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The Official Camera Equipment Megathread

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C

CrudeDiatribe

Member
Flo_Evans said:
I HATE when people (friends) ask me to take wedding photos. I want to be there celebrating not working and stressing over getting the shot. It really is a 2 person job, it would be very helpful to get someone else to tag along and help.
Click to expand...

I've resisted it a long time for those reasons. My competency has increased and if their expectations are low and match their means "well, can't afford a photographer, so, it's you or nobody".

A team of friends shot a friend's outdoor wedding in 2011. All of us amateurs, but we each took up a particular vantage point during the ceremony and it was OK. Afterwards, one of us had a list of posed group shots to collect while the others shot candids.

I shoot an indoor reception the year before that— their pro wedding photographer doesn't shoot receptions. He did the ceremony, posed formal shots afterwards, and bam, he and his assistant were gone. My reception candid shots were absolutely fantastic (I'm so modest). Used a D90, SB600 and switched between a 35mm f/2, and 50mm f/1.8.

This is going to be a very small thing in a single room. Am going to check it out next week and will take my 70-300 and collection of primes to check framing of people from various distances. I've been in this venue before, and there's a chance it'll be in a very tall room (was at a Christmas party there in a 1.5-2 story tall room many years ago), so lighting may be difficult. They don't really care about the ceremony ("I'm a Justice of the Peace, you're married"), and more about the posed pictures and candids. Will have another chat tonight about that to make sure it hasn't changed.
 
T

tino

Banned
The most painful thing about shooting wedding banquet (not wedding album photograpghy, just the wedding day banquet) is post processing. If my friend is not paying for it, there is no way I would photoship for them. I would give them the raw files and call it a day. That shit is no fun at all.
 
C

CrudeDiatribe

Member
tino said:
The most painful thing about shooting wedding banquet (not wedding album photograpghy, just the wedding day banquet) is post processing. If my friend is not paying for it, there is no way I would photoship for them. I would give them the raw files and call it a day. That shit is no fun at all.
Click to expand...

Unlikely to use Photoshop for more than a few of the formal pics. Will motor through the images in Aperture in Quick Preview mode assigning stars to anything not shit; filter and repeat, raising the bar each time until I have only the best images , and then it'll just be exposure/contrast/WB. I dunno. I didn't find the first reception I shot to be arduous at all. Had a much harder time getting through the second wedding, but I think it was the volume and not having read about the stars/filter method yet. After I read that I got through the select/edit of the second wedding really easily.
 
T

tino

Banned
Sigma annouced a constant f/1.8 zoom for APSC.

The range is 18-35mm which work out to 27-52.5mm.

WHA?

I follow lens price for 10+ years I have no idea how to guesstimate the price of this lens.
 
C

captive

Joe Six-Pack: posting for the common man
DarkJediKnight said:
How can this be done? I didn't think anything faster than 2.8 aperature can be made for zooms?
Click to expand...

olympus makes 35-100 and 14-35 f2.0 zooms. The problem is they are huge, heavy and expensive.

I can't imagine this sigma will be very good quality, or it will be expensive and or heavy.
 
T

tino

Banned
BlueTsunami said:
That seals it, Sigma is dealing in the dark arts.
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DAT dark art, has been done before.

o8U1MDArMzUtMTAwbW0gZiAyLjA=_KUAXHqK4Ow6c.jpg

edit: Oh well captive beat me to it.

This one is alot lighter though. 810 gram. And only 72mm filter thread. I think it will cost somewhere between the Nikon 17-55 and the 24-70.
 
T

The Wanderer

Banned
The Wanderer said:
I'm rocking a Canon 600D for the moment and I'm looking for a lense that will serve me well for my American road trip next month. Heading from Vegas to NY and everyone in between but I'm particularly looking forward to shooting around Arizona and New Mexico.

What would be a good lense for mainly landscape and sightseeing photography?

I already have a 55-250 IS lense so that should sort me out in that range, I'm mainly looking for a prime lense or an wide-angle that won't break the bank?

Sharpness is the most important thing to me, if that helps.
Click to expand...

Anyone?
 
R

RuGalz

Member
tino said:
DAT dark art, has been done before.

This one is alot lighter though. 810 gram. And only 72mm filter thread. I think it will cost somewhere between the Nikon 17-55 and the 24-70.
Click to expand...

72mm seems kind of small, I guess we will find out soon.
 
N

NathanMcMahon

Banned
And it's true:

SOURCE
You might have heard the rumors about a new wide angle zoom lens with a crazy open aperture of f/1.8. Those rumors have just been confirmed to us by Sigma: it’s real and it’s the first zoom lens to maintain an f/1.8 aperture over the entire length of the zoom range. Now that is exciting. Meet the 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art lens.
Click to expand...
 
F

Flo_Evans

Member
tino said:
Sigma annouced a constant f/1.8 zoom for APSC.

The range is 18-35mm which work out to 27-52.5mm.

WHA?

I follow lens price for 10+ years I have no idea how to guesstimate the price of this lens.
Click to expand...

My guess is expensive. Probably in the range of a 17-55 2.8 from nikon/canon $1500.

