Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-24-2009, 02:54 PM
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This is actually for a Canon DLSR. Yep, I come here because I get the best information. :lol:
Budget is under $100.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-24-2009, 01:40 PM
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F1.3 is a very fast aperture and I don't think there is any SLR zoom lens that has it. Maybe 2.8? Hm, I see something at dpreview about an f2.8 zoom that does 1:3.5 macro; is that what you're thinking of?
I don't know the K20D but there must be a way to set ISO to 1600 and set the shutter speed too.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
07-24-2009, 11:22 AM
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I'm looking at the used lenses at KEH because I don't have anything tele yet.
A few things catch my attention:
Takumar 135/3.5
M42 Vivitar 200mm/3.5
M42 Vivitar 70-210mm/3.5
Sigma 70-300mm/4-5.6 (can autofocus)
At the moment I'm mostly interested in taking pictures of the harbor and downtown buildings from my deck (I have a nice view). I of course like the idea of a zoom because I could compose more easily from one spot; but then again, I could get the 135 and the 200 for less than one zoom.
OTOH the Sigma is the most modern design, and it would be interesting to try autofocus.
Are there any vast differences in image quality here? Size and weight?
Any thoughts?
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
07-14-2009, 09:53 AM
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I have a 77m polarizer that I don't use much because it's big and bulky and none of my lenses are actually bigger than 58mm.
So I'm thinking of selling it.
It has always seemed to work well for me, but I got it used, and I think it lost some coating (and gained some internal dust) with the previous owner.
So I want to take some test shots in order to show any image degradation.
What lighting and subjects would test a polarizer the most? Don't say blue sky with a super-wide-angle lens :lol:
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-13-2009, 02:06 PM
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I watched the video, and I printed out Douglas of Sweden's directions, then went home and futzed around with the camera for about an hour.
With my anatomy, the easiest thing seems to be resting the left front corner of the camera right at the base of my left thumb. I would have guessed it would slip, because that doesn't look like much surface area, but it seems like a very functional and comfortable position.
I also made sure my left elbow connects to my chest, almost along the center line of the body.
I wear glasses, so the forehead thing is a little awkward, but with 2-3 tries I managed.
However, I seem to have trouble focusing left-eyed. I think my vision is a little worse in my left eye, and I should probably update my glasses anyway.
I tried using the same ideas for holding the camera vertically. I think it's actually easier to hold it so the button is down. With practice, it might be easier than using the battery grip (ack--more weight! except I know how to support it now...)
Thanks everyone! Later this weekend I'll get to do some actual shooting with it.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-12-2009, 04:38 PM
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I tried that, but it's hard on my left wrist--too bendy. I did wonder about putting a bean bag in between so I could use a more natural wrist angle.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-12-2009, 04:34 PM
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Nice video. I'll have to try shooting left-eyed.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-12-2009, 03:22 PM
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It's not a very big lens, so the center of gravity is still in the camera.
Am I doing the focusing wrong? I tend to focus with two fingers, usually from the side. In any case, my left hand doesn't seem to support much of the weight as I do.
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Forum: Troubleshooting and Beginner Help
06-12-2009, 03:16 PM
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I'm looking for advice on technique, and maybe some tools that are helpful.
I'm using manual focus lenses, and sometimes I have to focus continuously, so I end up holding the camera up mostly by my right hand.
A monopod makes it really easy, but I don't want to carry one everywhere.
I've tried a chest support system, but I don't really like it (pushes down on my gut).
Some of the hand straps out there look nice, but I'm not sure how much of the weight they really take.
To top it all off, I'm using a Canon 10D right now, so it's both heavier and more leveraged than, say, a Pentax DLSR.
What's likely to make the biggest difference here?
(a) getting an autofocus lens, so I can use both hands properly
(b) some gadget (more portable than a monopod) that help support the weight
(c) changing cameras
(d) improve technique somehow
(e) other?
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