to handhold than a 70-200 beast, much cheaper, and gives you the same coverage on an APS-C body. That said, it is only for crop frame cameras so if she ever upgrades to FF, you're out of luck. The Canon will also probably give you better quality wide open, but at double the price, it should.

If she is serious about being a wedding photog, then EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS (II) without question. The IS isn't going to do much good for hockey (players are moving to fast for it to be of use), but for low light ceremony shots where you can't use a flash, it is extraordinarily handy. Also, she is going to need at least two bodies for wedding work (no skimping here, at least two bodies is critical, not just for focal length coverage, but for backup, bodies go bad at the worst times), one of those is probably going to want to be either full frame or 1.3x frame (1D). You are going to want a stable of lenses that will work on all her cameras.

Now for the nerdy talk (skip all this if you like :) ):
Here are the MTF charts for both lenses. What you are looking here is the lenses ability to resolve fine detail (green lines for Sigma, fine black lines for Canon ) and contrast (red lines for Sigma, bold black lines for Canon). The contrast line will indicate how much "punch" and clarity a lens will deliver, the detail line will indicate how much fine detail (personally I find that while both are important, the contrast line is the more important of the two). If you are wondering what dotted vs. solid means, it is the direction of the test line on the chart. Lenses have a harder time resolving lines which run perpendicular to a line drawn from center of frame to edge of frame.

Y axis (height of chart) is contrast (1 would be perfect contrast), X axis is distance from center of frame, so the left side is center, the right side is the extreme diagonal corner of frame. One important thing to note, the sigma chart ends at 13.5mm on the X axis (because it is for cropped cameras) while the Canon chart extends to 21.6mm, just keep in mind when comparing the two charts to look at the same X value.

Sigma:
http://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/LensesMtf/133_big.gifhttp://www.sigmaphoto.com/images/LensesMtf/177_big.gif

Canon:
http://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/Lenses_2010/EF70-200mm/profile/ef70-200lisiiu_wide_mtf.gifhttp://www.usa.canon.com/app/images/Lenses_2010/EF70-200mm/profile/ef70-200lisiiu_tele_mtf.gif

So what you can see is that in fact on wide end, the Sigma has slightly better contrast while Canon has slightly better detail across frame.

On the long end the Canon really shines. Better contrast, and much more detail resolving power.

[santiclaws]

A couple of things to also keep in mind: on a crop sensor, the 50-150mm is equivalent to about a 75-225mm on a full frame lens. The 70-200mm is equivalent to about a 105-300. In some situations the extra length will be an advantage, in others the shorter focusing distance.

Also something to keep in mind if using a crop-sensor camera and a lens designed for FF, like the 70-200mm: the corners of the full frame lens won't even be in the shot on an APS-C camera, so what you're getting is just the "sweet spot" of the lens.

[Jeffrock]

Thanks for the extra info. I will try to absorb some of it later today when I recover from a wicked unintentional headshot from someones knee last night in pickup. :(

f things workout and she decides to go full force with this, I am guessing that the 50D will end up being a back up camera.

[Birdman]

Dunno if you guys have seen this yet, but I ran across it and thought of you camera geekoids:

captin nod: The Phone-O-Scope: Attaching SLR lenses to an iPhone (http://cow.mooh.org/2009/12/phone-o-scope-attaching-slr-lenses-to.html)

[FBJ]

Good lord that's a lot of work for simply fair results.

[DRGinLBC]

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/7417/img5317s.jpg

I call it the King Slayer:

1 Part Stone RIS
1 Part 2% Milk

In a coffee mug...1 1/2 min (microwave)

[HeShootsNScores]

I did an engagement session for some friends.... thoughts?

CRAP: They're all watermarked... stupid Zenfolio... oh well... sorry!

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v1/p658393112-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p644847350-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p771830395-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p1022939481-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p653696976-3.jpg

[VF]

Very nice! Just a few comments:

#2 I think the hand holding shot would be great if you rotated it slightly so your bricks weren't sloping down on the left.

#3 for I think could use some tighter cropping to get that tree out of fame on the left. Maybe try a 1:1 crop and see how that looks. For me the background is distracting, and the more you can crop out the better. It may be because it is also slanting off to the left. If you have time / ability, stamp out the plant growing out of his shoulder.

#4 Nice connection between the two. The very bright magenta lens flare is distracting to me though. I also wonder if you could paint in a little more contrast in the faces as you have lost some with the flare.

Nice work and thanks for sharing in a thread that has gone a little dormant :)

[rinkrat]

Nice! Wedding pics would be a lot of pressure since it only happens once.

[HeShootsNScores]

Nice! Wedding pics would be a lot of pressure since it only happens once.

I've been "lucky" enough to do 6 weddings this past year... lots of pressure. So far... so good.

Oh and.. Thanks ValleyFan! I'll take those to the drawing board! :)

[HeShootsNScores]

here are a couple of my wedding shots.....

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v1/p994428802-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v2/p791547408-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v2/p556677140-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v5/p544905882-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v6/p704492198-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v5/p724024572-3.jpg

[nocturn]

I did an engagement session for some friends.... thoughts?

CRAP: They're all watermarked... stupid Zenfolio... oh well... sorry!

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v1/p658393112-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p644847350-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p771830395-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p1022939481-3.jpg

http://photos.brighamfreethphoto.com/img/v4/p653696976-3.jpg

I like them!!! Really nice comp. I'm with VF concerning the horizons on both 1 &2.

#1 might be nit picking but the horizon is slightly off about 1 degree. Im thinking the shed roof and the asphalt/shed wall lines are running away from each other heading towards the left. I think a nice zoomed in crop removing all of the sky (just below the shadow line of the roof) and 2/3 rds of the asphalt would look killer. Bring in the left and right lines into the shed as to frame just the 3 center peices of the art and your subjects. I think they're facial expressions are killer and are somewhat lost because of the distance. Love the color pick up in the corrugated steel.

#3. I think a tight crop around their faces would be really strong.

#4. The flare is too much. I actually think I squinted when I looked at it at first. :)

#5 It may just be my monitor but the contrast and the brightness/whites seem too high. I'm losing a bunch of detail in her hands.

Like I said, the composition and the staging are really nice. Bravo.

[DeaderFan]

Just thought I'd chime in to say,

Happy Birthday Photoshop!

:congrats::congrats::congrats:

Today, Feb 19, 2010, Photoshop turns 20 years old! Where would we all be without it?