IDK I have played with my 17-35/2.8 fx lens on my crop camera and the zoom range feels somewhat limited. 1.8 though is 1 1/3 stops faster than 2.8... I wonder what the actual t-stop is. Maybe $2k is more realistic o_O
 
D

Dereck

Member
What are the kind of cameras that people use in the "Post Your Setup" threads that look completely HD, and don't show the flash in the shot at all. I just need one of those kinds of cameras. I just have no idea the terminology, the pixels, or anything.
 
T

Thraktor

Member
There are basically three things that allow them to make a zoom with a constant f1.8 aperture:

1. The lens has a fairly short zoom range of just under 2x, compared to a more typical 3x or more for standard zooms. This helps reduce the number and size of lens elements needed.

2. The lens only covers an APS-C image circle, so can use smaller lens elements than an equivalent full-frame lens.

3. It's (effectively) a wide-angle lens, so the apertures involved aren't actually all that big, ranging from 10mm on the short end to 19.4mm on the long end. However, it's not that wide, so doesn't need a huge front lens element, as ultra-wide lenses do.
 
T

tino

Banned
I think if they make a 17-55mm 2.0 or even 2.4 constant zoom is an alot more important lens.
18-35mm no matter how fast is， it's not nearly as useful.
 
R

RuGalz

Member
20-35mm are good range for snapshot like photo, at least in my use case. However the only time I really need the lens to be that fast is probably indoor gathering or something. I think I'll just stick to the 15mm f4 and 35mm f2.8 primes I got. The benefit of faster lens in this case really doesn't out weight the cons which is size and weight of the gear.
 
C

CrudeDiatribe

Member
boutdown said:
What are the kind of cameras that people use in the "Post Your Setup" threads that look completely HD, and don't show the flash in the shot at all. I just need one of those kinds of cameras. I just have no idea the terminology, the pixels, or anything.
Click to expand...

An iPhone? Most of the shots look like good phone cameras and digicams. Shoot when there's lots of light*, turn off the flash, and you're there.

*if there isn't, put the camera on something.
 
R

Radec

Member
heh, that Sigma sounds amazing.

They got nice build quality now too, unlike their previous lens where the lens outer coating is easily removed.

This looks heavy though.
 
BJK

BJK

Member
The Wanderer said:
Anyone?
Click to expand...

Won't break the bank is a bit vague. The Canon 15-85 lens is my walking around lens of choice. It's not as wide as a dedicated wide angle (e.g. Canon's 10-22 mm lens), but wider than most of the alternatives. Plus it has IS, which helps if you plan on handheld shooting. Amazon (U.S.) is selling the lens for $649 right now, which is less than I paid for mine over a year ago.

It is an EF-S lens, so you wouldn't be able to use it with a full frame camera, but that's not a concern for every buyer.
 
Cute Dragon Here

Cute Dragon Here

Member
*wonders whether he should try getting a prime lens for his NEX-5R, or should he stick with his pancake zoom?*

Also, a screen protector is a must for any camera - I seemed to have gotten a lot of scratches on it.
 
F

Flo_Evans

Member
Cuteness Overload said:
*wonders whether he should try getting a prime lens for his NEX-5R, or should he stick with his pancake zoom?*

Also, a screen protector is a must for any camera - I seemed to have gotten a lot of scratches on it.
Click to expand...

The answer is always yes. A good prime will spank an outstanding zoom all day everyday.
 
R

reggieandTFE

Member
mrkapawutzis said:
Looks like it jumped back up in price. Too bad because I need a nice camera when I go hiking and this looks like it would fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Keep on an eye on it. It's basically been jumping down to $299 once a month since Black Friday and Panasonic will be announcing a successor soon so it should go down in price again.
 
S

spats

Member
I came by an exposure meter for an Asahi Pentax SLR circa 1970. The (mercury?) battery in it is toast, but the battery compartment isn't terribly oxidized. What kind of battery should I buy to replace it? I'd really like to know if the meter still works.

Asahi-Pentax-SV-(chrome).jpg
 
D

Damaged

Member
spats said:
I came by an exposure meter for an Asahi Pentax SLR circa 1970. The (mercury?) battery in it is toast, but the battery compartment isn't terribly oxidized. What kind of battery should I buy to replace it? I'd really like to know if the meter still works.

Asahi-Pentax-SV-(chrome).jpg
Click to expand...

If your in the uk there is a place called the small battery company that specialise in replacement batteries for discontinued mercury ones. helped me loads with my Olympus OM1n

http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk
 
T

tino

Banned
spats said:
I came by an exposure meter for an Asahi Pentax SLR circa 1970. The (mercury?) battery in it is toast, but the battery compartment isn't terribly oxidized. What kind of battery should I buy to replace it? I'd really like to know if the meter still works.

Asahi-Pentax-SV-(chrome).jpg
Click to expand...

The meter probably won't work accurately even if you have the battery.

You can use a P&S to make do as your meter. I think there are smartphone apps too.
 
C

captive

Joe Six-Pack: posting for the common man
tino said:
The meter probably won't work accurately even if you have the battery.

