Cleaning out my closet.

[powerslave]

Last week I bought a 10-22 after waiting quite a while. It came in and after taking a couple of shots, I sent it for an exchange cos I thought it was too soft and perhaps even decentered. The replacement's on it's way and I hope this one's a good copy.

Apart from that, I have been itching to get another lens. As I view these as investments that don't lose value over time anyway, I don't feel I'm being wasteful.

Plus I have held off of buying real lenses until now. I'm looking at the CANON: 85 f/1.8, 100 f/2 macro and non macro (but not the IS), 60 f/2.8 macro, 70-200 f/4L non IS, 200 f/2.8II.

SIGMA: 150 f/2.8 macro.

I was very interested in the 50mm f/1.4 but for their AF motor issues. I also thought about buying a tilt shift (45mm) but ended up with the 10-22. I thought I would get bored of the few tilt shift effects/corrections.

Lenses I currently own: EF 50 f/1.8, EF-S 18-55IS, EF-S 55-250IS, EF-S 10-22.

If I buy any of the 100+ mm lenses, I'll sell the 55-250IS, which itself is one hell of a lens. I just want to try out all the nice lenses before I grow too old and start rationalizing spending money on photography :D. I'm more than happy with the killer sharpness/accuracy of the 18-55IS (plus it was a gift :)). The nifty fifty stays, cos it'll cost me more to ship it to someone to warrant to selling it in the first place (plus it was my first!).

I haven't been using my 430ex II as much as I thought I would, so maybe I should sell that off.

I'm very very inclined towards the 85 f/1.8 and the 100, which is a third of stop slower but supposedly has better Bokeh and the 60 has macro as well.

Any suggestions how I should reorder my collection (and add another member to it)?

[KrishnenduKes]

Interesting. Some examples of your new buy would be interesting.

Approved

[synn]

135mm!!!

:D

[Bibudesh]

Buy a macro lens only if you are doing macro. The bokeh quality of 85mm f/1.8 and 100mm macro is different.

And you may not find a drastic difference in FL between 85 and 50mm. Get rid of 50mm if you are planning a 85mm.

I would rather vote for the 70-200 f/2.8 IS if you are ready to spend.

Again its your choice whether you want quantity over quality.

[powerslave]

Ken, coming up. Here's some test shots:

Click for larger.

The first shot!
http://imgur.com/4tIkwl.jpg (http://imgur.com/4tIkw.jpg)

http://imgur.com/cuVAwl.jpg (http://imgur.com/cuVAw.jpg)

A little preset action in LR:
http://imgur.com/hmQXLl.jpg (http://imgur.com/hmQXL.jpg)

Posting this to show the resolution near the edges :
http://imgur.com/iXWeGl.jpg (http://imgur.com/iXWeG.jpg)

Again some black and white (too lazy to clone myself out of the picture!) http://imgur.com/kJAR7l.jpg (http://imgur.com/kJAR7.jpg)

Without the filter on :
http://imgur.com/pV64kl.jpg (http://imgur.com/pV64k.jpg)

The colors are unbelievable! This is SOOC (I know I missed the focus on the grass, but it was windy and I wanted to run home :D):
http://imgur.com/qpeMol.jpg (http://imgur.com/qpeMo.jpg)

SOOC test shot.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/4733771555_e4e211cfb4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/garagenoise/4733771555/in/photostream/)

Synn: 85mm * 1.6x crop = 136mm! :D

Bibudesh: I'm aware of the differences in the bokeh qualities of both the lenses, but I'm unable to decide the FL. 85mm (136 on crop) is the magic FL for portraits while the 100mm gives a little more reach (obviously!). The macro thing, I'm not sure about and that's the major point I'm debating the 60mm macro against. Cos even though I don't do a lot of macro now, it is pretty much due to lack of me owning any macro lenses. I don't know though, if I'll shoot macro if I get a macro lens. Apart from that the 60mm macro is very very sharp with a pleasant bokeh.

I don't think I would spend money on 70-200 f/2.8 IS II EVER. It's not worth ROI for me. When I was shooting sports "professionally (FWIW)", I felt the need for it, for personal use, I just don't see it. But yeah, not at all even a consideration. The f/4 non-IS on the other hand, is a very strong contendor.

