Whereabouts in the world are you?
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The Official Camera Equipment Megathread
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Whereabouts in the world are you?
Right, sorry. In the US, near NYC ... so I'm sure there's no shortage of options. But curious if anyone has personal recommendations.
Marion Cobretti
Member
Ok, so here's the showdown. Both are Canon...
50mm 1.8 II vs. 40mm 2.8 Pancake
Things to consider....
- Using a full frame camera
- Cycling is primary form of transportation. Will ride with camera often.
- Street photography and portraits
50mm
+ dat 1.8
+ night
+ more room to work with
- plastic
- not as wide
40mm
+ tiny. makes for a smaller camera.
+ wider
+ metal
- no 1.8
Basically, I'm asking myself, is 1.8 > size and build quality?
After doing some more research, seems like the pancake lens takes sharper photos. So I guess my decision has been made.
50mm 1.8 II vs. 40mm 2.8 Pancake
Things to consider....
- Using a full frame camera
- Cycling is primary form of transportation. Will ride with camera often.
- Street photography and portraits
50mm
+ dat 1.8
+ night
+ more room to work with
- plastic
- not as wide
40mm
+ tiny. makes for a smaller camera.
+ wider
+ metal
- no 1.8
Basically, I'm asking myself, is 1.8 > size and build quality?
After doing some more research, seems like the pancake lens takes sharper photos. So I guess my decision has been made.
I have both, and while the 50 mm is awesome for a beginner, you generally want to stop down anyway - it's not so great at f1.8.
Not to mention its build quality is pretty bad. The AF motor is kind if clunky.
I actually prefer the 40mm f2.8. It's also closer focussing too.
That said I also have the 50 mmf/1.4.
So I pulled the trigger on the 700d + sigma 18-250, along with a YONGNUO YN-560 II flash. So much cheaper than a canon flash (manual only) so I can start to learn manual off camera flash without breaking the bank.
Should I get an umbrella (not that expensive) or just bounce off walls etc for a while as I learn?
Canon 85mm 1.8 and 70-200f4 will probably be my next lenses once I've saved up again.
Should I get an umbrella (not that expensive) or just bounce off walls etc for a while as I learn?
Canon 85mm 1.8 and 70-200f4 will probably be my next lenses once I've saved up again.
MaizeRage25
Member
I fully endorse this post.
I had the 50 1.8 and ended up dropping it @ Disney World. I replaced it with the 40mm due to size, AF speed and build quality. Very happy with it.
Get an umbrella and a stand. Bouncing is a good trick but walls are not always where you want them. Plus a flash through an umbrella has way different characteristics than a wall bounce.
I would get one that has a reflective cover too so you can use it reversed.
Quick q, would a different brand EVF work on a NEX camera? A buddy told me that I should skip the official one and get something cheaper and I've been looking at a few, but I get a bit paranoid.
Also, I'm sorry for all the stupid questions I keep asking in here, but I've nowhere else to turn! 
I have some credit from selling my old camera so will probably use that for an umbrella and stand (with removable cover), and a upgrade to Lightroom 5
JORMBO
Darkness no more
You can get an umbrella for $20-30 so it wouldn't hurt to pick one up. Depending on the situation both methods can be useful. I'm not a huge fan of bouncing light into walls/ceilings, but some places it works best.
Just picked up a 700d, but if she wants something faster go for the 70d but just know that in terms of iq, it should be the same.
If her last sony wasn't a SLT then I would be a bit more careful. There are some distinct differences between an SLR and SLT. So for good advice one would have to know what kind of stuff she shoots.
LBA strikes again... Fry's has Pentax 50-200mm weather sealed lens for 99, got extra 10 dollars discount for taking the display model, which is basically brand new without boxes. It was too hard to pass up. Came home, did some chart tests, it seems like a very good copy. Now my light, consumer grade, weather sealed travel kit is complete.
If her problem was the interface... Wait and try the cameras out in the store and then decide. There's no point rushing.
