GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[forsaken]

To you guys who have an external flash -- how often do you get to use it when taking pics? I am still undecided to take Tony's advice and get the 10-20/22 + 70-200 EX DG... or (I've decided) the 10-20/22 + 580EX.

So far, I've managed the last year without an extenal flash... and I was wondering whether I can survive another year... but with 2 new lenses...

Cheers!

I am actually leaning towards the flash before more lenses option

[joeseph]

I have an external flash - although throw a "grumpy" every time I want to bounce flash off ceiling when in portrait mode :-(
Currently awaiting the arrival of a monthly paycheck to satisfy a craving for a flash that twists. Hell, this evening I even thought about an off-camera flash cable. Having borrowed Wazza's 580ex for a weekend I definately think either a 550 or a 580 would be great. We should see what Ak camera would do for a bulk order...

[weka2000]

Get the 580ex

[FlyingPete]

I have an external flash - although throw a "grumpy" every time I want to bounce flash off ceiling when in portrait mode :-(
Currently awaiting the arrival of a monthly paycheck to satisfy a craving for a flash that twists. Hell, this evening I even thought about an off-camera flash cable. Having borrowed Wazza's 580ex for a weekend I definately think either a 550 or a 580 would be great. We should see what Ak camera would do for a bulk order...

What is wrong with the flash in your avatar, or is that what you are talking about ;)

[FlyingPete]

I have an external flash - although throw a "grumpy" every time I want to bounce flash off ceiling when in portrait mode :-(
Currently awaiting the arrival of a monthly paycheck to satisfy a craving for a flash that twists. Hell, this evening I even thought about an off-camera flash cable. Having borrowed Wazza's 580ex for a weekend I definately think either a 550 or a 580 would be great. We should see what Ak camera would do for a bulk order...


Hey!

You just hit 1000 posts! Congrats! :D

[joeseph]

What is wrong with the flash in your avatar, or is that what you are talking about ;)
I'm running short of bulbs for it!
[bing! 1001 already!]

[dgcorner]

Thanks Warren!

Take the Te Atatu Turn off...

Go through an intersection, past Wendys, follow Edmonton Road, go straight through roundabout from right lane.

Down to bottom of hill,

Left at roundabout near Henderson

Straight through Lights towards Millbrook

Straight through into Millbrook

Turn Right 1.5km into some road. :p

Then left at Parrs Park,

Right at next Roundabout and following main road whole way up and follow the signs!

[weka2000]

Bloody hell 5.11am and Im up getting dressed and ready to photograph the sunrise, well we will see. Sky full of cloud and pitch black except for the light of the moon.

Last time I was up this early was to go fishing. I dont think I will be makng a habbit of it, unless I get a couple of shots that make wazza go WOW :lol:

EDIT.... Well just got home at 8am well tat was fun, bit of a long wait considering I was up Mangere Mountain at 5.30 in the morning....2 hrs later the sun rises.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1708839#post1708839

[scotttnz]

Well just got home at 8am well tat was fun, bit of a long wait considering I was up Mangere Mountain at 5.30 in the morning....2 hrs later the sun rises.

But did you get any good shots?

[weka2000]

But did you get any good shots?

Doing them now

[tim]

Now how to convernce her I need a 1Ds Mk2 16mp FF camera, harvey can get them in I think :lol: (now why did I want that again)

I was playing with a 1Ds Mk2 and a 85mm F1.2 Mk1 yesterday - now that's a heavy combination. Focus speed is pretty slow too, it has to be because the depth of field is so damn thin. Operation of the 1 series is completely different from the 20D type cameras, I had to get the guy whos camera it was to change the focus point and white ballance for me! I think i'd prefer the 1D2 than the 1Ds2, it's faster. But i'll wait for the 1D3.

[FlyingPete]

I was playing with a 1Ds Mk2 and a 85mm F1.2 Mk1 yesterday - now that's a heavy combination. Focus speed is pretty slow too, it has to be because the depth of field is so damn thin. Operation of the 1 series is completely different from the 20D type cameras, I had to get the guy whos camera it was to change the focus point and white ballance for me! I think i'd prefer the 1D2 than the 1Ds2, it's faster. But i'll wait for the 1D3.

I have often wondered if all those folks who want to jump on in and buy a 1 Series have actually used one. I had a play with a EOS1v many years ago in the days of film when I had my EOS30, way different to drive from other EOS's would have to relearn the camera. My 20D is not fundamentally different from my EOS50 I had over ten years ago, they have just moved things around and made more of them (7 focus points vs 3).

[Wazza]

We should see if we can get a POTN 1DIII group discount.. ;)

I definately need the performance and reliability, for an all weather sealed body, and fast FPS, and bit more megapixels... 1.3 crop seems ideal too. I'm hoping for a 12fps cropped (10 megapixel) version like Nikon D2X, and 6fps full size 16megapixel

[FlyingPete]

We should see if we can get a POTN 1DIII group discount.. ;)

I definately need the performance and reliability, for an all weather sealed body, and fast FPS, and bit more megapixels... 1.3 crop seems ideal too. I'm hoping for a 12fps cropped (10 megapixel) version like Nikon D2X, and 6fps full size 16megapixel

Actually the guys at Noink have got quite clever with the crop for high speed thing on their latest body, when you go into highspeed mode, the viewfinder area that is no longer used actually darkens, the other less obvious advantage to having a viewfinder area larger than your image area is you can see when something is about to enter the frame such as in sports.

BTW this is not a plug for Noink, and I doubt Canon will do that, they seem to be commited to full frame, I think they will just make a fast full frame camera, with the way technology has been moving in the past few years they should be able to do that now...

[FlyingPete]

And now for something completely different...

Loaded up Windows Vista Beta2 today on my rather well spec'd hack box (Celeron 2.4Ghz, 2GB DDR RAM, 256MB Radeon Video), have to say, like the initial eye-candy, quite a big upgrade from XP's look, now utilises the processor for effects on the video card, such as transparencies and shading. Everything is also now fully scalable, the icons are no longer bitmaps either.

