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UER Mobile > Private Boards Index > Camera and Lense Talk > The camera gear you use most for UE (Viewed 4163 times)

post by Uzi-

The camera gear you use most for UE
< on 12/30/2010 4:47 AM >

My list of stuff.

Canon 7D tough, lots of custom settings, weather sealing (with sealed lens attached) I recently fell on ice while carrying this camera and ended up on top of it, landed between me and the frozen ground. I'm 6'2" 200lbs. and I ended up worse than the camera. I had a bruise outlined of the hotshoe on my hip and it's still sore the camera and lens despite being crushed by 200 falling pounds was fine.

Canon 10-22mm for interior stuff and total coverage of exteriors

Canon 50mm 1.8 awesome price, awesome image quality, great depth of field ability cheap build quality so-so auto focus. For $100 dollars new you can't go wrong.

Canon 28-135mm kit lens its rather soft in the corners but the center of the image is good. The usual zoom lens barrel and pincushion distortion, but its easily fixed with DPP (supplied camera software) decently built (was on camera in the incident mentioned above) and cheap to replace. Although if I broke it I would probably buy a 24-105L or something similar.

Craigslist special $25 dollar tripod.
Its ancient, way too heavy but solid as a rock and could bludgeon 100 zombie crackheads without damage. It also has a separate vertical mount plate that allows an extra lens (assuming it has its own tripod mount) or other accessory to be carried on it at the same time as the camera. As cheap and old as it was I wouldn't catch half the UE images I do without it. Get a GOOD SOLID tripod its worth it!

Pro master wireless remote trigger
The best $80 I've spent for UE related camera gear it works from 300'+ and can activate bulb mode if desired and also has a switch for 3 sec delay. Includes N3 pro-level and standard plug for rebel ect. Works awesome for self portraits if you want to climb something big or group shots or light painting......a million different uses.

Picture of it:

Circular polarizer filter its always on for outside shots.

Extra threaded studs for my tripod (its so old there's not one attached to the plate) nothing worse than bringing your tripod and not having the stud or plate to mount your camera to it.

Post up your most used UE gear or ad tips and tricks you've discovered along the way.

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post by maester

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 1 on 12/30/2010 5:17 AM >

Here's my list of stuff.

CAMERA

I use a Nikon D60. Some might say to get a more expensive camera, but I absolutely love my D60. It's fast, very mobile, and it takes fantastic pictures. The ISO starts to get really grainy after 400, which kind of sucks, but that doesn't bother me a lot. I usually shoot at 100-400. Sometimes I think people worry too much about the camera and not enough about how they use it. There's a professional photographer in my community who has thousands upon thousands in equipment and takes the most god-awful photos. Conversely, my uncle--who's a managing editor at Utata.org--has taken phenomenal photos on a cheap $200 point-and-shoot.

LENSES

1. Nikon 18-55mm
This is the lens that came with the camera, and overall it does pretty decent job. I shoot with a tripod, so I that helps a lot when I'm in a dark or dimly lit area. I do a lot of long exposure shots as well, so it's a necessity for that. The lens is very sharp at about 35mm and f/7-8. Dpreview.com has an interactive display of the sharpness at each zoom and aperture, so it's a good idea to check that out.

2. Nikon 55-200mm VR
This isn't the most expensive telephoto lens by any means, but it takes fantastic pictures whenever there's enough light to support a fast shutter speed (1/250 or higher). I don't use it much for urbex though.

3. Nikon f/1.8 35mm Autofocus
I just bought this lens a few days ago, and already I love it. I haven't used it yet for urbex, but there's a few things I've figured out. According to dpreview.com and other sites, the lens gets extremely sharp starting at f/2.8. That isn't to say, however, that it's no good with a larger aperture. I've taken some great photos already on f/1.8.

GEAR/ACCESSORIES

I have a wireless remote that I use to trigger the camera when I'm concerned about vibration and shake, and I also have a camera bag that holds 2 extra lenses but is small enough for urbex.

All of my lenses have UV filters to prevent unnecessary dirt and scratches from affecting the glass, and I also have a circular polarizer for use when I take outdoor photos. All of those are relatively cheap--especially the UV filters.

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post by \/adder

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 2 on 6/3/2011 7:13 AM >

Just got a brand new "refurbished" 7D, I am ecstatic and broke.

oh and I'm still keeping my 350D.

My top three lenses are the Sigma 10-20, Tokina 35mm, and Samyang 8mm.