[santiclaws]

Flesh!!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c127/santiclaws/Macro/DSC06635.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2771/4377498126_41a8ab6800_o.jpg
Shaggy at the LB Raggamuffins Festival on Saturday Feb 20th 2010

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4377497502_a114756889_o.jpg
Don Carlos of Black Uhuru

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4376748121_78bb6f8bb6_o.jpg
Yellowman

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/4377496804_313e361de7_o.jpg
Big Youth

More pics from the Raggamuffins Festival here
Long Beach Raggamuffins Reggae Festival 2010 - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinkrat/sets/72157623482326452/)

[FBJ]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4385111489_b9e3759030.jpg

With my G9, but whatever.

[Wussy_demon]

Just stumbled on this thread and am very impressed with some of the pictures posted. Here are some of my best shots that I have taken with my cannon X1i
http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/wussy_demon/IMG_0134.jpg
Grasshopper I found snacking on a leaf

http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/wussy_demon/IMG_1967.jpg
Huntington Beach at night

http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/wussy_demon/IMG_2092.jpg

http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/wussy_demon/IMG_2109.jpg

http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af37/wussy_demon/IMG_2145.jpg

The hummingbird pictures were taken with a 75-300mm lens on manual focus with the camera in sport mode.

[HeShootsNScores]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4385111489_b9e3759030.jpg

With my G9, but whatever.

wow... love it. Did you do any post processing?

[FBJ]

Not much aside from a slight tweak to white balance and some sharpening/noise reduction.

[SirJW]

Shooting hockey.
On Assignment: Nine Eyes on the Prize - Lens Blog - NYTimes.com (http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/26/assignment-27/?WT.mc_id=fb_nyt1393&WT.mc_ev=click)

[nocturn]

Anyone have a "All Inclusive" Light Box kit? Im thinking about buying this one 402057 Smith Victor FLB-4 Three-Light Fluorescent 48" Light Box Kit (http://www.adorama.com/SVFLB4.html?sid=1267565834276923) but its a little out of my price range at the moment.

Anyone bought this one or one like it??? Reviews?

[ImA1032]

My favorite shot from the weekend


http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1738/hoffpauirkeepsemhonest.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/i/hoffpauirkeepsemhonest.jpg/)

[santiclaws]

Your favorite shot is a shot of a dude bending over from behind? OK.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4472735409_4c323e492a_o.jpg

[FBJ]

Well, my little Canon G9 is gone. My wife either accidentally left it at Staples last Saturday afternoon, or it was lifted from her purse. No luck with lost and found at at Staples or any of the places we've been since then. The case was clearly marked with my information, too.

Now I need to replace it. The G11, despite being a more versatile camera in low-light conditions, doesn't have the MP or the zoom that the G9 had...which is a big negative for me.

Don't know what I'm going to do.

[rinkrat]

Bummer!

[SirJW]

BTW, I'm think of getting into the DSLR game, if anyone has upgraded I would be interested in your older model.

[rinkrat]

I have a Canon 30 D sitting here getting no use and it takes wonderful pics. Not sure what it's worth but I'd be happy to give you a killer deal.

You could get a kit lens real cheap on Ebay and go to town.

[PuckMonkey]

It's been awhile, but thought I might drop this in...

http://hockeywoodla.com/41310/DSC_3284.jpg

[FBJ]

Yeah...

Call me when that word in the background comes into focus for this team.

;)

[rinkrat]

Damn, I thought I took that pic.

[PuckMonkey]

Damn, I thought I took that pic.

Compliment accepted. ;)

[rinkrat]

No, really. I think I took the same pic. ;)

Excellent job. The lighting there sucks big time.

[SirJW]

?, Are USB cables compatable w/ all cameras? Especially if it has one of those big round thingies on them? What is that for?
http://images2.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/54471.jpg

[rinkrat]

That looks like a conon one. I never use the usb cord, I just have a $15 memory card reader instead. Way faster.

[VF]

?, Are USB cables compatable w/ all cameras? Especially if it has one of those big round thingies on them? What is that for?

Most manufatures have standard mini B type connectors (the one in your picture), a few use the micro USB, and some are A-holes and use their own, but most use the standard mini B.

The big round thingy is an RF filter. It helps eliminate interference which might hamper communication between the computer and what ever the cable is connected to.

[VF]

So my wife needs to purchase a few Nikons for her work (through a purchasing agreement they have it has to be Nikon). All the DSLR stuff and lenses I am up to speed with, but I am totally out of touch with compact line. I am looking for something small (I think coolpix), I would like the lowest pixel density and fastest lens available which hopefully has good resolution. No concern about pixel count, a reasonable fast processor / AF a definite plus. Thinking Coolpix S640 as it has max aperture of f/2.7, any thoughts?

Thanks for the help,
Sam

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_1074.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/_mg_1260.jpg

Just took this is the back yard

[rinkrat]

I have a funky old telescope and hooked the camera to it to snap that one. It was hard as hell to keep still with my rickety tripod.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4546682688_05d7010588_o.jpg

A Bee

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4546064913_17dabd847a.jpg

[FBJ]

Wicked, Mike. What's your macro setup?

[FBJ]

I bought a replacement to my lost G9. I can't stand being without some kinds of half-assed decent camera while I'm on the road. I wish I had the space for the big stuff all the time, but I just don't. So I picked up a G11 from Buydig.com. I managed to get it for about $60 less there than locally, and I didn't have to pay sales tax or shipping.

It'll be here tomorrow, I think. I hope, really. I have to leave for a week on Sunday, and I'd like to have it when I go.

[FBJ]

Got the G11. The battery is charging as I type this. I am decidedly unimpressed with it's construction. Flimsy, to say the least. The G9 was a freakin' tank. The G11's body is still metal, but it has a hollow feeling to it that really makes it feel almost cheap compared to the G9. I think this is partly due to the fold-out screen (the G9's screen was fixed).

The one big improvement that the G11 does have over the G9 is exposure lock feature, which was sadly missing from the G9. That will come in handy, for sure. It also has a dial-based exposure/flash compensation (rather than having to do it through menus...though you still can do it that way if you like). Higher ISO sensitivities with lower noise levels over the G9 will be nice as well.

Oh well. I've still got some playtesting to do once the battery is charged.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4548702377_bac0f94423_o.jpg



I picked up a 100mm macro lens, this thing is sick.

[SirJW]

Newbie getting going here w/ my new toy.

Does anyone know the color temp for Toyota Sports Center?

How much post do you all do as far as adjusting contrast, saturation, tint exposure ect?

[santiclaws]

I would suggest doing a custom white balance on location, shoot RAW, and adjust contrast, tint, etc. in post. You'll get the maximum opportunity to get it right and the most flexibility.