But what a cost, the base OS only install is over 7GB, and it uses 580MB of RAM even before thinking about loading any applications :shock:

If you are thinking about going the MS way, better budget for an upgrade, any OS that requires a 256MB 3D video card and at least 1GB of RAM to be usable is going not really going to run well on anything more than a year or so old.

Then there is that other OS (Which I actually do use, but not on a workstation!)…

Does anyone want a screen shot?

[weka2000]

Well Im all spent out on camera bodies. The 5D will last me untill it dies. I would rather put my money into glass. 1 series are for pro's or amatures with more money than cents :lol:

[weka2000]

But what a cost, the base OS only install is over 7GB, and it uses 580MB of RAM even before thinking about loading any applications.

Yep I will need to upgrade then (384 RAMBUS total). I tryed a beta of vista a while ago. Im more intrested in Adobes lightroom :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

We installed Vista on a work machine here. Your right about the eye candy, it does look nice but with such a large install, eeek. Typical MS. I don't think I will be upgrading to the OS straght away.

As for upgrading the camera. The 10D is a nice camera but it's like anything, it would be nice to have something that's better. Being able to more FPS would be nice, but the key thing for me would the 1.3 crop. It gives me a wider view plus also give me the reach on the longer lens.

Anyway if I have the money then I would just be an amature that got the money :)

[weka2000]

Sometimes I think I went over the top with the 5D. The 20D was great and except for the fact that it has a smaller LCD and Viewfinder. The 5D was a want and I dont regret buying it now but I did have second thoughts a while ago.

The 1D series offeres weather sealing but then your glass has to match. I dont do sports so I dont need the FPS speed.

For many the 1.3 crop appeals. I perfer FF as im no good at maths :lol:

The best thing I have done is gone to Canon "L" glass and Primes. I need to push my self more to get better at my photography I feel composition still lets me down. I have the feeling I get out more than most, I guess I would shoot something 5x a week. I have done more shots with the 5D than the 20D in the same time.

Wazza what your count now?

[Sweedishcarrot01]

I did ALOT of researching before I purchased my 5D. The 1Ds MK2 was what I originally thought I would purchase, but, I found image quality far superior on the 5D. I presume this is because it has a later model senser. Hopefully the next 1Ds will also have the later model sensor.

[TKRFAN]

Hi Everyone

Geez, all this talk about lenses has got me thinking - and that is a VERY bad idea.

From what I have read in this thread, I gather some of you get lenses from Harvey Norman? I wandered into my local store today, and of course the camera person wasn't there :S So he is going to ring me tomorrow. I am thinking of buying my first L type lens - scary thought.

So I bow to your expertise and ask - HELP :D As you know, I am mostly into taking pics of motorsport at the moment, so which lens should I investigate buying!

I was originally thinking a while ago of the 100-400L, but now I am not sure - am I better to get a 70-200 of some description then get a 1.4 or 2x converter? Should I get a Canon lens or Sigma lens, what is the difference/benefits of each??? I am pretty confused so hopefully some of you can shed some light :)

Maybe there is even one person out there who will say stick with what I have for now and be sensible and wait ;) :P

[weka2000]

I did ALOT of researching before I purchased my 5D. The 1Ds MK2 was what I originally thought I would purchase, but, I found image quality far superior on the 5D. I presume this is because it has a later model senser. Hopefully the next 1Ds will also have the later model sensor.

I went into harvey norman toke some photos and brought it. "Just put it on my account" I dont go there any more im affraid they will have 1D on the shelf :lol:

[weka2000]

TKRFAN here is the link I use for all my glass purchases

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php

What are you wanting to shoot? Sports, landscape, wildlife etc?

[TKRFAN]

Thanks for the link Weka2000 - I will spend some time reading there :)

Motorsport is what I am wanting the lens for, mostly on the track, but might hopefully get more into rally etc if I get off my butt :)

[NordieBoy]

I was originally thinking a while ago of the 100-400L, but now I am not sure - am I better to get a 70-200 of some description then get a 1.4 or 2x converter? Should I get a Canon lens or Sigma lens, what is the difference/benefits of each??? I am pretty confused so hopefully some of you can shed some light :)

Maybe there is even one person out there who will say stick with what I have for now and be sensible and wait ;) :P

Hey Tracy,
What length are your shots mostly at now?
I found mine were 95% in the 70-200 range.

I would look at the Canon 70-20 f4 if weight is a concern and it works with a 1.4 TC.
Next option would be the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 which can take a 1.4 or 2x TC.
Next one at nearly $1000 more is the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS

The f4 Canon is around 700g and the Sigma and Canon f2.8's are both around double that (and more).

If I wasn't sure about the range etc I'd get the f4 Canon 2nd hand and play.
That would let you find out wether you want a faster or longer lens and will hold it's resale value very well (or you could re-sell it to me :D )

[Wazza]

Shutter count? Was worked out at about 85,000 around 2 months ago, I would say it is now 100,000. :eek:

Anyway, think I may have front page of Motor Sport News. Drifting photo, plus one other within the mag/paper publication.

I'll let you know when I get the print.. :)

[theflyingkiwi]

Motorsport is what I am wanting the lens for, mostly on the track, but might hopefully get more into rally etc if I get off my butt :)


That is a very good web site for the reviews. I have got the sigma 100-300 F4 and Wazza (warren) has got the sigma 120-300 F2.8 and joeseph has got the canon 100-400. All of which are great lens.

The reason I got my lens was because I found it to be sitting between what warren had got and what Joeseph had got. I figured the 100-400 would be @ F56 between 200-400mm. With my lens I get 300 @ F4 which is a stop faster. Which I may at somepoint find I need. Also with the sigma 1.4x attached I get 420 @ f5.6

As for the price I also found it was cheaper in total than either of these to lens.

Since you are into motorsports check my web page for photographs taken with this lens. The ones in this gallery was taken with this lens
http://cuthbert.net.nz/sv806/index.htm

P.S. welcome.

