OFFICIAL: CANON EOS 5D Mark III - User Thread - Part 5


Just got my 5Dm3 + 16-35mm f4 + 70-200mm f4, any tripod to recommend ?
 

Just got my 5Dm3 + 16-35mm f4 + 70-200mm f4, any tripod to recommend ?

Congratulations on your 5D3 and lens. Welcome to the 5D3 club!

For a good tripod, I would recommend the brand Sirui. However, I would also recommend that you test, test, test and then test some more of the various brands and models available. You may prefer Manfrotto, Gitzo or Benro... whatever the case, don't repeat the mistake that I made...

In the beginning, I really didn't put a lot of importance towards the purchase of a tripod. To me, it was just a minor accessory. I just went out and bought one and soon realized that I had made a big mistake! The first tripod I bought, was a Manfrotto 190. I thought that I had made a good purchase but on the very first use, I quickly learned that it was far too short for me. I sold that model within a week or two and got something bigger. The second one also didn't meet my needs completely... it was too big and bulky and not suited for travelling. Finally, I went to the stores and tested, tested, and then tested some more of the various brands and models.

I settled on a carbon fibre Sirui which met needs like a tightly fitted glove.

My recommendation is to do the same. Set aside a few hours... even days if you have too... and go to the stores and test them thoroughly before settling on one. I did most of my testing at Cathay Photo and TK Foto. There may be other stores that could help you also but I found that these stores had sales people that were helpful, knowledgeable and patient. The sales people can advise and guide you based on your needs and budget but the ultimate choice has to be your own. There is no one tripod that can meet every single need, but if you can find one that meets most of your major needs, then that is the one to buy.

Good luck.
 

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Totally agree with above! My first tripod is the cheap benro.. Cost me 200sgd.. But it was good until one day when I lost one of the leg when I use it as monopod. Isn't it awesome to have a tripod and monopod interchangeable? Hahaha.. Then I got my 2nd tripod. Sirui! It is an awesome tripod, carbon fiber yet cost less than 400.. With a 20kg ballhead some more! However this didn't meet what I'm doing. I'm a product photographer.. Precision adjustment is vital! Ballhead simply can't perform as good as I want.. End up get another gear head that cost the same as the tripod. Manfrotto 410 junior gear head.
So tripod is not only the height and weight..
What comes with it is the most important head! Don't go for cheap one (my suggestion). A good one can last u probably a lifetime! It's not like camera that got shutter count.. Tripod will do well! Servicing probably only need to oil it up! :D
 

Sirui is not bad. Mine is a traveller CF series. 1.2kg :)
 

welcome to 5dm3 world...agree on the above, test and try in stores also..
 

Hi all
Any 5D MK III user using Sigma new 50mm F1.4 Art lens? I wanted a prime lens for shooting baby photos. Not sure if the Art Lens is worth getting.

Good recommendations welcome.
 

Hi all Any 5D MK III user using Sigma new 50mm F1.4 Art lens? I wanted a prime lens for shooting baby photos. Not sure if the Art Lens is worth getting. Good recommendations welcome.

50 art is not bad.. Some even says its sharper than the 1.2L
 

Hi all
Any 5D MK III user using Sigma new 50mm F1.4 Art lens? I wanted a prime lens for shooting baby photos. Not sure if the Art Lens is worth getting.

Good recommendations welcome.

Personally, I find 50mm a bit tight for baby photos. It might be fine initially when they don't crawl yet. But when they start crawling (just a few months later), you may require something wider like 35 or even wider.

Personally, I'll prefer flexibility with 2470, over primes in this case.
 

Thanks for the advise.
Your 24-70 is referring to the F2.8 or F4?
 

Thanks for the advise.
Your 24-70 is referring to the F2.8 or F4?

I would agree with the suggestion towards 24-70 lens or even a 24-105 (for greater range). Although a prime lens renders excellent IQ and in many cases greater apertures, they are quite limiting due to their focal stasis. Certainly if a prime lens is non-negotiable the 35mm lens would be preferable than a 50mm lens for kid captures due to its wider aptitude.

The 24-70 f/2.8 would be preferable over the f/4 version if indoor captures are predominate. If the majority of the photos will be taken outdoors, then the f/4 would be more than adequate.
 

Thanks for the advise.
Your 24-70 is referring to the F2.8 or F4?

As mentioned by raydio, it depends mainly on where you will be shooting.

if you are shooting mainly indoors with bad lighting, f2.8 will be preferred.
 

