The Lens of My Dream: Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS

Many people have been suggesting more photos! I thought that was awesome suggestion. So here it goes right off the bat =) (I ended the post with a bunch of shots as well, don't forget to check it out!)

After 8 hours of out shooting over 2 days, I finally got some decent photos that I am not ashamed of showing out of my new baby - Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS. Here are some of my initial impressions of this lens!

How/Why I've got it
Now I've been lusting over this lens for almost a year. I always felt inadequate on the longer focal length with both my kit lens (18-55) as well as my 50/1.8 prime. I considered several options to compensate for that missing range:
1) Canon EF 55-200 F4-5.6 IS               2) Canon EF 70-300 IS USM         3) Canon EF 70-200 F4L

  

           


I bought this lens used off of bccamera forum after careful considerations (which can be a whole other post), and decided I would get this as a little treat to myself for getting into medical school.

Condition of the Lens
Since I bought this lens used, I thought I'd comment on the condition. The lens was date coded UW = manufactured in 2008. The seller bought both a nikon and a canon system and decided to stick with nikon. He hardly used this lens at all. It was brand new, wrapped in original packaging and came with all original receipt and warranty. Not a single scratch on the glass or barrel (not a single peck of dust on the glass). Lens was essentially in perfect condition.

3 Reasons I Fell in Love with This Lens:


Colour
This is the main reason why I fell in love with this lens. The very first thing I noticed ever since the tests shots is how vibrant and lively the colour is. All of the shots below are NOT photoshoped originals. The ability of this lens to see those vibrant colours are really making me look pro even I simply pointed and shooted some of the shots. I especially loved the skin tone rendering on this lens (maybe it's those girls' good make up), it does starting to look like some of the professional wedding photography (minus the creative skills on my part of course =P)

Bokeh
Bokeh is the next best thing I felt with this lens. As soon as I took it outside and started shooting, I noticed how incredibly smooth and pleasing those bokehs are! For those of you who don't know, bokeh refers to the out of focus region (ie. the blur region) of a photograph. As shown in the top left photo, the out of focus area is so fantastically rendered that it makes me not want to look at in-focus objects... The shape of the bokeh (see above for the maple leaf photo) is very pleasingly round due to the whopping 8-blades aperture (compared to my 5-blade aperture on 50mm/1.8 - a pentagon shaped bokeh if you look closely at photos from before).

Sharpness
And finally, the sharpeness. This lens is arguably the sharpest lens in the entire Canon EF telephoto zoom collection. the image remains sharp even at 100% crop (full size picture, not shown here). Both of the pictures below are taken at 200mm, and as you can see the telephoto end is incredibly sharp even when hand-held (all photos here are hand-held, IS assisted). The Vancouver skyline is taken on the mountain of QE park, so you Vancouverites can figure out the distance... As you can see from previous pictures, this lens really gives you the sharpness you want in the area you focus on.

Some Mechanics (USM Focus, IS)
When I was doing my homework and decide if I wanted to pay 500 dollars on IS, I had no idea that it could be SO useful. Now that I got the IS version, I thought that was money well spent. As an amateur who does photography to capture life's moments, I do NOT bring my tripod around. Most of my photos are taken hand-held. The IS on this lens worked like a charm for me. I can see the drastic effect right in the view finder as the image stopped moving as soon as I half-press my shutter. I tried turning the IS off at the 200mm end, I observed significant amount of shaking in the view finder. While it may be OK with shutter speed >1/100, but as soon as you go down to 1/50, 1/20, the shake becomes obvious and detrimental. With the aperture only goes down to F4, I would HIGHLY recommend the IS feature, not to mention the IS version is optically a different lens compared to the non-IS version as this one is essentially remade ~10 years later.

The USM focusing on this lens is superb. My dad could not get over how quiet, fast, and accurate this lens focus. The lens literally snap into focus as soon as the shutter is half pressed with none of those mechanical clank clank focusing business going on.

Macro
I use this lens sometimes to dub as a macro lens due to the ability to show finest details as well as a shallow depth of field.

Challenges
The foremost challenge I have with this lens currently is the sudden change of mentality when taking photos. With it's fabulous zoom, I suddenly lost the privilege to be immersed in the photo that I'm taking. Many times my photos look detached, distant, and with no central theme. This will definitely take some time to get used to, as it did for my 50mm prime.

All in all, I am extremely happy with this lens and am looking forward to shoot more with it!

More Shots with 70-200mm F4L IS

Focal Length Showcase at 70,100, 135, 200mm

Filters - The Next Step

If you liked the review please help me by either buying the tripod from the links on my website (help me the most), or click on the google ads to the side, or even just coming back from time to times to check my new blog posts!

