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

[Bryan Conner]

I have the Sunwayforo Geared head also, which I use most for precision landscape framing. For that purpose it’s great.
What would you say differentiates this head from a ball? Just thinking about it seems like it would be somewhat restrictive in use?

It is restrictive in use, which is why, in my opinion, it needs to be mounted on a leveling base which gives you some lateral adjustment. But, this "restriction" is also what I like about it. It is much easier for me to get the camera level on the head after leveling the tripod head for panoramas. Even though my Linhof ballhead has adjustable resistance to keep the camera from "flopping", it is still difficult for me to loosen the head a bit with one hand to enable me to to move the camera on the head with the other hand. For me, this is partly because of the infinite possibility of movement direction of a ball head. I want to tilt the camera up a bit, but I instead tilt it up and a bit to the left. Sometimes, it feels like leveling a heavy camera/lens on my ballhead is like trying to herd cats. But that is just me. A head like the VH-30R will rotate and move up and down. So, when I get the head level using the leveling base, I can put my camera on the head and then the camera is level laterally and I only have to level it up and down. It isn't easy for me to explain it. I didn't understand it myself until I tried a small version on my monopod.

For me, each type of head has its place and each type has advantages and disadvantages.

 

[PKM-UK]

Pulled the trigger on some new processing tech - now awaiting a Mac Studio M4 Max 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 12-Core NE, 64GB UM, 2TB SSD.

(And, of course, the bill... ).

Phil

 

[BasilFawlty]

Pulled the trigger on some new processing tech - now awaiting a Mac Studio M4 Max 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 12-Core NE, 64GB UM, 2TB SSD.

(And, of course, the bill... ).

Phil

Congratulations! That’s the same configuration I plan to upgrade to (from loaded M1 iMac), with the exception of the SSD. I’ve determined to only upgrade to 1TB then build my own external 4TB for a lot less than what Apple charges for SSD.

 

[PKM-UK]

Congratulations! That’s the same configuration I plan to upgrade to (from loaded M1 iMac), with the exception of the SSD. I’ve determined to only upgrade to 1TB then build my own external 4TB for a lot less than what Apple charges for SSD.

Cheers!

A bit of soul searching in choosing the final specs, given Apple's eye-watering upgrade costs, but having assessed our current set-up (MacBook Pro M1 Max 10-Core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 12-Core NE, 32GB UM, 1TB SSD + 2x 4TB external SSD's - and a 10TB HD TimeMachine) we stumped up for the 2TB internal.

I think 2TB will be a worthwhile upgrade for our needs, but I fully understand your preference for external SSD's (ours have been absolutely seamless in use).


(Karen managed to get us a small discount on the deal, which helped to soften the blow a smidge... ).

Phil

 

[BasilFawlty]

Karen managed to get us a small discount on the deal, which helped to soften the blow a smidge...

That’s great! I can get a 10% discount when I buy with my veteran’s discount. It’s not much but I’ll take it.

 

[Hali]

Cheers!

A bit of soul searching in choosing the final specs, given Apple's eye-watering upgrade costs, but having assessed our current set-up (MacBook Pro M1 Max 10-Core CPU, 32-Core GPU, 12-Core NE, 32GB UM, 1TB SSD + 2x 4TB external SSD's - and a 10TB HD TimeMachine) we stumped up for the 2TB internal.

I think 2TB will be a worthwhile upgrade for our needs, but I fully understand your preference for external SSD's (ours have been absolutely seamless in use).


(Karen managed to get us a small discount on the deal, which helped to soften the blow a smidge... ).

Phil

That’s fabulous!!! It sounds like it is going to be an amazing editing machine! Glad you got a discount on it. I am a windows user but have a preference for Puget Systems machines which are not quite as pricey as that Mac is but close.

 

[StevenAunan]

I’ve determined to only upgrade to 1TB then build my own external 4TB for a lot less than what Apple charges for SSD.

This is the way.

