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NeoGAF Camera Equipment Thread | MK II

Rentahamster said:
I don't really use my D800 for events unless I have to, or have a specific shot that needs the megapixels. Those huge ass RAW files add up. The D810's a sweet ass camera though. So damn good, it's like they don't even need to upgrade it anymore.
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That's why I got it. I wanted A) something perfected and B) a better built camera. D750 has been recalled way too many times for my liking. I wanted an excellent all rounder and that's what the 810. I didn't need a sports camera so I didn't try to search around for a not beat to hell D4 and I do a lot of portraits and head shots these days so went with the best camera for the job. I think I'll adapt to the file size thing so I should be ok. Not like one can't buy more memory these days. I'm already getting a 128gig CF card for it. Though I will admit I ended up doing another shoot with my coworkers D4S and I'm actually getting more used to it the first time, used a D3 as well...that's never getting bought just because the body is ancient. I can live without certain things, but not having any way (that I knew of) to comfortably change AF points while holding it in portrait or zoom into the picture on the screen killed it for me.
 
Vivalaraza said:
Hello, I am looking to buy a camera at some point in the next few months.

1. What is your budget budget?

£500.

2. Main purpose of the camera?

I see myself using it mostly outdoor, probably mostly shots of nature, landscapes etc...not sure if that makes a difference to what type of camera I would need. But basically, I'm not using this to photograph events or people.

3. What form factor is most appealing to you?

Couldn't say I know enough about what form factors are out there...but as I travel a fair bit something that isn't too large or cumbersome.

4. Will you be investing in the camera? (buying more stuff for it later)

Most likely yes...but I don't see myself investing hundreds of £ more.
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Quoting for new page.

Should also add - I do intend to spend time learning and improving my photography skills.
 
Vivalaraza said:
Quoting for new page.

Should also add - I do intend to spend time learning and improving my photography skills.
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I was in the same boat you are in. I originally wanted a Canon 70D. Then my girlfriend bought a Sony A6000. I was blown away by the pictures on that thing. The features are great, and the price is hard to match. Amazon had a sale during the holidays so I got myself an A6000. For beginners like me, it's an awesome camera.
 
Mysterious said:
What's a good place to buy camera bags? Specifically for a D750?
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Search for a really good Lowepro bag. you're going to want something with some good padding. On top of this what kind of bag are you looking for. Messenger bag style or backpack style bag? How much stuff do you intend to put in it?
 
Lasthope106 said:
Been eyeing a 12mm lens for my A6000 for months now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JD4TAWI/?tag=neogaf0e-20

The price does seem a little too high for my taste though.
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This is my favorite lens. I use it with an a6000 and have got some of my favorite photos out of it. Great for star photos and landscapes.

It's my goto 90% of the time for the things that I like to shoot. It's sharp as a tack and opens wide. There is some chromatic aberration when it's wide open, but it's not very noticeable and Lightroom has no problem taking it out. I see it mostly near the edges of the frame where there can be some distortion because the lens is so wide.

My greatest hits reel for the 12mm f2:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/30226245701/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/31518254541/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/27939688320/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/27835178521/in/dateposted/
 
JadedWriter said:
I already have a shoot lined up for it too. Can't wait to use it though yeah using that thing tomorrow after work when the battery's done charging...shit...it takes D600 batteries anyway so that things getting broken in after work. Just have to get a CF card for it and the vertical grip. Getting a used one from B&H after work. I really don't care for video so the features don't dictate my camera purchases.
Click to expand...

D810 does pretty great at lower ISO on video. Its limited to 1080p/60 and the rather weak 30Mbit H.264 (I usually use an external prores recorder) but its decent enough to dip your toes in.
 
Flo_Evans said:
D810 does pretty great at lower ISO on video. Its limited to 1080p/60 and the rather weak 30Mbit H.264 (I usually use an external prores recorder) but its decent enough to dip your toes in.
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Eh. I do it for work with a team. I'd never do it solo or freelance though. That and constant tripod set up is not my thing. I'm mostly a stills person and that goes double for freelance. High iso on the 810 doesn't seem that bad. I think it handles 3200 and 6400 way better than my D600 does.
 
Katzenjammer said:
So the takeaway is that it doesn't really mean anything in practice?
Click to expand...

Depends a lot on the camera. The Sony A7 got a lot of flack for advertising weather sealing when it didn't have any visible seals while Pentaxes have survived being washed in a shower.

What I meant is that the term itself doesn't really mean much, but a Canon 1DX is probably going to survive much more rain than an 1100D.
 
theepicoftyler said:
This is my favorite lens. I use it with an a6000 and have got some of my favorite photos out of it. Great for star photos and landscapes.