If her problem was the interface... Wait and try the cameras out in the store and then decide. There's no point rushing.
Meus Renaissance
Member
This may seem odd to ask, but are there any issues I should know about if I decide to buy a camera in the States to use here in the UK? Will there be any compatibility issues?
StopMakingSense
Member
European light is incompatible with American cameras. Sux.
Depending on the manufacturer and product, your camera might not be able to get warranty repairs. That's probably the main thing. Make sure your battery charger is able to work with European outlets. That's about it.
Good budget tripod and head? Around £100-150 max for both. Don't know about £:$ so assume $150 max budget if you're recommending from the US
I think canon has worldwide warranty, not sure about other manufacturers.
I think canon has worldwide warranty, not sure about other manufacturers.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
Nikon doesn't.
Both canon camera bodies I have purchased (canon) from US, the warranty card says US and Canada only.
Not sure if this is enforced or not, but I was once told that bodies are international warranty. Wait maybe that was lenses. Maybe that was just Asia pacific.
Edit: quick google suggests it's lenses that have the international warranty.
Rented the Nikon 85 1.4D and the new 70-200 f/4.
Hot damn. Can't decide which I want more. Leaning towards the 1.4, cause 1.4.
The f/4 is fantastic though. Really surprised at how well the VR works. I was getting acceptable results at very low shutter speeds (on static objects OFC). Really sharp, really fast and solid focus.
200mm f/4 1/160 handheld:
The 1.4 however is something special. Somewhat difficult to use, it will often trick the meter and focus system. Everything needs to click for it to work properly, but when it does... oh my.
vs. the newer G version I can't see much difference. I think the focus might hit a little more on target due to the AFS motor. For roughly half the price and a aperture ring for video/film though I think I will go with old version.
Bonus: Short video of my kids shot with D600 + 85 1.4D
I want an 85mm 1.4 so badly
may get the manual focus one for my f2.
I'm selling my AF-S 50mm 1.4
Got a 50mm 1.2 coming in the mail. Love how sharp it is stopped at 2.8 and how it melts backgrounds. The extra stop should also be good at night for where I'm shooting.
Well I ended up buying the 70-200 f/4.
Last minute job of taking a clients pic throwing out the 1st pitch at the cards game. Kind of need a tele-zoom. I was busy though so I had to send someone else >_<
50 1.2 should be sick. I've only tried the canon one but it was allot of fun. I need to buy one of those too. I have the 50 1.4 in AI, AF-D, and AF-S... I could probably get rid of 1 or 2 of them.
Extreme seems to get recommended - the 45MB/s. no benefit going for the 95MB/s ones
QualityPixel
Banned
D600 with 24-85mm lens (refurb) is selling for $1600 on Adorama and Adorama's ebay.
Marion Cobretti
Member
Alright so, yay or nay?
Got a 28mm 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4 that I'd like to keep using, but over all reviews seem to be all over the place. Was just wondering if anyone here had any experience with them.
Got a 28mm 2.8 and a 50mm 1.4 that I'd like to keep using, but over all reviews seem to be all over the place. Was just wondering if anyone here had any experience with them.
With what camera? I had a decent experience with my NEX, but I don't think I found any adapters for m4/3
Congrats!
Pulled the trigger:
I usually buy used lenses, but I couldn't resist this one. Will be taking lots of shots this weekend.
review plz.
I was heavily considering it but I don't use my D7000 as much anymore. Pretty much reserved to buying full frame lenses that I can use on all my cameras. And I already have the 17-35 2.8
Marion Cobretti
Member
5D.
Okay, have decided to finally start processing my black and white negatives myself and I think I have worked out everything I need for both 35 mm and 120 mm negatives
I'm looking at the Paterson film processing kit for my main kit (tank, reels, measuring jugs, negative clips etc..). From what I have read this should be able to handle both my 35mm and 120mm negatives.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005MOJHBC/
To get me started on chemicals I'm looking at this set on eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121038910075?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I know its the powder developer so I'll need to get some storage bottles for the dev as well but it seemed a good deal for all I'd need to get going.