I'm going to sell my 10-20 to upgrade to an 8-16 (already got a buyer)

and I may be in the market for a $600-800 telephoto because I've got an interview for a student photographer position at my college's university relations dept covering university events. I should be a shoe-in seeing as my photography professor listed me as his personal recommendation before I applied. Anyone got a recommendation for a $600-800 telephoto, 70-200(ish)?

[last edit 6/3/2011 7:14 AM by \/adder - edited 1 times]

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post by Uzi-

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 3 on 6/3/2011 2:55 PM >

Nice purchase vadder......I can't say enough about mine I think it's the best you can get in the canon world outside of a 1.3/FF sensor. I would scour CL and anything local for Canon 70-200 2.8 non IS or F4 non IS. You should be able to find the F4 for around $500 maybe less than 1K for a 2.8. I paid $950 for my non-IS 2.8 I played around with sigma/tamron 70-200's and decided to just save for the canon version too many AF/softness issues. If you want/need to catch action the 2.8 70-200 is unbeatable in its range (the II version is more amazing) but I don't have 2.5K to drop on a lens.

Edit: Your smart to keep your 350D. I wish I'd kept my 450D when I bought the 7D its nice to have a back up body or something to keep a second lens mounted on if your shooting an event where catching the moment is critical.

[last edit 6/3/2011 2:58 PM by Uzi- - edited 1 times]

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post by \/adder

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 4 on 6/3/2011 3:38 PM >

The other two lenses I was considering were the Tokina 80-200 f/2.8 (AT-X PRO) and the Canon 80-200 f/2.8 ("magic drainpipe" first L lenses) both have AFD motors but are still purported to focus pretty quick when paired with the 7D.

I won't buy a Tamron lens (worst lens manufacturer, IMO) and I won't buy a used Sigma. A new Sigma is just as expensive as a used Canon.

My sharpest lens is the $300 Tokina, I don't expect to buy glass that exceeds it until Canon releases the EF 24/2.8 USM and EF-S 11/2 sometime in the next two years.

I'm not sure if I need the extra stop or not, I can always bump up the ISO or underexpose and bring it back with minimal degradation in RAW. I'm leaning towards f/2.8 but still unsure. The job description is "covering university events" so basically a bit of everything.

I've read lot's of posts say the 80-200 f/2.8L is the way to go if you need the f/2.8 and it's sharper and almost as fast as the current gens. It's also a bit more discrete, not being fucking white.

The Tokina isn't quite as good as the "drainpipe" wide open but it's nearly identical in size, weight, AF, and sharpness at all other f-stops and I've seen a few floating around for sub $600.

Unless someone has a major objection to a
Used AT-X PRO 80-200/2.8
Used EF 80-200/2.8L
Used EF 70-200/2.8L
Refurbished 70-200 f/4L
I guess it'll come down to what I can get a deal on.

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post by Uzi-

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 5 on 6/3/2011 8:53 PM >

I don't have much experience with the Tokina I played with an 11-16 before I bought my 10-22 and I was pretty nice (well built/sharp) I just like the range of the canon better.

If their telephoto is comparable I'd probably use one.

I have a friend that got a Canon 70-200 F/4L off CL for $450 what a steal awesomely sharp lens for the money. I can't tell much difference between the 2.8 and F4 other than the aperture and price.

Go for the cheapest/best bang for your buck, your list looks pretty solid.

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post by RescueMe1060

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 6 on 12/11/2011 9:46 PM >

So when y'all buy new gear and lenses where do you buy from most often? websites or local mom and pop stores? I haven't been using my camera lately, as I don't have many ppl to explore with and none of my friends will go with me..

I figure since the holidays are coming, I could use some of the money I get to buy a nice fish eye or a slight upgrade from my stock lens...I have the Canon Rebel XS kit, any recommendations?

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post by \/adder

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 7 on 12/12/2011 2:29 AM >

bhphotovideo 1 day to ship, 1 day to arrive.
adorama 2 day to ship, 1 days to arrive.
buy.com or amazon if on sale.

Should note I will be selling my like new Rokinon 8mm I bought in the interim when I get my other copy back from NYPD hopefully January 10th.

Both copies have been razor sharp with crazy resolution and the focus ring dead on for both copies.

$200 plus shipping.

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post by Byberrian Fanman

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 8 on 1/20/2012 8:19 AM >

Bodies:

Nikon D40x: Purchased new from Ritz Camera. Predecessor to the D60; it's not the best body out there, but it does its job well enough. Apart from a cracked flash tube in the internal flash, I haven't had any problems with it.

