The Official Head-Case Photography Thread.

[Salt Peanuts]

^ That sucks. Are you going to try out different copies (or 85LII)?

[VPI]

If they ever make it back on the market, they seem to be out of stock everywhere, I will try another.

[VPI]

Any of you guys own the Samyang/Rokinon/Bower MF 14 f/2.8 lens. I have seen nothing but glowing reviews so I thought someone here might have some first hand experience with the lens.

[Iron_Dreamer]

I haven't used one, but the main downside appears to be mustache distortion. If you don't mind that, won't use it for architecture, or have software to correct for it (and of course don't mind MF), it looks like a good performer.

[aerius]

I'm hoping to try out a Sigma 50, but been either too busy or lazy to drive down to a one of the local Hunt's.

I tried one out at a recent digital camera gear show and was less than impressed, it's a giant freakin' lens that's literally twice the size & weight of the Canon equivalent. Focusing seemed ok, if a bit slow compared to Nikon & Canon's lenses, this was fine since I was shooting a model on a chair but I wouldn't want to try action photography with the lens wide open.

[falkon]

i think we all agree that 3rd party lenses on Canon bodies leave a lot to be desired.

[Iron_Dreamer]

Yep, as a Nikon user, I have looked on the struggles of Canon users with Sigma lenses with near disbelief at the frequency of AF problems. Of the six Sigma lenses I've owned (on Nikon), only one ever had an issue, which was a decentered optical element, fixed under warranty on my 24-60 f/2.8. I considered the Sigma 50 1.4 for its' bokeh, but I prefer the flatter field performance of the Nikkor 50 1.4G for all those non-portrait shots. And the bokeh isn't that shabby either.

[Knuckledragger]

Autofocus ones, maybe. There's a veritable army of manual focus lenses that kick righteous ass on Canon bodies.

[Salt Peanuts]

Probably has something to do with the fact that EF mount is relatively new, compared to F mount.

[falkon]

and I was excited about the 85mm too... Now there's a $2470 Sigma 70-200mm too that no one will buy. Maybe some crazy semi-pros that went the Sony or Sigma route.

[Jon L]

Frustrated over the choice among Canon 28mm F/1.8, Canon 35mm F/2, and Tokina 35mm F/2.8, I just bid and won this little thing. What the hell, the stock market was up...

Zeiss ZE Distagon T* 35mm F/2

[VPI]

I would be interested in hearing you opinion of the Zeiss.

I took some more shots on the way to the train tonight with the S95.

ISO 1600

Handheld HDR at 1/30

[laxx]

Here's some pics I took in Taiwan with my then S90.

[Knuckledragger]

I haven't posted any pictures I've taken in bloody ages. Late last month I was the opening DJ for Beats Antique and Lynx. The same weekend was 6th anniversary of the drum n bass night I helped found.

50mm F/1.6, 1/80th, ISO640.

50mm F/1.6, 1/100th, ISO800

50mm, F/1.6, 1/80th, ISO800.

The front of house engineer, in silhouette. The shapes in the bokeh are her worklight and the cables coming out the back of the mixer. No edits other than a 4:5 cop. 50mm, F/1.4, 1/50th, ISO640.

The DJ almost lost in the lights. 17mm, F/4, 1/8th, ISO640, handheld.

Russian DNB triptch. 50mm, F/1.4, 1/40th, ISO1600.

I've got a few more to post, but that will have to happen later.

[agile_one]

Nice performance shote, knucks. Reminds me that I gotta go down to Sunday drum circle on Siesta beach again soon (with camera in hand).

[Iron_Dreamer]

A couple from a chilly afternoon in Yosemite

Fall meets Winter

El Cap after Sunset

[Salt Peanuts]

Nice shots, everyone. I really need to get out there and shoot more.

[falkon]

It's really sick that you can get that kind of performance at ISO 1600 on a 30D.

[VPI]

A few more S95 shots from tonight.

Fisheye Effect.

Art?

Radio City preparing for the Holidays

My Canon CPS care package that showed up today.

[falkon]

So I'm thinking about buying an Arca-Swiss type quick release plate. Should I get one that custom fitted for the 7d? Or one of the universal ones? Is it much grippier?

I'm thinking about either Kirk, Arca, Acratech, RRS, Photoclam. Acratech and Photoclam seem like the cheapest options but I don't know how much quality matters in these cases.

[VPI]

I am so sick of a poor fitting Gitzo bracket. If I had it to do over again I would get the RRS L Bracket and Arca-Swiss plate.

[Iron_Dreamer]

So I'm thinking about buying an Arca-Swiss type quick release plate. Should I get one that custom fitted for the 7d? Or one of the universal ones? Is it much grippier?

I'm thinking about either Kirk, Arca, Acratech, RRS, Photoclam. Acratech and Photoclam seem like the cheapest options but I don't know how much quality matters in these cases.

I'm currently using a Photoclam PC40 with a Kirk L-Plate for my D700. Both work great, I have no complaints. I would definitely look at Photoclam as an optimal value in this arena. Giottos does have some cheaper heads that use the Arca system (I used to use the MH1300), but the ballheads aren't as smooth moving as the Photoclam, and have more sag when tightening them up (important for telephoto or macro shots). Same goes for the Benro B-# series. You can certainly get by with such heads, but you might be annoyed from time to time. Photoclam is the cheapest high quality ballhead solution I've found.

Generally, a custom camera plate will stay on the camera better. The small, square "starter" plates that are included with many heads are better suited to going on the feet of telephoto lenses, as on a camera body they tend to rotate, and need frequent tightening. Of course an L-plate is the ultimate solution, allowing easy movement from landscape to portrait orientation, but it is generally a luxury, and don't sweat it if you can't afford it at the beginning.

[falkon]

I'm pretty much only interested in plates. I have a feisol and photo clam setup

[chuke]

Hey everyone,

I've been out of the photography scene since the early 90s. I recently picked up a Nikon D5000 and grabbed a 35mm 1.8 DX lens. I wanted to get some honest feedback/opinions (is there any other type of feedback here?) regarding my photos. These are what I consider to be the best shots from about 600 exposures over the last month.

I've been lurking on this thread for a few weeks and, thanks to everyone, I've learned a lot.

Thanks...

[chuke]

D3000, not 5000....