 

[Bucolic Old Sir Henry]

Pulled the trigger on some new processing tech - now awaiting a Mac Studio M4 Max 16-Core CPU, 40-Core GPU, 12-Core NE, 64GB UM, 2TB SSD.

(And, of course, the bill... ).

Phil

Jealous! My M1Max Mac Studio is beginning to feel a little old in the tooth, so I'll be interested to hear how you get on with the M4.

Unfortunately, SWMBO needs a new iPad, and my 2018 iPad Pro was definitely arthritic dealing with RAWs from the R5ii on our last trip away from home, so those may have to come first...

 

[PKM-UK]

Jealous! My M1Max Mac Studio is beginning to feel a little old in the tooth, so I'll be interested to hear how you get on with the M4.

Unfortunately, SWMBO needs a new iPad, and my 2018 iPad Pro was definitely arthritic dealing with RAWs from the R5ii on our last trip away from home, so those may have to come first...

Hi Gareth,

still looks like being towards the back end of April for delivery - once it's set up I'll try to post a few NR/ Processing comparisons vs my MacBook Pro.

Between now and then our new NAS gear * may be arriving, at which time I will be disappearing down a rabbit hole into a world of tech pain (and fun).

(* Synology DS1522+ DiskStation with 48TB of HDD's/ providing a 21.8TB RAID).

Phil

 

[Bryan Conner]

I didn't think to include my pc build (self-built) in this context, but I do use it for photography purposes so here goes...and it was a few weeks ago.

intel i9 13900F processor
64gb DDR5 memory (2x32GB) 6000M/Ts
Samsung 990 Pro 2tb NvME M.2 SSD as C drive
Samsung 980 1tb NvME M.2 SSD as current year image storage and Lightroom Catalog storage.
Gigabyte RTX 4060 Gaming OC graphics card

I also have an external HDD for image archiving and some internal HDDs/or SSD for photography books etc, along with my private business data.

It is the most responsive PC I have ever had in terms of Lightroom, even though I mostly use Bridge/ACR/Photoshop. It did make Lightroom fun again, which I use for the occasional print.

 

[Grahamk]

Hi Gareth,

still looks like being towards the back end of April for delivery - once it's set up I'll try to post a few NR/ Processing comparisons vs my MacBook Pro.

Between now and then our new NAS gear * may be arriving, at which time I will be disappearing down a rabbit hole into a world of tech pain (and fun).

(* Synology DS1522+ DiskStation with 48TB of HDD's/ providing a 21.8TB RAID).

Phil

C

Hi Gareth,

still looks like being towards the back end of April for delivery - once it's set up I'll try to post a few NR/ Processing comparisons vs my MacBook Pro.

Between now and then our new NAS gear * may be arriving, at which time I will be disappearing down a rabbit hole into a world of tech pain (and fun).

(* Synology DS1522+ DiskStation with 48TB of HDD's/ providing a 21.8TB RAID).

Phil

I’ll be very interested in any comparisons you can do. Beginning to think about upgrading my 2015 iMac which has served me well but is a little slow with some of the latest software.

 

[PKM-UK]

C

I’ll be very interested in any comparisons you can do. Beginning to think about upgrading my 2015 iMac which has served me well but is a little slow with some of the latest software.

Hi Graham,

I'll post some examples of NR and other 'timetable' processing tasks, once I get it set up. (Possibly linking some raw files you can download/ compare).

Phil

 

[RedCobra]

Just bought a Neewer fluid head to try on my R5 MkII and RF 100-300 f/2.8 on a smallish tripod to save wear and tear on my shoulder whilst camping out near the bird feeders. The ball head I have was not good for panning between feeders as I needed two hands to hold the camera and lens after releasing the ball head tension knob. Then reposition and tighten.

 

[Grahamk]

Hi Graham,

I'll post some examples of NR and other 'timetable' processing tasks, once I get it set up. (Possibly linking some raw files you can download/ compare).

Phil

Thanks Phil, looking forward to the results.

