Lens Talk

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canon-60D-in-stock

My Canon 60D has finally arrived. Well let me prepare you now that there will be lots of Canon 60D talk on this blog for the next week. The Canon 5DM2 is just way too different, and Canon has designed this 60D to sit right in the middle of the T2i and 7D. So i'm going to do what I can to show the differences between those two cameras. Everyone has been talking about the disappointment in the specs of the Canon 60D and video quality shouldn't be anything mind blowing. The thing that will change buying decisions from a T2i would be the additional features, controls, and the build of the camera. Somehow i'm still more excited about getting a hold of the awesome zoom power of the Canon SX30 IS which is not yet available. Or even testing out the new G12. I'll be upgrading myCanon SX210 IS point and shoot, so that may be up for sale soon enough.

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dual-mount-flash-bracket-macro-photography

After posting a video comparing the Zoom H1 to Tascam DR-08 seen here: http://cheesycam.com/tascam-dr-08-vs-zoom-h1-continued/, I got a few questions about the unusual bracket I had on the video. Even though i'm not done with the items for it, i'll answer those questions now. I received it in the mail working on a twin flash Macro rig for a friend. Considering twin flash Macro kits like the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash runs for almost $700 dollars, this is a cheaper way of getting a twin light setup.

dual-mount-macro-flash-flexible-arm

Why not just use a Ring Light Adapter like the 'O Flash'? The O-Flash provides nice even lighting, but still has a somewhat flat look. Using a twin light setup, each light can be modified at different distances from the macro subject, different angles, and even separate power settings for a more dimensional look. The metal lower bracket i'm still trying to figure out, but looks like it's been cut similar to a quick release plate. Which one it will fit, i'm still not sure. The flexible arms are actually pretty beefy. They won't hold up a large Canon 580 EX II speedlite, but has enough strength to carry a low profile flash. In order to remotely fire these flashes, it will be setup with the cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. The ball mount + cold shoes can also be removed and you'll be left with a standard 1/4 x 20 threaded end on the flexible arm. This is how I was able to mount the Zoom H1 at the end of one.

Having the dual flash setup will also be interesting for use as an event rig. Should provide a wider area of flash without giving off the usual flat look. I'll have more information once this it built out a little bit more, but you can find this bracket here: Twin Flexible Arm Macro Flash Bracket

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dynamic-perceptions-timelapse

Whoa!! It's on on on. Mail bag box Monday includes two very exciting boxes that combined is one awesome rig. Been waiting on this one for a while, too bad I didn't have it a few weeks earlier for my Hawaii trip.

I'm not only thinking just Photography. I didn't get to dive in completely but it's variable speed might be used to create the smoothest, slowest, and most consistent video slide ever. It's definitely a great looking, solid built, light weight tool. I opted in for just 4 feet since I was a bit worried about the weight, but thinking I should have gone for something a bit larger. It's in a bunch of pieces that need some assembly, so i'll drag it back to the lair this evening and see if I'm smart enough to get this thing rockin'. I can't wait to see some of the results from it's use.

If you're still wondering what i'm talking about, the image below will be your first clue. The only thing this rig is missing is the Cooler full of Beer and Portable BBQ grill which I assume is standard issue when out shooting. Luckily I have a few of those items available. By the way, it's still in Beta so it's not ready to be shipped. Having said that anyone down to spend a few hours possibly this week / weekend testing this bad boy out?

dynamic-perceptions-timelapse-stage-zero
Click Image to View Video

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Available at BHPHOTOVIDEO.com:
Letus35 Talon K2
Letus35 Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder

Here's an older video about the Letus35 Letus Hawk DSLR Viewfinder and Letus Talon K2 rig. The video is really only 21 days old, but I heard a bit in the pipeline that there will be some additional gear available for the Hawk VF's to make them more modular with a quick release. So what you see in the video above will just get better.

Letus-hawk-vf-aluminum

Just a reminder for those who were really impressed about the Letus Hawk View Finder, but weren't keen on the Hawk VF Carbon Fiber design, the brand new Letus Hawk VF Aluminum version is estimated to be available in 3 days. All the gear they have available now will be compatible with the new gear you should be hearing about soon. Here's the link to the new Aluminum Version soon to be released: https://www.letusdirect.com/cart/letus-hawk-aluminum.html

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Really bad Mockup (fake image below)
Remote-LCD-LCDVF-viewfinder

I posted this article back in June: http://cheesycam.com/route-of-the-new-lcd-viewfinders/

Check out the new comment from Steve Weiss of Zacuto: https://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=33&t=19404&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10

There's at least one remote electronic view finder w/ Loupe prototype in use, and other manufacturers have hinted about making the same. Looks like we'll have some new DSLR products early next year. Unless other people can release something before Zacuto. This new type of remote view finder makes lots of sense. It will be more compatible with the different types of articulating screens, different screen sizes, and different camera manufacturers. Let's just hope there will be at least one version that is 'affordable' to the masses.