Hi all, Just got the 5D mark III, using the 24-70mm f2.8 mark 1.
i'm loving every picture the 5D produced.

on a side note.. does anyone ever heard of this brand "Peak Design"
there's a particular product called "Slide", it's a strap though.
wonder anyone have used it before?

and have anyone ever used the 5D in countries where temperature are about 5 - 10 degrees?
 

Hi all, Just got the 5D mark III, using the 24-70mm f2.8 mark 1.
i'm loving every picture the 5D produced.

on a side note.. does anyone ever heard of this brand "Peak Design"
there's a particular product called "Slide", it's a strap though.
wonder anyone have used it before?

and have anyone ever used the 5D in countries where temperature are about 5 - 10 degrees?

Congrats on the purchase.

Personally, I do not like the design of Peak Design... Still scares me about the ability to slide (take it) it off, accidents still do happen. *In the recent months, I prefer to use the handstrap only, rather than using the sling strap* (**I've not used the Peak Design thou.)

As for 5-10 degrees, Don't think there will be an issue with that. Just came back from a country where the weather is about -5 degrees, still alive and kicking.
 

Hi all, Just got the 5D mark III, using the 24-70mm f2.8 mark 1.
i'm loving every picture the 5D produced.

on a side note.. does anyone ever heard of this brand "Peak Design"
there's a particular product called "Slide", it's a strap though.
wonder anyone have used it before?

and have anyone ever used the 5D in countries where temperature are about 5 - 10 degrees?

I think I trust Carry Speed better..... this slide in slide out... Miss Q drop to the floor... ouch... :embrass:
 

I think I trust Carry Speed better..... this slide in slide out... Miss Q drop to the floor... ouch... :embrass:

I think I saw 1 video that carry speed bolt can be forced out from the plate.. I think by willy foo.. Not sure la.. Nowadays product, really not reliable..
 

I think I saw 1 video that carry speed bolt can be forced out from the plate.. I think by willy foo.. Not sure la.. Nowadays product, really not reliable..

I now use camdapter sling and their handstrap. Old school rifle sling type...
 

Hi all, have anyone ever used the 5D in countries where temperature are about 5 - 10 degrees?

The 5D responds very well in cold countries. I've used my 5D in Canada quite often. I was once out photographing the front of the parliament buildings in Ottawa for about 45 minutes in minus 25 degree weather with wind. The 5D performed flawlessly. In fact, I am more concerned about using and storing my camera in hot, humid countries than in cold ones because of sweat and extreme humid conditions (fungus and mold).

A few things to watch out for in colder countries:

1. When bringing your camera in from the cold into a warm environment, moisture will develop... condensation. Be sure that your camera is turned off. If you want to be extra careful put the camera in a zip lock bag before entering a warm environment and leave it in the bag for about 10 to 15 minutes until the camera is acclimatized to the warmer temperatures. You may even want to take out the battery as an extra precaution. Personally I've never done the last two items. I've simply turned off my camera and waited until the condensation disappears before turning it back on again.

2. Take an extra battery. In colder climates (particularly those in negative temps), batteries tend to dissipate their energy slightly faster. In my 45 minute experience in minus 25 degree weather, I used only one battery but I brought along another one just in case.

3. Dress warmly. Be sure to wear a warm jacket, gloves, scarf and one of the most important... a hat. The hat tends to trap the heat from escaping. Be sure that it covers the ears.

Cameras do quite well in extreme temps. It is our human bodies that tend not to do as well and we transfer those concerns to our electronic equipment. The modern automobile, with all its electronic gadgetry and computerized components performs very well in extremely cold conditions daily. I have driven quite comfortably in temperatures exceeding -40 degrees... my hands and feet are another story!
 

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Ahhhhh thanks everyone for the advices.

i just wanna find a comfortable strap to use for long term cuz u all know 5d heavy ehhh :x

gonna go japan soon. will try the camera on the cold weather :)
will post some pictures soon when i'm back ^^
 

you can try optech camera strap. reduce the weight and comfortable too.
 

Ahhhhh thanks everyone for the advices.

i just wanna find a comfortable strap to use for long term cuz u all know 5d heavy ehhh :x

gonna go japan soon. will try the camera on the cold weather :)
will post some pictures soon when i'm back ^^

If you like neck straps then currently I can only think of Optech. Of course there are others that will cost more like Artisan and Artist. I personally use handstrap from Peak Camera Design or Black Rapid slings.
 

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