Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM - The Keg

[helloagain36]

Awesome Pham! 3 & 6 are my favourites.

Same for me, especially #3, that one is killer!

[ekie]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2449/3889037842_5316028469_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/3888242991_576c9116bc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3450/3889036970_97a8509138_o.jpg

and a color one :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3888242877_f45b8060ac_o.jpg

[airfrogusmc]

Love #3 pham.

[tonylong]

and a color one :D

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2668/3888242877_f45b8060ac_o.jpg

You really nailed this one. Very cool shot!

[ekie]

^^ thanks! .. wish he was a bit closer but still came out good. i shot with with dual flash on monopod, pointed at the bride only. and i darken the background in post just a tad to bring her out a lil more.

[phamster]

^^ thanks! .. wish he was a bit closer but still came out good. i shot with with dual flash on monopod, pointed at the bride only. and i darken the background in post just a tad to bring her out a lil more.

No nOpe.. it is perfect the way it is SIR !!!

she is glowing already.. any more it will look on the side of unnatural.. you have it just balanced right here..


phamster

[phamster]

Love #3 pham.

thanks air..

and some more senior madness

http://i30.tinypic.com/2z9fmdz.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/ogypas.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2q07fdi.jpg

http://i26.tinypic.com/nbbqso.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/300xmhj.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2nrgguo.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/349cmit.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2lapuep.jpg

[p360]

^^ Love that last shot, pham. Always admire your work.

I have a question for all you owners: I am beginning to venture into weddings. And I am thinking of adding this to my gear. The AF is probably too slow for weddings, but the lens would be awesome for bride & groom portraits.

Putting aside the price factor, would this be a good addition when compared to my other candidates..?? I am also looking at 50L and the upcoming 100L. 50L would also have a nice bokeh. 100L - probably not as nice.

Can someone suggest one over the other for my intended use..?

Thanking in advance.

[airfrogusmc]

^^ Love that last shot, pham. Always admire your work.

I have a question for all you owners: I am beginning to venture into weddings. And I am thinking of adding this to my gear. The AF is probably too slow for weddings, but the lens would be awesome for bride & groom portraits.

Putting aside the price factor, would this be a good addition when compared to my other candidates..?? I am also looking at 50L and the upcoming 100L. 50L would also have a nice bokeh. 100L - probably not as nice.

Can someone suggest one over the other for my intended use..?

Thanking in advance.

Who told you the AF is to slow. I shot weddings for 20 years (I only do commercial/advertising type work now) haven't shot but a handful in the past 10 years. I shot one last year and shot it with a 24L, 35L and 85L only and the job looked fantastic. You just have to learn how to use it.

[x2x3x4x5x]

I only own 2 lenses. The 35L and 85L. 90% of my income is from weddings. The other 10% is from lifestyle portraits.

[airfrogusmc]

I only own 2 lenses. The 35L and 85L. 90% of my income is from weddings. The other 10% is from lifestyle portraits.

Pat, your work is very good.

Do you find the 85L to slow? I've never found it to be.

[x2x3x4x5x]

Thanks. :)

There are times where I wish it was faster. With practice, I find it fast enough for just about anything though.

http://i31.tinypic.com/xanh4p.jpg
That happened really fast and the 85L was able to focus fine. It's really accurate. It's deliberate.

[airfrogusmc]

Exactly like anything the more you use it the better you get with it.
Heres a few oldies from some corporate functions.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/01GuestatCDHball.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/05candidfromCDH2-11.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_7269.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_7285.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0083.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0080.jpg

Something shot for an ad.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_6597.jpg

[MatthewK]

The 85L doesn't do action because it is too slow.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3895599248_1e07dbe9d3_b.jpg

100% crop

[dilorenzo1954]

Exactly like anything the more you use it the better you get with it
Well Allen...I'm practicin'

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3895830296_58a0f9248c_b_d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3895830380_e3306a3b26_b_d.jpg

[phamster]

Well Allen...I'm practicin'

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3895830296_58a0f9248c_b_d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3895830380_e3306a3b26_b_d.jpg

those last two are fantastic !! awesome action shots..

[phamster]

The 85L doesn't do action because it is too slow.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3895599248_1e07dbe9d3_b.jpg

100% crop


that is a nice cool photo..

[phamster]

I only own 2 lenses. The 35L and 85L. 90% of my income is from weddings. The other 10% is from lifestyle portraits.


i agree.. i have the 35 and the 85 combos.. and i really don't use anything else.

your work is great pat..

and some more from my recent senior madness..


http://i26.tinypic.com/2lj734h.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/2411pqc.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/14ncv8h.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/308a9ti.jpg

[Double Negative]

I've been reorganizing stuff in storage as well as the studio. Today they crossed paths for this quickie shot. It took all of a few minutes to set up and shoot.

A 1982 IBM PC, in complete and original condition. It runs like a champ!

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_6950.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=2621&exhibition=46&ee_lang=eng&u=4559,0)

I have a half dozen or so systems to shoot like this. Commodore, Sun, SGI and Apple to name a few... :p

[airfrogusmc]

Nice Ed & Matthew,

See, its not TO SLOW.

