What Photography Related Item Have You Bought or Sold This Week?

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The Canon RF 14-35 L f/4.0 that I bought a few days ago just arrived today. I've not had a chance to really try it out yet, other than a few lame shots around the house. Hope to get out with it tomorrow and see what sort of shots I can get around town.
 
Well, I just succumbed to another GAS attack. No sooner did my new RF 14-35 arrive than I "pre-ordered" the new Canon RF 45mm f/1.2. I know it's not a perfect lens, and certainly not on the level of the RF 50mm f/1.2, but from all the "pre-production" reviews I've seen from trusted sources, it looks like an amazing lens for the sub-$500 cost. What's not to love?
 
Ordered this for my storm chasing and dusty farm photographic journeys My camera store cant keep up with demand its all they use for cleaning Edit theres other brands beside this one

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Ordered this for my storm chasing and dusty farm photographic journeys My camera store cant keep up with demand its all they use for cleaning Edit theres other brands beside this one

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That looks very interesting Peter. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts after you have used it a bit.
 
The other day, Canon announced the RF 45mm f/1.2, alongside the new R6 Mark III. From some of the “pre-production” video reviews I’ve seen, it promises to be one heck of a lot of bang for the buck. It’s not an L lens, but it does seem solid, with a metal, albeit not weather-sealed, base.

Again, from some of the reviews (from sources I’ve come to trust), it looks like image quality is going to be excellent. Maybe not as excellent as a much more expensive 50mm f/1.2 L lens, but excellent for a sub-$500 lens. Seems to me this could be a perfect opportunity for the enthusiast photographer to get into the f/1.2 world without the need for a second mortgage. 🙀

Yesterday, my new RF 14-35 f/4 arrived. It’s a lens I had been ruminating over for several months now, so it wasn’t an impulse buy. However, also yesterday, I pre-ordered the new RF 45mm f/1.2. This was a bit of an impulse buy, but truth be told, I had been contemplating something to replace my aging EF 50mm f/1.4 for some time now. I was never completely happy with the EF 50 f/1.4, which I had to use with an adapter. I’d been thinking about giving up 2/3 of a stop and getting the RF 50mm f/1.8 as the f/1.4 and f/1.2 versions were just not justifiable (for me) at $1450 and $2600, respectively.

Then Canon goes and released this new 45mm f/1.2 for an amazing $469! After watching several preproduction reviews, I decided this would be a great option to replace my EF lens, so I went ahead and pre-ordered this new Canon lens. I’ll be selling my EF lens to offset the cost a little bit. For me, 45mm is close enough to 50, and in fact maybe a little better since it’s a little wider but still very close to the 50 we’ve all come to know and love.

Has anyone else seen the new RF 45mm f/1.2? What are your thoughts? Anyone planning to pre-order, or maybe you’re smarter than I was and will wait until real-world reviews come out?
 
Reference my earlier post about just acquiring the RF 14-35 f/4 L lens. Well, right after I ordered the lens, I also ordered a skin for it from Alphaqvrd. I opted for a carbon fiber looking skin - something that would look classy, yet not draw undo attention. I put skins on all my lenses so that, in the event I ever sell them, they might be in a little better condition that if I just carry them around in a bag unprotected.I know some people poo poo the idea of skins, but I'm sold on them for my lenses and my camera.
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Reference my earlier post about just acquiring the RF 14-35 f/4 L lens. Well, right after I ordered the lens, I also ordered a skin for it from Alphaqvrd. I opted for a carbon fiber looking skin - something that would look classy, yet not draw undo attention. I put skins on all my lenses so that, in the event I ever sell them, they might be in a little better condition that if I just carry them around in a bag unprotected.I know some people poo poo the idea of skins, but I'm sold on them for my lenses and my camera.
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Nice
 
Reference my earlier post about just acquiring the RF 14-35 f/4 L lens. Well, right after I ordered the lens, I also ordered a skin for it from Alphaqvrd. I opted for a carbon fiber looking skin - something that would look classy, yet not draw undo attention. I put skins on all my lenses so that, in the event I ever sell them, they might be in a little better condition that if I just carry them around in a bag unprotected.I know some people poo poo the idea of skins, but I'm sold on them for my lenses and my camera.
View attachment 40939
Looks nice. I am curious, have you ever removed a skin from a lens or camera? I recently sold my EOS R with a skin on it. I was afraid to try to remove it for fear of removing some of the camera's finish in the process. The skin had been on there for about 2 years at least and showed zero signs of peeling.
 
Looks nice. I am curious, have you ever removed a skin from a lens or camera? I recently sold my EOS R with a skin on it. I was afraid to try to remove it for fear of removing some of the camera's finish in the process. The skin had been on there for about 2 years at least and showed zero signs of peeling.
Yes, with a lens, and there were no problems. The skins did not leave any residue and did not damaged the lens. Alphagvrd recommends using a heat gun (on LOW) and lightly heating the skin to make it easier to remove, but that is not required. I've had teh skin on my R5 for close to three years and it has held up very well. I think I will change it out maybe next spring just to change things up a bit.
 
