Quote :

"Can someone recommend a really long camera strap, and one that will allow the camera and lense to point down instead of out? I'm really tall, so the regular strap is not long enough to wear across my chest, and because of the way the strap is the camera rests pointing out instead of down. It makes walking with it very annoying."

Whichever one of these you like best:

http://www.blackrapid.com/products/straps

4/17/2013 11:19:12 PM

Fuck a camera strap that attaches solely at the quick release.

I'm also curious about any extra long camera strap recommendations, just not anything with a big gaudy/stupid shoulder pad or anything that attaches to the bottom.

4/20/2013 2:59:39 PM

What bags are you guys using? I have been hauling my crap around in various bags, mainly a standard camera bag with a handle and strap. I had been wanting to get a nice backpack for a while now, but was worried about the cost. My wife asked me about getting one today, so we ended up ordering a Tamrac Expedition 8x 5588 bag. I think it will be sufficiently large enough to haul all of our camera gear that we have now with room to grow.

Additionally, do any of ya'll use a backpack in addition to a carrying system like the blackrapid or something similar? Would definitely be interested in one as long as it would not interfere with the backpack straps.

4/20/2013 5:53:21 PM

I'd rather not lose the ability to put the camera on a tripod or monopod without having to unscrew something, but looking at some pictures and videos i do really like the way the camera hangs with that. (Also, I was not expecting to spend $60 on a strap though, but it is what it is I guess).

do they make a quick release doubler attachment or anything so I could screw this in and the quick release plate for my tripod? what is the official name of that screw hole?

I may end up just adding a section of canvas webbing to my current strap. the wife said she can sew it together with the same type of stitching used on seatbelts so it would be strong, but it wouldn't fix the camera hanging poorly.

4/20/2013 5:55:26 PM

I have one of these. It's great, fits my camera (without a battery grip) and an extra lens/flash/accessories just fine. Not the biggest, but great for an every day bag. Plus, I get compliments on it all the time. I take the dividers out and use it as my work bag during the week.

Kinda expensive, but it doesn't scream "I'm a camera bag" and it is REALLY well built. The waxed canvas looks great after some breaking in.

http://www.onabags.com/store/messengers-and-backpacks/the-union-street.html?color=smoke#smoke

4/21/2013 12:27:10 PM

I use an old Domke bag


It is a tank of a bag. Domke sold their brand to a different company a few years ago and the quality of the bags has diminished from what I understand, but you may be able to find one used.

After managing a gear pool and seeing the kind of damage an inferior bag can do I will offer these buying tips (which is why I got the domke).
All clips, clasps, etc. should be metal. Any plastic clips will eventually break, and if that clip is holding the flap closed over your equipment, you could look at not just a broken clasp, but a damaged camera or lens after it tumbles out of your bag.
Any shoulder straps should be sewn into the bag. If they're attached with a clasp (metal or plastic) they will eventually bend and break, and if you're wearing the bag and the shoulder strap goes out with your gear in it, even a cushioned bag will still result in damage. I busted the lens mount off my 20-70 when the clasp on a camera bag snapped and the bag fell 3 feet to the ground.
Seams should be done with heavy duty stitching and threads. We've all had bookbags that eventually had seams come apart. It's one thing if your calculus book falls out, it's another if its a flash, filter, body or lens. This is especially important for seams on exterior pockets and the stitching that holds the strap on.

Some features that I really like on my bag: rubber threads sewn into the interior of the strap that will keep the bag from sliding around, an open exterior pocket for quick access to notebooks, color cards, white balance cards, etc., NO ZIPPERS, they always end up jamming or coming apart, this isn't usually a threat to your gear since you'll know a zipper is broken before the risk of something dropping out.

I'll also put in a vote for a shoulder bag instead of backpack. The backpack's are much easier on the shoulders, but being able to access a bag on your hip with one hand, get what you need and put it back without having to stop, take it off, unzip is really pays off, especially when time is fleeting and you've got seconds to get the shot before the moment disappears.



Lastly, I've got some money saved up from gigs over the fall and winter and am having trouble with my next purchase decisions. I am trying to save up for a 5d Mark II, but I've only got about half of what I need to get a good used one. If I look at a used original 5d, which at best is going to be 5 years old, what kind of lifespan can I expect from it? I know the average lifespan is about 100K actuations, but will there be any risk if it's an advanced age camera? Also, I assume the batteries can be used if I upgrade to the mark ii in the future, but do they have compatible battery grips as well?

Edit: Been looking at my options and the 1ds Mark ii is in my price range as well and still full frame. I have absolutely no experience of knowledge of the 1ds line, anyone have experience on the versus a 5d + battery grip?

[Edited on April 25, 2013 at 8:16 PM. Reason : ]

4/25/2013 7:53:08 PM

Dog's like, "f this baby, I'm hiding"




[Edited on April 27, 2013 at 1:50 PM. Reason : ,.]