[ekie]

pham, those are killer. beautiful light! :)

[Double Negative]

Here's a Commodore 64 (C64) system, complete with monitor and 1541 disk drive and manuals. Fully working.

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_6958.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=2622&exhibition=46&ee_lang=eng&u=4559,0)

[echo]

http://i32.tinypic.com/2411pqc.jpg

Superb :)

[echo]

Well Allen...I'm practicin'

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3895830296_58a0f9248c_b_d.jpg

bw!

[phamster]

Here's a Commodore 64 (C64) system, complete with monitor and 1541 disk drive and manuals. Fully working.

http://litpixel.com/ee/images/thumb/_1D_6958.jpg (http://litpixel.com/ee/photo.php?photo=2622&exhibition=46&ee_lang=eng&u=4559,0)

commodore command lines.

load "*something",8,1...

i still remember 30 some years back on this..

LOL.. nice..

will you be doing a photo of Amiga 500?

phamster

[Double Negative]

commodore command lines.

load "*something",8,1...

i still remember 30 some years back on this..

LOL.. nice..

will you be doing a photo of Amiga 500?

That's right!

LOAD "$",8
LIST

...would give you a directory listing of the floppy. :D

I never did get the Amiga 500, though I was very interested back in the day, when the Video Toaster was all the rage. I ended up skipping over it and getting an SGI Indigo2 IMPACT system with a Cosmo Compress video board and SGI 20" monitor.

I also have a Sun SparcStation 20 with matching monitor, keyboard and mouse...

A Sun Ultra 60 with same, a Sun 420R with D1000 disk array (my former server)...

I even have a Macintosh Classic II, but alas, the video seems to be fried.

A Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I with Monitor, Cassette Drive and Expansion Interface will make an appearance...

I really should set a custom white balance. And fix up the lighting on the C64 a bit. But I'm not really THAT into these product shots. If anything, they might end up on eBay. ;)

[Palna]

Her is one from today, Greatings Palna: -)

[wildcart]

http://www.wildcart.nl/_portfolio/portraits/annebel_001.jpg

[lz7j]

http://www.nikkophotography.com/50L/arcar-1-4.jpg

[dilorenzo1954]

those last two are fantastic !! awesome action shots..

Nice Ed & Matthew,

See, its not TO SLOW.

bw!

Thanks guys! I need to shoot with this puppy more...

http://www.nikkophotography.com/50L/arcar-1-4.jpg
Stunning Iz!

[airfrogusmc]

I agree Ed but a bit to much head room; move the eyes off the center line and you got a real winner.

[phamster]

i had a chance to use this lens again on another senior shoot tonight..lol..

i have this week 3 more.. tues wed, and thurs.. and photography is a hobbie..
subaru engineering is the real work.. or do i have it backwards?? lol..

here are some of the shots tonight..


http://i30.tinypic.com/24lncau.jpg



http://i31.tinypic.com/6oit5w.jpg



http://i27.tinypic.com/2wn2vc2.jpg



http://i25.tinypic.com/2n0pjd.jpg



http://i29.tinypic.com/e9t0mh.jpg



http://i30.tinypic.com/52kfur.jpg

[ekie]

at this pace, you'll be switching careers soon! :D .. good stuff, the one with the horse (#4) is definitely a wall hanger!

[assafphotography]

Pham! I love looking at your work, such perfect lighting! everything looks so natural

[assafphotography]

I've been busy and missed a few days......Here's a shot from a recent engagement party.

http://assafphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/dm9.jpg

[airfrogusmc]

Pham! I love looking at your work, such perfect lighting! everything looks so natural

I agree. His work is a good example of the right way to use flash with ambient.

[phamster]

I've been busy and missed a few days......Here's a shot from a recent engagement party.




that is a great photo.. the lines and shallow DOF, moment...

and I too love looking at your work !!!

i am glad you are not in my town taking my clients away from me.. he he..

phamster

[phamster]

at this pace, you'll be switching careers soon! :D .. good stuff, the one with the horse (#4) is definitely a wall hanger!


thanks Sir !!! your work is sweetness too.. i get inspired by many of your shots..

#4 is the mothers fav. she already commented on facebook already !!

phamster

[phamster]

I agree. His work is a good example of the right way to use flash with ambient.


as i recall, your posts in the "fav off camera flash" thread created quite the stir..

guys.. dont get fooled by AIR... he is a master flasher... his stuff will make your head spin... well it did me..

phamster

[airfrogusmc]

as i recall, your posts in the "fav off camera flash" thread created quite the stir..

guys.. dont get fooled by AIR... he is a master flasher... his stuff will make your head spin... well it did me..

phamster
:lol::lol::lol: Lets not discuss my trench coat activities here.

Pham I do know that you have a good sense for matching your fill with the available light. You not only seem to be able to not over fill but seem to be able to match the quality of light also. I think those two technical reasons are why your work looks the way it does. And for all those doing these kind of things its not real easy to do. I bet your clients love what your giving them.

