Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM - The Brick

[i_am_hydrogen]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1820/aonnighthdrff3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[eleveninth]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2870611250_9fbc23f7c9.jpg

[pixel_junkie]

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3025/aonnighthdrtq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Dang, that is a killer shot! I wish you bracketed the sky so it wasn't fried on the right. Otherwise, it is sa-weet!

[i_am_hydrogen]

^I did bracket, five exposures. But the sky was still blown on that side. This is my first attempt at HDR, maybe I'm doing something wrong...

[Franko515]

^I did bracket, five exposures. But the sky was still blown on that side. This is my first attempt at HDR, maybe I'm doing something wrong...

Nice shot!!!!

Sky is fine on my screen. Its a faint blue, I actually think it adds to the shot. Where did you take this shot from?

[i_am_hydrogen]

My office building, the Aon Center (75th floor).

[angryhampster]

I've never seen chicago from that vantage point -- absolutely beautiful photo.

[Sfordphoto]

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1820/aonnighthdrff3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

ah your chicago pics never cease to amaze ;)

[x2x3x4x5x]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2873293520_b1f5f37dff.jpg?v=0
Sorry for the small size, just ripped it from my Flickr (which compresses quality).

24-70 f/2.8 @ 24mm wide open, ISO 1600.

[rbethem]

Here's proof you don't always need 6 fps when you have great timing. Great sequence Frank. I love the way you nailed the second frame with everything flying. And the others on your Flickr are just as good. Looks like fun. Thanks for sharing.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2871032327_a06125f130_o.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

ah your chicago pics never cease to amaze ;)

Thanks a lot. :)

[x2x3x4x5x]

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6752/5680sro0.jpg

[Hatch1921]

Here's proof you don't always need 6 fps when you have great timing. Great sequence Frank. I love the way you nailed the second frame with everything flying. And the others on your Flickr are just as good. Looks like fun. Thanks for sharing.


Many thanks Rbethem :) I get lucky on occasion :)

Glad you like the shot.
Thanks again,
Hatch

[i_am_hydrogen]

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/6752/5680sro0.jpg

What can I say? Wow... I'm not sure who's more beautiful, the girl or the photo.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Might I add very minor retouching to her skin.

She's awesome. She shoots a Sony (atleast it's a legit dSLR) though. :(

[i_am_hydrogen]

Might I add very minor retouching to her skin.

She's awesome. She shoots a Sony (atleast it's a legit dSLR) though. :(

A Sony? No.... "What happens to a dream deferred?" J/k

[Vascilli]

Might I add very minor retouching to her skin.

She's awesome. She shoots a Sony (atleast it's a legit dSLR) though. :(
Woo her over with a 50D. :D

[Tareq]

Too bad, i have some problems in my connection then i found that i have to do some settings as told me from service provider and now i can access this websites again but still flickr is blocked, now i can't see many photos on flickr.

Anyway, nice shots all, and i hope some day i can access flickr as well or some another good blocked site [they block anything here that they think or see any offensive or religious against or sexual contents].

[x2x3x4x5x]

Woo her over with a 50D. :D
Don't you mean 5D MkII? :lol:

[silvex]

40D F2.8 ISO100 1/160 580EX II as fill. I just did a touch of USM...
http://silvex.smugmug.com/photos/377793432_EEZZb-XL.jpg

[x2x3x4x5x]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2879233291_8888351c80.jpg?v=0
I'm a ninja.

[x2x3x4x5x]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2880361144_7552fa577f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2880393278_f7c77b31e0.jpg?v=0

[Tareq]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2879233291_8888351c80.jpg?v=0
I'm a ninja.

I like this kind of photos, i don't want to ask about the lighting, but i want to ask about pp.

[Tareq]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2880361144_7552fa577f.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2880393278_f7c77b31e0.jpg?v=0

Again, nice shots

[x2x3x4x5x]

Thank you for the compliments, Tareq.

Light info is on my flickr for those interested.

As far as post, I did a lot of it in Lightroom. The color channels/vibrance/desaturation and vignette were done in LR. The rest was in Photoshop. I added a new layer of skin colored paint, and erased over my skin with a visibility of 10% to add a bit of clarity. A little bit of the usual curves etc as well.