Nikomat (Nikkormat, for Japanese market) FTn: Classic old (albeit forgotten) mechanical manual-focus film body, built like a tank. Plucked it out of a junk bin at a local camera store for $20. Mechanically, it functions flawlessly, although I'm still unsure about the meter.

Glass:

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX DG: Just plucked a lightly-used [good] sample off of Craigslist for $200. It's actually quite decent, at least on APS-C. It has a strong tendency to flare/ghost, but that's a typical trait for bulbous ultra-wides. I'll expect that this one will see a good bit of use, as it is now my widest optic. It's also the widest zoom that will actually work on manual-focus film bodies, as it has an aperture ring. It's a manual-focus lens on my body, as it's a screw-drive AF lens; the Tokina-style focus clutch is great if you want to lock the focus and don't want to fuck up by ending up shooting at the wrong end of the focus scale all night.

Nikkor 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S: Plucked off of Craigslist for $200 in near-mint condition. This is one of the sharpest lenses that I own, with resolution comparable to that of 50mm primes (I shit you, not). It has an unusually low level of barrel distortion and focuses down to 0.2 meters (1:4 magnification), acting as an excellent on-the-fly macro lens.. with creamy bokeh to boot.

Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Ai: This is quite possibly the sharpest of Nikon's 50mm lenses, sharper than the f/1.8 AF-D; it becomes obscenely sharp by f/2.8. It also has comparably decent bokeh for a 50mm prime.

Nikkor 105mm f/2.5 Ai-S: Picked up at a thrift shop for $25 in mint condition. Very sharp with very good bokeh, making it ideal for portraiture and scenes where creamy bokeh is desired. It's also a great general-use medium telephoto.

Nikkor 200mm f/4 Ai-S: Picked up at an antique shop for $12 mint in its case. Excellently sharp by f/5.6. It hasn't gotten much use yet, but it will serve its purpose.

Accessories:

52mm Tiffen neutral density (ND 0.9) filter: Great for time exposures without foolishly stopping down to the minimum aperture setting.
52mm Cokin circular polarizer filter: Self-explanatory.

Sunpak Auto 30 DX: Primary flash, as my internal flash is inoperable. It's an old TTL flash from the mid 80s, with manual settings and a nice rotating head. It's quite powerful.
Nikon SB-E speedlite: Picked up at a flea market for $2. Mediocre little thing, but it acts as a back-up and/or if I really need an off-camera light source.

Various tripods: Regular-size POS, collapsible travel-size (42") and a miniature with flexible legs capable of supporting 2 lbs. with ease. The latter two fit in my bag, just in case one of those impulse moments materializes.

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post by \/adder

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 9 on 1/28/2012 1:13 AM >

Is this board still alive?

Current setup:

7D
Sigma 8-16/4.5-5.6
Samyang 8/3.5
Tokina 35/2.8
Tamron 70-300/4-5.6 USD

_{taken with my Rebel XT and EF 50/1.8}

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post by Uzi-

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 10 on 1/28/2012 2:12 PM >

Its still alive not terribly active but still alive.

How's the 8-16 it looks like a nice lens from all the reviews I've read. How are you getting along with the 7D?

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post by \/adder

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 11 on 3/3/2012 5:13 AM >

Posted by Uzi-
Its still alive not terribly active but still alive.

How's the 8-16 it looks like a nice lens from all the reviews I've read. How are you getting along with the 7D?

7D has been absolutely wonderful. I see no reason to upgrade (not at a 3-4K loss to replace my APS-C lenses with FF equivs), haven't been going out as much as I'd like, but been really busy in college, and school comes first right?

Slightly disappointed in the 8-16's FOV @ 8mm it's about the same at web quality as a corrected fisheye:

But I suppose it's superior in that I don't have to guess at the composition. I somehow was expecting it to cover a wider FOV, guess the Samyang 8mm is king of the wide angles after all.

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post by Uzi-

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 12 on 3/3/2012 2:12 PM >

Posted by TheVicariousVadder

7D has been absolutely wonderful. I see no reason to upgrade (not at a 3-4K loss to replace my APS-C lenses with FF equivs), haven't been going out as much as I'd like, but been really busy in college, and school comes first right?

Good to hear I love mine too, I really want a FF or 1.3 crop in an older 1 series body but I don't think I'll do it until I can afford to keep the 7D too.