[HarrisonClicks]

I don't yet have any shots to post, but I can post this shot!! It's a picture of an e-mail I just got from B&H (100% crop!) and I will not sleep tonight because of it. Notice the lack of bokeh in that e-mail. I hope to change that when this Keg arrives. Despite the date of delivery being today, it will not arrive until tomorrow because of labor day.

So, to keep myself busy, I am up to page 45 of the 217 pages in this thread! :cool:

[djharmonix]

Had a shooting with the wonderful Heidi yesterday. Went there with the 24-70 and 85L... Didnt use the 24-70! Lol

untouched, out of the camera:

http://www.pbase.com/nicolasshapiro/image/117006798/original.jpg

@F2

[dilorenzo1954]

Here's another from Sunday night...


http://edl1954.smugmug.com/photos/643166976_cY9gY-X2.jpg (http://edl1954.smugmug.com/People-1/Millennium-Park-Sept-2009/9544976_PVBMR#643166976_cY9gY)

[Subimatt]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3898999250_07e233c604_o.jpg

[echo]

Wow, the last 3 pics are all excellent :)

[phamster]

Subimatt..

dude that shot is insane !! love it..totally agree with ECHO.. i guess i will echo ECHO's comment.. EXCELLENT !

-------------------------------------------------------------
yet another job tonight..

we worked in the alley.. it is the brick that the mother liked.. probably because she has seen the cello shoot done here..

but here are the photos i liked

http://i25.tinypic.com/iojfhg.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/11h4glc.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/264kuwk.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/ib9cau.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/fmsahc.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/1268k1d.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/2a85efd.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/hu4twk.jpg

[inthedeck]

^^All nice shots above. You guys/gals are good. ;) I'm havin' a hard time keepin' up. :(

Here's one that I edited today, after a long while. Took August off. ;)

http://inthedeck.smugmug.com/photos/643585092_QydCj-XL.jpg

[phamster]

^^All nice shots above. You guys/gals are good. ;) I'm havin' a hard time keepin' up. :(

Here's one that I edited today, after a long while. Took August off. ;)

http:/L.jpg

love that pose..

your light is spot on.. good work..

do you find darker skin easier to work with?

phamster

[HarrisonClicks]

phamster,

Your work is fantastic. Question. I see in your sig that your images are optimized for Facebook for marketing purposes. How does adding the black borders help your images look better on Facebook? I tried to find you on Facebook to see your work but searching phamster got me nowhere. This is probably my inability to use Facebook's search properly!

Anyway, just curious. I really like your work and the images you contribute to this Forum (this thread especially).

[Subimatt]

Subimatt..

dude that shot is insane !! love it..totally agree with ECHO.. i guess i will echo ECHO's comment.. EXCELLENT !



Thanks Pham!

[inthedeck]

Thanks Phamster. As for darker skin tones, sometimes they are easier, sometimes not. All depends on the ambient light available. In that shot, there wasn't much ambient, as we were in a shaded area, and it was gettin' dark. Trying to use the modeling lamps for a few seconds with 2 lights causes the vagabond to start beeping so I have to turn them down, just so I can focus when it's dark out. All in all, though, I'd say no skin tone is better than the other as each person is different. ;)

[phamster]

Thanks Phamster. As for darker skin tones, sometimes they are easier, sometimes not. All depends on the ambient light available. In that shot, there wasn't much ambient, as we were in a shaded area, and it was gettin' dark. Trying to use the modeling lamps for a few seconds with 2 lights causes the vagabond to start beeping so I have to turn them down, just so I can focus when it's dark out. All in all, though, I'd say no skin tone is better than the other as each person is different. ;)


so that was done outside? omg..i thought it was in a studio !!?

i have looked at it again.. now i see the lines so it is out doors?

i will have to put my bulb in for the modeling lights.. never thought i can use the modeling lights with the battery..

to me my experience with darker skin is that you can overexpose by 1/2 stop or so and still be ok.. but you are right.. case by case..

thanks

phamster

[inthedeck]

haha, nah, that was outside. My studio shots are generally against a grey/black bg, and I sometimes blow it out, to get white bg's. I like on location stuff more, anyway. The studio gets boring, even though I can use more lights in there. ;)

You can use the modeling lights, but, not for long. Maybe 10 seconds or so, and that's about it. Otherwise, your vagabond will beep at you, in anger! :lol: Best way, position the lights, turn on the modeling lamps to a 'low' power setting, use them as a quick reference, and then turn 'em off. Has worked for me, so far, except when I forget to turn down the modeling lamp. :lol:

But yeah, I guess with lighter skin tones, I have to be cogniscent of how much power I'm dumping out otherwise the model is over exposed. ;)

[HarrisonClicks]

phamster,

Thanks for the PM. I've been through your FB page and your work is truly amazing. It's not only the lighting and photographic technical skills. It's the creativity. There seems, at least to me, very little repetition among the compositions across the board. In other words, its not like every subject is photographed similarly. Each subject is a unique new photoshoot. That would be so hard for me to accomplish - let alone nail the lighting and exposures!

My passion is travel and sports photography and I am just now starting to get into family and friend portraits. I am inspired by the compositions in addition to the technical side. Really great work.

[ngineer]

Exactly like anything the more you use it the better you get with it.
Heres a few oldies from some corporate functions.
Something shot for an ad.


Your work makes you stand out from the crowd. Always enjoy seeing what you do with this and the 200L.

I'll hold you responsible for my sizable, um, "lens investments" in the future!

[phamster]

phamster,

Thanks for the PM. I've been through your FB page and your work is truly amazing. It's not only the lighting and photographic technical skills. It's the creativity. There seems, at least to me, very little repetition among the compositions across the board. In other words, its not like every subject is photographed similarly. Each subject is a unique new photoshoot. That would be so hard for me to accomplish - let alone nail the lighting and exposures!

My passion is travel and sports photography and I am just now starting to get into family and friend portraits. I am inspired by the compositions in addition to the technical side. Really great work.

1080i,

thank you so much for the grandest of compliments...

my pathway to where i am at here hasn't been with out work and help from members here in this forum.

i have lurked about 1 year ago.. and then learned from my mistakes and input from others..

truly invaluable info, knowledge, and experience can found in the code of this forum...

what has helped me the most is to learn off camera flash, and doing it in the manual way, with out a meter.. i don't even have a meter. but now that i have learned this, nobody can take it away from me..

stick with one camera body, so after you do this for about 20 some jobs, you will know your settings.. become a "walking light meter" - or chimp master..

also having taken so many photos and coming up with an amazing shot.. i studied why i liked that shot.. and concluded - this is duplicatable. then i started to duplicated it.. but laterally expanded it to other subjects and environments.

typically the lighting is the first challenge.. the compositions.. but everybody knows that already..

just go out there and shoot.. do it with friends that are patient..

find your mistakes after, and improve on them.. 5why it down to whatever..

then when you can do it well
you will be ready to get clients and do it successfully.. in any environment !!

thank you again..

phamster

[mananetwork]

http://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8334.jpghttp://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8079.jpghttp://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8110.jpg

[Marloon]

http://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8334.jpghttp://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8079.jpghttp://www.mananetwork.net/blog/wp-content/gallery/vivvos/_mg_8110.jpg

Mana.. Are you part of the revscene forum as well?

Damn these shots are nice...

Don't you specialize in food or product shots?

[airfrogusmc]

A couple I shot today for some ads.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_1634_2.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_1715.jpg

[phamster]

Air.. some good stuff.. she is dreamy..

and the doc.. or lab guys.. they look so relaxed in front of you.

you must have a way with your people too..

do you start telling jokes? what is your ice breaker?

phamster

[airfrogusmc]

Thanks Pham,

One is a neurologist and the other is a neurosurgeon. The woman is a healthcare worker.

I don't know that I do anything special but I really have little tolerance for tension on one of my shoots.

My shoots are always relaxed and fun especially when I'm dealing with real people (not professional models) which is most of what I now shoot.

I really love what I do and I think people pick up on the it. Fully including them in on the process is something I try to do by laying out what we're doing and trying to make it as much fun as I can.

[mananetwork]

Mana.. Are you part of the revscene forum as well?

Damn these shots are nice...

Don't you specialize in food or product shots?

The same :D

I specialize more in Weddings, Fashion, Commercial, Portrait type photography. I've done produce shots in the past, just haven't had any business in this year.

[phamster]

The same

I specialize more in Weddings, Fashion, Commercial, Portrait type photography. I've done produce shots in the past, just haven't had any business in this year.


whatever you shoot.. it looks like you do it very well !!!!


and some more senior madness...

am i posting too many shots? don't want to be viewed as a posting hog..


http://i26.tinypic.com/rtest2.jpg



http://i25.tinypic.com/e9wxnt.jpg




http://i25.tinypic.com/fub58m.jpg



4
http://i32.tinypic.com/axjxhe.jpg



5
http://i28.tinypic.com/s2d6cw.jpg




http://i25.tinypic.com/2uyshm9.jpg




http://i32.tinypic.com/2boe3k.jpg




http://i25.tinypic.com/2wox9iu.jpg

[shimmishim]

^^ 1 and 3 are money.

But to be honest... I don't think you're a posting hog. I think it's great that you're sharing your work with everyone here to see.

I will say though that there are certain sets I like and certain sets I don't.

From the previous 3 or so sets, I think this one is my favorite. I don't know if it's the girl and how natural she looks but something makes this one of my favorites from you.

[ekie]

pham, awesome as usual. is this the same girl u took photos of before? with the super tan lsat time? she looks much better this time if it is :)

[ekie]

makes for great wedding lens too :D

@1.8
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2516/3902216587_9153182a2e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3517/3902217183_5272cb427a_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/3902996230_984e3b7d39_o.jpg

[phamster]

makes for great wedding lens too :D

@1.8






pham, awesome as usual. is this the same girl u took photos of before? with the super tan lsat time? she looks much better this time if it is :)


that last one is the winner !! the tunnel affect is cool.. i am sure this couple is going to love their wedding photography.. you have so many good shots of this one..


yes.. that is the super tan reddish gal.. on the second session, when i processed, i removed reds and she has a more desaturated skin tone on these.. but if you see her in real life, very reddish tan..


^^ 1 and 3 are money.