The effect was due to the harsh lighting I used. Straight out of the camera has the same "feel" just a tad flat.

Oh and for the light in the palm of my hand, I used a small bit of tin foil and shot a 430EX directly at it from the top left corner. It was hard to nail with the stupid 10 second timer. The tin foil can't be seen for the most part, and it produces that cool light.

For the focus I put my tripod where I'd stand and auto focus on that. I made a little X with duct tape where I'd stand.

[Tareq]

Thank you for the compliments, Tareq.

Light info is on my flickr for those interested.

As far as post, I did a lot of it in Lightroom. The color channels/vibrance/desaturation and vignette were done in LR. The rest was in Photoshop. I added a new layer of skin colored paint, and erased over my skin with a visibility of 10% to add a bit of clarity. A little bit of the usual curves etc as well.

The effect was due to the harsh lighting I used. Straight out of the camera has the same "feel" just a tad flat.

Oh and for the light in the palm of my hand, I used a small bit of tin foil and shot a 430EX directly at it from the top left corner. It was hard to nail with the stupid 10 second timer. The tin foil can't be seen for the most part, and it produces that cool light.

For the focus I put my tripod where I'd stand and auto focus on that. I made a little X with duct tape where I'd stand.

Good job thanks for all those information.
Still pp part is hard for me, i am not expert in PS or LR, mostly with the most powerful feature [Layers and masks], maybe i will stop photography if i can't learn photoshop better next time.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Photoshop is rough sometimes. LR is great though and much easier to use.

http://i38.tinypic.com/1y0jfb.png
(got bored, 100% crops btw)

[austincabot]

Photoshop is rough sometimes. LR is great though and much easier to use.

img]http://i38.tinypic.com/1y0jfb.png[/img]

Your images are nice, but they would be much better if you would have pulled the subject away from the background and shot with a wider aperture. The wrinkles in the cloth take away from the picture IMO.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Yeah I agree. I'll reshoot them when I get seamless. I didn't have much room to work with. And I was using 3 strobes in total for the lighting. I was already at 1/250th at iso 100 and f/11.

[austincabot]

Yeah I agree. I'll reshoot them when I get seamless. I didn't have much room to work with. And I was using 3 strobes in total for the lighting. I was already at 1/250th at iso 100 and f/11.

You don't have to shoot on a seamless to make it go blank. f/11 gave you too much light and dof. I'd power the lights down and shoot at the minimum aperture possible. Even using a longer lens would have compressed the background more. I'm anxious to see what you can do though.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to use my 70-200 as well. I completely agree.

The strobes were all on a pretty low setting moved as far back as space would have allowed.

I think seamless is my best bet though. White seamless with a blue gel'd 430ex snooted behind me would look sweet.

[austincabot]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try to use my 70-200 as well. I completely agree.

The strobes were all on a pretty low setting moved as far back as space would have allowed.

I think seamless is my best bet though. White seamless with a blue gel'd 430ex snooted behind me would look sweet.


If you get a chance, get your paws on the OneLight DVD by Zack Arias. It's super informative. Probably the best informational DVD I've ever seen.

[Tareq]

I bought seamless papers because i am really getting hard time with my muslin backdrops with the wrinkles, and i don't want to go down to f5.6 or even f8, say minimum f8, and i did many shots where i placed the model [my daughters] far from the background and i use long prime or long focal length [above 80mm] and still i can see the wrinkles, and it is painful if i try to eliminate them by software carefully and accurately.
So i will have much easier life with seamless.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Tareq, that's my same motive. It's a pain to even attempt to get rid of them all in post.

Austin, thanks for the information. Google here I come. (maybe I can even find it on youtube?)

[Tareq]

Tareq, that's my same motive. It's a pain to even attempt to get rid of them all in post.

Austin, thanks for the information. Google here I come. (maybe I can even find it on youtube?)

