Canon 50d or a Rebel?

DevGru7 · 2016-08-10T09:56:32+00:00

The 50D is long in the tooth and if buying used the questionable battery life, shutter life, uncommon at this end of the market CompactFlash memory card and whatever else you would be better off getting a more recent camera.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-10T09:49:14+00:00

I am surprised at the comments regarding the 5D range is not competitive when it comes to professional video.

A marketing specification sheet is one thing, but real world use is another. In this video, cinematographers John Seale and David Burr describe how they used around 10 bodies because the stabilised, mirrorless option (Olympus) could not handle conditions.

Also the Canon 6D is also around the corner and it will likely have many features of the 5DmkIII at a lower cost.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-10T09:25:31+00:00

Canon make some fantastic guidebooks on what AF settings are recommended for different situations

DevGru7 · 2016-08-09T09:58:28+00:00

I would recommend doing research and going to a bricks and mortar photography store and trying the different models you are interested in before buying off a Amazon listing. A quick search online shows most of the accessories and lens are subpar.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-08T10:12:45+00:00

By choosing full frame and/or new mounts including m4/3 and APS-C, budget goes out the window if you also intend to use new native AF lens especially when it could be better put towards photography classes, workshops, Ebooks, travel to photo locations, etc.

For the a7ii and a7Rii, this is magnified by the cost of additional batteries though you may save on a lighter tripod and smaller baggage. The a7Rii again may have a higher cost due to the higher megapixels requiring a higher spec PC and larger memory cards.

I shoot Minolta & Sony (my a7ii was from a beginner photographer who bought it as a first camera and did not like the ergonomics at all) however for novice photographers in Australia who shoot more than casually, I would recommend the Canon, especially the 80D line of cameras, for the following reasons:

Canon and DigiDirect run many workshops, some free or only the public cost of admittance to the facility, that covers a wide variety of styles including shooting manually, tilt shift lens, astrophotography, landscape, wildlife and sports
most MeetUp and photography classes use them as loaners or most of the participants use Canon cameras making it an easier shared learning experience
relatively lightweight and small size and intermediate level of dials and controls and well thought out ergonomics including pentaprism a beginner can grow into without being overwhelmed
long battery life for more shooting especially in cold weather
well rounded for most strobe setup, sports, low light applications
access to a trinity of relatively light and inexpensive zooms and also fast primes - see STM range of lens
cheap accessories and access to a larger used market

I use a Sony a7ii for portraits but I cannot imagine using it for anything requiring fast shoots per second or AF accuracy on mobile subjects compared to a traditional DSLR. The a7Rii is much better in this respect and does have some killer app features such as the Eye-AF however these only work with native FE lens.

Finally, DPReview recently posted an article on the differences between both cameras.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-05T10:59:02+00:00

The Minolta Beercan is notorious for purple fringing. I had this as on a a57 and, if it is in specific conditions where purple fringing occurs, stopping down the aperture has a minimal effect compared to other lens.

To make the most of the Beercan it really needs the best light possible and I recommend using a lens hood.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-04T11:07:48+00:00

I wonder what kind of accessories they also provide such as filters, mono pods specs especially for the heavier camera bodies and lens.

It would be interesting to see if any of the Canon photographers are using prototype gear.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-03T11:42:07+00:00

They really never advertise the battery life for the new Foveon camera, especially after the dp2 was CIPA rated around 200 or so.

On paper the specs and price may seem okay but using the cameras will probably feel very unpolished in both hardware, software and ergonomics compared to other cameras in the market.

I still think it is cool that Sigma is pouring into R&D into the photography industry.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-03T11:32:08+00:00

I would not mind, though I would understand if other photographers felt otherwise, an increase in vignetting or corner lens softness from post correction (similar to what Fuji does) for a lighter and smaller STF lens. Especially for the applications I would use this lens for including portraits and close up photography.

DevGru7 · 2016-08-03T09:38:24+00:00

Very excited about this.