But to be honest... I don't think you're a posting hog. I think it's great that you're sharing your work with everyone here to see.

I will say though that there are certain sets I like and certain sets I don't.

From the previous 3 or so sets, I think this one is my favorite. I don't know if it's the girl and how natural she looks but something makes this one of my favorites from you.


sweet.. i didn't want to be viewed as " LOOK MA... SEE WHAT I CAN DO.."

but as, just shots taken at resonable aperatures and compositions that isn't boreing..

but actually, when i was shopping for this lens, i went thru all of this thread looking at examples.. so why not throw some on here?

phamster

[ekie]

thanks pham. it was actually my little sisters wedding :D

[HarrisonClicks]

I received the lens yesterday! What is funny is that I did not take it to work because i knew i had too much work to do today. So what am i doing instead? I am up to page 115 of this thread with 100 more pages to go - just to admire the work of everyone. Have been looking for a year, but started over again 2 weeks ago, and knocked out 25 more pages today!!

Things I have learned in the first 115 pages:

1. Wide open, be VERY mindful not to accidently shift hands or body forward or backward once focus locks, or you will lose focus due to the amazing DOF.

2. In relation to point one above, try AL Servo instead to improve focus wide open.

3. Lens itself is larger and heavier than it looks on the internet (confirmed).

4. Focus is slower than other L lenses because of massive glass, but worth it (confirmed).

5. Most importantly, there are some insanely great photogs on this thread with some insanely great images.

I will post my first shots by tomorrow to join the club!!

[inthedeck]

^Congrats, dude, I'm sure you'll love it, or hate it. I'm in the camp that loves it. :)

[phamster]

you will love it !!!

[airfrogusmc]

Available light environmental executive portrait.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_1666.jpg

[HarrisonClicks]

OK. First shots ever with this lens. When not practicing law for a living or taking pictures, I volunteer as a firefighter / EMT. These are at my station today as I attend the medic. It is September 11 by the way.

These are wide open. At close up distances, the DOF is insane. But at 215 pages on this thread, I guess everyone knows that already. These are posted for example only - definitely not posted for artistic value. When I get out of here, I will get more serious about trying some art and putting this lens to use.

I can tell that this lens will require a significant amount of practice to ramp up.

----

[djharmonix]

wide open:

http://www.pbase.com/nicolasshapiro/image/117122242/original.jpg

[.mark.]

wide open:

http://www.pbase.com/nicolasshapiro/image/117122242/original.jpg

love it. maybe photo shop out the nose piercing?

[djharmonix]

love it. maybe photo shop out the nose piercing?

she's gonna ask me where it went lol

[AlanU]

I was taking photos at my friends Wedding rehersal dinner. Brought the 35L and 85L. This lens is amazing.

Here's our server at the restaurant. How you doing......

http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/alan_u1971/Webpics/IMG_96511024x768.jpg


http://i378.photobucket.com/albums/oo230/alan_u1971/Webpics/server.jpg

[phamster]

^^^^^ LOL.. ha ha.. great post..

better tips.. right?

and some more photos.. another senior..

1
http://i29.tinypic.com/29ys30x.jpg


2
http://i30.tinypic.com/2vcayc2.jpg


3
http://i28.tinypic.com/rmuxra.jpg


4
http://i27.tinypic.com/14cfwx4.jpg


5
http://i27.tinypic.com/8zlfk5.jpg


6
http://i25.tinypic.com/2gtp301.jpg


7
http://i26.tinypic.com/9uangi.jpg


8
http://i32.tinypic.com/ip9lyo.jpg

[inthedeck]

Pham...Alejandro, where the heck does one source one of those? Also, if a person is standing in front of it, doesn't it block some of the light?

[phamster]

OK. First shots ever with this lens. When not practicing law for a living or taking pictures, I volunteer as a firefighter / EMT. These are at my station today as I attend the medic. It is September 11 by the way.

These are wide open. At close up distances, the DOF is insane. But at 215 pages on this thread, I guess everyone knows that already. These are posted for example only - definitely not posted for artistic value. When I get out of here, I will get more serious about trying some art and putting this lens to use.

I can tell that this lens will require a significant amount of practice to ramp up.

----



i like the second shot.. metal objects are great to shoot with this lens..

phamster

[phamster]

Pham...Alejandro, where the heck does one source one of those? Also, if a person is standing in front of it, doesn't it block some of the light?

can you ask this again.. i am lost... source and what photo are you talking about too>? lol...
pham

[inthedeck]

i.e. where can you buy one of those things? Also, I thought I was in the AB thread, haha...it's like I'm seeing doubles. Ooops. :lol:

Also, if someone is standing in front of it, as in Alejandros' image, in the AB thread, doesn't block some light?

[phamster]

yea.. i don't understand alejandros' use.. doesn't make sense.. to me either.. he is right infront of it.. it will be blocked by him for sure..

http://www.alienbees.com/plm.html

is where i got mine.. it is huge.. lol..

[inthedeck]

How does one of those things hold up when it's windy outside? That's the only issue I have to contend with, while on location. ;)

[phamster]

not very good.. there has to be some body holding it if it is windy..

i have only used it one time.. but you really need another person to manage it.. it is such a parachute, if greater than 7-10 mph.. it is going to drop..