And also i see many videos about photoshoot in studio, about 98% were using seamless backgrounds.
to be honest, the photos i have shoot in a photography club in very small studio is better than my home studio because there they use seamless paper, even the subject is close to the background i can really separate him and it looks more bokeh than my bigger space at home with those muslin wrinkles backgrounds.
Still i didn't use those seamless papers yet because i got busy in our holy month and before that it was so hot and humid and no A/C in that space studio, and now i am waiting my 1Ds3 to try first shooting in studio on seamless papers before i travel.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Ah a 1Ds3...lucky!

Seamless is too cheap to pass up anyway. And muslin can get heavy! :lol:

[austincabot]

I'm just a poor student and would rather save my money for purely lighting equipment that I can take anywhere vs. spending it on a seamless backdrop. I know how to get the look I want without spending too much. That's half the fun:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2866996483_ca12fe1317.jpg

Just a plain white (though heavily textured) wall about 5 feet behind me.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2832678398_b1ce7b342a.jpg

In my bathroom - rumpled shower curtain as a backdrop.

Both taken with the 24-70 L ;)

[Tareq]

Ah a 1Ds3...lucky!

Seamless is too cheap to pass up anyway. And muslin can get heavy! :lol:

Don't worry, 1Ds3 is an old camera now, and all lusting after 5DII, so i don't feel that i did a great job, and i will not jump of happiness to own 1Ds3 as many will forget it so soon and will talk with all new cameras coming, and my results really didn't improve whether with old DSLR 350D or with the new 1Ds3, this is really weird for me, and many of you enjoy with any DSLR and really get amazing results.
About background, even that seamless is heavy, and i don't have any models to work with rather than my daughters whose standing and posing for about 5 minutes then stop and go away, and i can't shoot myself [very shy and private myself] or my wife [private] and post here.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Adorama Seamless Background Paper is $17.95.

You can't even buy an umbrella for $17! :lol:

But nice shots!

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4898/alexeditqs6.png

Edit: I too lust for the 5D MkII. I need more $. Being a broke college student is terrible.

[Tareq]

I'm just a poor student and would rather save my money for purely lighting equipment that I can take anywhere vs. spending it on a seamless backdrop. I know how to get the look I want without spending too much. That's half the fun:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2866996483_ca12fe1317.jpg

Just a plain white (though heavily textured) wall about 5 feet behind me.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2832678398_b1ce7b342a.jpg

In my bathroom - rumpled shower curtain as a backdrop.

Both taken with the 24-70 L ;)

I use our white house wall sometimes as a background, just with plenty light on white and it turn pure white, and i was using some textiles with different colors but seems not so high level or pro works to my eyes.

Nice shots

[Tareq]

Adorama Seamless Background Paper is $17.95.

You can't even buy an umbrella for $17! :lol:

But nice shots!

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4898/alexeditqs6.png

Edit: I too lust for the 5D MkII. I need more $. Being a broke college student is terrible.

hahaha, so you are talking about $17 and $20? i will not comment because i was not into photography while i was in school or college, then i will say it is so expensive and no budget, now even my salary is low [really low to me] i can get most of what i want, i spend about $10k every year for gear only, in 2006 i think i dumped more than $12-15k.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Just curious, what do you do for a profession?

[Tareq]

Just curious, what do you do for a profession?

I am a civil engineer in my area government [but honestly i don't do anything as a true civil engineer].

[austincabot]

Adorama Seamless Background Paper is $17.95.

You can't even buy an umbrella for $17! :lol:

But nice shots!

img]http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4898/alexeditqs6.png[/img]

Edit: I too lust for the 5D MkII. I need more $. Being a broke college student is terrible.


Wat? How big of a paper do you get? I want to build a cyc wall eventually. That would be amazing.

[austincabot]

Holy crap! Didn't realize it was that cheap. I'll buy some asap. Is 53" wide enough for a fully body portrait?

[x2x3x4x5x]

53" should be fine? I think it's in the 4.5 foot range (give or take an inch).

It's only paper after all.

[austincabot]

53" should be fine? I think it's in the 4.5 foot range (give or take an inch).

It's only paper after all.

I think I'll get one of the ones that 107" X 12 yard. Should be more then enough.

[Tareq]

I think I'll get one of the ones that 107" X 12 yard. Should be more then enough.