 

[StevenAunan]

I recently asked who was interested in the EOS R50 V, my own interest being a second body with better video capabilities than my R7. But then I found a refurbished R50 with the RF-S 18-45mm kit lens for $449 (currently $559). So I bought that and sold my R7 to MPB.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/refurbished-eos-r50-rf-s18-45mm-f4-5-6-3-is-stm-lens-kit?color=Black&type=Refurbished

I don't want the kit lens, but it's a cheap place to start. What I'd really like to see is an f/1.8 RF zoom lens like the Sigma EF 18-35mm that came out in 2013.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/967344-REG/sigma_18_35mm_f1_8_dc_hsm.html

 

[PKM-UK]

We’ve ordered the final piece of our home tech refresh - a Cyberpower UPS (CP1600EPFCLCD @ 1600 VA/ 1000 Watts) which will support our Synology DS1522+ 5-bay 48TB NAS DiskStation, 24TB WD Elements HD (on-site NAS back-up) and the - hopefully arriving soon-ish - Apple Mac Studio M4 Max.

(And 'yes' our bank account has been reduced to a sea of molten lava... ).

Phil and Karen

 

[RedCobra]

IFOOTAGE 71" Monopod with Fluid Head, Monopod for Cameras with Video Head,​

Bought this to hold the R5 MkII with the RF 100-300 f/2.8 to give my shoulders and arms a break.

 

[PKM-UK]

As promised a few MacBook Pro vs Mac Studio Max comparisons can be found Here.



Phil

 

[RedCobra]

GPU upgrade.
For those who have been complaining about slow response etc. in Adobe LrC:
I just up graded my box (i7 with 64 GB RAM) from a RTX 20-70 Super with 8GB VRAM GPU to a 5070 Ti Super with 16 GB VRAM GPU.
(Also required a new PSU to 850W)

Wow. What a speed difference.

 

[BasilFawlty]

Wow. What a speed difference.

Speed is good!

 

[Only RF]

KEH is in town tomorrow and my R7 is packed to go. I'm still on the fence about it as I packed and unpacked it twice. 3rd time is the charm - maybe? I have nothing negative to say about it except the loud mechanical shutter but I worked around that. Great AF and sharp images.

Last year I decided to only use my 100-500 on the R7. The 100-500 and the 1.4 on my R6II. It just seemed I enjoyed using my R6II more. I lose 100mm but I was stunned how well my R6II held up to cropping. I really liked using the R6II and the 100-500 without the TC for sports, etc. My RF 24-105 is a perfect fit for that body as well.

Rumoured R72 around the corner so I figured maybe it's time to take the plunge. I'll be interested in the R72, if it ever comes.

 

[Bryan Conner]

I purchased an isdt LP2 Air charger for my LP-E6 batteries. I had problems with my Nitecore UCN2 charger not working properly with some a couple of my batteries. Granted, I do not have any Canon batteries any longer, but have 4 Patona batteries (which are wonderful) and 2 Neewer batteries. All of these batteries work without a hitch in my Canon charger, but I like to use a double charger since I am a battery grip user.

The isdt LP2 Air charger is pretty unique. It can charge LP-E6NH, LP-E12, and LP-E17 batteries without any adapters etc. It is small, uses usb-c PD for power, not included so you have to either already have a USB-C PD adapter or you have to buy one. I bought one to be dedicated to this charger.

The charger also has an app (Android and Apple) which provides all charging data in real time while charging. The app also allows the user to change configurations such as whether to beep or not to notify when it is finished charging etc. Since the charger has the app for a smartphone, the charger itself is small since it doesn't have any type of display, only two very small LEDs to indicate charging or not charging etc.

It charged all of my batteries, 2 at a time, in a little less than 2 hours per pair. The batteries were discharged to whatever level a Canon EOS R stops working and needs new batteries (around 2% I think).