[inthedeck]

forget that...haha. In studio would be a nice to have...but, here in FL, where it's constantly windy, forget about it. ;) I'll just have to go with a small octa, in addition to the large one, for on location stuff.

[shaktipalooza]

These would be my favorites of the bunch, great stuff!

^^^^^ LOL.. ha ha.. great post..

2
http://i30.tinypic.com/2vcayc2.jpg


4
http://i27.tinypic.com/14cfwx4.jpg


6
http://i25.tinypic.com/2gtp301.jpg

[advaitin]

All I have to say, after so many sterling examples by Phamster, is, "Damn, Pham!"

Ok, maybe a few words more. The last set should be labeled, "How to make stunning portraits with simple or natural backgrounds."

[djharmonix]

With this lens, all you need is a small fill-in flash and youre good to go!

http://www.pbase.com/nicolasshapiro/image/117122241/original.jpg

[phamster]

All I have to say, after so many sterling examples by Phamster, is, "Damn, Pham!"

Ok, maybe a few words more. The last set should be labeled, "How to make stunning portraits with simple or natural backgrounds."

thanks.. adavitin ! Sterling.. sweet I!!! i try hard all the time..


With this lens, all you need is a small fill-in flash and youre good to go!

http:/jpg


agreeed.. this lens can let you get away with a lot more than most.. but your subject is off the hook crazy attractive.. (ring or not) lol.

phamster

[djharmonix]

agreeed.. this lens can let you get away with a lot more than most.. but your subject is off the hook crazy attractive.. (ring or not) lol.

phamster

thanks Pham!

There is alot more to come from her!

[HarrisonClicks]

I have a long way to go until I will feel comfortable with this lens. It's going to take a lot of practice. In a good way.

I was shooting my son's opening day of soccer today. It’s like a soccer olympics with stations – no real games yet. It was wet and drizzling and quite cool at the field. I mostly had the 70-200 f/2.8L on board (I was too close for the 300 2.8L), but below are 2 from the 85L. This lens is insane. At wide open, it’s like nothing I ever used before.

One of the shots is my son and the other his teammate (who was into me taking photos, and her and her friend kept asking me to take their pictures). I realize now that, at its MFD, if you go wide open the DOF is like ½ inch!! On my son's test shot (you can tell how happy he was to be at soccer today, let alone pose), the DOF drops off before I even leave his forehead!! On this type of shot, to get the face in focus and to bokeh the rest (I know... lock a single focal point on an eye), I will either need to go f/2.8 or f/4 or I will need to back up. Her shot was a bit better.

But man talk about bokeh!

Adam

[phamster]

@ Adam,

so if you have a full frame, which i think you do..

your 85 on it, these rules apply.

1. @ 1.6 - 1.8 you can do a full body shot, make sure you are standing back so that there is room above the subjects head and some room on the bottom feet area too.. now if you really want full body shots i would still do it at 2.0

2. @ 2.8 chest up body shots.. i don't go any lower being it just blurs part of the face out..

but you can learn and find your range and have fun with it..

sweet ness.. isn't it? also start working out.. it is a heavy one isn't ?

phamster

[HarrisonClicks]

That will help! Thanks!

[eth3rton]

Thanks for the advice Sensei Pham!

[Raymond Lin]

thanks Pham!

There is alot more to come from her!

Can't wait, the camera loves her !

[phamster]

Thanks for the advice Sensei Pham!

you are funny.. sensei.. ha ha..

but thank you..

here are some more from tonights job..

well i had a break from Senior action..

did this awesome family shoot tonight..

here are some of the photos we liked.

1
http://i26.tinypic.com/16gzgnp.jpg


2
http://i26.tinypic.com/2zpuwxu.jpg


3
http://i25.tinypic.com/2w2hafn.jpg


4
http://i31.tinypic.com/jpy1sp.jpg


5
http://i28.tinypic.com/15hmtty.jpg


6
http://i31.tinypic.com/jfaezm.jpg


7
http://i29.tinypic.com/otqb9t.jpg

8
http://i29.tinypic.com/33nj8m1.jpg

[airfrogusmc]

A few quick edits from a corporate event I shot last night.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0851.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0838.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0837.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0831.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0852.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0862.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_08433.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_0872.jpg

[djharmonix]

very pleasing lighting, very smooth. Good job

[airfrogusmc]

very pleasing lighting, very smooth. Good job
Thanks Nic..

[phamster]

hey Air.. what camera body do you use? and does that 85 ever come off it?

[airfrogusmc]

:lol::lol: 5Ds...And yeah I use the 200 2L once in a while. ;)

[phamster]

5Ds...And yeah I use the 200 2L once in a while. ;)


i got to try that one out once.. LOL..then i will want one.. ok.. no.. don't need to try it.. lol

@ me..

here are some new shots with my high school rep....

http://i31.tinypic.com/2dminfo.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/2vijacy.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/kdsdux.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/k50281.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/x1j4w3.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/2dv07f4.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/2h2qoeu.jpg

[tonylong]

:lol::lol: 5Ds...And yeah I use the 200 2L once in a while. ;)

Well, Allen, the work you post with this lens is a steady reminder of how you can make even "corporate events" shine -- good stuff as always!