Yes, i've got 2 seamless of 107"x12, more than enough.

Was about $39.95, now increased to $43.95

[austincabot]

Yes, i've got 2 seamless of 107"x12, more than enough.

I'm scared about moving one that large (I am a college student and move every year. Maybe I'll just go for it and make a stand out of PVC.

I guess the reason I thought it was so expensive was seeing the prices on BH - they only had a small size for like 8.95 and a large one for 184.95. ;)

[Tareq]

I'm scared about moving one that large (I am a college student and move every year. Maybe I'll just go for it and make a stand out of PVC.

I guess the reason I thought it was so expensive was seeing the prices on BH - they only had a small size for like 8.95 and a large one for 184.95. ;)

me too, but i saw those cheap paper seamless from Savage [107x12] on BH.
you can buy a background stand which is good enough and not so expensive [that if you really meaning by cheap less than $200, but if less than $100 then i think you shouldn't talk about cheap, say free].

[austincabot]

The shipping on the 107" is killer. Maybe I'll try to find it local. They want $48 to ship it to me. I guess because it's over 8.5 ft. long. :lol:

[Tareq]

The shipping on the 107" is killer. Maybe I'll try to find it local. They want $48 to ship it to me. I guess because it's over 8.5 ft. long. :lol:

Yeah, but if you buy something else, some items to go above $200-300 then the shipping will be reduced. ;)
So buy 2 papers and 1 stand as i did :D

[Radiohead369]

Im lovin' the image quality on your photos, 2345, very nice!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2880277477_621a55e501.jpg?v=0http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2881159580_3424858a0e.jpg

[x2x3x4x5x]

Thanks!

[NAisBEST]

I think the Chromatic Aberration worked in my favor this time around :P

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/onefivealive/IMG_9746.jpg?t=1222141116

[NAisBEST]

Last quick edit of the night. This lens is unbelievable.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/onefivealive/IMG_9956.jpg

[Mooseknuckle]

Haven't posted in awhile..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2850347542_39396a3d0f_o.jpg





I absolutely love your work.


Especially your PP'ing...just amazing.


I always enjoy seeing new posts from you...keep them coming!

[Spazzmodicus]

Squirrel update: I'm too busy working on my house to get out and shoot......so here's a couple of quickies.

First, my daughter put a hair-tie thingie on the squirrel as a necklace. He doesn't care as long as he has a snack to much on.

Second...by buddy taking a break from hanging gutters...

http://www.all-event-photos.com/img/v0/p567913960-4.jpg

http://www.all-event-photos.com/img/v0/p1051811367-4.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2529/abstractfx9.jpg

[ieatstars]

i_am_hydrogen -- Making me miss home real bad :(

I absolutely love your work.


Especially your PP'ing...just amazing.


I always enjoy seeing new posts from you...keep them coming!

Thank you! I really don't PP that much [don't have time for it lol] but you can usually tell which ones I do and don't. Thanks again :)

[angryhampster]

I think the Chromatic Aberration worked in my favor this time around :P

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b341/onefivealive/IMG_9746.jpg?t=1222141116


Is this with extension tubes? If not, that's pretty remarkable.

[NAisBEST]

No tubes or anything on that one. Here's the short EXIF from Flickr.

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/640)
Aperture: f/5
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution: 3/125 dpi
Y-Resolution: 3/125 dpi
Software: Adobe Photoshop CS2 Macintosh
Date and Time: 2008:09:22 23:37:41
Artist Name: unknown
Timezone Offset: -4, -4
Exposure Program: Aperture priority

I'll tell you, every time I use this lens (which isn't as much as I'd like), I'm floored over and over again. That's actually with minimal post-processing as well, only a level adjustment and a quick unsharp mask.

[Radiohead369]

Self portrait

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3160/2899833343_c64231b195.jpg

Atleast I tried to hide my ugly mug:lol:

[DozerLYP]

nice. kind of look like my avi...

here's my self portrait

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n56/dozerlyp/IMG_2877.jpg

[Spazzmodicus]

nice. kind of look like my avi...

here's my self portrait



So you think you're a tough guy eh? You don't scare me!:)

(I say that as I hide behind my keyboard...heh heh)

[DozerLYP]

BOO!

