The bottom could be that if your camera isn't giving you what you want, upgrade. Like everything technology cost money...I think focus performance and sharpness come first but then people seem to demand pixels and resolution more. I loved my Canon mk iii and though it comes second in resolution to the mk iv the images have to be comparativly disearned to tell the difference. Where the iv shines is focus speed and low light accuracy. New prosessors are doing more to get that shot. I am most amazed at the ability to focus at a much higher rate and even sharper with a few lenses. Keepers are a good feeling. That said its back to Green Acres in my GE black and white tube TV...

Getting a camera to do what you want and being 100% satisfied makes a difference. I upgraded to the Canon mkiv from the mkiii recently. Lenses that I thought were less than perfect in focus even after hours of micro adjustments are now near perfect on the mkiv. The examples that best describe the change is the 50mm f/1.2 and the 16-35 f/2.8 ii. With the new 4's processors and sensor, lenses that were less than sharp and very dissapointing are now near perfect. Greatly improved focus speed, accuracy, low light, and image quality redeamed my faith in Canon ...and yes I did spend hours micro adjusting and testing on the on both cameras. Change can cost you a lot sometimes but if its a game changer and raises the bar I think it is worth it. I don't have a 82 Pinto or an rotary phone...but I do know people who do and are convinced it makes them wiser than everyone else. The difference is dramatic enough that I can't get myself to ever consider the using the old mkiii. What I get in images went much further than purchasing a camera body.

I have Tiffen and found it important to stay within the range markings. Stops are marked on the outer ring and it can be dialed under or beyond the cross limits to create artifacts. That can happen if turned randomly without looking at the scale. Performance is very good with no artifacts from my experience if you stay within the scale. Works well with the Canon 50 f/1.2L lenses in bright light to reduce shutter speed at wide open and is an alternate way to fine tune the exposure quickly. Waterfalls come out great also. I do have a Hoya 4 and 8 and see no difference but maybe others have with other brands or camera/ lenses. I do like the convenience and flexibility when used at the lower end with the 1.2.

A cat that could fetch a stick would be awesome! Familiarity can be a big consideration. Going from the 7d to the mk iii to the mk iv was easy for me due to the consistent control layout and menu of the Canon product evolution. Relearning can be good but more important is committing to a system your comfortable with and willing to commit to... Glass was probably more important than brand in my personal experience. There is a paper thin line in DLSR performance between brands at the top and it is very much the Ford vs Chevy thing...

I also have the 50mm 1.2 but after understanding the weight of the glass and focus speed I selected the amazing 135L... Very similar bokeh for portrait but fast focus for events. I'm sure the 35 version ii will be amazing. 😀

I spent some time looking at the reviews and ordered the new 35mm L from Canon today! Research says it is similar in manners to my all time favorite prime the 135mm f/2.0L. Anyone out there shooting with this one?

Very nice!... strong textured wall. Perhaps the mystery could be even stronger with no back round? easy to black out. I agree with the crop suggestion from dpullum... It is said that if you want to test the strength of an image "turn it upside down and see where your eyes take you"...light is the key and looking for a focal point is most important...over anything else:)

Gene has very solid advice and I tend to think in that regard...I do see these lenses going for north of 4k on ebay with bold reviews saying: they are "built like a tank"... Sharpshooter has some stunning examples of the magic and I think his impressions on the build or research he has done regarding integrity will sway the outcome as much as Gene. Hmmmm, Looking forward to hearing more!

I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200mm f1.8. The condition is outstanding and the price is 2k. I understand from some research that this is considered one of canons finest, sharpest, heaviest and most magical lens ever produced. About 8000 copies were produced for mostly runway modeling and sports photo journalists before it was discontinued in 1994. That said I do portraiture mostly and find this very attractive, but at the same time cautious due to the lack of repair if anything happens. No parts availablility means it becomes an instant paperweight if anything happens. Insurance is one option I guess??? I do not wanting to pass up a chance of a lifetime especially at this price. Comparable lenses like this on ebay are double in most examples and the new 200 2.0L is over three times as much...hmmmmm- sharp and bokeh like cream...what do you think?

Thank you for welcoming me and yes I can post something from the Norway- Sweden border area in southern Norway... 😀

Long time daily reader and newly registered participant...

Hopefully I will be able to help out from time to time or be helped by the wisdom of what I see is generated every day. Great topics and a very nice format!

Hailing from Appleton, Wisconsin and Halden, Norway depending on my travels!