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post by Eastwood

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 13 on 3/5/2012 4:36 AM >

My current equipment is:

Bodies - Just picked up my first digital body in January(60D). I really wanted the 7D, but couldn't afford it, so I went with a 60D. I guess I just have to be a bit more careful in poor weather due to the lack of weather sealing. But I LOVE that all the controls on the back of the camera are to the right of the screen, all easily accessible with my thumb. I also find myself using the flip out screen more than I thought I would for odd angled shots. No more laying in 3" of pigeon shit to get that certain perspective.

I also have a Canon Elan II film body, which I use primarily for non C41 B&W film.

Glass - I have a Tamron af 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 ld that I used with my film body, as well as a crappy Quantaray 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Tele macro that I was given for free.

I picked up the standard 50mm f/1.8, and then a kit lens from a T3i (18-55 IS II) for wider shots.

I have also been debating between the Sigma 8-16, the Tokina 11-16, or the Canon 10-22. I like the image and build quality of the Tokina the best, but the range of the Sigma and Canon seem a bit more attractive.

Any opinions on these wide-angles?

I would love a prime 28mm or 24mm as well. I would really like an 8mm Rokinon as well.

Various Gear - a Sigma flash, two Vivitar flashes, Manfrotto CF tripod w/ball head, and a remote shutter release.

Next I need some wireless flash triggers.

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post by Uzi-

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 14 on 3/6/2012 3:22 PM >

Posted by Eastwood

I have also been debating between the Sigma 8-16, the Tokina 11-16, or the Canon 10-22. I like the image and build quality of the Tokina the best, but the range of the Sigma and Canon seem a bit more attractive.

Any opinions on these wide-angles?

All of those are good choices for wide angles I compared the 11-16 and 10-22 and ended up with the 10-22 because of the range it offered. I couldn't tell much difference in image quality, just liked being able to go 10-22, 24-70, 70-200 and have everything in the common zoom range covered.

Vadder has the 8-16 and seems to get along with it well, maybe he'll add more about it.

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post by RescueMe1060

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 15 on 10/24/2012 4:39 AM >

does the lense make the camera, or does the camera make the lense?

or does the photographer make the lense make the camera?

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post by Ricky_from_TV

Re: The camera gear you use most for UE
<Reply # 16 on 12/17/2012 7:24 AM >

Posted by maester

1. Nikon 18-55mm
This is the lens that came with the camera, and overall it does pretty decent job. I shoot with a tripod, so I that helps a lot when I'm in a dark or dimly lit area. I do a lot of long exposure shots as well, so it's a necessity for that. The lens is very sharp at about 35mm and f/7-8. Dpreview.com has an interactive display of the sharpness at each zoom and aperture, so it's a good idea to check that out.

I have that lens as well on my D5000 and i must say although it is just a kit lens and it's not the worlds sharpest thing, it is a great carry around lens especially because of it's durability, i've dropped it ten feet and only broke one of the mount fins but parts are easy to come by and cheap and easy to install.

2. Nikon 55-200mm VR
This isn't the most expensive telephoto lens by any means, but it takes fantastic pictures whenever there's enough light to support a fast shutter speed (1/250 or higher). I don't use it much for urbex though.

I have one of these as well, only used it for scouting in terms or urbex, but it takes amazing photos for the price i use it mostly at car races. Also very durable.

3. Nikon f/1.8 35mm Autofocus
I just bought this lens a few days ago, and already I love it. I haven't used it yet for urbex, but there's a few things I've figured out. According to dpreview.com and other sites, the lens gets extremely sharp starting at f/2.8. That isn't to say, however, that it's no good with a larger aperture. I've taken some great photos already on f/1.8.

I'm thinking of buying one of these but i'm not sure it's worth it. Since i just bought a 18-105 vr

As a former canon person i'm very impressed with my nikon stuff. The d5000 is a great camera for the price. the only real issue i have with it is the fact that most of nikons lenses have plastic mounts. I love climbing stuff so my lenses get bumped quite a bit. I must say though fixing nikon lenses is easier than taking photos. and parts are cheeeeeap!

As for tripod

right now i use a cheap future shop 40$ tripod until i can afford to buy a nice monfroito i've borrowed other peoples and they are great.

For camera bag

i use a lower pro sling bag it fits my d5000, 55-200, 18-55, 18-105 and a flash, all my cables, and a bottle of water beautifully.

Filters

I use middle of the line uv protected hoya's for all my lenses because they have saved my ass in the past. I'd rather ruin a 50$ filter than a 400$ lens.

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