[theflyingkiwi]

Shutter count? Was worked out at about 85,000 around 2 months ago, I would say it is now 100,000. :eek:

Anyway, think I may have front page of Motor Sport News. Drifting photo, plus one other within the mag/paper publication.

I'll let you know when I get the print.. :)

You will be able to quit your day time job any day now :)

[FlyingPete]

Shutter count? Was worked out at about 85,000 around 2 months ago, I would say it is now 100,000. :eek:

Anyway, think I may have front page of Motor Sport News. Drifting photo, plus one other within the mag/paper publication.

I'll let you know when I get the print.. :)

Hmmm, I only just broke 30K, I guess I have some catching up to do...

Oh well at least there is no official shutter limit on the 20D, makes them a good purchase for shutter bugs, Canon can't say that you took too many photos!

[weka2000]

That is a very good web site for the reviews. I have got the sigma 100-300 F4 and Wazza (warren) has got the sigma 120-300 F2.8 and joeseph has got the canon 100-400. All of which are great lens.

Hey you forgot me and my bigma which is bigger than yours :lol:

[weka2000]

Went out for sunset but heres what I got instead

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1710806#post1710806

and this one

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1710820#post1710820

[NordieBoy]

Hey you forgot me and my bigma which is bigger than yours :lol:
Maybe he was just counting lenses that work properly on the owners current camera :lol:

[weka2000]

Maybe he was just counting lenses that work properly on the owners current camera :lol:

Hey it does at F16
Great reason not to sell your 20D when you buy a 5D :)

[joeseph]

Hi Everyone

Geez, all this talk about lenses has got me thinking - and that is a VERY bad idea.

From what I have read in this thread, I gather some of you get lenses from Harvey Norman? I wandered into my local store today, and of course the camera person wasn't there :S So he is going to ring me tomorrow. I am thinking of buying my first L type lens - scary thought.

So I bow to your expertise and ask - HELP :D As you know, I am mostly into taking pics of motorsport at the moment, so which lens should I investigate buying!

I was originally thinking a while ago of the 100-400L, but now I am not sure - am I better to get a 70-200 of some description then get a 1.4 or 2x converter? Should I get a Canon lens or Sigma lens, what is the difference/benefits of each??? I am pretty confused so hopefully some of you can shed some light :)

Maybe there is even one person out there who will say stick with what I have for now and be sensible and wait ;) :P

There's pro's & cons of most lenses - Couple of things to think about: light, and weight.
Light - you need quite a bit of it to get the best out of a 100-400 with a moving target. I really like mine but it does suffer when it gets darker, and although has I.S. which is really useful for stuff that doesn't move - I don't think it really helps for motorsport. I still find a fair few shots are out of focus and I'm putting that more down to my technique rather than the lens. I just don't get enough practice.
Weight - how good are your arms? having seen Wazza's 120-300 Sigma results and the sharpness is awesome. I suspect if I'd played with one before buying the 100-400 I'd probably have made a different choice. It is however not a small lens so you'd better be pretty serious before putting the cash down.

from what I read, the decision between the two for the pro's is the Sigma wins
for example see: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=189384
(still really good shots from the 100-400 but Cadwell grumbled all the way!)

I'd read & searched info about the 70-200 2.8 & use of 1.4 TC but from what I can tell, the Sigma 120-300 would produce better quality whereas the 70-200 2.8 without the TC will get shots the sigma is just a shade too long for.
how big is the budget?

[scotttnz]

Great reason not to sell your 20D when you buy a 5D

Some would say "great reason to sell your Bigma when you buy a 5D"

[weka2000]

Some would say "great reason to sell your Bigma when you buy a 5D"

And replace it with what?

[NordieBoy]

Money?

:D

[weka2000]

There is only one option for a bigma replacement and thats a sigmonster :lol:

[weka2000]

There is only one option for a bigma replacement and thats a sigmonster :lol:

[weka2000]

There is only one option for a bigma replacement and thats a sigmonster :lol:

[tim]

Sorry, what should you replace a bigma with Weka, I didn't catch that?! :p

[scotttnz]

Weka will do anything to get his post count up!

[weka2000]

Weka will do anything to get his post count up!

Yeh I know. However I shoot my mouth off as much as I shoot off a 2gig CF card. I did over 200 Photos yesterday.

Just woken up, ah its nice not to be awake at 5am. Sunrises are for the birds wake me up when its all over :lol:

[scotttnz]

Just woken up

Ahhhhh.....school holidays.....alright for some!

[weka2000]

Ahhhhh.....school holidays.....alright for some!

I deserve a mid year break. Anyway spent most of it building a new bathrom and laundry. I could have brought a new 100macro with the money Ive spent on the job.

[theflyingkiwi]

Yeh I know. However I shoot my mouth off as much as I shoot off a 2gig CF card. I did over 200 Photos yesterday.

Just woken up, ah its nice not to be awake at 5am. Sunrises are for the birds wake me up when its all over :lol:


So not only do you talk to yourself, you do it alot. :lol:

so how many photos can you store on a 2gb card?

[TKRFAN]

Weight - how good are your arms? having seen Wazza's 120-300 Sigma results and the sharpness is awesome. I suspect if I'd played with one before buying the 100-400 I'd probably have made a different choice. It is however not a small lens so you'd better be pretty serious before putting the cash down.

from what I read, the decision between the two for the pro's is the Sigma wins
for example see: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=189384
(still really good shots from the 100-400 but Cadwell grumbled all the way!)

I'd read & searched info about the 70-200 2.8 & use of 1.4 TC but from what I can tell, the Sigma 120-300 would produce better quality whereas the 70-200 2.8 without the TC will get shots the sigma is just a shade too long for.
how big is the budget?

Hi

Thanks everyone for all the advice - I think I am just as confused now as everyone has a different favourite LOL :)

Weight, hadn't really thought about that before, but I guess if I am going to be lugging it around the place I will have to consider it more - I have no problem carrying my 75-300 IS USM lens around all day - but I think that is pretty light compared to any of the options that have been presented - ok, most are at around double the weight, but that should be fine I think :).

