The Photography Thread

[MishaK]

A little selection of Chicago area avifauna I photographed over the years.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvk116/sets/72157640859219843/

Misha

[North Star]

A little selection of Chicago area avifauna I photographed over the years.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mvk116/sets/72157640859219843/

Misha

Lovely, particularly the Savannah Sparrow from Rollins Savannah, IL, and the Red-winged Blackbird from Evanston, IL

[Mookalafalas]

North Star, nice to hear you are thinking about a camera.  My new lens is a prime for the m4/3 system.  If you aren't getting a full on DSLR, you might think about M4/3.  Sometimes you can find a Panasonic GF3 with a 14mm F2.5 prime for about $160US.   Pretty nice, and a good zoom can be had for $150 or so, I think.  Of course there are lots of good cameras, Compact and up....

[North Star]

I was thinking something along the lines of Nikon D7100 or D610, actually - and lenses to with it, but I have very limited experience of lenses - I haven't even used a prime lens..

Probably one of these, with some of the lenses offered - any ideas of the lenses would be appreciated.

http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d800-paketti.html
http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d610-paketti.html
http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d7100-paketti.html

[Mookalafalas]

I was thinking something along the lines of Nikon D7100 or D610, actually - and lenses to with it, but I have very limited experience of lenses - I haven't even used a prime lens..

Probably one of these, with some of the lenses offered - any ideas of the lenses would be appreciated.

http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d800-paketti.html
http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d610-paketti.html
http://www.rajalacamera.fi/nikon-d7100-paketti.html

  Holy cow, you aren't fooling around! Full frame is great...
   I shoot Canon so know nothing about Nikon lenses, although I know a lot about 3rd party companies that make lenses for both companies. In fact, right now Sigma is about the most exciting maker out there.  They have a stellar 35mm F1.4, a wonderful 85mm F1.4 and have a new 50mm 1.4 coming out that is supposed to be wonderful.  These are all cheaper than the Nikon equivalents, if I am not mistaken.
  I think Canon is considered to be a bit ahead in the camera wars these days. If you haven't already, you might want to consider the Canon 6D. If you will be broke after you get a body, Canon makes a 50mm F1.8 that can be had for about $100US.  It has a terribly noisy focusing system, and is made out of cheap plastic, but it is small, light, very sharp, and dead cheap.  If your money situation has approved a lot and you like shooting wide angle, Nikon has a 14-24mm that is widely respected.   The best wide angle lens deal, however, is a Korean made manual 14mm lens marketed as both Samyang and Rokinon that can be had for $300+ 

[North Star]

  Holy cow, you aren't fooling around! Full frame is great...
   I shoot Canon so know nothing about Nikon lenses, although I know a lot about 3rd party companies that make lenses for both companies. In fact, right now Sigma is about the most exciting maker out there.  They have a stellar 35mm F1.4, a wonderful 85mm F1.4 and have a new 50mm 1.4 coming out that is supposed to be wonderful.  These are all cheaper than the Nikon equivalents, if I am not mistaken.
  I think Canon is considered to be a bit ahead in the camera wars these days. If you haven't already, you might want to consider the Canon 6D. If you will be broke after you get a body, Canon makes a 50mm F1.8 that can be had for about $100US.  It has a terribly noisy focusing system, and is made out of cheap plastic, but it is small, light, very sharp, and dead cheap.  If your money situation has approved a lot and you like shooting wide angle, Nikon has a 14-24mm that is widely respected.   The best wide angle lens deal, however, is a Korean made manual 14mm lens marketed as both Samyang and Rokinon that can be had for $300+

I certainly haven't decided to not consider Canon, the 6D looks very nice.

These sets would cost 2395 € or 2399 € respectfully - and both come with Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi 16GB and Adobe Lightroom 5 & Premiere Elements 11.. I might not get them while these offers are on, though.
Canon EOS 6D + 24-70/4 L IS USM
Canon EOS 6D + 24-105/4 L IS USM

[Mookalafalas]

I certainly haven't decided to not consider Canon, the 6D looks very nice.

