Photographer's thread

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by Manic

Full frame or crop? I've been using the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and I couldn't be happier.
Amazon.com : Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD Large Aperture Standard Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo

A while back, Sigma used to have a reputation for iffy quality control, but in the last decade or so, they've really stepped up their game. Now you rarely ever hear about people receiving bad lenses and even then, customer support replaces or fixes your lens pretty quickly. With the quality, performance, and value for money, I'm hardpressed to recommend any other lenses or brands. I just can't justify the cost of Canon L lenses or Nikon pro line lenses.

Rebel T2i for now, looking at possibly upgrading to a 6D though. Jumping to the 6D means needing to replace the 17-85 right away (it's an EFS mount), and buying a flash since the 6D doesn't have a built in flash.

I've heard really good things about Sigma, when I do go lens shopping I'll be taking my body and laptop and testing lenses in the store before making any decisions. I got a killer deal on the 70-200 from a friend that used the lens less than I did, so I didn't even look at the Sigma 70-200's, but they are nice lenses too.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Midarete

flickr.com/midarete

Most of the specs are on the photo when you click on them. For the night shot I always look for one of those white lamps, in the parking lot.

I didn't want to assume incorrectly but it looked like I was on the right track. I guessed a zoom lens with a pretty long exposure but I was wrong on the Aperture.

8 Second exposure, yet every leaf on the tree is in focus, does suggest it was a pretty darn calm night.

Thanks for that.

[Manic]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Rebel T2i for now, looking at possibly upgrading to a 6D though. Jumping to the 6D means needing to replace the 17-85 right away (it's an EFS mount), and buying a flash since the 6D doesn't have a built in flash.

I've heard really good things about Sigma, when I do go lens shopping I'll be taking my body and laptop and testing lenses in the store before making any decisions. I got a killer deal on the 70-200 from a friend that used the lens less than I did, so I didn't even look at the Sigma 70-200's, but they are nice lenses too.

Do you primarily only do photography, or do you shoot video as well? I ask because if you're planning on jumping up to full frame and replacing your lenses, I suggest going to Nikon. Yeah yeah it's an ongoing debate about which brand is better blah blah, but the raw data at the moment suggests that Nikon is superior when it comes to JUST photography. Better autofocus and metering systems, and generally better sensors.

So if you have to buy new lenses anyway, I'd suggest jumping ship now. I've used both brands and am currently using a 70D since I like to shoot video from time to time and I must say that Nikon was a lot more useful when I was only taking photos.

If you don't have a real reason to go full frame aside from "omg t3h qualitees s0 much bett0r" than I'd wager you'd be fine sticking to APS-C. The 70D is a great platform and is far superior to the Rebel line. Not to mention, the 7D Mk2 is on it's way shortly and the 7D had legendary performance for an APS-C camera.

Basically, unless there's a really important reason you need to shell out the money for full frame and new lenses; i.e. got a photographer job where they make full frame mandatory, you'd save a good amount of money sticking to crop sensors.

[wparsons]

If something with a crop sensor brings out the features the 6D has, I'll happily stick with that, but the FPS rate, wifi, GPS, ISO range, etc are what I was looking at. It's not much more than the 7D, and the features make it worth it.

It's funny you suggest Nikon for pure stills, typically I find that people suggest Nikon for video since they have MUCH better full time auto focus.

I'm not switching to Nikon, I went Canon because I have more friends with Canon gear to share/trade things with.

[drewbot]

Woah, merging another hobby of mine

I'm using a Fuji X100S, Fuji X-T1 and Olympus E-M5. Great little crop cameras that do the job without the heft!

Sent from my OnePlus One

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by wparsons

If something with a crop sensor brings out the features the 6D has, I'll happily stick with that, but the FPS rate, wifi, GPS, ISO range, etc are what I was looking at. It's not much more than the 7D, and the features make it worth it.

It's funny you suggest Nikon for pure stills, typically I find that people suggest Nikon for video since they have MUCH better full time auto focus.

I'm not switching to Nikon, I went Canon because I have more friends with Canon gear to share/trade things with.

Before you go running off to ditch your APS-C stuff, wait until the 7D MKII launches and try it out. It's supposed to be the bees-knees of APS-C and what personally interests me (T3i owner) is the 1080P @ 60FPS.

edit: if you do ditch APSC, please make me a good deal on your used lenses.

[rice_classic]

Camera: Canon T3i

Lenses:
Canon 10-22 EFS
Canon 50mm 1.8F
Canon 55-250mm
Sigma 150-500mm (w/ 2 stage OIS!)

[ame="http://vimeo.com/109736979"]A night on Enduro Mountain (PIR) on Vimeo[/ame]





Picture of rig @ the track:

[Pwolf]

Is that a dead cat you have over that mic?

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Pwolf

Is that a dead cat you have over that mic?

brand name "dead cat", yes. Not actual dead cat.

[Pwolf]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

brand name "dead cat", yes. Not actual dead cat.

:P Actually just bought a Rode Vidmic & a dead cat (bundled) to do some more video stuff. I've seen mixed reviews about the wind screen though. What are your impressions?

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by rice_classic

Before you go running off to ditch your APS-C stuff, wait until the 7D MKII launches and try it out. It's supposed to be the bees-knees of APS-C and what personally interests me (T3i owner) is the 1080P @ 60FPS.

edit: if you do ditch APSC, please make me a good deal on your used lenses.

By the specs, the 6D is still far ahead with ISO ranges, and estimated price on the 7DII is higher than the 6D.

[rice_classic]

Originally Posted by Pwolf

:P Actually just bought a Rode Vidmic & a dead cat (bundled) to do some more video stuff. I've seen mixed reviews about the wind screen though. What are your impressions?

The Rode videomic already works very well and the dead cat goes a long way on reducing wind noise. Just make sure you go into your camera's audio settings, set it to manual and adjust the levels accordingly. I find that most bad reviews are based on folks who don't know how to properly use their equipment.

Don't forget to turn the mic on! The battery will last or a very long time but after a few times shooting where I forgot to turn the mic on I just decided I would leave it on for the whole shoot and keep a spare battery if needed.

[rice_classic]

Thought this was pretty funny and puts the APSC vs full frame debate within perspective.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHYidejT3KY"]Crop Sensors vs Full Frame :: Crop Or Crap? - YouTube[/ame]

[kelee]

Originally Posted by drewbot

Woah, merging another hobby of mine

I'm using a Fuji X100S, Fuji X-T1 and Olympus E-M5. Great little crop cameras that do the job without the heft!

Sent from my OnePlus One

Hi five! I shoot with an EM5 also. 17/1.8, 25/1.8, 12-40/2.8 and FL600R along with a few adapted lenses.