GKPE: General Ramblings thread

[weka2000]

Site is in testing i'm told, live in 2-3 months.

Minimum 3000 pixels per side, think they want lossless.

Just spoke to him. He will have a look at my pbase site and we will take it from there. It would give me a dam good reason to get out more and to up my game a whole lot...

Oh honey I need some new lens for making money the Sigma 50-500 and 30D are soft I need a 1D and some canon tele primes :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

Remember there are always issues of using the Canon logo
though...

we can't help it if the jacket already got the logo on it. :lol: :lol:

we just need to put something like "GKPE member that can be found at photography-on-the.net" :)

well I am looking for a replacement to my 10D. So if they can do a good price on what ever the replacement is going to be then they will get my $$$

[weka2000]

we can't help it if the jacket already got the logo on it. :lol: :lol:

we just need to put something like "GKPE member that can be found at photography-on-the.net" :)

well I am looking for a replacement to my 10D. So if they can do a good price on what ever the replacement is going to be then they will get my $$$

Do you a deal on a week old 30D.. hold it I will go to the zoo his afternoon and test with bigma it maybe a keeper :lol:

[theflyingkiwi]

I don't know, that's a used 30D, I am sure that it will get replaced at Photokina :) I'll give ya $50 for it

[DiscoLizard]

Tony, he's talking rubbish. I'll give you double that offer. :D

[theflyingkiwi]

now who's talking rubbish, gee the camera's not even worth it :)

[DiscoLizard]

You're right, $75 is probably more like it... We could split the cost and time share it :D

[scotttnz]

NEWS UPDATE.... have just come back from a meeting with a Auckland canon distrubter who feel they can give us better prices than AC. I even got a new red and black Canon jacket :lol:

So who wants what

I have asked them for a couple of prices of glass that im after next so we will see if their prices are as sharp as the glass I want. They can also do printers etc. No names of who at the moment untill I know they can do us a deal.

I just found out that I will be getting a reasonable bonus this year, so can you get me a price for the 17-40L and EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS + Hood. I think one of these will be joining my line up very soon.

[FlyingPete]

Message from Scott, he is at AC, they have a second hand 70-200 f/4L Good nick, $899, still have 400 f/2.8 as well.

[Nzshrimper]

Wohoo! another snow bunny.

Actually ill be down in CHCH for a few days skiing around the 12th of september, then im heading down to wanaka for another few days.

Will be my first time in the SI. :D
must catch up for a beer and a ski...:D just had a great day up at Mt Hutt. sun beer and snow.. (and it was all free)... so was the face burn :( have nice panda eyes and a bennie strip on my forehead...

[OiPaz]

possible problem Oipaz: not logged in? Nope! Otherwise I would not be allowed to reply. Even in this very moment I see no buttons in the ''Attach files'' box. And of course at the end of the page, in the ''Posting Rules'', it's stated that I can post attachments. Later I'll flush the cache of Firefox and I'll retry.

Weka2000: any news about that Canon reseller? The topic is enormously interesting! ;)

[OiPaz]

Later I'll flush the cache of Firefox and I'll retry.
Flushed. Now everything works again! :D

[forsaken]

Oh I also discoved a "how do you know you addicted to photography" today
How many of you drive along and look at the sun filter at the top of your windscreen and think about the effects the colours have on the thing you are looking at. Then work out what sort of Cokin filter you need to buy :lol:
Sandras new Mazda has a tabaco colour and what do you know cokin do one.
Or am I the only weird one in the group ;)

I want to find a filter that is the same as my sunglasses as the colours through those are more intense and vibrant

[weka2000]

This afternoon outing

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1928047#post1928047

Sorry the 30D and Sigma 50-500 are keepers but I need to get my monopod and settings sorted I got a few blured pics.

Oh they were all done on Manual settings.....cool Im starting to learn what the hell Im doing

[Nzshrimper]

a pic from the top of MT Hutt facing west...

[Moppie]

Sorry the 30D and Sigma 50-500 are keepers


Damn.....

Oppps, I mean thats good news Tony.

:lol: :lol:

[Wazza]

For the minority who like drifting..

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=210660

Got rather wet

[weka2000]

Damn.....

Oppps, I mean thats good news Tony.

:lol: :lol:

Unless I find the money for a 300/400/500 canon primes.

I could afford the 300F4 and 400F5.6 but the 500mm ummmmm I dont think so

Moppie give me a couple of months ;)

[weka2000]

Wazza when are we going to see more of your landscapes???

[forsaken]

proof that alcohol and cameras don't mix

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL348/944371/12399690/182461016.jpg

[Wazza]

LOL you copped some.

http://wazza.nfscity.com/d1-r4/images/img_2438_01.jpg

[forsaken]

yeah ben and I both got caught in the firing line

[dgcorner]

Gosh, you girls can really talk:lol: - 7 bloody, friggin pages to catch up on the goss :rolleyes:

It's a shame that I can't access the internet for personal stuff while at work...:cry: Then I would just be 3-4 pages behind;)

Time does fly when you're having fun! Where did my week go? The only proof I have of work is that my legs are still sore:lol:

[forsaken]

Time does fly when you're having fun! Where did my week go? The only proof I have of work is that my legs are still sore:lol:

you get used to it after awhile. This week alone I have moved over 3.3tonne of plastic billets, 1.1tonne of waste plastic and 2.2 tonne of 1/2 machined plastic wheels.

All in all a very tiring week at work

[dgcorner]

you get used to it after awhile. This week alone I have moved over 3.3tonne of plastic billets, 1.1tonne of waste plastic and 2.2 tonne of 1/2 machined plastic wheels.