[Radiohead369]

haha:D

[NAisBEST]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/2905733395_f2850c0301.jpg?v=0

[wallybud]

ISO 1600 F/2.8
Roco the dog

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g213/wallybud/Roco-100.jpg

[rohicks]

Edited ... wrong lens sections. Sorry guys/gals.

[Kristy]

Wow Ryan..... your images are very moving.... I don't know the details of your journaling, but you did a wonderful job of creating emotion for the viewer. Very nice preservation of the memory.... and my sympathies for those who experienced a loss.

[rohicks]

Wow Ryan..... your images are very moving.... I don't know the details of your journaling, but you did a wonderful job of creating emotion for the viewer. Very nice preservation of the memory.... and my sympathies for those who experienced a loss.

Thanks for the compliments, but i just noticed i posted these images in the wrong lens section! agh :o
i meant to go for the 70-200 2.8 sryyy....

[Radiohead369]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3130/2908660168_94fc7131ee_o.jpg

[tiarehi]

Slight PP with LR 2.0:

Longan Dessert:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3165/2905997885_97d1474144_o.jpg

Exif:
Camera Make: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D
Image Date: 2008:10:01 19:20:15
Flash Used: No
Focal Length: 70.0mm
CCD Width: NaNmm
Exposure Time: 0.010 s (1/100)
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO equiv: 100
White Balance: Auto
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)

Thanks

[Lazuka]

an hdr for my offering :)

[ieatstars]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2890020812_9c958f4882_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2897677787_da2ee259c8_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2876109850_5050182268_o.jpg

[i_am_hydrogen]

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/7784/legacy1032pf6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[macroshot]

^^ Kevin: excellent HDR shot, well done and not overprocessed, it really pops.
And that website link for the Chicago skyscrapers? Wow. You have some really great images there. I am impressed!

[GovMule]

^^ Kevin:
And that website link for the Chicago skyscrapers? Wow. You have some really great images there. I am impressed!

I'll 2nd that on the skyscrapers link. Wow ! I really like the street level b&w of the bridge looking into the skyscrapers. Awesome photo !!!

[ieatstars]

I'll 2nd that on the skyscrapers link. Wow ! I really like the street level b&w of the bridge looking into the skyscrapers. Awesome photo !!!

3rd! Stunning pictures. Chicago is so beautiful. How do you get to some of those vantage points?? I'm assuming you work/live at the top of a high-rise?

[i_am_hydrogen]

Thanks a lot, guys. Your thoughtful comments are appreciated.

ieatstars - I work pretty high up in the Aon Center. I also sneak up into parking structures from time to time. With this city being as flat as it is, that's a good way to get unique views.

[silvex]

Now those ARE the most properly saturated shots I have seen. Well done!

[ieatstars]

Thanks a lot, guys. Your thoughtful comments are appreciated.

ieatstars - I work pretty high up in the Aon Center. I also sneak up into parking structures from time to time. With this city being as flat as it is, that's a good way to get unique views.
Ah, okay. I was trying to orient myself from the views in your pictures but without actually being in the city, struggled a bit. Thanks for the info! :)

[AlanU]

Television is the distraction tool for a 23mth old.

Widopen f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 400 reduced with no PP.

http://members.shaw.ca/airvw/tvdistraction.jpg

[runninmann]

Television is the distraction tool for a 23mth old.

Widopen f/2.8, 1/125, ISO 400 reduced with no PP.

http://members.shaw.ca/airvw/tvdistraction.jpgI still prefer the one you posted in the Sigma 30 thread. My wife happened to walk past while I was viewing it and stopped in her tracks.

[AlanU]

Runninmann,

Thanks for replying. I must admit my Sigma 30mm has been on my camera for quite sometime now. I've been "experimenting" and have been testing my "brick" wideopen.

Without a doubt the 30mm prime is a winner wideopen!!!

Just so happens the little one is eating a plum mesmorized watching Barbie and the diamond castle LOL!!!