I'm not getting rid of the 50mm for reasons mentioned already! It's going to cost me almost $15 to ship the $80 lens. I'd much rather keep it. Also, I think there's a pretty good difference in the FLs 50 (80 on crop) and 85 (136 on crop).

The only gripe with the 85 is the long minimum focus distance. Something, the 60 over comes magnificently.

I know I sound thoroughly undecided, but I mentioned that at the very beginning that I don't have a specific need, it's just for kicks. If I had a need, it would be a very very easy decision for me.

Right now, it's Zoom vs Prime, Macro vs Non-macro, Short FL vs Long FL. There's other third party lenses that look very very interesting too.. like the Tamron 90 f/2.8 macro.

What I would love to hear from you guys is if you've used any lenses, what were the things you liked or hated about them.

[Bibudesh]

I hated Tamron 90mm. I somehow got rid of it.
It was not that sharp enough across aperture beyond f/8 and lesser than f/4. Its a crazy focus hunter, sometimes u may feel like throwing away the gear out of irritation.

[powerslave]

Wow, that's a complete contrast to the reviews I've read so far. Do you have some samples to post? I'd love to see them.

[synn]

Manas: The crop factor is there alright, but the 135 proper has flatter perspective and a creamier bokeh which works wonders with portraits as you know.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

The thing is,IF you are inclining towards a macro lens,means you are interested in macro:p .Aryan already uses the 100mm.My point is,buying a 100mm "L" will do you good.You can use that as a portrait lens.It does take some nice ones.So you have your 1:1 macro capability.
You already have a popular portrait 50mm 1.8.

My suggestion to you is,buy the 100mm L+get a raynox CM 2000 kit for you.Do not sell off the 430ex.Then here you will have a proper decent macro setup.

To addon,you can buy some macro rails!;)

People for the sake of it,take macro lenses,but when the question of patience and bending down comes into play,many quit then and there.Thats when your macro setup eats dust.

But be sure that IF you are really interested in macro,then its a point taking a macro lens.If you are not inclined,then any other on your list will do.

Anvancy

[Bibudesh]

+1 ^^ .. While doing macro what I have learnt is you have to completely swim into it (in order to get 'decent' macro). You gotta get bellows, maybe some legendry 24mm's for reversing, ring flash, macro tripod, raynox kits etc. I dont think u have patience to go the homemade way, so b ready to spend. Macro work does not includes ONLY the lens, there is a lot more to it. (Consult macro chacha for more info and be ready to say "Raynox baba ki Jai")

The Tamron was good at f/8 and still a focus hunter across any situation be it low light or proper light, macro or portrait or any other genre. A post processing workflow HAS to have USM in it and u can't get away.
BUT, I did not see that happening with SOOCs taken from the Nikkor counterpart. I presume the Nikkor 105mm and Canon 100mm macro produce similar quality pictures which is decent enough across end-to-end apertures.

I have not shared the goofed up pictures from Tamron, check my website to have a look on decent ones with USM applied, there are some macro also.(sorry the site is blocked in my office)

Now if someone says that PP is the integrated part of photography then I may have to 50% agree on that due to my stringent plan to minimise PP as much as possible. (Am I going OT here??? then pls ignore)

[synn]

Not sure about the Canon kit, but the bokeh characteristics of the Nikon 105 Micro VR and say, the 105 DC and the 135 are VERY different due to the difference in the optics involved. The macro lens's bokeh is NOWHERE near as creamy.

More than one expert has remarked to not get the macro lens to double as a portrait lens.

[powerslave]

Manas: The crop factor is there alright, but the 135 proper has flatter perspective and a creamier bokeh which works wonders with portraits as you know.
Indeed, and I'd love to have it, it's just way more than I want to spend right now ($980) as of now, especially having plonked $800 bucks on the 10-22 last week.


The thing is,IF you are inclining towards a macro lens,means you are interested in macro:p .Aryan already uses the 100mm.My point is,buying a 100mm "L" will do you good.You can use that as a portrait lens.It does take some nice ones.So you have your 1:1 macro capability.
You already have a popular portrait 50mm 1.8.