So far, I am very pleased with it. You can check it out here https://www.isdt.co/lp2air.html

Follow up on isdt LP2 Air Pro charger:

I just wanted to do a follow up over a year later on this purchase. The charger/app combo worked well for a while. However, in the last couple of months, the app would stop reporting the charging data for either one or both batteries when the charging was completed. I know that this data is not important to most people as the charger would fully charge two batteries in less time than the Canon charger can charge one. But, I am a data/testing nerd and I like to record as much data as possible to track my batteries' performance. I doubt that such an inexpensive device probably isn't the most precise, but it gave me a baseline of data to track.

The charger is recommendable because it does the job, but the accompanying app is not reliable. The charger is also particular about which usb charger adapter it is connected to. Interestingly enough, one of the adapters it doesn't play well with is one from the same manufacturer, isdt... .

And most importantly, isdt customer service still has not answered either of my two emails sent, the first several months ago, and the last one 4 days ago. So, I may keep it as a travel charger as it is very small and lightweight. Or it will be added to my stack of unused chargers that came with batteries purchased over the years.

 

[Only RF]

R7 went. There must be have been 15 people waiting for KEH. It was my dealers location so I asked it they wanted it. They did and plus I get the proportionate sales tax back.

 

[Only RF]

Ordered this today. I'm going to use my 2019, 27" iMac as a monitor via ethernet connections. When it's all hooked up I'll have to figure out how to get the migration assistant to transfer the data. I'm not sure how I will see the Mini on the iMac when I first start out. Starting to watch videos on that.

 

[MrSparks999]

Got one of these so i can charge batteries on the go. Works with LP-E6NH and LP-E6P. I am not associated with the company, just thought a good bit of kit for those that get out and about.

Link to it on UK Amazon:Battery Charger

 

[Bryan Conner]

Got one of these so i can charge batteries on the go. Works with LP-E6NH and LP-E6P. I am not associated with the company, just thought a good bit of kit for those that get out and about.

Link to it on UK Amazon:Battery Charger

View attachment 36797

Looks like you got the one with the built in powerbank. I considered buying the one without the powerbank, but decided on a different charger. Let us know how you like yours after you use it some.

 

[ShipleyNW]

Got one of these so i can charge batteries on the go. Works with LP-E6NH and LP-E6P. I am not associated with the company, just thought a good bit of kit for those that get out and about.

Link to it on UK Amazon:Battery Charger

View attachment 36797

These are the best. I've got two of them; one for LP-E6xx batteries and one for LP-E17 batteries.

I haven't used OEM Canon chargers for ... ever, and I've probably owned nearly a dozen varieties of aftermarket chargers. The Llano chargers are the best I've used.

 

[ShipleyNW]

Back when I first got into digital post processing, I found a Loupedeck CT console on Craigslist for $80, I think. I'm a pretty good (and recently retired) coder, and that device probably took 40 me hours to configure the way I wanted it.

Once I got it set up, it became part of my whole desktop system; just as important as my keyboard and mouse. Probably 70-80% of my Lightroom work was done using only the Loupedeck.

And then it crapped out. Cripes. I paid $80 for mine and it would take $600 to replace.

But I did find a used, but never configured Loupedeck Stream (co-branded with Razer) on Ebay for $150, so I bought that last week. The Stream is the top half of the CT. It doesn't have the extra multifunction dial, but I configure the Stream to take up the slack. I made backups of the CT configuration, and luckily the Stream could read that, so it only took me a few hours to move the functionality of the bottom half of the CT up to the top half that is the Stream.

It's all nice and shiny and it's holding its own on the desktop. It's not a CT, but I can live with it.

• Join to view EXIF data.

 

[Wings and Things]

Sadly parted company with my EF 100-400 Mk.II as well as the EF 1.4 Mk.III extender. On the plus side I now have the RF 100-400mm f5.6-8 IS USM. Main reason was weight and I am quite happy with the RF results. Maybe not quite on a par but good enough when my wife needs her RF100-500 L at the same time!

 

[ShipleyNW]

Sadly...

It is sad. I had a couple of EF lenses that were daily drivers but don't have an exact RF replacement. I've moved on without them, but it is sad.