All in all a very tiring week at work

Si, I hope your camera is no longer pissed from all the alcohol sprayed on it ;-)

Wow, you moved heaps of stuff. Machined plastic wheels? What do you do?

[dgcorner]

For sale: 70-200mm L IS here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-68863401.htm)

EDIT: not me selling. just thought some of you might be interested...

[forsaken]

CNC turning and milling. It's boring but it pays the bills.

cleaned and dried the camera as soon as I got back to the cabin that day

[Nzshrimper]

For sale: 70-200mm L IS here (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-68863401.htm)

EDIT: not me selling. just thought some of you might be interested...

ssshhh dont tell everyone....;)

[Wazza]

70-200 length does sound temping. I'm probably more after a Sigma 50-150 though
Something shortish to mid.

My 17-40 is too short, and my 120-300 too long and heavy...

[scotttnz]

hey guys stumbled across this on another forum i go to (photosnapper.com) - its a free email course of photography tips - anyone who's interested take a look, i did and they seem really cool: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/

Thanks for that. I signed up.

I'll let you know if I get mass spam.

[Nzshrimper]

Thanks for that. I signed up.

I'll let you know if I get mass spam. i signed up using a g mail account .. so if its spam .. i can just dump the account..

[FlyingPete]

Not much a rambling this morning, I guess everyone is getting ready for the shoot. If you arn't then it is because you are too busy doing something else or live in the South Island ;)

[Wazza]

Everyone have a fun time. :)

[scotttnz]

hey guys stumbled across this on another forum i go to (photosnapper.com) - its a free email course of photography tips - anyone who's interested take a look, i did and they seem really cool: http://www.digital-photo-secrets.com/

Does not seem to be very DSLR focussed.
From the first lesson:


When using the viewfinder for close shots, be careful of Parallax. Because the viewfinder is not at the same position as the camera's lens, centering the subject in the viewfinder may mean it is not centered for the lens resulting in an off-center final picture. Most digital cameras now come with an inbuilt LCD screen. You can eliminate this problem by using the LCD - which shows you what the lens sees - rather than the viewfinder.


Which of course is not true of SLRs

[tag141]

or live in the South Island

With the winds we're having down here, it won't be long 'till we're blown to the N.I. !!!

[Nzshrimper]

Not much a rambling this morning, I guess everyone is getting ready for the shoot. If you arn't then it is because you are too busy doing something else or live in the South Island ;)

we are too busy making your electricity.... :p

[OiPaz]

Not much a rambling this morning, I guess everyone is getting ready for the shoot. If you arn't then it is because you are too busy doing something else or live in the South Island ;)
I went to a so called "Italian festival", near Ponsonby. No camera with me, and that was a pity: the festival was of no interest, but close to it there was a park I haven't yet visited!

[scotttnz]

Hmmm.....after having a little play at AC yesterday and reading piles of reviews and comparisons today, I think I have decided on the EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS. Now I just have to wait for my bonus to be paid out in 1.5 weeks.
I am planning to get it from AC, unless someone offers a compelling reason to get it somewhere else (ie a significantly cheaper price for a genuine canon nz product).
I decided to spend up large on this rather than one of the cheaper options, or looking second hand, because this is the lens that will be on my camera 80% of the time, and I got a better bonus than I expected. I also don't see myself going full frame for a long time. Fits all my 77mm filters to. (Will be good to have the same filter thread on all 3 of my zooms.)

I'm going to get a hood, UV filter, and probably a larger camera bag at the same time. And that should be the end of my significant photo gear purchases untill I upgrade the body in a year or two.

[downunder]

Hmmm.....after having a little play at AC yesterday and reading piles of reviews and comparisons today, I think I have decided on the EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS. Now I just have to wait for my bonus to be paid out in 1.5 weeks.
I am planning to get it from AC, unless someone offers a compelling reason to get it somewhere else (ie a significantly cheaper price for a genuine canon nz product).
I decided to spend up large on this rather than one of the cheaper options, or looking second hand, because this is the lens that will be on my camera 80% of the time, and I got a better bonus than I expected. I also don't see myself going full frame for a long time. Fits all my 77mm filters to. (Will be good to have the same filter thread on all 3 of my zooms.)

I'm going to get a hood, UV filter, and probably a larger camera bag at the same time. And that should be the end of my significant photo gear purchases untill I upgrade the body in a year or two.

I purchased one from Auckland camera a few months ago and have ben really happy with it and their price is very competitive. To buy it from B&H it is a couple of hundred dollars more.

[tim]

Hmmm.....after having a little play at AC yesterday and reading piles of reviews and comparisons today, I think I have decided on the EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS. Now I just have to wait for my bonus to be paid out in 1.5 weeks.
I am planning to get it from AC, unless someone offers a compelling reason to get it somewhere else (ie a significantly cheaper price for a genuine canon nz product).
I decided to spend up large on this rather than one of the cheaper options, or looking second hand, because this is the lens that will be on my camera 80% of the time, and I got a better bonus than I expected. I also don't see myself going full frame for a long time. Fits all my 77mm filters to. (Will be good to have the same filter thread on all 3 of my zooms.)

I'm going to get a hood, UV filter, and probably a larger camera bag at the same time. And that should be the end of my significant photo gear purchases untill I upgrade the body in a year or two.

I'm wanting one of these, like I said, i'd like to have it for my wedding 23rd sept, with a bit of time to play with it before I have to use it for that. Good point about the filter, I do like the B+W filters, easier to keep clean than the hoya ones. Prob another couple of hundred for the filter, but better to damage that than an $1800+ lens.

[dgcorner]

I just thought that I would greet all the fathers on the GKPE a "Happy Father's Day!!!"