Budget....... ah, yes, well, that is something I am making up as I go along :o I have a feeling the 100-400 might be out of reach budget wise, but will wait and see what Harveys have to say.

I know the f2.8 would be great for low light (and we certainly get a lot of that here in NZ at motorsports), but I guess at the moment I would just like a sharper lens, and I can still get that at F4? If I get the 70-200 I will get a 1.4 converter anyway so that is more cost. At some tracks I definitely use more of the 70-200 range, but I would hate to go over to Oran Park (Sydney), and find I needed a bit more range for the spectator areas over there!

So at the moment I am slightly leaning towards the Canon 70-200 in F4 plus the 1.4 teleconverter... feel free to jump in and tell me that is the wrong thing to do LOL

[NordieBoy]

That would be a great combination.
Light and very sharp (but all the 70-200's are really).
Only catch is f5.6 when you put the 1.4 TC on.
But if you're over at Oran Park there's probably a good chance of sunshine :D

No matter what lens you get I would still get a 1.4 TC to give you more flexability.

Personally I'd get the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 to have the ability to use a 1.4 or 2 x TC and still keep autofocus.

[FlyingPete]

Hi

Thanks everyone for all the advice - I think I am just as confused now as everyone has a different favourite LOL :)

Weight, hadn't really thought about that before, but I guess if I am going to be lugging it around the place I will have to consider it more - I have no problem carrying my 75-300 IS USM lens around all day - but I think that is pretty light compared to any of the options that have been presented - ok, most are at around double the weight, but that should be fine I think :).

Budget....... ah, yes, well, that is something I am making up as I go along :o I have a feeling the 100-400 might be out of reach budget wise, but will wait and see what Harveys have to say.

I know the f2.8 would be great for low light (and we certainly get a lot of that here in NZ at motorsports), but I guess at the moment I would just like a sharper lens, and I can still get that at F4? If I get the 70-200 I will get a 1.4 converter anyway so that is more cost. At some tracks I definitely use more of the 70-200 range, but I would hate to go over to Oran Park (Sydney), and find I needed a bit more range for the spectator areas over there!

So at the moment I am slightly leaning towards the Canon 70-200 in F4 plus the 1.4 teleconverter... feel free to jump in and tell me that is the wrong thing to do LOL

As a previous owner of a 75-300IS I can vouch for the huge improvement you will get with a 70-200 f/4 or f/2.8, in fact the 70-200 at 200mm cropped to the same coverage as 300mm is actually sharper than the 75-300 at 300mm :shock:

I thought about getting the 1.4TC for my 70-200, but really I don't miss the extra 100mm due to the sharpness I now have :D

[scotttnz]

I used my Sigma 70-200 + 1.4TC at Puke for the V8s this year and it was great! I probably could have got away without the TC in the spot I had. The thing I was most impressed with was the AF. It wasthe first time I had used the lens/TC combo to track fast moving objects in AI Servo mode. I think any of the canon or sigma 70-200 would be the same, although I have not heard how the f4 AF is with a TC on.

As for budget, I got the 70-200 off trademe (mint condition) and TC second hand from auckland camera for a total of $920. I can't justify the new prices on this stuff (wife, kids, mortgage etc), but I am still chuffed about the bargin price I got the 70-200 for ($700). If you can be patient these deals do come up on trademe from time to time, but you have got to be quick, and lucky.

[TKRFAN]

Hi All

Thanks for that Fran :)

I have decided to be sensible with the budget (arrrrgh) so I think the F4 will have to be the lens for now ;)

But another question (sorry).....

Do the Tamron teleconverters 1.4x still allow the autofocus features of the lens to function (I assume they don't, but am having trouble finding anything about it)?

[FlyingPete]

As for budget, I got the 70-200 off trademe (mint condition) and TC second hand from auckland camera for a total of $920. I can't justify the new prices on this stuff (wife, kids, mortgage etc), but I am still chuffed about the bargin price I got the 70-200 for ($700). If you can be patient these deals do come up on trademe from time to time, but you have got to be quick, and lucky.

Yeah, don't give up on the TradeMe thing, there are still bargins to be had, I got my 70-200 f/2.8 for $1300, it just has a bit of cosmentic wear on the barrel, looks well loved!

[weka2000]

So not only do you talk to yourself, you do it alot. :lol:

so how many photos can you store on a 2gb card?

100 the raw files for the 5D are 12meg each

[weka2000]

I have the Canon 70-200 F4 Sharp and light.
I had a play with Petes 70-200 F2.8 with my 2x TC quality mininmal loss against my Sigma 50-500 at same lengths.
Played with Scotts Sigma 70-200 personally found it a bit soft on Full frame. but on a 1.6 crop (which most of the lens tests are done) would be fine.

I would go for the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 EX you get the ability to add a 1,4 and 2.0 TC and still retain autofocus. Its a lot cheaper than the Canon 70-200 F2.8
Buy adding a 2xTC you will find out if you need something that will go to 400mm.

The bigma (sigma 50-500) cost me $1500 and its perfect on a 1.6 crop vignettes on Full Frame untill about F11.

There have been a lot of Canon 70-200 F4 for sale on trade me lately for around the $1100 mark.

[theflyingkiwi]

I have decided to be sensible with the budget (arrrrgh) so I think the F4 will have to be the lens for now ;)

Hey, I am going to go against the grain on this one. When it comes to motorsport the longer then lens the better. That's why I would recommend the sigma 100-300 F4. The pics are sharper and despite 2 days of use at the super v8's I didn't lose focus. The only down side is the weight, but in saying that it still can be used hand held.

I do think that this lens with the 1.4 is a better combo than the 70-200 F2.8. One of the reasons is you don't have to add/remove the TC's to get that extra reach to 300, and with the 1.4x you get the same focal lenght as the 70-200 with the 2x.


