DSLR 101 3.0

[ebiggs1]

Pointing front.

[jazzman1]

I have to make an apologize to Canon for berating them for not putting instructions in the Lens Ring Mount box.  I'm just looking at the instructions (CD) that came with my EF 70-300mmL lens, and the ring mount instructions are included there.  No offense Obiwan, but as I said, did'nt make sense they would sell the Lens Ring without any instructions how to use it.  They do include instructions for the ring mount, but it's in the 70-300L manual (CD), included with the lens with instructions.  Guess they figure if you buy the ring mount, you already have the lens.  That's the only lens it's intended to go on.   I know you say it's a lens designed for Pro's and Pro's already know how to use it.  True, I agree with you there, but they also sell a fair amount of Pro Gear bought by non Pro's and instructions should be included for us.  Silly me, they do, you just have to look in the right place.   I'm right also cause the directions is included with the lens.  I already had tried the ring mount both ways and concluded facing toward the front was correct for the weight of the combo togather.   But I was not sure and wanted to double check with a Pro....You.

Again, apology to Canon for wrongly accusing you for something not true.

[ebiggs1]

"...  the 70-300L manual (CD), included with the lens with instructions."

I have never looked at it.  I probably don't even have one.

"... they also sell a fair amount of Pro Gear bought by non Pro's and instructions should be included for us."

But you and those guys are not the intended market. That is why there is the black one!  I am sure Canon will sell to whomever wants their gear and I can also verify they will assist you in its use.  As a matter of fact, Canon is far better than most big companies.  Better than Adobe and better than brand-N. 

Besides it saves paper!

[jazzman1]

But you and those guys are not the intended market. That is why there is the black one!  

Yep, and I do intend to look into a few quality EF lens.  As I told you, I don't need all L lens for my purpose.  I have no intentions of becoming a Pro, so I don't need all my lens to be Pro level.   that's also why i got f/4 aperture in the 2 L's I have.  And I don't like the extra weight much.   I did want the 2 lens i did get to be Pro level lens, cause I'll proably use them togather the most.  I wanted a good foundation to build around.

You know since I've read alot of threads lately, about micro adjusting lens and lens out of focus, I checked my focus for the 1st time.   I turned on my camera settings to show me my focus points in the pics I take.  In several ranges from about 18mm to about 100mm, many of my focus points are way off.  Fom there to appox 200-300mm the focus points are right on, exactly where I focus in the viewfinder when I framed the pic.  Seems some of my close to mid range focus  points in my lens are off.  I don't know if my 60D has focus point adjustment, I'll have to look and see.  I know it does'nt have lens micro adjustment like you guys have in your high end bodies.  I hope there's some way for me to correct this.

[ebiggs1]

Two things.

1st you may be hurting yourself by using EF lenses instead of EF-S lenses that your camera was designed for.  Just because it is a EF lens designed for a FF camera does not insure great sharpness on a cropper.

2nd, the focus could/can be user error.  Sorry but a more likely scenario.  Try again using just the center point.  Turn all the others off.  As a matter of fact I always use just the center point.

[jazzman1]

1st you may be hurting yourself by using EF lenses instead of EF-S lenses that your camera was designed for

I'll take that into account.  One day I'll have a FF body, and really did'nt want to invest in lens I could'nt use with both bodies.  In fact, you suggested I do that (get EF lens for compatibilty) when we 1st met and talked about the lens I should buy.

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2nd, the focus could/can be user error.  Sorry but a more likely scenario.  Try again using just the center point.  Turn all the others off.  As a matter of fact I always use just the center point

You could be right about user error.  I just got back from taking shots just to double check.  Many of my pics as I said from appox 18-150mm the focus points were off.  I tried all my lens, my EF-S and EF, non L's, all were the same, not just the 2 L's.  I always use my middle focus point, though the 60D has 9.  The pics that the focus point was on target, was dead on the center point, dead on.  When I got back and read this message I turned all 8 points off except the center point, as you've said. 

I won't be taking test shots till tomorrow.  When I turned off all the other focus points except the center point, it now says "manual".  in the menu.   When all nine was on it said "automatic" in the menu.  Now that I think about it maybe my lens focused on something closer than my target, like a tree branch.  I've noticed it has done that before.  A time or two my lens would'nt get a sharp lock on my intended target cause it was focusing on a tree limb or leaf that was closer. in my path of sight.   One of the outter points of the 8 around the center point had locked focus on a leaf or limb and my intended target at the center focus point was a tad out of sharp focus.   You know I practice my shots in the park alot and there's trees, flowers, plants, and bushes galore.  The only open clear area is by the water where guys fish along the rails, and a very few other spots.   And come to think of it sometimes one of the guys fishing line has caught my lens focus.   The more I'm thinking about it I'm inclined to believe it just may be user error.  Cause it's happening with all my lens, not just the 2 L's.   I may just step out my front door and take a few test shots.   Thanks much Obiwan (Thumbs Up)

[ebiggs1]

"... when we 1st met and talked about the lens I should buy."

And I believe I also stated you needed a goal.  You changed that goal.  That changes what gear you really need.  Buying just to be buying is often times very costly.  Just ask me!  I have no goal except ... fun.

There may be times when using all the focus points is good.  However, I can't think of any.  The best use of all the points is selection in a particular situation.  Otherwise I use just the center. And I have 45 with 39 cross-type.