[airfrogusmc]

Well, Allen, the work you post with this lens is a steady reminder of how you can make even "corporate events" shine -- good stuff as always!

Thanks Tony..

I really like the use of gels on the first one Pham.

[hiddengamer7]

I really like the use of gels on the first one Pham.
I definitely agree, the gels really make the image much more interesting. Pham, your work is always inspiring!

[AlphaChicken]

The Mystery Machine

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m217/Underground_Image_Forums/PotN%20Uploads/_MG_4258__Web.jpg

[phamster]

I definitely agree, the gels really make the image much more interesting. Pham, your work is always inspiring!


thanks, i try hard out every time.. it is still like a fun hobby to me..

but when it feels like work.. i am going to have to put the camera down..

i need that balance of fun, and creativity.. right now i am feeling it !!

but thanks again.

phamster

[phamster]

The Mystery Machine

http://i1258__Web.jpg

so colorful.. and nicely done.. about f 2.8 to 4.0 ish?

[AlphaChicken]

so colorful.. and nicely done.. about f 2.8 to 4.0 ish?

Thank you Pham. :)

Actually, haha I was shooting at f/1.2 to isolate the van. The blocks were smaller and I was closer than the eye might think.

Here is one at f/2.0 from about 18-20 feet away.

School Bus Stopped:

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m217/Underground_Image_Forums/PotN%20Uploads/_MG_4251__Web.jpg

And another at f/1.2.

Bi-Focal:

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m217/Underground_Image_Forums/PotN%20Uploads/_MG_4248__Web.jpg

[echo]

Some great photos here this week! I must use my 85L a bit more, the 200L has been seeing all of the action :)

[airfrogusmc]

Some great photos here this week! I must use my 85L a bit more, the 200L has been seeing all of the action :)

Is that the 200 2L

[J-B]

Is that the 200 2L

I think he means the f2.8 version (because he has 'mkI' in his sig) :)

[Kramer80]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3910969547_ff7af52280_o.jpg

[Oliviero]

That guy reminds me of Jason Lee from My Name Is Earl :p

[airbutchie]

^ Exactly what I was thinking... Hhehehehehe...

- airbutchie

[inthedeck]

^^Or Ryan Reynolds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Reynolds

:lol:

[Kramer80]

he gets that all the time.

[cbouchez]

what is a good price for this lens at the moment?

$1,600.00 for a used one?

[justaf IREMAN]

what is a good price for this lens at the moment?

$1,600.00 for a used one?

with the recent price increase I've seen it between $1550-1750

[echo]

Is that the 200 2L

If only :D

[cbouchez]

with the recent price increase I've seen it between $1550-1750


thanks! I'm hoping to get one for about $1,600.00

[phamster]

too much talk and no photos.. ha ha.

another set.

http://i31.tinypic.com/k1ro92.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/9tdg93.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/25k7fj7.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/2wqv80l.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/23r73ev.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/1r66vc.jpg

[HarrisonClicks]

219 Pages and I finally am up to speed on this thread, having read every post since Oct 2006!! Well, that took 2 weeks of POTN time. Now I need to go play and shoot. Enough reading POTN. I really am addicted to this site.

[dimadelux]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3925711623_1789c1141a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dimadelux/3925711623/)

[tonylong]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3469/3910969547_ff7af52280_o.jpg

That guy reminds me of Jason Lee from My Name Is Earl :p

^ Exactly what I was thinking... Hhehehehehe...

- airbutchie

That's odd -- I thought it was that guy in Dogma...or was it Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, or, well, one of those funny movies that Kevin Smith did...:)

[airbutchie]

^ Same guy, Tony... He was in all those movies... Hehehhehe...

- airbutchie ;)

[ebann]

I'm officially in!

Sold my 1Ds (Classic) and 400/5.6L and made enough to buy the 1Ds2 and 85L MkI. Nice swap wouldn't you say? Pictures coming up as soon as I get myself a card reader...

[kansascityshuffle]

I'm officially in!

Sold my 1Ds (Classic) and 400/5.6L and made enough to buy the 1Ds2 and 85L MkI. Nice swap wouldn't you say? Pictures coming up as soon as I get myself a card reader...


Now there's a nice pairing...

[tonylong]

^ Same guy, Tony... He was in all those movies... Hehehhehe...

- airbutchie ;)

Heh! Yeah, isn't it interesting to see that several of Kevin Smith's young fellas have been making a name for themselves! Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and this Jason fella all did gigs with the Smith bus of bizarre but hilarious film making before becoming "stars"!

[HarrisonClicks]

So I bought the LensAlign Pro system. I have been meaning to micro-calibrate my lenses for a long time and I was, quite frankly, intimidated. But I decided that, for me, this was the easiest way to do it properly (I realize others may likely disagree).

So, my setup first: LensAlign Pro mounted on my old tripod (very old!!), followed by the 1DsIII + 85L mounted on my Gitzo. These are iphone photos so sorry about that.