Here are a couple of prices from auckland camera center.
Simga 100-300 F4 $2105.00
Simga 70-200 F2.8 + 1.4x $1769.00+$339.00=$2108

But we all know that the Canon 70-200 F4 is a great lens. Never used it myself but there are enought people around here that have and they rave about it.

[scotttnz]

Hey, I am going to go against the grain on this one. When it comes to motorsport the longer then lens the better. That's why I would recommend the sigma 100-300 F4. The pics are sharper and despite 2 days of use at the super v8's I didn't lose focus. The only down side is the weight, but in saying that it still can be used hand held.

I do think that this lens with the 1.4 is a better combo than the 70-200 F2.8. One of the reasons is you don't have to add/remove the TC's to get that extra reach to 300, and with the 1.4x you get the same focal lenght as the 70-200 with the 2x.

Depends if you want to use it for anything else.....70-200 + TC is more flexable.

I used a 70-200 f4 for a few shots on the first GKPE we had. I remember being amazed by the sharpness, colour and contrast of the pics ( had an old canon 55-200 at the time). Of couse ducks and swans at western springs is a bit different to racing cars.

[theflyingkiwi]

Depends if you want to use it for anything else.....70-200 + TC is more flexable.

that's ture. But it's only a stop faster, which can be usefull in low light. And you only lose on the short end of about 30mm. Which since we all have feet we should be able to move to make that difference :)

[FlyingPete]

Of couse ducks and swans at western springs is a bit different to racing cars.

Yeah but what about that Pukeko ;)

[Wazza]

I may have to use Tony's Sigmonster a bit... I think we may all have to! :p

Hopefully it gets another good use at this weekends D1NZ on Sunday, however don't know if I can get the day off work yet!

I'm definately buying a 1DMkIII, and in about 2 years when I'm completely debt free, I may consider a 300-800mm, for wildlife photography and other stuff. For now, the 120-300 is perfect, and I may buy the 2x converter within a few months, to try 600mm F5.6 to see how sharp she really is.. you never know, I may not need longer than 300mm 2.8.

400mm 2.8 is so heavy and expensive, may as well spend the same on a 300-800 with more use. The Sigma 500 4.5 doesnt seem to exist. Maybe Sigma stopped making it.

So my likely future in photography, (providing I stay free lance, or not employed by somewhere where I get free equipment),

1DMkIII
1x 580EX
1x Macro lens
Keep the 20D as the 2nd body

I think then, I could keep all the lens for approx 5-10 years, and bodies replace every 3 years, give away the 20D to family, it won't be worth too much, maybe $700. ANd buy a 1DSMkIV. :lol:

Oh, and I've decided I'll buy a Mini Cooper S, black or blue and have it signwritten with my details

http://wazza.nfscity.com/glasswell/images/38.jpg
That car is hot...

Oh let's not forget the future.. House, wife, 7 kids... Better get the camera gear before it's a firm NO. :D

[Moppie]

Oh let's not forget the future.. House, wife, 7 kids... Better get the camera gear before it's a firm NO. :D


You've checked all of this with Kirst I take it?
Or have you yet to discover that Women plan decades everything in advance, and I mean everything.

[Wazza]

She'll understand the importance of having a 2nd body, and being assured the equipment is beyond the clients expectations.. Oh how I wish I had two bodies of Kirst.
Work time cya

[Moppie]

Ok, it took a little while (I can be slow about things sometimes) but Peka just recieved a donation of US$123 from a large number of Kiwis :D
According to the donation page, that covers only 1/3 of a months server costs :eek:

[Wazza]

Cool stuff! :)
You have 10 more days before General Ramblings needs another kick.

[theflyingkiwi]

Cool stuff! :)
You have 10 more days before General Ramblings needs another kick.

??? Huh

[FlyingPete]

??? Huh

10 days = 1/3rd of a month, Moppies donation runs the server for 1/3rd of a month.

[theflyingkiwi]

ahhh, I see said the blind man.

[tim]

Oh how I wish I had two bodies of Kirst.

Does she have a sister? ;)

[FlyingPete]

Does she have a sister? ;)

Yes she does I used to work with her, not really into photography that much though, and already has kids!

[TKRFAN]

Hi Everyone

I was talking to someone at work this morning about my potential lens choice - and he was very emphatic in telling me I would need a monopod or tripod to get any decent photos with the 70-200 F4 lens, plus 1.4xteleconverter, particularly at the high end because of camera shake? Is he talking out of his butt, or would I need a monopod?

[MattL]

Hey where did the USD$123 come from?

[Moppie]

Hey where did the USD$123 come from?


The magic fairys gave it to me, along with a 20D, 580ex and pile of glass that would make even Belmondo jelous (well maybe not, but it would spark his interest).

[tim]

I was talking to someone at work this morning about my potential lens choice - and he was very emphatic in telling me I would need a monopod or tripod to get any decent photos with the 70-200 F4 lens, plus 1.4xteleconverter, particularly at the high end because of camera shake? Is he talking out of his butt, or would I need a monopod?

In the middle of the day you'll be fine, but in the darker times you'll want 1/200th which could be a bit tough.

[theflyingkiwi]

Hi Everyone

I was talking to someone at work this morning about my potential lens choice - and he was very emphatic in telling me I would need a monopod or tripod to get any decent photos with the 70-200 F4 lens, plus 1.4xteleconverter, particularly at the high end because of camera shake? Is he talking out of his butt, or would I need a monopod?

The mono pod is something you will have to figure out yourself. If you find that you can't hand hold the camera and the lens and you get to much shack then yes you might need one.

However there is a cost with using a monopod and that is panning. It gets harder to pan on a monopod or a tripod. but this type of photography is best done handheld.

I sometimes use a monopod only because the weight of the lens etc can tire the sholders after alot of use.

[MattL]

200mm + 1.4tc is about 300mm. I can hand hold 300mm shots fine - but they 70-200 is no light peice of plastic.

Monopods are great. I would definatly suggest you would want one with that combo.

