netrinogr

<p>Hi,<br>

I just got a new tripod...<br>

It's the set of 190Xprob legs with 804rc2 3-way head (I think those names stand for EUropean Manfrottos, I don't know the US names)<br>

I'm in search of a way to carry it with me, eiter on my camera bag or alone, when I have my camera hanged from my neck.<br>

The problem is that any bag I see, can't fit the 3-way head, so I'm looking for a strap.<br>

Do you have any good ideas? Do you know any bag that can fit the big head, or at least tell me of a good strap?</p>

<p>Thank You</p>

<p>Hi, I'm on a search for three books on the following topics:<br>

1. Flash techniques (I've already read "Light, Science and Magic, and I need something more general, not just for studio)<br>

2. Portrait techinques (with emphasis on outdoor portraits)<br>

3. Portrait retouche on photoshop</p>

<p>Tomorrow morning, I will have in my hands my new (and first) flash...<br>

What betteries are better to use. Which ones perform better and last longer, from your own experience. Is it better to buy rechargable or alkaline?<br>

Thanks...<br>

Nick</p>

<p>I take product shots for my parents' workshop for a while now. I have a softbox for this reason, but the lights I use are home lamps, and small desk lights.<br>

Now I got a project for another company, and I must go to their place to do the shooting. The job is good, and I want to present a decent (if not excellent) work, so to do more like this in the near future. I know all the ways to set my "small" studio, so to get the better results, but now I think it's the time to get some strobes (or any other usefull lights) to make my work easier, and better.<br>

I don't have much of a budget right now (I hope I'll have when I'm done with this project) and I want to spend around 200 dollars (150eu) on studio equipment... Meaning 2 lights, 2 stands (i don't yet need umbrellas or other diffusers, I have the softbox).<br>

Also the lights I'll buy may be used on outside places for portrait shots, for the magazine I work.<br>

 <br>

Any idea how I combine all these...?<br>

1-Product shots with softbox<br>

2-Portrait outdoor shots<br>

3-Price above 200 US dollars</p>

<p>Thank you for all your answers... I will surely take in mind all your opinions.<br>

Right now it is difficult to get a web site, but it's high on my to-do list. As I said, I'm new to the business, and so I want a simple card to give my contact info, to people I co-operate and work with.<br>

Surely till, Christmas (the most) I will be more organized, and change the cards to something more original.</p>

<p>The last few months, as I enter more and more in the business of photography (working in a magazine, doing freelance photoshoots, photographing for catalogues etc) I get asked for my business card cause I don't have a company and work as a freelance.<br>

So I decided to create one myself (I did it in the past, but finally didn't print it) and I would like your opinion.<br>

As I told before, I don't shoot anything specific, and right now I'm kind of "the man for every job", Studio, photojournalism, product photos, interior photography (and I'm searching for a photographer to practice with in weddings)<br>

The card is this one<br>

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3694147803_301bdec5e0_o.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="295" /></p>

<p>Thank you for all your answers and help.<br>

I finally ended buying 5D Mark II (with 24-105 f/4L kit), and now I'm waiting to have it in my hands on the next days. I'm excited and started reading the camera manual, to be ready for my first test shots as soon as possible.</p>

<p>Hi,<br>

I will probably buy in the next days the Canon 50D and I want to choose my primary lens. All this time I was checking lenses for Mark II, so I must go from the beginning. (change of plans)<br>

I want a lens to cover from wide-angle to short tele, and be as fast (big aperture ex 2.8) as possible.<br>

The budget is around 500-600 euros (=around 700 dollars). Another spec is that all the lenses and equipment I buy from now on I would like to keep them and make a strong system, even if I change some time to FF body.<br>

For example on a first look I checked Canon 17-40 f/4L (f/4?) and Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.5...<br>