These sets would cost 2395 € or 2399 € respectfully - and both come with Apple iPad mini Wi-Fi 16GB and Adobe Lightroom 5 & Premiere Elements 11.. I might not get them while these offers are on, though.
Canon EOS 6D + 24-70/4 L IS USM
Canon EOS 6D + 24-105/4 L IS USM

Ouch, much higher than US prices.  Those are both pretty good lenses, though.  I'm addicted to shooting wide open for blurred background effects, however, so don't have a mid-range zoom.  I've used a good percentage of the Canon, Sigma, and Tamron lenses.  If you want to do some lens research, photozone has nice reviews for Canon and Nikon as well as third party companies that make lenses adapted for their bodies.  At flickr you can go to the lens sample thread for any lens and see what people are doing with them (to see how good they are--or can be, rather).  I'm a member of a big Canon group called "Photography on the Net", and it has good discussion threads for various lenses and bodies, and is good for buying second hand gear, too.  Lots of good pix, as well.  Canon and Nikon bodies are comparable, but I think Canon has more lenses and they are generally quite a bit cheaper than Nikon's.  Using Sigma can save you a lot of money on lenses, however.   I really like Sigma, myself. 

[North Star]

Ouch, much higher than US prices.

Yes indeed. 

Those are both pretty good lenses, though.  I'm addicted to shooting wide open for blurred background effects, however, so don't have a mid-range zoom.  I've used a good percentage of the Canon, Sigma, and Tamron lenses.  If you want to do some lens research, photozone has nice reviews for Canon and Nikon as well as third party companies that make lenses adapted for their bodies.  At flickr you can go to the lens sample thread for any lens and see what people are doing with them (to see how good they are--or can be, rather).  I'm a member of a big Canon group called "Photography on the Net", and it has good discussion threads for various lenses and bodies, and is good for buying second hand gear, too.  Lots of good pix, as well.  Canon and Nikon bodies are comparable, but I think Canon has more lenses and they are generally quite a bit cheaper than Nikon's.  Using Sigma can save you a lot of money on lenses, however.   I really like Sigma, myself.

I'll have to look into the lens situation.


Thread duty
It's a heatwave in Finland now, with possible thunderstorms - and obviously lots of clouds..

[North Star]

Clouds XVI

[North Star]

  Holy cow, you aren't fooling around! Full frame is great...
   I shoot Canon so know nothing about Nikon lenses, although I know a lot about 3rd party companies that make lenses for both companies. In fact, right now Sigma is about the most exciting maker out there.  They have a stellar 35mm F1.4, a wonderful 85mm F1.4 and have a new 50mm 1.4 coming out that is supposed to be wonderful.  These are all cheaper than the Nikon equivalents, if I am not mistaken.
  I think Canon is considered to be a bit ahead in the camera wars these days. If you haven't already, you might want to consider the Canon 6D. If you will be broke after you get a body, Canon makes a 50mm F1.8 that can be had for about $100US.  It has a terribly noisy focusing system, and is made out of cheap plastic, but it is small, light, very sharp, and dead cheap.  If your money situation has approved a lot and you like shooting wide angle, Nikon has a 14-24mm that is widely respected.   The best wide angle lens deal, however, is a Korean made manual 14mm lens marketed as both Samyang and Rokinon that can be had for $300+

Ouch, much higher than US prices.  Those are both pretty good lenses, though.  I'm addicted to shooting wide open for blurred background effects, however, so don't have a mid-range zoom.  I've used a good percentage of the Canon, Sigma, and Tamron lenses.  If you want to do some lens research, photozone has nice reviews for Canon and Nikon as well as third party companies that make lenses adapted for their bodies.  At flickr you can go to the lens sample thread for any lens and see what people are doing with them (to see how good they are--or can be, rather).  I'm a member of a big Canon group called "Photography on the Net" and it has good discussion threads for various lenses and bodies, and is good for buying second hand gear, too.  Lots of good pix, as well.  Canon and Nikon bodies are comparable, but I think Canon has more lenses and they are generally quite a bit cheaper than Nikon's.  Using Sigma can save you a lot of money on lenses, however.   I really like Sigma, myself.