[scotttnz]

I purchased one from Auckland camera a few months ago and have ben really happy with it and their price is very competitive. To buy it from B&H it is a couple of hundred dollars more.

Yeah their price is pretty good, most places are still selling it for $1999! Glam offerd it to me for about $20 less than AC, but for that small difference I would rather get it from a reputable store that I know can help me out if I have any problems.

OK who is going to bid on this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68304407&key=9059

Hmmmmm.......16.7 Megapixels.....drool....

[weka2000]

Yeah their price is pretty good, most places are still selling it for $1999! Glam offerd it to me for about $20 less than AC, but for that small difference I would rather get it from a reputable store that I know can help me out if I have any problems.

OK who is going to bid on this:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=68304407&key=9059

Hmmmmm.......16.7 Megapixels.....drool....

I would but blew $5600 last week ;)

[weka2000]

I just thought that I would greet all the fathers on the GKPE a "Happy Father's Day!!!"

How many got "L" lens

[scotttnz]

How many got "L" lens

Could have, but chose the 17-55 instead. Of course I have to pay for my own fathers day present.

[Nzshrimper]

How many got "L" lens

"L" lens... ha i would have been happy with a breakfast fry up in bed... did not even get that... :D

note to self : train kids better...

[weka2000]

Everyday is fathers day for me. The kids treat me know different than any other day.

[Nzshrimper]

I've just had a play with the 75 - 200 f2.8 IS "L" ... very nice and will be ordering one..


Whats the price the canon rep can get one for...

also a 580ex price would be good aswell...
and a price for 2x converter for above lens...

photo international here in CHCH want $3.2k for the lens and $750 for the flash...

I also used a canon 500mm (secondhand) $3k - its bloody huge.. i think i will leave it where it was...

[MattL]

I've just had a play with the 75 - 200 f2.8 IS "L" ... very nice and will be ordering one..


probably the 70-200 f/2.8L IS - yeah, a nice lense.

[MattL]

must catch up for a beer and a ski...:D just had a great day up at Mt Hutt. sun beer and snow.. (and it was all free)... so was the face burn :( have nice panda eyes and a bennie strip on my forehead...

Oh for sure! Cant really beat a beer and a ski!
It'd be great to have someone show me all the secret spots of mt hutt when im down there! Also looking at doing a few runs with mt hutt heli - you ever been up with them before?

[MHP]

Oh for sure! Cant really beat a beer and a ski!
It'd be great to have someone show me all the secret spots of mt hutt when im down there! Also looking at doing a few runs with mt hutt heli - you ever been up with them before?


at the end of the day check the little water reservior underneath the car park, you need to go outa bounds and drop into it and walk out, worth the drop though, there's usually a big cornice up the top to drop, anyway we found a nice new board in that water reservior one day :-). It must've slid down from the car park and they couldn't be bothered to go get it.

[weka2000]

Ok Im selling my Bigma so if anyone wants it PM me with an offer. I have seen how sharp the 70-200 is and I want a Canon 300mm F4 and 400mm F5.6 primes. I want the best and the Bigma is not it for me.

I will always wonder about going to primes so what the hell lets find out. The 100-400 is a bit better than the bigma but Primes for me are the answer.

[Wazza]

I found a good price of 580EX at Camera House, St Lukes..

$1199 ;)

[Wazza]

You want the 300 and 400??

The 300 F4, will become 420mm F5.6, (and 400mm 5.6).. Don't you think that's having two lens of the same?

[scotttnz]

Ok Im selling my Bigma so if anyone wants it PM me with an offer.

What about the 30D? I saw a few 20D owners drooling over the big screen on Marks yesterday.....

[weka2000]

You want the 300 and 400??

The 300 F4, will become 420mm F5.6, (and 400mm 5.6).. Don't you think that's having two lens of the same?

Read the reviews at FM and you will see why Im going to both

[Nzshrimper]

probably the 70-200 f/2.8L IS - yeah, a nice lense.
yep thats the one.....:D opps typo.. lol

[weka2000]

What about the 30D? I saw a few 20D owners drooling over the big screen on Marks yesterday.....

Thats going as well. Unless someone want to buy now there is nother party I have given first option to.

There is no shame in making a bad choice, the shame is not admiting it ASAP :lol:

Also looking at ditching all my studio lights and Stuff. No point keeping stuff that takes up space and will never get used for what I intended.

[scotttnz]

Thats going as well. Umless someone want to buy now there is nother party I have given first option to.

There is no shame in making a bad choice, the shame is not admiting it ASAP :lol:

If Moppie needs a lens, he can borrow my Kit lens when I get the 17-55 in a couple of weeks:D

[weka2000]

Went out to the Botanical gardens with my eldest daughter just a few shots with te 5D+70-200 and 1.4 TC

[weka2000]

Some one was blowing soap bubbles caught this and thought it looked cool

[scotttnz]

Tony, that Tui shot is great. I would have placed the Tui a bit lower in the frame, made the white throat feathers the focal point at the rule of thirds spot, but other than that it is very good.

[weka2000]

Tony, that Tui shot is great. I would have placed the Tui a bit lower in the frame, made the white throat feathers the focal point at the rule of thirds spot, but other than that it is very good.

Good point. There were about 10 of them in the trees 200mm a bit short. The ducks at 280mm with 1.4TC

[rabsoft]

Caught some photos of the sunset tonight from my deck
http://www.photocorner.co.nz/images/gkpe/img_2307a.jpg
http://www.photocorner.co.nz/images/gkpe/img_2312a.jpg
http://www.photocorner.co.nz/images/gkpe/img_2316a.jpg
http://www.photocorner.co.nz/images/gkpe/img_2408a.jpg

[FlyingPete]

Tony, fantastic colour and sharpness in those images :D

[weka2000]

Tony, fantastic colour and sharpness in those images :D

Got to love "L" I want more of them :lol:

Rabsoft nice sunsets did you usea ND filter?
#2 is the one I like the best.