[rinkrat]

At Toyota I just put the setting on Flourescent and it is nearly perfect since they switched to 100% flouro lighting a year or so ago. If you can get your color temp close and your exposure right on (by looking at your screen and histogram) then you won't need much correction on the back end.

Use the "M" manual settings. Shoot RAW at 1600 ISO and a wide open aperture (lowest number). Adjust the shutter speed to the correct exposure.

The good thing about doing it this way is that once you get into post, every picture will require the exact same adjustments (if any) since the camera settings were the same for the duration of the shoot. If you set at AUTO then every pic is set differently by the camera and will require different adjustments and all look a little different.

[SirJW]

Very cool, I'll try it out.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4579736869_2eb4674e7d_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4580368956_f055cd0520_o.jpg

[RomJan27]

RR where was this picture taken? that's just awesomeness

[rinkrat]

Taken at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve near the Grapevine. We took a road trip there yesterday.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4579737081_6a7da917bc.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4582353627_565168f3b8_o.jpg

[rinkrat]

Amazon.com: Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500mm-Ultra-Telephoto-Canon-Cameras/dp/B0013D8VDQ/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header)

Check out the reviews and user photos from this lens. If you shoot with this lens while wearing a 3 wolf shirt you might blow up the world.

[SmytheKing]

Amazon.com: Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-200-500mm-Ultra-Telephoto-Canon-Cameras/dp/B0013D8VDQ/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header)

Check out the reviews and user photos from this lens. If you shoot with this lens while wearing a 3 wolf shirt you might blow up the world.

I'm crying over here looking at the images people posted. This one might be my favorite.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ZygX4gwHL.jpg

Followed closely by this one.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31PT2NYVkbL.jpg

The comments on the second one kill me.

[rigatony]

I hope this is ok to post in here..I didn't want to start a whole new thread.

I am going to dive into the world of DSLR and I need some help please. I only have experience with point and shoot cameras so I am very green. I don't plan on making a career out of this, so I am not looking to buy a top of the line camera.

I will be using this camera for family use, weekend trips, pictures of the kids...
Some of my objectives are to blow up pictures for framing, photo albums, slide shows and such.

I am leaning towards getting a Canon because we have hade good luck with our last few cameras. If someone could point out a specific model # or even another brand, it would realy help me out.

Also any tips on "bundle packages" (lenses), flash, warranty (if needed), cases, memory...I am trying to keep the total price below $800.00. (is that even realistic)

Thanks in advance.

Tony

[santiclaws]

I hope this is ok to post in here..I didn't want to start a whole new thread.
No, it is not OK. **** YOU!!!!!!:ggrin:

First off - be sure you actually want a DSLR. There are many point and shoot cameras these days that will take very nice pictures of family and vacations, enable you to blow them up, and be considerably smaller than a DSLR. No camera is any good if you don't have it with you, and if the DSLR's bulk will prevent you from using it much, it would be pointless to buy one.

IF you definitely want one, I would suggest that you do some reading online regarding the various models. dpreview.com is not a bad place to start to get you familiar with some of the basics and what the different models offer.

Then I would suggest going to a camera store and trying out a number of DSLR's. There's really no such thing as a "bad" DSLR these days, so one important consideration is how well it fits in YOUR hands, not some reviewer's.

I think $800 is quite reasonable for an entry-level camera and decent lens. Not sure if you can also get a decent flash for that. You should be able to get a good bag and memory cards are dirt cheap these days. It is my experience that most "all inclusive" packages are no bargain.

Last, but not least - it's Canon, not Cannon.

[FBJ]

Definitely go to a real brick-and-mortar camera shop to get some hands-on time and a knowledgeable salesperson to help you with your purchase.

Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony...all can be found in nice starter bundles with lenses at prices at $1000 and less. Any of those brands can help you do great work. It'll come down to what you like, since most camera packages in that price range have similar features. Keep in mind that most won't come with very large memory cards (if any at all) and that you'll also more than likely need to spend some money on some cleaning supplies. If you can afford to add it to your budget, be sure to also grab a good-quality tripod. That's a tool you'll never be sorry you bought.

The one downside to buying a bundle is that the lenses aren't great...usually the very low-end stuff from that manufacturer. Surely, they're capable of taking excellent pics, but as you gain some experience with your camera body and gain an appreciation for the craft, you'll want to retire those kit lenses to be used as paperweights and doorstops in favor of some higher-end glass.

Take the time to read through this thread. There's been a TON of information posted here as well as techniques and tips and tricks. Above all, let us know what you decide and show us what you capture!

[rinkrat]

This would be a great choice. ;)

Amazon.com: Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001XURPQS?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001XURPQS)

[HeShootsNScores]

For me... the DSLR market boils down to Canon and Nikon. I (along with FBJ, and a couple others...) shoot Nikon...

Rinkrat, Valleyfan, and others shoot Canon.

The other brands, while getting better, don't really hold a candle to these two.

Depending on what you want, Samy's camera usually has pretty good kits for sale. Entry level, etc.

[santiclaws]

The other brands, while getting better, don't really hold a candle to these two.

With all due respect, that's nonsense. Canon and Nikon do dominate the market, but not because their products are head and shoulders above others'.

[FBJ]

Not total nonsense. Canon and Nikon's pro-level gear (bodies and lenses) is head-and-shoulders above the others. That's not to say that others don't make good consumer-level or even prosumer-level stuff.

[santiclaws]

Not total nonsense. Canon and Nikon's pro-level gear (bodies and lenses) is head-and-shoulders above the others. That's not to say that others don't make good consumer-level or even prosumer-level stuff.

The guy's asking about entry-level stuff, what does pro equipment have to do with his question? That said, nobody else has pro level bodies. Selection of glass at the top level I will agree Canon and Nikon have an advantage in, but no in quality. I know Sony's top-end glass is every bit as good as Canikon, and you can't get Zeiss AF lenses in any other mount. I don't know, but I would guess Pentax's glass is also no worse.

[rinkrat]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/4615298517_01067b6195.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/4615314769_9d790ce8b9.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3413/4615449233_a83bfcd453.jpg

LA Derby Dolls - Fight Crew vs The Swarm - May 15th 2010

[HeShootsNScores]

With all due respect, that's nonsense. Canon and Nikon do dominate the market, but not because their products are head and shoulders above others'.

I stand corrected then. They dominate the market, but it isn't because their products are better than everyone else... its because they're the most used by everyone.

(Personally speaking, I believe their products are better than everyone else, because they have been premiere makers of imaging equipment for God knows how long)

Back in the day with 35mm, I think the market was much more competitive. I shot with an Olympus OM-2 for the longest time... so you could make more of an argument for the Olympuses, the Pentax, the Minoltas, etc....

