Share Matt654's profile
Matt654
Matt654's stats
- Review count6
- Helpfulness votes78
- First reviewOctober 24, 2009
- Last reviewAugust 7, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.3
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
- Answer count3
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerDecember 3, 2009
- Last answerMarch 27, 2010
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Matt654's Reviews
Store important files with this external hard drive that features a 500GB capacity and automatic backup to help protect your data. The aluminum casing guards your hard drive against damage.
Customer Rating
1
Problems from day 1 - Re-packaged Seagate Momentus
on August 7, 2012
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
Compatible with...:PC
I used this drive primarily to backup photos onsite during photo shoots. Excellent speeds through USB 3.0 (40-60MB/s), and a very attractive enclosure. However, once back home from a rather important shoot, The drive indicator light began flashing rapidly halfway through the file dump, and transfer stopped in the middle of the job. I was forced to unplug the drive, reboot (to be on the safe side), and try again. I got the same issue again, still with hundreds of files left. These are super high resolution RAW files, so there was still many gigabytes left. On the fourth time, the drive began making the dreaded clicking sound, indicating a physical failure.
After trying various methods to revive the drive, I simply decided to give up all hope. I took the drive apart and was rather shocked to see the drive itself was nothing more than a 5400rpm seagate momentus. I could have just took a spare drive and slipped it in a USB 3.0 enclosure and gotten the same exact experience for less money. Lesson learned
thankful that my images were still on the original cards.
What's great about it: USB 3.0 is fast
What's not so great: Drive failed within a week
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Ease of Use
5
Performance
4
Share this review:
+4points
10of 16voted this as helpful.
This zoom lens features Carl Zeiss T* coated optics to help you capture stunning, crisp images from a safe distance. The lightweight, compact design allows easy portability.
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
First of all, let me start by telling what this lens ISN'T. It is not a lens for a general shooter (unless you have that kind of scratch laying around). This is a fully-blooded professional constant aperture zoom lens that is designed to take the abuse of a working photographer. It is big. It is heavy. Most of the lens is manufactured from metal components. Much like other Zeiss lenses, even the lens hood is metal, and has a velvety covering on the inside to prevent light reflection. The lens hood is just a small example of the amazing attention to detail the designers put into this lens.
Performance: The Sony SSM motor is silent, and VERY fast (I used it on an a900). Accuracy is top notch, but be aware you may need to focus calibrate this with your camera (if it supports it) due to manufacturing tolerances.
Build Quality: Again, it's mostly metal. The finish is PERFECT, absolutely flawless (Which I expect for this price). The lettering on the lens appears to be laser etched, not painted. The zoom action is well damped, but not difficult to use. You can tell from the feel of the zoom action that there are some very tight tolerances being used on this lens. I feel like I could drop this thing on the ground and it would shatter the concrete!
Image Quality: Ok, here's the biggie. On full-frame at f2.8, the corners are noticeably soft at all focal lengths (looking at 100% crops). But as I looked through my photos, I remember thinking "But who cares? LOOK at that!" You can read reviews until you're blue in the face, but no one is going to notice the difference in sharpness across the frame. What people notice are the things this Zeiss excels at - colors. Contrast. Bokeh. All three are beautifully rendered. Typical Zeiss colors - natural, but vibrant. I've yet to find a lens that can match the blues of a true Zeiss. Contrast - very good, even from f2.8.
I've heard bad things about the bokeh from other reviewers, and I can honestly say that as long as you use common sense, the bokeh is smooth and buttery. Use at 70mm and f2.8, nothing but cream. I have used it several times at 24mm and f2.8 (to fake the look of the 24mm f2.0), and the bokeh did not disappoint there. I don't know, maybe I'm not as picky as other reviewers, but there are no problems here.
I've heard bad things about the bokeh from other reviewers, and I can honestly say that as long as you use common sense, the bokeh is smooth and buttery. Use at 70mm and f2.8, nothing but cream. I have used it several times at 24mm and f2.8 (to fake the look of the 24mm f2.0), and the bokeh did not disappoint there. I don't know, maybe I'm not as picky as other reviewers, but there are no problems here.
All in all, the Zeiss is a chunk of a lens that is every bit as good as the Canon and Nikon versions, if not better (not in corner sharpness, but in the things that really matter). It will last a lifetime of use. The only problem is the price. But if you're reading this review, chances are you are already familiar with the Zeiss name and know what to expect. The difference with this 24-70 f2.8 is that it is worth every penny of it's outrageous price!
What's great about it: Colors, bokeh, center sharpness, AF, build quality, contrast
What's not so great: Price! But I want to stress I never got buyer's remorse. Unlike when I owned a competitor's 24-70 f2.8
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
Share this review:
+21points
21of 21voted this as helpful.
Capture dramatic landscapes and more with this wide-angle zoom lens that features a Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) for fast, smooth autofocus and Carl Zeiss optics to deliver crisp, clear images.
Customer Rating
5
Top quality pro glass for your full-frame sony
on October 10, 2011
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
This is a truly remarkable lens. Amazing colors that pop, extremely sharp, focuses fast, and built like a tank. This lens appears to be 100% metal, and all the lettering is etched into the frame. Even the lens hood feels like plastic-coated metal. This also makes it HEAVY, which is fine for me because I like quality.
