Posts Tagged ‘Shutter Speeds’

Tamron AF 17 50mm F 2 8 XR Di II LD SP ZL Aspherical IF Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras




Lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers and inherit all of the benefits of our Di products. These lenses are not designed for 35mm film cameras and digital cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm. The SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 is a lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, expanding the product concept of the popular SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 zoom lens. In addition, portrait shots are made beautiful with the natural out-of-focus effect characteristic provided by the fast F/2.8 aperture. A broader photographic expression through the use of faster shutter speeds as a result of the maximum aperture offers enhanced photographic pleasure. The lens boasts one of the best close-up shooting performances in the class of fast standard zoom lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras and featuring an F/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, to ensure stress-free photographic shots at all focal lengths and distances. Diameter x Length – 2.9 x 3.2 inch (74.0 x 81.7mm) Accessory Flower shaped lens hood

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars BEST bang for buck lens EVER
Simply put the image clarity you get with this lens is amazing. When you factor in that this glass is 50% of the cost of what you need to spend for a similar canon lens (which is NOT an L lens). The Canon 17-55mm sells for over $1k. The L glass 16-35mm sells for $1500. This glass compares to the L glass I own – I own the 24-70mm L and the 70-200mm f2.8 IS L (which is the BEST glass I have ever seen).

The brightness – the ability to shoot in low light and this is a tiny lens compared to my L glass and light. Not light as in cheap – but light as in not heavy like the 24-70mm L. it shoots very sharp – not as sharp as my 70-200 – NOTHING is as good as that. The range is very useful – great for shooting people – works super indoors. I bought and returned a 50mm f1.4 canon prime because I felt this lens performed better than the 50mm prime with the zoom set to 50mm.

IF you wish to buy a first upgraded lens for your camera and you can not afford a 70-200mm f2.8 IS L then buy this lens.

5 Stars Very Sharp at 17mm. Vivid, saturated colors
After much wrangling over the 17-55 EF-S and the 17-40 EF L, I pulled the trigger on this lens. Somehow I didn’t like the saturated colors of the 17-40 and I couldn’t justify 1K on an EF-S but otherwise seemingly , much respected 17-55mm.

Out of the box, I got vivid, but cool colors on my 40D when taken in bright sunlight. I fixed it by using higher Kelvin values.

At 17mm, the lens is extremely sharp. When I get the pictures down to my PC monitor, I am like ‘whoa’! The colors are very vivid, bright and saturated (using a slight step up in saturation levels in the 40D).

In low light, I have not missed IS. The 2.8 aperture coupled with the 40D’s noise-free to very low noise ISO capabilities, has let me capture blur-free shots (for eg. in the Smithsonian).

The lens gets progressively softer and at 50mm, is very soft. If you are using it as a walk-around, vacation lens, it is satisfactory but definitely nowhere close to ,say, the 50mm f/4.

The build quality seems adequate- solid but not too heavy. The zoom and focus feel right.

The AF does hunt a bit in low light to semi-darkness kind of situation. But again, this can be partially resolved by specifying the focal points in the 40D. But in all fairness, if the light is very low, I’d rather let it hunt to let me know it is unable to focus, than focus on something I didn’t want. Again, the 40D has a limiter on how much the AF hunts.

I strongly recommend this as an above-average general purpose lens. Upgrade to specific primes as the need arises.

5 Stars BEWARE AMAZON PACKING
I gave the lens a 5 as it meets or exceeds expectation, but I had to add to the numerous complaints on this and other lenses at Amazon about the completely inadequate packaging of lenses.

In looking at lens reviews I saw many complaints about the way these delicate pieces of glass and electronics are packaged by Amazon. I was absolutely amazed when I opened my package to find NO PROTECTIVE PACKING WHATSOEVER IN THE BOX. The lens was left to bounce around inside the amazon box during the shipping. Having paid $20 for shipping, I would expect at least some bubble wrap between the manufacturers box and the outer container. This will be the last piece of camera equipment I buy from Amazon.

There is no excuse for a vendor of this magnitude to be selling fragile electronics and yet not package it correctly. This is not a book. I have entered a packaging complaint and will also be letting Tamron know about this flaw in their supply chain.

2 Stars Lens great!, But no lens hood
Product page says that an accessory lens hood was included with purchase. Shipment came in a timely manner but I found no lens hood in the box. I’m too lazy to return so I said f**&k it.

