Photo Lab Offtopic

[m3thods]

Kit lenses would likely have better IQ than superzooms. Remember that there will always be a compromise (in IQ mostly) when looking at superzooms, but you can't deny their convenience.

I almost thought I needed one. Then I decided to sit down and really think about what I planned on shooting. In this particular case (Hawaii), it would've been landscapes, and bit of wildlife when the opportunity presented itself. Putting a number to the two (90%+ for landscapes, rest were wildlife), I chose to spend my money where it would be most used. So I opted for a 10-22, and picked up cheap 55-250 "just in case".

Turns out, I never used anything past 30mm that trip. So what I tell people who are looking at superzooms is to really sit down and think about what they want/plan on shooting. Then decide if it's really worth the IQ hit of getting a superzoom.


And as an aside, all this chatter about Fuji has my attention. I love my 6D to death, but I've always wanted a smaller travel camera with almost-identical IQ. As much as I want to make the plunge, I don't think I could part with my Canon gear (and I don't have enough funds for both )

[Hondaracer]

I was thinking a prime would be nice but I have a feeling even a 30mm would feel too "tight" for stuff within cities etc?

Like I took out my 50mm to vandusen on Wednesday and I know it's not really for shooting like that but fuck I forgot how tight 50mm feels even in relatively open spaces

I'm probably gonna dump a bunch of money into my gopro setup so getting another "good" lenses for Europe trip is probably out of the question for now and just roll with the kit lense
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[Hehe]

Originally Posted by Senna4ever

I shot with the Df extensively over the past 2 weekends, and I do like the IQ (D4 sensor DUH), and the way Live View is implemented is very smooth - like Canon. I'm not a fan of the retro controls, but for people who want a FF camera but don't need or want 36MP (lots of pro wedding shooters) its perfect. You'll eventually get used to the controls - I did.

Having said that, from our preliminary testing, the new Fuji XE2 has just as good IQ up to and including 6400 ISO at an even smaller form factor. Fuji lenses are pretty damn good, too.

What do you think about Df and D610?

I had D800, but the 36MP is way overkill for me. (So I downgraded back to D700)

That leaves the Df and D610, aesthetic aside, does the Df feel "better" than a D610? The only complain I have about D600/610 is their smaller body construction, which makes them quite toy-ish when holding.

Nikon needs to make a D800S with D4/Df's sensor in a D800 body.

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by Hondaracer

I was thinking a prime would be nice but I have a feeling even a 30mm would feel too "tight" for stuff within cities etc?

Like I took out my 50mm to vandusen on Wednesday and I know it's not really for shooting like that but fuck I forgot how tight 50mm feels even in relatively open spaces

I'm probably gonna dump a bunch of money into my gopro setup so getting another "good" lenses for Europe trip is probably out of the question for now and just roll with the kit lense
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Try to hunt a Sigma 20 or 24mm F1.8 perhaps?

I had them before and when step down to F2.8 they are quite good. Even wide-open they are quite useful. They become 30mm/36mm on your camera.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by Hondaracer

I was thinking a prime would be nice but I have a feeling even a 30mm would feel too "tight" for stuff within cities etc?

Like I took out my 50mm to vandusen on Wednesday and I know it's not really for shooting like that but fuck I forgot how tight 50mm feels even in relatively open spaces

I'm probably gonna dump a bunch of money into my gopro setup so getting another "good" lenses for Europe trip is probably out of the question for now and just roll with the kit lense
Posted via RS Mobile

I know it's not a prime, but if it's cityscapes and architecture perhaps you should look into a Tokina 11-16? It's 2.8, and essentially from what I've read offers very good IQ. You get a bit more versatility than a prime as well. Otherwise the primes mentioned above would be your next best bet.

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by Hondaracer

I was thinking a prime would be nice but I have a feeling even a 30mm would feel too "tight" for stuff within cities etc?

Like I took out my 50mm to vandusen on Wednesday and I know it's not really for shooting like that but fuck I forgot how tight 50mm feels even in relatively open spaces

I'm probably gonna dump a bunch of money into my gopro setup so getting another "good" lenses for Europe trip is probably out of the question for now and just roll with the kit lense
Posted via RS Mobile

You shoot with a crop body so your 50mm is 80mm and your 35mm is 50mm. Meaning your 50mm looks the same as 80mm on a full frame camera. So when you buy a wide angle lens like a 24, you end up with a relatively normal wide looking 35.

The good news is you have good wide options for crop bodies from Canon EF-S 10-22 to Tokina 11-16, which I had (Alatar owns it now) and it was fantastic. You could also spring for a Canon 17-40 F4 which is about $550 used on CL.

If things are tight, move back. Your feet are the best "zooms".

[Volvoman]

Originally Posted by m3thods

They released the D610 instead, which is "newer and better" in every sense. They just didn't mention that it possessed the fix for the D600 oily sensor issue.

As much as it irks me that they did it, I suppose it's not happening to everyone. Plus this way they leave the onus on the consumer (which again I don't condone, but I'm thinking that's their way of thinking). It's much more costly (in dollars and intangibles like reputation) to call for a recall. I would think that something like a recall is a last-resort for a corporation (unless there's the possibility of legal action, which in this case is likely nil).

