First light for 5D and Canon's 85mm f/1.8

[Octane]

All,

I photographed a beautiful wedding yesterday.

It was my first light with my new (second hand) 5D which complements my Mark II. I have always wanted one, and, now that I have one, I am more than happy.

Furthermore, the camera had just 7,800 actuations on it and I got it for an excellent price, in mint condition.

Recently, I purchased the 85mm f/1.8 lens as I wanted a dedicated head/shoulder(/torso) lens; I often shot at 200mm but wanted to be able to get up and close to my subject. At half the minimum focusing distance of the 70-200mm zoom or 200mm prime, my need has been fulfilled.

Attached are some images that were indicative of the day.

If any of you has the opportunity to bag a 5D or the 85mm lens, do yourself a favour, and don't hesitate.

The 5D is one of the finest cameras Canon ever made, with large pixels, a weak antialias filter, and 13-odd megapixels. It delivers superlative image quality and captures lots of light. An excellent portraiture camera.

My job was made so much easier yesterday, owing to the fact that the bride was beautiful, with a beaming natural smile. :)

I should also add that these images are directly out of Canon's Digital Photo Professional. Other than a smidgen of contrast and standard RAW sharpening/distortion/CA correction, these have virtually no processing done to them.

Large versions of these can be found here (http://users.tpg.com.au/octane2/anjenw.html).

Appreciate any critique, comments, etc.

Thanks for looking.

H

[troypiggo]

Killer combo, hey. Lovely set as usual. She does have a very natural smile in all shots there. Looks like she's loving the moment too.

[Dennis]

The bride is indeed beautiful and appears very natural and relaxed. The lighting is quite lovely – I suspect that producing such a beautiful portfolio was not a trivial or easy undertaking – congratulations!

Cheers

Dennis

[DavidTrap]

Nice shots H - great use of natural light sorts out the wheat from the chaff IMHO.

What about the f1.2 85mm?

I've got a mate in Melb who has one - I've only seen a couple of pics of his kids, but if I used Canon gear, that lens would be on my bucket list. I was just reading Ken Rockwell's review (I know he's not the be all and end all, but) - even he makes comment that the lens is useful for astronomy!

I hear what you're saying about the larger pixel sensors - I'm torn between waiting for the D800 at 36MP vs the 3yo 12MP sensor on the D700. I've used a D700 and the image quality is superb. I've also used a D7000 and the quality of the newer sensors is incredible too. Smaller pixels are associated with more noise in lower light conditions, but the high ISO performance of the newer chips just keeps getting better, despite the ever increasing MP count.

It will be interesting to read the reviews on the new Canon and Nikon cameras when the finally arrive. It's my birthday this week - lets hope Nikon give me a birthday present by releasing the D800!!!

DT

[hotspur]

Always difficult to photograph people,and trying to keep them relaxed and get a natural photo.This is a good result.I like #2 and #5 the most.#2-the eyes and smile-very nice,well done.These are all natural lighting?

[Octane]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the kind words!

Troy, she was relaxed throughout the whole day. I did notice that when she was getting out of the car at the chapel, that, she did lose her composure for a second; I guess it must have been the realisation of the enormity of what she was just about to do. :) And, yes, what a killer combination.

Dennis, thanks! It is often difficult, but, Jen was such a natural. Some people don't need any direction at all -- they can turn it on for the camera without a problem. Photographing people is not easy. But, I love, love, love the challenge! She was chimping the LCD every now and then and each time her jaw dropped. :)

David, the 85mm f/1.2L II USM is king hand grenade. I'd love one, but, I can't justify the cost at the moment. The 85mm is 1/4th of the price and delivers just as well. Perhaps it's lacking the colour/saturation/contrast pop of the L-series, but, for what it is, it works beautifully. I read many, many reviews before I bought the f/1.8. I will get the grenade, eventually, but, for now, this cheapie will do just fine. Next on my list is the EF 135mm f/2L USM, hopefully, in the next couple of weeks!

It will be interesting to see how the D800 performs. If you've got the funds, go bag yourself the D700. Another great camera. Full frame, all the way. :D

Chris, thanks! Yep, all naturally-lit. I never use flash in wedding photography. I do have ideas in mind for a staged shoot that will utilise the flash, but, I need a voice activated flash (assistant) to make that happen. Perhaps, sometime in the future.

Cheers, boys.

H

[leon]

Excellent result H, excellent model, so to speak and lovely natural colour and lighting, nice work indeed.

Leon

[Octane]

Thanks, Leon.

I wish I had bought the camera much sooner. It's hard finding the BG-E4 battery grip for it, though. Not many around. I want a genuine Canon one, and, not one of the Meike/eBay clones.

Got my eyes on some other older Canon gear at the moment, too. Just for the sake of collection and the occasional use. :)

Cheers.

H

[iceman]

Nice shots H, really love the eyes in the last one.

[Octane]

Mike,

Thanks, mate. She was a delight to capture!

H

[midnight]

I agree with the 85mm F1.8. When I was up in Perth a few weeks ago at my favourite camera shop, I ended up getting one. I would put it in the same basket as my 50mm F1.4 for quality and price. I think it's hard to beat for those a little budget conscious but don't want to compromise big time.

BTW, lovelly photos H! I like the B&W one with the isolation of the 2 girls. You know it's a wedding but that photo somehow has an extra dimension that the two girls are totally separated from the circus that a wedding sometimes ends up being.

Darrin...