[MattL]

Oh the money was from the proceeds from when we all loaned you our gear?

Good to know the money went to Peka - great idea, whoever that was. :)

[weka2000]

Mono pods are a waste of time. Tripod is the way to go, I tripod all my photo's these days and it cheaper than canon's IS glass :)
Wazza I have a 2xTC you can borrow dont use it much.

Wazza you are planning well ahead, wife, kids, and house. The current treand is all that happens in your 30's so you have plenty of time providing everything is protected and there are no escape artists ;)


TKRFAN, come up to Auckland one weekend and have a play with our toys Im sure we could do with another event at Scotts and redo our len and camera photo again, as many of us have spent a lot since then.....who has that photo and what did we work out the $ amount on that photo?

Side note, I have 2 blocked ears and cant hear a thing, but the bathroom will be finished today and my wife will beable to have a shower. I wonder if I will get a reward? oh thats right no more nagging "whens this going to be finished?"

[MattL]

Tony Monopods are not a waste of time. Ignorant opinions like that are a waste of time.

[Wazza]

:lol: Shut your mouth Matt, :p
We're all friends. :)

Hows the skiing going anyway? Busy busy?

Monopods I agree can be awkward, the only use I see for them is resting a HEAVY lens, even my 120-300 I prefer to handhold. If I was using a 300-800, it would be on a tripod, so really monopods are ok on the sideline.. It helped when I was at the Warriors, when I was down to shooting at 1metre high crouching rather than 1.8metres at eye height.

http://wazza.nfscity.com/20d/nrl_04.jpg

[scotttnz]

Mono pods are a waste of time.

Try panning to track a racing car with a tripod!

[Wazza]

Just remember Kirst is already in her 30's... We can't have family too old... I'm sure she'd love to see grandchildren one day...

I don't mind having a family in say 3 years time, as long as I own a house, have all the photography gear I need and am happy. :)

[scotttnz]

Just remember Kirst is already in her 30's... We can't have family too old... I'm sure she'd love to see grandchildren one day...

I don't mind having a family in say 3 years time, as long as I own a house, have all the photography gear I need and am happy.

Sounds like plans are afoot......well there will be no shortage a photos....

[weka2000]

I want to hear what iKirst has to say about all this. You might wear the pants but I bet she tells you what pair to wear :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

well as it has been proven over history, behind every man there is a women that controls the man

[TKRFAN]

Hi All

Thanks for the advice again :) I think I will go for the F4 lens for now - maybe in the future I will go for the F2.8 but I can't justify to myself for now.

I think I should be ok with the panning - I am learning slowly

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=163364

The 70-200 lens isn't much heavier than the one I have now, so should be ok!

Thanks again, and depending on how long it takes to get the lens, I will head out to the track to get some shots for your C&C!

[NordieBoy]

A mono-pod is a good investment but...
The f4 is a nice light lens.
Even with a TC it's far lighter than the others.

[scotttnz]

Just remember the f4 does not come with a tripod mount bracket, so you have to use the camera one. There seems to be some debate over wheather this lens is heavy enought to warrant the bracket. Perhaps Tony can comment on that.

[weka2000]

Ive just had a shower, first time in 7days :lol:

Baths are fine for a soak but you cant beat a shower for washing away the days issues.

TKRFAN what F4 lens are you getting?

[TKRFAN]

lol congrats on the shower weka200 - I totally agree with you on that one :)

I am getting the canon 70-200F4, and a tamron 1.4x converter.

[weka2000]

lol congrats on the shower weka200 - I totally agree with you on that one :)

I am getting the canon 70-200F4, and a tamron 1.4x converter.

The Canon 70-200 F4 is as sharp as the F2.8 but lighter its a nice lens. Dont wory about the tripod mount and it dosnt weigh much and sits fine when the bodys on a mount.

Wife and kids are happy about the shower. As promised to my wife it would be done by today :)

TKRFAN do you photograph andy thing else besides fast cars?

[Wazza]

70-200f4 is a lightweight, white lens..Not much heavier than a standard Canon lens.

Its the IS lens, or 2.8 lens, when they get considerably heavier.

[Wazza]

I want to hear what iKirst has to say about all this. You might wear the pants but I bet she tells you what pair to wear :lol:

I didn't see her long enough this morning.. She's gone down to Turangi at 4:30am... Got me up nice and early.. Then I went home and had a nice warm sleep.

I was almost considering grabbing the camera while I was awake and going somewhere...

So.. as I didn't see her long enough, I don't think I had time to grab what pants to wear.... :rolleyes:

[forsaken]

I intially thought I would be using my mono pod alot but after a few uses with the sigma 7 0 -200 f2.8 I realised that it can be more of a hassle than a help. Found I got better shot hand held than on the pod.

Will give it another attempt at D1NZ on Sunday though.

[TKRFAN]

Well, just in the last two days I have been doing almost the complete opposite size wise of cars - I have just started learning how to take photos using the compound microscope at work. The photos are of mites, and will end up in a computerised identification key. I have to take photos in layers through the mite from top to bottom (or specific bits from top to bottom), then the photos go into photoshop, where all the layers with necessary parts in focus are taken and using some $8000 software (sorry don't know the name) it is all merged into one beautifully in focus picture. We are taking up to 60 pictures for each view, but don't use that many in the final product. So it is moving in fractions of mm each time. Very time consuming!!

I did attempt to take some photos of butterflies at Butterfly Creek when I was up in Auckland for the supercars - this is one of the few I liked (was using the 75-300mm lens at 300mm). I also like taking photos of animals, family etc :)

[weka2000]

Here is some more from my Onehunga urban photo session yesterday

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1714528#post1714528

[scotttnz]

did attempt to take some photos of butterflies at Butterfly Creek when I was up in Auckland for the supercars - this is one of the few I liked (was using the 75-300mm lens at 300mm).

Nice butterfly!

[theflyingkiwi]

yes, that's a nice shot a butterfly.

How many of you guys/gals read this post http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=46965 and how many use the * for focus?

