garywhite

<p>Will be a dead cert for the autumn. 40D will go, leaving 50D as the mid range camera without video, the 60D if you want it.</p>

<p>I have the 5D mk 2 (previously had 5D mk1) and 50D. I only use my 24-105 on full frame cameras. I have an early version of the lens (Jan 06) which was after the corrected the initial problems with the lens. I think the 24-70 L is a bit sharper with less vignetting and CA at the wide end, but the 24-105 is a very versatile travel lens with IS and is very well made. I have found the peripheral illumination correct function on the 5D mk 2 and 50D very useful. I would bet more than a few bucks (well, Euros over here) that a 24-70 f2.8L mk2 with IS comes out in the autumn. Gary, London</p>

Pierre - not sure what you mean. Do you mean that 5D mk2 RAW files are given a generic icon when you look at thumbnails in windows?

Puppy Face has the right answer. It is only really an issue if you just want to travel light with one lens and one body. If you take a bag full of gear, it is not an issue. You won't notice the difference.

I actually had the same debate, as I often used to take the 400D (XTi?) with just a Sigma EX DC 18-50 f2.8 on cycling and walking excursions and the light weight was welcome. I was offered a good upgarde deal to get the 40D and in the end didn't regret it.The 40D is streets ahead in many ways. It wasn't so much the extra weight that was a minor problem, more the slightly bigger size. Gary

Canon have now finished making all film cameras and the production lines have been dismantled. All film cameras now sold as 'new' are from warehoused stock: once they have gone, that's it!

 

Gary

I have converted the RAW files into DNG before but I agree with Lester for three reasons, actually. a) it affects workflow, b) I don't want to buy in to Adobe's marketing ploy and c) I feel RAW files converted into DNG first and then worked on have a diminution in quality compared to converting RAW directly with ACR or CS2.

Also, it is interesting to ponder that if Adobe can convert all types of RAW for free under DNG Converter, why can't they provide the free plug-in that is backwards compatible with all CS2? Gary

PS - just checked - it doesn't work with my brand new Canon-fit Sigma 10-20 mm EX DC.

Yes, it was definitely the Sigma EX DC 18-50 lens. Lens was identified as '18-50' by DPP under camera

information. No functions were greyed out and it was happy to carry out all corrections and even identified the

focussing distance. I believe that the Sigma lens has the latest chipping and it is 'telling' the software it is

a Canon lens. Cheeky of Sigma! It also begs the question, that if the DPP software in its latest guise is

supposed to tune lenses for specific data (e.g. CA, distortion) supplied for certain newer Canon lenses, how can

it correct for a lens that it obviously doesn't have specific data for? I suspect that this has 'let the cat out

of the bag' - DPP uses generic algorithms to correct rather than specific ones - I suspect that it would be happy

to correct for any lens if the lens convinced the software it was made by Canon! Thoughts? Any one like to try

other lenses? Later, I might experiment with some more lenses. Gary

I have been using DPP (DPP 3.4.1.1) recently for initial RAW processing and then exporting to PS for fine tuning

and sharpening before saving as TIFs. This was originally due to the fact that I didn't want to upgrade my CS2 to

CS3 just so PS could read my 'new' 40D CR2 files. However, I have now been exploring the other functions of DPP

and found some quite useful.

 

My point is about the tab 3 under the tools palette - NR/Lens. I found the tuning to individual lenses very

useful - it is interesting how much distortion it removes on zooms compared to primes (e.g. 24-105L versus EF-S

60mm macro) and the peripheral illumination (vignetting) - especially on the 24-105L which is notorious wide

open. Anyway, I was recently looking at some wedding shots I took, using the 5D and the 40D, with various lenses.

On the 40D I used the excellent Sigma 18-50 f2.8 EX DC. When I applied lens tuning correction, it was happy to

correct for this lens (e.g. peripheral illumination, distortion) and even showed focussing distance (something it

doesn't do with the 5D and 24-105L). I thought that this aspect of the software only worked with certain Canon

lenses and Canon only?

 

Any thoughts or experience on this matter would be appreciated. Regards, Gary

Be careful, the non-L zooms tend to vignette on the 5D and there's a lot of CA. I have had nearly 3 years of experience. I tend to stick to non-L primes (e.g. 50mm, 85mm), L-primes (e.g. 35mm, 135mm) and good zooms (e.g. 17-40L), 70-210 L. If you want something longish, go for the last with a 1.4 extender. Gary

And another point - can you repeat the experiment with another lens as a double check?

Ok, I see the photos, you might have a point (assuming there is no processing issue with your software - are these all unmodified JPEGs?).

James - where do you live? Was it a regular Canon dealer? I'd be tempted to take the bill and go to your nearest Canon Pro service centre? Do you know where that is?