My suggestion to you is,buy the 100mm L+get a raynox CM 2000 kit for you.Do not sell off the 430ex.Then here you will have a proper decent macro setup.

To addon,you can buy some macro rails!;)

People for the sake of it,take macro lenses,but when the question of patience and bending down comes into play,many quit then and there.Thats when your macro setup eats dust.

But be sure that IF you are really interested in macro,then its a point taking a macro lens.If you are not inclined,then any other on your list will do.

Anvancy
Honestly, no I'm not ready to invest that much in macro yet. I have listed these options because I want the semi capability to do macro. I am interested in macro though, you've already seen some of my first attempts at macro from 2-3 years ago. (Posted below.)



+1 ^^ .. While doing macro what I have learnt is you have to completely swim into it (in order to get 'decent' macro). You gotta get bellows, maybe some legendry 24mm's for reversing, ring flash, macro tripod, raynox kits etc. I dont think u have patience to go the homemade way, so b ready to spend. Macro work does not includes ONLY the lens, there is a lot more to it. (Consult macro chacha for more info and be ready to say "Raynox baba ki Jai")

The Tamron was good at f/8 and still a focus hunter across any situation be it low light or proper light, macro or portrait or any other genre. A post processing workflow HAS to have USM in it and u can't get away.
BUT, I did not see that happening with SOOCs taken from the Nikkor counterpart. I presume the Nikkor 105mm and Canon 100mm macro produce similar quality pictures which is decent enough across end-to-end apertures.

I have not shared the goofed up pictures from Tamron, check my website to have a look on decent ones with USM applied, there are some macro also.(sorry the site is blocked in my office)

Now if someone says that PP is the integrated part of photography then I may have to 50% agree on that due to my stringent plan to minimise PP as much as possible. (Am I going OT here??? then pls ignore)

I have experimented with reversing the lenses before I had a DSLR. I bought my nifty fifty before I bought my camera and stuck it reversed in front of the A570IS pocketcam I was using then.

Results:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2175/2453996068_d8b63e0758_z.jpg?zz=154551534352 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/garagenoise/2453996068/in/photostream/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2018/2453146661_78760c171e_z.jpg?zz=937720584885 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/garagenoise/2453146661/)

I asked about macro lenses because I'm also looking at the Kenko Extension tubes that have (AF and aperture control through the camera.)

Not sure about the Canon kit, but the bokeh characteristics of the Nikon 105 Micro VR and say, the 105 DC and the 135 are VERY different due to the difference in the optics involved. The macro lens's bokeh is NOWHERE near as creamy.

More than one expert has remarked to not get the macro lens to double as a portrait lens.

I've studied the bokeh samples from all of these lenses and they are different indeed.

There is no rule that says a macro lens is a good portrait lens, but the ones listed here (the 100 f/2.8 and the 60 f/2.8) are really really good for them.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

If you are interested in macro,from my side the 100mm+raynox combo will rock!

1:1 magnification most of the times is not enough.:p

Otherwise as Ken already stated in the other thread,the 85mm surely looks good.or may be the 135mm.

Anvancy

[powerslave]

Some money has been spent today. A little more might be spent soon. Something to keep my learning curve steep.

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Some money has been spent today. A little more might be spent soon. Something to keep my learning curve steep.

85mm!!;)

more??interesting!

Anvancy

[powerslave]

Naaa :D It's not a lens.

[KrishnenduKes]

Naaa :D It's not a lens.

Eager to know!!!

[synn]

A lensbaby?

[powerslave]

Nope. A strobist setup.

Started out with all expensive / all big brand stuff and then realized I have cheaper options since I'm only experimenting. After a lot - and I mean - A LOT of research

The El Cheapo road that I took.

Stuff ordered today:
(Product name - Price advertised - Price Paid - Links)

- Yongnuo YN560 Flash - $85 (http://speedlights.net/2010/05/25/yongnuo-yn-560-discovered/)

This flash has everything a strobist needs. It's a new product though and so I'm going to be one of the guinea pigs, but what can I say, I like living on the edge! A little research shall unveil awesome bang-for-buck features/performance.


- Yongnuo RF-602 Radio trigger with 2 receivers (one for the YN560 and one for my existing 430EXII.) - $56 - $51 (http://www.flickr.com/groups/yongnuo/discuss/72157621773293562/)

I chose these triggers in favor of the Cactus V4s with a similar price point.