However, since the transition into the digital age, I believe that Canon and Nikon have emerged as a leaders. Call it better advertisement, or call it what you want, the fact remains that they are the leaders of the digital imaging industry.

[rinkrat]

Fry's Electronics | (http://www.frys.com/search?search_type=regular&sqxts=1&query_string=canon+55-250&submit.x=0&submit.y=0&cat=0)

Nice deal on a Canon zoom lens at Fry's

Found it here
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1005731/

[rinkrat]

Lightroom 3 is out.

[FBJ]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4712787381_da5d118ca1.jpg

Not half-assed bad for a cell-phone camera. HTC Incredible's 8mp is pretty f'in sweet!

[Mr_Conie]

Anyone looking to buy a Canon T1i with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens? I have that along with a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens and Canon PIXMA 9000 Mark II Printer.

All are brand new, never opened.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4763196686_195bff01e5_b.jpg
King Cotton

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4762561225_ba3bd4acdb_b.jpg
Summer and Music Concert last night in Long Beach

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4762560255_720f572223_b.jpg
James Harman

These are from last night's free concert in Long Beach. I set up loghts on the speaker stands, one on each side.

[symbology]

I stand corrected then. They dominate the market, but it isn't because their products are better than everyone else... its because they're the most used by everyone.

(Personally speaking, I believe their products are better than everyone else, because they have been premiere makers of imaging equipment for God knows how long)

Back in the day with 35mm, I think the market was much more competitive. I shot with an Olympus OM-2 for the longest time... so you could make more of an argument for the Olympuses, the Pentax, the Minoltas, etc....

However, since the transition into the digital age, I believe that Canon and Nikon have emerged as a leaders. Call it better advertisement, or call it what you want, the fact remains that they are the leaders of the digital imaging industry.

Leaders?

In sales? Sure. Lens selection? Sure.

Saying that they are overall leaders in (general) digital technology is a stretch.

[symbology]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4548702377_bac0f94423_o.jpg



I picked up a 100mm macro lens, this thing is sick.

Wow, nice photo. How close were you able to get to the subject?

[rinkrat]

I started snapping and walking closer and closer and then got about 4 ft from him.

[rinkrat]

I'm thinking of getting a tripod. Any suggestions on one that is compatible with the Canon 1d Mark iii (heavy).

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Long-Beach-Funkfest-2010/MGL0494/962764060_dgS2K-L-1.jpg

Spankie at Long Beach Funk Fest

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Long-Beach-Funkfest-2010/MGL0843/962775694_jLV89-L-1.jpg

The Ladies of P-Funk at the Long Beach Funk Fest

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Long-Beach-California/Long-Beach-Funkfest-2010/MGL0749/962774376_7qZHB-L-1.jpg

LB Funk Fest 2010

[rinkrat]

OK after reading a bunch of reviews I went for the Manfrotto tripod and since I have a $50 off coupon I went with the Manfrotto head for it. All the reviews are very positive and also say it's nice and tall for us tall boys.

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber 3 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black): Camera… (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GIPR5S?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001GIPR5S)

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000184N22?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000184N22)

Can't wait to have a decent tripod. :)

[symbology]

I would be interested in how that head works out for you. I could use to update mine, never liked it much. Too difficult to use and make adjustments.

It looks like you got yourself a nice setup there.

[FBJ]

I've got that very head for my tripod. You'll LOVE it. Holds VERY steady and has adjustable tension as well. It handles the D3+ the 400mm f/2.8, no sweat.

The only thing I'd suggest is that you may want to pick up an extra baseplate or two so you can have one on each body and your 70-200 f/2.8's mount.

[FBJ]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4892423822_7c39d9f0f5_o.jpg

Blown-Out Ballerina

A drastically over-exposed area of highlights resulted in the face of my subject being completely blown out. Rather than throw this image out, I elected to poke it around a bit in Lightroom to see what could be done with it to create something interesting. I think I succeeded.

[FBJ]

On second thought...

Meh...

[rinkrat]

I did the same thing with a blown out Nine Inch Nails pic and really liked the results.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4893010576_0fa03d6931_z.jpg

Classical Beats in Long Beach

[P.I.T.A.]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4850050706_3411586274_b.jpg

It's a light fixture at a "Pink Berry" in Chino Hills.

[FBJ]

I did the same thing with a blown out Nine Inch Nails pic and really liked the results.

I remember that one.

Thing about this one is that I just don't know how to feel about it. Initially, I thought it was interesting. Looking at it again and again, it strikes me in different ways. Wife thinks it's amazing. It's the only image that the client has seen so far (though I was going to leave this one out because her daughter isn't recognizable), and she said it was "stunning."

Oh well.

That was one of the weirdest portrait shoots I've done, by the way...

[spjon25]

Well I am driving down to Canon tomorrow with mine. I went to take it to soccer pictures with my son, and when I took him ice skating...and it is not turning on with a fully charged battery. Switched out SD cards for a new one, and still nothing. Hopefully, my camera is not an expensive paperweight

[spjon25]

Here are some of the last pics that I have taken with the beast in the last few months:http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_3061.jpg?t=1281913616

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_3054.jpg?t=1281913616

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_3051.jpg?t=1281913616

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_1223.jpg?t=1281913616

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_1222.jpg?t=1281913616

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb303/spjon27/IMG_1220.jpg?t=1281913616

[waterboy100]

@Blurker

those are very nice

[FBJ]

Before the shoot I had last Friday, I picked up a set of these:

Promaster SystemPRO ReflectaDisc 41" (http://promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=6535)

http://promaster.com/products/CustomThumb.asp?TS=250&image=6542.jpg

Man what a great tool to have!!!!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4909076473_c460fb686a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/4909076473/)
_GC35308 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/4909076473/) by Glenn Calvin (http://www.flickr.com/people/glenn_calvin/), on Flickr

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4921462255_6855d5db32_b.jpg

tiny spider in my backyard
lit with a flash on the side

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4922115440_b7fc5abca5_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

Before the shoot I had last Friday, I picked up a set of these:

Promaster SystemPRO ReflectaDisc 41" (http://promaster.com/products/products.asp?product=6535)

http://promaster.com/products/CustomThumb.asp?TS=250&image=6542.jpg

Man what a great tool to have!!!!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4909076473_c460fb686a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/4909076473/)
_GC35308 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/4909076473/) by Glenn Calvin (http://www.flickr.com/people/glenn_calvin/), on Flickr



Very cool! What do you hold them with?

[FBJ]

Very cool! What do you hold them with?

Usually my hands. I used a friend as an assistant during this shoot, though.