It's my goto 90% of the time for the things that I like to shoot. It's sharp as a tack and opens wide. There is some chromatic aberration when it's wide open, but it's not very noticeable and Lightroom has no problem taking it out. I see it mostly near the edges of the frame where there can be some distortion because the lens is so wide.

My greatest hits reel for the 12mm f2:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/30226245701/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/31518254541/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/27939688320/in/dateposted/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylerjacobs/27835178521/in/dateposted/
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Dayyyyyuuuummm. Those look awesome!

How much did you pay for it?
 
Katzenjammer said:
Alright, thanks for the reply. I don't own any high end camera yet, genuinely curious about what to expect!
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No worries. It's a bit confusing but really the camera manufacturers are just covering their ass. I've been in torrential downpours with a 5D Mark III and had it perform flawlessly and then same conditions and have the thing act up for the next 24 hours but once it dried out completely everything was back to normal. I've heard of failures too. It's a crapshoot so that's why the makers hedge their bets. I will say, I would never do a color run with gear. That shit clogs systems up regardless.

And if you want to watch camera destruction porn, here ya go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT-YMgjm9k
 
Got said:
No worries. It's a bit confusing but really the camera manufacturers are just covering their ass. I've been in torrential downpours with a 5D Mark III and had it perform flawlessly and then same conditions and have the thing act up for the next 24 hours but once it dried out completely everything was back to normal. I've heard of failures too. It's a crapshoot so that's why the makers hedge their bets. I will say, I would never do a color run with gear. That shit clogs systems up regardless.

And if you want to watch camera destruction porn, here ya go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT-YMgjm9k
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This is why you buy a rain sleeve.
 
JadedWriter said:
Eh. I do it for work with a team. I'd never do it solo or freelance though. That and constant tripod set up is not my thing. I'm mostly a stills person and that goes double for freelance. High iso on the 810 doesn't seem that bad. I think it handles 3200 and 6400 way better than my D600 does.
Click to expand...

For photos yes, video is another story...

I actually made a video demonstrating this :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1WGJOp8i5U

If you need to shoot videos in low light with the 810 you NEED some sort of post processing noise reduction plugin.
 
Lasthope106 said:
Dayyyyyuuuummm. Those look awesome!

How much did you pay for it?
Click to expand...

I feel like I got it on sale from Amazon and some point for around $300, but I can't find the actual order in my order history for some reason. I think I accidentally ordered two and cancelled one of them, and that order isn't in my history now for some reason.

I'm pretty sure it was in the $300 ballpark.
 
Flo_Evans said:
For photos yes, video is another story...

I actually made a video demonstrating this :P

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1WGJOp8i5U

If you need to shoot videos in low light with the 810 you NEED some sort of post processing noise reduction plugin.
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I think I've accessed the video features on one of my two cameras twice so far. So it's never been too important for me. The only good thing now is I'm starting to care a lot more about lighting than I used to for my portrait shoots. Video's too much data for me to deal with so I don't bother with it, that and I have no really good video editing programs on my laptop so I don't touch video at all.
Got said:
I'm sure some do. I'm sure some don't. Really just boils down to the photographers workflow.
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I guess if you don't care if your stuff gets wet then you don't need it.
 
H3XAntiStyle said:
Someone else already replied to this, but keep in mind that Rokinon/Samyang lenses typically go for *very near* professional quality lenses, and get there much cheaper by sacrificing AF (and brand name I guess).
Click to expand...

I think their brand is getting more recognition as of late. Pretty much everywhere I go, I've read that their 12mm is the one to get for the A6000. I will be getting it at some point this year, but I'm always on the hunt for deals.
 
Lasthope106 said:
I think their brand is getting more recognition as of late. Pretty much everywhere I go, I've read that their 12mm is the one to get for the A6000. I will be getting it at some point this year, but I'm always on the hunt for deals.
Click to expand...

They definitely have a reputation with me -- out of my 4 lenses that I use, 3 of them are theirs.

My *only* complaint is I wish they dampened the focusing a bit more (and I'm sure I could get like a thick rubber band or some shit to do that for me). But other than that, I absolutely love their lenses.
 
I received my XT-2, Battery Grip, and 16-55mm today and because the usual places were sold out for tax free purchases (Adorama and B&H) I opted to try out a new place. Midwest Photo had all of them in stock at the same price if I waited for the other ones to restock and the purchase went off flawlessly. They called to make sure the order wasn't fraud. I was unable to respond to their call until after their cutoff time for next day shipments but they held their orders in anticipation that I would get back to them in time.

The package arrived today and was accompanied by a handwritten note thanking me for the purchase and to enjoy my gear. Superb service and I've found my new go-to place to buy gear from.

Figured you guys would appreciate knowing other options than the two big kids on the block.