[scotttnz]

Good point. There were about 10 of them in the trees 200mm a bit short. The ducks at 280mm with 1.4TC

I like the size of the Tui in the shot, and the bright flowers make a fantastic background, it's just the placement of the tui in the frame that is not quite right to my eye. A slight crop would fix it, and hey, you have 12 MP to play with so cropping it a bit is not going to hurt.

I know you have thick skin, so when you post a pic and I can see something that I think might improve your shots I will say so. You keep saying that we are too nice to each other!

That doesn't mean i don't like your shots, just that you could make it a bit better.

[scotttnz]

Mark that last one is cool, I love the colour.

[weka2000]

I like the size of the Tui in the shot, and the bright flowers make a fantastic background, it's just the placement of the tui in the frame that is not quite right to my eye. A slight crop would fix it, and hey, you have 12 MP to play with so cropping it a bit is not going to hurt.

I know you have thick skin, so when you post a pic and I can see something that I think might improve your shots I will say so. You keep saying that we are too nice to each other!

That doesn't mean i don't like your shots, just that you could make it a bit better.

Good on yah mate. Show me your crop of it. I must get a rule of 3rds layer so I can get them better before I post. I always check my horizons befor I post as you nail me on that one as well :p

[rabsoft]

Got to love "L" I want more of them :lol:

Rabsoft nice sunsets did you usea ND filter?
#2 is the one I like the best.

Nope no filters just resize and a border (I have been playing with ImageMagick)

Tony I do like the one of the duck and the droplets around it's beak very nice photo

[FlyingPete]

Good on yah mate. Show me your crop of it. I must get a rule of 3rds layer so I can get them better before I post. I always check my horizons befor I post as you nail me on that one as well :p

The more I look at the Mark1 crop the more I like it the way it is, the Tui is looking up drawing the eye with it, and there is plenty of space to do that, the off centre adds interest.

Mark, nice sunsets, I was in the car when I saw that one going down, was kinda hoping someone caught it!

[Wazza]

Maybe you should ask the general Lens people... I know they're both great lens, but would you use both equally as much? And make your money back? Each one is $2000-3000

[weka2000]

Maybe you should ask the general Lens people... I know they're both great lens, but would you use both equally as much? And make your money back? Each one is $2000-3000

Money, hell Ive got heaps of it :lol: If not I will just sell something.

[scotttnz]

Good on yah mate. Show me your crop of it. I must get a rule of 3rds layer so I can get them better before I post. I always check my horizons befor I post as you nail me on that one as well :p

I was thinking something like this:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/tui.jpg

[weka2000]

And just to let you know I got some plants and flowers.

Scott I like mine better. I guess its the way our eyes work. I feel with yours the Tui is disapperaing.

[weka2000]

Oh wazza I know there is a 300mm F4 non IS model comming up for under $1000. I dont need IS

[weka2000]

Ian time to get out the pop corn :p :p :p

[FlyingPete]

I was thinking something like this:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a310/scotttnz/tui.jpg

Actually now I see it, that does work better :)

[theflyingkiwi]

Tony, Mark, both of you have taken some really nice shots today.

Tony the tui shot is nice but you are shooting a black bird aginst a dark background. it's hard to shot anything that's black. If you check out my web site, under misc you can see that I have managed to also shoot a tui, but the background is green. This bird was only a few meteres away and still was unable to get a great deal of details :( I think here you have done a ok job with what you had.

the fern I like a great deal. I wont to capture something like that myself. The only thing I don't like about is possible the background. I can't make up my mind. :)

Mark, the colour of the sunset is wonderfull. I now wish we had one like that today in Hammy, but alas it was boring gray. Anyway the only comment I am going to make is the 2nd has to much blackness in it.

well today I got to play with the flash. I got myself some batterys and a charger :) you could say that yesterday made feel like playing around. tried a couple of things. the only thing that I got which is slightly interesting is http://www.cuthbert.net.nz/potn/CRW_3464.jpg

[dgcorner]

Sorry Tony -- you ask 10 photogs their opinion and you will get 15... but I'm with Scott on the crop of the Tui.

And while I'm at it, the fern would also have been better if the end (curl, if you could call it that) was in the upper and left 3rd intersection (i think I'm not making sense...)

[weka2000]

Mark I had a look at your 100-300 on the 5D shots. Bit soft for my liking. I still conclude Sigma for 1.6 cameras Canon for FF 1.3 cameras.
The 2 exceptions that ive tryed 24-70 and 120-300.

Sorry Im just turning into a Canon Prime elitest snob :)

[FlyingPete]

Sorry Tony -- you ask 10 photogs their opinion and you will get 15... but I'm with Scott on the crop of the Tui.

And while I'm at it, the fern would also have been better if the end (curl, if you could call it that) was in the upper and left 3rd intersection (i think I'm not making sense...)

Hey John, thanks for the loan of the grip, didn't like it at first but after 300 or so portrait shots, it had grown on me :D

Makes for a heavy camera with that and two batteries in it!

[weka2000]

Sorry Tony -- you ask 10 photogs their opinion and you will get 15... but I'm with Scott on the crop of the Tui.

And while I'm at it, the fern would also have been better if the end (curl, if you could call it that) was in the upper and left 3rd intersection (i think I'm not making sense...)