I'm kind of unsure what to get with regards to a changing bag, is it worth spending the extra cash for the small pop up tents Calumet do? I've not have any experience with 120mm in a dark bag so I'm unsure exactly how much room I'll need.
The main thing I'm unsure about is the scanner Ill need, from what I have seen the Epson Perfection V500 seems like a decent buy at the price (I'm doing this on a budget so cant really afford more than that), but I would really recommend any input from you all.
Edit: this is the scanner http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000VYYSEE/
I have developed B+W film in college but that was 10 years ago and my knowledge is a little rusty. Oh I'm in the UK as well so ideally UK based suggestions would be cool
I'm looking at the Paterson film processing kit for my main kit (tank, reels, measuring jugs, negative clips etc..). From what I have read this should be able to handle both my 35mm and 120mm negatives.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005MOJHBC/
To get me started on chemicals I'm looking at this set on eBay:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121038910075?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I know its the powder developer so I'll need to get some storage bottles for the dev as well but it seemed a good deal for all I'd need to get going.
I'm kind of unsure what to get with regards to a changing bag, is it worth spending the extra cash for the small pop up tents Calumet do? I've not have any experience with 120mm in a dark bag so I'm unsure exactly how much room I'll need.
The main thing I'm unsure about is the scanner Ill need, from what I have seen the Epson Perfection V500 seems like a decent buy at the price (I'm doing this on a budget so cant really afford more than that), but I would really recommend any input from you all.
Edit: this is the scanner http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000VYYSEE/
I have developed B+W film in college but that was 10 years ago and my knowledge is a little rusty. Oh I'm in the UK as well so ideally UK based suggestions would be cool
Oddly I never had any luck with EOS either, which is weird. I think you can get basic adapters (no optics) but you lose infinity focus.
If anyone does have a solution I'd be interested, I have a few FD lenses here too
StopMakingSense
Member
I like it pretty well. It's not that exciting of a lens, but it gets the job done. At that point I needed a solid lens for some work stuff that was wider than my 35-70 2.8d (thats a WONDERFUL lens btw), and I am still transitioning to a full FF lens lineup.
I am thinking of grabbing the Tokina 16-28 later on, but ill probably hold onto the 24 for a light walk-around lens.
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
you'll only be able to use optic based adapters with DSLRs. FD lenses work with non-optic based adapters on mirrorless bodies.
That's a good choice for your scanner. When you scan I'd stick with 1600 dpi or lower setting. The scanner itself won't resolve any more detail at 3200 or 6400, which is normal for flatbeds.
Changing bags can be pretty handy. You won't need any more room for 120 than 35.
Marion Cobretti
Member
So those adaptors they sell are worthless?
BlueTsunami
there is joy in sucking dick
They get the job done but they degrade the optic quality a bit and they magnify the image so you get an extender effect (50mm becomes 60mm etc). If you really want to use said lenses in a DSLR the adaptors will be your only choice.
Instigator
Banned
Something basic like the Nikon 3200.
CrudeDiatribe
Member
Whatever you can afford that feels nice in your hand.
Gave the Sigma 18-35 a good test run yesterday.
-Fantastic build quality, but at 800 grams it weighs about as much as my camera.
-Internal focus in really nice.
-Beautiful Bokeh
-All these shots at F1.8; it is at least as sharp, or sharper then my 24-105L at F4.
-Really like the focal length.
So far, very impressed.
Test shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83059936@N02/9535297083/in/set-72157635117968709
-Fantastic build quality, but at 800 grams it weighs about as much as my camera.
-Internal focus in really nice.
-Beautiful Bokeh
-All these shots at F1.8; it is at least as sharp, or sharper then my 24-105L at F4.
-Really like the focal length.
So far, very impressed.
Test shots: http://www.flickr.com/photos/83059936@N02/9535297083/in/set-72157635117968709
What? Sounds goofy.
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