4 Stars My first wide lens
Just got my 17-50 Tamron lens. I cannot beleive how much you can fit on a picture with this lens. I used to own a 28-138 lens and when I took a picture of a tree- I could only get about 1/3 of the tree. With this lens I can get the whole tree and more! Comes with a lens hood which stays on my lens. It does not come with a lens case. The only con of this lens is that the AF motor is a little louder than most. It sounds like a dentist drill.I would definatel recommend this lens over the canon models. Canons costs about $600 more. I have been buying third party lenses lately and have gotten equal results compared to Canon models.

This lens also has an f stop of f/2.8 throughout which makes this a fast lens.

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Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15 1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3 Inch LCD and EF S 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6 IS Lens




Be happy! Canon’s new EOS Rebel T1i is packed with features, both refined and new. In addition to its admirable performance with an all-new 15.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD with anti-reflective and scratch-resistant coating, and compatibility with the EOS System of lenses and Speedlites, the EOS Rebel T1i adds remarkable Full HD video capture at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. An HDMI port allows for quick connections to high definition TVs and monitors for easy viewing of your stills and video. The entire operation is simple and easy even if you are a beginner. You’ll have uncompromised EOS Digital performance with power and flexibility right in the palm of your hand. Auto and Manual Focus modes Shutter Speeds – 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.; 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode) ISO Speed – ISO 100-3200 (in 1-stop increments), H1 – 6400 H2 – 12800; Basic Zone modes – ISO 100-3200 set automatically Retractable, auto pop-up flash – E-TTL II autoflash Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with HDMI output for HD viewing of stills and video Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video Auto Lighting Optimizer for superior highlight-shadow control Wide range ISO setting 100-3200 (ISO expansion – 6400, 12800) Creative Auto goes a step beyond auto allowing control over frequently-changed settings Lens Mount – Canon EF mount (compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories) Battery Type – Rechargeable Battery LP-E5 Recording Media – SD memory card, SDHC memory card Dimensions (WxHxD) – 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm Weight – 16.9oz. /480g (body only) Kit includes EOS Rebel T1i Body; EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens; Eyecup Ef; Wide Strap EW-100DBIII; USB Interface Cable;

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Better than the first
I have had this camera for about 3 weeks now and I must say I love it. I purchased it to replace my older Canon Rebel 6.1 mp which I also loved and still do. (though its only a still picture camera) Its a great backup. This new Rebel T1i 15.1 mp has many options but what I really like is the HD video camera feature. No more bringing a separate video camera on vacation. This is a perfect all in one camera. I also bought the Canon 18-200 mm zoom lense which truly makes the camera and all in one. Its a little smaller than my old one and a lot lighter. The only thing that might not be 5 star would be the shutter sound. It’s kind of loud but not a turn off in no way. Just have to get used to. Having said that, once I shoot with my old camera (hearing the lack of sound) and then shoot with the new camera (more sound) I am finding myself liking the new sound better. The battery is smaller and lighter and seems to last longer except when using the video mode, then it goes pretty quick. Best to get a backup battery anyway, especially if your going to be taking alot of pictures or video such as on vacation. I also purchased to San Disk Ultra 11 16GB, works great with the video BUT my card reader doesnt work with it. I have to unload the photos/video using the cable. It unloads very fast just a little inconvenient.

5 Stars Canon T1i 15.1 very nice camara
When I was looking at cameras I read that the lens that comes with this camera was not very good. I bought the camera with the lens anyway. I figured that if I didn’t like the lens I could always get a better one. I have had a few days of picture taking in the New Mexico and Arizona areas. This camera and lens are great. The lens takes very sharp pictures from the balloon launch at the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta to petroglyphs and close ups of petrified wood. I used my 75-300 zoom lens from my old Canon EOS film camera to shoot wild life at long distance and that lens worked great as well. The camera processes each shot so quickly that it can rapid fire without hesitation. Either the people who did not like the lens are much better at photography than I am or they don’t know what they are talking about.

5 Stars My first DSLR, love it
I used to use point-and-shoot cameras, produced many pictures which most time looks plain. My friend recommanded this one to me. Still learning, but overall very happy with it. Love a lot features. Highly recommanded for beginners like me.

5 Stars this canon 500d is awesome
this is an entry level dslr but the features are comparable to a professional dslr and i’m only using an 18-200 canon lens. how much more if i am using the more expensive ones. I’m a point and shoot camera guy and i never had any problem with the shift to dslr because of the ease in operation of he camera. I did not regret buying this camera.

4 Stars Good product but bad seller!
It’s unbelievable to notice Amazon Customer service is bad! Yet another outsourced service! The rep, had no clue on matching the price-drop!