So you've gotten your brand new DSLR and hopefully one or two not-so-expensive but nonetheless excellent lenses, what's the next step? For some people, it may be another lens, but for those of you who don't have loads of money to spend, some filters may help you a long way! Now I'm not talking about those UV filters you put in front of your lens to prevent physical damage - I'm talking about filters that actually change the ways your camera sees the world.

I went to a used camera trade show a few weeks back. They had everything from really old folding cameras to rangefinders to SLR and DSLR. After spending a good 2 hours in there, I acquired the following for a grand total (including admission fee $5) of $37!

1. Filter Adapter and 2 Graduated Chromofilter (or grad ND)

Price: $10 (adapter) + $6 (2 filters) = $16

What does it do?
The graduated chromofilters serve the purpose of reducing the brightness contrast within a photo in a very specific manner - block more light on the tinted part and less on the clear part.

Where to use it?
This is probably the most useful filter I have used. The most obvious application is the photographing of sunset. With the tint-clear edge on the horizon, the filter will reduce the brightness of the sky while leaving the land (foreground) unaltered. This will enable you to keep the land/ocean (foreground) while not washout the sky (background).

I also found this very useful when you are taking portrait with a very strong side light. By rotating the filter with the tint toward the light, you can reduce the contrast on your subject's face - and hence avoid wash out of features. (will post examples when I have some)

You can get something similar on Amazon: Cokin Graduated Neutral Grey G2-SOFT ND8 0.9 Filter - Cokin P121S

2. 4 Point Cross Filter (Star Filter)

 Price: $6


What does it do?
This filter will scatter the light of any point light source (eg. Sun, Christmas light) into a "4 point star".

Where to use it? 
This is more of a effect-adding, fun filter. I wasn't entirely happy with the result sometimes as the stars get rather distracting, but sometimes it works! One of the application I found was taking photos of a lake on a sunny day. As you can see in the photo to the left, it turns the reflection of the ripples into stars which was quite glamorous and cannot be reproduced in post production (at least to my knowledge).

Another obvious application is obviously taking a cityscape at night (which I have not tried). I was told that it would produce nice and creative effect.




You can get something similar on Amazon: Polaroid Optics 58mm Rotating 4 Point Star Filter

3. Soft Filter
Price: $10

What does it do?
This filter will essentially "softens" the image, rendering the light more diffused.

Where to use it?
Now, I understand the "soften" function is very common in post production software. But since I don't really like doing post-production and I like to see the effect when I take the photos, I bought this for portrait use.

You can use this filter whenever you are taking a portrait and are going for the "flattering" look. Especially when taking photos of ladies, this filter will reduce wrinkles, blemish. A comparison of filter not used (left) filter used (right) is posted below.

 

You can get something similar on Amazon (along with 4 point star and warming): Polaroid Optics 52mm 3 Piece Special Effect Camera/Camcorder Lens Filter Kit (Soft Focus, Revolving 4 Point Star, Warming)


That's all! for 37 dollars including admission. I felt that was an awesome deal! Filters will give you more magnitude of creativity and versatility.

If you liked the review please help me by either buying the tripod from the links on my website (help me the most), or click on the google ads to the side, or even just coming back from time to times to check my new blog posts!

A stable tripod goes a long way

Today I will be introducing one member of the very limited gear selection that I actually own - Ravelli APGL3 Professional Tripod.

Acquisition:
I got this bad boy on Amazon.com and got it shipped to Point Robert's Letter Carrier and bussed down to pick it up! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Letter Carrier, it is one of many reception services provided near the boarder for Canadians to shop on US website and have it delivered to them for a small fee (~$3).
Price: 
Now I paid $55 for this guy but now I checked Amazon it's $83.69 + shippings. I suggest maybe wait for a while, and see if the price drops. If it does not, 90 dollar is well worth the money as well!

What will you get?
Included in this package is the tripod, a carrying bag, and a mini-tripod that the company usually gives out as gift.

Some Specs:

• Extended Length: 70.25"
• Folded Length: 25"
• Diameter: 45"
• Tripod Weight: 2.5 LBS
• Head Weight: 6LBS
• Shipping Weight: 10LBS

Good Impression:

Weight/Stability 

The very first thing you will notice is just how heavy this thing is. With a massive 10 lbs weight (compared to the usual 2-3 lbs. tripod), this guy is a tank and is so stable that it won't drop your gears in any conditions.

Padded Legs

The legs are padded which give it a very good grip. I don't feel it being heavy even when I grab it with one hand. 

Fluid Head

The head is super fluid that I would take videos with it any day. There is absolutely no comparison to the tripods you get for 80 bucks at  Future Shop.

