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Thanks, I don't think I'll be getting anything bigger than 4x5 as my idea was to keep the weight sensible - the camera weighs only 200g more than a 5D Mark II and all three lenses combined weigh less than my old TS-E 24mm f3.5 L II! Of course, there's the dark cloth, double dark slides and such that I now need to carry which help to even the load up a bit, but I don't think I'd want to be carrying a 10x8 camera (and the heavier lenses required to get enough coverage for a 10x8 negative).

Having said that, I have been interested in a Fuji GX617 panoramic camera for some time... I'd have been more inclined to go that way if I lived up in the north of England, as the format better lends itself to the terrain up there. I will eventually get a 6x12 back for the LF camera though, which will be close enough (I think I prefer the 6x12 aspect ratio anyway).

When I start getting some images coming through it, I'll be sure to post some and I'll also provide some 100% crops to give an idea of the resolution I can achieve with it.

 

Poor Blackberry picture:



Canon 60D
Sigma 18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC OS

 

A new addition.

 

Not all my gear I wish... Mine is just the 7D, 10-22 & Sigma 24-70. This was a rental for the F1 trip

 

This was my camera setup earlier this year - the 50Ds and Sigma 17-70mm have gone, now I have a 5D and more 580EX IIs

50D x2, one with BG-E2 grip
1Ds2
Sigma 17-70mm
Canon 17-40L
Sigma 50mm 1.4
Sigma 105mm
Canon 70-200 2.8L IS

 

Lenny, how's that Sigma 1.4? I need to get myself a 50 1.4, and I don't know if I should just sink my money into a Nikkor one or get the Sigma. I've read many places that the Sigma is a better lens. Your view?

 

The Sigma is a very, very good lens, but...

The problem with Sigma is their quality control, particularly auto-focus calibration... I was fortunate to get a lens which focuses perfectly at f/1.4 and rarely misses a shot, but many people have had a really rough time with this lens, receiving either a front-focusing or back-focusing copy, and having to play ping pong with the Sigma repair service.

A good idea would be to buy a preowned copy of the lens which is assured by the seller to be a "good" unit; if not, you run the risk of getting a dud. It's one thing that really disappoints me about Sigma: optically, their lenses are top notch, but their quality control leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Yeah, exactly what I've heard! I NEARLY bought one a few weeks ago, but the whole front-focus/back-focus thing got me worried. I didn't even think of buying a pre-owned one. Thanks for suggesting that

 

FWIW the Sigma 50/1.4 was the most finicky and frustrating lens I've ever used let alone owned, which sucks because it has so much potential. I would absolutely stay away from buying the lens second hand, especially without any possibility of a return policy. This is a lens you'll want to buy from a retailer with a good return policy. Hell, I'd even buy multiple copies off the bat (which I did) and test them out--I tried four copies and none were acceptable.

 

This reminds me of the Canon forum - about one in five people (at the most) got a good copy of the lens; after what Vers said I definitely consider myself privileged to have a 100% perfect copy.

I had troubles with the lens at my most recent wedding, but it was the body and not the lens - my 1Ds2 nailed pretty much every shot whereas my 50D (which I no longer have) missed nearly every shot, ergo the 50D was sold and I had an excuse to get a second full frame camera.

 

I had a play with one on the weekend and its made me think about jumping ship from Canon. Its a great camera.

 

Added a Micro Nikkor 105 f2.8 AI-S to my collection. Got it off eBay for £230. (might have already mentioned it). Might not be 1:1 but it's not £600 (105 VR) so hey.

 

I've got this one and she's a beaut! I am reasonably sure it is a 1:1 though?

 

I have the Sigma 105mm Macro which is a 1:1 so I think you can safely assume that the Nikkor 105mm Macro is also 1:1.

If macro was something I did seriously I'd get the Canon 65mm macro in a heartbeat. 5:1 baby!!

 

No, its half that. You need an extension tube to get it to 1:1 same case as with the 55mm Micro AI-S.
Link;
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/nikkoresources/micronikkor/105mmicrof28.htm

 

There are two "older" versions of Nikkor's 105mm and the second one, introduced in 1990, does 1:1. Very confusing.

 

Where did you read that? The only bit I read was "w in reacting with an autofocus lens of same nature, this manual focus lens has actually remained as te sole Macro-offering in Nikon Product Catalogue at this specific focal length of 105mm until the Company eventually introduced an AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8s which finally provides a true 1:1 life size reproduction without any physical aid in accessory 6 years later in year 1990"

 

The lens Greg bought does only go to 1:2. Lookey here.
This is the 105 (non-VR) version that does 1:1.
And I hate to include this but there is this link as well.

 

Ah, yeah cheer for clearing that up, I thought greg and I had the same lens but obviously not

 

ARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH <Runs screaming in terrror from THE Ken.>