Well the east boys like to play by the rules.... Us southern folk love to break them so you will take notice :p

[IainB]

Ian time to get out the pop corn :p :p :p

An extra large bucket, by the sound of it!:confused:

What lens did you use for the fern and flower? This high degree of quality is very disturbing.....:neutral:

[theflyingkiwi]

Mark I had a look at your 100-300 on the 5D shots. Bit soft for my liking. I still conclude Sigma for 1.6 cameras Canon for FF 1.3 cameras.
The 2 exceptions that ive tryed 24-70 and 120-300.

Sorry Im just turning into a Canon Prime elitest snob :)

always figured that you where a snob :)

I had a look at some of the pictures that Fritz had taken with it and was happy with those. At this stage if I went to to FF or even 1.3 I think I would be happy with it.

[scotttnz]

Well the east boys like to play by the rules.... Us southern folk love to break them so you will take notice :p

The rule of thirds doesn't always work. Sometimes a subject will look better with something different, and sticking to the same formula all the time gets boring. But I find that when a shot doesn't quite look balanced or right it is a good thing to go back to. That is how I felt about the tui shot. Nice shot, but just looked a bit off to me.

The good thing about photography is it is your shot, and you can choose to ignore other peoples opinions about it. As long as you are happy with it, who cares?

I find that it is much easier to be critical about photos (my own included) looking at them later. I very seldom get everything right in camera, and often find myself looking at my photos thinking "thats nice, but I should have done this or that." Some things photoshop can fix, some not. I have a lot of shots that I see obvious flaws in, it doesn't stop me liking them, but I do wonder when I will become more consistant in correcting them before I press the shutter button.

[weka2000]

An extra large bucket, by the sound of it!:confused:

What lens did you use for the fern and flower? This high degree of quality is very disturbing.....:neutral:

70-200 F2.8 When you pay over $2k for a lens you expect SHARP :lol:

[IainB]

Pete, how did the portrait session go today?Your 20D make it through?

[IainB]

70-200 F2.8 When you pay over $2k for a lens you expect SHARP :lol:
True, but didn't you pay close to that for the lemon 70-200? It's a bit worrying that it's still possible to get a 'bad' copy...

Dear 'Agony Aunt' (Or should that be Uncle Tony...?)
I am interested in getting a replacement for my kit lens, for landscapes. Not sure if I want to go EF-S. Is the 17-40L a contender, given the lenses I already have?

[weka2000]

The rule of thirds doesn't always work. Sometimes a subject will look better with something different, and sticking to the same formula all the time gets boring. But I find that when a shot doesn't quite look balanced or right it is a good thing to go back to. That is how I felt about the tui shot. Nice shot, but just looked a bit off to me.

The good thing about photography is it is your shot, and you can choose to ignore other peoples opinions about it. As long as you are happy with it, who cares?

I find that it is much easier to be critical about photos (my own included) looking at them later. I very seldom get everything right in camera, and often find myself looking at my photos thinking "thats nice, but I should have done this or that." Some things photoshop can fix, some not. I have a lot of shots that I see obvious flaws in, it doesn't stop me liking them, but I do wonder when I will become more consistant in correcting them before I press the shutter button.

Scott have you done any type of artictual work, tech drawing etc. This is a serious question. The reason why I ask is I havnt I crop to a feeling of what looks right. Many times I dont crop my shots at all. Im inclined to center stuff.

Its intreresting to see how we photograph based on what we have done in the past, it shows up with our style and what we see in our surroundings and thus Im going to focus on landscape / nature photography but I need to find an angle that hasnt been covered, or specialise in a subject.

[weka2000]

True, but didn't you pay close to that for the lemon 70-200? It's a bit worrying that it's still possible to get a 'bad' copy...

Dear 'Agony Aunt' (Or should that be Uncle Tony...?)
I am interested in getting a replacement for my kit lens, for landscapes. Not sure if I want to go EF-S. Is the 17-40L a contender, given the lenses I already have?

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showcat.php?cat=27

Ian I can only speak for the 17-40 but not on a 1.6 camera only on a 5D.

Looking at your list a Canon EF-S 10-22 or Sigma 10-20 would be a better option

That would give you 10-20 28-75 70-200

[tim]

Why would you get the 17-40L when the 17-55 F2.8 is out? Bigger zoom, great optical quality, and if you can afford a 1 series or 5D later you can sell the 17-55 and buy the 17-40 then.

[IainB]

Why would you get the 17-40L when the 17-55 F2.8 is out? Bigger zoom, great optical quality, and if you can afford a 1 series or 5D later you can sell the 17-55 and buy the 17-40 then.

Thanks guys. Exactly for the reasons Tim suggests, I am not sure about going the EF-S path. I am not familiar with the 17-55, or for that matter the 17-40. At this stage I am just sounding out what could be the possible contenders (I want only excellent glass) that add to the range I have already. To be honest I simply have to try these lenses out. Just looking to start with a short list so as not to waste my time considering glass that doesn't rate. I'll keep reading,,, I'm in no hurry.

[scotttnz]

Scott have you done any type of artictual work, tech drawing etc. This is a serious question. The reason why I ask is I havnt I crop to a feeling of what looks right. Many times I dont crop my shots at all. Im inclined to center stuff.

Its intreresting to see how we photograph based on what we have done in the past, it shows up with our style and what we see in our surroundings and thus Im going to focus on landscape / nature photography but I need to find an angle that hasnt been covered, or specialise in a subject.

Yep, I did tech drawing at school. And to be honest, I think that is one of your biggest weeknesses. I like a lot of your shots, and you have improved heaps in the last 6 months (actually, I think you are better than me!) but you can improve more, and thinking about the placement of the subject in the frame is part of that.