4/27/2013 1:50:01 PM

I'm not hip to the terminology, but is that last photo "rack focus"

4/27/2013 2:50:02 PM

rack focus is a video term god dammit.

4/27/2013 9:44:13 PM

That just has a narrow field of focus

4/27/2013 10:04:52 PM

4/27/2013 10:09:57 PM

Old joke is old

Cute kid.

4/27/2013 11:23:12 PM

what kinds of budget should i expect to purchase my first lens (non-zoom), and where do you all go for reviews? dpreview?

5/9/2013 1:36:13 PM

What?

Need way more info.

"(non-zoom)" lenses can range from $80 to $8,000

5/9/2013 1:40:49 PM

Yeah dude, get a 300mm. It's non-zoom, and should fit nicely in your budget.


On the real, I don't care what you're shooting, get a 35mm 1.4. Best lens ever.

(If you can't swing $1400 on a prime, the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is a dope option for a grand less)

5/9/2013 3:36:43 PM

The 1.8s are also good if you want a sharp shot but down mine losing that one stop. I picked up the Nikon 50 mm 1.8/D for like $80, and a 35mm 1.8G for $75 used I think. Shit is cheap and gives you super sharp shots.

5/9/2013 3:48:23 PM

Sorry, I swear that I typed I was probably looking for 35mm for landscapes.

5/9/2013 5:40:46 PM

I haven't used it but the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 looks great. $899.

If you don't care about autofocus, the Rokinon 35mm f/1.4's are pretty nice at $460.

[Edited on May 9, 2013 at 7:21 PM. Reason : .]

5/9/2013 7:19:34 PM

Getting antsy wanting to go full frame

Going to try to wait 1 more month and then get a refurbished d600

/blog

5/12/2013 8:38:55 PM

5/12/2013 9:10:20 PM

5/12/2013 10:45:20 PM

Quote :

"Getting antsy wanting to go full frame"

Me too. I keep trying to decide between spending $ to bring in new clients or going full frame.

And the last 2 pics from Senez & OmarBadu were awesome. Where were those taken?

5/13/2013 12:15:08 AM

talk me out of buying a new D5100 kit for $500

5/13/2013 12:20:24 AM

^ No can do. This isn't a great thread for purchasing advice. It's like asking what's the best car to buy for $500.

5/13/2013 12:37:31 AM

i got a D5100 kit (although for about $415) and am happy with it, but I'm just getting started

5/13/2013 8:44:54 AM

matamata, new zealand at hobbiton - went there while nearby for a conference last year

going through my pictures from my xmas / new years trip of the south island and should have some more posts in the next week or two

5/13/2013 11:47:00 AM

Quote :

"And the last 2 pics from Senez & OmarBadu were awesome. Where were those taken?"

Thanks. Mine was a field of winter wheat just down the road from my house.

5/13/2013 12:36:56 PM

what kind of lens and exposure, that's a great shot.

5/13/2013 12:40:39 PM

Tokina 16-35 2.8 at 16mm, f6.3, exposed for the clouds just above the tree line, so I think around 1/200. This was around 7:30 or so, I think, given the sun's height.

5/13/2013 1:58:33 PM

So are most of you guys posting in here shooting full-frame now, or still on crop? I have a D7000 and really like it, but damn if I don't really want to go full-frame as well with a refurbed D600 or something.

5/13/2013 2:21:57 PM

I shoot with a 50D. I want to upgrade but no real incentive (for me) yet.

5/13/2013 2:30:09 PM

My goal is to be shooting a full frame by this summer, gotta find some more clients in the meantime though so I can afford a good 5d MKII.

5/13/2013 2:48:32 PM

Yea, the season is heating up for me as well. Did some family shots earlier this month, booked a graduation ceremony for this weekend, and a pair of weddings, one next month and one in the fall.

5/13/2013 3:35:49 PM

are there any photo walk groups in the area? I'd love to go walk with some people to learn more.

5/13/2013 3:40:47 PM

If your on Meetups they have a Triangle Photography Club that seems pretty legit. Mtan Man214 and I did try out the Capital City Camera Club and were not really impressed. It would be alright for a real beginner, but honestly I didn't think I was going to learn anything from them. I have been a member of Triangle Photography Club for a while now and they do a TON of meetups, as does the Raleigh Outdoor Photography Club. Might want to check them both out. Hell, maybe now that its warming up again, we could plan to hit one of their scheduled events together and check it out as our own little group.

5/13/2013 3:48:30 PM

5/18/2013 12:29:50 PM

I'll echo what Nighthawk said. I've seen some great groups on meetup.com. Though I will say, stay away from any that charge for get events. Most will charge a signup fee that helps cover their meetup.com dues, but some organizers create groups as a way to market their own classes, or those of their friends.

So I'm getting really tired of carrying my 28-70 around everywhere for just the daily out and about shit, so I'm trying to decide between Canon's Pancake 40mm (low profile, super light weight, 11" focus distance), or the 50 1.8 (Faster and $40 cheaper). Anyone have any experience with one to sway my decision.