[HarrisonClicks]

I really like the system. This top photo is the default micro-adjustment (set at zero). Looks like it was front focusing and +4 on the micro-adjustment was the best. That is the bottom photo.

It is a subtle difference, at least to my eyes, but looking at the "2"s and the "4"s you can see the improvement (compare the top and bottom of each number within each photo). The idea is that both top and bottom numbers look equally OOF, with the zero in the middle as perfect as possble. Keep in mind this is 100% crop.

I am fairly sure I am doing this correctly. But i am absolutely sure that in the end it will be my technique that makes or breaks the image, and not whether the micro-adjustment is zero, 4, or 10.

All in all, my first try with this system. If you are anal retentive, you'll love this thing, narrowing down the exact number of micro-adjustment. Since I used the 85L as my first calibration attempt, I figured it may be of interest in this thread. Been playing with this for a few hours. Will do the other lenses tomorrow. I will say that once the LensAlign system is set up and you figure out how to use it, it is a very good calibration tool.

Adam

[Tim3less]

I've been saving for months for this little beasty, three more months to go. seems like an amazing lens, i wont be able to blame the lens for my horrid photos lol

[djharmonix]

i need one of those kits too! I never calibrated my camera for the lenses.

[ebann]

Okay! This is my first shot with this baby... Mk I... handheld... pretty simple on static objects! Can't wait to get home and try this on the kids!

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_slHSfsgk71E/SrLvASjQjyI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Rx5t_D9uMJw/s800/VW6R7818s.JPG

[ebann]

Hmm... newbie question... if I use this outdoors with strong sun and desire the f/1.2 effect, I would require Neutral Density filters right? Which strength ND filters would I need? Thanks!

[AlphaChicken]

It goes up to f/16. So it depends how slow a shutter you want. Usually in mid day with f/16 and ISO 100 I get around a 1/50th of a sec metered.

[ebann]

It goes up to f/16. So it depends how slow a shutter you want. Usually in mid day with f/16 and ISO 100 I get around a 1/50th of a sec metered.

Well... I was thinking in setting the f/1.2 first to get the *magical POP* out of the lens! Even in ISO 100 I think the shutter will be way too fast!

[djharmonix]

Okay! This is my first shot with this baby... Mk I... handheld... pretty simple on static objects! Can't wait to get home and try this on the kids!



go outside with it..

[ebann]

go outside with it..

Man... I'm in NYC right now... I'm pretty uncomfortable carrying $3200 worth of gear (uninsured) in the middle of Times Square, Broadway, etc... :(

[AlphaChicken]

Well... I was thinking in setting the f/1.2 first to get the *magical POP* out of the lens! Even in ISO 100 I think the shutter will be way too fast!

unless you are using hyperfocal distance, this lens has great bokeh at all apertures depending on how close the subject is to the camera.

[ebann]

unless you are using hyperfocal distance, this lens has great bokeh at all apertures depending on how close the subject is to the camera.

Interesting... I was under the impression that at f/16 everything would be sharp and that bokeh was also a function of DoF...

[inthedeck]

^^Congrats, Ellery. Isn't the cam. and lens a killer combo? Man...love it. Here's a tribute...to the 1Ds2 and 85L II.

http://inthedeck.smugmug.com/photos/652931060_g6FDT-L.jpg

[tonylong]

Well... I was thinking in setting the f/1.2 first to get the *magical POP* out of the lens! Even in ISO 100 I think the shutter will be way too fast!

Sure at f/1.2 you have to pay attention to your lighting, and with real bright light your fastest shutter speed may not be fast enough and an ND filter or even a polarizer might be handy, but I've tackled outdoor situations with and without sun and done OK -- you just have to be careful with your exposures. The same holds with pretty much any setting, though, not just with f/1.2.

[inthedeck]

Hiya Tony. :)

[HarrisonClicks]

Man... I'm in NYC right now... I'm pretty uncomfortable carrying $3200 worth of gear (uninsured) in the middle of Times Square, Broadway, etc... :(

You'll be fine. I just took a weekend trip up there and carried it everywhere...subways...times square... you name it. Nobody really even looked at me or the camera and just went their ways, etc.

[tonylong]

Hiya Tony. :)

Hey Manish:)!

[J-B]

You'll be fine. I just took a weekend trip up there and carried it everywhere...subways...times square... you name it. Nobody really even looked at me or the camera and just went their ways, etc.

Indeed. In NYC are so many people carrying a camera. You won't stand out.

[djharmonix]

Man... I'm in NYC right now... I'm pretty uncomfortable carrying $3200 worth of gear (uninsured) in the middle of Times Square, Broadway, etc... :(

Manhattan is one of the safest place in the U.S. and A. There is like 1 cop for every citizen.

I travel around the world with the 5D2 and 85L, never had any problems! Went to wayyy more dangerous places than NYC.

[single_track]

You'll be fine. I just took a weekend trip up there and carried it everywhere...subways...times square... you name it. Nobody really even looked at me or the camera and just went their ways, etc.

Agree. I find NYC very mild compared to most other places I travel.