[scotttnz]

Thanks guys. Exactly for the reasons Tim suggests, I am not sure about going the EF-S path. I am not familiar with the 17-55, or for that matter the 17-40. At this stage I am just sounding out what could be the possible contenders (I want only excellent glass) that add to the range I have already. To be honest I simply have to try these lenses out. Just looking to start with a short list so as not to waste my time considering glass that doesn't rate. I'll keep reading,,, I'm in no hurry.

I have been going through the same process. I looked at the cheaper options first.

The Sigma 17-70 is nice - good IQ and very appealing semi macro mode. The Sigma can be had for around $600. I think this would be my pick of the cheaper options. Going against it is the lack of USM/HSM (although it was not very loud or slow) and that it is not constant f2.8.

I tried out a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 yesterday, it gets good reviews optically, but I found the auto focus way too noisey and high pitched. Sounded like a cordless drill. $800ish

I disreguarded the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 because of lots of reports on the web of inconsitant focus. $900ish

In the end I decided that if i got any of these 3 I would be wishing for something more. Which leads me to the 2 Canon options I considered.

The 17-40L is built like a tank, constant f4, doesn't extend for zooming or focusing, so is well sealed against dust & moisture. And it is full frame compatable, becoming an ultra wide to replace my 10-20 if/when I upgrade to a 5D type camera. $1375 at AC.

The EFS 17-55 f2.8 IS cost $300 more (including the optional Hood) for that you get constant f2.8, IS and an extra 15mm at the long end. Plus according to reviews it is probably the sharpest zoom edge to edge canon currently makes. You lose full frame compatability, L build quality (although it is still very good), and it does extend for zooming.

For me the decision came down to "how likely am I to buy a full frame camera in the next couple of years" and the answer is "not likely!" so I am going with the 17-55 for the f2.8, IS, and optical quality.

[scotttnz]

Here you go Tony, this should be big enough:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-69110649.htm

[weka2000]

Yep, I did tech drawing at school. And to be honest, I think that is one of your biggest weeknesses. I like a lot of your shots, and you have improved heaps in the last 6 months (actually, I think you are better than me!) but you can improve more, and thinking about the placement of the subject in the frame is part of that.

I took tech drawing at school but didnt really "get it". Thats for the honesty. Will try harder and think about it when I crop.

I proberbly get out a lot more than most. I have aready got tonight planed after work the stonefeilds and sunset.

[weka2000]

Here you go Tony, this should be big enough:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Camera-accessories/Lenses/Canon/auction-69110649.htm

Its nice but way out of my price range. Would have to sell everything I own to get it then start again :lol:. Wonder if he will take the bigma as a swap :rolleyes:

[FlyingPete]

Pete, how did the portrait session go today?Your 20D make it through?

Ah yes the session.

It was a session of two halves and photography was the winner at the end of the day.

No gear failures no major technical issues, there was a couple of short times where for a moment there the strobes developed a mind of their own, the first was someone had turned on a theatre strobe down the end of the hall, the second we suspect a mirror ball in the same lighting rig :rolleyes:

Moppie is a natural at this stuff as I am sure you all saw on Saturday, so a big thanks to Moppie from me :D

Also what really helped was having a team sorting people out and placing them, especially our "Bossy but nice lady", it meant than Moppie and I could concentrate on the photography.

All up we took 400 images taken including test shots, a quick review last night has given me what I was hoping for - very little post processing required and some truly great shots, the people will be pleased with them :D Unfortunately I am not really in a position to post any due to the nature of the shoot, unless I find one I know the subjects won't mind.

Top that off with some cool cars and they landed a helicopter there too, which was a crowd pleaser made for a great day!

[scotttnz]

I think I am going to go along and check these guys out:

http://www.howickcameraclub.org.nz/index.htm

I may or may not make it tonight, but will check them out some time soon.

[IainB]

Brilliant Scott! The summary of your own investigation has provided an excellent 'jump start'! Greatly appreciated.
I'm prepared to pay for the right choice, and I am already considering whether I am likely to upgrade to full frame...

[weka2000]

Brilliant Scott! The summary of your own investigation has provided an excellent 'jump start'! Greatly appreciated.
I'm prepared to pay for the right choice, and I am already considering whether I am likely to upgrade to full frame...

Here is some advice to those who think about getting into full frame cameras.
Unless you are willing to spend BIG money on Canon "L" lens stay with your 1.6 cameras.

Are you looking at going pro or making money out of it? FF use all of the lenes corner to corner and if the lens are not up to it you will notice.

Sigma and Canon 1.6 are a great combination picture quality is great. If you have the mone to burn going to FF then I would (woops already have) but be prepared to shell out for $2000 lens a pop.

Canon EF-S lens are only going to get better and they are here for a while IMHO.

[tim]

Looks like there's afew people wanting the EF-S. Moppie, was it you who might have a guy who can get them cheaper but still via Canon NZ? I'd be happy to get one this week. I'd be paying by credit card.

[FlyingPete]

Looks like there's afew people wanting the EF-S. Moppie, was it you who might have a guy who can get them cheaper but still via Canon NZ? I'd be happy to get one this week. I'd be paying by credit card.

Tony was rustling something together there, and it was all NZ new too.

[weka2000]

Tony was rustling something together there, and it was all NZ new too.

Waiting for them to get out of their meeting so we can get the prices for everyone.

[weka2000]

Thanks Scott found this which I will run before posting my photos.

http://www.fotosite.pl/en/index.php?title=Golden_ratio_grid_for_Photoshop_CS 2

For the rest of you in the group feel free to hammer my photos. If I am gong to be any good and make money then I need to know how to improve.