You can use a P&S to make do as your meter. I think there are smartphone apps too.
Click to expand...

i use fotometer pro on my iphone. Its highly accurate. I've done 45 second exposures with it. Shots directly into the sun.
 
T

TheKaeptain

Banned
Anyone see this?

http://www.engadget.com/2013/04/18/sigma-announces-18-35mm-f-1-8-dc-hsm/

l2ZT3xk.jpg


After opening a lot of eyes with its 30mm, F1.4 DC HSM lens, Sigma's just thrown another curve at the photo community with a feat that the major players haven't managed so far: a zoom lens with a fixed, sub f/2.0 aperture. The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM that launched today for Canon APS-C cameras flew under everybody's radar and flaunts over double the light-gathering powers of the priciest zooms, which typically top out at f/2.8 -- except for Olympus' $2,300 14-35mm f/2.0 Four Thirds model. The extra third of a stop over that model may not seem like much, but the company said it needed to "solve a variety of technical challenges" to build it in order to minimize distortion and aberration. Sigma's also promising fast autofocus via a hypersonic motor (with full-time manual override) and rubber-coated brass construction. There's no pricing or availability yet, but don't expect it to be cheap (think $2k plus) -- after all, it's the only game in town for now.
Click to expand...
 
I

iamcenok

Member
Just got my Nikon d7100 and I've only been messing with the menus and getting used to the new layout coming from the d5100.

I've got to wait till next paycheck to order the 17-55 2.8. So.DAMN.stoked.

Unfortunately I've got to purchase new memory cards as my Sony class10 16gb isnt compatible with it. Which is odd since it worked with my 5100.

Whatever.
Also got some ND filters and an adapter holder. 3 ND and 3 graduated ND's.

Can't wait to start shooting again.
 
S

spats

Member
Damaged said:
If your in the uk there is a place called the small battery company that specialise in replacement batteries for discontinued mercury ones. helped me loads with my Olympus OM1n

http://www.smallbattery.company.org.uk
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link. I'm in Finland, but that seems like a pretty useful site.

tino said:
The meter probably won't work accurately even if you have the battery.

You can use a P&S to make do as your meter. I think there are smartphone apps too.
Click to expand...

I guess you're right. Just thought it'd be fun to try it out and shoot a few rolls of film even if I had to compensate for the higher voltage in the battery.

captive said:
i use fotometer pro on my iphone. Its highly accurate. I've done 45 second exposures with it. Shots directly into the sun.
Click to expand...

That sounds pretty cool. Unfortunately I don't have a smartphone.
 
D

Damaged

Member
iamcenok said:
Just got my Nikon d7100 and I've only been messing with the menus and getting used to the new layout coming from the d5100.

I've got to wait till next paycheck to order the 17-55 2.8. So.DAMN.stoked.

Unfortunately I've got to purchase new memory cards as my Sony class10 16gb isnt compatible with it. Which is odd since it worked with my 5100.

Whatever.
Also got some ND filters and an adapter holder. 3 ND and 3 graduated ND's.

Can't wait to start shooting again.
Click to expand...

Ohh, please post your opinion once you start shooting. Got a D7000 and I'm really tempted by the lack of low pass filter on the D7100 but I'm not sure its a significant enough upgrade.
 
W

Wanace

Member
Cross-Posting from the Learning Photography thread, love to have input from you guys:

Cryptozoologist said:
Great thread. I'm buying a camera in about two weeks and would love some recommendations.

I'm looking to buy the Fuji x100s as it looks to be pretty portable and has gotten pretty good reviews.

I don't want a DSLR because of bulk and if it's bulky I won't be carrying it around with me which will miss the whole point of having a camera.

I'm pretty newbish but I'm also willing to put in the effort to learn and I'm starting to get out and about more as the weather turns warm.

I'm also overseas and traveling a bit and I've been taking very few photos and I'm missing out on sharing a lot of my experiences with family and friends.

So any other recommendations aside from the Fuji? Money isn't a real issue for me, as long as it's $1000-1200.
Click to expand...
 
F

Flo_Evans

Member
Cryptozoologist said:
Cross-Posting from the Learning Photography thread, love to have input from you guys:
Click to expand...

What kind for photos do you want to take? The x100 is a fantastic camera but not being able to change lenses is going to limit you. Being able to change perspective through different focal lengths is a pretty major aspect of photography.
 
W

Wanace

Member
Flo_Evans said:
What kind for photos do you want to take? The x100 is a fantastic camera but not being able to change lenses is going to limit you. Being able to change perspective through different focal lengths is a pretty major aspect of photography.
Click to expand...

Probably touristy type shots of places I visit, interesting things I come across when I'm commuting and walking around town, etc. Pictures of family get-togethers and friends out at the bar.

My last camera was a Canon SD600, which was ages ago. I've still been using it when I travel around but I'm long overdue for an upgrade.

I'm totally willing to go whole-hog and get a nice camera, but to be honest I don't think I'll ever get so into it that I'm willing to shell out for multiple lenses etc. I'm someone who will use a great camera for years to come, but if I bought something that I had the option to buy lenses and other accessories for, I'd probably never upgrade it and use the stock stuff until it was obsolete.
 
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