Some Cons:

Weight

If you are traveling uphill or travelling with tripod, then this might not be your top choice due to the weight. For some girls out there, this might be a lot to carry as well. My thought, however, is that if you go travel, don't bring a tripod at all! The IS that comes with your zoom lens or a F1.8 prime would suffice for almost any scenario. Don't let your camera gear get in the way of your travelling!!!

Assembled Head

I think this is the ONLY complaint I have for this tripod. The 3 knobs you see on the pictures are actually detachable, and it will ONLY fit in the bag if you detach them... It becomes a hassle if you are super concerned about having the tripod fit snuggly in the bag. What I started doing is simply let the head sticks out. Still very practical as it won't get in the way and at the same time people won't think I have a sniper rifle on my back!

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a super stable tripod that will withstand any sorts of punishment, this is your guy.  Ravelli APGL3 Professional Tripod in my opinion is well worth its money and I have had very good experience with it.

If you liked the review please help me by either buying the tripod from the links on my website (help me the most), or click on the google ads to the side, or even just coming back from time to times to check my new blog posts!

Compact Camera Shopping for Dummies

This is a guide to those who can't make up their mind in purchasing their camera. If you already know which one you want, go with your heart!


As a technology geek, my favorite shopping spot, of course, includes future shop. As I browse, however, I was often disappointed with the salesmen who knows next to nothing about cameras trying to offer their "advice" on which camera to get to people who are starting out. Of course, the big selection of point and shoot each with their own unique features do NOT help. So hopefully I can make this guide as comprehensive as possible by simply giving you 1 or 2 choices based on your budget!


$0 - $200 
This is what I call an anything goes zone. Mainly because whatever camera you end up getting is probably not going to be that different. If you are in this budget range, then chances are you are going to use your camera for very simple day-to-day shooting: capturing parties, touring and etc. The main thing you should be looking for is fast start up time - the time it takes from the moment you press on/off button to when you can actually taking photos. I've found that incredibly useful as it makes miss as little shots as possible. My suggestion is to stick with Canon or Nikon as they are the 2 big names in making consumer products. You can't go wrong with them.

Conclusion:
- Stick with Canon/Nikon.
- Test out start up time.
- Whatever looks good!

$200-$300
You are looking for a point-and-shoot for day-to-day use, but also cares about your image quality now. After reading a bunch of reviews and thinking about experiences using friends' cameras, I have decided to root for Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP


Price: $279 at Best Buy or Amazon.ca
Appearance: Comes in Black, Silver,  and RED! =)
Lens: 24-120mm 35mm eq. focus range will serve most every day need (this is your zoom range); f2.7-f17 aperture.
Speed: This is where this camera shines when compared to other similar cameras. It takes ~2 seconds to start up and ~2 seconds to recycle between picture.
Low light scenario: You can never expect a compact point and shoot to compare with a DSLR in low light situation, but Canon ELPH 300 can do fairly well as it can shoot without showing visible noise at ISO 800. That means you can't see the grainy dots even at fairly high light sensitivity level.

Conclusion: Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS


$300-$500
So you want to get a nice point-and-shoot or maybe you are thinking about getting a prosumer camera (the ones with big lens but can't change them). Well think no further, my advice is, don't waste your money in getting a prosumer - save the money and buy yourself something nice! (If you HAVE to get a prosumer for some reason, check out the Canon G12 10MP).Instead, get a top of the line, state of the art point and shoot! In fact, some point and shoots are actually better than most of the prosumer and even some of the DSLR. From many reviewers and friends' experience, I strongly suggest the Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP. 


Price: $419 at Amazon
Appearance: Only come in black. Manual control ring to control exposure, focus, ISO, etc. precisely. 
Lens: 28mm-105mm (35mm eq.) Max. Aperture - f/2.0 (W), f/4.9 (T) - this super large aperture for compact cameras will enable you to take excellent photos even at ISO 3200. 
Sensor Size / Resolution: 14.9 mm / 10 MP. Don't get fooled by the "small" pixel number. With only "10MP", it seems to be on the low side of compact cameras nowadays. But the sensor size of this camera is absolutely massive for a compact camera. A big sensor size means you get more "effective pixel" which actually means BETTER image quality!
Other nice features: 720p. HD movie shooting. Miniature (tilt-shift) effect (example of cool photo with this effect).


Conclusion:  Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP. (Hands down!)

Well that concludes my very first product reviews and suggestions! I hope that actually helped! I kept it as simple as possible and only showed you 1 product for each category. And if you liked the review please help me by either buying the camera from the links on my website (help me the most), or click on the google ads to the side, or even just coming back from time to times to check my new blog posts!


Thank you very much for reading!


-M