[downunder]

Ok Im selling my Bigma so if anyone wants it PM me with an offer. I have seen how sharp the 70-200 is and I want a Canon 300mm F4 and 400mm F5.6 primes. I want the best and the Bigma is not it for me.


I might also purchase the 400mm, the 70-200 is great but no good for field sports.
Will probably sell my 580ex as i have never actually used it, to help fund the purchase.

[weka2000]

I might also purchase the 400mm, the 70-200 is great but no good for field sports.
Will probably sell my 580ex as i have never actually used it, to help fund the purchase.

Ok you get the 400mm first :lol:

[downunder]

Ok you get the 400mm first :lol:

I'll try :) only prob is my wish list (like everyone else keeps growing).
current wish list is
Canon 5d or 1DS II (dreaming)
1.4 x extender
50mm f1.4
400mm f5.6

So not to big at the moment but it all adds up $wise.

[theflyingkiwi]

Tony, my wish list is a 1DsMk2, but that is only dreaming. I would be interested in a price of the 24-70 F2.8 and the 24-105 F4

[weka2000]

I'll try :) only prob is my wish list (like everyone else keeps growing).
current wish list is
Canon 5d or 1DS II (dreaming)
1.4 x extender
50mm f1.4
400mm f5.6

So not to big at the moment but it all adds up $wise.

Im getting a quote for 1, B&H has in stock. So we will see how long it takes for Canon NZ to get 1 in.

[scotttnz]

only prob is my wish list (like everyone else keeps growing).

Actually had a bit of a panic yesterday, as I realised that when i get the 17-55 and a new bag there will be nothing left that I want. I'll have to put my thinking cap on and come up with something......when is the 40D being released?

I'm going to get a 18x12 of that Mangawhai shot printed today. I have upsampled it in photoshop, so this will be a good test to see if I need more resolution in camera or not.

I'm going to go along to the Howick Camera Club to check it out tonight. If anyone wants to join me, it is at 7:45 at the Howick Rec Centre.

[weka2000]

I might head off here http://www.aps.net.nz/

[OiPaz]

OK, I've just sent my 64th application: round figure (in base 2)! ;)



To tell the truth, I'm getting sick and tired of Education Gazette, of applications, of colleges and their boards of trustees and maybe of elementary mathematics as well.

[weka2000]

OK, I've just sent my 64th application: round figure (in base 2)! ;)



To tell the truth, I'm getting sick and tired of Education Gazette, of applications, of colleges and their boards of trustees and maybe of elementary mathematics as well.

What about relieving positons?

[rabsoft]

Actually had a bit of a panic yesterday, as I realised that when i get the 17-55 and a new bag there will be nothing left that I want. I'll have to put my thinking cap on and come up with something......when is the 40D being released?

I'm going to get a 18x12 of that Mangawhai shot printed today. I have upsampled it in photoshop, so this will be a good test to see if I need more resolution in camera or not.

I'm going to go along to the Howick Camera Club to check it out tonight. If anyone wants to join me, it is at 7:45 at the Howick Rec Centre.

I was looking at the howick camera club last week after Peter said about it, I was tinking of going tonight but may not be able to make it now as baby didn't want to sleep last night so wife didn't get much sleep and that means I will have to look after baby tonight so she can sleep. I read they only have the meetings 1st 3rd and 4th mondays so may have to wait a couple of weeks :(

[theflyingkiwi]

I might head off here http://www.aps.net.nz/

Just had a quick look at thier gallery, some very talanted people in that group.

there a photo @ http://www.aps.net.nz/site_pages/galleries/gallery_May03.html called Bethells Beach which I am very impressed by.

[Moppie]

To tell the truth, I'm getting sick and tired of Education Gazette, of applications, of colleges and their boards of trustees and maybe of elementary mathematics as well.


Don't give up, you just have to keep pushing :)

[tim]

What about relieving positons?

For some reason what came to mind after reading that post was the phrase "happy ending"...

[FlyingPete]

I was looking at the howick camera club last week after Peter said about it, I was tinking of going tonight but may not be able to make it now as baby didn't want to sleep last night so wife didn't get much sleep and that means I will have to look after baby tonight so she can sleep. I read they only have the meetings 1st 3rd and 4th mondays so may have to wait a couple of weeks :(

It will be interesting to see what people now goto the club, I was a member in the early 90's, and went to a couple of meets in the five of so years ago and it hadn't changed much then. Great place for ideas and like minded people though!

Ah babies and sleepless nights, we are enjoying our sleep at the moment!

[FlyingPete]

Don't give up, you just have to keep pushing :)

Have you been out today? Any good shots?

[Moppie]

I didn't get out of bed untill about 11 :)
I think I had about 4hrs sleep on friday night, about 5 hours sleep on sat night, so I was catching up :cool:

Plan so far, if I can get off my lazy ass is to head into the city around 1 or 2, and get a certian something for Amanda, then head out west and just see what I can see.

[downunder]

It will be interesting to see what people now goto the club, I was a member in the early 90's, and went to a couple of meets in the five of so years ago and it hadn't changed much then. Great place for ideas and like minded people though!


I'm a current member but only go occasionaly, they have had a big increase in membership lately as I found out a few weeks ago on a competition night there were about 70 entries. (poor judge) Great place to go for honest critique of your work.

[FlyingPete]

I'm a current member but only go occasionaly, they have had a big increase in membership lately as I found out a few weeks ago on a competition night there were about 70 entries. (poor judge) Great place to go for honest critique of your work.

Hmmm sounds worth checking out, I have never attended in the days of digital, only film (remember that stuff?).