Any ideas?</p>

<p>Thank you again, for all your helpfull comments.<br>

I agree with most of your ideas, and I can get close to a final decision.<br>

As for the 2nd camera body, and 3 flashes etc I think it's a little bit early. For start, I will work alongside a professional photographer as an assistant, so I can learn the secrets of the job, and also gain confidence in my powers. Therefore, I will borrow his equipment (Canon) when needed, and make my own set piece by piece.<br>

There is a 90% possibility I end up with a 5D Mark II, for the following reasons.<br>

i) I prefer the canon lens system - from what I read and see, after some months of searching. Also, I prefer the "colder" colors of Canon, against "warmer" Nikon<br>

ii) I also shoot for a local magazine (mostly people for interviews and events) and so I want good picture analysis, when it goes for cover, as well as high ISO without noise, for shooting in any wanted location.<br>

iii) If I finally get in the Wedding Business, I will need a second (or even third) camera body, so eventually I will buy another Canon model. Since then I will know which one is better as an acompany for 5D (50d, 60d?? or...)<br>

iv) On the other hand, if my finances don't go well (we must put everything in the equation) I will be able to sell the 5D mark II, with a shorter loss of value, than I would with the 50D...<br>

v) I don't shoot sports, or wars... so I won't be needing fast burst shooting (which 5D mark II lacks of...)<br>

vi) I worked in studios with Canon cameras and I'm completely satisfied. Studio is also one other area that is important...<br>

vii) I was told, and also I have seen with my own eyes, that Mark II is the DSLR, which gives results closest to film cameras, than any other DSLR.<br>

In conclusion, I prefer going now for the best that I can (now that I took the decision), and step by step built a full system with what I need.<br>

The last step (the 10% left on my decision) is to hold both cameras (Canon and Nikon) (Canon 5D Mark II, Nikon D300?) and see which one fits and feels better.</p>

<p>I have in mind a complete equipment system, that I want to get in due time...<br>

It's the following. Tell me if you have an idea of anything else<br>

- Canon 5D Mark II<br>

Lenses:<br>

- Canon EF 24-105 f/4L<br>

- Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS<br>

- Canon EF 85 f/1,8 USM<br>

- Canon EF 50 f/1,8 II (for personal use mostly)<br>

- Sigma 12-24 F/4,5-5,6 EX DC HSM<br>

Flashes:<br>

- Canon 430 EX II<br>

- Canon 580 EX II<br>

+ Grip, extra Batteries, Remote, etc</p>

<p>Thank you Rob for your imediate answer...<br>

I totally agree with your point. My questions arouse, from the fact that all those, last, years I was shooting my humble E-500 to its limits, and never searched the market for other brands. Now it's the time and I just want as many opinions as possible (from both sides Canon and Nikon) to measure the pros and cons and make my choice.<br>

Till now I tend towards Canon. The only thing that still keeps me looking to Nikon is the fastest AF, better Flash system (??). I was also told (and seen in pics) that Nikon has warmer color, but I personally prefer the cold ones (and then depending on the photo, fix on ps)</p>

<p>Hi,<br>

This is my first post here, on the site, cause I really need any help available.<br>

I'm into photography around 4 years now and have done some seminars in a photography school, as well as worked in different projects in those years (photobooks, photojournalism etc)<br>

I'm about to start getting into the wedding bussiness. The reason is because it's (maybe) the only well paid photographic job in Greece, and also I like shooting weddings.<br>

The problem is that I must change my camera (all other work is done with Olympus E-500 and much photoshop "magic").<br>

I'm stuck after reading many many reviews with Canon 5D Mark II, which should also help me with my arty projects as well, and studio shoots.<br>

The dilema comes when some photographers tell me that maybe I should go into Nikon system, or buy a cheaper camera for a start. I'm - again - closer to Mark II, cause it will last longer (on work demand) and I have a thing for Canon System. An extra + for Canon is that the photographer I will work with, has Canon system and will borrow me some equipment, so I will have time to built my own equipment (Flashes, Lenses etc...)</p>

<p>Sorry if I my post is long for reading... I'm awaiting for your opinion...<br>

Nick</p>