[NAisBEST]

Sunset in a Lugnut....at f/2.8 :D

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3289/2916931868_9f98bd29cf_o.jpg

[MEP]

I just got mine- the first two are at 3.5 and the two cat ones are at 3.2. I am in love with this lens now!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Meladori/IMG_0008edit1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Meladori/IMG_0190edit1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Meladori/IMG_9982edit1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Meladori/IMG_9989edit1.jpg

:D

[MEP]

I like this lens more and more I use it. Both shot at F2.8

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/372006252_TYDuC-X2.jpg

http://photos.smugmug.com/photos/370333031_4QR3z-X2.jpg

How absolutely adorable!! Great shots of her.

[GovMule]

Guess I'll toss another one into the ring. This is the New Haven River in Rock Dale Vermont. I wish I could have spent more time here,this place was amazing !
Iso 100 f8 1/60 -1/3 @ 48mm

http://chriscouse.smugmug.com/photos/383484958_XLoBj-L.jpg

[ieatstars]

I just got mine- the first two are at 3.5 and the two cat ones are at 3.2. I am in love with this lens now!
:D
Amazing photos! Any insight into your processing techniques? They look fantastic.

[-g-]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2918869575_c3a7a42578_b.jpg

[x2x3x4x5x]

That's great. Very Ansel Adams-esque pp.

http://i38.tinypic.com/23yiq.png
Shadows were intentional!

[form]

I'm waiting for my 24-70 to arrive. I purchased one from someone on this board yesterday; hope they ship it soon, because I need it by Saturday.

[x2x3x4x5x]

It's beyond amazing and slightly addictive.

[form]

That's nice, I just want it to arrive so I can stop worrying about having a standard zoom for wedding receptions/etc on the 11th.

[x2x3x4x5x]

It took 8 days to get my 70-200 after it was shipped. :(

I hope you have better luck.

[form]

I asked for specific shipping - which they have already not done, but they claim they'll send it UPS - I'm really getting nervous. If I get another bad buy from someone on this board, it will literally be 0 for 3 or 4 (all my purchases from POTN have gone bad one way or another, but I've sold one or two things successfully).

[x2x3x4x5x]

I've only purchased 1 thing here and he shipped it out the same day. Can't complain.

Not to get off topic, but what happened previously? :(

Anyway, best of luck to ya.

[form]

Let's see...First time was an XTi used that the condition was not specified by the seller and it ended up being dinged and dented and scratched badly when it arrived. Next one I remember was a 70-200 f/4L I purchased that back focused on my camera - not necessarily the seller's fault, but still a bad experience. Now the 24-70, if they fail to ship it in time (and they're already shipping a day later than they said they would), or if something else is wrong, I'll consider it par for the course but the most expensive mistake thus far.

In contrast, I've always had good luck on craigslist, fredmiranda and photo.net.

[-g-]

That's great. Very Ansel Adams-esque pp.

Thanks. I don't think Adams ever did Tonemapping though. :) It does kind of look like some of his stuff though, doesn't it?

Nice job on the lens shot, BTW.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Let's see...First time was an XTi used that the condition was not specified by the seller and it ended up being dinged and dented and scratched badly when it arrived. Next one I remember was a 70-200 f/4L I purchased that back focused on my camera - not necessarily the seller's fault, but still a bad experience. Now the 24-70, if they fail to ship it in time (and they're already shipping a day later than they said they would), or if something else is wrong, I'll consider it par for the course but the most expensive mistake thus far.

In contrast, I've always had good luck on craigslist, fredmiranda and photo.net.
Ah yeah, that's some terrible luck.

I thought I found a bargain today on an old elan 2 from my photog professor. He claimed it was in great condition. Subjective terms like great are very dangerous. The camera was in no means "in great condition" in my eyes. I learned a very important lesson today. :lol:

The 70-200 f4L's had a small run with back focusing problems I think.

Thanks. I don't think Adams ever did Tonemapping though. :smile: It does kind of look like some of his stuff though, doesn't it?

Nice job on the lens shot, BTW.
Imagine what he would have done with tonemapping! :eek:

And thank you.

