les

The 550EX flash has a range indicator at the bottom of the LCD.

In some conditions (50/1.4 at f/1.4 and 1/60 s, Av mode, E-TTL), the

range indicated by the flash is about 6.5 to 18+ meters.

The subject is 2.5 meters from the camera. The flash exposure

confirmation light comes on green.

My understanding is that the subject is too close, and it would be

overexposed by approx. 2.5 stops (correct me if I am wrong).

 

Questions:

 

1) Is the minimum flash range defined by a minimum (automatic in this

case) power setting ?

 

2) How come the green light shows correct exposure if the above is

the case ?

 

3) What am I getting wrong ? (I did read all that is available on the

net concerning Canon flash photography - have I missed the

explanation for this ?)

 

My experience in flash photography is next to none (but I do my

homework). Unfortunately, there is very little available on the

behaviour of specific flashes (other than Photonet, Elan 7 group,

Photozone etc.)

Guys,

thanks a lot for all your responses. I agree (yes !) with all you said. It is not the lens, it is the photographer etc.

I guess I just needed (maybe on the unconscious level) somebody to pour a bucket of cold water over my head (hey, I said it was a bug...).

I did read all you wrote, thought it over, and the conclusion is as follows: I do not really need another lens (with the small exception of 17-40 which will be ordered very soon).

The stuff I already have is:

1) Not too bad,

2) Too heavy already

3) I have already spent more than enough.

 

The second body idea is really good.

Thanks to you all for setting me straight. I think I am cured (at least for some time). Now it is time to go and take more pictures (hopefully at least half as good as what can be seen on this site).

Used 28-70 L is one of the options, I think. Again, the price is a bit high, but it is a superb glass, so who knows...but nor right away. Wide angle first, and then I will see. Looking for a good deal (pricewise) is a never ending quest, but in the end you get what you pay for...

It is just that Tokina has good rep, but first-hand experience is equally valid. Thanks for your input !

Lots of overlaps...yes. The 28-135 was my first lense, then I got the bug, and the rest is history...

That's why I asked the question about Tokina.

The 28-135 will go (most likely), there is only a question of replacement.

Alternatively, biting the bullet and getting a Canon 24-70/2.8 (ouch, price !) would be a partial solution (but no 17-40 then, for which the piggy-bank is still being filled). And then a 20 mm prime (?)

You are right, Marcus, but...I forgot to mention the 17-40 which is on the way...to late for a nice little prime...

Does it make sense to get rid of Canon 28-135 and get a Tokina 28-80

ATX ? The Canon is more than OK in the range of 40-100 mm (stopped

down, but IS makes up for this - I do not shoot sports).

The other critters living in my bag (and each getting a fair share of

world view) are: Canon 50/1.4, 100/2.8 macro and Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX.

 

One has to be realistic about the weight of the bag, hence my

question.

To be honest, I've grown fond of the 28-135, but I am interested in

any opinions nonetheless. The 28-80 ATX appears to be a very good

lens, probably better optically than 28-135...

Are you serious ? If you are, then I will take this piece of glass off your hands: at a hefty discount, of course, since it is "faulty" ;).

The half-depth of field is approximately shown in the diagram below (measured from the focus subject toward the camera. The other half is not shown).

Canon 28-135 is a good choice. It is very good at 50 to 100 mm, slightly worse at the short and the long ends (still acceptable, though). The image stabilisation will let you take the shots that would otherwise be lost. If you want just one lens - there isn't much competition within this price range.

Sigma 70-200 2.8 works perfect on EOS 30 camera.

Focusing is OK, although locking focus appears to be a bit slower compared to Canon's USM, but again the comparison is made to Canon 28-135 which is a different lense. For moving objects - focus tracking is fast and accurate, in my opinion no different from Canon's.

Works well with Sigma's 1.4x TC. It is a good purchase.

Sigma 70-200/2.8 EX HSM is a very good lense. The 1.4x Sigma TC works extremely well when paired with it. If a choice is between the IS Canon version of the 70-200/2.8 and a Sigma, I would go for Canon. Otherwise save yourself some money and get Sigma. Maybe there is a difference between a $1100 Canon and a $700 Sigma, but you will be hard pressed to find it.

OTOH, IS is worth every cent you pay for it, and eventually I will replace my Sigma with Canon 70-200/2.8 IS.