[weka2000]

My focus is dead center the 1 and only focus point :lol:

[joeseph]

one focus point and * to get it locked on...

[joeseph]

The current treand is all that happens in your 30's

ooooh. Bugger. :p

[NordieBoy]

One focus point (centre, right or top depending on the shot) and * to focus.
CFn 4-3.

Who needs a Canon 70-200 F4 L?
Bah!
Get a Sigma 70-300 APO and throw a huge party with the rest of the money :D

[forsaken]

tried using * but I am forgetfull so stopped, was missing to many shots due to lack of focus. But thats just me bing a lazy sod

[weka2000]

ooooh. Bugger. :p

Yeh there is always 1 that has to be different :lol:

[weka2000]

onehunga's 2 bridges. Photoshop HDR feature based on 3 exposures.

[theflyingkiwi]

tried using * but I am forgetfull so stopped, was missing to many shots due to lack of focus. But thats just me bing a lazy sod

I know what you mean. But then I went out one day with the camera and decied to use it full time. Then by the end of the day I found it's the best way to use the camera. being able to focus with one button, means I can keep focus lock while the exposure can change.

[scotttnz]

onehunga's 2 bridges. Photoshop HDR feature based on 3 exposures.

I often think these HDR blends look unatural, as this one does, but somehow it works for this shot. It looks cool.

[Wazza]

Awesome looking butterfly! :)

I also use * to focus, and centre point focus

[FlyingPete]

GKPE IV Vote thread up here, have your say!

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=190848

[tim]

tried using * but I am forgetfull so stopped, was missing to many shots due to lack of focus. But thats just me bing a lazy sod

I forgot I turned it on once, it took me hours to work out why my camera wouldn't focus! I'd just picked it up and ran outside to shoot a nearby fire. I kicked myself when I worked it out!

[tim]

Hey, guys, i'm considering a bit of a holiday in Auckland before I start work again - just got an IT contract starting 1st August to tide me over until the next wedding season. Is anything going on 22-23rd or 28-29th? I'll probably find cheaper accomodation this time (ie less than 5 star!) but will probably rent a car still.

[weka2000]

Scott Im not a great HDR fan either. They never seem to come out right.

[mrmeal]

Hey, guys, i'm considering a bit of a holiday in Auckland before I start work again - just got an IT contract starting 1st August to tide me over until the next wedding season. Is anything going on 22-23rd or 28-29th? I'll probably find cheaper accomodation this time (ie less than 5 star!) but will probably rent a car still.

I'm sure the Aucklanders can make something happen. ;)

[Wazza]

Hayden better be in too, with his impersonating *ikon

[theflyingkiwi]

is there a nik*n collaborator in the group?

[Wazza]

Posted a couple of shots last night..
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=190858
Pete: That's Ma's cat...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=190871

[DiscoLizard]

Hi all,

Another Aucklander here (well, actually Wellingtonian, but we won't get into that...)

Just wanted to say that I'm really impressed with the quality of photos in this thread, and I'm looking forward to learning enough to feel comfortable posting my own ones!

Disco


Oh, and say hi to Lizard too, she's just signed up. (And she's a jaffa through and through :D)

[Moppie]

More Kiwis, better yet more Aucklanders, welcome along.

I think I might need to find a bigger van though.
Scott, hows the Lotto winnings GKPE Bus comeing?

[theflyingkiwi]

Just typical. more aucklanders. :p

welcome to the forum, this is a great place to learn how to use your camera and take photos.

At this stage it looks like a bus thing would have to be done. I wasn't planning on coming along to the next GKPE. I don't normaly say alot around people I don't know. You know it's the old story, about someone looks fine untill they open their mouth :):lol:

[weka2000]

Well were are growing into a nice little group.

I saw some great shots of the manukau harbour glassy surface great reflections. Shame I didnt have my camera. Oh whats the fine for stopping on a motorway to take photos :lol:

[weka2000]

Just typical. more aucklanders. :p

You know it's the old story, about someone looks fine untill they open their mouth :):lol:

Have you been talking to my wife :lol:

[lizard]

Hi everyone,

ive just joined, never seem to get to the end of a thread as i get side tracked by all the awesome photos! can't wait to get some of my own up for a bit of friendly critique :-D

Lizard

[theflyingkiwi]

Hi everyone,

ive just joined, never seem to get to the end of a thread as i get side tracked by all the awesome photos! can't wait to get some of my own up for a bit of friendly critique :-D

Lizard


let me be the first today (just to beat weka :) ) welcome to the forum. And being your first post, well done in posting in the right place first. :)

There are alot of good threads out there and there are alot of talaneted people on this fourm.

[weka2000]

So new folks tell us about yourselves. We are a great bunch and ask away if you have any questions.

[DiscoLizard]

Well, speaking for myself, I've got a pretty limited sort of photographic background, but I'm pretty sure that I'm better off behind the camera than in front of it.

I'm interested in pretty much all genres - apart from perhaps studio portraits, although I'm getting interested in them too. We've got a trip to Thailand coming up in October, and I'm determined to get some good shots when we go!

I'm checking out a 28mm f/1.8 to add to the gear list at the moment, because I figure with the 1.6x crop on my 350d that the lense will be useful for some environmental portraits of lizard when we get to Chiang Mai (and later Phuket). I'm going for a fast prime because I want to avoid using a flash if possible, I don't like the extreme look it gives sometimes. Also, my flash was stolen/has disappeared, so I'd have to get another.

[Wazza]

That must be about 100 points by now for referring people into General Ramblings...

;)

Are you a couple? Heh.

I'm with iKirst a member, who hasn't been active too much due to other commitments, but still very much into Canon photography. We met on the forum soon after she joined in January.. and been going out since then too... actually think it's almost 6 months to the day since Weka2000, forsaken, iKirst and Wazza all met up at Nihotupu falls!

[weka2000]

Ok I played with the brightness and turned it down on my laptop.