- ePhoto Strobist Beginner Kit from Amazon - $75 - (http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Umbrellas-umbrellas-reflective-UB4/dp/B002U558IM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1278622166&sr=1-2)

This kit is unbelievable - 4 umbrellas (2 shoot through + 2 bounce), 2 stands, 2 swivel brackets and a carrying case.


I know this is as bare minimum in quality as you can go.. but it is perfect for me right now.

The Elite Road I was considering earlier.

The beginner bee starter kit from AlienBees: http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html With the AB800 flash unit. (This is a studio strobe and needs to be plugged in to be powered.)

Extra umbrella, stand and swivel mount brackets, all of which were substantially costlier than the newbie bundle I've bought.


Why so cheap?

Because I am spending substantially less than an AlienBees 800 flash unit alone. I know what the good equipment offers, and I don't need it right now. I was looking for creative learning opportunities as well as something new to experiment with. I did have my 430EXII and I have been holding out on off-camera experimentation for a long long time.

Second and more importantly, this is a priceless skill. If I ever decide to get into shooting professionally, this skill will be indispensable.

Third and most importantly - it teaches you to look at light in a - well - new light altogether. No longer are you just looking at whether the sky is exposed right or wrong w.r.t to the image. It's about setting the mood for the shot. It's about hot spots and eliminating distractions and focusing on certain specific details. This should spill over into my ambient light photography techniques as well. I understand we always look to make the image pleasing to the eye in terms of exposure and having the right parts exposed right etc. - but controlling your own light can teach you so many things, taking your understanding of light to a whole new level.

It's something I have always wanted to do and now is a good time.


P.S. Also, it appeals to the geek in me.



EDIT: This is another flash I considered and may get in the future depending on my needs. The Lumopro LP160 : http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,14648.html

EDIT2: Fixed the link for the strobist kit (link (http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Umbrellas-umbrellas-reflective-UB4/dp/B002U558IM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1278622166&sr=1-2)).

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Nope. A strobist setup.

Started out with all expensive / all big brand stuff and then realized I have cheaper options since I'm only experimenting. After a lot - and I mean - A LOT of research

The El Cheapo road that I took.

Stuff ordered today:
(Product name - Price advertised - Price Paid - Links)

- Yongnuo YN560 Flash - $85 (http://speedlights.net/2010/05/25/yongnuo-yn-560-discovered/)

This flash has everything a strobist needs. It's a new product though and so I'm going to be one of the guinea pigs, but what can I say, I like living on the edge! A little research shall unveil awesome bang-for-buck features/performance.


- Yongnuo RF-602 Radio trigger with 2 receivers (one for the YN560 and one for my existing 430EXII.) - $56 - $51 (http://www.flickr.com/groups/yongnuo/discuss/72157621773293562/)

I chose these triggers in favor of the Cactus V4s with a similar price point.


- ePhoto Strobist Beginner Kit from Amazon - $75 - (http://www.flickr.com/groups/yongnuo/discuss/72157621773293562/)

This kit is unbelievable - 4 umbrellas (2 shoot through + 2 bounce), 2 stands, 2 swivel brackets and a carrying case.


I know this is as bare minimum in quality as you can go.. but it is perfect for me right now.

The Elite Road I was considering earlier.

The beginner bee starter kit from AlienBees: http://www.alienbees.com/beginner.html With the AB800 flash unit. (This is a studio strobe and needs to be plugged in to be powered.)

Extra umbrella, stand and swivel mount brackets, all of which were substantially costlier than the newbie bundle I've bought.


Why so cheap?

Because I am spending substantially less than an AlienBees 800 flash unit alone. I know what the good equipment offers, and I don't need it right now. I was looking for creative learning opportunities as well as something new to experiment with. I did have my 430EXII and I have been holding out on off-camera experimentation for a long long time.

Second and more importantly, this is a priceless skill. If I ever decide to get into shooting professionally, this skill will be indispensable.