[jazzman1]

And I believe I also stated you needed a goal.  You changed that goal.  That changes what gear you really need.  Buying just to be buying is often times very costly.  Just ask me!  I have no goal except ... fun

I'm not faulting you at all, in fact I agree with your logic, even now that my goals have changed.  But since I will keep my 60D when I move up to FF, maybe a few quality EF-S would be in order.  Maybe in the future.  Right now since EF's seem to be serving me well, I'd like to concentrate on EF's.

After I changed just to my "center" focus point, I took test shots (3 of each lens) outside my door and all were dead on target., from wide, to mid, and long range.    I used 3 different lens, a EF-S, EF, and EF L. lens   That seems to have solved my delimma, thanks again.  My goal is to have fun too, though not in the same way as you.  My primary goal in buying lens is not duplicate ranges I really don't need to, or I should'nt buy twice.  I really don't want to waste money here.  And I want  good performing lens with good IQ.  Won't be many more L's I don't think (maybe 50mm) especially when I go for a Zoom in a 600mm range.   The L's in that range are much too heavy and costly for me.   Unless I have a special need for one.    I agree that many lens reviews are not reliable info to make a choice on any particular lens.  But I still think (for me)  they can be helpful.   I will only buy lens from a top source like Canon, B&H, or Best Buy, where I'm guaranteed I can return it for a refund if for any reason I'm not satisfied.   My own evaluation of a lens is what I will use to make my choice.   I've sent 2 lens and other products back to those places, and had no trouble at all getting a refund.  And the refund or excahange was prompt.   I only buy from authorised Canon Dealers.   I've learned my lesson long ago with those off brands, and deals too good to be true.

[ebiggs1]

A couple more things   

" Won't be many more L's I don't think (maybe 50mm) ... "

EF 50mm f1.2 L II ?  Really ?  This is a seriously expensive lens.  It is also very difficult to master.  It is very heavy and it requires a front protecto filter.

It is also one of my most favorite lens.   But I don't recommend it to anyone that isn't willing to put the time in and learn how to use it.  Is that you?  The EF 85mm F1.2 L II is even harder to master and even heavier.  But is a wonderfully fantastic lens.

"Unless I have a special need for one."

You can rent!  I don't but many folks do.  My niece, in the business now, rents all the time and it works for her.

"I've learned my lesson long ago with those off brands, ..."

Appearently not!  There ARE some very good "off brands" stuff out there.  You just need to know which.

"I agree that many lens reviews are not reliable ..."

And at this point of your maturation, you are not able to tell which one is and which one isn't.  How can that possibly help you?   The reviewer might not have know how to properly focus.  And then wrote a review that said it wasn't sharp.  Sound familar?  Think about it. 

[jazzman1]

 Won't be many more L's I don't think (maybe 50mm) ... "

EF 50mm f1.2 L II ?  Really ?  This is a seriously expensive lens.  It is also very difficult to master.  It is very heavy and it requires a front protecto filter.

Have no fear Obiwan, I won't get that lens for sure.   That's why I said maybe, but not really.   I was thinking of a Art Lens, but really did'nt want to say.   I was hoping you caught my drift 

"Unless I have a special need for one."

You can rent!  I don't but many folks do.  My niece, in the business now, rents all the time and it works for her

Yep, I'm aware of that and may just do that

I've learned my lesson long ago with those off brands, ..."

Appearently not!  There ARE some very good "off brands" stuff out there.  You just need to know which.

I know there are a few other lens in 3rd party brands that stand out, I'm not talking about them.  I been listening to you Obiwan  real close on gear you think good.   I have my eye on the ones you told me about  .   I just did'nt want to name them, but yeah, I'm looking at the "comtemporary" in a 600mm Zoom.   The Sport and Canon L's are just too big, costly, and heavy for me.   I think you know the one I mean.    I've been reluctant to name any 3rd party lens, even the good few.  I listen to you well when you point out good gear.  Like you, I think most are 2nd rate and not worth hard earned money  .   But the ones you've told me about are on my long range list for sure   .

"I agree that many lens reviews are not reliable ..."

And at this point of your maturation, you are not able to tell which one is and which one isn't.  How can that possibly help you?   The reviewer might not have know how to properly focus.  And then wrote a review that said it wasn't sharp.  Sound familar?  Think about it.

Obiwan you don't listen to what I say very good sometimes.  Read my reply again, you missed my statement.  I said I will read reviews but won't let any make my choice to purchase for me.   I will judge each lens I buy from my own evaluations and real life tests.  If any don't hold up to my satisfaction, I will return it for a refund.   I have learned.  In fact, I've never bought a lens just from reading a review.  All I've recently bought were ones you agreed was good.  EF 24-105mm L, EF 50mm f/1.4, and of coarse my 70-300mm L which you gave your nod on.  The EF 28-135mm  witch I returned, after I got the 24-105.   I replaced my EF 75-300mm kit lens with the 70-300 L.   I had gotton the nifty fifty f/1.8 before we met.   I got the EF-S 18-200 mm for a all around, and it's filled it's purpose.  I know you don't like it but I did'nt get it cause it set the photography world on fire      Anyway I got it the day we met in the mail.   I buy my lens from reputable dealers who have excellant return policys.  I don't lose anything but time if a lens don't workout.     I listen to you Obiwan, more than you think.   If any gear  is in question to me I will always ask your opinion  .