How do you mean that Canon is considered to be ahead of Nikon? I seem to get the impression that they're pretty close to each other, Nikon is considered slightly better for landscapes (sensor, more focus points), and Canon for portraiture (white balance, better focus with reservations) - the Canon 6D does look very intriguing, but even POTN folks don't seem to think it's better (or worse) than D610. Ken Rockwell likes the 6D, I suppose that's something. (BTW, this piece of software he reviewed looks pretty amazing, not that I'm considering getting a fisheye.). If I had to choose now, I might take the Canon.

[North Star]

Clouds XVII

[Sergeant Rock]

The first is a technical failure with the far right burnt out (shooting in the desert sun was a challenge I didn't always overcome) but I still love the image for the pose and her expression.


Cactus




Bark




Sarge

[North Star]

The first is a technical failure with the far right burnt out (shooting in the desert sun was a challenge I didn't always overcome) but I still love the image for the pose and her expression.

Sarge

Technical failures are nothing if they aren't artistic failures - and here the burn out bits surely add to the image, conveying the heat present. I'm pretty sure I'd like it less if it wasn't 'flawed' like this

This, on the other hand, is seriously overexposed..

[TheGSMoeller]

The first is a technical failure with the far right burnt out (shooting in the desert sun was a challenge I didn't always overcome) but I still love the image for the pose and her expression.


Cactus

It's actually the asymmetry of the image that I like, the light and dark balance the subject. It's a personal preference, but I've always found many good mistakes in photography, mainly mine of course especially with my son who would give me zero time to make adjustments.

[Sergeant Rock]

Technical failures are nothing if they aren't artistic failures - and here the burn out bits surely add to the image, conveying the heat present. I'm pretty sure I'd like it less if it wasn't 'flawed' like this :)f0e.jpg[/img][/url]

It's actually the asymmetry of the image that I like, the light and dark balance the subject.

Thanks, guys. Your comments make me see the "flaw" differently now.

Sarge

[North Star]

How do you mean that Canon is considered to be ahead of Nikon? I seem to get the impression that they're pretty close to each other, Nikon is considered slightly better for landscapes (sensor, more focus points), and Canon for portraiture (white balance, better focus with reservations)...

I see you answered that already, Al - better lens selection.
I can't help being amused by Rockwell's advice that one doesn't need a telephoto lens with the 6D, since one can just crop. Probably he is right, apart from specialist use, obviously.

[Mookalafalas]

I see you answered that already, Al - better lens selection.
I can't help being amused by Rockwell's advice that one doesn't need a telephoto lens with the 6D, since one can just crop. Probably he is right, apart from specialist use, obviously.

  Ken Rockwell isn't exactly a photography oracle. He just started his own review blog and then begs for money at the end.  He is fun to read, and often makes good common-sense comments, but I don't think anyone takes him very seriously. 
   And yeah, more variety and cheaper prices for lenses are the Canon "edge".  If you get bit by the lens bug (or get GAS--"Gear Acquisition Syndrome") that will be important down the road.  BTW, if smaller and lighter is really important to you, Sony's new mirrorless full frame cameras are pretty interesting.  Not many lenses, however, and the lens/camera balance tends to be poor.

[Ken B]

Please guys, don't feed Baklavaboy's CDSLRCD.
Moonfish and I are fighting mightily to keep him addicted to discs. Distractions do not help.


Yooohooo, Al ... [asin]B008BOWG7C[/asin]
Give me a home, pleeeeeeease

[Mookalafalas]

Please guys, don't feed Baklavaboy's CDSLRCD.
Moonfish and I are fighting mightily to keep him addicted to discs. Distractions do not help.


Yooohooo, Al ... [asin]B008BOWG7C[/asin]
Give me a home, pleeeeeeease

Already got it

[kishnevi]

Please guys, don't feed Baklavaboy's CDSLRCD.
Moonfish and I are fighting mightily to keep him addicted to discs. Distractions do not help.


Yooohooo, Al ... [asin]B008BOWG7C[/asin]
Give me a home, pleeeeeeease

Akwardly posed photo,too.  Boring lighting.  Not up to this thread's standards.