So I just got my D600 back, here is a scan of the repair sheet.



Doesn't look like they actually replaced anything (Clean low pass filter, clean CCD). "MOD TRANSPARENT COVER", anyone know what that means?

Also, stupid me, forgot to bring a battery, I'll have to check for spots when I get home later tonight.

[m3thods]

Would you see spots after a clean though? I'd run some shots through it and see if it comes up again. My guess is that "Mod Transparent Cover" is the main fix for the oil issue.

[Boostslut]

Can I use my Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 on my 5DIII? Will the mirror box hit anything if used at xxmm? Or can I just use it from 14-16mm?

[sunny_j]

you can use the tokina at 16mm on the 5diii

[Ronin]

Originally Posted by Boostslut

Can I use my Tokina 11-16mm F2.8 on my 5DIII? Will the mirror box hit anything if used at xxmm? Or can I just use it from 14-16mm?

You might be able to get 16mm without significant vignetting but there will be dark corners at anything less. I don't think it was usable beyond 14mm on my 1DMK2, which is 1.3x.

Why not just buy a FF lens...?

[Boostslut]

I have a Rok 14mm F2.8, and a 17-40F4L. I was just curious if I could use it or not, or worth keeping my Rok. And the lens isn't technically mine, but I've had it for a while.

[m3thods]

IIRC Senna back in the day was using his 11-16 on his 5D2 @ 16mm. So I think everyone is right by saying 16mm is your only focal length with that lens.

That said, with what you already have, I wouldn't bother with the Tokina.

[77civic1200]

How do you like the Rokinon 14mm? I've been trying to find a decent/cheap lens to use for astrophotography on some overnight hikes. Can't justify the L glass price for such a limited personal use

[Boostslut]

Honestly, haven't used it yet but from the samples I've seen it seems awesome for the price! Can't go wrong with a $260 14mm F2.8 lens, that's pretty darn sharp!

[Ronin]

Rokinon/Samyang/Vivitar/Bower optics are first rate. I have a 35mm f1.4.





Look at the star. You can pick up the very fine details like the bumps in the paint.

They're also built very, very well. My lens feels heavy despite the plastic and the focus ring is smooth and dampened. Paid $329 or something.

Only disadvantage is the manual focus and weight/size.

[Hondaracer]

Would that 14mm 2.8 be appropriate for the type of travel shooting I was talking about before?
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[77civic1200]

Where did you find the 14mm for $260?

I've seen the 35mm before, I just don't think it would be wide enough for the landscape stuff I want. That and I would probably want AF so I could use it for more portrait/kid stuff. The Sigma 35mm is on my short list

[Ronin]

I use it almost exclusively for video. Declicking the aperture ring is easy DIY and the optics make it a great ghetto cinema lens.

Definitely get the Sigma 35mm if you want AF. Canon will be replacing theirs in 2014, I think. Might even be in January along with the 50mm f1.8 IS.

But if you don't need AF, it's hard to beat the price and performance combo of Samyang/Rokinon/Vivitar/Bower.

[Hehe]

Any thought on Zeiss Otus?

I was planning to order a Nikon 58mm F1.4G for the full package with the Df (damn Canada POSt can't come soon enough) for my dad. But there's a dude locally selling the Otus for 4150. (vs 2035 tax in for the Nikon)

My reasoning is that Otus probably won't drop in value due to the limited market and availability. And it's a full manual lens with nothing to break. So when it ultimately become mine if my dad decides to quit photography for good, it would still be as good as new.

Edit: Pulled the trigger. Was able to negotiate down to 4050, a deal hard to pass considering it's OOS everywhere and it's basically tax free! I will meet up with the seller this Saturday!

[Boostslut]

Holy awesome Otus! Jelly! Enjoy that beast!

Rok 14mm for $260? I bought it! Might sell if you are interested for the same price. Never used it. Canon mount.

[Ronin]

I just don't think I can justify the Otus. As incredible as it is, it's like $3700 more than a Canon 50mm f1.4...and at least $2500 more than a f1.2 without autofocus.

That $2500 would buy a lot of other cool gear...or one $4000 55mm lens.

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by Ronin

I just don't think I can justify the Otus. As incredible as it is, it's like $3700 more than a Canon 50mm f1.4...and at least $2500 more than a f1.2 without autofocus.

That $2500 would buy a lot of other cool gear...or one $4000 55mm lens.

Haha. That's the exact reason why the seller decided to sell it!

I decided to get it instead of the nikon 58mm is mainly because my dad shoots often in manual and I think the Otus would last longer. So I can hopefully get to own it later down the road.

[77civic1200]

Originally Posted by Boostslut

Rok 14mm for $260? I bought it! Might sell if you are interested for the same price. Never used it. Canon mount.

I may just have to take you up on that. Is it opened so I can try it?

[Boostslut]

It's just the lens. No boxes or anything. I bought it off my good friend, and he had it for a bit as well. Sweet lens! And sure you can try it no problem!