[rinkrat]

OK I finally joined the club and ordered Lightroom 3. I hope it's easy to learn. :)

[FBJ]

I haven't ordered LR3 yet...I may wait until I upgrade my home PC. It's getting a tad long-in-the-tooth (a 2006 model).

[FBJ]

Got a photo of mine used with credit in a Natural History Museum of Los Angeles blog.

Another Feather! Amazing Events at NHMLA (http://eventsnhmla.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/547/)

[rinkrat]

Got a photo of mine used with credit in a Natural History Museum of Los Angeles blog.

Another Feather! Amazing Events at NHMLA (http://eventsnhmla.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/547/)



Excellent!

[rinkrat]

I'm hoping that my computer can handle LR3 and that the learning curve is short. I've never tried LR2 so it will be nice to see what I can do that I can't do now. I like the idea of tags within the JPG's.

[symbology]

I'm hoping that my computer can handle LR3 and that the learning curve is short. I've never tried LR2 so it will be nice to see what I can do that I can't do now. I like the idea of tags within the JPG's.

There are some tutorials on Adobe's site. They do a pretty good job of getting you started.

[rinkrat]

There are some tutorials on Adobe's site. They do a pretty good job of getting you started.

Thanks for the heads up. They have workflows there to help get you started. Just what I needed!

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4936477055_2b1d5a3d4f_b.jpg

[imfletch]

I have been reading through this thread for awhile, but this is the first time I have posted any of my pics. Here are a couple I shot to put up in my son's room. Tell me what you think.
http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae355/imfletch7777/IMGP0634.jpg
Woody

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae355/imfletch7777/IMGP0647.jpg
Buzz

http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae355/imfletch7777/IMGP0713.jpg
Mater

[Kingsfan31]

It's been awhile since I've been to this thread, I had forgot about it. I have a question, anyone shoot hockey with a 300 2.8L IS? I have the 70-200 IS II but was thinking of getting the 300 to try out. I have other uses for it but was curious about it for hockey on top of the 70-200.

I also have a 1Ds III for sale or trade if anyone is interested. I'm not sure if I can post that here, if not let me know.

[rinkrat]

Wow, Lightroom 3.0 is nuts! You can publish directly to Facebook, Flickr and Smugmug with automatic file sizing and watermarking for each specific site.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4958062408_e4955342ca_b.jpg

Processed, cropped.watermarked and sent to flickr from within LR3 with ease. Drag and drop.

Title, keywords etc are retained and I can check on comments from within the LR3 Library menu.

This is nuts!

[rinkrat]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs307.ash2/58722_1534213871940_1132608159_31523681_6957301_n. jpg

Supposed to look like an old picture.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4958574444_b76078685a_z.jpg

This is fun!

[FBJ]

Found a new use for my Manfrotto legs...

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/catalog/LT666-A_small.jpg

No kidding. There's a picatinny rail adapter that allows you to mount your weapon on a Manfrotto pistol-grip head like I have...saweEET!

http://stores.homestead.com/Laruetactical/catalog/LT666-A_2.jpg

[SmytheKing]

Here's a few from my trip to D.C. I'm still sorting through a ton and have to do some work on them, but here's a couple I like at 2:30am.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4973701496_b2042941d5_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4973703686_0693acdcf3_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4973089699_c6bf019fa0_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4973706608_3ef6e18ec7_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4973708192_543c7563e2_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4973091231_edb9b4f393_z.jpg

[rinkrat]

Great stuff Smytheking!

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/4974043365_50af0a554f_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/4975516270_2f06b307bc_o.jpg

Took this just now in the backyard. :)

[rinkrat]

I'm thinking of getting a 400 mm lens. Anyone have one? It might be good for shots from the spot near the TV cameras at Staples. It would also be cool for nature shots like the birds etc.

[FBJ]

Dude...which 400 are you thinking about? A 400 prime would be major dinero and major huge.

What about a 2x teleconverter behind your 70-200? You lose a couple stops that way, but that'd be pretty much the best bet in my mind.

[Kingsfan31]

I just traded for the 300L 2.8 IS, you're welcome to try it out. I was going to bring it to training camp and see how it was. The 400 5.6 would have no chance for hockey, the 100-400 I had was slow as molases to focus. So the only two left would be the old 400 2.8 non IS or the 400 2.8 IS which is a beast. The 300 2.8 isnt small and marginally hand holdable.

Let me know if youre interested.

[rinkrat]

That sounds great! I think the 400 2.8 IS goes for $5000 or so. Out of my league!

The 300 might be the ticket. Sometimes when the team is at the other end of the rink, the 300 would probably be the perfect length.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/4958574444_b76078685a_z.jpg

This is fun!




This one was accepted as a stock photo! :woot: Hopefully someone will buy one someday. :)

[Kingsfan31]

That sounds great! I think the 400 2.8 IS goes for $5000 or so. Out of my league!

The 300 might be the ticket. Sometimes when the team is at the other end of the rink, the 300 would probably be the perfect length.

Yeah I looked into buying a 400 2.8 IS since its what Id really like with baseball as the primary reason for it. The last one I saw in good shape went for $5900 quickly. Someday....


I notice at the games you dont shoot with a hood. Is that a requirement of the NHL or is it because it doesnt fit through the cut out in the glass?

I'll let you know what day Im headed to camp...probably Sunday or Monday.

[FBJ]

Yeah I looked into buying a 400 2.8 IS since its what Id really like with baseball as the primary reason for it. The last one I saw in good shape went for $5900 quickly. Someday....


I notice at the games you dont shoot with a hood. Is that a requirement of the NHL or is it because it doesnt fit through the cut out in the glass?

I'll let you know what day Im headed to camp...probably Sunday or Monday.

Lens-hood through glory hole + high-velocity player/equipment = busted lens/lens hood/on-ice obstacle.

[Kingsfan31]

Thats what I figured.



Lens-hood through glory hole + high-velocity player/equipment = busted lens/lens hood/on-ice obstacle.

[rinkrat]

What he said.

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5000394792_80b3cbe4b3_b.jpg

Spider moon

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5003488062_c6a2733498_b.jpg

The moon last night

[FBJ]

Copyrat. :P

(This is my moon shot from August 30, 2009. Virtually identical in phase.)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2630/3873414498_93587bcd7a_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

Yours looks clearer. I used an old telescope to take mine and it's a little foggy for some reason.

[FBJ]

Yours looks clearer. I used an old telescope to take mine and it's a little foggy for some reason.

Anyone (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/5008.htm) that says the Nikon 500mm f/8 mirror lens lacks sharpness and contrast is full of ****.

