dennisgg
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Posts posted by dennisgg
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<p>I started as a child (I am 51 now) using an old Kodak 35 (no meter, zone focus, don't forget to wind) - my father enjoyed photography and subscribed to Popular Photography and Modern Photography. I read them and learned the technical aspect of film photography. I collected vintage cameras when I was younger (once having over 800) and took very good "snapshots". They were good technically (a co-worker once looked at them, turned them around thinking it was a postcard), but not really artistic. <br>
I got out of it when the cost of film and developing got too much for me. I got married years later and my wife got me back into it after about a 10-15 year hiatus. I got a DSLR and started again. I was still in the rut of good technical quality photos of what I saw, but they were still "snapshots". I started reading about composition, studied photos from true artists and looked to see what it was about them that caught my eye. I started seeing differently (visualizing photographs almost at all times even when I am not with camera) - I started really checking the whole frame, lighting, composition, angles/perspectives, utilizing different techniques etc. and it really transformed my photography. I became bored with the "snapshots", visualizing things differently, trying to produce my own style and seeing images in my mind (been asked many times "what are you taking a picture of" with the observer looking around trying to figure it out") . I, like David, have a career in high-tech and photography is my hobby/passion. I, like Rajmohan utilize a collection old manual focus lenses (even repurposing vintage lenses from 20's to 50's folding cameras, using bellows, etc.) adapted for their character and less clinical aspect. I utilize my techniques from the film days and try to produce in camera like with film. I do very minimal edits/post processing due to lack of free time to do it (and since I try to produce what I want in camera). I am still working on improving and transforming my photography with whatever free time I get. I think if this wasn't the case, it would get boring to me. I do it for me and my enjoyment.I don't have the free time to really plan a photograph (scoping out a location, waiting for the right lighting or producing the lighting) so my photographs could improve even more if I did. My high-tech job is a traveling IT specialist which can entail long hours.</p>
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<p>As for Canon "plastic fantastic", check out these videos. It is the higher end Nikon D90 vs. a Canon 550D (T2i name in Europe) on YouTube. They are much more durable than you would assume for the plastic. <br>
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<p>I agree with the vintage lenses - today's lenses are very well corrected and are too analytical for some pictures. You will lose autofocus, but can get the dreamy look. There are many options, even fast lenses and the prices are still good (although they are commanding quite a bit more than when I started, but bargains still exist). You can adapt Pentax screw mount, Pentax K mount, Olympus OM film, Exakta/Topcon, Nikon (even non-AI), Pentacon 6, etc. to Canon (many adapters have AF confirm chips that will highlight and beep what is in focus). </p>
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<p>I have both a Canon and most recently an Olympus OM-D e-M5 (first edition) and both work very well with adapted lenses. With the Canon I get inexpensive adapters with AF confirmation and get great results. With the OM-D, I use the art mode to help with manual focus (cheap cheat for lack of focus peaking on the e-m5 Mark I). </p>
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<p>If you want a lens with those qualities, the Vivitar Series 1 VMC 90mm f2.5 lens (serial number starting with 37 - Tokina made) or Tokina's own AT-X 90mm f2.5 (same lens). The resolution is one of the highest tested by www.photodo.com. The micro-contrast, bokeh, resolution (even wide open), etc. are legendary. i have one and can attest to its amazing resolution, contrast and gorgeous bokeh. Nothing less than stunning. See reviews:</p>
<p>http://forum.mflenses.com/tokina-at-x-2-5-90mm-the-bokina-ii-t30894,highlight,%2Bbokina.html<br>
http://makingnottaking.blogspot.com/2010/05/tokina-90mm-f25-at-x-macro-bokina.html<br>
http://phillipreeve.net/blog/tokina-x-macro-90mm-12-5-review/<br>
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<p>You can get the DPP 3 version (including a full download):</p>
<p>http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/slr_cameras/eos_60da#DriversAndSoftware</p>
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I was on vacation in DC and had this happen to my original 1DS. I freaked out but then found it was easy to put back in.
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The Tamron adaptall sp 300mm f5.6 is quite good.
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I too hate the new interface. Slow loading all those pix, hard to find stuff, etc. I use classic keh.com.
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I like the focus features and finally f8 focus on a non-1d! Don't need to compete in the megapixel shoot out! It looks very
sweet!