[Radiohead369]

Late might snack

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/2923484188_d6049338ae.jpg

[Bukka]

shot of my friends new truck.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2923935324_2fc401bff3.jpg

[orisky]

How absolutely adorable!! Great shots of her.

Thanks! you've got a cutie there yourself!

[MEP]

Amazing photos! Any insight into your processing techniques? They look fantastic.

Thank you and sure - Disclaimer: I'm no PS pro so my wording is not technical. http://75.125.185.66/forums/images/smilies/lol.gif

The curves settings change for each image but I start with a set of points, the key is to do the first curves layer as "Soft light" instead of normal blending. Here are my starting points (I found similar ones somewhere on the internet but modified it a bit to my personal taste):

50, 0 for the far left point
110, 75 for the "middle"
165, 130 for the right-most point

The second and third positions make a slight s-curve.

For the second curves layer, I go to the "RGB" tab and change it to blue, then pull the blue bar and make a bow-looking thing down to reduce the blue in the image if needed, or another if blue isn't the problem. This layer is in normal blend mode.

I also do an eye thing that I sometimes use and I definitely used it on that little girl - I create an adjustment layer with a black layer mask attached - I then adjust LEVELS to brighten the eyes a bit and erase over them using the layer mask.

For portraits, I usually add a slight vignette and do some sharpening.

Thanks! you've got a cutie there yourself!

She's not my daughter but she's definitely adorable. :)

[MEP]

shot of my friends new truck.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2923935324_2fc401bff3.jpg

Looks like it came from the Toyota website - you should sell them the image!

[paperchampion]

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo102/paper_champion/apples.jpg

now the proud owner of a 5d and 24-70. :)

[runninmann]

I wouldn't want to bob for those puppies :lol:.http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo102/paper_champion/apples.jpg

now the proud owner of a 5d and 24-70. :)

[form]

Looks like I may not be getting the 24-70 after all; the person I sent paypal funds to for the item has not kept up their end of the bargain so far and they have stopped responding. Now I get to see what happens and whether I lost my money or if they actually come through.

I really shouldn't ever try to buy anything from this forum. It never works out.

[austincabot]

Looks like I may not be getting the 24-70 after all; the person I sent paypal funds to for the item has not kept up their end of the bargain so far and they have stopped responding. Now I get to see what happens and whether I lost my money or if they actually come through.

I really shouldn't ever try to buy anything from this forum. It never works out.

You just need to check references first. I always ship out the day of or after I receive funds. It's a high priority for me.

[form]

How do I check references with users on here? It seems like every time I find what seems like a good deal on this forum it turns into a hassle, and it doesn't seem to make a difference how many posts they have.

[austincabot]

How do I check references with users on here? It seems like every time I find what seems like a good deal on this forum it turns into a hassle, and it doesn't seem to make a difference how many posts they have.

Ask for references. Most sellers are more than willing to cite sales on here, who they dealt with, etc. Some also provide ebay references and references from other forums.

At the end of the day, anytime you deal with an individual, you take a chance. Especially when you don't meet face to face. You have to trust the other person. It seems to me, you've been too trusting and it has turned around and back-fired on you.

[form]

It just seems so amazing that the only time I have bad luck in a transaction is when I buy from this forum. I've never had a problem anywhere else. Of course I seem to be the only person who has that kind of bad luck here and good luck elsewhere.

[cherrymoon]

Very nice colors. Congrats' !

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo102/paper_champion/apples.jpg

now the proud owner of a 5d and 24-70. :)

[leninglass]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3067/2922685397_a7f052ee20.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3050/2923536022_2da5415351.jpg

With the 5D and 24-70 L =)

[form]

Looks like mine is coming after all. I hope it's as good as everyone says it is.

[leninglass]

Oh man I just read your post 0_0 Did they ship it yet? Tracking number and all? I hope its not a.. BRICK (literally) like the thread calls it =(

Looks like mine is coming after all. I hope it's as good as everyone says it is.

[Bukka]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2918204994_360c8b3cb5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2897321541_678b1120bb.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2924589553_c82c8f6c97.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2875301538_8bcb3fefd4.jpg

[Medic85]

Bukka, Nice images. I really like the third one. Great conversion and it's just a great shot in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

[form]

Yes tracking number and all. I'm keeping my fingers crossed until it arrives tomorrow.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Yes tracking number and all. I'm keeping my fingers crossed until it arrives tomorrow.
Good luck.