I sure would like to find an old teleconverter that would mate up to the 500mm mirror, though. 1000mm would be BITCHIN for astronomical photography!

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5010404768_7f4f51d7d6_b.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5010404768_7f4f51d7d6_b.jpg

is this a crop?

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Other/Best-of-the-Best/MG7830/630444114_TGRDv-S.jpg


Australian Hysteria Magazine is gonna use my NOFX pic in their premier issue for a double page spread. They wanted a price and I decided but the wife made me ask for double that and they cheerfully accepted (makes me wonder if they would have gone higher ;) ). Hopefully I will be able to get a tear sheet for my portfolio.

[rinkrat]

is this a crop?



Yes, in fact it was almost 1:1.

[rinkrat]

http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/ffxiii-134.jpg

The new tripod made this easy.

Date Taken: 2010-10-03 17:51:07
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark III
Exposure Time: 20s (20/1)
Aperture: f/9
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 43mm (55.9mm in 35mm)


http://www.letsgokings.com/gallery/files/1/ffxiii-110.jpg

Also ran around the street with the tripod over my shoulder. It's so light and easy to set up that I can be very discreet.

[Fisch]

OK after reading a bunch of reviews I went for the Manfrotto tripod and since I have a $50 off coupon I went with the Manfrotto head for it. All the reviews are very positive and also say it's nice and tall for us tall boys.

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 Carbon Fiber 3 Section Tripod with Q90 Column and Magnesium Castings (Black): Camera… (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GIPR5S?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001GIPR5S)

Amazon.com: Manfrotto 322RC2 Joystick Head Short: Camera & Photo (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000184N22?ie=UTF8&tag=letsgokingsco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000184N22)

Can't wait to have a decent tripod. :)

Nice, I have the 190CXPro3 & the 322RC2 head. So easy to lug around as it only weighs 1.29kg

[rinkrat]

Yeah with the comera on it, it's really to counter-balance right on your shoulder. I was navigating crowds in Vegas and it worked great. When you find a spot for a pic it's so easy to set up and break down without a big ordeal. I saw one guy with a wobbly plastic tripod and chuckled under my breath.

I was actually surprised that I was able to set up a tripod in various spots in Vegas, whenever I set one up in Long Beach someone tells me I need a permit to photograph.

[FBJ]

...whenever I set one up in Long Beach someone tells me I need a permit to photograph.

Which is horsecrap if you're in a public place.

[Fisch]

permit to take photo's in public...lol, wtf?! paparazzi ****ing it up for the rest of us?

I'll probably set up a small section of my studio for photography and such as I'm slowly getting into it more and more. I paint and draw mostly, using live models but when i've needed some high-quality photo reference (no time to have a model pose) I've relied on friends or freelance photographers.

I have some lighting already but I guess I need a light box for products and still life kind of stuff.

Fun "hobby" at the moment, but photography sure is expensive!!!
I have a Canon T2i and Canon EF 24-70mm 2.8 USM lens.
Next up is the EF 100mm 2.8 macro or a EF 50mm 1.4 or 1.2 primes

[santiclaws]

Which is horsecrap if you're in a public place.

You do need a permit for a pro shoot, whether still or film. If you have "pro" equipment, it looks like a "pro" shoot to people. The line is blurry.

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Other/Best-of-the-Best/MG7830/630444114_TGRDv-S.jpg


Australian Hysteria Magazine is gonna use my NOFX pic in their premier issue for a double page spread. They wanted a price and I decided but the wife made me ask for double that and they cheerfully accepted (makes me wonder if they would have gone higher ;) ). Hopefully I will be able to get a tear sheet for my portfolio.



Sweet, just got paid for this. Guess it's a go.

[FBJ]

^^^Rad! Congrats, pro-photog-rat!

[rinkrat]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5094960824_df2f3396d1_o.jpg

This is one of my fave live shots. Lil Wayne with some nice lighting. I tweaked a little since the old version had some noise.

I'm due to shoot another show, they are an adreneline rush. On this show, the pit was saved for a film crew so they sent us back to the soundboard.
I didn't want to go all the way back there so I took a right on the way back and just found a place in the crowd about row 10.

[santiclaws]

Great shot!

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Sports/Kings-vs-Predators-Nov-6th/Preds-482/1080724300_RWwNG-XL-2.jpg

There is something about a photo that has that "connect" that the lady from Corbis schooled me about.
This photo has that "connect". Taken at Ryan Smyth's 1000th game.

[santiclaws]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Sports/Kings-vs-Predators-Nov-6th/Preds-482/1080724300_RWwNG-XL-2.jpg

There is something about a photo that has that "connect" that the lady from Corbis schooled me about.
This photo has that "connect". Taken at Ryan Smyth's 1000th game.

It's the fact that he's looking right at the camera. Great catch.

[HeShootsNScores]

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_44QjszjI1v8/TP5KXAyJD5I/AAAAAAAAE48/rXqvem5UF-g/s720/BF_Miramar2010_122.jpg

Took this at Miramar in October.... I know, I know... I have a LOT of photos to go through, I'm really behind.

[HeShootsNScores]

A couple more....

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_44QjszjI1v8/TP5KVz-zsiI/AAAAAAAAE4w/GWOMfbnq_IQ/s720/BF_Miramar2010_119.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_44QjszjI1v8/TP5KyKU6TvI/AAAAAAAAE8o/Vq86gMZbewE/s720/BF_Miramar2010_180.jpg

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_44QjszjI1v8/TP5KIxT75HI/AAAAAAAAE28/YdG1yH_ScpA/s720/BF_Miramar2010_090.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_44QjszjI1v8/TP5KKY8qq-I/AAAAAAAAE3I/x_KpIhhPcIQ/s720/BF_Miramar2010_093.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

How do you guys clean your mirrors? You see in the second F-22 shot I posted the dust spots... I'd rather not go through all of them in PS and remove those... I tried canned air but it didn't quite work.....

[JACimages]

How do you guys clean your mirrors? You see in the second F-22 shot I posted the dust spots... I'd rather not go through all of them in PS and remove those... I tried canned air but it didn't quite work.....

take its not your mirror thats dirty than. its your censor. i take mine to a shop cause i dont want to risk messing up my censor. its about 50$ but depending on the shop they will clean the whole body and insides.

if its not your censor its your lens

[JACimages]

I shoot with the 5D...

Shot from a Magazine for solons
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4744562682_1543d1cfd9.jpg
My Watermark and since changed
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2444/3907959444_e229c761e5.jpg
Magazine For Purses
[img]http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4364571946_e8fa7ddd03.jpg
Tests For models
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5031458667_69a18e10da.jpg

[FBJ]

How do you guys clean your mirrors? You see in the second F-22 shot I posted the dust spots... I'd rather not go through all of them in PS and remove those... I tried canned air but it didn't quite work.....