Now my new Fuji setup is complete (for now). Filling out the prime selection may be next on the docket or the 10-24mm maybe. We'll see.
 
opticalmace said:
Y'all need to post some pictures of your gear. Always fun to see.

edit: I'll post mine soon if I can.
Click to expand...

This is an older pic of my "quick grab" stuff, but I have a whole lot more in my closet. I'll try to snap a pic this weekend.

32412170995_1ca877a2c3_b.jpg
Click to expand...

Full kit is something like:

Fuji XT-1
Zeiss X-Mount 12 f2.8
Fuji 23 f1.4
Fuji 35 f2
Fuji 56 f1.2
Fuji 90 f2

GoPro Hero 5
GoPro Hero 5 Karma

Manfrotto Be Free CF Tripod & BH
Manfrotto Pixi Tripod
Leica Tabletop Tripod & BH

Ona Bowery in Cognac
Some cheap-ass Canon backpack

2x Lexmar 32GB 300MB/s SD
2x Lexmar 64GB 150MB/s SD

Samsung T3 250GB external SSD

... and a bunch of lighting stuff (stands, arms, reflectors) and filters (ND, UV, etc). Batteries, wires... A Rode mic and some mic accessories... boring stuff.

Really, the only thing on my list is to replace my 56 1.2 (I've never felt it's as sharp as it should be) and eventually snag the Fuji 50-140 f2.8 to give myself that last bit of range.

I'm also always looking for the perfect bag - and I thought the Ona Camps Bay or Peak Design 30L backpack were gonna get me there - but alas, still have some issues with both. There's a Wotancraft backpack that I think would be perfect - but I can't justify spending $800 on a backpack, lol
 
Flo_Evans said:
ya. I had the 17-35 f2.8 but that lens was cursed. Had a tendency to be dropped and or stolen so I went with the F4.

here is an old pic of it from instagram:

OrENgOh.png


/sniff ;_;
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I also heard some really weird things about the 2.8 as well. The F4 is really good from what I've heard though. Sucks to have gear stolen though. That's one of my biggest fears.
 
The F4 is nice but it has a certain sterility. Its almost too good. That 2.8 had some character. Some call it vignetting and edge softness but I really liked the pics. The extra stop is nice too. It was dropped by someone else who tried to have it repaired at some 3rd party shit place, who ended up not fixing it. I then sent it to nikon and they made it like new again (for about $600...) then someone else got it stolen out of their car (with a D600).

But hey, thats how I ended up with the 810 so its all good.

I picked up the 20mm 1.8 for fast wide (also quite good) but it is a little too wide at times. Really want to get the 35mm 1.4 next...

But ya, be wary of used ones. It was one of the 1st AF-s nikkors and the motors tend to wear out (listen carefully for squeaking during AF!)
 
Flo_Evans said:
The F4 is nice but it has a certain sterility. Its almost too good. That 2.8 had some character. Some call it vignetting and edge softness but I really liked the pics. The extra stop is nice too. It was dropped by someone else who tried to have it repaired at some 3rd party shit place, who ended up not fixing it. I then sent it to nikon and they made it like new again (for about $600...) then someone else got it stolen out of their car (with a D600).

But hey, thats how I ended up with the 810 so its all good.

I picked up the 20mm 1.8 for fast wide (also quite good) but it is a little too wide at times. Really want to get the 35mm 1.4 next...

But ya, be wary of used ones. It was one of the 1st AF-s nikkors and the motors tend to wear out (listen carefully for squeaking during AF!)
Click to expand...
The AF motors dying are the exact reason why I went with a 24-70 2.8 instead of a 28-70 2.8D lens. It's just such a pain in the ass trying to get a good version of that lens that I flat out just stopped trying.
 
Garbage iPhone shot:



From left to up right to down left:

Sigma 75-250mm f/4-5
Promaster Spectrum 7 19-35mm f/3.5-4.5
Vivitar Series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4
Nikon EL 2 SLR + Nikkor 28mm f/3.5
Opteka 85mm f/1.8
Nikon F SLR and the FTn Photomic Finder + Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5
Sony A7 and a Vello Nikon F to Sony E Adapter + Nikkor non-AI 50mm f/1.4 + Peak Design SlideLite strap
Nikon N8008(F-801 outside the US) SLR + Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8

What's missing here are my accessories which includes a cheapass tripod from Amazon, a Benro A48FD monopod with the S4H head, ND Filters, polarizers, Neewer non-TTL flash, CowboyStudio remote flash triggers, flash and LED light color filters, and a Neewer LED light kit.
 
Katzenjammer said:
So the takeaway is that it doesn't really mean anything in practice?
Click to expand...