Yes, with a lens, and there were no problems. The skins did not leave any residue and did not damaged the lens. Alphagvrd recommends using a heat gun (on LOW) and lightly heating the skin to make it easier to remove, but that is not required. I've had teh skin on my R5 for close to three years and it has held up very well. I think I will change it out maybe next spring just to change things up a bit.
Thanks for the information.
 
Samsung T7 Shield 4 TB Portable SSD. Expected delivery... 5-9 hours from now.

I don't know if paying extra for the word Shield, but Samsung claims:
"WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Performance and reliability from the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 20036..."

I am really impressed.
 
Two-Factor Unimpressed. First the Samsung T7 is only for a backup of a single drive while using their Proprietary software, and second only once in five tries did my ASUS ProArt P16 running Windows 11 Pro recognize the external drive attached to the USB-C port.

Expecting a SanDisk 4TB Extreme to be delivered before my first cup of coffee tomorrow. I double checked: Drag and Drop will work.

 
Maven Filter adaptor rings and front caps.

When Maven filters first started selling their Magnetic filters (on a Kick-starter campaign) I bought a set of 77mm filters (included polarizer, a UV "splash" guard, a circular polarizer and three different ND filters, 3, 6 and 10-stop). However, that kit only came with one 77mm magnetic adapter ring and one front cap. I now have three lenses with 77mm filter threads, so I decided to buy two more 77mm adaptor rings and a couple more front covers (their version 2 covers) so that I could keep the Maven filter adapters on all three lenses with their magnetic front caps. This just makes it easier to use the filters on any of those three lenses without the need to move the adapter ring from one lens to the other.

For what it's worth, I highly recommend Maven Magnetic filters. Anyway here is a picture of my 77mm lenses with the Maven adaptors and front covers (the camera has my 14-35 lens with the first generation filter cap. The other two lenses are the 24-105 and the 70-200, both with the new adaptors and the new version 2 style front cap (the raised center part makes it easier to pull off and put on).

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Latest purchases: Oben GH3W-15 3-Way Geared Head for $149 and the Nanuk 15L messenger bag. I've had the Oben on my list for almost a year. Recent night-time shoots and a 3-year-old video about panoramic shots finally convinced me to get it.



 
Samsung claims:
"WORLD’S #1 FLASH MEMORY BRAND: Performance and reliability from the world’s #1 brand for flash memory since 20036..."
So, assuming a 5-year warranty, the Shield is protected for 18,016 years! Great find.
 
So, assuming a 5-year warranty, the Shield is protected for 18,016 years! Great find.
The problem I see is that you have to wait 18,016 years before your Samsung SSD is #1 in the world. At least Samsung is a forward looking and optimistic company.

All jokes aside, while I don't own an external ssd from Samsung, I do have two Samsung m.2 internal ssd drives and they have been flawless and very fast over the last year.
 
Our Photo club has a really good presentation on making slow motion videos of wildlife with our cameras, something I have never tried. I experimented with this technique and realized that a fluid head really helps with slow even camera movement when using a tripod. I found this one by Weyllan on Amazon as well as a leveling base by the same company, less than $100 for both.

The overall quality is good, it's all well machined aluminum with steel screws where needed. Not sure why but the bottom of the leveling base has a 3/8" threaded whole for mounting to a tripod but the screw on top where you would mount your head is 1/4" so they give you an adapter to screw into the tripod head for attaching.

Overall it works smoothly, there is no tension adjustment, only thumbscrews to lock the head in place for panning and tilting but that doesn't bother me as the tension is set just fine for me.
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After some confidence-shaking episodes with the R5II / EF 70-200 on a Benro RoadTrip tripod (17.6 lbs max) I did some research and got a Robus RCC-3060 (30 lbs). I've used the Benro for three years and I'l still use it with some of my less weighty lenses.

I also considered Charles 2.0 from 3 Legged Thing, the Manfrotto MT055CXPRO3, and the Benro TMA37C Mach 3 ($229 used from MPB). But this one ticked the weight-bearing/portability/price boxes, and besides that it comes with a ball head. B&H has it for a discounted holiday price right now.




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Took advantage of the Black Friday Canon Refurb's and likely my last two (suuuuure0 RF lenses: RF 100 2.8 L Macro and RF 50 1.4 L VCM. Now covered from 14-500 mm.

Next will be a backup body.

Also grabbed this guy which I think is amazing for the price: https://viltrox.com/products/z3-camera-flash?variant=42542503493698

AND, they just dropped the price, darn it :)

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I jumped on a refurb deal for an RF 14-35/4L this morning. That's kind of the last lens I had on my list and I've been watching for one, so I think I'm done for a little bit. I've been hanging on to a few EF lenses and a couple of RFs that haven't worked out. I think it's time to let those go.
 