I'm sure you just mistyped, B. Your mirror doesn't do much besides redirecting the image into your viewfinder. If it's dirty, you won't see it on the images taken, but on the image you're seeing through your viewfinder.

Any sensor dust I've encountered on any of my Nikon bodies has been relatively easy to remove. Put the camera into mirror up mode for cleaning, then holding it with the hole facing downward, aim a rocket blower to blow upward into the cavity, being careful not to let the tip touch the sensor (you really shouldn't even need to put the blower tip into the cavity at all). Give it a couple six or eight good powerful shots of air, then mount a freshly-cleaned lens onto the body and give it a shot again. I check mine by shooting a clean white wall with a flash and I stop the aperture down as far as it will go. If you've still got dust spots, repeat the above until they're gone. If any of them are stubborn, you'll probably have to take it in to a Nikon-authorized service center for a sensor cleaning...unless you're brave enough to try one of the wet-cleaning systems out there.

I'm not.

[santiclaws]

The wet sensor cleaning method really should not be that big of a deal. Remember, the sensor is not exposed, you're really cleaning a piece of plastic on top. Also, the lenspen people make a dry pen for cleaning the sensor (I think it is called SensorKlear). Many people swear by it, including pros.

[HeShootsNScores]

I'm sure you just mistyped, B. Your mirror doesn't do much besides redirecting the image into your viewfinder. If it's dirty, you won't see it on the images taken, but on the image you're seeing through your viewfinder.

Any sensor dust I've encountered on any of my Nikon bodies has been relatively easy to remove. Put the camera into mirror up mode for cleaning, then holding it with the hole facing downward, aim a rocket blower to blow upward into the cavity, being careful not to let the tip touch the sensor (you really shouldn't even need to put the blower tip into the cavity at all). Give it a couple six or eight good powerful shots of air, then mount a freshly-cleaned lens onto the body and give it a shot again. I check mine by shooting a clean white wall with a flash and I stop the aperture down as far as it will go. If you've still got dust spots, repeat the above until they're gone. If any of them are stubborn, you'll probably have to take it in to a Nikon-authorized service center for a sensor cleaning...unless you're brave enough to try one of the wet-cleaning systems out there.

I'm not.

Right... sensor... not mirror. Why I said that I have no idea.... thanks!

[JACimages]

check out my website :) www.JAC-images.com

some more work with the 5D i think i was shooting with the 24-70L

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5031456615_6b179d337a.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5030778584_aac000efc9.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4638101100_43ebfd5ccc.jpg
i can show my sensative side too!
]http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2155/4506633046_64127de4f4.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Other/Misc-Photos/squirrels-021/1129748095_CSBdq-L.jpg

Squirrel in my yard

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5269578499_c713130357_o.jpg


http://www.michaelzampelli.com/Other/Misc-Photos/squirrels-027/1129748413_dUFrj-L.jpg

Mating season ;)

[rinkrat]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5345137555_6b628b2da1_o.jpg

Big hat at dusk

[FBJ]

I haven't done any HDR in forever. Here's a few I tried yesterday.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5348164188_e676d5ce60_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/5348164188/)
Cessna Conquest HDR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/5348164188/) by Glenn Calvin (http://www.flickr.com/people/glenn_calvin/), on Flickr

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5347596891_945d0780d3_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/5347596891/)
Challenger 300 Cockpit HDR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/5347596891/) by Glenn Calvin (http://www.flickr.com/people/glenn_calvin/), on Flickr

[rinkrat]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5358085154_5ca145375c_o.jpg

I was messing around with gels and have an umbrella on the left side ungelled, a vivitar flash on the right that is gelled orange and another on the back wall gelled blue.
I've got to try more of this, I see where some improvements can be made but like the overall feel of it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5356006326_f28ddc984b_z.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5048/5362093850_7c9d1e406b_b.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5371825024_0649e2ae80_o.jpg

[rinkrat]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5371906914_7da603c1c1_b.jpg

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5388258842_84ba088f62.jpg

Self Portrait

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5404314135_46d7434a53_z.jpg

That's the inside of this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5404910322_d687fba8d7_z.jpg

[RomJan27]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5093/5404314135_46d7434a53_z.jpg

That's the inside of this:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5136/5404910322_d687fba8d7_z.jpg

What is that thing?
Posted via Mobile Device

[FBJ]

That thing is this thing:

Aero Spacelines Super Guppy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aero_Spacelines_Super_Guppy)

The one above is owned and operated by NASA, and is based at their flight operations facility in El Paso, TX. I talked my way into the place last Thursday for a tour. It was really fascinating. The fascility is basically where all the astronaut's flight training is done.

Here's the rest of the images from the day's tour:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glenn_calvin/sets/72157625946441014/with/5404300939/

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5425626286_ff885eb1af_b.jpg

Marriott Lihui Resort pool at dawn this morning.

8 seconds at f8.

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5212/5445999327_d80841957c_o.jpg

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5448725771_e8e51ae417_b.jpg

Pele - Destroyer and Life-Giver

[FBJ]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/5448772143_9093b6ac72_b.jpg

Hanalei Valley Outlook

This is hand-held with the 500mm f/8 mirror lens. People who say that sharp images can't be taken with a reflex lens are full of merde.

[santiclaws]

Great composition on that shot. I love it.

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5449060887_c3569d8abe_b.jpg

Kauai's Napali Coast...

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5450086588_b44b87df5e_b.jpg

Again, hand-held with the 500mm f/8 mirror lens. Sharpness issues? I THINK NOT!!

[SmytheKing]

Wanted to post this up for all of you. I say give it a shot. I'm going to.

9th Annual Photo Contest | Photo Contest | Smithsonian Magazine (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/9th-annual/)

Also, I was looking at picking up this lens and wanted to know if any of you had had any experience with it. Was looking at the 100mm one as well, but based on the 1.6x and some readings of reviews, I think I'm going to go with the 85mm instead. Thoughts?

[Fisch]

Wanted to post this up for all of you. I say give it a shot. I'm going to.

9th Annual Photo Contest | Photo Contest | Smithsonian Magazine (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/photocontest/9th-annual/)

Also, I was looking at picking up this lens (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00007GQLU/ref=s9_simh_bw_p23_d0_i5?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=gp-center-3&pf_rd_r=18M2F1VG2FWFX9QNBTNH&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1289760502&pf_rd_i=502394) and wanted to know if any of you had had any experience with it. Was looking at the 100mm one as well, but based on the 1.6x and some readings of reviews, I think I'm going to go with the 85mm instead. Thoughts?

