I had CPS send me a 300/2.8 a year before trying the 200/2 and my main complaint about it (besides that I needed a winch to help me hold it) was the poor close focus range. Tight head shots were only possible using ether the smallest extension tube or the 1.4 extender. Also, for typical portraits, I like to have a conversation with the subject, and with the 300 we had to use walkie-talkies ;-)
I agree, however, that you should get a similar look with the 300. Post some of your experiments!
jh
Yeah,
I am sure photog to subject distance will be something to deal with. Just love the look of compressed images from a telephoto...and gods knows I can't afford the 200....
Thanks for sharing!
Your photog skills shine!
Wow, this is a great example of why this lens is so fab!
The 135 f/2 helps me last until the day I can afford the 200 f/2 IS.
My 100-400 also holds me over until the 300 f/2.8 IS.
SoundHound,
Can you elaborate more on the Kirk handle and foot ? I am interested in this. Any more info greatly appreciated.
Thx.
SoundHound wrote:
tukhang: Buy the Kirk Handle and a replacement foot. That way you can support the rig at the CG and, when standing, put your elbow on your hip.
Sorry about any DOF error. I just consulted my iPhone app.
Just curious, are you using the stands the come with the RP's that hold the flash and RP? I have been trying to find information about which softbox ring will accomodate these? I am going to be purchasing some PX's and will use at least one with a softbox and want to make sure the setup will fit properly.
Can you tell me which softboxes you're using most for your 580 EX II's? I have three 580 EX II's but have not been using softboxes with them. I use umbrellas - with both bounce and shoot through. I'd like to get some softboxes for flash, but am not sure which are the best quality/value-wise. There seems to be quite a gap in price between the brands, and I'm also not sure if I need more than one or which size to get. Care to shed some light on this for me?
Thank you for posting the pictures, Canon should pay you for advertising the 200/2.
Also, thanks for posting some nuggets of knowledge which in this day and age seems rare.
Oh btw I think you have a small following.
Wonderful photos but don't let anybody be fooled. What really is shining through is your mastery of lighting, mood, pose, and composition.
Not that the 200F2 isn't an amazing lens but that is hardly the primary thing making the photos this good.
What would one choose to get the best results:
1. Having you behind a digital rebel and a kit lens
2. Giving an inexperienced photographer a 1DsIII and a 200 F2
Obviously you know your light pretty well and I like about 85% of your poses, but I do not like the eye enhancement where you have noticeably increased brightness of the sclera (to the point of almost uniform whiteness) and saturation of the iris. The skin smoothing is consistent.
Since 580EX flashes were used with softbox, I assume you used a ND filter, shady/overcast outdoor areas, or high speed sync?
jhartman wrote:
I confess to bending to commercial interests, here - my clients love this look. It's not obvious at all in a large portrait, where the effect is more subtle than these oversharpened Web images. As I've said before, beauty is in the eye of the checkbook holder. ;-)
jh
"How are you matching ambient light color with the 580EX flashes? There is usually some difference in white balance - minor, but present. "
I think this issue is more theoretical than actual. I've never seen it in my work. The camera WB is set to flash, and ambient light isn't too far from it. I think the eye tends to look at and believe the skin tones of the highlighted portrion of the face. Of course, if you're working in shade right next to grass in the open sun, the reflection back up into the shadows could present a problem, but I watch for that. Same with brightly colored walls or buildings. GIGO.
The lens is only part of the success in these images - excellent composition, good model prep, and really, really good lighting appear to be just as critical. (Did I mention really good lighting!) All of these combine to make some outstanding images. Great job!!!!
Mike