Third and most importantly - it teaches you to look at light in a - well - new light altogether. No longer are you just looking at whether the sky is exposed right or wrong w.r.t to the image. It's about setting the mood for the shot. It's about hot spots and eliminating distractions and focusing on certain specific details. This should spill over into my ambient light photography techniques as well. I understand we always look to make the image pleasing to the eye in terms of exposure and having the right parts exposed right etc. - but controlling your own light can teach you so many things, taking your understanding of light to a whole new level.

It's something I have always wanted to do and now is a good time.


P.S. Also, it appeals to the geek in me.



EDIT: This is another flash I considered and may get in the future depending on my needs. The Lumopro LP160 : http://www.mpex.com/browse.cfm/4,14648.html

Wow!!Now I shall wait for a proper strobe civic shoot!:p

Those flashes have good power in themselves.Pretty durable too.

Sadly what we get here in india is those downgraded sonia and simpex stuff.

Anvancy

[KrishnenduKes]

Nope. A strobist setup.

Started out with all expensive / all big brand stuff and then realized I have cheaper options since I'm only experimenting. After a lot - and I mean - A LOT of research


Great job! I have absolutely no idea about what these things can or cannot do. However I would love to see the effects on your "subjects". Cant wait to hear and see more from you.

When do you set up the whole thing and where?

Is this why you were looking at a "portrait" lens. If you got a crop factor, I would suggest you go by the 85mm route! Besides, your camera deserves that lens.

Ps; Boy, I did not know that you were already using a 430EXII!!!

Wow!!Now I shall wait for a proper strobe civic shoot!:p

Those flashes have good power in themselves.Pretty durable too.

Sadly what we get here in india is those downgraded sonia and simpex stuff.

Anvancy

How bad/good are these "sad" products in India for beginners?

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

Great job! I have absolutely no idea about what these things can or cannot do. However I would love to see the effects on your "subjects". Cant wait to hear and see more from you.

When do you set up the whole thing and where?

Is this why you were looking at a "portrait" lens. If you got a crop factor, I would suggest you go by the 85mm route! Besides, your camera deserves that lens.

Ps; Boy, I did not know that you were already using a 430EXII!!!



How bad/good are these "sad" products in India for beginners?

I always have the fear that one high voltage from our indian triggers and we can make egg fries on our cameras.

what PS has brought is actually for beginners.(as per experts.)
Pocket Wizards and bees are for advanced.

Anvancy

[powerslave]

Wow!!Now I shall wait for a proper strobe civic shoot!:p
Anvancy

Accord you mean ;) :p Yeah, Yongnuo's flashes have been doing really well. I have come across a lot of professional who will use these for hair lights and stuff.

Great job! I have absolutely no idea about what these things can or cannot do. However I would love to see the effects on your "subjects". Cant wait to hear and see more from you.

When do you set up the whole thing and where?

Is this why you were looking at a "portrait" lens. If you got a crop factor, I would suggest you go by the 85mm route! Besides, your camera deserves that lens.

Ken: It's another world altogether. For an idea of what can be achieved with the right understanding and technique, check out the Strobist Flickr Group Pool here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/strobist/pool/). I am still considering buying the 85 f/1.8. Canon rbates end tomorrow, so I need to decide quick.


Ps; Boy, I did not know that you were already using a 430EXII!!!

I did, I have messed around with it a bit in the past on camera with some good (in my mind at least!) results.. never felt like posting them cos they were mostly portraits of friends etc.

I always have the fear that one high voltage from our indian triggers and we can make egg fries on our cameras.

I wouldn't trust these elcheapo flashguns on my camera's hot shoe. Not worth it, I love my camera. I am going to use the YN560 strictly as an Off Camera Flash. For On Camera Flash, I'll use my 430EXII.


Pocket Wizards and bees are for advanced.
Anvancy
Well, and rich beginners :p.

[powerslave]

Excellent comments and article on strobist yesterday: http://strobist.blogspot.com/2010/07/syncing-your-flash-recommended-list.html .

I have the RF602 transmitter with 2 RXs coming in.

[synn]

Just gimme a few hours to get sober and I'll post here :D

[powerslave]

I'll be drunk by then.

[KrishnenduKes]

Just gimme a few hours to get sober and I'll post here :D

I'll be drunk by then.

Expecting results from both of you! :) Drunk and sober! Some people work best when inebriated!