Nope, I blew my money on the 50mm F/1.2 prime instead.

[rinkrat]

Nope, I blew my money on the 50mm F/1.2 prime instead.


All I hear is great things about that lens. It is supposed to be the best bang for your buck lens in the line up. It's gotta be fun for low light shots.

[Fisch]

All I hear is great things about that lens. It is supposed to be the best bang for your buck lens in the line up. It's gotta be fun for low light shots.

Bang for the buck, I don't know...it's still ****ing expensive compared to Canon's non-L series 50mm primes. haha.

I figure the place to put the money investment is the glass so I don't consider non-L series when I'm buying Canon's own product.

[FBJ]

This may qualify to most as a big case of "tooting one's own horn," or even a MASSIVE case of "Who the **** cares!?!?" BUT I thought this was kinda cool.

If you image search on Google for the name Traci Hines, this is what you get in the first and second spots:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2639765047_5596095224.jpg http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3260/2639765549_00987ab4f7.jpg

Both images are mine. :)

Both taken at AX 2008. The first one is so snap-shottish that I want to hurl. The second one, even though it's not as good an image as I can capture with my current knowledge and skill set, is one I'm still kind of proud of.

[FBJ]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5595359679_bbe87201f3_z.jpg

More with the mirror.

I was contacted yesterday by the union (Southwest Airline Pilot's Association). The communications director wants to hire me as an independent contractor to help fill out the organization's pitiful collection of stock images.

Woo.

[rinkrat]

Sweet!

[HeShootsNScores]

borrowlenses.com

So I stumbled onto borrowlenses.com.... which seemed almost too good to be true, except I looked up the reviews on it and it got very positive reviews. Basically you can rent all sorts of camera equipment WITHOUT paying a security deposit or having a hold on your card for the full amount of the equipment.

Yesterday I rented a Nikon 24-70 f/2.8 for a week for $85. Its scheduled to arrive tomorrow, and I'll report back post haste.

Basically, you go online, pick your equipment, rent, and your rental period starts on the day it shows up. I'll let you know if its as good as it sounds.

[FBJ]

Careful! You're going to REALLY like that 24-70 f/2.8!! That's my main lens these days.

Hell I'd have let you play around with it for a day for free.

EDIT: Oh wow! They've got both the 105 and 135 F/2 AFDC lenses for rent!!!! I've been thinking of picking up one or the other of those for portrait work. I might try one out!

EDIT 2: Interesting to note that, for an additional courier fee, they can have the lens available for you for pickup at a couple different camera stores in the LA area (Hooper Camera locations in Chatsworth, Woodland Hills, and Thousand Oaks).

[FBJ]

Caught this one coming out of BUR the other day. I was camped out just West of the train station, just on the Western side of the centerline of runway 15 (the departure runway).

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5630116118_751a573e7e_z.jpg

[HeShootsNScores]

almost too good to be true right? If you "like" them on facebook or follow them on twitter, you're privy to some other discounts as well. IE, this week only, take 30% off the rental of a nikon 14-24 f2.8 AG

Thats pretty cheap.

And yes, my fear is I'll fall in love with that lens and have to convince the wife to help me pony up the cash to buy it.

[FBJ]

B,

Why didn't you hit the 17-55 f/2.8 IF ED (http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Camera-Lenses/2147/AF-S-DX-Zoom-NIKKOR-17-55mm-f%252F2.8G-IF-ED.html) instead? It's built for the DX sensor. And it's about $300 less.

[HeShootsNScores]

hmm... I'll take a look

[FBJ]

http://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Nikkor-PC-E-Micro-Fisheye-10.5-600mm-f4-ED-VRII-lens.jpeg

Hah!! This was an April Fool's joke on nikonrumors.com.
So...let's see...
Perspective-control, micro-focusing, fisheye-telephoto, with vibration reduction. Awesome.

[HeShootsNScores]

http://nikonrumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Nikkor-PC-E-Micro-Fisheye-10.5-600mm-f4-ED-VRII-lens.jpeg

Hah!! This was an April Fool's joke on nikonrumors.com.
So...let's see...
Perspective-control, micro-focusing, fisheye-telephoto, with vibration reduction. Awesome.

So TECHNICALLY, you'd never need (or want) another lens.....

[Homer Simpson]

I did not want to start a new thread, but my wife has been bugging to get a new digital camera. We have a point and shoot digital, but i think the camera is pretty limited. I am looking to spend maybe up to $800 ish (maybe more for some lenses) for a better camera, maybe a SLR. It has been a real long time since I was involved in photography, in fact the last time I was involved I was in High School and developing my own images.

Sorry about the hijacking of the thread, i can start a new one if needed.

Help me you photogs.

Homer

[FBJ]

Best bet is to head to Samy's and heft a couple that they have on package deals. See which feels best and fits into your price budget. Many in that range have similar features, so it'll pretty much come down to feel, IMO...if you don't already have a brand you're familiar with, that is.

[HeShootsNScores]

thought it was interesting... specially for people like me who are trying to become a photographer on a budget. (a very TIGHT budget... I might add)
Introducing DIY Lighting Kits: Great Light (http://www.diyphotography.net/introducing-the-awesome-diy-lighting-kits)

[FBJ]

How'd you like that lens rental, B?

[Fisch]

I did not want to start a new thread, but my wife has been bugging to get a new digital camera. We have a point and shoot digital, but i think the camera is pretty limited. I am looking to spend maybe up to $800 ish (maybe more for some lenses) for a better camera, maybe a SLR. It has been a real long time since I was involved in photography, in fact the last time I was involved I was in High School and developing my own images.

Sorry about the hijacking of the thread, i can start a new one if needed.

Help me you photogs.

Homer

check out a micro four thirds camera, they seem pretty sweet.

New Panasonic G3 Micro Four Thirds Camera Leaked? (http://gizmodo.com/5801026/new-panasonic-g3-micro-four-thirds-camera-leaked)

[HeShootsNScores]

How'd you like that lens rental, B?

The Lens rental was great! I loved it!

It worked out great! For $80 plus shipping, I rented the lens for a week!

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ceqvWgwt7QsXN_U_TrZN17N83minZm0zAuow7G5SQ8k?feat=d irectlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2La82xw8-MhlTfXUQMSzArN83minZm0zAuow7G5SQ8k?feat=directlink

I did an engagement session too with it... and while they came out okay, my subjects (specifically the bride to be) was not very cooperative. She is overweight (quite) and while that doesn't mean anything, she wasn't very comfortable in her skin and therefore looked miserable for a lot of the day.