mark_mathews1

<p>My Photek 84" Sunbuster finally took a fatal hit on a windy photo shoot last week. The frame was bent beyond repair so I took the white fabric off and threw the frame away. <br>

My idea was to go to a discount store and buy a patio umbrella cheap and replace the fabric with the Photek cover. Not so fast; Photek is 84" and the standard patio umbrella is 72"<br>

I have found an industrial work umbrella online but it's $200; practically the price of a new Sunbuster.<br>

Has anyone tried this and found a source for 84" umbrellas?<br>

Thanks in advance</p>

I recently got mine and found it to be very sharp. Haven't missed the extra stop that the

24-70 2.8 has, just up the ISO to 200.

It is inconvenient to have the lens hood on when using a polarizing filter, which is about

the only time I don't use mine a hood. I've heard of shooters cutting a small opening in

the side of the hood that will face down to access the filter. I'm usually using a polarizer

when I'm facing away from the sun (the maximum polarizing effect is 90 degrees from the

sun) so it's a low flare situation. Otherwise, use them all the time as a "bumper" for the

lens and stray reflections that could cause flare. And while your at it, get the best UV filter

you can afford to further protect the glass.

I'm very happy with this lens and use it for most of my table top product photography.

Good close focus capability without the use of extension tube (mine are Kenko). Thinking

about having the tilt and shift altered to be on same axis. I like that the lens is physically

pretty small and doesn't take up too much space in my bag; I'm more likely to have it with

me when I need it.