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I would also suggest getting a nikon to Canon EOS adapter for the lenses you have with your Nikon Fg20. You would
have to do stop-down aperture metering and manual focus, but nice results and gives new life to your old equipment.
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I would suggest the 60D (great deal at the reduced price for an excellent body).
And as for a lens, I would suggest either a fast zoom like the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 or a longer Canon 15-85mm.
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<p>I don't think the camera shop's comment on Tamron is fair. <br>
I have used many (even 30+ years old) and tons of other people have also and they have been reliable. I am guessing the store doesn't sell Tamron brand. Now Sigma on the other hand has had many compatibility problems because they reverse-engineer the Canon mount (look it up - I think that Tokina and Tamron also reverse engineer, but they have been more successful on this).<br>
Before I got the Tamron 200-500mm I got a Sigma 170-500mm, it worked fine on my old 1Ds (original), but not on any of the Canon DSLR bodies my family has (10D, XTi, T5i, and 7D). I contacted KEH.COM (where I got it) and they tested another - same issue. Now I will also say that I have a Sigma 10-20mm and it works fine and is a nice lens. KEH.COM gave me great customer service and swapped it out for me (the Tamron was more expensive, but I am happy with it).<br>
A 250mm lens (even cropped) will not be a wildlife lens substitute. The 55-250mm IS (or STM) offers great bang for the buck, but that is a long way off of 500mm.<br>
I just want to say don't count Tamron out as an option (nor Tokina).</p>
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Edward-used sites that have an excellent reputation (I have purchased from all 3).
Keh.com
Adorama.com
Bhphotovideo.com
I would have to think they would ship to India.
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Edward-used sites that have an excellent reputation (I have purchased from all 3).
Keh.com
Adorama.com
Bhphotovideo.com
I would have to think they would ship to India.
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<p>Don't forget used - Keh.com (great service and price), adorama.com and bhphotovideo.com. Another body option is a used 7D.</p>
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<p>Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm f6.3 wide open</p><div>
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<p>Tamron 200-500mm with Tamron SP 1.4x at 700mm f9.0 wide open handheld</p><div></div>
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<p>Tamron 200-500mm at 500mm wide open at f6.3 handheld, not stabilization.</p>
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<p>Another lens option is what I just got used - Tamron 200-500mm. I took this wide open, hand held (granted this lens doesn't have image stabilization) at 500mm. I even used it with a Tamron SP 1.4x with good results. .<br /> With the 1.4x it won't autofocus on a non 1D series - just a note.</p>
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<p>This is damaging to our hobby and profession and I am ticked off by this! </p>
<p> </p>
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<p>I have a 7D which I love (I do have to get the hotshoe fixed) and wanted to get a FF camera to add to it. I use tons of adapted 35mm lenses (including very fast ones). I was looking at both options also. I weighed the older technology in the 1Ds vs. the focusing and dust issues on the 5D. I weighed the weight (though I use a 7D with the grip and have a 550EX attached often as well as old heavy lenses so I am used to it), the weather sealing, durability, etc. and ended up getting a 1Ds for under $500 (I added a 2 year warranty to it over the 90 day) in exc- condition. I just started using it (got it yesterday), negatives - the small screen, ISO 50-1250 only, had to order a USB to firewire cable so I can change some personal settings, writing to the cards is a bit slow (though shutter lag is as fast as the 7D). I really like the viewfinder, shorter DOF, skin tones (colors seem very natural), quieter shutter (but sounds solid) than 7D, TIFF RAW files are more universal (was surprised to find this vs. CRW and CR2 like I am used to with the Canon line), feel (yes it is heavy) in my large hands, etc. I am really enjoying it <br>
I am happy - especially at the price I paid. Now I can really make use of some of my favorite fast and wide lenses (Olympus 21mm f3.5, Nikkor-O 35mm f1.4, Jupitor 85mm f2, Vivitar 19-35mm, numerous 50-55mm 1.4-2.0, etc.). <br>
If you have a chance to feel them check them both out - having a combo of APS-C and FF is awesome! <br>
Now I have to get my 7D fixed - the hotshoe is flaky. I may try the hack of the flash sensor or just have a repair place take it. </p>
Does anyone display their images on Facebook etc
in Casual Photo Conversations
Posted
I post mine on https://www.flickr.com/photos/djh_cinemas/, my family photos are on my facebook account.