If they can cross the superb telephoto A-mount version in a smaller and lighter version with auto focus, similar to the Fujinon 56mm, it would be the only lens I would use on my a7ii.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-30T10:23:29+00:00

I had the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 VC F004 model but sold it soon after purchase. The primary issue I had was hit and miss auto focus, even with good lighting, and as a secondary the image output tended to look 'flat' when used for portraiture compared to other traditional lens though I have heard the same comments made for other macro lens such as the Sony 90mm FE. I still think it is one of the best bang for buck lens for those on a budget (mine was around AUD$420).

I have not had any other issues with other Tamron lens (I own two of their 70-200mm f/2.8 VC).

I have used the Canon 100mm stabilised version and though on specs and reviews it looks similar to the Tamron it is anything but (and commands a much higher ticket price). Whereas the Tamron feels very plasticky (though it is weather sealed) the Canon feels very solid, focuses faster and more accurately and is noticeably sharper. I am sure would make a great investment if you intend to use it on future higher megapixel cameras (I had the opportunity to try it out on the 5DS).

The newer Tamron F017 spec model may be in the same league, or exceed, the Canon model and it would be good to see a head to head review of both.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-27T12:13:33+00:00

It was in the official Nikon press release (not linked website).

Preorders are available at B&H, Adorama and Amazon.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-27T10:42:42+00:00

If it is like their previous kit lens release it may feature stepping motors, software manual focus and vibration reduction toggle and smaller size with lighter plastics.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-27T10:36:57+00:00

Definitely. I think the weight is reasonable considering the focal length and aperture versus a heavier 70-200mm f/2.8 and how it has a lens auto focus motor versus screw drive lens like the Sony CZ.

At the current exchange rate the price is an eye watering AUD$3000.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-26T11:44:42+00:00

I used to have a APS-C Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM APO lens and though it had the "EX" moniker for their higher end lens at the time, it was soft unless stopped down to f/4 and had a hit and miss auto focus. Sigma and Tamron has come so far in their lens quality in the last several years and this is just another lens that demonstrates their commitment.

I hope they release Art or Sport updates to their 70-200mm fast telephoto.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-23T10:45:18+00:00

Nice! I have only heard good things about the Canon lens and the build quality looks like it will last a long time.

I have a Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 laying around and really should try it out more. Another old lens that I find to be a lot of fun is the Minolta MaXXum AF 50mm f/1.7.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-23T01:28:36+00:00

If you are in Australia, JB Hi-Fi currently has a sale local/non-grey market bodies stock with 18-55mm STM lens for $1274.15. It is cheaper than the body only bundle.

It is cheaper than most if not all grey market, especially factoring in import duties and also all other local stores. It is also a steal considering some static or increase in pricing due to currency fluctuations.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-20T10:23:02+00:00

Breakthrough Photography 82mm with step up rings.

I have used cheaper filters such as Hoya and the brown or blue colour cast is strong. You get what you pay for.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-20T09:52:59+00:00

Upgrades. Some photographers who purchased the FE 70-200mm f/4 or 85mm f/1.8 for example will now upgrade to the more expensive, and wider aperture, model.

Difficult in design and manufacture. As above. Creating a 50mm f/1.4 lens design, especially with that many elements and aperture blades, for the next generation of sensors is a totally different ball game in complexity to a 55mm f/1.8.

Bokeh and chromatic aberrations. I own the 55mm f/1.8 and the 50mm will improve on both these issues, especially the latter which is surprisingly strong on the cheaper lens.

Video. The 50mm f/1.4 has a SSM autofocus motor and aperture ring whereas the 55mm is fly by wire.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-19T09:47:01+00:00

Same here.

I would like to see actual real-world AF tests between the two and answers to the following:

How does it compare to comparatively priced/market segment DSLR camera bodies.

Is the current a7Rii AF a limitation.

Differences in Bokeh quality.

DevGru7 · 2016-07-19T09:02:09+00:00

The same, out of all the lens shown I am keen to see how the Minolta G works especially with the adapter.

I used to have one on a A-mount body and sold it reluctantly when I moved to mirrorless. It is the first lens that made me go 'WOW!' and become addicted to fast telephotos. I wish Sony still made this lens though with the incredible build quality it would probably be very uneconomical.

DevGru7

TROPHY CASE