[downunder]

They have a specific digital night once a month and you submit your pics via email for judging. They also judge prints (digital or film) and slides.
Judges from other clubs are used often and all images are judged without names, so no bias to any members. Also they have regular outings, last two were music point and Ruapehu a couple of weekends ago. Age group is mostly older 40+ although this may start to change with all you younger guys on here;) I reccomend going along and trying it out visitors are welcome anytime, its just a matter of turning up on the night.

[IainB]

I might head off here http://www.aps.net.nz/

Funny...I looked up their site earlier today. I was thinking of going along this week. I was a member in my past-life as a $-watching not-long-married-with-kids young thing when 'digital' was something to do with your finger... :D

[downunder]

Another option is to have our own regular meeting, to run alongside the gkpe outings(not that i've got off my ass and attended one:cry: yet) There seems to be enough local guys for that and enough talent to be shared between us all!

[FlyingPete]

Age group is mostly older 40+ although this may start to change with all you younger guys on here;)
Thats a bit better, when I was there it was mostly retires :shock:

[weka2000]

Another option is to have our own regular meeting, to run alongside the gkpe outings(not that i've got off my ass and attended one:cry: yet) There seems to be enough local guys for that and enough talent to be shared between us all!

To much internal comfort. The clubs have the experenced people and the experence that most of us dont have. GKPE should stay as is.
Clubs are much more formal and structured which would be a nice balance to what we have here. IMHO

[scotttnz]

They have a specific digital night once a month and you submit your pics via email for judging. They also judge prints (digital or film) and slides.
Judges from other clubs are used often and all images are judged without names, so no bias to any members. Also they have regular outings, last two were music point and Ruapehu a couple of weekends ago. Age group is mostly older 40+ although this may start to change with all you younger guys on here;) I reccomend going along and trying it out visitors are welcome anytime, its just a matter of turning up on the night.

I'm going to go and check it out, it's only 5 minute walk from my place so very convienient, and I might learn something.

[downunder]

Thats a bit better, when I was there it was mostly retires :shock:

There is still plenty of them, but it's starting to balance out a bit more now. Plenty of experienced guys and a few girls too!

[Nzshrimper]

I might also purchase the 400mm, the 70-200 is great but no good for field sports.
Will probably sell my 580ex as i have never actually used it, to help fund the purchase.

what your price on the 580ex.... i could intrested... ;)

[OiPaz]

I reccomend going along and trying it out visitors are welcome anytime, its just a matter of turning up on the night.
I think I'll attend next meeting. Not at Howick but in the North Shore... hoping it's a good place as well!
They meet in the II and IV Wendnesday of each month, 19:30, so next one should be on 13 September.

[OiPaz]

What about relieving positons?
This is the worst part: in Stanmore Bay I was able to work about three days a week as a day relieving teacher. I spent there four months and I got good references. Then I decided to move to Auckland, in order to have more opportunities and to get new referees (there are more than 12 colleges within 8 km from my new home). I've been staying in the North Shore for a month and I've worked only one single day. Moving to Auckland was a complete waste of time and money. Maybe I'll have to move back to Orewa...

[OiPaz]

Do you know Wikimapia (http://www.wikimapia.org/)? It's interesting, indeed! I've spent the day in a beautiful park I discovered there: it's just round the corner and I needed a satellite to be aware of it! :D Some pictures later...

[downunder]

Just heard that Steve Irwin (crocodile hunter) was killed today:(

[CliveyBoy]

Hey guys. it's great to hear that some more are looking at local photo society meetings. Each club has its own style and mixture of people. It seems that digital camera sales are bringing in new, and often younger members, producing something of a healthy culture shock.

What do I get out of Tauranga PS? Meeting diverse people who willing share ideas, contact with some of NZ's best photographers, shared photo trips, talks and teachings (such as IR on film and digital), openings many opportunities, and best of all - the evaluations of members' images including your own.

You want to expand your vision, extend your interests, improve your composition? Go to a club. Your idiosynchracies will merge in well with all the others!

From an old codger...

[tim]

Just heard that Steve Irwin (crocodile hunter) was killed today:(

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20349892-952,00.html

[FlyingPete]

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,20349892-952,00.html

And it wasn't a croc!

[NordieBoy]

Just heard that Steve Irwin (crocodile hunter) was killed today:(

Crikey!

And Terri doesn't know yet :(

[Nzshrimper]

And it wasn't a croc! pretty sad this.. my family and i met him only 6 weeks ago when we went to aussie... He was at the Zoo for his daughters 8th birthday..

[scotttnz]

I just here him saying "this is rrreeeally dangerous" moments before it happens.

It's a shame, he was a real character, but given what he does all day I'm not suprised.

[DiscoLizard]

Very sad.

Just finished reading a Peter Blake biography.

Both men still had so much to offer the world that they never got to give.

[weka2000]

New cokin tobacco filter.

[scotttnz]

New cokin tobacco filter.

I want one! and i don't smoke. Is it a graduated one?

That is cool!

[Lightchaser]

New cokin tobacco filter.

WOW Weka, that's cool.

[FlyingPete]

New cokin tobacco filter.

I seriously think you could make some $$$ if you could somehow get those shots in front of the right people, they are fantastic :D

Did you use HDR in that shot, or is it all filter?

[Nzshrimper]

New cokin tobacco filter. just wow... you will be making money if you keep this up...

[theflyingkiwi]

Now I am impressed :) You have done some nice work on that. all you need to do is come up with 11 more and you have a calander.

[weka2000]

Thats guys It was an idea ive had for a while. Put filter in front of lens and shoot photo.
Ah yes and blend 2 exposures.
Scott I will get the code number