[Dementiak]

hope you like :)

[ieatstars]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d140/suuupra/IMG_0602scopy.jpg

[form]

Obviously mine arrived and I made a big review comparison post about it. It's awfully expensive.

[P1X4R]

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh285/P1X4R_2008/TMP/IMG_3431.jpg

[maxblack]

My brick taken with my brick.

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq161/maxblacken/IMG_1438Brick.jpg

[-g-]

My brick taken with my brick.

Seems that the corners aren't very sharp. :lol:

[Radiohead369]

HAHAHAHAHAAH! Good one! :lol:

[Medic85]

Seems that the corners aren't very sharp. :lol:


Yep, I agree:)

[maxblack]

Seems that the corners aren't very sharp. :lol:

I took this shot of myself with the self timer. It's sometimes tough to get the focus where I want it when I'm not behind the camera.
I wish I had an assistant.:)

[twofruitz]

My brick taken with my brick.




I would send it back to Canon to get the fungus cleaned out :)

[maxblack]

I would send it back to Canon to get the fungus cleaned out :)

For a second there I thought you meant my lens. That was good.:D

[Franko515]

Seems that the corners aren't very sharp. :lol:

I took this shot of myself with the self timer. It's sometimes tough to get the focus where I want it when I'm not behind the camera.
I wish I had an assistant.:)

Seems like you missed the humor in the quote above yours :lol: He means the corners of the brick your holding (i.e. chipped off, not square, sharp corners get it) LMAO :lol:

[maxblack]

Seems like you missed the humor in the quote above yours :lol: He means the corners of the brick your holding (i.e. chipped off, not square, sharp corners get it) LMAO :lol:

I did miss it. I guess I'm getting soft in the head. HaHaHa!
Man, I used to be tack sharp. Thanks Franco.:D

[Franko515]

I did miss it. I guess I'm getting soft in the head. HaHaHa!
Man, I used to be tack sharp. Thanks Franco.:D

LMAO, no prob.


















Oh yeah, it's Franko, LOL :lol:

[airbutchie]

Great lens for landscapes...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/airbutchie/Photography/IMG_0037.jpg

- airbutchie ;)

[-g-]

Seems like you missed the humor in the quote above yours :lol: He means the corners of the brick your holding (i.e. chipped off, not square, sharp corners get it) LMAO :lol:

4 out of 5 got it anyway. He's the one that posted the brick....:)

[Sharpstat]

Playing around while waiting to conduct a rescue drill at work. :rolleyes:

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1706/grabhandleonengine39nr5.jpg

[DozerLYP]

I nailed that picture to the t...http://smilies.vidahost.com/contrib/ruinkai/biglaugh.gif

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n56/dozerlyp/IMG_3461.jpg

[egordon99]

Played with one today at a local camera shop. It really is a BRICK :-)

Still have no way to afford one at the moment (unless I sell my two primes and my 17-85), but keep those photos coming!

[hiddengamer7]

Straight out of the camera, no PP or anything, this lens is AMAZING!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2942390053_c9419273e2_b.jpg

[Jannie]

The Brick is my Mr. Dependable lens, if I am unsure what I'm going to be up against or what I'll actually be shooting, I'll make sure I have the Brick along, it's like having a safety net.

[x2x3x4x5x]

I agree.

[Radiohead369]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2946212036_46de25af8a_o.jpg

[ieatstars]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2946018459_1d834e3643_o.jpg

[macroshooter1970]

-
interesting

[i_am_hydrogen]

^Yeah. I like the bokeh as much as the main subject.

[austincabot]

IMG]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3135/2946018459_1d834e3643_o.jpg[/IMG]

You do black and whites too? :eek3:

[ieatstars]

Thank you guys! Really appreciate it :) And yes, austincabot :lol: This image was already so close to being b&w straight from the cam (VERY muggy day and the lady really was silver lol) so I just went for it. It looks cleaner this way.