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Canon EF 75 300mm f 4 5 6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras




Provides up to 4x / For use with Canon SLR Cameras / Accepts 58mm Filters / AutoFocus compatible Accepts Filter Size – 58mm Unit Maximum Diameter x Length, Weight 2.8 x 4.8, 16.8 oz. / 71mm x 122mm, 480g For use with Canon SLR cameras only

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars great lense
My first interchangeable SLR Lens,Very smooth and capable of taking great photos,I just took it for my first safari at corbett National Park,I took stunning images of wildlife in dense and wild jungle with this canon beauty.

Images are very sharp in daylight even at dawn and dusk(low light) even it produces

excellent pictures in indoor shooting.

Value for money.

5 Stars Canon Zoom Lens
This is an excellent all-purpose zoom lens for the Canon family of digital cameras. I recommend it to all, beginners to professionals.

4 Stars image stabilization
just remember that at this price there is no image stabilization. So bright light and fast shutter speeds are called for. a good lens none the less.

5 Stars Excellent helping tool
I am just an amateur photographer and this telephoto lens is really helpful for portrait or scenic pictures.

5 Stars Excellent
This camera is very good. It takes very good pics and is easy to use.

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Sekonic L 358 Flash Master Light Meter




The Sekonic L-358 Flash Master is an advanced, yet easy to operate, exposure analyzing light meter, that incorporates the latest technology in handheld meters. The L-358 features a retractable incident Lumisphere for standard or cosine corrected light readings, provides both hemispherical and narrow angle readings. Measurements can be taken in either incident or flash metering modes with accurate and convenient flash and ambient analyzing. In all electronic flash measurements, an analyzing feature simultaneously evaluates both flash and ambient light and displays the values in three ways: a) combined readings of flash and ambient, b) percentage of flash in the total exposure or c) simultaneous display of flash, ambient and combined readings on the analog scale. An easy-to-read illuminated LCD panel directly displays full, 1/2 or 1/3-stop shutter speeds or apertures and exposure/calibration compensation. Selecting settings is quick and easy with the built-in Jog wheel and cine shutter speeds up to 360 frames per second makes the L-358 a versatile tool in the most demanding lighting scenario. Optional spot finders extend the versatility of the meter with a choice of 1, 5 or 10 degree measuring angles with a viewable parallax-free viewfinder. Analyzing Function – A simultaneous reading of flash and ambient light is analyzed. The readings are displayed in three different ways on the LCD: 1. Combined readings of flash and ambient 2. Percentage of flash in the total exposure 3. Simultaneous display of flash, ambient and combined readings on the analog display Retractable Lumisphere – A built-in adjustable incident dome (Lumisphere) provides full measuring in the standard position or when retracted, provides cosine corrected light readings for individual light source measurements or flat artwork. Memory Mode – 9 memory banks are available in both Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority Modes, making contrast evaluation

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Does what it’s supposed to do – a couple tweaks would’ve been nice
Using primarily as a studio flash meter and for church formals.

Unit meters as expected for a $240 unit, so no applause for that.

I like:

- The retractable lumpishere (from dome, to flat). VERY useful.

- Ability to show ambient/flash as a percentage. Useful.

I HATE:

That the unit requires two hands to operate. For every operation, you

need to hold down one of the functions buttons then scroll the wheel

to change the value. This really stinks, since I’m usually holding

something else in my other hand. Another ‘dip’ switch, as Sekonic

calls them, should be added that allows the unit to be operated with

one-hand (ie., automatically ‘holds’ certain function button while you

toggle).

5 Stars Simple
This is my first flash meter. It was simple to use. It makes setting my camera a snap with my strobes.

5 Stars Takes some getting used to, but is absolutely great.
I wanted to purchase a light meter to help me get better exposed images while shooting wildlife and landscapes. When I found this meter, it was perfect for me. It is offered in both non-weatherproof and weatherproof versions (great for people who shoot outdoors on a regular basis), is very lightweight and very intuitive to use, offers both reflected and ambient metering, and the real selling point is that there are 3 different spot meter attachments available for this meter, effectively making this an all in one meter. After it arrived, it took me all of about 30 minutes of reading and experimenting to figure it out well enough to use it in the field efficiently. The quick guide card is a great help for when you’re out and about and need to figure out how to adjust the meter. After taking it out with me for some experimentation, I found that the readings were excellent and accurate nearly every time. With the 5 degree spot attachment, I was able to zone meter and perfectly expose my panoramas and landscape photos. This meter is very well worth the price especially for outdoors photographers and anyone who needs help with those tricky exposure situations. It is very lightweight with a nice long strap, is durable and well built, and is accurate and easy to use. This is a great all in one solution for anyone needing a reliable and durable light meter. You will not regret this purchase.

