Red-Ringed Tupperware Party with (super-effective) Tin Foil Hats (6)

Lightstream wrote in post #4735596
OK, decision making time for off-camera flash.

I am planning on buying a Vivitar 285HV, because I want the thyristor capability - useful on my vintage cameras and my Holga. (I am so absolutely NOT coughing up for the 580EX Mk2!)

I can also buy one of those famous Cactus radio triggers. Should I just buy one or should I spend approximately $35 more per pair and buy 2 so I can fire my 430EX and Vivitar simultaneously? As in, two flash setup...

I am so used to working with only one off-camera flash (430EX/ST-E2) that I don't quite feel the need for a second one.. hmm.

More is better.

I just picked up a couple light stands, but I need hot shoe adapters for them, and I want to pick up a couple umbrellas. I was surprised how cheap that stuff is, although the local shop doesn't have them. Does anyone know what the thread is on the mast of a typical light stand?

T.D. wrote in post #4734408
His neck eventually wore out and he had to put it down.

No doubt! Not sore this morning, but WOW! what a lens.

Incredible shots from both Chris and Lisa! I can't get over how sharp both those lenses are! I've never seen anything like it.

Jon wrote in post #4735249
Great shots there, folks! Did Puddle do anything besides fondle the lens and guard his wallet?

I shot, but the 400 is a bit more light hungry that their lenses, so my shutter speeds didn't get all that high, so most of my 400 shots were slightly soft. I could've had faster shutter speeds if I boosted the ISO, but then there's that other problem.... It's a blast just looking at their shots, tho'!

Wow!

Here are a couple of shots from the 400:

(Not processed, straight from the camera....)

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Most of them have a 5/8" male stud.

I don't really see anything wrong with the shots from the 400 Cap'n....don't be afraid to bang the ISO in daylight...the results will probably surprise you. I shoot a lot of stuff at 800 and higher in daylight...just to get decent shutter speeds. The noise is nominal under those conditions.

Woolburr wrote in post #4735623
You are probably the only one that can answer that question. If you have the urge to do some two flash work...then what the heck?

Was thinking that I can buy another receiver later, no big loss - perhaps try one and wait for the Radiopopper Jr to come out some time down the road.

Had a 430EX and a 420EX, very rarely used 2-flash. Sold 420 and didn't miss having that 2-flash capability. Shocking as it seems, I do all my product photography with 1 flash.

I am just wondering whether I am 'creating' a need for a second trigger - imagining a need for something that isn't really going to happen. I can dream up lots of theoretical scenarios..but they're just theoretical.

belmondo wrote in post #4735624
More is better.

I just picked up a couple light stands, but I need hot shoe adapters for them, and I want to pick up a couple umbrellas. I was surprised how cheap that stuff is, although the local shop doesn't have them. Does anyone know what the thread is on the mast of a typical light stand?

Woolburr wrote in post #4735637
Most of them have a 5/8" male stud.

What he said.

Woolburr wrote in post #4735646
I don't really see anything wrong with the shots from the 400 Cap'n....don't be afraid to bang the ISO in daylight...the results will probably surprise you. I shoot a lot of stuff at 800 and higher in daylight...just to get decent shutter speeds. The noise is nominal under those conditions.

I know.... here they look nice and sharp, but even with the slightest pixel peeping, it's not all that sharp, unlike the shots that I got with that 600.

The lesson that I keep forgetting is that the 400 is a very sharp lens, but it is a f/5.6 lens and tends to do better with lots of light and higher shutter speeds. I will try the ISO boost thing today and see how that does.

Woolburr wrote in post #4735646
I don't really see anything wrong with the shots from the 400 Cap'n....don't be afraid to bang the ISO in daylight...the results will probably surprise you. I shoot a lot of stuff at 800 and higher in daylight...just to get decent shutter speeds. The noise is nominal under those conditions.

Oh yeah PP - the 40D's ISO performance at 800 is remarkably similar to the 5D. While I have previously stayed at ISO 400 for other cameras, the 40D breaks new ground in the ISO 800 department and I would not hesitate to use it that way.

Plus, if you use the 'overexpose by 1/3rd' trick (in M, just aim for +1/3rd instead of 0. In other modes, +1/3rd exposure comp), you will reduce noise to negligible levels.

Happy Anniversary, Chief!!! Congratulations to you and Lois!!

Nice shots, Puddle! Post some more! There's nothing wrong with them. And besides, I happen to know that you took several shots with the 600!

puddlepirate44 wrote in post #4735691
I know.... here they look nice and sharp, but even with the slightest pixel peeping, it's not all that sharp, unlike the shots that I got with that 600.

You have been corrupted. There is no way you can turn back now


Buy the 600/4 ISL or forever hold your pixels!! (wait that didn't come out right)

(In a pinch, the 500/4 ISL is just as good, or so they say)

Not as spectacular as Permie's HIF shots....

puddlepirate44 wrote in post #4735634
oh, and ....
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, CHIEF!!


You and Lois have a fabulous day!

Thanks, Pud.

Woolburr wrote in post #4735637
Most of them have a 5/8" male stud.

Wouldn't a real stud be over 6 ft tall and have size 15 feet?

T.D. wrote in post #4735705
Happy Anniversary, Chief!!! Congratulations to you and Lois!!

Thanks, Chris.

Okay. Gang. I'm outa' here for the day.

T.D. wrote in post #4735709
Nice shots, Puddle! Post some more! There's nothing wrong with them. And besides, I happen to know that you took several shots with the 600!

Thanks, Chris! I downloaded them last night but got too tired to do much else. That 600.... wow.

Lightstream wrote in post #4735713
You have been corrupted. There is no way you can turn back now

Yeah, I can. It's a beauty of a lens, but a monster to manipulate. I'm happy with the 400...

T.D. wrote in post #4735731
Not as spectacular as Permie's HIF shots....

Oh, shut up! That's very nice!

But I did get some SHCIF shots!! My first.

Beauty light on that! Gorgeous!

(Note to PermaPuddle...I recognized that one set as Sandhill Cranes, but it turns out that another set of "Swans in Flight" was really Sandhill Cranes as well. Need to use the binoculars now and again.

Have a great day Chief!

From Puddle's 400 and my 40D: