Gear and Gadgets: Questions on choice of the tool for the job and the lke! A Canon 5DII and 2 lens setup to replace Nikon collection!

[leonardobarreto.com]

I am in med-camera gear alignment. Or: going from Nikon/Mamiya/Phaseone to Canon.

Already sold my Nikon D300 and lenses, so. No way back now. The idea is to keep the Mamiya Phase One (P25) and get the 5D2, evaluate them and probably sell the back.

This is actually a continuous conversation I am having where I got many good advice and feedback.

One reason going from DX to full frame 35mm is the absolute lack of prime lenses made for DX.

So, my plan is to go for the D52 with a 24mm f/2.8 because of size, -and economics-. It is a bit wider than 28mm and not as extreme as a 20mm.

The idea is to get away from zooms as much as possible -or at least try to-.

On tele side I was considering the 70-200 L f/4 and also discovered a 70-300 Image Stabilization compact zoom until I also found the 100mm f/2

Can I survive with this two lenses --and a 50mm--?

I think that I will try. If I can't the only thing I have to do is to get a zoom and keep the primes ... when/if I sell the back.

 

[Asher Kelman]

It's funny that I'd love the Nikon D3X for the extra imaginary stop of dynamic range in low light, but this may not be practical at over 3 times the cost of a Canon 5DII.

My pictures even n the dark concert hall conditions are great with the 5DII and now at will Thompson's urging, I am starting to use f 2.8 in a modest performance hall with good results.

The value n the 5DII is unbeatable. It's lightweight and there's a goof selection of primes available. Stitching is now easy so if one wants wider, one simply overlaps 30% and let the software do the work instead of spending more cash.

With live view, manual focus is easy to check accurately on the viewfinder. With a tripod that's even easier. The 24 mm 1.4 II is a very excellent lens but you will need to read up on anamorphic distortion at the lateral 10% so you can correct it.

Asher

 

[Rachel Foster]

I have the 5DII and 70% of the time I use the 24-105. I use the 70-200 at most 20% and the 100 mm macro once in a while. I really should work more with the 50mm 1.8. There is only one more lens I'd like really: a 10 or 12 to whatever wide-angle.

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

Thank you Asher,

There is one interesting small detail about the 5D2 and it is the movie personality. I have seen some footage recently and it could be an interesting expression option to have...

Probably what I will miss from the P25 is CaptureOne, What do you think is a good raw processor for Canon Raws?

Regarding lenses, I think that it is all a trade off and probably one way to get good IQ, large apertures and portability is with prime lenses, so I will probably start with this two lenses...

I also have a G11, so that one will do all the zooming and event documenting ...

... a bonus is that I got the really small Canon flash that will be handy with the 5D2

I hope that when I get all my gear adjusted I can talk more images and less gadget...

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thank you Asher,

There is one interesting small detail about the 5D2 and it is the movie personality. I have seen some footage recently and it could be an interesting expression option to have...

The last episode of "Lost" was made with the 5DII, I heard.

Probably what I will miss from the P25 is CaptureOne, What do you think is a good raw processor for Canon Raws?

Capture One, LOL! I was pushed by Nicolas Claris to switch to C1 and I don't regret it.

Your quest is fun to follow and its always great when the switch is done!

Asher

 

[Mike Shimwell]

I think these aarticles should be required reading before committing:

Two lens set up part 1

Two lens set up part 2

Follow up

Letter to George


Personally I think that you can do more than fine with two primes. As you've pretty well committed to the 24/2.8 then the other will likely be longer - and all of the 50/1.4, 85/1.8 and 100/2.8 are excellent lenses. If you want a tele zoom the 70-200/4 IS is also excellent. Don't be deceived into thinking that the 70-300 DO IS is really compact - it's only when set at 70mm and in relation to it's long focal length that this is the case.

Mike

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

Mike

That was an article done by my long lost tween photographer.

My background is in pj -I graduated in journalism went to ICP in New York--, but I have done commercial, architectural, food, art documentation and personal work, so I know that there is no one tool for any and all type of work.

But the general idea is that zooms are practical for work. They are fine. Same as a 4 doors SUV. Now I am ready to switch 4 door SUV for a 2 seat mechanical --un-practical-- fast small convertible.

The engine will be provided by the 5D2, a high performance sensor packaged in a small body.

I used to have a 50mm and a tele converter + a wide zoom on my Canon F1 -- a camera built like a tank, by the way-- and worked out really well since when you take the converter you get the fast speead of the normal, and with it, closest focusing distance remains constant as the lens becomes 100mm.

I am not sure you can use a 1.4x extender with a modern EOS 50mm ?

I think that I will probably do a 24mm 50mm 100 f2

 

[Deleted member 55]

Greetings Leonardo.

For image quality in a 2 lens setup I would recommend:

EF 24MM f1.4 L USM and the EF 50MM f1.2 L USM.

EF 35MM f1.4 L USM and the EF 85MM f1.2 L USM II.

OR

EF 50MM f1.2 L USM and the EF 135MM f2 L USM.

Depending on the focal range for your needs.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Greetings Leonardo.

For image quality in a 2 lens setup I would recommend:

EF 24MM f1.4 L USM and the EF 50MM f1.2 L USM.

EF 35MM f1.4 L USM and the EF 85MM f1.2 L USM II.

OR

EF 50MM f1.2 L USM and the EF 135MM f2 L USM.

Depending on the focal range for your needs.

Will,

Now that you mention the 135 f2L, t cannot be ignored as it's one of the best value for money of a high class lens. That covers portraits and can be used for architecture and with a macro front lens, for plants and insects, f I'm am not mistaken. That could even be paired with the 35mm for street work, overlapping two adjacent shots provides super wide angle too. So this is a very practical par choice.

The 50mm is a little too long for much of the stitching I do, but that can also work, but if one has the 135mm, then 50mm is no longer needed for portraits and 35mm/24mm becomes the lens on the camera most of the time.

Asher

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Lenses in order of use

i have a 5d2 and 5d

The lenses I use most in order:

Professional Use
50 1.2
35 1.4
24-105
24-70
70-200 2.8is
135 2.0
85 1.4

Personal Use
50 1.2
Tamron 28-300 3.5

The next two lenses I plan to buy will be the 85 1.2 and the 24 1.x

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

What do you think is a good raw processor for Canon Raws?

Hi Leonardo,

Capture One Pro is very good with Canon Raws. I have to do a test with the new Adobe Camera Raw yet (I'm waiting for the formal version 6.1 release, not the RC, before I do it). Based or earlier tests, C1 extracted the most resolution from the files with the best shadow performance. It also offers a lot of other benefits, like correction for sharpness fall-off.

Cheers,
Bart

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

For me C1 has the advantage that I have used it for 4 years, the only downside is the price. Having the PhaseOne back has spoiled me in to having a permanent free upgrade. --as long as I work on Phase raws--

Even my version of PS CS3 I don't think that can process files from 5D2...

Thanks

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

You probably know this site to get reviews of Canon glass..
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100mm-f-2.0-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

I am not going for a lens like the EF 24MM f1.4 L USM because of size and portability. It would be like going back to zooms.

A good balance is a 24 f/2.8 something that is not slow but --compared to the 24 f1.4 is a "pancake"--.

For the time being I am not working as professional, so the shopping list is for "the most pleasure-for-the-buck gear", and gear that will not be left at home for being to cumbersome and heavy...

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

THE To Shop List:

We begin with this: an order of 5D2 with the (fries) 24-105mm f/4L IS USM AF Lens.

Why would you say, if you do not like green eggs and ham .... sorry, zooms.

The lens is an L, and has a useful 25mm to 105 range, -- all you need at a wading, for example -- and it is about one thounsand dolars. As a kid you can get it at a 20% less, so it goes in the list.

This I have been consistently talking about. It is compact, a good performer, inexpensive, good angle of coverage, and the woalkabout lens...

This one is an interesting lens. An L. smaller since it is a f/4, but with pro features line no revolving filter etc...
The IS one should be in the list.

amd finaly a sharp, fast non-L, but almost an L lens that could be the two lens kit for goin minimalistic


TOTAL $5,200

which means I will have to sell the PhaseOne...

 

[Asher Kelman]

As a start, I'd get just the 24mm and the 70 to 200 and you will be most happy. The 24mm stays on your camera but the 700-200 i9s in your pants or jacket pocket, that easy! You can do any wedding with this combination. I'd say I could do almost everything with this.

I really doubt you will have any real cause to buy anything else. How much would this package cost?


Asher

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

Asher,

I think that what you are suggesting would feet me well..

EOS 5D2 is about $2500
And 70-200 f/4 IS is $$1130

Total $3630

But I think that an outing with the 24mm AND a 100mm f/2 would be same as you described, but with a fast tele. You could throw in a 50mm 1.4 and live the 70-200 f4 home...

Anyway, my budget for cash is only $2k, so I sent images to my best friend in sales at Adorama to see how much they could give me for the P25 and 4 fine lenses. In that case my budget will be the $2k plus the value of the MF system, so I am doing the bare bones wish list and the selling-all-to-get-this list.

So, the platinum list could have, in order of most convinced: The 5D2, 24mm, 70-200 L IS f/4, 100 f/2 (25-105 L zoom?) and..

A Canon strobe plus the vertical grip.

All of these to sugar cote the fact that I will be saying good by to a digital back...

What else can an old photographer desire? mmm ah, a 50mm f1:1.4 may be?

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

Asher,

I think that what you are suggesting would feet me well..

EOS 5D2 is about $2500
And 70-200 f/4 IS is $$1130

Total $3630

But I think that an outing with the 24mm AND a 100mm f/2 would be same as you described, but with a fast tele. You could throw in a 50mm 1.4 and live the 70-200 f4 home...