Just another thought, i'm guessing to keep the Z-Finder compatible with the new view finder, the new EVF will be about the same aspect ratio as the 5D Mark II LCD. Isn't the new Cinevate Cyclops compatible with the 5D Mark II LCD and also with the Canon 60D articulating LCD? Meaning a Cyclops + this new Zacuto EVF could be an interesting mix.....

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cinevate-cyclops-dslr-viewfinder

Just received an email from Cinevate that they have officially announced the availability for pre-order of their unusually different take on DSLR viewfinders - the Cyclops. I don't think in my history i've ever used a Dual Eye viewfinder on a video camera, but it's not like Cinevate to be working on something they didn't think was needed. Who knows, it may change all DSLR view finder design considerations from here on out.

You can get a deeper insight on the complete design and versatility to adapt to full size rigs by checking out the video here: https://www.vimeo.com/14670278. The Cinevate website product page shows that the early birds who might be interested can catch a break for $399, with pricing set to go up soon after. That product page can be found here: Cinevate Cyclops DSLR Viewfinder Product Page

cyclops-cinevate-viewfinder

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Den Lennie's got a hands on review of the highly anticipated Canon 60D. Shows us on video what relative size looks like and some information about Canon's first DSLR articulating LCD screen. There's also a sneek showing Canon's latest Zoom / Fisheye combination lens and Manual Audio levels with some type of new filtering. Pretty cool stuff, which may change some disappointment on the lack of ground breaking technology everyone was hoping for. There's some very small features that definitely addresses some of the short comings of the Canon T2i and even the Canon 7D, so is the extra few hundred dollars worth an upgrade for T2i users? As usual will be hard to locate once it's officially released, i'm just hoping my early jump from this article will pay off: http://cheesycam.com/another-hot-item-to-pre-order-canon-60d/

canon-60d-lcd-screen
click to pre-order Canon EOS 60D from Canon Store – Amazon

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Nikon is hitting the market pretty hard with some new rebates. Many of these rebates are available in combination kits of DSLR body and fancy Lenses saving you up to $1100 dollars total on some deals. Here's the links to some of Nikons most popular DSLR's, the D300s and D700 in combination with some of Nikon's most popular lenses - via BHPHOTOVIDEO.com.

nikon-d300s-rebates

Rebates for Nikon D300s DSLR and Lenses
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera with 18-200mm VR II Lens
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera with 16-85mm VR Lens
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera with 18-200mm VR II & 70-300mm VR Lenses
Nikon D300s Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Nikon D300s Digital SLR Camera Kit w/ AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Nikon D300S SLR Digital Camera Kit
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera with 14-24mm & 24-70mm f/2.8G Lenses Kit
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera and Lens Kit
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera with 3-Lens Kit
Nikon D300s SLR Digital Camera Body with AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 Lens

nikon-d700-kits
Rebates for Nikon D700 DSLR and Lenses
Nikon D700 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR Lens
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera Kit w/AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera Kit w/Nikkor 24-120mm VR & 70-300mm VR Lenses
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera w/ Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Lens Kit
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera w/ Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II Lens Kit
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera Kit w/70-200mm f/2.8G VR II & 16-35mm f/4G VR Lenses
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera w/ Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G & 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II Lens Kit
Nikon D700 Digital SLR Camera with 3-Lenses Kit

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cinevate-cyclops-viewfinder
Cinevate Cyclops DSLR Rig / Viewfinder

Cinevate is really on the ball with DSLR innovation. It seems like they are always one step ahead of everyone else when it comes to different rigs, support systems, and accessories. Just caught this video that first talks about their inexpensive Cinevate DSLR Camera Grip, and then towards the middle provides a sneak peek into their new Cinevate 'Cyclops' viewfinder system.

cinevate-handle
Cinevate DSLR Camera Grip

The Cyclops two-eyed viewfinder is the most different thing i've seen in a while as far as DSLR products go. I'm not really sure what to say about it just yet as there's not much information posted on their website. There is a bit more information via Cinema5D Jared Abrams' quick take video on YouTube.

Cinevate seems pretty active over at Vimeo, so you can leave your questions and comments at the video link: https://vimeo.com/14220163