5/20/2013 5:11:07 PM

Thanks for the input, I'll check out meetup. I had seen some posted in other places that cost money, and while I would have no problem paying for lessons or something as a general rule, I was more looking for people who were just interested in sharing what they knew and meeting people with similar interests. I'll checkout meetup.

Anything special about tripod quality I should consider before purchasing something cheap off amazon?

5/20/2013 5:22:24 PM

Yeah, I host a meetup.com group and our dues are about $72 every 6 months. Most of that was paid through $5 or $10 donations from members, though this time around we got a sponsor that picked up the tab. I joined with 2 photo groups last fall, 1 (Raleigh Outdoor Photography Club that Nighthawk mentioned) had a $10 fee to join, which was fine with me. The other would set up shoots at a studio and charge $90 for each (I never went to a meetup with them). You'll learn a lot more by just getting out and shooting, then talking with others about what they liked and didn't like about your work.

The ROPC is really active with several meetups a month, both official and ad-hoc, they also meet once a month at a local library for an hour of discussion and usually a member lead tutorial or lesson, then they all go out to eat. It seemed like a great group for someone just getting into photography or looking to learn a bit more and find some good critique.

As for tripods. It is a you get what you pay for kinda deal. Do a little research online for good brands. I bought a Siriu tripod and ball head last year and love it. I was replacing a cheap plastic one I bought in college that was anything but stable. I'll include my usual advice to buy local on this one too, especially if you're not sure what you want to get. Someone at the local shops will be more knowledgeable about dependable brands and finding something in your budget. You'll also get a chance to see what feels better for you when it comes to the features (twist release on legs or lever; ball, tilt or leveling head; weight vs material; etc.)

5/20/2013 5:51:47 PM

Was looking through some shots from a wedding a couple months ago and found one with me in action

5/20/2013 6:47:00 PM

Haha, that reminds me of this recent blog that's been getting a fair amount of discussion:
http://coreyann.com/blog/corey-talks/corey-talks-why-you-should-have-an-unplugged-wedding

5/20/2013 8:26:37 PM

Got to play with a DSLR for the first extended period of time (other than taking one or two pictures prior) a few days ago and spent a crazy long time bombarding the owner of the camera with questions on how it worked and what the settings did et cetera, I can't wait to try to take more pictures, especially now that I know what an f-stop value is... the distinction between of the focused object and the background and the value and depth of the image and the fact that you can actually capture the idea that what you're photographing actually exists in the third dimension is the thing I love love love about DSLRs. Only about half of the images came out super blurry and I did get some decent shots (I won't post people), and for practicing and never really ever having used one before, I think I did well, especially as the lighting in the apartment kind of sucked.

So, opinions, and any advice for newbies?





[Edited on May 20, 2013 at 8:38 PM. Reason : Also, 50 mm lens]

5/20/2013 8:36:48 PM

how do you all share your photos? flickr?

5/20/2013 9:59:02 PM

First time shooting in a while.









[Edited on May 20, 2013 at 10:24 PM. Reason : .]

5/20/2013 10:11:10 PM

few more from NZ

5/20/2013 10:43:39 PM

did y'all see that flickr now offers 1TB of space for free (and with full resolution photos and video)?

not just new accounts, either (at least, my old account shows 1TB of space and i've never paid for pro)

just a heads up

5/20/2013 11:03:51 PM

Just paid for another year of pro one month ago :\

I don't even come close to uploading a terabyte worth of data. Does this mean it no longer cuts off at 200 pics for free accounts?

5/21/2013 2:12:32 PM

Yeah. Everyone gets 1TB, though I doubt most people would use that much. They've also added ads in to generate revenue.

They've gotten rid of pro accounts but if you've got one you get to keep it, along with the pro features like unlimited space and stats. To me the pro accounts are worth the $25 a year to keep the stats.

If you want to switch to a free account you've got that option until the 20th of August and they will offer a pro-rated refund.

I'm not sure if the grandfathered pro accounts will be ad free or not (I think they are). If you switch to a free account and want to go to ad free it's $50.

A photo from strawberry picking with my son. We stopped to pet the horse in the neighboring field:


I think I'm going to grab the pancake lens this week. I don't carry my camera on me enough to keep well practiced between gigs and dropping the weight of my daily gear should make it easier to keep it on me more often.

5/21/2013 2:24:29 PM

^ What's a pancake lens?

5/21/2013 2:29:34 PM

^http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/870179-REG/Canon_40mm_f_2_8_EF_Pancake.html

It's a very low profile lens. I was trying to decide between it and a 50 f/1.8. They're both really lightweight but I think I'd prefer to have the shorter focus distance and the flat profile of the pancake. I've knocked my current lens into to any ladders and slides while out at playgrounds.

5/21/2013 2:35:07 PM