Manufacture warranty never cover water damage when it comes to camera gear (even water proof ones). It comes down to how comfortable you are with it. Some people see it as last line of protection some people take advantage of it. Last year I walked around in the rain for several days with my camera completely exposed to the water while my friend babied his every moment. I also tend to just put it under the faucet after coming back from the beach.
 
This week I've received my Samyang/Rokinon 12mm for my Fuji X-E1 and the 27mm f/2.8.

The Samyang is really nicely built, feels right in the hands, and seems to be very sharp in the first few photos I've taken. Not really satisfied with color-focus when focus peaking, but I'm not having too much trouble without it, so until they change the color to red for example (white currently) through FW update, I think I won't be using it.
Can't wait to try some more landscape with it, it'll be a fun lens.

The Fuji 27mm Pancake is really small and seems really sharp too. It had a bit of trouble focusing in low light last night, and minimum distance seems a bit too big, but the size mounted on a X-E1 is really portable and fun to use.
The lens arrived with an internal scratch that I saw this morning though ...

YkAhTRh.jpg
Click to expand...

I'll check with the ebay seller if something can be done. For now it doesn't seem like it has some repercussions on the photos, but with time ...
Seems sharp and haven't seen any issue, hope it'll stay this way.

M0wviGd.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Nexus 4 picture of cheapskate equipment:
KQDgImC.jpg
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From top/back left to front right:
-Mamiya DSX 1000, M42 mount
-Pentax ME
-Minolta 700si with VC-700 battery grip
-Minolta XG-1

It's missing a couple of 80-210~ zooms for the Mamiya and Pentax which are both quite soft and a 28-105 f3.5-4.5 for the 700si. The 700si came with a wireless flash as well which is funky.
 
Fox1304 said:
The lens arrived with an internal scratch that I saw this morning though ...



I'll check with the ebay seller if something can be done. For now it doesn't seem like it has some repercussions on the photos, but with time ...
Seems sharp and haven't seen any issue, hope it'll stay this way.
Click to expand...

You should return it. You paid money for an item and it isn't in the condition it was described.
 
Got said:
You should return it. You paid money for an item and it isn't in the condition it was described.
Click to expand...
Yes, if bought on a normal store I would already have returned it. But I've bought it on ebay from a gray market (I think) user. So not sure I'll be able to return it without hassle.
 
Fox1304 said:
Yes, if bought on a normal store I would already have returned it. But I've bought it on ebay from a gray market (I think) user. So not sure I'll be able to return it without hassle.
Click to expand...

You can return anything on eBay. You'll have no hassle. Trust me. Ask the buyer to return it for a full refund and if they don't agree to it, then open a case for an "Item Not as Described." Indicate the damage and upload a photo. Eventually eBay will decide in your favor to return it and the seller covers shipping. Ship it to the address provided by eBay and no other one even if they insist and you are 100% covered and will get all of your money back.
 
Is the Sony a5000 still worth it in 2017?

Can get one for $300 - don't have the budget for the nicer ones though I would like 4K, the 6300 is just too pricy.

I currently have a Nikon D3100, so I think this would be a good step up, good for traveling, and better at video. Any advice?
 
Got my 810. The 45mb raw files don't seem too unmanageable in my opinion. They're only about 15mb more than my D7100 and 600 raws. Now I shot some sample shit in TIFF though...THEY'RE BEAUTIFUL!!! DAT FILE SIZE DOE. And...just found out I was shooting with lossless compressed raws...this going to be interesting.
inner-G said:
Is the Sony a5000 still worth it in 2017?

Can get one for $300 - don't have the budget for the nicer ones though I would like 4K, the 6300 is just too pricy.

I currently have a Nikon D3100, so I think this would be a good step up, good for traveling, and better at video. Any advice?
Click to expand...
It's not that hard finding an NEX-6 at a competitive price, same with the A6000.
 
inner-G said:
Is the Sony a5000 still worth it in 2017?

Can get one for $300 - don't have the budget for the nicer ones though I would like 4K, the 6300 is just too pricy.

I currently have a Nikon D3100, so I think this would be a good step up, good for traveling, and better at video. Any advice?
Click to expand...

What kind of lenses do you have?
 
Lasthope106 said:
What kind of lenses do you have?
Click to expand...
It comes with a kit 15-50mm, and I'm sure I'll get a cheap prime for it down the road.

My Nikon is shit at video, but I have a kit 18-55, 50mm 1.8 G, 18-70 3.5-4.5 G, and 55-300 4.5-5.6 G for it. I think I can get adapters for the Sony, but honestly don't know if I'll mess with it because they're big and prob won't autofocus

Are there any midrange lenses for the a5000 that don't kill portability? My DSLR felt like a pain to lug around on trips
 
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