Gary

James - it is not impossible that the diaphragm is faulty, even on an L lens but I am not convinced by the photos. You say you used Av. Why not Manual? Are you sure there weren't differences in metering between shot 1 and 2 and that the camera was adjusting the shutter speed for the set aperture? The only way to test for sure is to meter a fixed scene (preferably with a separate meter) and dial in the EV. Then work through the apertures and shutters in manual to compare results. I used my first Canon FL lens in 1973 and since then have used scores of FD and EF lenses. I have never had a sticking aperture in a Canon lens, though I have had in Canon-fit lenses from other manufacturers. Gary, London

If you want a rucksack, go for one of the larger Tamrac or Lowepro ones. Personally, being a Brit, I would recommend the excellent Billingham range - the 550 should suit you or maybe the 445

 

http://www.billingham.co.uk/pages/index.php

 

Regards

 

Gary

I had the XTi (400D) with the 17-85 IS. I haven't experience of the other kit lens. The 17-85 is a fairly good lens, not so good at the wider end but usable and with a good build and very good IS system. I use it a lot as a travel lens (now with the 40D). I would think the other lens is similar quality. I agree with some of the other comments - apart from the use of SD cards, I think that the XSi (450D) is a great camera and in this case, I'd be tempted to upgrade the body.

The 17-40L is a superb lens and I don't always believe these tales about 'rogue examples'. I doubt if there is much real world difference between it and the 16-35 II. For wedding use, it'll be fine. Looking at shots at 100%+ on a computer screen doesn't always give a realistic appraisal of the lens' utility on a day-to-day bases.

Use DPP

If I were starting from scratch, with no camera or lenses, I'd be tempted to go for the 40D. In fact I have the 5D and Rebel XTi (400D) and lots of lenses and have considered getting a 40D body. I still think the 5D is superior in image quality but it is very demanding of lenses. Also the self-cleaning function is useful on the newer cameras. I'd like to do more research on the high ISO image quality of the 40D, as I have heard it is very good a lower ISO's. Gary (London)

I agree with Douglas' points. I have already bought a spare pellicle mirror for my 1N RS (a pro service centre sold me one for c. 35 ?GBP (about $70 USD) which I am keeping in cotton wool). Over the next few years I intend to buy up another 1V and 3 and a 1N for spare parts, when I see them at attractive s/h prices). Even a cosmetically scruffy body can be useful. I found with early EOS cameras and FD stuff, that you can always find someone with the expertise to repair them, they are just stymied when the spare parts run out. E.g. the rewind gears for the 1N often wear out after heavy use. It is an easy repair but new spares are no longer available. Gary

Go for a 5D while they are cheap? (and still available)

It is not true to stay that film sales are plummeting. They are already stable, albeit at a very low level by historical levels. I have a 1V, 3 and 1N RS and do not intend to part with them. I doubt very much if Canon will release any more 35mm cameras. The 1V is still current but I heard that the last batch has been made and the assembly line taken apart. Probably, they made 50,000 to keep in stock (just like they did with the EOS 3), which is probably 3 years sales at the moment, globally. But, no, no new cameras...

Dear George,

 

A lot of points but good luck in advance with your endeavours.

 

You may struggle to get a 16-22 megapixel camera that is not full frame (well, Canon don't make one). Depending on your budget, you might consider the 1D mk111 which is not full frame and will cover all your needs. The 5D is superb but is full frame and might suffer with your current lenses. However, it is a very attractive price at the moment. I like prime lenses too so can give you lots of advice here. The regular EF 85mm f1.8 and 100 mm f2 are fine lenses, relatively affordable and will work on any Canon camera, irrespective of sensor. Ditto the 135mm f2L which is superb if you can afford it. The 50mm f1.4 is a great lens and is a good lens to use for available light and is a fine portrait lens on a crop sensor camera (Rebel XT / XTi). the EF 28mm f1.8 is great reportage lens as is the 35mm f2 and again can be used on any body. The Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG is worth looking at and a lot cheaper than the Canon L version. The Sigma 12-24 EX DG also provides an 'affordable' lens that Canon don't make an equivalent of.

George, I hope that helps but I think you need to decide on the body before you think about your lenses. Gary (LONDON, UK)

Dear George,

 

A lot of points but good luck in advance with your endeavours.

 

You may struggle to get a 16-22 megapixel camera that is not full frame (well, Canon don't make one). Depending on your budget, you might consider the 1D mk111 which is not full frame and will cover all your needs. The 5D is superb but is full frame and might suffer with your current lenses. However, it is a very attractive price at the moment. I like prime lenses too so can give you lots of advice here. The regular EF 85mm f1.8 and 100 mm f2 are fine lenses, relatively affordable and will work on any Canon camera, irrespective of sensor. Ditto the 135mm f2L which is superb if you can afford it. The 50mm f1.4 is a great lens and is a good lens to use for available light and is a fine portrait lens on a crop sensor camera (Rebel XT / XTi). the EF 28mm f1.8 is great reportage lens and again can be used on any body. The Sigma 24-70 f2.8 EX DG is worth looking at and a lot cheaper than the Canon L version. The Sigma 12-24 EX DG also provides an 'affordable' lens that Canon don't make an equivalent of.

George, I hope that helps but I think you need to decide on the body before you think about your lenses. Gary (LONDON, UK)

It's an absolutely superb lens. Buy with confidence. I don't actually know of any QC issues - even with the hyperbole of some Netizens and Bloggers. I use it on all my EOS cameras: film ones and the Rebel XTi (400D), 1D mk11 and 5D. No problems. If there were problems, a Canon professional dealer (where you'll be buying it from, of course!) will change it with no questions asked!

The 10D is a good camera still. I sold mine 1 year ago when I bought the Rebel XTi (400D) as my second body. In fact I part exchanged it with a professional Canon dealer in London. It (the 10D) would be a good buy for teaching a teenager the basics of digital photography or for an raw beginner who didn't want much financial commitment.