5 Stars Great for what it can do
This is a great product, however I’m returning mine to get the L-758. I decided to trade up because I want the spot metering for when I decide to take my manual Nikon FM2n out rather than the D700. If taking a picture of a subject you can’t get to that’s partly in shadow and you’re standing in daylight it’s easier to spot meter it with the 758.

I’m also getting more into studio flash and like the calibration features of the 758. The 758 might have poor reviews here by people not understanding its complexity, but you can find rave reviews of it on other sites.

If you just need basic intuitive incident and flash metering, get the 358. You can buy a spot meter for it, but I like that the 758 has it built in with a digital reading in the viewfinder plus the price difference gets really small when you start buying those attachments for the 358 anyway.

The one thing I would change is to have options for other radios like the skyports rather than just the pocket wizards. I use skyports because they let me control my elinchrom lights wirelessly, otherwise I’d have gone PW.

5 Stars Excellent meter
You can go wrong Sekonic. This a good meter that should cover 95% of your needs, and should last a long time. The only question is to get it with or without the card for your pocket-wizard (or equivalent). I dind’t get the card but I know I can if I get into studio shoot. Highly recommended.

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Canon RS 80N3 Remote Switch for EOS 1V 1VHS EOS 3 EOS D2000 D30 D60 1D 1Ds EOS 1D Mark II III EOS 1Ds Mark II III EOS 10D 20D 30D 40D 50D 5D




Remote switch is useful to prevent camera shake for super telephoto shots, macrophotography, and bulb exposures. The RS-80N3 remote switch works just like a shutter button, enabling halfway or complete pressing. It also has a shutter-release lock.

Compatible Products: EOS 10D,EOS 1D ,Mark II N,EOS 1V,EOS 20D,EOS 20Da,EOS 3,EOS 30D,EOS 40D,EOS 50D,EOS 5D,EOS D30,EOS D60,EOS-1D,EOS-1D MARK II,EOS-1D Mark III,EOS-1Ds,EOS-1Ds MARK II,EOS-1Ds Mark III

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Because You Need It
OK, no idea why the price is [...] for this. I plaid 25 for my Nikon MCDC2 remote that is excactly the same as this and I thought that was to much. The handle is a bit larger which I like, but dislike the “flex” in the plastic. also the cord is about 2 inches shorter than my Nikon remote.

Besides that it does what it suppose to do and should last a while with normal use. Though would not say strong build, I don’t think it will break to easily even though it is all plastic. I do recommend this product, as I think a remote is essential to any photo set-up, but c’mon they really should just include it with the camera. They pay what a buck, if, that to make it? Atleast drop the price to 10 or so for us, who already paid out a fortune for your camera.

5 Stars Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch
If you use any of the associated Canon cameras you already know the value of a remote switch. I like to use natures soft light which usually means using lower shutter speeds or higher ISO’s, which I prefer not to use if possible. Avoid shakey stills.

5 Stars Very effective tool.
It works great; the remote does exactly what I wanted it to do. I started taking long exposure shots and found that holding the shutter release for 2 or more minutes became tedious. This Remote Switch works as advertised. I especially like the feature that allows you to keep the shutter depressed without holding the release button on the remote. Once you press the button you can slide the release button forward and it will hold the position until you select to release it. I have taken 6 minute exposures and this feature really came in handy.

Once I began using the remote I found that it was effective not only in the long exposure shots but in many of my architectural, landscape and portrait shots. Standing back from the camera and viewing “outside the view finder” and more than the “Live View” helps me better compose the shot. The remote is very effective in those situations.

Seems like the construction is solid enough, it easily connects to the remote outlet on my Canon 50D.

The only drawback is you are tied to a wire. Also, it might have been nice for Canon to supply a little bag or case in which to store the switch. The wireless remote might be my move up.

5 Stars Canon RS-80N3 Remote Switch
This is my second purchase of this product. The first was ruined by sand at the beach after having worked without problem for years. Have had no problem otherwise, it works just fine and I would not consider taking a macro photograph without it. While I was waiting for delivery I had to use the time delay on my camera and boy is that a waste of time. With this you hit the button and your picture is taken without shake. I wish the cord was a bit longer but it has not really been a problem.

4 Stars Works fine
Another official accessory that could stand to be cheaper considering what it does. At least it works fine and will get you shake free images. Really could use a longer cord.

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