The ultra wide 16mm on full-frame is impressive, and will really open up new worlds of photography for you. Please note this turns into a modest 24mm on a crop sensor camera like the a55. This lens is truly at home on the a900 or a850.
The ultra wide 16mm on full-frame is impressive, and will really open up new worlds of photography for you. Please note this turns into a modest 24mm on a crop sensor camera like the a55. This lens is truly at home on the a900 or a850.
All in all, this is a very expensive, very well-built lens. It has the Zeiss 'pop', and images practically jump off the screen when you view them. Absolutely no complaints except the rather steep price. However, I do feel it is well-worth the premium
What's great about it: everything - see above
What's not so great: very large and heavy, expensive. Stil worth it
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
4
Durability
5
Share this review:
+8points
9of 10voted this as helpful.
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Macro Lens: Let every detail speak for itself with a Nikon 105mm macro lens that delivers stunningly intricate close-up images of flowers and insects, as well as beautiful portraits. Vibration Reduction technology eliminates blurring caused by camera shake, and the Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, silent and precise autofocusing.
Customer Rating
5
Best Lens I've Ever Handled
on June 20, 2011
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
This lens is absolutely incredible. It is a specialty lens, so it will not stay on your camera all the time. However, I have noticed that I am using this lens not only as a true 1:1 macro, but also as a portrait lens, and a fast aperture short telephoto lens. The picture quality is immaculate - it is by far the sharpest lens I have ever shot with. Good contrast too, beautiful colors, smooth buttery bokeh. Metal body, as are all the gold ring professional Nikkors. Bundled with VRII, it is a very versatile lens.
This lens will open up an entirely new world for your photography. I find myself pointing this lens at the most mundane objects and getting something truly unique and amazing. Don't hesitate because of the price - it is worth every penny!
What's great about it: everything
What's not so great: twice as expensive as some other Macros (still worth every penny)
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
Share this review:
+26points
27of 28voted this as helpful.
This adjustable carbon fiber tripod features retractable leg spikes for added stability, so you can keep your camera steady and not miss your shot.
Customer Rating
5
Worth every penny
on March 24, 2010
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
After taking a lot of long exposure shots in a local park after dark, I got fed up with my old tripod. My old one had the traditional screw type adjustments for adjusting the head. due to unlevel ground at the park, I found I spent far more time adjusting that tripod to make that camera level than I spent taking photos!
This Sunpak tripod is much better. not only is it amazingly light (light enough for me to take on 15+ mile hikes), but it is sturdy, tall, and exceptionally built. The best feature of all is the pistol grip ball head. when used with the bubble level, it takes literally 5 seconds to level the camera on any terrain - something that took 10 times as long with my last tripod. that means more time to take pictures! although pricey, this tripod is worth every penny.
What's great about it: pistol grip ball head is amazing, lightweight, comes with a great carrying case
What's not so great: none so far
I would recommend this to a friend!
Ease of Use
5
Durability
5
Share this review:
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
This power supply features a 90V - 264V input voltage range to allow for smooth operation and provides over current, voltage, power, under voltage and short circuit protection.
Customer Rating
5
Great power supply
on October 24, 2009
Posted by: Matt654
from Spartanburg, SC
bought one of these for a new core i7 build and have been very pleased with it. this is corsair's professional series and carries a 7 year warranty. it has a very powerful single-rail design, and all the cables you could ever need. the modular cables are flat and hide fairly well. no problems yet, and not expecting any. all in all, probably the best power supply you can buy!
What's great about it: modular cables, single rail design
What's not so great: a little expensive for a power supply, but still worth it
I would recommend this to a friend!
Features
5
Share this review:
+5points
5of 5voted this as helpful.
Matt654's Review Comments
Matt654 has not submitted comments on any reviews.
Matt654's Questions
Matt654 has not submitted any questions.
Matt654's Answers
HP Printer $50 Recycle Coupon Offer?
I'm planning on buying a HP Photosmart Premium Wireless (9233466). There is currently a in-store recyle offer that states: "For a limited time, get a $50 coupon toward the purchase of a select HP printer, when you recycle your old printer at any Best Buy U.S. store."
In talking to our local Best Buy store, they believe you have to turn in a HP printer to qualify for the coupon. Is this correct?
In talking to our local Best Buy store, they believe you have to turn in a HP printer to qualify for the coupon. Is this correct?
no - I work at a store on the East coast, and we accept any brand or condition printer. It does not have to be HP to qualify for the $50 coupon.
14 years ago
by
Matt654
Spartanburg, SC
someone has access to my e-mail. that do I do?
there's not a lot of information in your question, but I would suggest changing your password immediately. If someone already changed your password and you can't get into your email, contact the email provider and see if you can't do something else about it.
14 years, 1 month ago
by
Matt654
Spartanburg, SC
we bought a computer with windows vista pre-loaded. How do we get windows 7?
if you bought it after June 26th, you can get a free copy of windows 7 upgrade from your manufacturer's website. go here for more details: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/upgrade-option.aspx
if not, you can purchase a copy yourself for about $119. it takes a few hours to install, and you should be able to keep all your programs and files (don't forget to backup your important files first, just in case!)
if not, you can purchase a copy yourself for about $119. it takes a few hours to install, and you should be able to keep all your programs and files (don't forget to backup your important files first, just in case!)
14 years, 4 months ago
by
Matt654
Spartanburg, SC