Anyway, my budget for cash is only $2k, so I sent images to my best friend in sales at Adorama to see how much they could give me for the P25 and 4 fine lenses. In that case my budget will be the $2k plus the value of the MF system, so I am doing the bare bones wish list and the selling-all-to-get-this list.

So, the platinum list could have, in order of most convinced: The 5D2, 24mm, 70-200 L IS f/4, 100 f/2 (25-105 L zoom?) and..

A Canon strobe plus the vertical grip.

All of these to sugar cote the fact that I will be saying good by to a digital back...

What else can an old photographer desire? mmm ah, a 50mm f1:1.4 may be?

Hi Leonardo,

The 50mm f/1.4 is a relatively affordable standard focal length of high quality (better bokeh and flare suppression than the "fantastic-plastic" f/1.8 version). The 100mm is already incorporated into the range of the 70-200mm.

Ultimately, it's the focal lengths that matter most to you! I prefer fixed focal lengths for quality, zooms for convenience and lighter travel. Also do understand that there might be (=rumor!) an update to the current EF 24-70mm f/2.8 later this year (Photokina 2010?), but it won't be cheap (although it might be a great universal workhorse lens for the entire range it offers). I already really like the current version as a walk-around or travel lens.

Cheers,
Bart

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

Bart.

A 100 f/2 is different than a 70-200mm at 100mm. It is like a 50mm but double, or the other end of a 24mm, a portrait lens?

But I will see what my budget will be when I get a quote from New York.

The firm lenses are the 70-200 IS f/4 and the 24mm f/2.8, exactly as Asher said. The other ones are to cover me for possible projects.

I have been considering documenting bolivian traditional dresses, so the 24-105 L f/4 could be perfect... I will keep you posted... but thanks

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

[sorry, it is a quick response, so I do't know how to center the image]

Continuing with this topic, I finally go my EOS 5D Mark II, or as I call it "5D2" and a 24mmf 2.8

Since I decided to keep the Mamiya system, budget is limited to the minimum. So plan is to get this and wait until the cloud (money cloud) gathers some more water...

but my theory is that a prime 24mm and 70-200 L zoom is a good general photography set up (maybe + a 50mm 1.4?)

As a matter o fact, I will get in shower and head to ADORAMA to get the long lens ...

The 24 on a ff and 2.8 makes possible images like this with shallow depth of field that concentrates the viewer in .. the noodles.. in other words, I am very happy with my first choice of a prime wide lens. 24 is a perfect number for a not-so-extreme wide that is definitively wide. There are two things ... no, 3... that I like about it. 1-very little barrel distortion. [I hate barrel distortion] 2. Nothing moves when focusing. The body stays absolutely the same all the time. 3. Small, compact unobtrusive, light... there was another reason, but I forgot.

No more lenses as big and weighty as bells hanging on my old neck.

... go to go

 

[Doug Kerr]

Hi, Leonardo,

What else can an old photographer desire? mmm ah, a 50mm f1:1.4 may be?

A lovely lens, with one reservation. If you plan to do much that involves manual focus, note that the mechanism for that on this lens is dreadful. It affords "full time manual" focus, all right, but the path from the manual focus ring has a lot of play. (It is the only EF lens with this particular mechanism, thanks be to God.)

Incidentally, as an editorial note, there are two standard ways to express that aperture:

f/1.4
1:1.4

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Asher Kelman]

Great progress, Leonardo!

I'd hold off on the vertical grip. I take all my pictures perfectly well with no such addition. It keeps the weight down. As your hands get older this is increasngly important.

There's no question that a 1D series or the 5D with a vertical grip is a beautiful thing. So no one tell me I don't get it. I do, but as one ages, the weight, after an hour or so, is, IMHO, a drag!

Asher

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

I got the 70-200 f/4 with NO Image Stabilization. Got a E+ at Adorama. The cheapest L lens. It was allready about to ship away to another costumer, --if someone here ordered such lens from Adorama yesterday... so sorry, it's mine--.

The zoom is and is not "compact" depending on how and where you are coming from. Me, from DX and cheap zoom lenses, it is not, but it certainly is gorgeous. Good for my old hands, sure to generate envy in younger photographers je je. LOVE IT....

Now I have a 2 lens set up.

I ordered the COLLAR RING from China for cents, and have that --came to my ny. apartment-- and I have a quick ARCA SWISS release clip on the lens and on the camera body.

Money run out, so I am not even getting an extra battery --or the $100 generic grip-- just the UV filter for the two lenses, a LCD protector for the 5D2 and that is it.

My wish list for latter:

100mm f/2
50mm f/1.4

I also have own a G 11 for about one year --very happy with it--, so the system is now all Canon. And the good news is that the strobe that I got for the G 11 --THE SPEEDLITE 270EX--.....

Is the perfect companion for the 5D2. I even have a TTL cord --also got that from China and it is of exelent quality--...

 

[leonardobarreto.com]

I went to the Apple store and got this image --no, I did not buy the iPad, but then new MacMini--

I titled this: I WISH I WAS A FLY ON THE WALL

5D2/ 24MM F/2.8