I needed a new backpack as the old one the zipper was getting stuck because of the design of where it zips versus the pole handle. So I ordered and received a Holdland backpack and so far I’m quite impressed with it. Some of the small pocket features are quite impressive. Seems good quality design for the money. Plus, I love the color.
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I jumped on a refurb deal for an RF 14-35/4L this morning. That's kind of the last lens I had on my list and I've been watching for one, so I think I'm done for a little bit. I've been hanging on to a few EF lenses and a couple of RFs that haven't worked out. I think it's time to let those go.
Congrats! I just picked up that lens too after much internal debate with myself about whether to get that lens or the more expensive 15-35 f/2.8 or the slightly cheaper 16-28 f/2.8. Now that I’ve had it for a few weeks, I think I made the right choice.
By the way there’s no such thing as “the last lens” 😝
 
New Condition 1 hardshell travel case.
I have used Pelican cases before and know they are great cases (note, I’ve not owned them but have used them a lot with work-related jobs before I retired). After watching a LOT of reviews for both of the Condition 1 #300 and the Pelican 1510, I decided to pull the trigger on the Condition 1. They both are made of essentially the same materials, so I’m sure they are both close enough in strength and durability. They were both close to the same sale price currently. The things that pushed me towards the CD-1 #300 case over the Pelican 1510, are the following:

  1. A big factor for me was the difference in wheels. Besides using this case for travel, I’ll also be using it outdoors and in some rough terrain. I was very impressed with the wider, more robust “all terrain” rubberized wheels on the CD-1 #300 compared to the thick hard-plastic wheels on the Pelican. (At least they “seem” more robust - we shall see).
  2. The version of the CD-1 I bought comes with an in-lid organizer (which I definitely want) whereas the Pelican 1500 currently on sale for close to the same price has an egg-crate foam lid insert. I’d have to pay additional $$ for those lid inserts with the Pelican.
  3. The divider inserts with the pelican case are thinner and stiffer than the dividers that come with the CD-1. I have a large aluminum camera box with the stiffer type of dividers and I also have a camera bag with the padded, more flexible dividers like the CD-1. It’s just subjective personal preference, but I prefer the softer, thicker “camera bag-like” dividers.
  4. In reviews comparing the two, I like that the handles on the CD-1 #300 are completely padded 360° where the Pelican is only padded on the underside of the handles.
I know Pelican makes great cases, and they certainly have a good reputation, but I’ve decided to give the CD-1 a try as it does seem to compare favorably with the Pelican. Both have limited lifetime warranties.

The Condition 1 #300 22" Camera Hard Case:

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The Pelican 1510 Hard Case that was also on sale I which I was considering.
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Ordered this for my storm chasing and dusty farm photographic journeys My camera store cant keep up with demand its all they use for cleaning Edit theres other brands beside this one

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My 'squeeze-bulb-blower' just wasn't cutting it, so I ordered one of these from Amazon. I'm looking forward to trying it out.

...And oh yeah, I bought a Sony A7CR. Please don't hate me or vote me off the island.
 
Congrats! I just picked up that lens too after much internal debate with myself about whether to get that lens or the more expensive 15-35 f/2.8 or the slightly cheaper 16-28 f/2.8. Now that I’ve had it for a few weeks, I think I made the right choice.
By the way there’s no such thing as “the last lens” 😝
For the most part, mirrorless has cured my GAS. The gear is so expensive. I'm just settling on the F/4L trilogy plus a bird lens.

I usually outfit all my hobbies with quality used gear. With EF gear there was a robust used market. I could buy a lens for a few hundred dollars, try it out, then sell it for what I paid for it if I wanted to try something else. In 2021/2022, I had 30 lenses pass through the quiver.

So what have I learned from all that? That trilogy set of lenses is there for a reason. There is very little I shoot that can't be covered well with one of those lenses. Everything else is either not as good, not as versatile or fills a specific purpose at an enormous cost.

So my arriving-Tuesday 15-35/4L just completes a set that took me a couple of years to put together. I've been watching the black friday ads and the Canon refurb site, just shaking my head. There's nothing I need at the moment that warrants a four-figure plunkdown.
 
For the most part, mirrorless has cured my GAS. The gear is so expensive. I'm just settling on the F/4L trilogy plus a bird lens.
My RF trilogy, if you will, is the RF 14 to 35mm f/4, the RF 24 - 105 f/4, and the RF 70-200 f/4. Do you see a pattern there? For 99% of what I shoot, I just never saw the reason to go with F/2.8 versions. I rarely need that wide of an aperture, so why would I spend that much money for something I rarely use? Also, I hike a lot and like to keep things light.

I also have a bird lens, which is a sigma 150-600mm which I’ll probably sell one day in hopes of getting the RF 100-500.

I do have a couple other “specialty” lenses for specific tasks. I have the RF 85 f/2.0 and an old EF 50 f/1.4 for portraits and an EF 135 f/2.0 which is a great portrait lens and also my go-to lens for indoor activities like rodeos and indoor sports where the action isn’t super far away. I also have an EF 300mm f/4 which I use a lot when shooting hummingbirds. Finally, I have a Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 which is my primary night sky lens. I also have a few old FD mount lenses that go with my old Canon T70, but I can adapt them to the R5?if I don’t mind strictly manual focus.

Holy cow, when I write it all out like that, I have a heck of a lot of glass! (Collected over the course of a few decades).

Oh did I mention that I’ve pre-ordered the new RF 45 f/1.2? In my defense, I do plan to sell my EF 50 f/1.4.
 

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