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12/29/2010 09:48:56 PM · #1 |
I just received it and have been trying to test it to ensure that it is OK. I took some sample photos and they look fine. I did a sharpness test (I found one for Nikon and followed their instructions) at 70,100,135 and 200mm with f5.6,8, 11, 16,22,32. It is somewhat subjective but my conclusions are:
- at 70, 100 and 135mm it is the sharpest at 5.6, 8, 11; so-so at 4 and 16; not so good at 22,32
- at 200mm it is the sharpest at f16, 22; so-so at 8,11,32; not so good at 4, 5.6
Is this what it should be? Are there any other tests I should do before 7 days of possible return are over?
From the experience of the current owners and in order of priority which accessories are the most useful (I will be mostly taking nature shots, not sports):
- tripod mount - do I need it at all? I did the sharpness test on the tripod and found no problem with stability of the camera with this lens
- protective filter - it is always a good selling point but can it actually degrade the quality of images? (I feel I'd better have one as this is an expensive lens I might want to upgrade in future)
- extension tubes - what type of photos would I use them for with this lens? EF12 or EF25 II ?
- extenders - EF1.4X with AF or EF2x II without AF? (my camera is 550D) The cost is about the same but I am not sure I can trust my eyesight, especially when panning something moving at speed.
- anything else?
TIA
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12/29/2010 09:58:05 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by marnet:
- tripod mount - do I need it at all? I did the sharpness test on the tripod and found no problem with stability of the camera with this lens |
It's not so much stability as the fact that you can switch camera from vertical to horizontal without changing the axis of the lens. This is really useful when framing images. And there WILL be more freedom from vibration in a strong breeze as well.
Originally posted by marnet:
- protective filter - it is always a good selling point but can it actually degrade the quality of images? (I feel I'd better have one as this is an expensive lens I might want to upgrade in future) |
I Have never used one except in extreme conditions, like blowing snow/rain/sand.
Originally posted by marnet:
- extension tubes - what type of photos would I use them for with this lens? EF12 or EF25 II ? |
I haven't used these with this lens.
Originally posted by marnet:
- extenders - EF1.4X with AF or EF2x II without AF? (my camera is 550D) The cost is about the same but I am not sure I can trust my eyesight, especially when panning something moving at speed. |
I had the 1.4 extender from Canon, and returned it. It was a disappointment; the increase in magnification wasn't very significant,k and it was a pain in the ass to take on and off. I just didn't like it. Quality was OK though.
R. |
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12/29/2010 10:05:24 PM · #3 |
| Thanks! I am sold on the tripod mount. Is it worth getting the original Canon? Any third party cheaper ones that are OK? |
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12/29/2010 10:11:02 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by marnet:
Thanks! I am sold on the tripod mount. Is it worth getting the original Canon? Any third party cheaper ones that are OK? |
The third-party ones I have seen are really cheap merchandise. I have the original Canon one, but it did tick me off how much they charged for it :-(
R. |
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12/30/2010 01:22:16 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by marnet:
Thanks! I am sold on the tripod mount. Is it worth getting the original Canon? Any third party cheaper ones that are OK? |
The third-party ones I have seen are really cheap merchandise. I have the original Canon one, but it did tick me off how much they charged for it :-(
R. |
Second that. Moreover, I can't believe they don't include the tripod mount with the f/4, as they do with the f/2.8 version. Heck, if anything you need it more, it's a stop slower!
One great thing about having the tripos mount on the lens is, you can stick the foot in the waistband of your jeans, throw the strap over your shoulder and walk around all day without the weight hanging from the strap :-) |
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12/30/2010 06:45:07 PM · #6 |
| What about the tests? How do I know it is all OK? Where my sharpness test results OK? |
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