So is this photo to dark still or is it ok

[weka2000]

That must be about 100 points by now for referring people into General Ramblings...

;)

Are you a couple? Heh.

I'm with iKirst a member, who hasn't been active too much due to other commitments, but still very much into Canon photography. We met on the forum soon after she joined in January.. and been going out since then too... actually think it's almost 6 months to the day since Weka2000, forsaken, iKirst and Wazza all met up at Nihotupu falls!

So it was my doing that got you and iKirst got togather. Waterfalls are magical. From memory you didnt think much of those waterfalls.....something caught your eye instead ;)

[Moppie]

So it was my doing that got you and iKirst got togather. Waterfalls are magical. From memory you didnt think much of those waterfalls.....something caught your eye instead ;)


I think we worked out it was my fault, I put Simon onto POTN, and he dragged iKirst along. Pete also had a hand in it, as we knows iKirsts sister from a previous job.

[DiscoLizard]

That must be about 100 points by now for referring people into General Ramblings...

;)

Are you a couple? Heh.

I'm with iKirst a member, who hasn't been active too much due to other commitments, but still very much into Canon photography. We met on the forum soon after she joined in January.. and been going out since then too... actually think it's almost 6 months to the day since Weka2000, forsaken, iKirst and Wazza all met up at Nihotupu falls!

We are... almost 5 years now, actually. Almost time to trade her in...

Yes, I took a quick look at iKirst's site, you're a lucky man :)

I've got a website I'm cobbling together, I won't post it yet because the photos on it are pretty much just point and shoot. But I've got a bit of spare webspace/bandwidth if anyone doesn't want to pay for hosting. As long as you don't mind me asking how you took certain shots, I don't mind sharing!

[FlyingPete]

Cool more new people, the more the merrier!

Welcome onboard guys! A great place to make a first post too, don't forget to checkout GKPE IV coming up in early August!

[FlyingPete]

I think we worked out it was my fault, I put Simon onto POTN, and he dragged iKirst along. Pete also had a hand in it, as we knows iKirsts sister from a previous job.

OK so that is at least four people now putting in a claim on that one :rolleyes:

[Wazza]

You're all just saying that, so you get first hands on 1DMk III. I can proudly say Kirst will be the priveledged one! :D

Back to work.

[NordieBoy]

OK so that is at least four people now putting in a claim on that one :rolleyes:
I would just like to say that...
"I didn't do it, it wasn't me, I was nowhere near there at the time..."

[FlyingPete]

I would just like to say that...
"I didn't do it, it wasn't me, I was nowhere near there at the time..."

Hey three posts off being a Senior Member!

[NordieBoy]

What's a Senior

[NordieBoy]

Member?

[scotttnz]

Scott, hows the Lotto winnings GKPE Bus comeing?

Sorry, I have been trying, but no luck. I have switched to big wednesday....how do you feel about a GKPE Range Rover, with roof mounted EF 1200mm?

Welcome noobs. hope to meet you on GKPE 4, but be warned, you will come away wanting to spend silly amounts of money on photo gear.

[scotttnz]

Sorry Tony, that one doesn't work for me....colour ballance is all wrong.

Great sunset tonight, shame I didn't have the camera.

[weka2000]

Sorry Tony, that one doesn't work for me....colour ballance is all wrong.

Great sunset tonight, shame I didn't have the camera.

is lighter than my other posts? Im trying to get it right you lot always complain my photos are 2 dark :)

[FlyingPete]

is lighter than my other posts? Im trying to get it right you lot always complain my photos are 2 dark :)

Have you calibrated your monitor recently?

[scotttnz]

is lighter than my other posts? Im trying to get it right you lot always complain my photos are 2 dark

Yeah, I think the brightness is about right.

[joeseph]

Hey three posts off being a Senior Member!
Hey Senór! ;)

[scotttnz]

Tony, here is one for you:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-63153072.htm

These are supposed to very sharp, and the buy now is probably less than you would get for your bigma.....

L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.L nonac yub.

[weka2000]

Tony, here is one for you:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-63153072.htm

These are supposed to very sharp, and the buy now is probably less than you would get for your bigma.....

L nonac yub.

Hey stop teasing me. Im keeping off trademe for a while.

[weka2000]

Have you calibrated your monitor recently?

yes I have 20/20 vision and my photos look great to me its when I post that everyone starts raising questions :lol:

[scotttnz]

Hey stop teasing me. Im keeping off trademe for a while.

I tease myself by looking at trademe all the time. That was I lens I thought about alot back when I craved a long lens above all else. Now I have realised that I don't need more than 280mm 99.9% of the time. But when I win big wednesday I will make sure there is a 400 f2.8 stowed in the range rover.

[scotttnz]

700!!!

One day I will be a Senior Member.....

[weka2000]

I cant see the point of getting a tele prime for my needs. I struggled getting the 50mm and 85mm but I could justify for portrait work and Im glad I did buy both.

I still want the sigmonster its ment to be sharper than the bigma and I like the range. I dont use the bigma under 300mm. The bigma shines at the zoo trouble is I never go o the zoo alone so im always rushed.

[theflyingkiwi]

Tony, do you have any real need for such a lens. that prime would be nice tho. However if you buy it for the group I am sure they will love ya for it .

[weka2000]

Tony, do you have any real need for such a lens. that prime would be nice tho. However if you buy it for the group I am sure they will love ya for it .

Did I say I needed a Sigmonster.... I WANT one hell its only about 9K :lol:

In the words of tim from tool time "More power grunt grunt grunt" 800mm baby on FF it would make wazzas 120-300 look like dinky toy. Size matters :)
I would be able to sell my bigma then.

[FlyingPete]

Did I say I needed a Sigmonster.... I WANT one hell its only about 9K :lol:

In the words of tim from tool time "More power grunt grunt grunt" 800mm baby on FF it would make wazzas 120-300 look like dinky toy. Size matters :)
I would be able to sell my bigma then.

(rushes off a puts on flannel check shirt and grows beard)

I don't think so Tim.